Wearables

Garmin Forerunner® 955 Solar: The Apex Predator of Performance Smartwatches

The Sun-Powered Evolution

In the relentless pursuit of athletic excellence, every marginal gain counts. From the shoes on your feet to the fuel in your body, athletes are constantly seeking an edge. For years, Garmin’s Forerunner series has been the trusted companion for runners and triathletes, evolving from simple GPS trackers to sophisticated multi-sport powerhouses. With the introduction of the Forerunner® 955 Solar, Garmin has not just iterated; they’ve integrated a game-changing technology that promises to extend your adventures and training sessions beyond conventional limits: solar charging.

The Forerunner 955 Solar isn’t merely a watch; it’s a wrist-worn coaching ecosystem, a data scientist, and an ultra-marathoner’s best friend, all wrapped in a durable, lightweight package. Designed for the serious athlete who demands unparalleled accuracy, comprehensive training insights, and extended battery life, this device stands as a testament to Garmin’s commitment to innovation. But does it truly live up to the hype? Is the solar charging a gimmick or a genuine advantage? And for whom is this premium device truly intended? Join us as we dive deep into every facet of the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar, dissecting its features, performance, and overall value proposition for the discerning athlete.

Design & Build Quality: Form Meets Function

At first glance, the Forerunner 955 Solar maintains the familiar aesthetic of its predecessors – a robust, circular design that prioritizes functionality over fashion. However, subtle refinements and the integration of Power Glass™ set it apart.

The watch features a 46.5 mm case, striking a balance between a substantial presence on the wrist and a comfortable fit for extended wear. Weighing in at just 53 grams, it’s remarkably lightweight for a device packed with so much technology, ensuring it won’t be a hindrance during long runs or swims. The construction is primarily fiber-reinforced polymer, which contributes to its light weight while offering impressive durability. This material choice makes it resilient against the bumps and scrapes of an active lifestyle, from trail running falls to accidental knocks in the gym.

The silicone strap is soft, flexible, and breathable, designed for comfort during intense workouts and all-day wear. It’s easily interchangeable, allowing for personalization or replacement if needed. The traditional five-button layout (three on the left, two on the right) is retained, providing tactile control even with sweaty hands or when wearing gloves. These buttons are well-placed, responsive, and have a satisfying click, crucial for quick navigation during activities.

The most significant design innovation, of course, is the Power Glass™ solar charging lens. This transparent layer is seamlessly integrated into the watch face, designed to capture solar energy without obstructing the display. Around the edge of the display, a thin, almost imperceptible solar ring is visible, which is where the primary solar collection occurs. This integration is remarkably discreet, ensuring the watch still looks like a high-performance sports watch rather than a bulky, sun-collecting gadget. The 10 ATM water rating means it’s suitable for swimming, showering, and even high-speed water sports, cementing its utility for triathletes.

Display: Clarity and Control

The Forerunner 955 Solar boasts a 1.3-inch, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display with a resolution of 260 x 260 pixels. This display technology is a hallmark of Garmin’s outdoor watches, and for good reason. Unlike AMOLED screens that drain battery life with their vibrant colors, MIP displays excel in bright sunlight, becoming more readable as ambient light increases. This is a critical advantage for outdoor athletes who spend hours under the sun. The colors are muted compared to an AMOLED, but the clarity of data fields and maps in direct sunlight is unparalleled.

A significant upgrade for the 955 series is the addition of a full touchscreen interface, a feature previously reserved for Garmin’s Fenix line. This is a welcome addition, offering intuitive navigation through menus, maps, and data screens with simple swipes and taps. For instance, zooming in and out on maps or scrolling through long lists becomes much more fluid. Crucially, the touchscreen can be disabled during activities to prevent accidental touches, allowing users to rely solely on the physical buttons – a thoughtful design choice for activities like swimming or running in the rain. The combination of both touchscreen and buttons offers the best of both worlds, catering to different preferences and scenarios.

The display also supports an always-on mode, which, while consuming slightly more battery, ensures that your data is always visible at a glance without needing to raise your wrist or press a button. The backlight is adjustable and bright enough for low-light conditions, though it’s typically not needed in daylight thanks to the transflective nature of the screen.

Key Features & Performance: Your Personal Performance Lab

This is where the Forerunner 955 Solar truly shines, offering an exhaustive suite of features designed to optimize every aspect of an athlete’s training and recovery.

GPS & Navigation: Pinpoint Accuracy, Global Reach

Garmin has significantly upgraded the GPS capabilities of the Forerunner 955 Solar with the inclusion of multi-band GNSS support (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo). This means the watch can simultaneously receive signals from multiple satellite systems across different frequencies, dramatically improving accuracy in challenging environments like dense urban areas with tall buildings, deep canyons, or heavily forested trails. Our testing confirmed this, showing remarkably consistent and precise track logs even in previously problematic areas. For ultra-runners and trail enthusiasts, this enhanced accuracy is a game-changer, ensuring reliable distance tracking and navigation.

The watch comes with preloaded full-color TopoActive maps for your region (downloadable for other regions), offering detailed topographical information, points of interest, and routable road networks. Navigation features include turn-by-turn directions, round-trip routing, and the ability to import GPX courses. The touchscreen makes map interaction a breeze, allowing for quick panning and zooming. The “Up Ahead” feature provides at-a-glance information about upcoming course points (e.g., aid stations, turns), which is incredibly useful during races or long training runs.

Heart Rate Monitoring: Insights from the Inside

The Forerunner 955 Solar features Garmin’s latest Elevate Gen 4 optical heart rate sensor. This sensor provides continuous heart rate monitoring, both during activities and throughout the day. While optical HR sensors are generally less accurate than chest straps for high-intensity, fluctuating efforts, Garmin’s implementation is among the best, providing reliable data for most training scenarios. For critical data, such as interval training or threshold tests, the watch can be paired with an external ANT+ or Bluetooth chest strap for superior accuracy.

