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Verdict For the most part, Google didn’t try and reinvent the wheel with the Pixel Tablet. As an Android tablet, it’s pretty much the perfect tablet for almost everything. But it really flexes its muscles when attached to the included Charging Speaker Dock, transforming it into a supercharged smart home display. There are a few quirks here and there, but honestly, it’s nothing that’s earth-shattering.
Pros
+Pixel experience comes back to tablets
+Includes Charging Speaker Dock
+USI 2.0 support
+Could be a look at the future of Google’s Nest products
+Design is reminiscent of the Pixel 5
Cons
-Not ideal for serious gaming
-No first-party stylus or keyboard options
-Removing the tablet off of the dock takes a bit of practice
I’ve used my fair share of tablets over the years. Predominantly, my time has been spent with an iPad Pro of some sort, but I do enjoy a good Android tablet whenever one is actually released. Like many of us Android nerds, we’ve been longing for Google to get back into the tablet game, and our prayers were finally answered with the Pixel Tablet.
I’ve been longing for a Google tablet that can capture my interest in the same way that theNexus 7did. And after a couple of weeks with the Pixel Tablet, Google is definitely onto something here.
Google Pixel Tablet: Price and availability
The Google Pixel Tablet was first introduced atGoogle I/O 2022, before making it was officially released in June 2023. There are three different colors available, as Google is offering it in Porcelain, Hazel, or Rose, complete with matching a Charging Speaker Dock in the box. Pricing starts at $499 for the 128GB model and goes up to $599 for the version with 256GB of storage.
Google Pixel Tablet: Brand new, yet familiar design
The first thing that I noticed when I took the Pixel Tablet out of the box is the feel of the back cover. It reminds me of the finish found on older Pixel phones like thePixel 4 XLandPixel 5. It’s soft to the touch, yet comfortable to hold and there aren’t any worries about fingerprints turning this into a smudgy mess, at least on the back.
This isn’t the same sentiment when it comes to the display, thanks to the glossy finish, which will likely show fingerprints as soon as you unwrap it. But something else I noticed is that Google didn’t want to go down the same path as theGalaxy Tab S8or iPad Air here. Instead, the bezels are large enough so you don’t have to worry about accidentally touching the screen. It’s likely the same approach Google made with the bezels on the Pixel Fold, and it’s actually been a bit refreshing.
Admittedly, the larger bezels do make the Pixel Tabletlooklike a device that was released a few years ago. Well really, thePixel Tabletlookslike the Nest Hubwith a better screen, but more on that in a bit.
That being said, I’m also a big fan of both the selfie camera and fingerprint scanner being placed in the correct positions. It seems that every other company, besides Apple, has learned that the camera should be orientated for landscape use, not at the top of the screen. And the fingerprint scanner, even with a case on, is still accessible and has been more reliable than the in-display one in my Pixel 7 Pro.
Google Pixel Tablet: Performance is what you’d expect
I won’t bore you with benchmarking scores and a spec breakdown because basically, the Pixel Tablet is aPixel 7wrapped in a larger screen. Google’s getting the most out of theTensor G2chip, which debuted along with the Pixel 7 and is now powering a total of five devices in Google’s lineup (including thePixel Fold.)
What that means is that it’ll handle pretty much all of the best Android games, while the 8GB of RAM is enough to take advantage of the changes to multitasking inAndroid 13. In fact, I’m sitting here writing this review with the Pixel Tablet propped up on my desk connected to a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard.
The new taskbar is similar to what you’ll find on theGalaxy Z Fold 4and other large-screen devices. With just a swipe up from the bottom, the taskbar appears, revealing your most recently-used apps, along with an app drawer button. Touch and hold on an app icon and you’re able to drag it into split-screen mode, but it’s not all sunshine and roses.
For example, you can’t have more than two apps open at a time when working on a split-screen. And this decision honestly has me scratching my head a bit. I haven’t even been able to get a third app to open as a floating window, which is pretty disappointing if I’m being honest.
Then again, Google isn’t positioning the Pixel Tablet as a productivity device, at least not yet. The software changes for Android tablets are more than welcome, especially on a large-screen device from Google. And you can still adjust the size of the app windows by dragging the line in the middle of the screen left or right.
If there was one thing that surprised me about the Pixel Tablet announcement, besides the obvious stuff, is the included support for USI 2.0. This means you can use the same USI pen from your Chromebook with your Pixel Tablet. My go-to USI pen has been thePenoval USI 2.0 stylus, and it’s worked pretty darn well, whether I’m trying to find a song to play or jot down some quick notes. You can even install the Google Canvas web app, along with any of the other best note-taking apps for Android, and don’t have to worry about dealing with a pairing process just to use a stylus.
Keeping with the stylus for a moment, I’m not someone who takes a bunch of hand-written notes on tablets orfoldable phones, but there are times when being able to do so just comes in handy. But I can’t help but feel like there’s just a little bit too much lag between what I write on the screen and when it actually shows up.
At first, I thought maybe something was up with the Penoval pen I was using, but it also happened with my otherUSI pens. Perhaps there’s a setting in Developer Options that will let me tweak things, but I also wouldn’t be surprised if improvements are made with future software updates.
Google Pixel Tablet: My new smart home hub
I have more smart displays and speakers in my house than I can count, but none of them are being actively used in my office. Until I/O 2023, there was aNest Hubon a shelf, accompanied by a Nest Hub Max in the kitchen and another Nest Hub in my living room. But even before I was offered to write this review, I knew that I would end up with a Pixel Tablet.
And instead of throwing it in a corner of the room, I’ve placed it on my desk, just to the right of my monitors. Google keeps trying to tell everyone that the Pixel Tablet is not a Nest Hub replacement, but after spending some time with it, I’m still of the mindset that Google’s just playing coy.
When docked, the Pixel Tablet’s Hub Mode can be customized with many of the same options that you’ll find on the Nest Hub Max. But the biggest benefit is the redesignedGoogle Homeapp which continues to come in handy when I want to turn on the lights or check my cameras.
