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We always strive to keep our house clean. In most cases, however, because keeping our DIY workspace dust and dirt-free is not always at the top of our to-do list, our workshop spaces are often saved for last or skipped entirely. But if you’re serious about woodworking or you love spending time on project cars, you know that one of the biggest challenges DIYers face is keeping their workspace floor clean. After all, it deals with a lot (the occasional coffee spill, oil spills, metal shavings, dirt from shoes, paint stains, and sawdust), and not only will all these ruin the appearance of your garage, but they will also risk making your cordless power tools unusable at a certain point if dirt gums up moving parts or blocks airways.
If you’re like most of us, you’ve probably built small habits that help you stay on top of surface spills, dirt, crumbs, and dust. For instance, you might have set aside one hour a week to wipe down surfaces and sweep away dust, or you might be used to cleaning up oil spills when they happen. Either way, such habits will keep your garage floor looking tidy and safe to walk on. But that’s not to say that they’ll make your workshop floor look all-new, and that’s where deep cleaning comes in handy.
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As the name suggests, deep cleaning entails setting aside a few days each year to thoroughly clean your workshop beyond your regular cleans. This allows you to handle oil spills that can get pretty gross when left for too long, and even get into corners and nooks that can go unnoticed on a weekly basis.
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Prepare your workshop floor for deep cleaning
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Choose an appropriate day to begin deep cleaning your workshop floor. A sunny, dry day will work best because it allows your space to air-dry quickly, preventing mold growth. Then, gather the tools you need to tackle the mammoth task. A thorough workshop cleaning requires specific tools and cleaners, and you’ll want to know which work best for your type of garage flooring to avoid accidentally damaging it. If your workshop floor has an epoxy coating, for instance, you’ll want to skip anything with ammonia or bleach. Instead, opt for a safe cleaner, such as Zep Neutral pH Industrial Floor Cleaner, which is available on Amazon for $12.
The next step is to completely clear the floor by removing all your power tools, furniture, and hand tools. You’ll also want to separate everything into donate, keep, and throw piles. Once you’re done, vacuum or mop the floor to remove loose debris and dirt. It’s worth noting that if your workshop has woodworking tools that are difficult to move, like a table saw or a thickness planer, you’ll want to make sure they’re free of debris and clean before vacuuming your floor.
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Deep clean your workshop floor the right way
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Once you’re done prepping, the next step is to thoroughly clean your workshop floor. To do so, start by soaking your workshop floor with a warm water and mild soap solution for a few minutes. You can even cover the dirty floor with a degreaser, but remember that some of these cleaners have harsh fumes. Wear personal protective equipment like gloves and make sure your workshop is well-ventilated when using them.
Next, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the floor and remove stubborn stains. If you have a pressure washer, you can use it instead of a mop. Not only is pressure washing a fun way to clean your workshop floors, but it’s also a quick and easy way to blast away layers of stubborn grime and dirt. If you don’t have one, you can rent a gas-powered pressure washer from Home Depot at around $87 a day. If you need to remove stubborn rust stains from your workshop floor, you can achieve this by using lemon juice and vinegar. Just sprinkle the rusted area with some lemon juice and apply vinegar directly over the lemon. Let it soak for a few minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush.
Finish by rinsing the area well with clean water and drying it thoroughly with a dry mop. It’s a wise idea to let your garage air-dry completely before bringing your power tools back into the workshop. If time is not on your side, however, you can use a dehumidifier or a fan to speed up the drying process. This way, you’ll create a conducive environment that prevents mold and mildew growth.
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Remove stubborn oil, grease, and other auto fluid stains from your garage
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If you’re a DIY mechanic and you always perform your own car repair or maintenance at home, you know that your workshop floor is an absolute magnet for oil and other fluid spills. While the deep cleaning process of a woodworking workshop floor is still the same as that of an at-home auto repair shop, there are certain things you should know. Getting rid of stubborn oil, grease, and other automotive fluids is going to be a pain. Of course, there are plenty of tips and products that can help remove stubborn oil stains from your concrete, but not all of them will work as well as they claim.
Renewable energy solutions are not only being explored by countries around the world; they’re also being heavily implemented into everyday life as well. The Netherlands is an excellent example of this. The country’s wind turbines, despite controversies surrounding their possible impact on human health, accounted for 18% of its total electricity output in 2022. However, thanks to an agreement between two energy companies and a marine solutions company, a new initiative is integrating artificial reef structures directly into wind turbine foundations in an effort to not just provide green energy but also safeguard the marine environment.