A notable addition is HRV Status, which tracks your Heart Rate Variability during sleep. HRV is a key indicator of your autonomic nervous system’s balance, reflecting your body’s recovery and readiness to perform. By analyzing trends in your HRV, the watch provides valuable insights into your overall stress, training load, and recovery, helping you avoid overtraining or undertraining.

Training Metrics: The Coach on Your Wrist

Garmin’s strength lies in its sophisticated training analytics, and the 955 Solar takes this to another level with several new and enhanced metrics:

Training Readiness: This is arguably the most impactful new metric. It’s a single score (0-100) that combines multiple factors – sleep quality, recovery time, HRV status, acute load, and stress – to give you an immediate understanding of how ready your body is for a hard workout. It’s a powerful tool for guiding daily training decisions, helping you decide whether to push hard, take it easy, or rest.
Training Status: This long-standing Garmin feature has been refined. It analyzes your recent training load and VO2 Max trends to tell you if your training is Productive, Peaking, Maintaining, Detraining, Overreaching, or Strained. It provides actionable feedback on whether your training is effective.
Acute Load: Replaces the previous “7-day load” and focuses on the recent training load, providing a more immediate picture of your current physiological stress.
Load Focus: Categorizes your training load into anaerobic, high aerobic, and low aerobic, helping you ensure a balanced training plan that targets all energy systems.
VO2 Max: Continues to be a cornerstone metric, estimating your cardiovascular fitness level and tracking its improvement over time.
Recovery Time: Estimates the time needed before your body is fully recovered for another hard effort, taking into account the intensity and duration of your last workout.
Daily Suggested Workouts: This intelligent feature provides personalized running and cycling workout recommendations each day, adapting based on your Training Readiness, current training load, recovery, and recent activities. It’s like having a dynamic coach guiding your daily sessions.

Running Dynamics & Power: Deeper Insights

For serious runners, the Forerunner 955 Solar supports advanced running dynamics (when paired with a compatible accessory like the Running Dynamics Pod or HRM-Pro chest strap). These metrics include cadence, stride length, ground contact time, ground contact time balance, vertical oscillation, and vertical ratio, providing a deeper understanding of your running form.

While the watch doesn’t natively measure running power from the wrist, it can display and record running power data from compatible third-party sensors (e.g., Stryd). This allows runners to train with power, which offers a more consistent and immediate measure of effort compared to pace or heart rate, especially on varied terrain.

Sleep Tracking & Health Monitoring: Beyond the Workout

The Forerunner 955 Solar is not just for workouts; it’s a comprehensive 24/7 health tracker.

Sleep Tracking & Sleep Score: It automatically tracks your sleep stages (light, deep, REM) and provides a detailed sleep score (0-100) based on the quantity and quality of your sleep. The sleep data is integrated into the Training Readiness metric, highlighting its importance for recovery.
Pulse Ox: Measures blood oxygen saturation, providing insights into acclimatization at altitude or potential sleep disturbances.
Body Battery™: A unique Garmin metric that uses HRV, stress, and activity data to estimate your energy reserves throughout the day. It helps you understand when to push and when to rest.
Stress Tracking: Monitors your stress levels based on heart rate variability, offering relaxation reminders when stress is high.
Women’s Health Tracking: Allows female users to track their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, logging symptoms and receiving personalized training and nutrition guidance.

Smartwatch Features: Connected Convenience

Beyond its athletic prowess, the Forerunner 955 Solar functions as a capable smartwatch:

Smart Notifications: Receive calls, texts, and app alerts directly on your wrist (when paired with a compatible smartphone).
Music Control & Storage: Control music playback from your phone or store up to 2,000 songs directly on the watch from services like Spotify, Deezer, or Amazon Music (with a premium subscription), allowing for phone-free listening with Bluetooth headphones.
Garmin Pay™: Make contactless payments directly from your wrist, a convenient feature for post-run coffee or emergency purchases.
Connect IQ™ Store: Personalize your watch with custom watch faces, data fields, widgets, and apps from the Connect IQ Store.

Solar Charging: The Game Changer?

The “Solar” in Forerunner 955 Solar is not just a marketing gimmick; it’s a genuinely impactful feature. Garmin’s Power Glass™ technology is designed to convert sunlight into usable energy, extending the watch’s battery life. It’s important to set expectations: solar charging isn’t going to fully recharge your watch from empty in a few hours. Instead, it acts as a trickle charge, constantly topping up the battery and significantly extending the time between charges, especially when used outdoors.

The watch provides a “Solar Intensity” widget that shows how much solar exposure it’s receiving, measured in kilolux-hours. This allows users to understand the effectiveness of the solar charging in real-time. For optimal solar charging, Garmin recommends at least three hours of direct sunlight exposure per day, though any exposure contributes.

In practical terms, the solar charging significantly boosts battery life in GPS mode, which is typically the most power-hungry feature. For ultra-runners or multi-day adventurers, this means being able to track longer activities without needing to carry a power bank or find an outlet. For everyday users, it translates to less frequent charging, enhancing convenience.

Battery Life: Endurance Redefined

Battery life is a critical factor for any sports watch, and the Forerunner 955 Solar excels here, particularly with the added benefit of solar charging. Garmin provides impressive estimates, and our real-world testing largely confirmed these figures, especially with sufficient sun exposure.