As for the speaker itself, it’s quite a bit louder than I expected, despite the difference in speakers compared to theNest Hub Max. But what has come in really handy is the built-in Chromecast, as I have a tendency of starting videos when I take out my dog and want to continue watching them when I come inside. As you can see in the pictures, there is no shortage of screens in my office, but casting from my phone to the Pixel Tablet is much faster compared to anything else.
Instead of trying to find reasons to use the Pixel Tablet, it’s just become second nature to rely on it for things like music playback or video watching when I want something off to the side. Google really nailed it here, and while you won’t enjoy the best audio quality, it’s still quite a bit better than what I was expecting.
Google Pixel Tablet: There are trade-offs, for now at least
As much as I want to sit here and tell everyone to go buy the Pixel Tablet right now, I can’t exactly do that. It’s not the “end-all-be-all” device, let alone thebest Android tabletout there. Google did have to make a few compromises, some of which have shown up in my time with it so far, while others might just be a non-factor.
My biggest disappointment, so far at least, shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise, but Ireallywanted Google to release a first-party stylus and keyboard cover for the Pixel Tablet. As someone who likes being able to work from pretty much anywhere, at any time, I don’t always want to throw in aBluetooth keyboardjust to get some work done on my tablet. There are some rumors that this could be rectified in the coming months, but I’m of the mindset of “I’ll believe it when I see it.”
That’s not to say that Google’s first-party Pixel Tablet case is bad, as the built-in adjustable kickstand has been quite nice to use. Plus, it still works with the Charging Speaker Dock, so I don’t need to worry about taking off the case whenever I want to throw my tablet on the dock. And as I mentioned earlier, the case doesn’t get in the way of my trying to unlock the tablet with my fingerprint, which is a nice touch.
Instead, my biggest problem with the case is that I feel like I’m either destined to live with scratches, or I’ll need to buy a screen protector if I ever want to take the tablet with me. The case does have a bit of a lip around the edges, which will definitely help if I place the tablet screen down. But that will do practically nothing if I throw the Pixel Tablet in my bag and then accidentally put something else in the same sleeve.
Another disappointment that I’ve had, was one that I didn’t expect, and that’s the Charging Speaker Dock becoming a large paperweight whenever the tablet is detached. After this was revealed by Google, I really didn’t think it would both me all that much, and honestly, it hasn’t. But there have been times when I was listening to music, then wanted to pick up the tablet to look at something, only to have the music switch.
Google Pixel Tablet: The competition
As is the case with most tablets, the most obvious competition to the Pixel Tablet is an iPad, and in this case, it’s theiPad (10th Generation). This is priced at $50 less than the Pixel Tablet but adopts the modern design found with almost every other option in Apple’s lineup. But for $449, you’ll only get the iPad and charging cable in the box and will need to spring for any other accessories that you might want.
In hishands-on, my colleague callie noted that theLenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2is also a formidable competitor. However, Google gains an edge in the software update department, while Lenovo’s tablet “costs slightly less with a better display.”
Google Pixel Tablet: Should you buy it?
You should buy this if:
You want an Android tablet with Google’s Pixel software interface.
You want an Android tablet that doubles as a smart home hub.
You want software updates as soon as Google makes them available.
You want a solid overall tablet and are okay with a few compromises.
You shouldn’t buy this if:
You’re looking for a productivity-focused tablet.
You’re on a budget.
While I’ve come around to One UI and am okay with software interfaces from other OEMs, there’s just something about Pixel UI that brings me back. It’s part of the reason why I wanted to see aGoogle Play Edition of the Galaxy Z Fold 3or 4 until Google announced the Pixel Fold.
The Pixel Tablet is not the best at any one thing but still manages to stand out from the pack with Material You and the Charging Speaker Dock. I’m still holding out hope that Google will release a keyboard case and its own USI stylus, but there are some pretty great options already available.
It’s also not often that I actually want to pick up and use a tablet while sitting on the couch, as opposed to just using my phone. To answer the question of what is “the one” from the title, the Pixel Tablet is the master of doing everything you want. Including things, you wouldn’t have expected.
Google unveiled two new AI models today: Veo 2 for video generation and Imagen 3 for images. According to human evaluators, both models set new benchmarks in their respective fields.
The new Veo 2 model can generate 4K videos and responds to specific filmmaking instructions, including different types of lenses and camera effects. Unlike previous models limited to short clips, Veo 2 videos can be “extended to minutes in length.”
One improvement in Veo 2, Google says, is how it handles common AI generation problems. The model produces fewer “hallucinations” – weird artifacts like extra fingers or random objects that often pop up in AI-generated content. Google also says the model has gotten better at representing realistic physics.
The company conducted direct comparison tests using 1,003 prompts from Meta’s MovieGenBench dataset, with human raters evaluating 720p resolution, eight-second video clips. In these head-to-head comparisons, Veo 2 came out ahead of its competitors, including OpenAI’s Sora Turbo, both in overall video quality and in how well it followed the given instructions.
In the comparison charts, green bars indicate the percentage of times evaluators preferred Veo 2’s output over its competitors.| Image: Google Deepmind
Despite these improvements, Google is upfront about Veo 2’s limitations. The company admits that creating consistently realistic and dynamic videos remains a significant challenge. In particular, the model still struggles with complex scenes and motion sequences – suggesting there’s still plenty of room for improvement in future versions.
For now, Google is taking a cautious approach with Veo 2’s rollout.Veo 2 will be limited to select products including VideoFX, YouTube, and the Vertex AI platform. The system will expand to YouTube Shorts and other products in 2025. All videos generated by the system will include an invisibleSynthID watermarkidentifying them as AI-generated.
Imagen 3 update from Google brings more vibrant AI images with better color balance and detail
(Image credit:Imagen 3 – Google DeepMind)
Along with Veo 2, Google announced a major update to its image generation AI. The newImagen3 model produces more vibrant images with better color balance, thanks to several under-the-hood improvements.
Google says Imagen 3 can now handle a broader range of artistic styles. Whether you’re looking for photorealistic images, impressionist paintings, abstract art, or anime-style illustrations, the model can adapt accordingly. The company also highlights Imagen 3’s ability to create more detailed images with improved textures and finer elements.
