Last-Minute Audio Gift Ideas

The holiday season is approaching rapidly—again—which means you should stop procrastinating and start buying those last-minute audio gifts before it’s too late. Yes, I know that Winter NAMM is just around the corner, and the temptation to wait for all those new audio goodies is strong, but there are plenty of products out there right now that would make great gifts, either for you or your loved ones. Let’s take a look!

Cancel Them Out

Listening to everyone else’s problems while you travel is annoying, particularly during the holiday season, which is why noise-canceling headphones should be near the top of your wish list. There is no right or wrong, as we all have our preferences when it comes to form factor—over-ear, in-ear, wired, or wireless. Variety notwithstanding, you should check out the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones; this model has a bevy of features that allow you to personalize your settings for the optimum listening experience.

Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless Noise-Canceling Over-Ear Headphones

The WH-1000XM3s enable you to adjust the amount of outside noise you’d like to hear. Virtual Surround Sound lets you choose a desired sonic landscape to match the music, while the Quick Attention feature is a convenient way to turn the volume down instantly with a simple gesture of your hand. If you’re a frequent flyer, you’ll appreciate Sony’s Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing, which tailors sound for high-altitude travel. Also, the included airline adapter is an added convenience when traveling by air.
It should be noted that these headphones employ Bluetooth 4.2 with LDAC—when used with a compatible sound source, LDAC enhances your Bluetooth, letting you stream High-Resolution Audio cable-free.