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated battery life:

Smartwatch Mode: Up to 15 days / 20 days with solar*
GPS Only Mode: Up to 42 hours / 49 hours with solar*
All-Systems GNSS Mode: Up to 20 hours / 22 hours with solar*
All-Systems GNSS with Multi-Band: Up to 17 hours / 20 hours with solar*
UltraTrac™ Mode: Up to 80 hours / 110 hours with solar*
GPS with Music: Up to 8 hours

*Assumes 3 hours per day in 50,000 lux conditions.

In our testing, with daily runs (1-2 hours of GPS), continuous heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and smart notifications, the watch comfortably lasted over two weeks between charges with regular outdoor exposure. On longer GPS activities, the solar boost was noticeable, providing those crucial extra hours that can make the difference between finishing a race with data and having your watch die mid-course. For multi-day hikes or ultra-marathons, the UltraTrac mode combined with solar charging offers truly exceptional endurance.

It’s important to note that actual battery life will vary based on usage patterns, sensor usage (e.g., Pulse Ox on/off), backlight settings, and the amount of solar exposure. However, the Forerunner 955 Solar undeniably offers some of the best battery performance in its class, especially for athletes who train and compete outdoors.

The Garmin Connect Ecosystem: Your Data, Your Progress

The hardware is only half the story; the Garmin Connect app (available on iOS and Android) is where all the data collected by the Forerunner 955 Solar comes to life. It’s a comprehensive platform for analyzing your activities, tracking health metrics, and managing your device.

Detailed Data Analysis: Every workout is meticulously logged, with detailed graphs for pace, heart rate, elevation, cadence, power (if applicable), and more. You can overlay different metrics, analyze splits, and view maps of your routes.
Health & Wellness Insights: The app presents your Body Battery, stress levels, sleep score, HRV status, and other health metrics in easy-to-understand dashboards, showing trends over time.
Training & Planning: Garmin Connect is where you access your Training Status, Training Readiness, and Daily Suggested Workouts. You can also create custom workouts, build training plans, and sync them directly to your watch.
Community & Challenges: Connect with friends, join challenges, and share your activities. This social aspect can be a great motivator.
Device Management: Customize watch settings, download watch faces and apps from Connect IQ, and update firmware.

The sheer depth of data and the intuitive presentation within Garmin Connect make it an invaluable tool for athletes looking to understand their performance, optimize their training, and track their progress over weeks, months, and years.

Who is it Best For? The Ideal User Profile

The Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar is a premium device with a premium price tag, and as such, it’s not for everyone. It truly shines for a specific demographic of athletes:

The Serious Runner: If you’re training for marathons, ultra-marathons, or aiming for personal bests in any distance, the 955 Solar provides all the data, coaching insights, and navigation tools you could ever need. The Training Readiness and Daily Suggested Workouts are particularly beneficial for structured training.
The Dedicated Triathlete: With multi-sport profiles, seamless transition tracking, and robust swimming features, this watch is built for the demands of triathlon training and racing.
The Data-Obsessed Athlete: If you love diving deep into your performance metrics, understanding physiological responses, and leveraging data to inform your training, the 955 Solar offers an unparalleled level of insight.
The Outdoor Adventurer/Trail Runner: Multi-band GPS, preloaded maps, and exceptional battery life (especially with solar) make it an ideal companion for long hikes, backcountry explorations, and challenging trail runs where reliable navigation and extended power are crucial.
The Athlete Seeking Extended Battery Life: If frequent charging is a pain point, or if you participate in activities that push battery limits (e.g., 24-hour races, multi-day FKT attempts), the solar charging capability provides a significant advantage.
The Athlete Who Wants a Coach on Their Wrist: The intelligent training metrics and daily workout suggestions genuinely help guide your training, making it suitable for those who want structured guidance without a human coach.

It might be overkill for casual fitness enthusiasts or those primarily interested in basic activity tracking. For them, a more affordable Forerunner model or a different brand might suffice. But for the athlete committed to pushing their limits and optimizing every aspect of their performance, the 955 Solar is an investment that pays dividends.

Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective

Pros	Cons
Exceptional Battery Life (with Solar)	Premium Price Tag
Multi-Band GNSS for Superior GPS Accuracy	MIP Display (less vibrant than AMOLED)
Comprehensive Training Metrics	Solar charging requires direct sunlight
Training Readiness & HRV Status	Touchscreen can be finicky when wet (can be disabled)
Full-Color Maps & Advanced Navigation	No native running power from wrist
Responsive Touchscreen & Button Control
Lightweight and Durable Design
Extensive Smartwatch Features
Robust Garmin Connect Ecosystem

Conclusion: The New Benchmark

The Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar is, without a doubt, one of the most advanced and capable GPS sports watches on the market today. It takes everything that was great about its predecessors and elevates it with crucial upgrades like multi-band GPS, a responsive touchscreen, and, most notably, the genuinely beneficial solar charging capability.

For the serious runner, triathlete, or outdoor adventurer, this watch offers an unparalleled suite of tools for training, racing, and recovery. The new Training Readiness and HRV Status metrics provide actionable insights that can genuinely improve your performance and help prevent overtraining. The extended battery life, especially in GPS modes with solar assistance, removes the anxiety of running out of power during your longest endeavors.

While the price point places it firmly in the premium category, the investment is justified by its comprehensive feature set, robust build quality, and the sheer depth of data and insights it provides. If you’re an athlete who demands the absolute best from your gear, who thrives on data-driven training, and who seeks a reliable companion for pushing boundaries, the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar is not just a recommendation; it’s an imperative. It’s the new benchmark for performance smartwatches, ready to help you chase the sun and conquer your next challenge.

Related Topics:Featured Garmin Smart Watch Wearables

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Review: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones – The New Standard for Quiet?

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Dean Iodice

Dean Iodice, a seasoned freelance tech writer and industry analyst for TheTechReview.net, specializing in emerging technologies and consumer electronics.

