The Soule Recreation Center in Brookline, Massachusetts, was originally the stable and carriage house on the John G. Wright estate. John Gordon Wright (1843-1912), was a Boston wool merchant who purchased farmland on this site in the 1890s and hired architects Chapman & Frazer , to design an estate house (since demolished), and this building to serve as a carriage house and stable for horses. The stone Tudor Revival style mansion house was complemented by the earlier wood-frame Tudor carriage house, resembling an English manor with grounds designed and laid-out by the Olmsted firm. In 1942, the property was purchased by the Rivers School (now located in Weston) and converted into classrooms and administrative offices for the private school. When the school moved to Weston, the Town of Brookline in 1961 bought property for recreational purposes. Sadly, in 1967, the mansion house burned down, but the carriage house and gate lodge remain as lasting remnants of a once great Brookline estate.

Businesses face mounting pressure to secure their networks, infrastructure, and data, and the best foundation for defense is locking down employee credentials. Cybercriminals often target employees through phishing scams to obtain sensitive data, like username and password combinations for corporate assets. Bad actors can also purchase initial access through the Dark Web or take advantage of leaked login information to enter a target system without detection.Security measures designed to stop unauthorized access vary from company to company, but one solid solution is to use an enterprise-ready password manager. By doing so, organizations can streamline credential management, enforce password refreshes, stop the use of weak or compromised passwords, and improve their overall security posture.What is the best password manager for business right now?If you're looking for a password manager suitable for your business, our top pick is 1Password. 1Password offers a range of features suitable for consumers and businesses alike at a reasonable price.ZDNET experts have used password managers for years, and we keep a finger on the pulse of the market to stay aware of any product changes, upgrades, or security incidents. We try out and test software to provide recommendations for the best password managers for businesses today. Sort by All The best password manager for business in 2025 Show less View now at 1Password With a vast customer base and positive reviews, 1Password is the best password manager for businessesWe've reviewed 1Password and consider this password manager to be a robust solution that does the basics well, but it also goes beyond with advanced features, like Watchtower. 1Password monitors the "health" of passwords in use and warns users of weak combinations or leaked credentials. Its central dashboard provides visibility into all identities, apps, and devices.Review:1Password1Password packages include features like single sign-on, integration into authenticators including Okta, as well as onboarding, phone assistance, and training.There are two standard business plans available: a Teams Starter pack for up to 10 seats, priced at $19.95 per month, or a Business plan for $8 per seat. Enterprise users can request a quote. You can also purchase 1Password through the Amazon Web Services (AWS) marketplace.Many business users consider the service smooth, secure, and useful for productivity, although some think the monitoring services could be improved. This month, 1Password rolled out its Enterprise Password Manager service (MSP Edition) to all Managed Service Providers (MSPs).1Password features:Securely store credentials | Password generator, health checker| Multi-platform compatibility | Compliance assistance | Multi-factor authentication | Weak, compromised password alerts | Secure digital vault | Trustpilot rating: 4.6 Pros Device trust checks Password health monitoring Universal sign-on Cons Limited data breach scan capabilities With a vast customer base and positive reviews, 1Password is the best password manager for businessesWe've reviewed 1Password and consider this password manager to be a robust solution that does the basics well, but it also goes beyond with advanced features, like Watchtower. 1Password monitors the "health" of passwords in use and warns users of weak combinations or leaked credentials. Its central dashboard provides visibility into all identities, apps, and devices.Review:1Password1Password packages include features like single sign-on, integration into authenticators including Okta, as well as onboarding, phone assistance, and training.There are two standard business plans available: a Teams Starter pack for up to 10 seats, priced at $19.95 per month, or a Business plan for $8 per seat. Enterprise users can request a quote. You can also purchase 1Password through the Amazon Web Services (AWS) marketplace.Many business users consider the service smooth, secure, and useful for productivity, although some think the monitoring services could be improved. This month, 1Password rolled out its Enterprise Password Manager service (MSP Edition) to all Managed Service Providers (MSPs).1Password features:Securely store credentials | Password generator, health checker| Multi-platform compatibility | Compliance assistance | Multi-factor authentication | Weak, compromised password alerts | Secure digital vault | Trustpilot rating: 4.6 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Go.nordpass NordPass is a great password manager for consumers and businesses alike. If you're a smaller company, it might be the best option for you.Developed by the firm behind NordVPN, NordPass provides a secure vault for password storage and management, data imports and syncing, user group management, integrations, and access rights control. NordPass has also been designed with ISO 27001 compliance in mind.In our review, we found NordPass to be excellent for users who are new to password management suites. We also appreciate the additional security features on offer, including its data leak monitoring service and autofill options.Review: NordPassThere are three business plans available. On two-year plans, Teams is the equivalent of $1.79 per month per seat, but you must agree to at least 10 seats. Alternatively, on a two-year plan, you can pay $3.59 per month per seat for five seats minimum. If you want NordPass' full range of features, opt for Enterprise at $5.39 per month per seat, which also requires a minimum of five seats.NordPass features:Password generation and autofill | Multi-factor authentication | Personal information and payment data storage | Password sharing | Password breach scanner | Cross-device syncing | Security dashboard | SSO | Trustpilot rating: 4.3 Pros Affordable plans Reputable provider Google Workspace SSO Cons No security dashboard included with small team plans NordPass is a great password manager for consumers and businesses alike. If you're a smaller company, it might be the best option for you.Developed by the firm behind NordVPN, NordPass provides a secure vault for password storage and management, data imports and syncing, user group management, integrations, and access rights control. NordPass has also been designed with ISO 27001 compliance in mind.In our review, we found NordPass to be excellent for users who are new to password management suites. We also appreciate the additional security features on offer, including its data leak monitoring service and autofill options.Review: NordPassThere are three business plans available. On two-year plans, Teams is the equivalent of $1.79 per month per seat, but you must agree to at least 10 seats. Alternatively, on a two-year plan, you can pay $3.59 per month per seat for five seats minimum. If you want NordPass' full range of features, opt for Enterprise at $5.39 per month per seat, which also requires a minimum of five seats.NordPass features:Password generation and autofill | Multi-factor authentication | Personal information and payment data storage | Password sharing | Password breach scanner | Cross-device syncing | Security dashboard | SSO | Trustpilot rating: 4.3 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Keeper Keeper is an excellent option if you want a security-first solution with an expansive array of additional features.Keeper's password manager includes what you expect for credential management: a user-friendly dashboard, password generation and sharing, multi-factor authentication, and user access controls.The service also provides many more advanced enterprise options, including automated team management, Azure integration, single sign-on (SSO), developer APIs, remote access, and risk management tools.You can customize your plan depending on what security features are important to you. The basic plan, Business Starter, begins at $2 per month per seat, and you can have between five and 10 seats with this package. Keeper's premium tiers, Business Password Manager and Enterprise Manager, start at $3.75 per month per seat with a minimum of 10 seats.You will have to pay extra for bolt-ons, including CI/CD integration, advanced reports, automated password rotation, and remote browser isolation, but a free trial is available.Customers appreciate Keeper's approach to security and its clean user interface, although some consider the expense associated with add-ons a downside.Keeper features:Unlimited password storage | Advanced security features including 2FA and SSO |Supports multiple devices and platforms | Password generator | Encrypted vault | Reporting | PAM | CI/CD integration| Trustpilot rating: 3.6 Pros Free trial Robust security Free family plans for users Varied plans SSO Cons Add-ons an additional cost Keeper is an excellent option if you want a security-first solution with an expansive array of additional features.Keeper's password manager includes what you expect for credential management: a user-friendly dashboard, password generation and sharing, multi-factor authentication, and user access controls.The service also provides many more advanced enterprise options, including automated team management, Azure integration, single sign-on (SSO), developer APIs, remote access, and risk management tools.You can customize your plan depending on what security features are important to you. The basic plan, Business Starter, begins at $2 per month per seat, and you can have between five and 10 seats with this package. Keeper's premium tiers, Business Password Manager and Enterprise Manager, start at $3.75 per month per seat with a minimum of 10 seats.You will have to pay extra for bolt-ons, including CI/CD integration, advanced reports, automated password rotation, and remote browser isolation, but a free trial is available.Customers appreciate Keeper's approach to security and its clean user interface, although some consider the expense associated with add-ons a downside.Keeper features:Unlimited password storage | Advanced security features including 2FA and SSO |Supports multiple devices and platforms | Password generator | Encrypted vault | Reporting | PAM | CI/CD integration| Trustpilot rating: 3.6 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Bitwarden Bitwarden has amassed thousands of positive customer reviews, and we can see why. Based on open-source technologies, each plan comes with unlimited device support, SSO integration, secure team password sharing, offline access, and corporate reporting tools. The Bitwarden encrypted vault can also securely store company credit card details and other sensitive datasets.For further convenience, businesses can manage credential storage and sharing through folders, collections, and roles Users can be managed through a centralized administration hub. This password manager can also be self-hosted if that is your preference.Review: BitwardenBitwarden is one of the most consistently priced and affordable password managers out there, with Teams packages starting at $4 per seat annually. If you need a plan with all premium features, SSO, and enterprise policy controls, opt for the $6 per month per seat Enterprise plan. A free business trial is available. Alternatively, personal packages are less than $1 per month.For the consumer market, we consider Bitwarden an extremely affordable, trustworthy password manager that comes with a free plan as a bonus. Many users also applaud Bitwarden's customer support team and rapid assistance but note that some of its features could be more intuitive.Bitwarden features:Open source | Reporting tools |Centralized management|Two-factor authentication | Multi-platform support |Autofill and auto-login functionality | SSO | Self-hosting option | Passwordless features available | Trustpilot rating: 4.6 Pros Affordable SSO Self hosting 24/7 support Secure reputation Cons Account recovery restricted to enterprise accounts Bitwarden has amassed thousands of positive customer reviews, and we can see why. Based on open-source technologies, each plan comes with unlimited device support, SSO integration, secure team password sharing, offline access, and corporate reporting tools. The Bitwarden encrypted vault can also securely store company credit card details and other sensitive datasets.For further convenience, businesses can manage credential storage and sharing through folders, collections, and roles Users can be managed through a centralized administration hub. This password manager can also be self-hosted if that is your preference.Review: BitwardenBitwarden is one of the most consistently priced and affordable password managers out there, with Teams packages starting at $4 per seat annually. If you need a plan with all premium features, SSO, and enterprise policy controls, opt for the $6 per month per seat Enterprise plan. A free business