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The best audio products of IFA 2026
The SoundGuys team examined a wide range of new earbuds, headphones, and other audio gear at IFA 2026. Here are our top selections.
IFA 2026 introduced a large assortment of headphones and earbuds in Berlin, yet a few models distinguished themselves. From budget earbuds loaded with premium features to sleep‑focused buds that monitor heart rate overnight, these are the audio devices that captured our interest at the show.
The EarFun Air Pro 5 are affordable wireless earbuds packed with features
The EarFun Air Pro 5 represent the most feature‑rich budget wireless earbuds we saw at IFA 2026. They follow the Air Pro 4, which earned a SoundGuys Editor’s Choice award for delivering strong sound and capabilities under $100. The new version uses upgraded 11 mm LCP composite drivers and EarFun’s QuietSmart 4.0 hybrid adaptive ANC. With acoustic engineering input from Bose, EarFun claims the earbuds can cut low‑frequency ambient noise by up to 98 %. Users can choose from five ANC levels and benefit from wind‑noise suppression, while Bluetooth 6.0, LDAC, LE Audio, LC3 and Auracast give the Air Pro 5 a robust connectivity suite. They also support simultaneous connection to three devices, surpassing the typical two‑device multipoint. A six‑microphone AI call system, AI translation via the EarFun Audio app, and up to 54 hours of total battery life complete the package. Offering flagship‑level features at a modest price, the EarFun Air Pro 5 are worth a look.
The Edifier WH950NB Pro are all-around wireless headphones that don’t break the bank
The Edifier WH950NB Pro stood out at IFA 2026 by fitting an unusually ambitious acoustic architecture into a pair of wireless ANC headphones. Rather than a single full‑range driver, each ear cup houses a 40 mm woofer paired with a dedicated 10 mm tweeter, managed by a DSP‑enhanced analog crossover that more efficiently splits frequencies. This hardware is complemented by Adaptive Hybrid ANC that employs an eight‑microphone array, plus spatial audio with dynamic head tracking that reshapes the soundstage as you move. Connectivity is another strong point: the WH950NB Pro supports Bluetooth 6.1, LDAC, multipoint, Google Fast Pair, USB‑C digital audio, and an active 3.5 mm input. A six‑microphone AI beamforming system handles calls, while wear detection and a Smart Chat feature automatically pause music and enable transparency mode when your voice is detected. Edifier rates battery life at roughly 70 hours with ANC off. Overall, the WH950NB Pro offer flagship capabilities without abandoning wired use, making them a compelling option for listeners seeking high performance at a reasonable cost.
The Anker Soundcore Sleep Earbuds 4 Pro are great for sleep tracking
If improving sleep is your goal, the Anker Soundcore Sleep Earbuds 4 Pro are worth considering. Soundcore extends its sleep‑tracking portfolio by integrating in‑ear PPG sensors that can record heart rate and heart‑rate variability throughout the night, potentially eliminating the need for a smartwatch or smart ring while you rest. The charging case is unusually sophisticated, featuring an AMOLED display that lets you adjust settings, set alarms, and view a sleep summary in the morning without reaching for your phone. This combination makes the Sleep Earbuds 4 Pro feel more like a dedicated sleep wearable that also functions as earbuds. It’s an intriguing direction for Soundcore, especially for users who already prefer sleeping with earbuds but dislike adding another wrist‑worn device. Comfort and tracking accuracy still need testing before we can judge the usefulness of these extras. The Sleep Earbuds 4 Pro are slated for a November launch at $349, placing them at the premium end of the sleep‑earbud market, yet their feature set aims to justify the price.
Honorable mention: beyerdynamic AVENTHO Y
The beyerdynamic AVENTHO Y earns an honorable mention as it may represent the brand’s strongest push into the mainstream consumer headphone market. Known primarily for studio and enthusiast models, beyerdynamic offers the AVENTHO Y at $149.99, pricing it to compete with mass‑market wireless options while retaining the build quality and repairability the brand is known for. The foldable design incorporates aluminum sliders and stainless‑steel hinges, and the magnetic ear pads along with a user‑replaceable battery allow high‑wear components to be swapped instead of discarding the entire headset. Everyday features are not neglected: the headphones include active noise cancellation, Bluetooth 6.0 multipoint, more than 90 hours of claimed battery life with ANC off (or up to 60 hours with ANC on), and fast charging that delivers six hours of playback from a five‑minute charge. Optional velour ear pads and an upgrade bundle featuring a low‑latency USB‑C dongle and detachable boom microphone add further versatility. Should the AVENTHO Y deliver the sound quality expected from beyerdynamic at this price point, it could serve as an appealing bridge between the company’s audiophile heritage and a broader consumer audience.
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