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Wearables

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Review: The New King of Quiet?

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Bose has long been synonymous with industry-leading noise cancellation, and their QuietComfort line has consistently set the bar for peace and quiet. With the introduction of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, the company aims to redefine the premium earbud experience, not just with superior noise cancellation but also with a new “Immersive Audio” feature. Do these earbuds live up to the hype and justify their premium price tag? Let’s dive in.

Features

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are packed with technology designed to deliver an unparalleled listening experience.

World-Class Noise Cancellation: This is Bose’s bread and butter. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds boast Bose’s most advanced noise cancellation to date, effectively silencing everything from roaring airplane engines to bustling office chatter. Users can adjust the level of noise cancellation, including a “Quiet” mode for maximum isolation and an “Aware” mode for environmental awareness.
Immersive Audio: This is the headline new feature. Bose’s Immersive Audio is a spatial audio technology that aims to make your music, movies, and podcasts feel more lifelike and engaging. It offers two modes: “Still” for a fixed soundstage (ideal for sitting) and “Motion” which tracks your head movements, keeping the audio source in front of you (great for walking or moving around).
CustomTune Technology: This feature automatically optimizes the sound performance and active noise cancellation to your ears’ unique shape, ensuring a personalized and consistent experience.
Comfort and Fit: Bose has refined the fit with soft silicone ear tips and stability bands, ensuring a secure yet comfortable seal for extended wear. They come with multiple sizes of ear tips and stability bands to find the perfect fit.
Crystal-Clear Calls: Integrated microphones with noise-rejecting technology ensure your voice comes through clearly, even in noisy environments.
Long Battery Life: The earbuds offer up to 6 hours of listening time with noise cancellation and Immersive Audio enabled, and an additional 18 hours with the charging case, totaling 24 hours. A quick 20-minute charge provides up to 2 hours of playback.
Touch Controls: Intuitive touch controls on the earbuds allow for playback management, call handling, mode switching, and volume adjustment.
Bose Music App: The companion app provides further customization options, including EQ adjustments, noise cancellation levels, and firmware updates.
IPX4 Water Resistance: This rating means the earbuds are resistant to splashes and sweat, making them suitable for workouts and light rain.

Specifications

Dimensions (Earbuds): 1.2″ H x 0.7″ W x 1″ D (3.05 cm H x 1.78 cm W x 2.54 cm D)
Weight (Earbud): 0.22 oz (6.24 g)
Dimensions (Case): 2.61″ H x 2.59″ W x 1.23″ D (6.63 cm H x 6.58 cm W x 3.12 cm D)
Weight (Case): 2.11 oz (59.7 g)
Materials: Plastic, silicone, metal
Battery Life: Up to 6 hours (earbuds), up to 24 hours total with charging case (with ANC/Immersive Audio)
Charging Time: 1 hour (earbuds), 3 hours (case)
Quick Charge: 20-minute charge for 2 hours playback
Bluetooth Version: 5.3
Bluetooth Range: Up to 30 ft (9 m)
Water Resistance: IPX4
Audio Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
Microphones: 4 microphones per earbud for ANC and voice pickup
Connectivity: USB-C for charging case

Pricing

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds typically retail for $299 USD. This places them firmly in the premium segment of the true wireless earbud market, competing directly with other high-end options from Sony and Apple. While certainly an investment, the price reflects Bose’s reputation for top-tier noise cancellation and the inclusion of their new Immersive Audio technology. Value will largely depend on how much you prioritize active noise cancellation and spatial audio features.

Who Would Love Them?

Frequent Travelers and Commuters: If you spend a lot of time on planes, trains, or bustling public transport, the unparalleled noise cancellation will be a game-changer.
Office Workers in Open-Plan Environments: Drowning out distractions and finding focus is effortless with these earbuds.
Audio Enthusiasts Seeking Immersion: Those who appreciate spatial audio and want a more engaging listening experience will find the Immersive Audio feature compelling.
Bose Fans: Loyalists of the Bose sound signature and comfort will feel right at home with the Ultra Earbuds.
Users Prioritizing Comfort: The refined fit and lightweight design make them suitable for long listening sessions.

Who Would Dislike Them?

Budget-Conscious Buyers: At $299, these are a significant investment. There are many excellent, more affordable earbuds available if noise cancellation isn’t your absolute top priority.
Audiophiles Demanding Absolute Purity: While the sound quality is excellent, some audiophiles might prefer a more neutral sound profile or dedicated audiophile-grade headphones.
Users Who Dislike In-Ear Designs: Despite the comfortable fit, some people simply prefer over-ear headphones or open-fit earbuds.
Athletes Needing Extreme Durability/Waterproofing: While IPX4 is fine for sweat, serious athletes might want a higher IP rating for more rigorous activities or heavy rain.
Those Uninterested in Spatial Audio: If Immersive Audio isn’t a selling point for you, some of the premium features might feel less justified.

Product Comparison Chart

Here’s how the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds stack up against their primary competitors:

Feature/Model	Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds	Sony WF-1000XM5	Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)
Price (MSRP)	$299	$299.99	$249
Noise Cancellation	Excellent (Bose’s best)	Excellent (Sony’s best)	Excellent
Spatial Audio/Immersion	Immersive Audio (Head-tracking)	360 Reality Audio (Fixed)	Personalized Spatial Audio (Head-tracking)
Battery Life (Earbuds)	6 hours (ANC on)	8 hours (ANC on)	6 hours (ANC on)
Total Battery Life	24 hours	24 hours	30 hours
Water Resistance	IPX4	IPX4	IPX4
Audio Codecs	SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive	SBC, AAC, LDAC	AAC
Comfort/Fit	Excellent (Stability bands)	Very Good (Foam tips)	Very Good
Call Quality	Very Good	Excellent	Excellent
Key Differentiator	Immersive Audio, Bose ANC	LDAC support, excellent sound	Seamless Apple ecosystem, Find My

Conclusion

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are a formidable entry into the premium earbud market. They deliver on Bose’s promise of world-class noise cancellation, arguably the best in the true wireless segment. The new Immersive Audio feature is a compelling addition, offering a genuinely engaging and unique listening experience that sets them apart. While the battery life isn’t class-leading and the price is steep, for those who prioritize peace and quiet, exceptional comfort, and a truly immersive soundstage, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are an easy recommendation. They solidify Bose’s position at the top of the noise-cancelling hierarchy and offer a glimpse into the future of personal audio.