Google is makingImagen 3 widely available through its ImageFX tool, launching in more than 100 countries. While users can already access Imagen through Google’s Gemini Chat, the company hasn’t announced when this platform will get the upgraded Imagen 3 model.
Google introduces Veo 2 and Imagen 3, two AI models designed to deliver top-tier performance in video and image generation based on human evaluation.
Veo 2 generates 4K resolution videos, comprehends cinematographic instructions, and minimizes unwanted details. In direct comparison tests, Veo 2 outperforms competitors, particularly OpenAI’s Sora Turbo.
Imagen 3 offers enhanced color balance, more vibrant images, and improved detail through various technical advancements. The model has also been optimized to showcase different art styles.
Anyone looking for the best earbuds for small ears knows that it isn’t as simple as switching to the smaller ear tips supplied in the box. We, the small-eared music lovers, know that the narrowness of our ear canals is just one issue at play here. Actually, the size of our concha (that recess in the middle of our outer ear) and tragus (the pointy bit above it, at the opening of the ear canal) and what they can accommodate are far more pressing issues when it comes to finding non-painful earbuds for smaller ears.
Pocketable ‘buds that won’t stay in without excessive force are no fun. I know this because I’ve been testing thebest earbudsacross all prices – including thebest budget wireless earbuds– for years now, often having to wedge, twist and adjust earpieces to try to get bigger units just to stay put. It’s no good stuffing extra mics into each headshell to support ANC and juicier batteries if the wearer cannot tru;y glean the benefit.
The good news is, it can be done. What follows is is my pick of the best earbuds for smaller ears, for every budget and whatever your priority, based on that experience. I can sport these earbuds without issue for long listening sessions, so I’m confident you can too.
The best earbuds for small ears overall
(Image credit: Sony)
1. Sony LinkBuds S
Big features and specs even in smaller Sony earbuds
Specifications
Weight:4.8g per bud
Frequency response:20Hz-20kHz
Drivers:5mm
Battery life :6hrs ANC on, 9hrs ANC off, 2x charges in the case
Reasons to buy
+Compact, light and comfortable +Enjoyable and unthreatening sound +Great control app
Reasons to avoid
-Could sound more assertive -Don’t look or feel anything special
I know, I know: Sony’s earbuds didn’t start out small – some of us struggled to achieve a secure fit and seal with early WF-1000XM iterations, didn’t we? But Sony listened to our feedback, and things have changed. The LinkBuds S are small and beautifully designed, to the point that they sit practically flush with my tragus when worn, so no gust of wind can dislodge them.
Leaving their tiny size to one side for a moment, the May 2022-issue LinkBuds S use the same V1 processor to combine noise cancellation and audio processing as the one in the (more expensive, and bigger) former flagshipSony WF-1000XM4, but here it’s working with a new 5mm full-range dynamic driver – which is also smaller than the XM4.
What makes them my top choice for most people with small ears? While the LinkBuds S may be small, their spec-sheet is pretty big. With the exception of multipoint pairing, it’s basically a full house as far as perks go. Noise cancellation can be turned on or off using the capacitive touch surface on each earpiece (which works well, despite their diminutive size) and an Ambient sound option offers 20 different increments, handled by Sony’s Headphone Connect app – again, the same one as used by Sony’s flagship earbuds.
Why the less-than perfect review score? Sonically, they could benefit from an extra ounce of zeal, verve and punch. That said, they’re perfectly musical and enjoyable thanks to the relatively detailed sound, openness across the frequencies, and reassuringly chunky performance through the low-end – I’d just like more dynamic potency through the leading edges of notes). Yes, it’s splitting hairs, but that’s my job…
Oh, and the keen-eyed will note thenew LinkBuds Fitare now in town, having launched in early October 2024 – and with cute squishy ‘supporters’ (read: fins) to slip into more bijou ears and supersede the original LinkBuds S. Will they take this spot in the guide? We’re working on that…
The best budget earbuds for people with small ears
2. JLab JBuds Mini
Inexpensive, tiny, light and still quite capable
Specifications
Weight:3.3g per bud
Frequency response:Not stated
Drivers:6mm
Battery life :5.5hrs per bud, up to 20hrs via the charging case
Reasons to buy
+Incredibly small +Useful features such as multipoint +Customizable sound
Reasons to avoid
-Basic codec support -Quick charge isn’t great
Just quickly glance at the stat above, the one that says 3.3g. Isn’t that incredible for the weight of a driver-housing, battery toting true wireless earbud? It’s not only 1.5g lighter than the Sony LinkBuds S’ weight per bud (listed above as our top choice for smaller ears), but the lightest we’ve ever heard of.
For reference, the Sony WF-1000XM4 weigh 7.3g each, more than twice as heavy. At the other end of the scale, the January 2022-issue1More ComfoBuds Minipreviously got the nod for the lightest earbuds we’ve ever tested, at just 3.7g per earpiece, but each JLab JBuds Mini earpiece comes in at almost half a gram lighter – and when it comes to something that sits inside the delicate creases and wells of your smallish ear for many hours, it actually counts.
These September 2023-launch earbuds are enough to bring on an attack of cute aggression they’re so tiny; put the case on your keyring (JLab has thoughtfully supplied one, in the box) and you’ll barely notice your listening gear is there.
And if they’re going to live next to your keys, it helps to know you’re getting an IP55 rating for rain and dust ingress. You also get multipoint (something much pricier flagship earbuds still lack – Bose, we’re looking at you) and a very good companion app. What don’t you get? Active noise cancellation, which will be a deal-breaker for many – although the passive isolation is better than you’d expect. And for such a low price, we wouldn’t really expect it anyway.
Sonically speaking, they’re good – and that is nothing short of incredible for this money, aided by the option to tweak the EQ in the app. They suffer justfractionallythrough the low end for clout and impact, but it’s a minor shortfall at this ultra-budget level.
While you’re here, we also love the October 2024-launchJLab Go Pop ANCand they’re just as great for smaller ears, but at the time of writing, they aren’t widely available in a few regions… if you do see them, they’re well worth a look too.