trial is available. Alternatively, personal packages are less than $1 per month.For the consumer market, we consider Bitwarden an extremely affordable, trustworthy password manager that comes with a free plan as a bonus. Many users also applaud Bitwarden's customer support team and rapid assistance but note that some of its features could be more intuitive.Bitwarden features:Open source | Reporting tools |Centralized management|Two-factor authentication | Multi-platform support |Autofill and auto-login functionality | SSO | Self-hosting option | Passwordless features available | Trustpilot rating: 4.6 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Dashlane If you are looking for a password manager solution suitable for enterprise purposes, Dashlane's proactive credential management functionality should be on your radar.While this feature only comes with Dashlane's top-tier plan, if you need a solution that includes real-time credential management and monitoring, enhanced visibility, employee alerts to weak or compromised passwords, phishing alerts, security information and event management (SIEM) integration, and a host of access tools, this service could be the best choice.A word of warning: Dashlane does not come cheap. If you are running a growing business, the Dashlane fixed plan of $20 per month, with 10 seats charged annually, may suit you. Alternatively, user-based group, sharing, and access controls are priced at $8 per user. The firm's enterprise plan, Business Plus, is $5 per seat per month, requiring 100 seats.Customers say that Dashlane's security offerings are of great quality but note the high price point and the occasional cross-platform problem.Dashlane features:Secure password storage and management |Digital wallet for online payments and receipts | Form autofill | Dark web monitoring | VPN for safe and private browsing | Weak passwords alerts |ISO 27001 certified | Zero-knowledge architecture | Trustpilot rating: 4.2 Pros Real-time monitoring SIEM integration Dark web alerts Passwordless features Cons Plans can be expensive If you are looking for a password manager solution suitable for enterprise purposes, Dashlane's proactive credential management functionality should be on your radar.While this feature only comes with Dashlane's top-tier plan, if you need a solution that includes real-time credential management and monitoring, enhanced visibility, employee alerts to weak or compromised passwords, phishing alerts, security information and event management (SIEM) integration, and a host of access tools, this service could be the best choice.A word of warning: Dashlane does not come cheap. If you are running a growing business, the Dashlane fixed plan of $20 per month, with 10 seats charged annually, may suit you. Alternatively, user-based group, sharing, and access controls are priced at $8 per user. The firm's enterprise plan, Business Plus, is $5 per seat per month, requiring 100 seats.Customers say that Dashlane's security offerings are of great quality but note the high price point and the occasional cross-platform problem.Dashlane features:Secure password storage and management |Digital wallet for online payments and receipts | Form autofill | Dark web monitoring | VPN for safe and private browsing | Weak passwords alerts |ISO 27001 certified | Zero-knowledge architecture | Trustpilot rating: 4.2 Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best password manager for business? Our top pick is 1Password as a one-size-fits-most password manager for business. However, if you are yet to decide, consider the important factors below on each of our recommendations.Password manager for businessPriceTrustPilot rating2FA/MFA?Weak password alerts?SSO?1Password$8+4.6YesYesYesNordPass$1.79/seat4.3YesYesSome plansKeeper$2/seat3.6YesYesSome plansBitwarden$1-$4+4.6YesYesSome plansDashlane$8/month / $5/month (100 seats)4.2YesYesYes Show more Which is the right business-ready password manager for you? Choose this password manager for businessIf you want1PasswordThe best password manager for business overall. 1Password is a one-stop-shop for small businesses and enterprises alike, including SSO and credential management.NordPassA password manager that is great for small businesses. While you must agree to 10 seats, it's $1.79 per seat pricing is affordable and the manager itself is a secure, effective solution.KeeperA wide array of security features. Keeper goes beyond a basic password manager and provides add-ons like browser isolation and automated password rotation.BitwardenA consistently affordable option for businesses of any size. Bitwarden provides plans for growing companies and the enterprise alike for a robust, secure password manager.DashlaneAn enterprise-ready solution. Dashlane's proactive credential monitoring services alert users to compromised passwords and phishing threats. Show more Factors to consider when choosing a password manager for business When you are looking for a business-ready password manager, consider the following factors:Security:Security is the top priority when it comes to password managers, especially if they are going to help protect your company. The most secure password managers offer advanced encryption and use robust encryption protocols, and the best may also offer centralized credential management.Storage:Another important consideration is storage capacity. While some password managers limit the number of passwords you can store, others offer unlimited space. You may also need a password manager able to handle different types of corporate authentication records.Compatibility:It's also essential to check if a password manager you're interested in is compatible with the devices and ecosystem your business is built upon. The best options offer cross-platform compatibility, allowing you to access your data from multiple devices, including your computer, tablet, and mobile device.Accounts: Some password managers may be priced per seat, so consider roughly how many accounts you will need to protect.Features: You may need secure vault, autofill and passwordless options, or the ability for employees to share passwords. If the additional features of password managers interest you, ensure the password manager you're looking at catersto business users. Show more How did we choose these password managers for business? In compiling this list of the best password managers for business, we examined third-party reviews and opinions from security experts. When selecting the best password managers for business, these are some of the most important factors that determine the best options:Price:While some password managers are free, others may require a paid subscription to access all features. Business users will likely want the features on offer through subscription plans or custom business packages.Company reputation: As you trust these organizations to manage your credentials securely, we only include reputable vendors that perform frequent security audits and have a transparent approach to patches and security incidents.Use cases: We wanted to include a range of password managers suitable for business use cases and purposes.Updates: We like to see password manager services providing frequent security and usability updates.Modern technologies: While often still in the testing stages, in the name of longevity, we like to see services testing out passwordless technologies. Biometrics are useful, too, as are ways to centralize authentication management.Customer reviews: Customer experiences and feedback are very important. If usability is overlooked, it really doesn't matter how secure or exceptional a password manager is. We consider customer reviews and ease of use to be among our most important criteria. Show more FAQs on password managers Are password managers safe? Yes, password managers are generally safe, as they use encryption algorithms to secure your login information. Credentials for accessing corporate resources and assets are protected, making it difficult for eavesdroppers and cybercriminals to access -- especially without the right passphrase, PIN, or two-factor authentication (2FA) code. Alternatively, passwordless authentication methods may also be used.However, password managers are software solutions and can be subject to the same security problems as other apps or services. So, it is important that the password manager you select is reputable, doesn't store master keys on its own servers, and maintains a transparent approach to security. Show more Do security experts recommend password managers for business? Yes, they often do. Many security experts consider password managers to be one of the best solutions currently available for managing numerous passwords. In a business setting, the services provide greater control over asset and network access. However, password managers are only one piece of the puzzle: Greater security requires a multi-layered approach. This could include multi-factor authentication, behavioral analytics, or physical security keys. Show more Should a small business use a password manager? Businesses, large or small, should use password managers or at least some form of security to manage and protect user credentials. After all, it only takes one successful intrusion caused by weak or stolen username-password combinations, and a password manager can reduce the likelihood of a data breach. Furthermore, they can help streamline the security process by creating and storing complex passwords on your behalf. Show more Does Microsoft have a password manager for business? Yes, Microsoft does offer password management solutions for businesses. Microsoft Edge Password Manager uses AES encryption standards to locally store credentials and is also suitable for individual use, whereas Microsoft Authenticator is best suited for organizations seeking a more centralized platform for managing authentication and access rights. Show more What do password managers cost? The cost of a password manager varies depending on your needs. Many consumers can get away with a free or basic plan that only protects a select number of online services, whereas businesses will need more support. While limited seat numbers may only cost your business a few dollars a month, the cost will increase if you need more seats, identity access management (IAM), or advanced security tools.Business plans are often cheap per seat but require you to agree to a specific minimum number of seats to sign up. Alternatively, many password managers will offer custom plans. 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A good pair of headphones can be your best friend, but choosing the right pair is a personal experience. Maybe you want headphones with strong noise-canceling properties to take on your daily commute. Perhaps you want headphones that can hang during your intense workouts or ones that simply work well and won't break the bank.No matter your headphone needs, there's a pair for everybody, and you shouldn't be toting a pair that doesn't best serve you. Each pair of headphones has different strengths in different categories, and we included 12 pairs of headphones and earbuds ranging from $180 to $449 to help you find the perfect pair.What are the best headphones right now?After extensively testing all of the top headphones available today, my favorite everyday premium headphones are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, for their best-in-class noise-canceling, cloud-like comfort, and foldable design. My favorite new headphones are the Sonos Ace for their stylish and premium design, all-day comfort, and dynamic sound. The Sony WH-1000XM5 are another solid and reliable option, offering a nondescript design, impressing noise-canceling, and a warm and enjoyable sound.I also like the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, which offer a premium earbud experience for Android users. Finally, if you're conscious about cost but don't want to sacrifice quality, the Beats Studio Pro offer great sound and a fresh design and are often on sale for $180. If you're looking for headphones for more specific use cases, keep reading and check out my top suggestions. Sort by All Design Comfort Noise-canceling Sound Battery life Durability The best headphones of 2025 Show less View now at Best Buy As the name QuietComfort suggests, Bose's latest flagship release challenges its competitors in the noise-canceling and comfort department. I wear these headphones during intensive writing sessions at my desk, while traveling, and while lounging. Bose improved the QC Ultra's soundstage with this model, offering a more profound, fuller bass response than any other Bose headphones I've tested.The vegan leather ear pads have perforations to allow for better breathability, decreasing the likelihood of these headphones making your ears feel hot. Even after hours of wear, it's easy to forget you're wearing the QC Ultra on your head -- they're that comfortable.Review:Bose QuietComfort UltraThe QC Ultra's noise-canceling is the best I've tried in headphones. The ANC offers protection from low, middle, and high-pitched droning noises like a lawnmower, car engine, or running refrigerator. Unlike other ANC headphones, the QC Ultra do a great job diminishing light conversational noises, making them a great companion for people working in public spaces, like a library or coffee shop.However, the QC Ultra are expensive, retailing at $429 and remaining over $300, even with seasonal discounts. Additionally, their battery life is 24 hours, so if you wear your headphones a lot, you'll need to plug them in often. The Bose Music app offers a three-band equalizer and options to customize the commands on the right ear cup's capacitive touch strip.I don't recommend buying