RWE AG, alongside TotalEnergies, is working with ARC marine to install specially-made reef cubes. The eco-friendly cubes will be part of the new OranjeWind offshore wind farm being constructed in the North Sea. Made from recycled materials, these cubes are expected to promote underwater habitats in the region. A total of 66 reef cubes will be spread among 11 different turbines, making it one of the largest man-made reefs in the area, though not the world’s biggest. The cubes are expected to be in place for the life of the turbines.
Erecting massive wind turbines directly into the ocean can heavily impact any underwater life that exists there. However, the use of artificial reefs is intended to prevent or at least mitigate any negative impact by encouraging marine growth and enhancing existing habitats that may be affected by turbine construction. This is apparent from the design of the reef cubes, as they are intended to attract local species such as cod and oysters that are beneficial to the local ecosystem.
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Reaching new heights in offshore wind energy
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Plans for the OranjeWind offshore wind farm in the Netherlands moved forward when RWE and TotalEnergies formed a partnership in 2024. The facility is expected to produce around 795 megawatts of power, which will be used to provide electricity to several projects as well as create green hydrogen for local industry. The overall goal of the OranjeWind project is to reduce CO2 emissions by about 5 million tons per year while also cutting back on emissions produced by local refineries.
Offshore wind farms in the Netherlands, similar to the ones in China, require a solid foundation, as they’re not built on dry land. RWE accomplishes this by either installing turbine supports into the ocean floor or by using floating foundations in deeper waters. When these turbines generate electricity, it’s harnessed at a nearby offshore power station. The energy then transfers to a substation on land, where it’s then distributed to the local power grid.
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The push to develop and harness wind energy in the Netherlands has resulted in the country taking some big leaps forward over the past several years. Wind energy capacity had increased overall by the close of 2024, reaching about 11.7 gigawatts of power. This figure also included a higher contribution from offshore wind farms, which accounted for about 19% in 2024. In fact, the country’s goal of increasing offshore wind was realized a full year earlier than planned.
The report found that Irish jobseekers are applying for roles in strong numbers, compared to UK, French and German counterparts.
New data published by LinkedIn, exploring the European jobs market, has found that in comparison to other European nations, Ireland’s jobs market remains competitive. Trends in LinkedIn’s December jobs data found that there is candidate fatigue among European jobseekers, amid lower levels of hiring.
The UK recorded the largest drop in activity, down nearly 8pc year-on-year, followed by France at 5pc and Germany at 3pc year-on-year. By comparison, Ireland experienced a 2.4pc year-on-year rise in applications per candidate.
Commenting on the data, LinkedIn Ireland’s country manager Cara O’Leary, said, “While many European countries are showing clear signs of jobseeker fatigue, Ireland is moving in the opposite direction. At a time when applications per candidate are falling in the likes of Germany and the UK, Irish jobseekers are switched on and still confident of finding their next role regardless of economic uncertainty.”
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What was also discovered is that a candidate’s network is becoming increasingly important, as LinkedIn’s data showed that applicants are more than 3 times as likely to get hired if connected to an employee already at the organisation they are applying for a role at.
O’Leary said, “Our data shows who you know is just as important as what you know, with candidates significantly more likely to be hired when they know someone at the organisation, reinforcing the importance of relationships alongside experience. For employers, this highlights the growing influence of their own people in attracting talent, with referral schemes one option to incentivise staff.”
AI talent magnet
LinkedIn’s research explored how the global labour market is evolving in response to AI becoming more prevalent in the workplace and in broader industry trends. It said, “In the near term, AI is creating more jobs globally than it is replacing. In the past two years, employers across the world have created at least 1.3m ‘new collar’ AI‑related job opportunities, including data annotators, AI engineers and forward‑deployed engineers.”
Additionally, LinkedIn’s research explained that this demand for AI talent is outstripping supply in Ireland, as the country is further establishing itself as a net importer of skilled workers.
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AI engineering talent is 8 times more likely to move across borders than the average LinkedIn member and the data showed a 2.2 net increase in net migration of AI engineering talent to Ireland, placing the region second in terms of net beneficiaries globally. The UAE was the biggest AI talent magnet globally, with the top five rounded out by Germany, Australia and Singapore.
O’Leary said, “Demand for ‘new collar’ jobs continues to outpace supply, but Ireland is proving to be an AI talent magnet, successfully attracting more AI engineers to these shores than those departing. Given that many of these jobs simply didn’t exist five years ago, with the pipeline from the education system playing catch up as a result, companies need to realise that upskilling is the solution.
“We have never seen higher levels of interest in AI content on LinkedIn, so people are clearly eager to learn. It is in employers’ best interests to give their workforce the opportunity if they are to seize a competitive advantage.”