Q&A

Q: Are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds worth the price? A: If top-tier noise cancellation and immersive spatial audio are your main priorities, then yes, they offer excellent value for their performance. If you’re on a tighter budget, there are good alternatives, but they won’t match the Ultra’s ANC.

Q: How does Immersive Audio compare to Apple’s Spatial Audio? A: Both offer head-tracking spatial audio. Bose’s Immersive Audio aims for a more “fixed” soundstage in “Still” mode, while “Motion” tracks your head. Apple’s is deeply integrated into its ecosystem. Both are impressive, and personal preference will play a role.

Q: Can I use these for workouts? A: Yes, with an IPX4 rating, they are resistant to sweat and splashes, making them suitable for most workouts. The stability bands also help ensure a secure fit during movement.

Q: Do they support lossless audio? A: The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds support aptX Adaptive, which can deliver near-lossless audio quality over Bluetooth, depending on your source device. True lossless audio typically requires a wired connection.

Q: How is the call quality in noisy environments? A: Bose has equipped these earbuds with advanced microphone systems and noise-rejecting technology, resulting in very clear call quality even in challenging, noisy surroundings.

Wearables

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 McLaren Edition Review: A Supercar for Your Ears?

Bowers & Wilkins - PI8 McLaren True Wireless Noise Cancelling In-Ear Earbuds

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 McLaren Edition

In the world of high-performance audio and automotive engineering, few collaborations resonate with as much gravitas as that between Bowers & Wilkins and McLaren. It’s a partnership built on a shared obsession with precision, cutting-edge materials, and an uncompromising pursuit of performance. When these two British titans join forces on a product, expectations aren’t just high; they’re stratospheric. The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 McLaren Edition True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds are the latest fruit of this union, promising to distill the essence of a McLaren supercar into a device that fits in your pocket.

But with a price tag that rivals some mid-fi desktop audio setups, the question is stark: are these earbuds a true feat of audio engineering, or are they a masterclass in brand marketing? Do they deliver a pole-position performance, or are they merely coasting on the fumes of a famous name? We spent weeks with the Pi8 McLaren Edition, subjecting them to everything from transatlantic flights to critical listening sessions, to find out if they truly earn their place on the podium.

First Impressions: Unboxing a Piece of Woking

The premium experience begins before you even hear a note. The packaging for the Pi8 McLaren Edition is suitably luxurious. A sturdy, dark grey box with subtle branding slides open to reveal the earbuds and their case nestled in dense foam. The immediate visual impact comes from the signature McLaren colorway: a sophisticated dark grey chassis accented with bold, unmistakable Papaya Orange highlights. It’s the same hue that has graced McLaren’s most iconic Formula 1 and road cars, and it’s used here with tasteful restraint.

Lifting the charging case from its cradle, the quality is immediately apparent. It’s constructed from a high-grade polymer that feels dense and substantial, with a matte finish that resists fingerprints. The top lid features the iconic McLaren “Speedmark” logo, while the Bowers & Wilkins wordmark sits elegantly on the front. It’s larger and heavier than an AirPods Pro case, but it feels robust and protective, like it’s housing something special.

The earbuds themselves continue the theme. The main housing is a smooth, dark grey, but the circular, multifunction touch surface is a disc of spun aluminum, echoing the design language of B&W’s high-end speakers. The Papaya Orange accent appears on a subtle ring and on the inner acoustic tube, a flash of color that’s both a nod to the partnership and a statement of intent. These are not earbuds designed to disappear; they are designed to be noticed.

Inside the box, you’ll find a generous selection of accessories: three sizes of silicone ear tips (S, M, L), a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, and, most interestingly, a 3.5mm to USB-C audio cable. This last item is a critical component of the Pi8’s most unique feature, which we’ll explore in detail later.

Core Specifications and Features: The Engineering Under the Hood

Beneath the McLaren livery lies a formidable array of audio technology, much of it inherited from B&W’s flagship Pi7 S2 earbuds, but no less impressive.