these headphones in Black. The coating and dark colors pick up fingerprint oils and can be difficult to clean. Additionally, the capacitive strip is a major turn-off for me. It's easy to toggle incorrect functions accidentally, so I opt to control the headphones exclusively from my phone.The QC Ultra have a simple and premium design, offering aluminum hinges and ear cups with a soft matte coating to deter scratches. They don't look as sleek as Apple's AirPods Max or Sonos' Ace, but if your aesthetic is sportier and more casual, the QC Ultra will suit your style.If you're ready to splurge on a pair of premium everyday headphones and can trade a few hours of battery life for exceptional noise-canceling, I can't recommend these more.Bose QuietComfort Ultratech specs: Form factor:Over-ear |Bluetooth:Yes (5.3) |Battery life:24 hours (ANC off) |Driver size:35mm dynamic|Noise cancellation: Yes|Wiredoption(s):3.5mm headphone jack Design 9 Comfort 10 Noise-canceling 10 Sound 9 Battery life 5 Pros Best-in-class ANC Comfortable fit Customizable EQ Cons Battery life could be longer Carrying case is restrictive Bose QuietComfort Ultra Best noise-canceling headphones 4.3 / 5 Score As the name QuietComfort suggests, Bose's latest flagship release challenges its competitors in the noise-canceling and comfort department. I wear these headphones during intensive writing sessions at my desk, while traveling, and while lounging. Bose improved the QC Ultra's soundstage with this model, offering a more profound, fuller bass response than any other Bose headphones I've tested.The vegan leather ear pads have perforations to allow for better breathability, decreasing the likelihood of these headphones making your ears feel hot. Even after hours of wear, it's easy to forget you're wearing the QC Ultra on your head -- they're that comfortable.Review:Bose QuietComfort UltraThe QC Ultra's noise-canceling is the best I've tried in headphones. The ANC offers protection from low, middle, and high-pitched droning noises like a lawnmower, car engine, or running refrigerator. Unlike other ANC headphones, the QC Ultra do a great job diminishing light conversational noises, making them a great companion for people working in public spaces, like a library or coffee shop.However, the QC Ultra are expensive, retailing at $429 and remaining over $300, even with seasonal discounts. Additionally, their battery life is 24 hours, so if you wear your headphones a lot, you'll need to plug them in often. The Bose Music app offers a three-band equalizer and options to customize the commands on the right ear cup's capacitive touch strip.I don't recommend buying these headphones in Black. The coating and dark colors pick up fingerprint oils and can be difficult to clean. Additionally, the capacitive strip is a major turn-off for me. It's easy to toggle incorrect functions accidentally, so I opt to control the headphones exclusively from my phone.The QC Ultra have a simple and premium design, offering aluminum hinges and ear cups with a soft matte coating to deter scratches. They don't look as sleek as Apple's AirPods Max or Sonos' Ace, but if your aesthetic is sportier and more casual, the QC Ultra will suit your style.If you're ready to splurge on a pair of premium everyday headphones and can trade a few hours of battery life for exceptional noise-canceling, I can't recommend these more.Bose QuietComfort Ultratech specs: Form factor:Over-ear |Bluetooth:Yes (5.3) |Battery life:24 hours (ANC off) |Driver size:35mm dynamic|Noise cancellation: Yes|Wiredoption(s):3.5mm headphone jack Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Google's latest premium earbuds offer high levels of comfort and utility. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 debut with enhanced Google Gemini integration, offering users hands-free access to Google's AI chatbot. Of course, Pixel smartphone users can take advantage of the Pixel Buds Pro 2's most advertised AI features, but these earbuds work well with other Android phones and iPhones.Review:Google Pixel Buds Pro 2The newest Pixel Buds are smaller and more comfortable than their predecessors, delivering lots of comfort in a small bud. Additionally, the new Pixel Buds sport a twist-to-lock stabilizer, which allows wearers to control the Pixel Buds' fit and audio performance. You can enjoy a casual, relaxed, semi-open-ear listening experience by placing the earbuds in your ear. By twisting the earbuds deeper into your canal, you create a secure fit and a highly immersive listening and noise-canceling experience.Google fitted the Pixel Buds Pro 2 with a Tensor chip, which is responsible for the earbuds' enhanced noise-canceling properties. When I tested these earbuds, I was highly impressed by the earbuds' audio and noise-canceling performances.The Pixel Buds Pro 2 have decent microphone quality for phone calls but struggle in noisier environments. My guess is the AI tech responsible for limiting external noises also suppresses the speaker's voice. It's not a dealbreaker, and I hope it'll be resolved in an upcoming update.If you're a Pixel or Android user and you want premium earbuds, consider buying the Pixel Buds Pro 2 over AirPods. To access the Pixel Buds 2's full suite of features, you only need a Google account and a phone that runs Android 6.0 or newer.Pixel users can enjoy hands-free access to Google Gemini, although I found this feature to be the most underwhelming (and annoying) thing about these earbuds. The feature is reliable if you're into chatting with Gemini through the earbuds. If interrupting your music to talk to an AI bot isn't your thing, you'll still be impressed with the comfort, sound, and noise cancellation the Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer.Google Pixel Buds Pro 2tech specs: Form factor: In-ear |Bluetooth:Yes (5.4) |Battery life:8 hours and an additional 30 hours with charging case (ANC on) | IP rating: IP54 (sweatproof) |Driver size:11mm dynamic|Noise cancellation:Yes|Charging option(s):USB-C, wireless Pros Comfortable Great sound Strong noise cancellation Cons Gemini integration is hit or miss Google's latest premium earbuds offer high levels of comfort and utility. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 debut with enhanced Google Gemini integration, offering users hands-free access to Google's AI chatbot. Of course, Pixel smartphone users can take advantage of the Pixel Buds Pro 2's most advertised AI features, but these earbuds work well with other Android phones and iPhones.Review:Google Pixel Buds Pro 2The newest Pixel Buds are smaller and more comfortable than their predecessors, delivering lots of comfort in a small bud. Additionally, the new Pixel Buds sport a twist-to-lock stabilizer, which allows wearers to control the Pixel Buds' fit and audio performance. You can enjoy a casual, relaxed, semi-open-ear listening experience by placing the earbuds in your ear. By twisting the earbuds deeper into your canal, you create a secure fit and a highly immersive listening and noise-canceling experience.Google fitted the Pixel Buds Pro 2 with a Tensor chip, which is responsible for the earbuds' enhanced noise-canceling properties. When I tested these earbuds, I was highly impressed by the earbuds' audio and noise-canceling performances.The Pixel Buds Pro 2 have decent microphone quality for phone calls but struggle in noisier environments. My guess is the AI tech responsible for limiting external noises also suppresses the speaker's voice. It's not a dealbreaker, and I hope it'll be resolved in an upcoming update.If you're a Pixel or Android user and you want premium earbuds, consider buying the Pixel Buds Pro 2 over AirPods. To access the Pixel Buds 2's full suite of features, you only need a Google account and a phone that runs Android 6.0 or newer.Pixel users can enjoy hands-free access to Google Gemini, although I found this feature to be the most underwhelming (and annoying) thing about these earbuds. The feature is reliable if you're into chatting with Gemini through the earbuds. If interrupting your music to talk to an AI bot isn't your thing, you'll still be impressed with the comfort, sound, and noise cancellation the Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer.Google Pixel Buds Pro 2tech specs: Form factor: In-ear |Bluetooth:Yes (5.4) |Battery life:8 hours and an additional 30 hours with charging case (ANC on) | IP rating: IP54 (sweatproof) |Driver size:11mm dynamic|Noise cancellation:Yes|Charging option(s):USB-C, wireless Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Sonos Ace results from the company's many years of work creating its first pair of over-ear headphones. The Ace headphones are stacked with audio features, like compatibility with Dolby Atmos, noise-canceling, and transparency modes. These headphones' standout feature is their integration with the Sonos soundbars via a TV audio swap feature. This feature allows users to seamlessly transfer audio from their Sonos Arc, Beam, or Ray to the Ace headphones.The Ace headphones deliver 30 hours of continuous playback, but you can recover three hours of battery life in a three-minute quick charge. The Ace debuted with thoughtful design features, like removable ear pads and color-coded ear cups.Review: Sonos AceThe Sonos Ace are compatible with Dolby Atmos, which was highly immersive when I watched movies and TV shows and listened to music. The TV audio swap feature is impressive, and the Sonos Ace are incredibly comfortable headphones. Additionally, they are stylish and have a simplistic design, staying true to Sonos' dedication to creating products with an unassuming visual presence.When I reviewed the Sonos Ace, I was thoroughly impressed by their rich sound profile. However, their ANC is weaker for their near $500 price tag. But if noise-canceling isn't your top priority, the Ace headphones offer immense comfort, a vibrant and exciting sound profile, and an elevated design.If touch controls aren't your preference, the Ace sports two multifunction buttons, notably the Content Key. You can slide and press this button to control audio commands and toggle the TV Audio Swap. Overall, the Ace headphones are a pair of fresh, premium headphones that any audio lover will enjoy.After using these headphones for a few months, they've really grown on me. However, the Ace headphones aren't very portable. They don't fold and the case is bulky, forcing you to find space in your carry-on or keep them on your person while going through airport security. Yet, their rich sound and immense comfort make a six-hour plane ride feel like a breeze.Still, if you're looking for headphones with better noise-canceling properties, I recommend the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Apple AirPods Max headphones.Sonos Acetech specs: Form factor:Over-ear |Bluetooth:Yes (5.4) |Battery life: 30 hours (ANC on) |Driver size:40mm dynamic|Noise cancellation: Yes|Wiredoption(s):USB-C Design 9 Comfort 10 Noise-canceling 7 Sound 9 Battery life 6 Pros Long battery life Rich sound profile Comfortable design Cons ANC could be better for the high price Sonos Ace Best headphones for TV and movies 4.1 / 5 Score The Sonos Ace results from the company's many years of work creating its first pair of over-ear headphones. The Ace headphones are stacked with audio features, like compatibility with Dolby Atmos, noise-canceling, and transparency modes. These headphones' standout feature is their integration with the Sonos soundbars via a TV audio swap feature. This feature allows users to seamlessly transfer audio from their Sonos Arc, Beam, or Ray to the Ace headphones.The Ace headphones deliver 30 hours of continuous playback, but you can recover three hours of battery life in a three-minute quick charge. The Ace debuted with thoughtful design features, like removable ear pads and color-coded ear cups.Review: Sonos AceThe Sonos Ace are compatible with Dolby Atmos, which was highly immersive when I watched movies and TV shows and listened to music. The TV audio swap feature is impressive, and the Sonos Ace are incredibly comfortable headphones. Additionally, they are stylish and have a simplistic design, staying true to Sonos' dedication to creating products with an unassuming visual presence.When I reviewed the Sonos Ace, I was thoroughly impressed by their rich sound profile. However, their ANC is weaker for their near $500 price tag. But if noise-canceling isn't your top priority, the Ace headphones offer immense comfort, a vibrant and exciting sound profile, and an elevated design.If touch controls aren't your preference, the Ace sports two multifunction buttons, notably the Content Key. You can slide and press this button to control audio commands and toggle the TV Audio Swap. Overall, the Ace headphones are a pair of fresh, premium headphones that any audio lover will enjoy.After using these headphones for a few months, they've really grown on me. However, the Ace headphones aren't very portable. They don't fold and the case is bulky, forcing you to find space in your carry-on or keep them on your person while going through airport security. Yet, their rich sound and immense comfort make a six-hour plane ride feel like a breeze.Still, if you're looking for headphones with better noise-canceling properties, I recommend the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Apple AirPods Max headphones.Sonos Acetech specs: Form factor:Over-ear |Bluetooth:Yes (5.4) |Battery life: 30 hours (ANC on) |Driver size:40mm dynamic|Noise cancellation: Yes|Wiredoption(s):USB-C Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Shokz's latest true wireless open earbuds offer one of the best open-ear listening experiences on the market. These earbuds debuted at CES 2025, showing off new features like a multifunction