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High-end audio is moving away from passive boxes, racks of separates, endless cable debates, and systems like the Kii SEVEN explain why. As Kii Audio brings its ultra compact wireless music system to the 2026 Bristol Hi-Fi Show, the updates being previewed underscore a broader shift: premium loudspeakers are increasingly defined by integrated amplification, software control, and flexible system architecture rather than nostalgia for traditional hi-fi hierarchies.
Introduced in 2023, the Kii SEVEN was designed to function as a complete, scalable audio solution. Each speaker can be used individually, as a stereo pair, part of a multi-speaker home theater setup including Dolby Atmos, or within a multi-room environment. This level of flexibility is not about replacing “real” hi-fi, it’s about acknowledging that the future of high-end audio is smarter, more adaptable, and far less dependent on stacks of external hardware.
“You now just need Kii SEVEN speakers, a power connection and a streaming service subscription to create a complete high-end audio system. With our unique technologies and room-optimisation tools, this means you can get rid of a traditional hi-fi stack and a spaghetti of cables, streamline your life, and improve your listening experience at the same time” says Kii Audio co-founder, Wim Weijers.
Kii Audio SEVEN Wireless Speakers in new Fine Touch Titanium
Core Features
Wireless Music System: The Kii SEVEN is a compact, high-end three-way active wireless (or wired) bookshelf sized loudspeaker designed for both professional monitoring and serious home listening. It supports a wide range of wired inputs, including AES/EBU, XLR, and TRS, alongside wireless connectivity via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay 2. Each speaker incorporates 600 watts of Class D amplification, delivering 1,200 watts per stereo pair, with amplification and DSP fully integrated into the cabinet.
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Cardioid Speaker Design: Engineered by Kii Audio, the Kii SEVEN employs a true cardioid dispersion pattern that extends down into the low-mid and bass frequencies. By controlling rearward energy, the design reduces unwanted room interaction, improving bass definition and placement consistency across a wider range of listening environments.
Kii Home App: The Kii Home App for iOS and Android provides straightforward control of the Kii SEVEN from a mobile device. It allows users to manage playback, assemble streaming playlists, and control multiroom audio when multiple Kii SEVEN speakers are deployed throughout a home. The app is designed to handle system setup and day-to-day operation without requiring additional hardware or a separate control interface.
Active Wave Focusing: Rather than relying on conventional crossover filters alone, Kii’s Active Wave Focusing technology uses DSP and strategically positioned drive units to shape a coherent wavefront directed toward the listener. This approach enables precise time alignment across the full frequency range, improving clarity, imaging, and phase consistency without requiring external calibration hardware.
Weijers further stated, “Because our own DSP and firmware drive every Kii speaker, we’re always looking to add refinements, features, and ecosystem upgrades through software instead of forcing owners to buy a ‘Mark II’. These updates enhance the system you already own – without making it obsolete.”
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What’s New for the Kii SEVEN in 2026
Since 2015, Kii Audio has focused on combining engineering-driven design with a streamlined user experience. That approach continues at the 2026 Bristol Hi-Fi Show, where the company is previewing a new color option and a series of functional updates for the Kii SEVEN.
Alongside the existing Fine Touch White and Fine Touch Dark Grey finishes, the Kii SEVEN will now be offered in a new Fine Touch Titanium finish.
The software update will be available at no cost to existing owners and can be downloaded directly through the Kii Audio Support Center.
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Kii SEVEN (side view) in white on stand
The Bottom Line
Rather than chasing a replacement model, Kii Audio is doing the smarter thing by keeping the Kii SEVEN current through software and a subtle hardware refresh. The addition of Qobuz Connect, improved TIDAL and Spotify Connect support (including Spotify Lossless), and higher-quality wireless speaker setup improve system performance without forcing owners into an upgrade cycle.
This approach will resonate most with listeners who want high-end performance in a compact, self-contained system and expect it to evolve with streaming standards rather than become obsolete.
The Kii SEVEN wireless active speakers can be purchased individually for $4,495 each or $9,885/pair with Kii CONTROL (remote) from Authorized Dealers. Optional companion stands are $445 each ($890/pair). The updated Kii SEVEN will be demonstrated at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show, taking place from February 20-22, 2026.
The farcical story began on February 12, when a 40-year-old man from Ridderkerk contacted the police in relation to a separate investigation. Read Entire Article Source link
If you’ve ever felt the need to open two versions of the same podcast, one with the audio and the other with audio plus video, Apple has something for you. The company has unveiled an Apple Podcasts overhaul that brings native video streaming support to the app.
