9 of the biggest new headphones and earbuds unveiled in September: Apple, Bose, Sony and more
In what has been a huge month for headphones and earbuds, we pick just the 9 most-prominent products in the portable audio listening gear space — strap in, there's a lot to get through!
In September 2026, the portable audio market saw a flurry of new headphones and earbuds launches, with Apple, Bose, Sony, and more introducing their latest offerings.
Apple kicked off the month with the AirPods 5, featuring improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Live Translation, along with a wireless charging case. Priced at $129, $149 with the wireless charging case, and available now, the AirPods 5 aim to refresh the iconic AirPods Pro line without the health or heart-rate modules.
Sony joined the party with three new headphone models: the WH-CH730N, WH-CH530, and WH-1000XM4C. These updates cater to the ever-growing demand for high-quality audio experiences. The WH-1000XM4C, in particular, offers replaceable batteries and some small feature tweaks to its iconic WH-1000XM4 headphones.
Beats also made waves in September 2026 with the launch of the Beats 360. This new model from Apple's sub-brand prioritizes comfort, style, and customization. Users can personalize their ear cups and headband with interchangeable colors, making Beats 360 a standout choice for those seeking a unique listening experience. Priced at $349, the Beats 360 offer a compelling combination of sound quality and personalization options.
Meanwhile, Sonos introduced a hotly-anticipated update to its Sonos Ace headphones, now rebranded as the Sonos Ace Ultra. This second-generation version addresses the shortcomings of its predecessor, providing an excellent balance of music quality, Dolby Atmos performance for movies, and an enhanced feature suite with superior ANC and detailed EQ options. Priced at $449, the Sonos Ace Ultra is a favorite among users and easily among the top headphones of the year.
Finally, on September 29, two premium over-ear headphones made their debut within hours of each other: Nothing's Nothing Headphone (1) Pro and Technics EAH-A1000. Both models have garnered praise for their aesthetics and sound quality, with Nothing Headphone (1) Pro being reviewed in detail and Technics EAH-A1000 awaiting further testing.
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