Final Audio’s newest wireless earbuds are surprisingly budget-friendly.

      Final Audio

      The boutique Japanese audio brand, Final Audio, has just unveiled its latest wireless earbuds, priced at an unexpectedly affordable $100. The ZE3000 SV essentially act as the second iteration of the company’s $149 ZE3000 — among the top-sounding earbuds I’ve tested under $200 — yet they seem to incorporate numerous enhancements at a significantly lower cost. They will be available soon on Amazon and on Final Audio’s website.

      While the ZE3000 earbuds are recognized for their audio fidelity, Final had previously omitted several features we commonly associate with wireless earbuds, such as noise cancellation and Bluetooth Multipoint. They can deliver hi-res audio, but solely through Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive codec, which is not supported by many popular smartphones.

      The ZE3000 SV effectively address these issues. Final claims its new “Comfort ANC” has been crafted to strike a balance between sound quality and sound isolation effectiveness. Multipoint functionality allows for simultaneous connection to two devices, and Final has replaced aptX Adaptive with Sony’s hi-res LDAC codec, compatible with all Android smartphones (though not available for iPhones).

      These improvements are certainly welcome, however, not if they compromise audio quality. It appears that Final has succeeded in maintaining the excellent performance of the ZE3000 through the introduction of new, larger 10mm “f-Core SV drivers” and f-LINK Port technology, which “optimizes the pressure within the acoustic space while ensuring reliable waterproof performance. This design allows for greater control of low frequencies, which is typically challenging to achieve in true wireless devices, resulting in lifelike vocals, impactful kick drums, and bass lines that resonate strongly without disrupting overall balance.”

      The battery life remains unchanged, advertised at 7 hours of playback (28 hours when using the charging case), although it remains uncertain how the inclusion of ANC and LDAC will affect these figures. The ZE3000 SV also feature IPX4 water resistance and can be personalized through the Final Connect App.

      Additionally, they include a gaming mode, though the description surprised me: “Gaming Mode can be activated via the Final Connect app and will instantly create a low latency connection of up to 60ms – a speed not typically seen with standard Bluetooth connections.” While 60 milliseconds is certainly an improvement compared to what’s usually found with SBC, AAC, or LDAC codecs (which can reach as high as 350ms), there are other wireless earbuds that offer low latency modes as fast as 45ms.

      Regardless, I’m eagerly looking forward to trying the ZE3000 SV. If their sound quality is on par with the ZE3000, they will be an excellent deal.

      Simon Cohen is a contributing editor at Digital Trends' Audio/Video section, where he closely follows the latest in wireless technology.

      Bose has introduced a new pair of noise-canceling wireless earbuds to its collection, priced at an appealing $179. Known simply as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, these are targeted at individuals seeking everyday earbuds that deliver impressive sound and noise cancellation. The new model is available in three colors (black, white, and lilac) and can be ordered starting September 18.

      Bose's QuietComfort series of noise-canceling wireless earbuds has typically been quite pricey, often surpassing the costs associated with similar features from brands like Apple, Sony, and Sennheiser. This makes the QuietComfort Earbuds a significant shift for the company and a welcomed change for Bose enthusiasts.

      JLab has unveiled its latest sports-oriented wireless earbuds, the JLab Epic Sport ANC 3, and has collaborated with balanced armature manufacturer Knowles to enhance sound quality. Priced at $100, they will be available online in September and in physical stores starting October.

      The Epic Sport ANC 3 take their place as successors to the Epic Air Sport ANC wireless earbuds, which have become a preferred choice for fitness enthusiasts looking for a secure fit without the hefty price of Beats Powerbeats Pro. It's unclear why JLab decided to drop the "Air" from the name, but the launch of these new sports earbuds comes at a strategic time as Beats has announced that the next-gen Powerbeats Pro will arrive in the upcoming year.

      Beyerdynamic has refreshed its premium wireless earbuds and headphones with two new offerings, the Amiron 300 ($280) and Aventho 300 ($400). They will be available in black or white when they go on sale in October.

      The naming of the new models may confuse some longtime fans of Beyerdynamic. Traditionally, the company has used the Amiron name for its wired and wireless over-ear headphones, such as the Amiron Home and the Amiron Wireless. However, the new Amiron 300 will serve as the company’s flagship wireless earbuds, following the launch of their first wireless model, the Free Byrd.