The best high-end earbuds for small ears
3. Montblanc MTB 03
Designer earbuds for the pickiest of petite ears
Specifications
Weight:6g per earbud
Frequency response:20Hz – 20kHz
Drivers:7mm Beryllium
Battery life :6hrs (earbuds) 18hrs (case)
Reasons to buy
+Beautifully compact design; classy finish +Lossless audio codec support
Reasons to avoid
-No multipoint connectivity -Noise cancellation is average
If you like nice things (and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with liking nice things), you’ll like Montblanc’s bijou and beautifully crafted earbuds. There’s hi-res codec support – aptX Adaptive, to be precise – and the sound has been tuned by designer (of legendary headphones, including theSennheiser HD 600) Axel Grell. Yes, it’s high-end stuff.
You also get IPX4 water resistance and an app that offers a five band EQ tab, unusual noise cancellation and ambient features and auto-off wearer detection plus a lovely representation of the remaining battery life in each bud.
If you’re happy to pay a premium for the quality build, finish and iconic snowcap emblem within earbuds that sound good, I support you – yes, sonically they tick all the boxes for depth and neutrality when listening to higher-resolution music files.
The only fly in the ointment is the MTB 03’s noise cancellation, which is good rather than excellent. In lesser-priced earbuds it wouldn’t be a huge issue, but for this money one might hope for the near ‘bubble of silence’ performance you get from the (much bigger)Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Ultra– because the Montblanc buds are priced to compete with the best. And in the battle for quietness, the clear winner is Bose… but as I mentioned above, those earbuds are pretty huge. Montblanc’s will work nicely for small ears without sacrificing audio fidelity.
The best small earbuds for budget noise cancellation
4. Sony WF-C700N
Easily the best budget-friendly smaller Sony earbuds with ANC
Specifications
Weight:4.6g per earbud
Frequency response:20Hz-20kHz
Drivers:5mm
Battery life :7.5hr (buds) 15hr total (with case, ANC on)
Reasons to buy
+Detailed and immersive sound +Solid noise cancellation
Reasons to avoid
-No LDAC hi-res codec support -Only one charge from case
Remember, I have small ears. So believe me when I say that if it’s affordable Sony noise-cancelling earbuds you’re afterandyour ears are on the small side, you won’t be disappointed with the Sony WF-C700N.
They’re not the last word in audiophile-grade sound (you only get standard-quality SBC and AAC codec support rather than anything hi-res, although Sony has included in its entry-level DSEE upscaler to make Spotify tracks sound better) and if you want higher-resolution support in a design that celebrates a smaller ear, you will need to invest more. That said, you do get Sony 360 Reality support here, which is even better if you pay for Tidal – because that music streaming platform has a wealth of content presented inSony’s object-based immersive format.
What you need to know is that they’re lovely and small and they simply shouldn’t be this good for the money – specifically for sound and active noise cancellation. One key omission on the spec-sheet is auto-off feature when you remove them, but for this money it’s a compromise I’m more than happy to make. It’s also a shame that you only get one extra charge of them from the case, compared to two or three with most models here, but that’s balanced out by them offering excellent longevity in the buds from each charge.
Sony’s Headphones Connect app gives you control of the active noise cancellation, including Adaptive Sound Control optimized according to what you’re doing – yes, the C700N essentially learn how you tend to use them, then try to get with the schedule, so you can have lighter noise blocking in the office than when travelling. And even then, you can tweak it all in the app. When ANC is on, all but the loudest noises are softened, leaving me genuinely immersed in my playlists. Given the size of the earpieces, it’s no mean feat.
-Battery life is only average -Coolest features are Samsung only
Until Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, the company’s record with earbuds, er, wasn’t great. But forget shiny kidney bean-shaped buds and other quirky design flourishes, the Pro 2 are compact, comfortable and all business. Also, I don’t recommend the newer, July 2024Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Profor smaller ears – I found the Toblerone-esque stem a little too bulky to make the driver housing feel truly secure.
Back to the second-gen set I do recommend for those with smaller ears and the basics are spot on: excellent active noise cancellation, voice detect, wearer detection and customizable on-ear controls – all of which work very well indeed – plus IPX7 water ingress protection.
But if you own a Samsung Galaxy device (and thus, access to the Samsung Wearable companion app and home-screen widget) you also get easy spatial audio with optional head-tracking, plus end-to-end 24-bit high-res audio, which is quite a rarity.
For the smaller-eared wearer, the improved fit and lightness here is also winning – the Buds Pro 2 are 15% smaller than Samsung’s last effort and 0.8g lighter per earpiece (5.5g vs the 6.3g Buds Pro) – but more importantly, the design fits me simply, without having to repeat that overly-aggressive twist-and-hope-to-lock-em-in technique some of us know only too well.
The only downside here at the time of writing is that an updated iteration on these August 2022-issue earbuds is expected in August 2024 – here’s what we know about theSamsung Galaxy Buds 3 Proso far. Then again, that means we’re seeing some huge discounts on this still-excellent older model…
The best wired earbuds for small ears
6. SoundMagic E11C
SoundMagic’s humble inexpensive earbuds are still in the mix
Specifications
Weight:15g
Frequency response:20Hz-20kHz
Drivers:10mm dynamic
Battery life :n/a
Reasons to buy
+Elegant, small design +Great passive noise isolation
Reasons to avoid
-Bass can be slightly muddy -Not USB-C (but a version is available)
If you’ve ever nosed through an audiophile publication or Reddit thread, you’ll likely know about these wildly successful, multi-award winning entry-level wired earbuds. Despite their 2018 release date, they’re still serving up magical sound for the level. Note that these are 3.5mm terminated (meaning they use a regular headphone jack) but if you want a USB-C version, that’s called the SoundMagic E11D.
For the smaller-eared among us, wires can be attractive for reasons besides their improved sound quality (ditching a Bluetooth connection still means better-quality audio; even an aptX HD connection incurs a degree of ‘loss’ or compression) because wires tether your precious earbuds to each other – and of course to your source device. Anyone who’s ever had to frantically search under their train carriage seat for a popped-out earbudjustas they pull into their stop knows the value of this.