Driver Technology: Dual Hybrid Drive Units with individual amplifiers per earbud. This is the heart of the Pi8. A 9.2mm dynamic driver, developed by the same team behind the legendary 800 Series Diamond speakers, handles the bass and mid-range frequencies. A separate, high-precision balanced armature driver is dedicated solely to the high frequencies. This two-way design is akin to a high-end loudspeaker, promising greater clarity, detail, and control across the entire frequency spectrum.
High-Resolution Audio: Support for 24-bit/48kHz wireless audio transmission. This ensures a high-fidelity connection between your source device and the earbuds, preserving more of the original recording’s detail.
Wireless Codecs: Qualcomm aptX™ Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC. The inclusion of aptX Adaptive is a massive win for Android users, as it dynamically adjusts the bitrate to optimize for audio quality or connection stability, ensuring the best possible sound in any environment. iPhone users will benefit from the high-quality AAC codec.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Adaptive ANC that continuously monitors and adjusts to the surrounding environment. Six microphones (three in each earbud) work in concert to measure ambient noise and generate anti-noise, while also ensuring crystal-clear voice calls.
Wireless Audio Retransmission Case: The charging case doubles as a Bluetooth transmitter. By connecting the case to an external audio source (like an in-flight entertainment system, a Nintendo Switch, or a turntable with a phono preamp) via the included 3.5mm-to-USB-C cable, the case can stream that audio directly to the Pi8 earbuds.
Call Quality: The six-mic array with cVc2 (Clear Voice Communication) technology is designed to isolate your voice and suppress background noise during phone and video calls.
Durability: IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, making them safe from sweat and light splashes.
Battery Life:
- Up to 5 hours of listening time per charge (with ANC off).
- An additional 19 hours from the charging case, for a total of 24 hours.
- 15-minute fast charge provides 2 hours of listening time.
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 with Multipoint support, allowing connection to two devices simultaneously.
Companion App: The Bowers & Wilkins Music app (iOS and Android) allows for ANC mode selection (On, Off, Passthrough), connection management, and wear sensor adjustments.

Performance Deep Dive: Audio Quality

Let’s cut to the chase: the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 McLaren Edition sound phenomenal. They deliver a sonic signature that is rich, detailed, and unapologetically engaging. This is not a flat, neutral, “studio monitor” sound. It’s a sound with character and life, engineered to make music exciting.

Bass: The 9.2mm dynamic driver is a masterpiece. The bass is deep, powerful, and incredibly well-controlled. Listening to Hans Zimmer’s “Time,” the low-frequency rumbles that build throughout the track are rendered with a physical presence without ever becoming muddy or bloated. In electronic tracks like Bicep’s “Glue,” the sub-bass has a visceral texture that you can feel, yet the kick drums remain punchy and distinct. It’s a sophisticated bass response that prioritizes quality and texture over raw, boomy quantity.

Mid-range: This is where the dual-driver setup truly shines. The handover from the dynamic driver to the balanced armature is seamless. Vocals are pushed slightly forward in the mix, rendered with exceptional clarity and emotion. On tracks like Adele’s “Easy on Me,” her voice is intimate and detailed, capturing the subtle inflections and breathiness of her performance. Guitars, pianos, and strings have a natural timbre and are well-separated, preventing the mid-range from ever feeling congested, even on complex rock tracks like Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Treble: The dedicated balanced armature driver delivers a treble that is crisp, airy, and full of detail. Cymbals and hi-hats in jazz recordings, like Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five,” shimmer with realistic decay without a hint of harshness or sibilance. The high-end extension provides a wonderful sense of space and atmosphere to recordings. It unearths micro-details in familiar tracks that lesser earbuds often smear over.

Soundstage and Imaging: The soundstage is impressively wide for an in-ear monitor. It extends well beyond the confines of your head, creating an immersive, speaker-like presentation. Imaging is precise and stable. You can easily pinpoint the location of individual instruments within the stereo field, from the placement of a cello in an orchestra to the panning of synthesizers in an electronic mix.

The overall sound signature is one of controlled power and refined excitement. It’s a sound that will please audiophiles with its technical prowess while captivating casual listeners with its sheer musicality.

Performance Deep Dive: ANC and Call Quality

Active Noise Cancellation: The adaptive ANC on the Pi8 is very, very good, but it doesn’t quite dethrone the reigning champions from Bose and Sony. It does an excellent job of attenuating low-frequency drones, making them a fantastic companion for flights, train commutes, and noisy cafes. The roar of a jet engine is reduced to a distant, unobtrusive hum.

Where it’s slightly less effective is with higher-frequency, unpredictable sounds like office chatter or keyboard clicks. It dampens them significantly, but doesn’t erase them with the almost magical silence of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. Importantly, enabling the ANC has a minimal impact on the audio signature, a testament to B&W’s careful tuning. The Passthrough (transparency) mode is also well-implemented, allowing you to hear your surroundings clearly without sounding overly processed or artificial.

Call Quality: Call quality is a strong point. The six-microphone array does a commendable job of isolating your voice. In moderately noisy environments, callers reported that my voice came through clearly, with most background distractions being effectively suppressed. In very windy conditions, some noise did creep in, but my voice remained intelligible. They are more than reliable for work calls, video conferences, and personal chats.

The Killer Feature: The Wireless Audio Retransmission Case

This is the Pi8’s ace in the hole. For frequent flyers, this feature alone could justify the price of admission. The ability to plug the charging case into an in-flight entertainment system’s 3.5mm headphone jack and have it stream high-quality audio wirelessly to your earbuds is nothing short of revolutionary. No more fumbling with flimsy airline headphones or dangling dongles. It works flawlessly and is incredibly easy to set up.

But its utility extends far beyond the airplane cabin. Gamers can plug it into their Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck. Fitness enthusiasts can connect it to a treadmill at the gym. Vinyl lovers can even hook it up to their turntable’s phono-out. This single feature transforms the Pi8 from a simple pair of wireless earbuds into a versatile personal audio system, solving a major pain point for wireless audio users. It’s a genius innovation that sets Bowers & Wilkins apart from every single one of its competitors.

Who Are These Earbuds For?

The Mobile Audiophile: The person who demands uncompromising sound quality and is willing to pay for it. They value technical excellence, high-resolution codecs, and a musical, engaging sound signature.
The Luxury Tech Enthusiast: This user appreciates premium materials, sophisticated design, and the cachet of a high-end brand collaboration. For them, the McLaren branding and Papaya Orange accents are a feature, not a gimmick.
The Frequent Traveler: The audio retransmission case is a game-changer for anyone who spends significant time on planes. The combination of great sound, effective ANC, and this unique feature makes the Pi8 an ultimate travel companion.
The McLaren Superfan: For a devoted fan of the automotive brand, these are the ultimate accessory. They offer a tangible, daily-use connection to the McLaren ethos of performance and design.