The native video support in Apple Podcasts is available as part of iOS 26.4 developer beta (for now). It aims to offer a seamless video podcast experience, similar to what platforms like YouTube and Spotify provide, rather than the current RSS feed-based mechanism.
Apple
A proper video experience for viewers
The underlying upgrade is support for HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), something that already works very well on Apple TV. It lets you switch between listening and watching experiences, with an inline or expanded video window and automatic adjustments to video quality (depending on connectivity).
As and when the feature moves out of beta, you’ll be able to watch video podcasts on the entire screen (including horizontal orientation), and even download video episodes for offline viewing, making the app much more useful for subway or airplane rides.
While these additions will benefit listeners, Apple Podcasts has also announced updates related to creator distribution and monetization.
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At launch, several distributors, including Acast, ART19, Omny Studio, and SiriusXM (including SiriusXM Media, AdsWizz, and Simplecast), support HLS video.
Apple
A monetization boost for creators
Further, the platform will allow creators to insert advertisements dynamically, including host-read placements for the first time, giving creators new monetization avenues.
While Apple doesn’t charge creators for distribution via Podcasts, ad networks will pay impression-based fees later this year.
Even though the new Podcasts experience remains in beta, it is due for a launch this spring, arriving with iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4.
The update marks a shift from purely audio podcasts toward audio/video streaming. Integrating video streaming into Podcasts will help Apple place the app better against other giants.
Based on logged meals, the app predicts a person’s blood sugar response to those foods. It also makes personalized recommendations throughout the day, such as adjusting portion size, choosing a different food combination, or taking a walk after eating. Users can accept or ignore these suggestions—maybe broccoli isn’t their favorite food, or they prefer to exercise during a particular time of the day. The app uses AI to adapt to their preferences over time. Users can also chat with human coaches if they have specific health questions.
For Buckley, Twin Health has helped him make healthier choices, such as swapping out frozen, prepackaged breakfast sandwiches for homemade breakfast burritos with low-carb, high-fiber wraps. He no longer drinks soda, and he walks several miles a day.
“When I first started the program, I could barely make it a mile before my back was hurting, my knee was hurting. Now I’m doing six and a half miles every morning,” he says.
He likes getting instant feedback from the app and also tracking his biometrics over time. He can see that his body fat percentage and blood pressure have been trending downward.
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“That’s where I get my motivation to keep walking and keep doing the work,” he says.
Buckley reached his initial weight goal of 300 pounds and is now around 275. After being on blood pressure medication for decades, his doctor recently suggested a lower dose.
When Twin Health approached the Cleveland Clinic’s health plan about using its program, staff endocrinologist Kevin Pantalone was initially skeptical. He decided to conduct a study himself.
“We have really struggled to implement lifestyle modification in a very effective manner. Patients often require numerous therapies to control their diabetes,” he said. “So I was certainly very interested.” Despite the age-old advice of simply exercising more and eating healthy, most Americans struggle to get the recommended amount of weekly physical activity and have difficulty sticking to a healthy diet.
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Pantalone and his colleagues recruited 150 participants with type 2 diabetes, randomly assigning 100 people to the Twin program and the rest to a control group. On average, participants were 58 years old with obesity and had a blood glucose level, or A1C, of 7.2 percent. A level of 6.5 percent or higher indicates diabetes. The goal of the trial was to see if participants could reach an A1C of less than 6.5 percent with fewer medications.
After 12 months, 71 percent of the study participants using the Twin app achieved that blood sugar level with fewer medications, whereas only 2 percent of people in the control group did. The people using Twin also lost more weight—8.6 percent of their body weight versus 4.6 percent in the control group.
At the beginning of the study, 41 percent of those using Twin were on a GLP-1 medication, but by the end of the study, only 6 percent still were. In the control group, 52 percent of participants started off on a GLP-1, and at the end of the study that increased to 63 percent. The results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine Catalyst last year.
Photographer Ancient crammed a fully functional computer into the tiny gap of a lens adapter, which may seem like an odd location to put one, but that’s just the goal. This adapter, which connects DSLR lenses to mirrorless camera bodies, is often just a hole in a metal item, but Ancient didn’t think that was adequate. Instead, they transformed that often-overlooked sliver into a home for a miniature computer and a programmable aperture.
Ancient recovered a transparent LCD screen from an ancient phone that was well past its prime. After the backlight and other unneeded layers were removed, the screen sat in the light path as if nothing was there, unless the computer commanded it to block the way. Under the LCD is a custom PCB that Ancient designed from scratch, complete with a configuration that allows the entire assembly to fit into the adaptor enclosure.