But to call the SoundMagic E11C a safe bet for portable audio is to do these wired earbuds a disservice. Yes, their aluminum dark-metallic design makes them look and feel much more expensive than they are when slipped into your ears – but better than that, they sound move expensive too. They’re not the final word in sonic brilliance, (bass and treble can both be less-than-totally-refined), but they’re impressive for the price, and it’s easy to actually hear what you’re listening to thanks to good passive noise blocking.
The silver-plated copper cable is coated in TPE and aside from the environmental benefits of this type of coating (it’s a kind of thermoplastic rubber that SoundMagic says has “a reduced environmental impact compared to other commonly used plastics”) it also means the cable feels durable and doesn’t tangle, which anyone who usesApple’s USB-C EarPodswill soon appreciate…
The best Apple earbuds for smaller ears
(Image credit: Apple)
7. Apple AirPods Pro 2
The best wireless earbuds for smaller-eared iPhone owners
Specifications
Weight:5.3g
Frequency response:Not listed
Drivers:Custom Apple design
Battery life :6 hours (buds) 30 hours (case)
Reasons to buy
+Top-tier noise cancellation +Lots of very smart features for iPhone
Reasons to avoid
-Average battery life -No lossless support
If you’re leaning towards an Apple product, there’s a reason this particular white stemmed design is so popular these days: it fits most people. And that includes those of us with smaller ears. Now, I don’t think AirPods arethe bestdesign for smaller-eared wearers, but if it has to be Apple, this is the set I’d advise. Why? Because I find Apple’s newer ‘open ear’AirPods 4design (which also comes in anoise-canceling variant) a little too wide for comfort in my smaller ears. Yes, the box is tiny; the driver housing of each bud is less so. Of course, fit is a personal thing and the designisemphatically different, so it’s worth trying them, but for me the Pro-suffixed set gets the nod.
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 offer a powerful audio performance plus high-end noise cancellation in a build that’s smaller and more lightweight than plenty of the regular competition. OK, they weigh 5.3g, which is a little heavy given the competitionspecificallywithin this bijou budded list, but that includes the well-weighted stem, as well as the driver housing. I’ve called said stem a ‘toothbrush head shape’ in previous iterations (up to and including the second-gen.Apple AirPods 2019), but here the tail is a little shorter and tapers around slightly to hug your cheek, which aids with a secure fit.
Noise cancellation? It’s among the best in the business. Battery life? Not so much; six hours from the buds is distinctly average – although the 30 hours from the charging case is more impressive.
As always with Apple propositions, iPhone owners are the best-served customers here, thanks to unique features such as head-tracked spatial audio, Find My support including ultra-wideband precision location tracking (so your phone will literally point you to your lost buds) and seamless auto-switching between your Apple devices, which is basically the equivalent of multipoint connectivity on more devices than most – but remember, you need an Apple device to enjoy all of this (and ideally all Apple devices).
+Affordable hi-res audio +Impressive noise isolation +Comfortable and lightweight
Reasons to avoid
-Volume levels a bit quiet -Button controls too small -Cable noise impacts your enjoyment
The SoundMagic E80D are excellent value for money, bringing you great sound in a reliable and wired package ready for USB-C phones and laptops. They come with a built-in digital-to-analogue converter (DAC), delivering hi-res audio that’s much more detailed than any other pair of budget buds.
This makes them ideal for anyone who wants hi-res audio but doesn’t have the high-end budget to match. The SoundMagic E80D might not bring you truly premium sound, but you do get impressive hi-res audio that punch above their price, making them a great option if you want an affordable pair of buds that sound great.
Granted, we found that they don’t get very loud in our testing, and you don’t get active noise cancellation to compensate for that, but there’s solid noise isolation. We found that the E80D keep any surrounding noises low enough in general, so you can stay focused when you’re listening to music and podcasts or watching videos.
The SoundMagic E80D have a simple, wired design. During testing, we found that they were comfortable to wear, and the tiny buds size makes them good for the small-eared. We happily kept them in for hours over many times in an office and walking home. They also come with additional ear tips included in small and large sizes, as well as a double-layered option (the default ear tips are standard, medium-sized gels). Whichever ear gels you use, they’re also lightweight at 16g.
The best small buds without ANC
9. Sony WF-C510
The best cheap, smaller wireless earbuds without ANC
Specifications
Acoustic design:Closed
Weight:31g
Frequency response:20Hz – 20,000Hz
Drivers:6mm
Battery life:11 hours (buds) 11 hours (case)
Reasons to buy
+Punchy, energetic audio +Sony 360 Reality Audio support +Great in-bud battery life; bijou case too
Reasons to avoid
-A few features missing -Custom EQ mode is confusing -Limited case battery life
Some people want ANC to block the noise of busy offices, flights, or commutes, but not everyone wants it. And why pay for something you won’t ever use? Sometimes, it’s safer to stay fully aware of your surroundings, and some people even find ANC a little nauseating – no two humans are identical, as we’re all aware.
Anyway, my top pick for budget earbuds without ANC is the Sony WF-C510. The keen-eyed will note that they’re similar to the WF-C700N listed above (Sony is a name that’s featuring a lot in the realm of bijou buds, isn’t it? I don’t make the rules; it’s just how it is), but nearly half the price, so if you’re happy to forego noise-cancellation, there’s a bargain to be had here.
You won’t get audiophile-level sound quality, exactly, but the WF-C510 still offer a highly enjoyable listen. This is thanks in part to Sony’s DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine), which aims to open out and upscale compressed audio from streaming services. An edge over other budget options, I think you’ll agree.
In our review, we noted: “the buds stuck in my ears like the Abba songs they played stayed stuck in my head.” This secure fit is thanks to the “grippy” material on the tips and the lightweight build – just 5g per bud. And the case is another thing about them that’s compact and lightweight, though it only offers one extra charge, which is a tad disappointing. Still, with 11 hours of battery life on a single charge, they’re still competitive for stamina.
How to choose the best smaller earbuds for you
Which earbuds shape is best for small ears?
Short answer: something compact and either teardrop-shaped or pill-shaped, since that’s the most ergonomically accurate design for most ears.
That said, I’ve actually been surprised by the security and fit I’ve experienced wearing some largerlookingearbuds – namely theTechnics EAH-AZ80– which work because attention has been paid to the new ‘concha’ design. The weight these earbuds carry (a not insubstantial 7g) is well distributed across the housing, so they almost feel as if they hug the ear to stay put.