Who Should Look Elsewhere?

The Budget-Conscious Buyer: At an MSRP of $499, these are firmly in the ultra-premium category. There are excellent earbuds available for half the price that will satisfy most users.
The ANC Absolutist: If your one and only priority is blocking out the maximum amount of external noise, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds still hold a slight edge in overall noise cancellation performance.
The Hardcore Athlete: While the IP54 rating is sufficient for light workouts and resisting sweat, dedicated sports earbuds often offer a more secure fit with wingtips and a higher IP rating for true waterproof protection.
The User Seeking Simplicity: While not complicated, the Pi8 are a feature-rich product. Users who just want a simple, no-fuss experience might be better served by something like the Apple AirPods Pro, especially if they are already in the Apple ecosystem.

The Competition: A Crowded Starting Grid

The premium TWS market is fiercely competitive. Here’s how the Pi8 McLaren Edition stacks up against the other top contenders.

Sony WF-1000XM5 ($299): The tech-packed all-rounder. Sony offers arguably better ANC, a more customizable EQ via its excellent app, and industry-leading features like DSEE Extreme upscaling. The sound is fantastic, though perhaps a bit more clinical than the B&W’s rich musicality.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds ($299): The undisputed king of noise cancellation. If silence is golden, these are the gold standard. They also feature immersive audio for a more spatial sound. Their sound quality is very good, but audiophiles may prefer the detail and precision of the Pi8.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 ($299): The audiophile’s choice. Sennheiser prioritizes sound fidelity above all else. The MTW4 offers a beautifully balanced and detailed sound signature. The competition here is tight, with the choice likely coming down to a preference for Sennheiser’s neutrality versus B&W’s warmer, more dynamic presentation.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 ($249): The benchmark for ecosystem integration. For iPhone users, the seamless pairing, spatial audio with head tracking, and “Find My” integration are killer features. Their sound quality and ANC are excellent, making them a formidable and much more affordable competitor, though they lack the high-end material feel and the audio retransmission feature of the Pi8.

Competitive Breakdown Chart

Feature	Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 McLaren	Sony WF-1000XM5	Bose QC Ultra Earbuds	Sennheiser MTW4	Apple AirPods Pro 2
Price (MSRP)	$499	$299	$299	$299	$249
Drivers	9.2mm Dynamic + Balanced Armature	8.4mm Dynamic Driver X	Custom Dynamic Driver	7mm TrueResponse Dynamic	Custom High-Excursion Driver
Key Codecs	aptX Adaptive, AAC	LDAC, AAC	aptX Adaptive, AAC	aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, AAC	AAC
ANC	Adaptive ANC	Industry-Leading Adaptive ANC	Class-Leading Adaptive ANC	Adaptive Hybrid ANC	Excellent Adaptive ANC
Unique Feature	Wireless Audio Retransmission Case	DSEE Extreme, Speak-to-Chat	Bose Immersive Audio	Auracast, Lossless Audio	Seamless Apple Ecosystem Integration
Battery (Buds)	~5 Hours	~8 Hours	~6 Hours	~7.5 Hours	~6 Hours
Battery (Total)	~24 Hours	~24 Hours	~24 Hours	~30 Hours	~30 Hours
IP Rating	IP54	IPX4	IPX4	IP54	IP54
Call Mics	6 Mics	6 Mics + Bone Conduction	4 Mics per earbud	6 Mics	6 Mics

Q&A

Q: Are the Pi8 McLaren Edition worth the $200 premium over the standard B&W Pi7 S2, which they are based on? A: From a pure audio technology standpoint, the core components are very similar. The premium for the McLaren Edition is for the exclusive design, the signature Papaya Orange colorway, the McLaren branding, and the prestige of the collaboration. If you are not a McLaren fan or don’t place a high value on this specific aesthetic, the Pi7 S2 offers a nearly identical audio experience for less money.

Q: I’m an iPhone user. Do I lose out by not being able to use aptX Adaptive? A: While aptX Adaptive is a fantastic codec for Android, the Pi8’s implementation of AAC for Apple devices is excellent. You will still experience high-quality, detailed, and rich audio. You won’t be missing a dramatic amount of performance, and the fundamental character and quality of the drivers will still shine through.

Q: How comfortable are they for long listening sessions? A: Comfort is subjective, but the Pi8 are generally very comfortable. They are slightly larger and heavier than some competitors, so users with very small ears might want to try them first. However, for most, the ergonomic shape and selection of tips provide a secure and comfortable seal for hours of listening without fatigue.

Q: Is the audio retransmission case difficult to use? A: Not at all. It’s incredibly intuitive. You plug the cable into your audio source and the case, press and hold the button on the case for a second, and it automatically pairs and starts streaming to the earbuds. There’s no complicated app or pairing process required.

Q: Can you customize the sound with an equalizer (EQ)? A: As of the latest firmware, the Bowers & Wilkins Music app does not offer a user-adjustable graphic EQ. You are reliant on B&W’s factory tuning. While that tuning is exceptional, users who love to tweak their sound profile to their exact preference might find this omission disappointing.

The Verdict: The Checkered Flag

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 McLaren Edition are a stunning pair of true wireless earbuds that largely deliver on their ultra-premium promise. They offer a class-leading audio experience, with a sound that is as exciting and dynamic as the supercars that inspired them. The build quality is impeccable, the design is striking, and the innovative audio retransmission case is a genuinely brilliant feature that solves a real-world problem.

However, they are not without their caveats. The price is undeniably steep, placing them in a category of their own. The ANC, while very good, is a half-step behind the absolute best in the business, and the battery life is merely adequate compared to the competition.