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Power is delivered to the rig via some gold contacts on the adapter, which Ancient meticulously matched to an odd pinout after extensive investigation. A few buttons slapped on the outside of the housing allow you to control the computer directly. The firmware for this little board is available on Github under AncientJames/aperture, and it handles all of the LCD’s sophisticated functions.
The LCD functions similarly to a dynamic iris, with no mechanical parts to bother with and only a collection of pixels that change from clear to opaque and back again to change the shape of the aperture in whatever insane way you like. Unlike a regular iris which just opens and shuts the whole thing, this digital one can do all sorts of interesting things, like display a lot of shapes continuously or even generate animations that change over time.
Photographers gain a lot more control over bokeh and depth effects. Your out-of-focus area can now be a spinning flower, a collection of caution signs, or even tiny little animations reminiscent of childhood cartoons. When you move the camera while the aperture scans horizontally, you get a really amazing parallax wobble that looks like 3D without the need for repeated exposures or post-processing.
Don’t expect the Steam Deck to be easier to get anytime soon. Valve has posted a notice on the Steam Deck page with a warning that the handheld gaming console “may be out of stock intermittently” in certain regions “due to memory and storage shortages.” The company also reiterated that the more affordable Steam Deck LCD is no longer in production and will no longer be available once stocks run out. Valve started phasing out the LCD console back in December, which means the OLED handhelds are now the only choice for gamers who want to get a Steam Deck. The company’s notice comes after it completely ran out of Steam Deck units a few days ago.
RAM and storage shortages are plaguing tech manufacturers due to massive demand for those components from the artificial intelligence industry. AI companies have been snapping up available memory chips and hard drives for their rapid infrastructure buildouts, leaving everyone else short. In fact, we couldn’t find any deals for RAM last Black Friday, and Samsung global marketing leader Wonjin Lee warned at CES 2026 that memory price hikes are on the horizon.
Valve also had to delay the release of the Steam Machine and the Steam Frame VR headset due to industry-wide memory and storage shortages. It had intended to start shipping those devices in early 2026, but it admitted in its announcement that it has to rethink their launch date and pricing, insinuating that they could be priced higher than the company had planned,
Anyone who has worked on a car’s brakes knows that it can be a dirty job. Grease and brake dust get everywhere, though to some people that’s just part of the “fun” of getting your hands dirty while working on cars.
That being said, there are a number of situations where getting dirty isn’t necessarily a good thing. When you’re reinstalling brake rotors, for example, cleanliness is a big deal, whether you’re using the old rotors or not. You don’t want to introduce corrosion between the brake rotor and the wheel’s hub, and you want to make sure the surface of the brake rotor is free of debris before installing its brake pads.
What about new brake rotors? Let’s say you just picked up a new set of rotors for your prized 1997 Acura Integra Type R and you’re eager to get them installed. The new rotors look clean right out of the box, so there’s no harm in unwrapping and slapping them on the car, right? Not so fast: You should always take a few minutes to ensure the rotors are clean.
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New brake rotors need to be cleaned before installation
Palitsyn Evgenii/Shutterstock
Most of the time, new brake rotors will come covered with a thin film of protective oil to prevent corrosion while it’s sitting in the box. Putting that rotor on the hub without cleaning it first can potentially end up placing this film of oil between the rotor’s surface and brake pads, possibly reducing your vehicle’s ability to stop by increasing your braking distance. It’s the reason why using a lubricant like WD-40 is a bad idea.
A little bit of good, old-fashioned elbow grease is what’s called for here. Giving the rotor a nice scrub with some warm, soapy water and and then drying it thoroughly with a clean cloth will do the trick. Lightly using brake cleaner spray may also help dissolve any more stubborn oil that remains on the brake rotor.
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However, it’s definitely not as simple as just giving the rotor a few shots of brake cleaner spray and calling it a day. Carefully inspecting the new rotors for any debris from the manufacturing or packaging process can prevent a lot of headaches down the figurative and literal road. You should also clean the hub you’re mounting the rotor on as well to ensure your new rotor fits well. Use a wire brush on your hub for the best results — even the thinnest coatings of rust can lead to performance problems.
Noise is hard to escape, whether it’s the hum of traffic, the buzz of a busy office or the neighbor’s lawn mower starting up right when you need to focus. That’s where noise-canceling headphones earn their keep. A good pair doesn’t just quiet the world around you, it creates a pocket of calm so you can actually enjoy your music, podcasts or peace and quiet.