It’s worth noting that some users with smaller ears find an open-ear design is best, since this avoids the issue of achieving a seal – there’s no neck of the bud having to fit in your ear canal. Examples of this might be theAirPods 3(which sit in your ear well or tragus, but don’t need to be pushed further into the ear canal) or a completely open-ear design such as theBose Ultra Open Earbuds, which fit almost like an ear cuff.
As always, all ears are different and while we can point you in the right direction, there’s going to be a degree of trial and error here. What we can tell you is, there’s a set of earbuds out there for you even if you have small ears – and it’s well worth experimenting to find them.
Should I consider over-ears instead?
It’s a very good question, although the answer, as with so many things, will come down to personal preference and how (or when) you like to listen to your music.
Even five years ago, I might have suggested that if you want an excellent fit and you have very small ears, you probably need to be looking at over-ear headphones, but thanks to incredible advancements in onboard mics, batteries, Bluetooth chipsets (with anti-phase tech for ANC) and driver manufacture, ever-smaller earbuds – with ever-improving spec sheets – are arriving daily.
That said, some people still find the nature of an in-ear design hard to get used to. I’ve had emails from readers who find almost all earbuds painful, intrusive or even nauseating, regardless of their ear size. Others don’t experience any issues at all. We are wonderfully unique, you see.
Do you carry a small bag to work? Earbuds, which can be stored easily in their diminutive case and eve thrown in a pocket, are tempting aren’t they? Those big ‘don’t talk to me’ over-ears need a bigger tote bag at the very least.
My advice, as always, is not to rush this purchase. You and your earbuds will be spending a lot of time together, after all. Ask yourself which listening style best suits your lifestyleas well asyour physicality, read our reviews and, if you have the time, visit a bricks-and-mortar store to try your shortlisted options on before you buy.
Are there any earbuds I should avoid if I have smaller ears?
OK, real talk. Leading on from the point above, earbuds are only getting smaller now. Since their arrival not yet a decade ago, manufacturers are seemingly in a race to squirrel drivers, batteries, spatial audio processing and mics into ever decreasing true wireless earpieces. Take the 2015 Onkyo W800BT, the first widely available true wireless earbuds proposition. Each earbud came in at 8.5g – impressive at the time, huge by today’s standards (consider the 3.3g earpiece JLab has offered with the 2023 JBuds Mini for reference).
What I’m saying is, it pays to look for newer products since brands typically seek to better previous offerings with each fresh iteration – and size is a great spec to start with.
Some people findBose’s QuietComfort Earbuds 2and newer Earbuds Ultra (a very similar proposition physically, at least) a little on the bulky side. That said, others think Bose’s unique ear tips, which cover the whole housing rather than just the neck of the bud, particularly secure.
It’s all about a better viewing and sharing experience.
What you need to know
Google is rolling out a new PDF viewer for the Files by Google app, as it shared in a recent update to the app’s Play Store listing.
The old PDF viewer incorporated Google Drive, but now, the new one is specific to Google Files.
It’s easier to share, star, and take actions while viewing a PDF while using the new Files by Google interface.
Files by Google is getting a minor upgrade that could improve your PDF viewing experience. The app is rolling out a new view that leverages a custom PDF viewer, rather than using the integrated one fromGoogle Drive. This will make accessing certain options easier, such as starring a PDF or sharing it with others. Alternatively, you can still use the PDF viewer in the Google Drive app if you prefer the previous user-interface.
Google previewed the change in an update to the “What’s new” section of the Files by Googleapp listing onthe Google Play Store. “Over the next few weeks, we’re rolling out improvements to your experience with PDF files,” the note reads. “Print, find content, or access markup tools whenever you open a PDF in the Files app.”
9to5Googlefirst spotted that the change was rolling out to users of version 1.5687 of the Google Files app after a server-side tweak. Android Central confirmed the new PDF viewer on its devices, but notably, one device had to be updated toAndroid 15before the change took effect.
You can see the new look of the PDF viewer in Files by Google in the screenshots below.
From left to right: Old PDF viewer, new PDF viewer, new PDF viewer + overflow menu.(Image credit: Future)
Now, the overflow menu lets you access key options that weren’t available using the previous UI. With the old version, some menu buttons were only accessible through the list view of documents in theFiles by Google app. They weren’t there after the PDF was opened using the external Drive viewer, but that has been rectified with the new Files by Google custom PDF viewer.
TheFindandSave to Driveicons have been replaced withStarandShareon the new viewer. These can be pressed without opening the overflow menu. The new overflow menu includes more options, includingUse as,Open with,Move to Trash,Move to,Copy to,Move to Safe folder,File info,Find in file, andPrint.
Finally, the markup button (floating action button) has been redesigned, and some files will have aGoogle Lensbutton above it that quickly opensCircle to Search.
iOS 18.2 had me thinking that Apple’s Magic Eraser competitor was better, until it didn’t.
Shortly after Apple released the third iOS 18.1 Developer Beta,I decided to seehow well the new “Clean Up” feature would stack up against Google’s Magic Eraser and Samsung’s Object Eraser. What I ended up with was a thing of nightmares when trying to remove the harness from my dog in a picture.
Samsung and Google both did a good job, but that didn’t come as much of a surprise, given that these tools have been availableon various phonesfor some time. Truthfully, I didn’t think Apple’s Clean Up would be a viable option and that it would just disappear into the night.
As it turns out, the complete opposite happened, as the stable build of iOS 18.2 arrived this week, packed with “Apple Intelligence” features. Hidden in the midst of the new AI features was an update to the Clean Up tool, which Apple has been apparently working hard to improve.
After being prodded a bit, the most obvious way to see if Clean Up is actually better was to try it on the same picture from before, using my iPhone 16 Pro Max. Much to my surprise, Apple didn’t try to mutilate my dog, and the entire process was a lot easier than I expected.
Because we’re working with smaller objects, there’s a lot of room for error when making selections. But after loading the picture and tapping the “Clean Up” option, it was as simple as just tracing a line along the harness. The tool then highlighted exactly what I wanted to have removed before automatically doing just that.