button, four more hours of playtime than the previous generation, upgraded water resistance, and enhanced audio technology.I'm generally not a fan of open-ear headphones and earbuds, and I'm even more averse to earbuds with ear hooks. I must admit, the OpenFit 2 are an exception to my rule.Review: Shokz OpenFit 2These earbuds are highly comfortable, as their soft coating doesn't pressure the bony part behind your ears; it's easy to put them on and forget you're wearing them. The updated design also makes them more stylish, phasing out previous generations' highly sporty look. The OpenFit 2 boasts 11 hours of listening time, four hours more than their predecessor, making them perfect for taking from the office to your evening workout.The OpenFit 2 have an IP55 rating, making them durable enough for sweaty workouts and runs in light rain. Also, their improved Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity ensures stable connections and efficient power consumption.Soundwise, the OpenFit 2 sport Shokz's DualBoost technology to enhance the earbuds' audio output. This technology helps the OpenFit 2 to produce a prominent bass response, clear vocals, and transparent instrumentals. For open earbuds, the OpenFit 2 sounds great.The OpenFit 2's open design allows for an airy and natural soundstage while allowing you to remain aware of your surroundings. The ear hooks allow for a comfortable and secure wearing experience. However, the ear hooks can be uncomfortable if you wear these earbuds while wearing glasses.Shokz's DirectPitch technology uses vents in the earbuds to direct sound from the earbuds direct to the ear, enhancing your listening experience, maintaining privacy, and reducing sound leakage. If you've been eyeing the Bose Ultra Open earbuds for their excellent sound, comfort, and open-ear design but can't justify the price tag, consider the OpenFit 2. Shokz's earbuds offer four more hours of playtime and a similar listening experience for $120 less.The OpenFit 2's comfort, lengthy battery life, and great sound make them the perfect companion for people who like open-ear earbuds and want a comfortable, stylish, and reliable pair to accompany them anywhere they go.Shokz OpenFit 2 tech specs: Form factor: Open-ear |Bluetooth:Yes (5.4) |Battery life:11 hours and an additional 37 hours with charging case|IP rating:IP55 (sweatproof)|Charging option(s):USB-C Pros Lengthy battery Great sound No app needed Cons Not comfortable for glasses wearers Shokz's latest true wireless open earbuds offer one of the best open-ear listening experiences on the market. These earbuds debuted at CES 2025, showing off new features like a multifunction button, four more hours of playtime than the previous generation, upgraded water resistance, and enhanced audio technology.I'm generally not a fan of open-ear headphones and earbuds, and I'm even more averse to earbuds with ear hooks. I must admit, the OpenFit 2 are an exception to my rule.Review: Shokz OpenFit 2These earbuds are highly comfortable, as their soft coating doesn't pressure the bony part behind your ears; it's easy to put them on and forget you're wearing them. The updated design also makes them more stylish, phasing out previous generations' highly sporty look. The OpenFit 2 boasts 11 hours of listening time, four hours more than their predecessor, making them perfect for taking from the office to your evening workout.The OpenFit 2 have an IP55 rating, making them durable enough for sweaty workouts and runs in light rain. Also, their improved Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity ensures stable connections and efficient power consumption.Soundwise, the OpenFit 2 sport Shokz's DualBoost technology to enhance the earbuds' audio output. This technology helps the OpenFit 2 to produce a prominent bass response, clear vocals, and transparent instrumentals. For open earbuds, the OpenFit 2 sounds great.The OpenFit 2's open design allows for an airy and natural soundstage while allowing you to remain aware of your surroundings. The ear hooks allow for a comfortable and secure wearing experience. However, the ear hooks can be uncomfortable if you wear these earbuds while wearing glasses.Shokz's DirectPitch technology uses vents in the earbuds to direct sound from the earbuds direct to the ear, enhancing your listening experience, maintaining privacy, and reducing sound leakage. If you've been eyeing the Bose Ultra Open earbuds for their excellent sound, comfort, and open-ear design but can't justify the price tag, consider the OpenFit 2. Shokz's earbuds offer four more hours of playtime and a similar listening experience for $120 less.The OpenFit 2's comfort, lengthy battery life, and great sound make them the perfect companion for people who like open-ear earbuds and want a comfortable, stylish, and reliable pair to accompany them anywhere they go.Shokz OpenFit 2 tech specs: Form factor: Open-ear |Bluetooth:Yes (5.4) |Battery life:11 hours and an additional 37 hours with charging case|IP rating:IP55 (sweatproof)|Charging option(s):USB-C Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Sony XM5 over-ear headphones are some of the most popular ones on the market, and that's for good reason. These headphones have exceptional noise-canceling properties, great sound, a solid battery life, all-day comfort, and a sleek and premium design.When Sony released these headphones in 2022, they were packed with software features competing headphones lacked, like Speak-to-Chat. This feature pauses your music when the headphones detect that you're speaking to someone and enables transparency mode so you can better hear them.The XM5's 40-hour battery life means you can wear these headphones throughout the week with minimal charging, making them great for commuters, travelers, and desk workers. Not to mention, the impressive noise-canceling is some of the best out there.Review:Sony WH-1000XM5When ZDNET's Matthew Miller reviewed the XM5 headphones, he said the noise-canceling tech allows for "an environment of isolation and focus," so these headphones are fabulous to wear when you need to block out the world around you.The XM5 headphones offer plenty of practicality with their oversized ear cups and impressive battery life. Sony's XM5 allow access to Sony's LDAC Bluetooth codec and don't need to be turned on to listen over a wired connection, so you can listen even if the battery is dead.The XM5's design is utilitarian and simple, making them best for people with a toned-down personal style. If you want headphones that can match any outfit, the XM5 are a solid option.The Sony XM5 are superb headphones; if you already have them, don't rush to upgrade. However, Sony's competitors have made meaningful strides in design, features, and noise-canceling improvements since the XM5's release in 2022. So, if you've been eyeing these headphones, I suggest you wait for the latest iteration. But if you don't want to pay upwards of $450 for the upcoming generation, consider buying the XM5 during seasonal sales.Sony WH-1000XM5 tech specs: Form factor:Over-ear |Bluetooth:Yes (5.2) |Battery life:40 hours (ANC off) |Driver size:30mm dynamic|Noise cancellation: Yes|Wired option(s): 3.5mm headphone jack Design 8 Comfort 9 Noise-canceling 8 Sound 9 Battery life 7 Pros Superb ANC Great for voice calls Comfortable Cons Does not fold Expensive Battery Life Rated up to 32 hoursNoise Canceling Yes (ANC)Multipoint YesHeadphone Type Over-ear wireless headphonesWater-Resistant No IP rating Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones Best premium headphones for everyday use 4.1 / 5 Score The Sony XM5 over-ear headphones are some of the most popular ones on the market, and that's for good reason. These headphones have exceptional noise-canceling properties, great sound, a solid battery life, all-day comfort, and a sleek and premium design.When Sony released these headphones in 2022, they were packed with software features competing headphones lacked, like Speak-to-Chat. This feature pauses your music when the headphones detect that you're speaking to someone and enables transparency mode so you can better hear them.The XM5's 40-hour battery life means you can wear these headphones throughout the week with minimal charging, making them great for commuters, travelers, and desk workers. Not to mention, the impressive noise-canceling is some of the best out there.Review:Sony WH-1000XM5When ZDNET's Matthew Miller reviewed the XM5 headphones, he said the noise-canceling tech allows for "an environment of isolation and focus," so these headphones are fabulous to wear when you need to block out the world around you.The XM5 headphones offer plenty of practicality with their oversized ear cups and impressive battery life. Sony's XM5 allow access to Sony's LDAC Bluetooth codec and don't need to be turned on to listen over a wired connection, so you can listen even if the battery is dead.The XM5's design is utilitarian and simple, making them best for people with a toned-down personal style. If you want headphones that can match any outfit, the XM5 are a solid option.The Sony XM5 are superb headphones; if you already have them, don't rush to upgrade. However, Sony's competitors have made meaningful strides in design, features, and noise-canceling improvements since the XM5's release in 2022. So, if you've been eyeing these headphones, I suggest you wait for the latest iteration. But if you don't want to pay upwards of $450 for the upcoming generation, consider buying the XM5 during seasonal sales.Sony WH-1000XM5 tech specs: Form factor:Over-ear |Bluetooth:Yes (5.2) |Battery life:40 hours (ANC off) |Driver size:30mm dynamic|Noise cancellation: Yes|Wired option(s): 3.5mm headphone jack Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less AirPods Pro 2 Best earbuds for Apple users 4 / 5 Score Although the AirPods Pro 2 aren't Apple's newest earbuds, they offer users the most utility and are the ones I recommend to people loyal to the Apple ecosystem. The Pro 2 earbuds offer highly effective noise-canceling properties, a dynamic sound profile, excellent microphone quality for hands-free calling, and seamless integration with Apple devices.Also: I've used my AirPods Pro 2 since they first launched. Here's my buying advice for 2025The Pro 2 earbuds are my daily driver, and I don't leave my house without them. They sport silicone tips for a secure fit, making them suitable for smaller ears. Additionally, the silicone tips allow these earbuds to deliver an immersive listening and noise-canceling experience, as the silicone creates a seal between your ear and the outside world.The Pro 2 earbuds have spatial audio, adaptive noise cancellation, conversation awareness, and a hearing aid feature, all of which are reserved for iOS. So, if you're an Android user and want premium earbuds, consider the Pixel Buds Pro 2 instead.The AirPods Pro 2's transparency mode is one of the best I've tried. It allows the wearer to be unwaveringly aware of their environment without removing their earbuds. I find the Pro 2 earbuds comfortable to wear for hours, and the silicone tips and hard plastic case make them easy to clean. However, their six-hour battery life puts them slightly behind competitors.Still, the AirPods Pro 2's seamless integration with your Apple devices (especially the one you carry around everywhere you go) make them the perfect pocket-sized companion for on-the-go listening and calling. The Pro 2 earbuds are the best earbuds Apple offers, but its competitors are quickly catching up, offering stronger noise-canceling and longer battery lives.If you want the latest and greatest AirPods, you may want to wait for the AirPods Pro 3 since these earbuds are due for a refresh this year. However, the AirPods Pro 2 have plenty of useful features, and you can often find them as low as $189 during seasonal sales.AirPods Pro 2 tech specs: Form factor:In-ear |Bluetooth:Yes (5.3) |Battery life:6 hours and an additional 30 hours with charging case|IP rating:IP54 (sweatproof) |Driver size:11mm dynamic|Noise cancellation:Yes|Charging option(s):USB-C, wireless Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Wired headphones are coming back in style, and if you want a well-made pair that sounds fantastic, the Focal Azurys are perfect for you. These headphones are an entry-level pair from the high-end brand, offering the company's renowned audio components at a lower price. Still, the Azurys retail for $549, so they're not cheap.Review: Focal AzurysThe Azurys offer an elevated yet analog audio experience, omitting modern headphone features like Bluetooth connectivity, noise cancellation, and spatial audio. These wired headphones deliver a high-fidelity audio experience, boasting 40mm drivers with an M-shaped dome made from magnesium and aluminum. Their relaxed and natural sound profile delivers exceptional clarity and instrument separation.The Azurys have a 26-ohm impedance, meaning your smartphone or laptop has enough power for these headphones, making them incredibly easy to drive. The memory foam earpads and genuine leather headband also create a comfortable wearing experience with a luxury look and feel.These headphones are best for people looking for an entry-level pair of high-end headphones. The Azurys aren't very portable or practical for commuting due to their lack of modern features. Still, if you're a budding audiophile and don't want to spend thousands on other high-end options, the Azurys are a great place to start.Focal Azurys tech specs: Form factor:Over-ear |Bluetooth:N/A |Battery life:N/A|Driver size:40mm dynamic|Noise cancellation:N/A|Wired option(s):3.5mm headphone jack Durability 6 Design 8 Comfort 8 Sound 9 Pros Stylish Comfortable Cons Impractical Focal Azurys Best stylish wired headphones 