Modern noise-canceling headphones have come a long way, combining powerful ANC with clearer sound, longer battery life and smarter features like adaptive modes and multipoint connectivity. Some emphasize comfort for long flights, while others are tuned for audiophiles who want studio-level clarity.
We’ve tested a wide range of options to find the best noise-canceling headphones for every listener. Whether you’re after something lightweight for travel or a premium set for focused work sessions, these picks deliver the sound, silence and comfort you need to tune out the chaos.
Best noise-canceling headphones of 2026
Bose/Engadget
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Connectivity: Bluetooth | ANC type: Hybrid Adaptive | Customizable ANC: Yes | Max battery life with ANC: 30 hours | Transparency mode: Yes | Weight: 264 grams | Collapsible: Yes (folds both flat and inward)
The second-gen version of the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones aren’t an entirely new device, but there are impactful upgrades all around. With regard to the ANC specifically, Bose enhanced its ActiveSense tech to smooth any adjustments to sudden spikes in ambient noise levels. This bolsters what was already superb ANC performance, an achievement that gives the company a slight edge over the competition.
The new version also includes significant updates to power management and battery life, with at least five more hours of use in all listening modes. You’ll also get lossless audio over USB-C, putting the QC Ultra Headphones on the same level at Apple’s AirPods Max and others. A comfy fit, reliable controls and folding design round out the spec sheet for this model.
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Pros
Industry-leading ANC got even better
Sound and power upgrades are substantial
Cons
Still expensive
Glossy finish isn’t for everyone
Billy Steele for Engadget
Connectivity: Bluetooth | ANC type: Hybrid Adaptive | Customizable ANC: Yes | Max battery life with ANC: 30 hours | Transparency mode: Yes | Weight: 254 grams | Collapsible: No (ear cups swivel flat but do not fold inward)
Sony’s 1000X line has been our top pick for best wireless headphone for a long time now. That’s still true. However, even though the company packs in lots of premium features alongside excellent sound quality, the M6 sits just below Bose in terms of pure ANC abilities. With the WH-1000XM6, Sony subtly redesigned its flagship headphones, making them way more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. This is an important factor to consider when purchasing over-ear headphones. We also noticed in our tests that the company made noticeable improvements to the active noise cancellation, thanks to a new QN3 chip. There are now 12 total ANC mics as well – the previous model only had eight. This all combines to better block background noise at medium and high frequencies, including human voices.
The M6 also has improved sound quality, thanks to new drivers, some help from mastering engineers and spatial audio upmixing. Its battery life remains the same 30 hours as its predecessor, which is more than enough to get you through several days of work or long international flights. Speak-to-Chat still reduces volume and activates ambient sound when you talk and the M6 can automatically change noise settings based on your location or activity. The only real downside is that they’re $50 more than the WH-1000XM5 at full price ($450).
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Pros
Improved sound
Better ANC performance
Tons of handy features
Supremely comfy
Cons
Price has increased again
Speak-to-Chat still needs work
Call quality suffers in loud environments
Photo by Billy Steele / Engadget
Connectivity: Bluetooth | ANC type: Hybrid | Customizable ANC: Yes | Max battery life with ANC: 35 hours | Transparency mode: Yes | Weight: 192 grams | Collapsible: No (ear cups swivel flat but do not fold inward)
The WH-CH720N won’t win any design awards with these over-ear headphones, but what you get for the price is well worth some aesthetic sacrifices. Due to their all-plastic construction, the CH720N are super lightweight and comfy, allowing you to wear them for hours at a time. The ANC isn’t as robust in these budget headphones as that in more expensive headphones, but it’s above average for products in this price range. Toss in customizability and a handy transparency mode, and you’ve got a solid device that costs only $150 — and regularly goes for around $100.
In addition to decent noise reduction for a small investment, the CH720N has 35-hour battery life, physical controls, DSEE upscaling and Sony’s 360 Reality Audio. You can also adjust both the EQ and the level of ambient sound. Plus, the company’s ever-present Adaptive Sound Control can automatically switch the sound settings based on your activity or location. Last but not least, the overall sound quality is really impressive for headphones at this price. There’s plenty of detail and subtlety in the audio; you can really hear the gritty texture of distorted guitars and near-pristine acoustic instruments.