Leia is standing in the yard with a harness and lead before edits.
Apple Clean Up results using iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The results were more impressive than I thought they would be, so I figured I would try usingMagic Eraser in Google Photos. Seeing as it’s been a few months since the last time I tried this out, surely Google would still come out on top, right?
First, I tried using Google Photos on my iPhone since it has Magic Eraser. The results were less than stellar, and it took longer because I had to select the harness in sections. Eventually, I got there, but you can obviously see where the edits were made.
Then, I thought that I might get better results by using Magic Eraser on myPixel 9 Pro Fold. After transferring the full-resolution photo and opening it in Google Photos, somehow the results were worse. There’s some weird line along my dog’s back, and her ear is even more crooked than normal.
Magic Eraser results using iPhone 16 Pro Max
Magic Eraser results using Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Maybe it’s just a fluke or something to do with this picture specifically. So, I did the next logical thing, picking a different picture before using Clean Up and Magic Eraser. This time, I opted for something that would probably be more common — removing people from the background.
I’m not sure if it’s just something that I’m doing wrong or what. However, neither the iPhone’s Clean Up nor the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s Magic Eraser did a particularly great job. Both results lookfineuntil you start to zoom in and pixel-peep where the people were removed.
When I started writing this, I didn’t really have much more to add, hence the first half of the title. But then I went back into Clean Up to make sure that it actually recognized the entire harness at once and that I wasn’t just imagining things.
So I pulled up the picture of my dog again, confirmed that the harness was highlighted, and then was greeted with the following.
Imagine my confusion when Apple applied a “Safety Filter” to the picture when all I was trying to do was remove the harness. I tried it again, just to double-check, and again, the Safety Filter was applied.
I understand the idea and premise of such a feature — and yes, it’s a feature, not a bug — but this is the same picture that I had already been editing before, and it’s just my dog standing outside with her harness and lead attached. So, I’m not even sure of the logic taking place here.
On the one hand, I commend Apple for including the Safety Filter to begin with. On the other, why was it thatApple Intelligencewas able to properly edit the photo 10 minutes before, only to incorrectly apply the filter on thesame image? It’s left me genuinely perplexed, and all I can hope is that this isn’t a regular occurrence.
That being said, even with the aforementioned hiccup, it’s tough to argue with the results. In just a few months, Apple has made some pretty big improvements to its Clean Up feature. Now, I have to wonder whether Google will lean on Gemini to improve its own Magic Eraser or if Apple will end up surpassing it.
The Apple tvOS 18.2 has arrived with improvements for 2nd and 3rd generation Apple TVs. Enhancements include support for more cinematic aspect ratios for projectors and displays. Plus, there are new screensavers and a dialogue-enhancing tool for a connected HomePod (2nd generation).
The Apple tvOS 18.2 update is rolling out to users. (Image source: Li Lin via Unsplash)
Apple has released a new update for the Apple TV 4K and the Apple TV HD,tvOS 18.2. This follows the launch oftvOS 18in November, a major update adding new InSights, smart subtitles and a redesigned Apple Fitness+.
The tvOS 18.2 release brings support for 21:9 and a range of other cinematic aspect ratios to the Apple TV. This provides users with an enhanced viewing experience on a compatible projector or display. Plus, you can now get an ultra-widescreen view on a FaceTime call. It is worth noting that these improvements only affect theApple – TV 4K (3rd generation).
For 2nd generation models onwards, the update also brings new Snoopy and Woodstock screensavers, dynamically adapting based on the weather, day or current holidays. On top of this, the Enhance Dialogue tool now works with a connected HomePod (2nd generation). The feature makes it easier to hear speech over other background sounds, thanks to audio processing in real-time combined with machine learning. If you do not have automatic updates set up, you can manually download the tvOS 18.2 update on your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Software Updates.
When you don’t have to go through every file, ask Gemini to do it.
What you need to know
Google highlighted the rollout of Gemini in Drive, which aims to help summarize a user’s folders, documents, spreadsheets, and more.
Users can write their query for a folder in Drive’s side panel or they can navigate to a folder and hit the “summarize folder” button.
Google recently updated Docs with additional Gemini help for crafting formatted documents while also unveiling Gemini 2.0.
Google is rolling out an update for Drive users that brings Gemini into its side panel with new tools.
The company highlighted the latest update in aWorkspace post, stating Gemini can now summarize documents in Drive. Google explains that Gemini in Drive can only answer questions about your “text documents, PDFs, spreadsheets, and presentations.”
More specifically, with Gemini entering Drive’s side panel, Google states users can write their queries about a folder before the “@” symbol and the name of the folder; i.e., “summarize the files in @batterymap.”
Additionally, Google gives the example of asking about the “theme of the content” within a folder.
Writing your prompt to Gemini isn’t the only avenue toward quick information as users will find a starry icon button in folders, too. Once you receive this update, navigating to a foldershoulddisplay a “Summarize this folder” button beneath the navigation bar. Clicking this will automatically inform Gemini of your request and produce the side panel with its generated information.
There will also be a “suggestions” option alongside the likely ability for users to expand on what they’d like Gemini to surface via the text field.
Alternatively, users can right-click on a document in their list and click “Ask Gemini” for information that way. The side panel expands its uses by letting users drag and drop documents into it instead of the “@” mention method.
The update started rolling out on December 11 for users under rapid and scheduled release domains. Workspace customers with Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, Education Premium, and Google One AI Premium add-ons will have access to Gemini in Drive’s side panel for summarization.
Moreover, the company states users need to have “smart features and personalization” enabled before this feature is usable. Admins can turn this on by default for users if need be.
Gemini’s capabilities across Workspace have consistently grown, especially through itsrecent update for Docs. The AI utilizes a prompt — “help me create” — which is reminiscent of its recentsmart home testfor Google Home. Regardless, the Google Doc version lets the AI help users create formatted documents from scratch. The AI can also easily grab files from your Drive and incorporate them into a new file for you.