3.5 / 5 Score Wired headphones are coming back in style, and if you want a well-made pair that sounds fantastic, the Focal Azurys are perfect for you. These headphones are an entry-level pair from the high-end brand, offering the company's renowned audio components at a lower price. Still, the Azurys retail for $549, so they're not cheap.Review: Focal AzurysThe Azurys offer an elevated yet analog audio experience, omitting modern headphone features like Bluetooth connectivity, noise cancellation, and spatial audio. These wired headphones deliver a high-fidelity audio experience, boasting 40mm drivers with an M-shaped dome made from magnesium and aluminum. Their relaxed and natural sound profile delivers exceptional clarity and instrument separation.The Azurys have a 26-ohm impedance, meaning your smartphone or laptop has enough power for these headphones, making them incredibly easy to drive. The memory foam earpads and genuine leather headband also create a comfortable wearing experience with a luxury look and feel.These headphones are best for people looking for an entry-level pair of high-end headphones. The Azurys aren't very portable or practical for commuting due to their lack of modern features. Still, if you're a budding audiophile and don't want to spend thousands on other high-end options, the Azurys are a great place to start.Focal Azurys tech specs: Form factor:Over-ear |Bluetooth:N/A |Battery life:N/A|Driver size:40mm dynamic|Noise cancellation:N/A|Wired option(s):3.5mm headphone jack Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Bose's newest earbuds debut with a new form factor, great sound, strong noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit. Bose released these midrange earbuds with a new app made specifically for Bose earbuds, offering users more control and personalization. Like most of Bose's personal audio products, the noise-canceling is the best feature.The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds sport a rounded, ergonomic design that differs from previous generations' sometimes clunky and uncomfortable fit.Review: Bose QuietComfort EarbudsUnlike the premium QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, these earbuds lack spatial audio, so if that's what you're looking for, you'll want to upgrade. However, the midrange QuietComfort Earbuds offer Bose's best-in-class noise cancellation, adjustable EQ settings, Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, and eight hours of continuous listening time.Regarding sound quality, ZDNET's Kyle Kucharski reviewed the QuietComfort Earbuds and said: "The approach with these earbuds seems to be to provide an aggressive, bass-forward audio profile that pairs well with noise-cancellation to be good for commuting, exercising, or in otherwise loud environments."Overall, the QuietComfort earbuds are a great option for commuters who want reliable and useful earbuds without all the latest bells and whistles.Bose QuietComfort Earbuds tech specs: Form factor:In-ear |Bluetooth:Yes (5.3) |Battery life:8 hours and an additional 30 hours with charging case| IP rating:IPX4 (sweatproof)|Noise cancellation:Yes|Charging option(s):USB-C, wireless Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less If Sony's flagship WH-1000X headphones are too expensive or too advanced for your liking, the Ult Wear headphones are a worthy alternative. These midrange headphones borrow many of their more expensive sibling's technological and design features for half the price.Review: Sony Ult WearThe Ult Wear headphones include a new feature called Ult Power Sound that doubles the headphones' bass response with the press of a button. Sony already offers listeners a slightly bass-forward sound, but the added bass is enjoyable without overdoing it.The Ult Wear sports pleather ear cups that are oval and plushy, making them suitable for hours-long wear. Unlike the XM5, the Ult Wear's build is mostly plastic, but these cheaper materials keep their price under $300. Still, Sony fitted the Ult Wear with a V1 chip for noise-canceling properties.Sony Ult Wear tech specs: Form factor:Over-ear |Bluetooth:Yes (5.2) |Battery life:40 hours (ANC off) |Driver size:40mm dynamic |Noise cancellation:Yes|Wired option(s):3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Beats Studio Pro are an impressive pair of over-ear headphones from Beats -- dare I say they are the best over-ear headphones from Apple? Beats released the Studio Pro last year, and they debuted with a list of upgrades, like USB-C charging and audio, spatial audio, Find My compatibility, and more.The Studio Pro were Beats' first headphones since the company was acquired by Apple in 2014. Their muted, toned-down design echoes Apple's simplistic design choices. The Studio Pro sport large, oval ear cups made with UltraPlush padding fitted with faux leather materials for added comfort.Review: Beats Studio ProThe added UltraPlush cushioning does help with ear comfort, but the Studio Pro's ear cup shape and slightly tight clamping force can make them uncomfortable for hours-long wear or bigger heads.The Studio Pro's standout feature is its unique compatibility with native iOS and Android features. For example, iOS users can add Studio Pro to their Find My network and listen to Spatial Audio. Android users receive Bluetooth multipoint connectivity and download the Beats companion app for more customization.Now that newer iPhones sport USB-C ports, Android users and compatible iPhones can plug into the Studio Pro to listen to lossless audio and charge the headphones while plugged into their phone. Plugging into the Studio Pro's USB-C port also unlocks Entertainment and Conversation audio modes, which enhance the listening experience when watching movies or taking phone calls.The Studio Pro are equipped with noise-canceling and Transparency modes, which were efficient and reliable when I tested them. The Studio Pro's sound profile is warm and slightly bass-forward but significantly less bass-heavy than Beats' previous headphones.You can expect the Studio Pro to deliver up to 40 hours of continuous playback without any audio modes enabled. Still, that number decreases to about 24 hours when noise-canceling or spatial audio is turned on.Overall, the Studio Pro are a fantastic option for iOS and Android users due to their compatibility with some of each operating system's native features. They're also great for people who have remained loyal to the Beats brand and want to upgrade.These headphones retail for $349, but you can regularly find them on sale, sometimes as low as $170.Beats Studio Pro tech specs: Form factor:Over-ear |Bluetooth:Yes (Beats Class 1 wireless) |Battery life: 40 hours (ANC off) |Driver size:40mm dynamic |Noise cancellation: Yes|Wired option(s):USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack Design 8 Comfort 7 Noise-canceling 7 Sound 7 Battery life 7 Battery life Rated up to 40 hoursNoise Canceling Yes (ANC)Multipoint NoHeadphone Type Over-ear wireless headphonesWater-Resistant No IP rating Beats Studio Pro Best premium Beats headphones 3.5 / 5 Score The Beats Studio Pro are an impressive pair of over-ear headphones from Beats -- dare I say they are the best over-ear headphones from Apple? Beats released the Studio Pro last year, and they debuted with a list of upgrades, like USB-C charging and audio, spatial audio, Find My compatibility, and more.The Studio Pro were Beats' first headphones since the company was acquired by Apple in 2014. Their muted, toned-down design echoes Apple's simplistic design choices. The Studio Pro sport large, oval ear cups made with UltraPlush padding fitted with faux leather materials for added comfort.Review: Beats Studio ProThe added UltraPlush cushioning does help with ear comfort, but the Studio Pro's ear cup shape and slightly tight clamping force can make them uncomfortable for hours-long wear or bigger heads.The Studio Pro's standout feature is its unique compatibility with native iOS and Android features. For example, iOS users can add Studio Pro to their Find My network and listen to Spatial Audio. Android users receive Bluetooth multipoint connectivity and download the Beats companion app for more customization.Now that newer iPhones sport USB-C ports, Android users and compatible iPhones can plug into the Studio Pro to listen to lossless audio and charge the headphones while plugged into their phone. Plugging into the Studio Pro's USB-C port also unlocks Entertainment and Conversation audio modes, which enhance the listening experience when watching movies or taking phone calls.The Studio Pro are equipped with noise-canceling and Transparency modes, which were efficient and reliable when I tested them. The Studio Pro's sound profile is warm and slightly bass-forward but significantly less bass-heavy than Beats' previous headphones.You can expect the Studio Pro to deliver up to 40 hours of continuous playback without any audio modes enabled. Still, that number decreases to about 24 hours when noise-canceling or spatial audio is turned on.Overall, the Studio Pro are a fantastic option for iOS and Android users due to their compatibility with some of each operating system's native features. They're also great for people who have remained loyal to the Beats brand and want to upgrade.These headphones retail for $349, but you can regularly find them on sale, sometimes as low as $170.Beats Studio Pro tech specs: Form factor:Over-ear |Bluetooth:Yes (Beats Class 1 wireless) |Battery life: 40 hours (ANC off) |Driver size:40mm dynamic |Noise cancellation: Yes|Wired option(s):USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Samsung's newest premium earbuds offer numerous AI features for Galaxy users, a new design, and great audio. They'll work the best when paired with a newer Galaxy phone, but essential functions can work with most operating systems.First, Samsung debuted the Buds 3 lineup with a bud-and-stem design, ditching the rounded bud design from previous generations. I'm not privy to Samsung's microphone placement, but traditionally, bud-and-stem designs allow a little more real estate for microphone placement. As a result, the Buds 3 Pro have amazing call clarity, harnessing AI to quieten external noises and amplify the caller's voice.Review: Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 ProThe Buds 3 Pro are equipped with Find My, multipoint pairing, and adaptive noise control. The noise-canceling tech in these earbuds is great, and the sound quality is equally impressive. They have a dynamic and exciting sound profile, offering clear bass, detailed vocals, and an overall enjoyable listening experience.Additionally, these earbuds feature new Galaxy AI features like Live Translate. The stem design allows for more intuitive touch controls, like pinching to play/pause and swiping to control volume.Despite the upgraded features inside the earbuds, the outside of the Buds 3 Pro doesn't live up to its price tag. The earbuds have a plasticky feel, but their lightweight build helps them stay light and comfortable for hours-long wear.I don't recommend these earbuds if you're not in the Galaxy ecosystem. You'll miss out on key features, which means you'll pay $250 for incredibly limited functionality. However, devoted Galaxy users looking for premium earbuds will find the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro useful.Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Protech specs: Form factor:In-ear |Bluetooth:Yes (5.4) |Battery life:7 hours and an additional 30 hours with charging case|IP rating:IP57 (water and sweat-resistant)|Noise cancellation:Yes|Charging option(s):USB-C, wireless Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon Sennheiser is known for its pro-grade audio products, but the higher-end products aren't suitable for everyone. If your friends in the audio space recommend you try a pair of Sennheiser cans, but you don't want to pay upwards of $600 to experience the company's iconic sound, try the Accentum Plus.The Accentum Plus are the company's latest mid-range headphones that debuted at CES 2024. The Accentum Plus have an incredibly clear and immersive sound for their price tag, offering detailed highs and punchy, deep bass.The Accentum Plus boast adaptive noise canceling, which I found wasn't the strongest, but helps keep your music center stage while keeping louder external noises at bay. These headphones are great for commuters, travelers, and desk workers, as they have a marathon battery life lasting over 50 hours.Review:Sennheiser Accentum PlusHowever, you must have the right head size to get the most out of these headphones. Maybe my head was too big, but when I tested the Accentum Plus, I couldn't wear them for more than an hour without my ears hurting.The Accentum Plus offers little style-wise, as their build is mostly plastic, uniform, and simple. The looks of these headphones won't start any conversations, but it's what's inside the earcups that matters with these cans.Despite that, if you prefer wireless headphones but prioritize sound quality and want great sound for less than $250, the Accentum Plus will do you good.Sennheiser Accentum Plus tech specs: Form factor:Over-ear |Bluetooth:Yes (5.2) |Battery life:60+ hours (ANC off) |Driver size:40mm dynamic |Noise cancellation: Yes|Wired option(s): 3.5mm headphone jack Design 6 Comfort 6 Noise-canceling 7 Sound 8 Battery life 10 Pros Lightweight Great sound for the price Marathon battery Cons Tight fit Middling ANC Sennheiser Accentum Plus Best mid-range headphones for casual listening 3.7 / 5 Score Sennheiser is known for its pro-grade audio products, but the higher-end products aren't suitable for everyone. If your friends in the audio space recommend you try a pair of Sennheiser cans, but you don't want to pay upwards of $600 to experience the company's iconic sound, try the Accentum Plus.The Accentum Plus are the company's latest mid-range headphones that debuted at CES 2024. The Accentum Plus have an incredibly clear and immersive sound for their price tag, offering detailed highs and punchy, deep bass.The Accentum Plus boast adaptive noise canceling, which I found wasn't the strongest, but helps keep your music center stage while keeping louder external noises at bay. These headphones are great for commuters, travelers, and desk workers, as they have a marathon battery life lasting over 50 hours.Review:Sennheiser Accentum PlusHowever, you must have the right head size to get the most out of these headphones. Maybe my head was too big, but when I tested the Accentum Plus, I couldn't wear them for more than an hour without my ears hurting.The Accentum Plus offers little style-wise, as their build is mostly plastic, uniform, and simple. The looks of these headphones won't start any conversations, but it's what's inside the earcups that matters with these cans.Despite that, if you prefer wireless headphones but prioritize sound quality and want great sound for less than $250, the Accentum Plus will do you good.Sennheiser Accentum Plus tech specs: Form factor:Over-ear |Bluetooth:Yes (5.2) |Battery life:60+ hours (ANC off) |Driver size:40mm dynamic |Noise cancellation: Yes|Wired option(s): 3.5mm headphone jack Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less

