Think wireless earbuds are all the same? Think again. Spatial sound, lossless audio and multiple connections can all be part of the deal now – sometimes you don’t even have to put them in your ears to listen…

Words: Simon Lucas

Photography: Neil Godwin

SPATIAL AUDIO

APPLE AIRPODS PRO (2ND GEN)

Definitely one for the owners of iOS devices – but with that said, there’s an awful lot to like about the AirPods Pro 2. Good noise cancelling, better battery life, Apple’s most convincing sound quality so far… and the spatial audio feature is among the more balanced and less show-off-y around. And the fact that these are Apple’s most comfortable earbuds so far doesn’t do any harm, either.

£229, apple.com

SONY WF-1000XM5

You know Sony is serious about its ‘360 Reality Audio’ feature when its ‘Headphones’ control app (free for iOS and Android) asks for a photograph of each of your ears. Slightly weird and intrusive, yes – but well worth it if you want to enjoy the balanced, confident sound of the WF-1000XM5 is all its spatial audio-assisted glory. And, be assured, in the right circumstances it’s definitely glorious.

£25, sony.co.uk

BEATS FIT PRO

What’s better than enjoying some Dolby Atmos via Apple Music through your wireless earbuds? Enjoying a full-on workout while you’re at it, that’s what. The Beats Fit Pro are designed to stay secure and comfortable even during quite vigorous activity, and in addition to their spatial audio chops they have active noise cancelling and an overall sound that’s as lively as the people who are likely to wear them.