Pros
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Affordably priced
Lightweight and comfy
Great sound quality
Some handy features
Cons
ANC struggles in certain environments
Lots of plastic
No automatic pausing
Advanced features reserved for pricier models
Billy Steele for Engadget
Connectivity: Bluetooth | ANC type: Adaptive | Customizable ANC: No | Max battery life with ANC: 30 hours | Transparency mode: Yes | Weight: 300 grams | Collapsible: No (ear cups swivel flat but do not fold inward)
If you seek to pair excellent sound quality with capable ANC performance, the Px7 S3 are the best option. Sure, you can find more impressive noise-blocking abilities elsewhere, but if you want pristine audio as well, Bowers & Wilkins is the way to go. An adaptive ANC setup uses eight microphones to capture unwanted noise and automatically adjust to any changes. 40mm dynamic full-range bio cellulose drivers pipe in balanced tuning that provides you with the finest detail of any song.
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You’ll also get up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC enabled, although you will probably surpass that figure. Plus, handy tools like transparency mode, multipoint Bluetooth and an adjustable EQ cover the basics on the Px7 S3. You won’t find more advanced features than those, but what Bowers & Wilkins does offer here is finely tuned and carefully polished.
Pros
Excellent sound quality
Comfy fit
Sophisticated design
Cons
Expensive
Awkward button locations
A lack of advanced features
Photo by Billy Steele / Engadget
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Connectivity: Bluetooth | ANC type: Hybrid Adaptive | Customizable ANC: Yes | Max battery life with ANC: 60 hours | Transparency mode: Yes | Weight: 292.9 grams | Collapsible: No (ear cups swivel flat but do not fold inward)
Sure, there are headphones that will last longer than Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 Wireless, but they don’t offer the combo of great battery life, ANC and good sound quality you’ll find here. On this model, the company made big improvements to its active noise cancellation, catching up to rivals like Bose and Sony. Specifically, the ANC on the Momentum 4 handles constant distractions more effectively than previous models in the series.
I don’t care for the design Sennheiser introduced on the Momentum 4 as the company ditched what was a quite novel look for something much more generic and plastic. However, the change comes with the bonus of increased comfort. You’ll also get excellent sound quality, in fact, it’s some of the best you’ll find in wireless headphones. There’s noticeable depth to the audio profile with a wide soundstage that complements all genres. You might even discover finer details you previously missed. And, of course, its 60 hours of battery life with ANC on is double what a lot of flagship headphones offer these days.
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Pros
Impressive 60-hour battery life
Better ANC performance
Great sound quality
Improved comfort
Cons
Pinch gesture feels unnecessary
Standout design is gone
Auto on/off needs work
How to choose the best noise-canceling headphones for you
Design
When you’re shopping for the best wireless headphones, the first thing you’ll need to decide on is wear style. Do you prefer on-ear or over-ear headphones? For the purposes of this guide, I focus on the over-ear style as that’s what most noise-canceling headphones are nowadays. Sure, you can find on-ear models with ANC, but over-ear, active noise-canceling headphones are much more effective at blocking outside sounds since your ears are completely covered.
For gamers, there are also gaming headsets that feature noise cancellation — some even have detachable microphones, so they can double as over-ear headphones. However, for the purpose of this article, we’re only going to be focusing on noise-canceling headphones rather than headsets. Look for models with a comfortable headband and memory foam ear cups to ensure you can wear them for long periods without discomfort.
Many headphones also come with a range of color options, so if aesthetics matter to you, you’ll find plenty of choices beyond just black or white. Whether you’re looking for something neutral or a bold pop of color, brands now offer a variety of styles to match your personal taste.
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Finally, if you’re planning to wear your headphones for long periods of time, it’s important to pick a model with a comfortable fit. Memory foam ear cups, an adjustable headband, and lightweight materials can make all the difference during extended listening sessions. After all, great sound is only part of the equation; comfort matters just as much.
Type of noise cancellation
Next, you’ll want to look at the type of ANC a set of headphones offers. You’ll come across terms like “hybrid active noise cancellation” or “hybrid adaptive active noise cancellation,” and there are key differences between the two. A hybrid ANC setup uses microphones on the inside and on the outside of the device to detect outside noise and cancel it out. By analyzing input from both mics, a hybrid system can combat more sounds than “regular” ANC, but it does so at a constant level that doesn’t change.
Adaptive ANC takes the hybrid configuration a step further by continuously adjusting the noise cancellation for changes in your environment and any leakage around the padding of the ear cups. Adaptive noise-canceling also does a better job with wind noise, which can really kill your vibe while using headphones outdoors. Some high-end headphones also support Dolby Atmos, which enhances spatial audio and makes everything from music to movies sound more immersive. For the purposes of this best headphones list, I’m only considering products with hybrid ANC or adaptive ANC setups because those are the most effective at blocking noise and improving your overall listening experience.