UFC gloves (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLCFormer Dana White Contender Series standout Joe Solecki took to Instagram to announce his retirement from mixed martial arts. In a heartfelt, message, Solecki announced the end of his decade-long journey to the No. 1 MMA promotion in the world.Today, after chasing this dream for 10 years, I am officially retiring from the sport of MMA, Solecki wrote in the opening line of his message. I started this endeavor as a kid with a dream of making it to the UFC. It then grew into so many more goals and dreams, some of which I achieved and others where I fell short. In a way, despite falling short at times (especially this past year), I lived my movie."LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 08: Joe Solecki poses for a portrait during a UFC photo session on ... [+] January 8, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesSolecki, 31 walks away from the sport with a 13-6 record in MMA and a 5-4 mark in the UFC. Unfortunately, Soleckis career ends on a three-fight losing streak. Most recently, he lost a unanimous decision to Nurullo Aliev in January at UFC 311.Competing at the highest level in the UFC and grinding it out on the regional circuit to make it to the top have taught me more life lessons and things about myself, hard work, and determination than I ever couldve imagined, Solecki continued. This avenue in life has helped me grow in so many ways as a man, athlete, husband, father, and most of all has helped me grow and develop deeper in my faith and relationship with God.LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 10: In this handout image provided by UFC, (L-R) Joe Solecki punches Jim ... [+] Miller in a lightweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on April 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesSoleckis peak moment in the UFC came in April 2021 when he took a unanimous decision over legend and future Hall-of-Famer, Jim Miller. The victory had Solecki on a six-fight win streak and still undefeated in the UFC since earning his main roster spot on DWCS in July 2019 with a first-round submission win over James Wallace.I have made lifelong relationships that Ill cherish forever, have experienced the amazing feeling of victory, the adversity of defeat and the joy of overcoming that adversity, Solecki continued. I have been able to go places and experience things I never even dreamed of because of this sport, all memories that Ill also cherish.In the comment section of the post, former UFC fighters, Bryan Barbarena and Jamie Pickett paid their respects. I wont be far away from the sport, as I look forward to being on the mats everyday both training still and coaching the next generation of martial artists at Gym-O, Solecki announced. I hope to play a small part in helping others experience these same things I mentioned above in their own lives. And you will certainly be seeing me competing in grappling soon, as competition will always be a part of me.Solecki will continue to play a role in the professional MMA scene and you may see him cornering a fighter or two at a UFC, PFL or for a regional promotion.

iPhone 16eApple NewsroomWith todays launch of the iPhone 16e, Apple closes the door on one of its most recognisable brands. As many in the community look at the 16e and wonder, Hasnt that iPhone SE let itself go? Apple is hard at work promoting a new smartphone in a way that only Apple can.I find myself with one over-arching thought: the iPhone 16e is being measured against other iPhones rather than the broader market. Within its press release, Tim Cook and his team are literally comparing Apples to Apples.Selling To The iPhone 16e CommunityThere is some logic to that decision. If consumers are already part of Apples ecosystembe it through music subscriptions, purchased apps, or data on Apples cloud-based servers the bar is high if they want to switch away to Android. While not a captive audience, its certainly one with a significant attachment. Selling them another iPhone, a newer and better iPhone, either for themselves or for them to help introduce a family or friends into their world (which is Apples world) will be one of the key roles the iPhone 16e plays.It works the other way as well; the Android ecosystem has just as much lock-in, but on that side there are multiple manufacturers constantly iterating and improving the platform so there is less of a single dominant viewpoint that must be accepted. How the iPhone 16e addresses them is for another time. For now, Apples focus is on selling to the converted.The iPhone 16e BatteryIf theres one area where the iPhone SE always fell short, it is the size and endurance of the battery. Going back to 2016s original, the first iPhone SE barely made it to the end of the working day without a top-up. It was a compromise many were happy to make for the fashionable smaller iPhone. Nine years later, all-day battery life is the bare minimum for even a mid-range phone.Thankfully, iPhone 16e has the best battery life ever on a 6.1-inch iPhone, lasting up to six hours longer than iPhone 11. Theres a nice sleight of hand here that glosses over how much the battery life is improved over the iPhone 16. Instead, the numerical comparison goes to a smartphone that is six years old. I would expect a significantly better life for the battery over that timescale.The iPhone 16e ModemPart of that extended battery life comes from the tighter integration between software and hardware. Apple only needs to code iOS to work with the iPhone so it can hard code for its own Axx processors, and conversely, the Axx hardware can be designed with silicon specifically for iOS to access.The same is now true of the modem. Previously, Apple was locked into using Qualcomm hardware. The iPhone 16e will be Apples first homegrown modem running Apple Silicon. The C-series of modems will play an increasingly important role in Apples hardware; for now, its vital that Apple emphasise the C1 modems difference.How is it doing that? By pointing out that the C1 is the most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone, delivering fast and reliable 5G cellular connectivity. The comparison here is again restricted to the iPhone, with the natural advantages of an Apple modem designed for one single phone rather than Qualcomms universal modem with its extra compatibility on a per-manufacturer basis. Given that, I would expect it to be more power-efficient. But how much more power efficient?The iPhone 16e SiliconApple is also taking the time to reiterate the advantages of its silicon in the A18 chipset and its performance benefits. It shouldnt come as a surprise that the benchmark is not the A17-powered handsets launched in 2023 but back once more to the older iPhone 11 model and the A13 Bionic chipset.iPhone 16e is powered by Apples latest-generation A18 chip The 6-core CPU is up to 80 percent faster than the A13 Bionic chip on iPhone 11.. the 16-core Neural Engine is optimized for large generative models and runs machine learning (ML) models up to 6x faster than A13 Bionic.The iPhone 16e ComparisonIm still trying to work out why Apple has decided that the iPhone 11 is the best comparison for the iPhone 16e. 2022s iPhone SE feels like the obvious choice, but theres an argument that Apple wants to make a clean break between the SE and the e. The last SE was built around the iPhone 13, so theres a stronger argument that consumers would be best served with that comparison. Going back nearly six years to the iPhone 11 allows the marketing to post some significant figures to show how advanced the iPhone 16e is.Once the iPhone 16e goes on general sale on February 28, it will be possible to benchmark the new hardware against the Android-powered competition. Until then, we have Apples press release on how the iPhone 16e joins the rest of the iPhone 16 family.To paraphrase a great man, Apple will give it to you straight, like an apple cider that's made from 100 percent apples."Now read how the iPhone 16e (ne SE) can change the smartphone world

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsA relic of the past?Skipping the signature iPhone camera traitsIt makes little senseThe iPhone 16e marks the dawn of a new era for Apples smartphone portfolio. It may not necessarily be a great era for customers paying for it, though. The SE lineup is retired, colors take a backseat, and a half-baked AI takes the centerstage. There are some iterative upgrades under the hood, but the most notable one is the 2-in-1 Fusion camera system.Thats just Apples way of saying that the 48-megapixel rear camera on the iPhone 16e up from the 12-megapixel unit fitted on the iPhone SE can also take 2x zoom shots. One would ideally be impressed to see that the iPhone 16e is matching the 48-megapixel rear snapper on the iPhone 16.Recommended VideosWhile that is technically true, there are a healthy few features missing on the iPhone 16e, and it even lags behind in certain areas compared to the now-discontinued iPhone 14.RelatedAppleBefore we dig into the nooks and crannies of the iPhone 16es imaging hardware, theres another crucial change worth pointing out. It comes with a nerfed version of the A18 silicon.The A18 variant Apple has fitted on the iPhone 16 offers five GPU cores, while the trim you get on the iPhone 16e comes with four GPU cores. At a technical level, the onboard graphics engine plays a role in pipelines such as encoding, but lets keep the discussion focused on the core camera setup here.Starting with the stabilisation stack, the iPhone 16e embraces the vanilla Optical Image Stabilization tech, which is not bad. However, all mainline iPhones, starting with the iPhone 13, have been using the more advanced sensor-shift stabilization system.Editing controls for Photographic Styles on the iPhone 16 Pro. Nadeem Sarwar / Digital TrendsNext, lets talk about glorified filters with a memory feature aka latest-generation photographic styles. First introduced with the iPhone 16 series, Apple has offered an updated system that lets users adjust the tone, color, and intensity of each picture.Tagging alongside is a D-pad control system to make the aforementioned stylistic tweaks. Notably, you can change the photographic styles and fine-tune the pictures post-capture from within the Photos app. Inexplicably, the iPhone 16e misses out on this facility, too. I have grown fond of Apples fresh take on photographic styles, and it will be sorely missed on the iPhone 16e.Another meaningful perk that the latest affordable phone from Apple skips, is macro capture. Macro capture lets users click detailed close-range shots without having to deal with a fussy focus lock and blur artifacts when getting too close to a subject.AppleA running joke on Indian social media is hounding the iPhone-toting friend in a group for clicking pictures because Apples smartphones are considered the best, by default. Thats the public perception in one of the worlds biggest smartphone markets.Apples latest doesnt quite do justice to that image, especially considering the sky-high local asking price. The iPhone 16e doles out a weak hand when it comes to bokeh capture, one of the core strengths of Apple smartphones. On all devices, starting with the iPhone 15 series, Apple has offered what it calls next-gen portrait mode with focus and depth control.As the name suggests, users can not only adjust the strength of background blur, but also change which subject to focus on. The camera system can also automatically recognize human and animal subjects in stills, and lets users convert it into a portrait shot even if the picture was clicked in regular photo mode.The iPhone 16e ships with the older portrait system where you can only tweak the bokeh intensity, but cant change the point of focus within a frame.Moving over into the realm of videos, the biggest miss is action mode, which has been a mainstay on Apple smartphones since the iPhone 14s arrival.Christine Romero-Chan / Digital TrendsIt allows users to capture smooth, jitter-free handheld videos while recording moving subjects. This facility is nowhere to be seen on iPhone 16e, alongside support for spatial video recording and macro capture (both time-lapse and slow motion) modes.The QuickTake feature, which lets users record videos