Elsewhere, Gmail picked up extra Gemini help via “contextual smart replies.” The update to its AI-generated replies will take into account what’s been said in your current line of messagesbeforeoffering a quick suggestion. Additionally, Google unveiledGemini 2.0this week, which prepares to usher in a new “agentic era.”
Apple’s iWork suite is available for iOS/iPadOS devices and macOS.(Image credit: Apple)
Apple has updated its iWork suite of productivity tools to version 14.3
The new version brings support for Apple Intelligence on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
Users can use Writing Tools and Image Playground within Keynote, Pages, and Numbers
Applehas updated its iWork suite of productivity tools including Keynote, Pages, and Numbers to includeApple Intelligence, a major free AI update.
The 14.3 update brings AI benefits to Apple’s equivalent toMicrosoftOffice, including Writing Tools, which allows you to proofread, summarize, and compose text for your documents. Writing Tools has been available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac since September, but now you can easily access it via the Apple Intelligence button in iWork.
Writing Tools also lets you reword your writing with preset tones, as well as give prompts to nudge Apple Intelligence in a certain direction. For example, you could tell it ‘Make this text more exciting’ and Apple will work its magic.
Writing Tools isn’t the only new Apple Intelligence feature available for Keynote, Pages, and Numbers. Image Playground, Apple’s take on the best AI image generator, is also included, enabling you to quickly add images to your documents for a touch of color and creativity.
Apple Intelligence in iWork is compatible with all M-series Macs, M-series iPads, theA17 Pro iPad mini, iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, and all iPhone 16 models.
Apple Intelligence in iWork isn’t the only big new AI update for your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Apple’s release ofiOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 is a huge step forward for the rollout of the company’s AI tools.
With new features like Genmoji,ChatGPTintegration in Siri, and Mail categorization, there’s plenty to help you improve your workflow alongside iWork’s new Writing Tools and Image Playground features.
Apple Intelligence is still not complete, however – we’ll need to wait until March or April 2025 to see Siri get personal context and on-screen awareness, which should help tie all of these AI tools together. As it stands, Apple hopes you’ll use Apple Intelligence when you need it, peppering AI features throughout theoperating system. This approach lets you use Apple Intelligence only if you choose to do so, which is a far less intrusive approach than is the case with some other AI products.
Whether or not Apple Intelligence can significantly improve your productivity will depend on how you use your Apple devices; but adding proofreading and image generation to iWork is a great place to start.
40 new templates and Gemini-powered creation coming to Google Docs
Creating smarter and better-looking documents onGoogle Docsis set to get a whole lot easier thanks to a host of new upgrades heading to the service.
Theword processortool has introduced new implementations withGoogleGemini which look to make creating stand-out work simpler than ever.
But theGoogle Workspacetool has also revealed a collection of 40 new high-quality, visually modern designs in Google Docs, giving users a selection of new options to make your documents really shine.
Google Docs and Gemini
(Image credit: Google Workspace)
The introduction of Gemini’s “help me create” tool followssimilar launches in Gmail, and will give Google Docs users the opportunity to craft an entire document with a single prompt.
The tool will then pull the necessary information from a user’s Google Drive files, creating, “a long-form document with cover images, in-line images, stylized text, tables, content from your Drive files, and more”, the company said in ablog postannouncing the news.
Users can click to create at the top of a new document, or go to File > New > Help me create, to start describing the document they want to create. You can also choose from a number of pre-set start prompts to make things quicker, with examples such as creating a meeting template for a daily catch-up, a checklist for planning an event, or a roadmap for a product launch.
“Help me create” in Google Docs is available for Google Workspace customers with Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, Education Premium, and Google One AI Premium add-ons, and only in English for the moment.
To make your documents look even better, Google Docs has also launched 40 new templates which include a number of useful new features to ensure your work stands out.
This includes document tabs to keep your documents organized, placeholder chips to make it easy for users and collaborators to add data, and building blocks, pre-set layouts and styles give your document a premium look and feel.
“Docs templates help users save time since they don’t have to build documents from scratch, create more uniform, high-quality, visually-appealing documents, and enable them to be more productive with the latest Docs features in their daily processes,” the company noted in ablog postannouncing the news.
A new Windows feature lets you share files between iPhones and PCs
It’s a lot like Apple’s AirDrop feature, but works across operating systems
It’s limited to Windows Insider Program users for now
Apple’s walled garden makes it incredibly easy to share files between your Apple devices quickly and easily, but things get a little trickier when you want to link up your iPhone and aWindows PC. That could be changing, though, as Microsoft has just given you a new way to share files across devices that mirrors one of Apple’s best features.
The update has come to the Phone Link app for Windows and the Link to Windows app for iPhone. In anew blog post,Microsoftrevealed that when you’re running the latest version of each app, you’ll be able to share files between your devices with just a few clicks. That’s similar to Apple’sAirDrop feature, which allows you to send files back and forth between your Apple devices without having to do anything clunky like attaching them to messages or emails.
To send a file from your iPhone to your Windows PC using Microsoft’s new method, find the file in question and select the share button in iOS, then tap Link to Windows and pick the device you want to send the file to. To do the reverse (that is, send something from a Windows PC to an iPhone), right-click the file in Windows and choose Share from the context menu, then select “My Phone.”
This is a far easier way to move files between your devices, even if they’re bound to different ecosystems. Previously, it was common to use a third-party app like Dropbox or Google Drive to share items, which often required you to manually upload and download files in a much more laborious manner. That means Microsoft’s latest feature is a welcome one, especially if you use devices made by both Microsoft and Apple.
We’ve seen something like this before. In August 2024, Microsoft introduced a similar feature forwhisking files between Windows and Android. It seems that Microsoft has been encouraged by that feature and has now expanded it to work with Apple devices.
Microsoft has laid down a few more requirements for this new feature to work. Aside from running Phone Link (version 1.24112.89.0) and Link to Windows (version 1.24112.73 or higher), you’ll need to have installed iOS 16 or later on your iPhone, be runningWindows 10orWindows 11on your PC, and be signed up for the Windows Insider Program.
With any luck, this feature will be rolled out to users who are not part of the Windows Insider Program over the next few weeks. Once that happens, it should make life a lot easier for anyone who uses both an iPhone and a Windows PC and wants to share files between them.