Customization
You’ll also want to check to see if the ANC system on a prospective set of headphones offers adjustable levels of noise cancellation or presets. These can help you dial in the amount of ANC you need for various environments, but it can also help you save battery life. Master & Dynamic, for example, has ANC presets that provide both maximum noise blocking and more efficient cancellation that is more energy efficient. Other companies may include a slider in their companion apps that let you adjust the ANC level to your liking. Some high-end models even allow you to fine-tune the ANC for specific types of environments.
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How we test noise-canceling headphones
The primary way we test headphones is to wear them as much as possible. I prefer to do this over a one-to-two-week period, but sometimes deadlines don’t allow it. During this time, I listen to a mix of music and podcasts, while also using the headphones to take both voice and video calls.
Since battery life for headphones can be 30 hours or more, I drain the battery with looping music and the volume set at a comfortable level (usually around 75 percent). Due to the longer battery estimates, I’ll typically power the headphones off several times and leave them that way during a review. This simulates real-world use and keeps me from having to constantly monitor the process for over 24 straight hours.
To test ANC performance specifically, I use headphones in a variety of environments, from noisy coffee shops to quiet home offices. When my schedule allows, I use them during air travel since plane noise is a massive distraction to both work and relaxation. Even if I can’t hop on a flight, I’ll simulate a constant roar with white noise machines, bathroom fans, vacuums and more. I also make note of how well each device blocks human voices, which are a key stumbling block for a lot of ANC headphones.
ANC-related features are something else to consider. Here, I do a thorough review of companion apps, testing each feature as I work through the software. Any holdovers from previous models are double checked for improvements or regression. If the headphones I’m testing are an updated version of a previous model, I’ll spend time getting reacquainted with the older set. Ditto for the closest competition for each new set of headphones that I review.
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Other noise-canceling headphones we tested
AirPods Max
Apple’s AirPods Max are premium, well-designed over-ear headphones that incorporate all of the best features you find on standard AirPods: solid noise cancellation, spatial audio and easy Siri access. However, their $550 starting price makes them almost prohibitively expensive, even for Apple users. There are better options available at lower prices, but if you can pick up the AirPods Max at a steep discount, they might be worthwhile for the biggest Apple fans among us.
Dyson On-Trac
The On-Trac headphones have an almost infinitely customizable design, and that’s what’s most unique about them. The sound profile offers some nice detail, but lacks dynamic range overall. ANC is average at best and there aren’t any advanced features that will make your life easier. Well, except for the hearing health monitor, which is actually handy. All told, that’s not a lot for a set of $500 headphones.
Sonos Ace
The Sonos Ace is an excellent debut for the company’s first headphones. The combination of refined design, great sound quality and home theater tricks creates a unique formula. However, ANC performance is just okay and key functionality is still in the works for many users.
Sony ULT Wear
If most headphones don’t have the level of bass you desire, the ULT Wear is an option to consider. The low-end thump isn’t for everyone, but there are also plenty of handy features and a refined look to make the $200 set more compelling than many in this price range.
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Beats Studio Pro
The Studio Pro lacks basic features like automatic pausing, and multipoint connectivity is only available on Android. Moreover, they’re not very comfortable for people with larger heads. Overall sound quality is improved, though, and voice performance on calls is well above average.
Master & Dynamic MH40 (2nd gen)
The MH40 are a great set of headphones if you favor crisp, clear and natural sound that isn’t overly tuned. This pair showcases the company’s affinity for leather and metal too, but limited customization and short battery life for non-ANC cans kept this set from making the cut.
Bowers & Wilkins Px8
The company’s trademark pristine sound is on display here, but the Px8 is more expensive and not nearly as comfortable as the Px7 S3.
Noble Audio FoKus Apollo
While this is my top pick for overall sound quality in our main guide to the best wireless headphones, the ANC performance is less impressive than the Px7 S3. Bowers & Wilkins gets the nod here for its improved noise cancellation over the Px7 S2 and Px7 S2e, and its overall excellent audio quality.
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Noise-canceling headphones FAQs
Does noise cancellation block all noise?
Noise cancellation doesn’t block out all noise, though it does drastically reduce the volume of most external sounds.
Is there a difference between wired vs wireless noise-canceling headphones?
In terms of sound quality, if you have two headphones — one wired and one wireless — with similar specs, the difference is going to be very minimal. However, wireless headphones offer more convenience, allowing you to move around more freely with your headphones on, which is why they often feature noise cancellation to minimize external sounds.
Does noise cancellation impact sound quality?
ANC does bear some weight on sound quality, but the impact of this often doesn’t outweigh the benefits. Noise cancellation reduces ambient noise, allowing a greater focus on audio detail. For audiophiles, however, there may be a small difference in sound fidelity when ANC is turned on.