from within the photo mode and even take snaps during video capture, is available on the iPhone 16e but in a watered down format. Unlike the iPhone 16, you cant capture such videos at 4K 60fps quality with Dolby Vision HDR perk.Another big omission is support for Cinematic mode video capture, which was first introduced with the iPhone 13 series. This trick lets iPhones record videos with a depth of field effect, and more importantly, allows smooth focus transitions.On iPhone 14 and later models, you can even edit these videos in the Photos app. Apple lets you play with the depth intensity as well as focus points in such clips.A few of the aforementioned features are also tied to the absence of a secondary ultrawide or telephoto camera, which would otherwise perform depth mapping and enable advanced photo and video capture tools.AppleHowever, when one takes into consideration the asking price of iPhone 16e, the lack of a secondary camera is a massive reverse pedal in the current market. For a lower asking price, the likes of Samsung and Google deliver superior imaging hardware.The Google Pixel 8a, Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, and Motorolas Edge series phones offer a far more versatile imaging hardware than the iPhone 16e for roughly the same asking price, or even lower.Apple is predominantly pushing the iPhone 16e as a vehicle to hawk its Apple Intelligence stack, which is still not ready, and a new in-house modem that will soon appear in other devices, as well.AppleIf you are considering an Apple smartphone for its camera chops but dont necessarily have the budget for its Pro iPhones, you can safely pick an older-generation device like the iPhone 15.Refurbished iPhones are another great option to get a more versatile camera package with advanced features at roughly the same asking price as the iPhone 16e. And thats just the situation in the US market, where Apple phones are usually the cheapest.In other markets, the higher price tag makes the iPhone 16e an even more unpalatable deal. In India, for example, it costs roughly $700, which makes it an obviously worse proposition when far more competitive phones such as the Oppo Find X8 and OnePlus 13R are already on the shelves.Editors Recommendations

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsDoes the iPhone 16e come with a charger?Why Apple doesnt include a charger with iPhonesOur favorite iPhone 16e chargersApples latest budget iPhone is here. At the February launch event, Apple revealed official features for theiPhone 16e like a brand-new processor, Apple Intelligence, and Face ID for under $600. Now more than ever, this affordable alternative is inching closer to its premier counterparts, but will it come with a charger?Apple hasnt included chargers with its iPhones and Apple Watches for years. That said, customers are wondering if this will be the year it changes its mind on the matter. Heres what we know about the iPhone 16es charger situation.Recommended VideosThe iPhone 16e doesnt come with a charger in box. You can still expect a USB-C cable, just no wall charger to plug it into. Apple switched to USB-C since the last iPhone generation, so lightning cables will no longer work. Just find a USB-C compatible wall plug, charging port, or portable charger for your phone. The iPhone 16e is also wireless charging and Qi charger compatible.RelatedMost USB-C and wireless chargers should work with the 16e, including those from Anker, Belkin, and Satechi. If you prefer a first-party Apple charger, you can buy them directly in-store or online from the official site.AppleBack in 2020, Apple changed its policy on including a wall charger with its phones in an effort to lower its carbon footprint. While some accused Apple of using the new policy to force customers to pay for additional accessories, the company claims it made the change because excluding wall chargers made it possible to fit more phones into one shipment, therefore lowering carbon emissions.Its been this way for the past few years, even though Brazils Justice Ministry ordered Apple to stop selling iPhones without a charger. Some devices, like the new iPad Air and iPad Pro, still come with wall chargers.SatechiYou can get USB-C chargers for as little as $10 on Amazon, but ones with fast-charging, multiple ports, and the like will drive up the price. Now that iPhones are wireless charging compatible, that means MagSafe is also something to consider. We have quite a few lists, including best fast chargers, best iPhone chargers, and best wireless chargers to dig into.Anker carries a few of my favorites like the 3-in-1 Anker Prime 67W Charger, which has two USB-C and one USB-A port, and the simpler Anker 511 Charger (Nano Pro). Even though it only has one charging port, it comes in six colors: white, black, blue, pink, purple, and green. This Nano Pro model (updated versions exist) only supports up to 20W charging, but thats the limit of the iPhone 16e so its fine.Editors Recommendations

Valve's updates to its classic games evoke Hemingway's two kinds of going bankrupt: gradually, then suddenly. Nothing is heard, little is seen, and then, one day, Half-Life 2: Deathmatch,Day of Defeat, and other Source-engine-based games get a bevy of modern upgrades. Now, the entirety of Team Fortress 2 (TF2) client and server game code, a boon for modders and fixers, is also being released.That source code allows for more ambitious projects than have been possible thus far, Valve wrote in a blog post. "Unlike the Steam Workshop or local content mods, this SDK gives mod makers the ability to change, extend, or rewrite TF2, making anything from small tweaks to complete conversions possible." The SDK license restricts any resulting projects to "a non-commercial basis," but they can be published on Steam's store as their own entities.Since it had the tools out, Valve also poked around the games based on that more open source engine and spiffed them up as well. Most games got 64-bit binary support, scalable HUD graphics, borderless window options, and the like. Many of these upgrades come from the big 25-year anniversary update made toHalf-Life 2, which included "overbright lighting," gamepad configurations, Steam networking support, and the like.

October 2017: Christina Haack and Ant Anstead started dating.Ant Anstead and Christina Haack in 2019. Noel Vasquez / Contributor / Getty Images In December 2016, Haack and Tarek El Moussa, 43, her first husband and "Flip or Flop" costar, announced they were separating. During their marriage, Haack and El Moussa had two children: Taylor, 14, and Brayden, 9.Eight months later, a mutual friend introduced Haack to "Celebrity IOU: Joyride" star Ant Anstead, House Beautiful reported. Anstead, like Haack, had two children from a previous marriage.They initially kept their relationship private.January 1, 2018: Haack and Anstead announced they were a couple.Christina Haack and Ant Anstead went public with their relationship in January 2018. Noel Vasquez / Contributor / Getty Images After dating privately for three months, Haack and Anstead shared that they were in a relationship through an Instagram post.Haack posted a now-deleted photo of the pair biking together, congratulating him on the new season of "Wheelers and Dealers" in the caption, People reported.Haack and El Moussa's divorce was finalized later the same month.December 22, 2018: Haack and Anstead tied the knot.The pair got married in December 2018. Noel Vasquez / Contributor / Getty Images Haack and Anstead got married at their home in Newport Beach, California.They didn't make their engagement public before saying "I do," but Anstead said he and Haack were "celebrating something special" in the caption of a photo he posted of Haack on December 17."We pulled off the perfect surprise wedding," Haack toldPeople of the nuptials at the time.March 22, 2019: The couple announced they were expecting a baby.The couple during Haack's pregnancy. Tommaso Boddi / Stringer / Getty Images Haack and Anstead shared that they were pregnant in a now-deleted Instagram post."The kids are all so excited to meet their new sibling," Haack captioned the post.April 8, 2019: Tarek El Moussa accidentally announced the gender of Haack's baby.Tarek El Moussa and Christina Haack. Jerod Harris/Stringer Haack's ex accidentally shared that Haack and Anstead were having a son on TMZ Live.A representative for Haack and Anstead then confirmed the news to People in a statement."While Christina and Ant wished they could have shared the news themselves, they are very excited to welcome a baby boy in the fall," the representative said.September 6, 2019: Haack gave birth to their son Hudson.Christina Haack had a son. Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images Haack took to Instagram in another now-deleted post to share that she had given birth to her third child."Ant and I are so excited to welcome Hudson London Anstead into the world. Our hearts are SO full of love and joy," she captioned the post.Haack also documented Taylor and Brayden meeting their brother for the first time in her docuseries, "Christina on the Coast."September 2020: Haack and Anstead announced they were separating.The couple announced they were separating just a year after Hudson was born. Haack shared the news in a now-deleted Instagram post, according to People."Ant and I have made the difficult decision to separate. We are grateful for each other and as always, our children will remain our priority," she said."We appreciate your support and ask for privacy for us and our family as we navigate the future."Anstead also announced the separation on his Instagram. His caption seemed to indicate Haack had initiated the separation."Anyone who really knows me knows that I don't like to share private matters publicly. I have remained silent while holding on to hope," he captioned a selfie of the pair. "I never gave up on us. I pray Christina's decision brings her happiness."January 2021: Anstead told People he and Haack were co-parenting amicably.Christina Haack and Ant Anstead. Allen Berezovsky / Contributor / Getty Images Anstead told People that he and Haack weren't struggling to share custody of Hudson at the time."There's never been a scenario where I've asked for him and not had him and vice versa," he told People.June 2021: Haack and Anstead's divorce was finalized.Their divorce was finalized in June 2021. Amy Sussman / Staff / Rodin Eckenroth / Stringer / Getty Images A representative for Haack confirmed the marriage was officially over toUSA Today.By the time the divorce was finalized, Haack had alreadystarted dating Josh Hall, and Anstead began seeing Rene Zellweger in June 2021.Haack went on to marry Hall in April 2022.April 28, 2022: Anstead filed an emergency motion for full custody of Hudson.Ant Anstead filed for emergency custody. Michael Kovac / Contributor / Getty Images Anstead said in court documents reviewed by Business Insider that he was Hudson's "primary parent" and that Haack only spent an average of "9 full days each month" with their son.Anstead also said in the court documents that Haack had put Hudson in "dangerous" situations, including a sunburn so severe it made him cry.On another occasion, Anstead said Haack returned Hudson to him without telling him her family had COVID. "At the time, my partner was filming her new project and her covid diagnosis placed the whole production on pause," he said in the filing, referring to Zellweger.The filing also said that Haack used her time with Hudson to post him on social media, sometimes for sponsored content. Anstead requested that a judge block Haack from posting Hudson in any "commercial endeavor" until they reached a new custody agreement.Anstead requested a "regular" custody schedule that would give Haack visitation rights on "alternating weekends, Friday at 4 p.m. until Sunday at 6 p.m. commencing May 6, 2022, in California only, and except for vacations," according to the court documents."This will allow Christina's time to be stepped-up over the next several months to match the schedule she has with her other children," the filing said.Anstead declined to comment on the matter when contacted by BI.April 28, 2022: Haack spoke out against Anstead's motion in a statement to BI.Christina Haack. HGTV "What Ant is doing deeply saddens me," Haack said. "If this was really about Hudson, as he says, this should have been handled privately with a private judge or mediation, as myself and my attorney have suggested.""I have had my share of ups and downs, but I am a good mom, and I love my children with all my heart, and I will always protect them," the statement said.April 28, 2022: A judge denied Anstead's custody request.The request was denied. Amy Sussman / Staff / Getty Images A judge denied Anstead's ex parte custody application on April 28, 2022, both because he did not give Haack enough notice and he did not provide sufficient evidence that Hudson was in danger, according to People.The judge's ruling scheduled a hearing for June 28 to determine whether Anstead's custody request should be granted.Representatives for Anstead did not respond to a request for comment from BI on the ruling. Haack declined to comment on the judge's decision.April 29, 2022: Haack filed a response to Anstead's emergency motion.Christina Haack filed a response. Jerod Harris/Getty Images In a response reviewed by BI, Haack said she was "shocked to see the false allegations against me" and Anstead's "belief that he has been failing to protect our son by sharing custodial time with me."She denied multiple allegations Anstead made against her in the response, saying he was "misleading" the court about their custody arrangement."Mr. Anstead has now taken the position that he is the defacto primary parent of our son, which is not accurate," she said. "Anstead does not count any day wherein we exchange our son as a custodial day for me. He also counts days where I made an accommodation or gave a right of first refusal to him as his day.""That is why there is a huge discrepancy in his mind from our accurate schedule. His attempt to mislead the court is transparent when presented with the true facts," Haack went on to say. "I do not count my accommodations as decreasing my custodial time, but as me being a supportive coparent."Representatives for Anstead and Haack did not respond to requests for comment from BI at the time.April 29, 2022: Josh Hall said he would protect Haack's kids from "unnecessary trauma" in a since-deleted Instagram post.Christina Haack and Josh Hall with her children in January 2023. Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Feld Entertainment In a now-deleted post, Hall shared a photo of himself, Haack, and her three children, saying he would "always protect her.""Never did I think taking on 3 kids from 2 other males would be easy. What I was sure of, the woman connected to them was worth it all," Hall captioned the post."I am not these kids biological father, they have those. What I will be is the best example of a quality human being, always show them how to treat their mother with respect and support them in any way I can during their development.""Christina and I will always remain unfazed by any outside noise and save the kids from any unnecessary trauma," his caption said."I will always protect her, keep her safe and no one will hurt her with me in the picture," he said. "She doesn't bother anyone, she deserves the same in return. I will ensure that's the case."May 15, 2022: A judge ordered the exes to attend mediation.The exes were ordered to attend mediation. Michael Kovac / Contributor / Rodin Eckenroth / Stringer / Getty Images According to court documents reviewed by BI, themediation was scheduledfor June 15, 2022, and their custody hearing was later postponed to March 2023.September 26, 2022: Anstead accused Haack of "exploiting" Hudson.Ant Anstead accused Christina Haack of "exploiting" their son. Gareth Cattermole / Staff / Getty Images Amid the custody battle, Anstead filed a supplemental declaration on September 26, which BI reviewed. He said he and Haack had "resolved" their custody issues "without the need for court intervention" and maintained their son's 50/50 custody schedule.However, in the declaration, Anstead also reiterated his assertions aboutHaack's social media posts about Hudsonand requested that a judge grant him full legal custody.In the declaration, Anstead said Haack had "already exploited Hudson in numerous paid promotions on social media" and that he had a "fear she also has footage of him, to be used in one of her 'reality' TV shows, without my knowledge or consent, and continues to film him despite my objections.""l do not believe it is in Hudson's best interests to be exploited by his mother for professional and financial gain," he said. "As she insists that he should be, I ask the court to give me legal custody so I can make the decisions to protect Hudson and prevent this from happening."Representatives for Anstead did not respond to a request for comment from BI on the matter at the time.September 27, 2022: Haack called Anstead "hypocritical."Christina Haack in 2025. Michael Tullberg/Getty Images In her supplemental declaration, which BI reviewed, Haack said, "From the start, Ant's intention was not to resolve this matter privately and amicably.""I have never exploited our son Hudson," Haack's declaration said. "He appeared in a few of my own Instagram ads that each took less than minutes to film. I have all the footage and they were all fun activities that he enjoyed doing, such as playing with toys or making cookies."Haack also said Anstead wanted to be able to post Hudson on social media and tag his brand Radford, while she had "repeatedly taken the position that I will agree that Hudson shall not appear on television or on social media.""Ant insists that he be allowed to post Hudson on his social media, while tagging products and businesses," Haack said. "Ant admits in his supplemental declaration that he will usually 'tag' his business 'Radford.' It is Ant who insists that he be able to use Hudson in social media posts to promote the post and expand its 'organic' reach.""If it is in the best interest of Hudson to be clear of public scrutiny, I feel Hudson should be off all public social media until he is old enough to make his own decisions," Haack said in the declaration.In the same document, Haack also said Anstead "never had a problem" with Hudson appearing on Instagram or their HGTV shows until 2021, calling his declaration "hypocritical."Haack noted that Anstead also refused to resolve their issues in mediation in her declaration, making their custody disagreement public record."We agreed to resolve this custody matter privately, and yet he continues to file publicly, proving his desire and need for the public's attention," Haack said. "It is all quite disturbing, and now that it is out in the public, it will be far more damaging to Hudson in the long run when he is old enough to see how this matter played out publicly."Representatives for Haack declined to comment on the matter when contacted by BI at the time.November 18, 2022: Anstead and Haack reached a new agreement maintaining joint custody.They reached an agreement. Michael Kovac / Contributor / Getty Images A stipulation to modify a judgment signed by a California judge on November 18 and reviewed by BI states that Haack and Anstead will continue to have joint legal and physical custody of Hudson.Their March 2023 hearing was canceled as a result of the stipulation.Haack's lawyer filed the papers, but both Haack and Anstead signed them.The stipulation altered the former spouses' holiday schedule for Hudson, with the pair switching off for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, July 4th, and Halloween annually, depending on whether the year is even or odd.The stipulation did not mention how Hudson may appear on Anstead and Haack's social media platforms or television shows.Representatives for Haack and Anstead declined to comment when contacted by BI at the time.August - September 2024: Haack made some friendly gestures to Anstead on Instagram.Christina Haack in 2025. Michael Tullberg/Getty Images Haack and Hall filed for divorce in June 2024, less than three years after they tied the knot.In the months following her separation from Hall, Haack's relationship with Anstead seemed to be on better terms based on her Instagram.She refollowed Anstead on Instagram in August, which he reciprocated in October. The pair then occasionally interacted on the platform, tagging each other in photos of Hudson on their stories and commenting on each other's posts of their son.December 2024: HGTV announced Ant Anstead would appear on Haack's show "The Flip Off."Christina Haack stars on "The Flip Off" with the El Moussas. HGTV In May 2024, HGTV announced that Haack and Hall were filming"The Flip Off"with Tarek and Heather Rae El Moussa. The series would be a competitionto see who could profit most from a home flip.Haack and Hall were competing against the El Moussas on the series, but Haack competed on the show solo after she and Hall split.In November, Anstead was spotted on the set of the series with Haack, and a month later, HGTV announced Anstead was one of the guest judges who would evaluate spaces in Haack's and the El Moussas' homes for the series.February 19, 2025: Anstead debuted on "The Flip Off."Ant Anstead in October 2024. Tiffany Rose/Getty Images for Newport Beach Film Festival Anstead judged the guest bedroom and bathroom transformations on the show.When Haack told the El Moussas on the phone that she selected Anstead as a judge, they both expressed shock, saying, "What?" and "Oh my gosh."The El Moussas told People they were surprised when Haack picked Anstead, as Heather Rae El Moussa thought they "weren't talking."

Microsoft unveiled Majorana 1, a quantum chip the company says is powered by a new state of matter.The new chip allows for more stable, scalable, and simplified quantum computing, the company says.The development is "just as revolutionary as the silicon transistor," a quantum expert told BI.Microsoft on Wednesday unveiled Majorana 1, a quantum chip the company says is powered by a new state of matter.CEO Satya Nadella described it as a "breakthrough" in the advancement of quantum computing."Most of us grew up learning there are three main types of matter that matter: solid, liquid, and gas. Today, that changed," Nadella said in a post on X. "After a nearly 20 year pursuit, we've created an entirely new state of matter, unlocked by a new class of materials, topoconductors, that enable a fundamental leap in computing. It powers Majorana 1, the first quantum processing unit built on a topological core. We believe this breakthrough will allow us to create a truly meaningful quantum computer not in decades, as some have predicted, but in years."Quantum computing is a rapidly evolving field of technology that combines the disciplines of computer science, math, and quantum mechanics to solve more complex calculations more quickly than is possible through classical computing. The foundation of quantum computing relies on units of information called qubits, rather than the binary bits used in classical computing.Qubits exist in multiple states at once, like a spinning coin appearing to show both heads and tails simultaneously. They behave differently when observed, and require specific conditions such as low light or extremely cold environments to replicate results reliably and without errors, which has made advancement in the field slowgoing.However, when they behave predictably at a large enough scale, qubits enable quantum computers to quickly calculate equations with multiple solutions and perform advanced computations that would be impossible for classical computers.Researchers in the field agree that computations solvable through quantum computing could help discover new drugs, promote sustainable food growth in harsh climates, and develop new chemical compounds that break down plastics or break our current encryption methods, among other outcomes.NadellaIn an appearance on the Dwarkesh Podcast, Nadella said quantum computing will be most useful for exploring how various compounds work in different states, like advancements in chemical physics and biology, rather than the data-heavy processing that AI is best at."The way I think of it is, if you have AI plus quantum, maybe you'll use quantum to generate synthetic data that then gets used by AI to train better models that know how to model something like chemistry or physics or what have you," Nadella said in the podcast. "These two things will get used together."Microsoft said in a press release that its topological superconductor isa new material that isn't solid, liquid, or gas,Nature that its topological superconductor is a path forward for quantum computing to produce more stable qubits.Troy Nelson, the Chief Technology Officer at Lastwall, a cybersecurity provider of quantum resilient technology, told Business Insider that, since the behavior of quantum systems is often hard to prove due to the unstable nature of qubits, he'd like to see more real-world testing to confirm Microsoft's findings, but he's "more on the optimistic side of cautiously optimistic" about the company's announcement."What they've done is they've created a new foundation that we can build off of," Nelson said. "Now we need to solve the production problems like the economies of scale and bringing costs down. But I see what they produced here as a new road map."Microsoft's new topological architecturewasused to develop its Majorana 1 processor, offeringwhat the company, in its press release, called"a clear path to fit a million qubits on a single chip that can fit in the palm of one's hand." Microsoft's Majorana 1 chip is the first quantum computing chip powered by topological qubits. Microsoft "This is a needed threshold for quantum computers to deliver transformative, real-world solutions such as breaking down microplastics into harmless byproducts or inventing self-healing materials for construction, manufacturing or healthcare," Microsoft's press release reads. "All the world's current computers operating together can't do what a one-million-qubit quantum computer will be able to do."Nelson said Microsoft's topological breakthrough, if it can be replicated by other researchers in the field, will be a turning point that shortens the timeline for developing fully functional quantum computers to just years."If we really can print topoconductor to chips the size of your hand, that's just as revolutionary as the silicon transistor," Nelson said.Microsoft's stock rose 1.25% on Wednesday following the announcement of its new quantum chip.While Microsoft's Majorana 1 chip doesn't mean commercially useful quantum computing is right around the corner, it is the latest in a series of significant advancements in the field that leads some researchers to believe more widespread, commercial adoption will come sooner than previously expected.In December, Google unveiled Willow, its new quantum chip, which the company says can perform a standard benchmark computation in under five minutes a task that would take the current fastest supercomputers 10 septillion years to complete; a timeframe that exceeds the age of the universe.But not everyone is convinced. Quantum stocks tumbled in January after Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang suggested we're still 20 years away from the technology being "very useful."