So, are they a supercar for your ears? Yes. They offer blistering audio performance and a design that will turn heads. But like a real McLaren, they come with a supercar price tag and a focus so sharp on performance that they make a few practical compromises.

If sound quality is your absolute monarch, you are a frequent traveler, and you appreciate the fusion of luxury design and high-performance engineering, the Pi8 McLaren Edition are an endgame product. They are an audacious, uncompromising, and deeply impressive piece of audio engineering. For those who can justify the cost, the listening experience is pure pole position.

Final Score: 8.8/10

Wearables

JBL Vibe Beam Review: Big Bass on a Budget?

JBL Vibe Beam

In the crowded market of true wireless earbuds, it takes a lot to stand out, especially in the budget-friendly category. JBL, a brand synonymous with powerful audio, throws its hat in the ring with the Vibe Beam. Promising their signature “Deep Bass Sound,” a comfortable fit, and all-day battery life, these earbuds aim to deliver a premium experience without the premium price tag. But do they hit the mark, or are they just another pair of forgettable buds? We put the JBL Vibe Beam to the test to find out.

Specs at a Glance

Feature	Specification
Driver Size	8mm Dynamic Drivers
Frequency Response	20 Hz – 20 kHz
Bluetooth Version	5.2
Battery Life (Earbuds)	Up to 8 hours
Battery Life (Case)	Up to 24 hours
Total Battery Life	Up to 32 hours
Charging Time	< 2 hours from empty
Quick Charge	10 minutes for 2 hours of playback
Water/Dust Resistance	IP54 (earbuds), IPX2 (charging case)
Weight	4.4g per earbud, 39.5g for charging case
App Support	JBL Headphones App
Special Features	Ambient Aware, TalkThru, VoiceAware

Key Features

The JBL Vibe Beam earbuds are packed with features that are impressive for their price point. The JBL Deep Bass Sound is immediately noticeable, providing a rich and powerful low-end that bass lovers will appreciate.

The Smart Ambient technology is a standout feature, with two modes: Ambient Aware and TalkThru. Ambient Aware allows you to hear your surroundings while your music continues to play, perfect for staying safe while running on city streets. TalkThru, on the other hand, lowers your music volume and amplifies voices, so you can have a quick conversation without taking your earbuds out.

The JBL Headphones App unlocks a new level of customization. You can tweak the EQ to your liking, choose from preset sound profiles, and even locate your earbuds if you misplace them.

For those who are always on the go, the IP54 dust and water resistance for the earbuds and IPX2 rating for the case provide peace of mind, whether you’re at the gym or caught in a light rain shower.

Who Are They Best For?

The JBL Vibe Beam earbuds are a fantastic choice for a few key demographics:

The Budget-Conscious Buyer: If you’re looking for a reliable pair of true wireless earbuds that won’t break the bank, the Vibe Beam should be at the top of your list. They offer a feature set that is usually found in more expensive models.
The Everyday Commuter: With a long battery life, comfortable fit, and the Smart Ambient feature, these earbuds are perfect for your daily travels. They’re also small and light, making them easy to carry in a pocket or bag.
The Fitness Enthusiast: The secure fit and sweat resistance make the Vibe Beam a great companion for workouts. They’ll stay in place during a run or a gym session, and you won’t have to worry about a little sweat damaging them.
The Bass Head: If you love music with a strong bassline, the JBL Deep Bass Sound will not disappoint. These earbuds deliver a punchy and immersive listening experience.

Who Won’t Like Them?

Despite their many strengths, the JBL Vibe Beam earbuds aren’t for everyone:

The Audiophile: If you’re a stickler for pristine, perfectly balanced audio, you might find the bass on the Vibe Beam to be a bit overpowering. While the app’s EQ can help, these are definitely tuned for a more mainstream, bass-heavy sound.
Those Needing Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): The Vibe Beam earbuds offer good passive noise isolation due to their in-ear design, but they do not have ANC. If you need to block out the world completely, you’ll want to look at other options.
Users with Smaller Ears: While the earbuds come with three different tip sizes, some users with smaller ears have reported that the “stick” design can feel a bit bulky and may not be as secure.

Q & A

Q: How is the call quality on the JBL Vibe Beam?

A: The call quality is decent for a budget pair of earbuds. The VoiceAware feature lets you control how much of your own voice you hear during calls, which is a nice touch. In quiet environments, your voice will come through clearly. However, in noisy surroundings, the microphone can pick up some background noise.

Q: Can I use just one earbud at a time?

A: Yes, you can use either the left or the right earbud independently for music or calls.

Q: Do the earbuds have touch controls?

A: Yes, the JBL Vibe Beam earbuds feature touch controls. You can tap to play/pause music, answer calls, and access the Smart Ambient features. However, some users have found the touch controls to be a bit sensitive.

Q: What comes in the box?

A: In the box, you’ll find the JBL Vibe Beam earbuds, a charging case, a USB Type-C charging cable, three sizes of eartips, and the warranty/warning information.

Q: Are there any common issues with the JBL Vibe Beam?

A: Some users have reported occasional charging issues where one earbud doesn’t charge properly in the case. This can often be resolved by cleaning the charging contacts on both the earbuds and the case.

The Verdict

The JBL Vibe Beam earbuds offer exceptional value for their price. They deliver on their promise of powerful bass, a comfortable fit for most, and a host of useful features that enhance the listening experience. While they may not satisfy the most discerning audiophiles or those in need of true noise cancellation, they are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, feature-packed, and affordable pair of true wireless earbuds.

If you are interested in learning more about the JBL Vibe Beam Earbuds, visit the JBL website

If you are interested in learning about other earbuds, be sure to visit our Wearable Tech Section