It looks like practical features are the new priority for personal audio.
CES 2025 brings practical improvements to personal audio. Based on these, companies are now focusing more on how to address user needs instead of just fancy features.
Here’s a look at how headphones and earbuds are evolving to match how people actually use them.
OSO AI Earbuds
Laxis’s new OSO AI Earbuds aim to help global teams work better together.
These earbuds translate 40 languages in real-time and pull out key points from meetings. The system creates summaries and lets users make voice-controlled follow-ups, which helps with catching up on missed meetings or sending quick notes.
Different teams can use them in different ways. Sales teams might record client needs, while service providers can take quick session notes.
Technics EAH-AZ100
Technics has brought its magnetic fluid system to wireless earbuds with the EAH-AZ100.
These earbuds use a miniature version of the company’s magnetic fluid technology. Think of it like tiny magnetic particles suspended in oil between the driver parts. This helps create deeper bass (down to 3Hz) while keeping high notes clear.
For calls, three microphones on each side work with an AI chip for Voice Focus. The system makes voices clearer on calls, not just blocking noise. And, the noise canceling changes based on your environment and ear shape.
Artronic Komutr
The Komutr earbuds tackle a common storage problem with a simple solution: magnets.
With a case just 0.47 inches thin, these MagSafe-compatible earbuds can stick to the back of an iPhone without creating an awkward bulge. It’s a handy way to keep your earbuds within reach without stuffing another case in your pocket.
Despite the slim profile, these lightweight earbuds (0.17 ounces each) still manage up to 10 hours of playback time. The case adds another 20 hours, matching the battery life of bulkier alternatives.
Shokz OpenMeet
The OpenMeet takes a fresh approach to meeting comfort. Its five-point titanium frame weighs just 78 grams, which spreads evenly around the head, unlike bulky office headsets. This helps during long video calls, even for users who wear glasses.
Of course, since this is by Shokz, the headphones use bone conduction technology. But, this time they mixed it up with regular drivers to deliver both rich bass and clear highs while keeping ears open.
The Loop120 adapter also fixes a common meeting problem. It switches smoothly between devices, reducing interruptions in cross-platform calls.
Shokz OpenFit 2
Most open-ear earbuds struggle with bass. It’s just physics. So, Shokz tackled this by splitting each 9.4g earbud into two speakers on the OpenFit 2: one dedicated to low frequencies, and another for highs.
This DualBoost system works with their OpenBass 2.0 vibration technology to improve bass while keeping users aware of their environment.
Aside from that, the nickel-titanium alloy hooks use a new silicone coating for comfort. And, the battery runs for 11 hours, with the case adding another 37 hours when you need it.
These $179.95 earbuds might interest runners, cyclists, or anyone else who wants music without losing touch with the world around them.
JLab Epic Lux Lab Edition
Epic Lux’s Lab Spatial Audio tracks your head movements to keep the sound centered as you move, which is an interesting feature at $199.99 when similar tech usually costs twice as much.
Street noise won’t break the illusion either. That’s thanks to four microphones working together to lower outside noise by 42 dB.
You also get some practical extras:
- Google Fast Pair for quick Android setup
- Bluetooth Multipoint for switching between devices
- LabShare for sharing your music with another pair of headphones.
JBL Tour ONE M3
The Tour ONE M3 comes with a clever addition: a small touchscreen transmitter called SMART Tx.
This wireless adapter connects to USB-C or analog sources, helping users with airplane systems. And, its screen controls EQ settings and shares audio with Auracast headphones nearby.
The audio tech inside matches this flexibility.
- Eight microphones work with True Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0 to adjust sound blocking based on your environment.
- The new 40mm Mica Dome drivers and Personi-Fi 3.0 system let you fine-tune your sound through a 12-band equalizer.
- JBL also added spatial audio with head tracking to enhance movies and music.
Creative Aurvana Ace Mimi
Sound personalization is the key feature of Creative’s $130 Aurvana Ace Mimi earbuds.
The built-in Mimi system runs a hearing test when you first use them, then adjusts the audio output to match your specific hearing profile.
Music streaming gets a boost too. The LDAC support pushes audio quality up to 990 kbps, nearly triple the standard Bluetooth rate.
While that might not matter for casual listening, it makes a difference for high-resolution audio files where every detail counts. Pair that with its ANC and you’re set to enjoy your music thoroughly.
Beyerdynamic Aventho 300
Beyerdynamic took their studio monitor driver technology, Stellar.45, and adapted it for wireless listening with the Aventho 300.
That means you get the same detail-focused sound signature their studio gear is known for in these $400 headphones. But, with the convenience of wireless features.
Apple users get some extra perks. The MFi certification enables proper Dolby Atmos spatial audio support, including head tracking that adjusts as you move.
Plus, the 50-hour battery life lets you listen for days before needing a charge, while still keeping the sound quality that studio headphones are known for.
Think of it as studio monitor accuracy in a modern wireless package. No extra bass boost or artificial sound enhancements, just clean audio tuned the way audio engineers intended.
Special Mention: FiiO K17
While not a headphone, the FiiO K17 earns a spot for reimagining the desktop DAC/amp.
This desktop DAC/amp makes high-end audio processing more approachable.
The K17’s 0.91-inch display shows exactly what’s happening with your audio, while its Desktop Mode pushes serious power through four balanced channels and eight parallel amplifiers.
For audiophiles, this means clean, powerful sound even with demanding headphones.
The dual ES9069Q DACs inside handle the digital-to-analog conversion with impressive clarity, producing dynamic range up to 130dB.
In practical terms, you’ll hear subtle details in your music that typically get lost. And, if that’s not enough, the 10-band equalizer lets you fine-tune the sound to your preferences without diving into complex software.
At $900, it’s built for listeners who want precise control over their audio setup without needing an engineering degree to operate it.