Adam Levell

Adam Levell is the editor of iTech Level, where he compares laptops, headphones and earbuds. Each guide is built from manufacturer specs, published tests and reviews, and he reads every one before it goes live. He also covers laptop matchups on the iTech Level YouTube channel. Adam Levell is the pen name of iTech Level's founder.

Best Headphones for Flying (2026): Noise Cancelling for Long Flights

Leave a Comment / Audio, Headphones
A woman looking out an airplane window at sunset

The best headphones for flying are the Sony WH-1000XM6: top-tier noise cancelling from 12 microphones, up to 30 hours with it on, a folding design and a 3.5 mm cable for the seat-back screen. For comfort on long-haul flights, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) are the softest and lightest. On a budget, the Soundcore Space 2 lasted over 53 hours with noise cancelling in SoundGuys’ test.

For the living room rather than the plane, see our best headphones for TV.

Check the Sony WH-1000XM6 on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ specifications and published reviews from SoundGuys and others (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices are list prices or recent ranges. See how we choose products.

What makes headphones good for flying

  • Strong low-frequency noise cancelling. Engine drone is a low, constant rumble, exactly what active noise cancelling handles best.
  • Comfort for hours, with soft pads and light weight.
  • Battery for the whole trip, including delays and the flight home.
  • A 3.5 mm cable for the seat-back entertainment system, which usually isn’t Bluetooth.
  • A folding design and case that fit in your carry-on.

Best headphones for flying compared

HeadphonesBest forBattery (ANC on)Seat-back cableBuy
Sony WH-1000XM6Best overallUp to 30 hr3.5 mmCheck price
Bose QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)Most comfortableUp to 30 hr2.5 to 3.5 mm includedCheck price
Sennheiser Momentum 5Longest batteryUp to 57 hrSee SennheiserCheck price
Soundcore Space 2Best budget53+ hr (SoundGuys test)3.5 mmCheck price
Beats Studio ProWorks wired with a flat batteryUp to 24 hr3.5 mm, no battery neededCheck price

The best headphones for flying in 2026

1. Sony WH-1000XM6: best overall

Sony’s flagship has the most complete set of travel features: noise cancelling driven by the QN3 processor and 12 microphones, up to 30 hours with it on, a folding design that the XM5 dropped, and a 3.5 mm cable for in-flight entertainment, with no lag when wired. They usually sell for $450–$500. Our best noise-cancelling headphones guide covers them in full. Good to know: SoundGuys made comfort its biggest gripe, saying the pads are relatively thin, so if you wear glasses or fly long-haul, consider the Bose (SoundGuys).

Check the Sony WH-1000XM6 on Amazon →

2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): most comfortable

On a ten-hour flight, comfort matters as much as noise cancelling, and that’s where Bose leads. SoundGuys calls the second-gen QC Ultra “a rather comfortable set of over-ear, ANC headphones” with ample padding, and notes the plastic build makes them “mercifully light” (SoundGuys). Bose rates them at up to 30 hours with noise cancelling, and they come with a 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm cable for the seat-back screen plus a USB-C cable for lossless audio from a laptop (Bose).

Check the Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen) on Amazon →

3. Sennheiser Momentum 5: longest battery life

For long trips with several flights and no time to charge, the Momentum 5 are rated for up to 57 hours, fold for travel, and have a battery you can replace yourself when it wears out (Sennheiser). Good to know: their noise cancelling isn’t quite as strong as the Sony or Bose, so frequent long-haul flyers who prioritize quiet should pick one of those.

Check the Sennheiser Momentum 5 on Amazon →

4. Soundcore Space 2: best budget pick

The Space 2 are the best-value flying headphones. In SoundGuys’ testing they lasted 53 hours 21 minutes with noise cancelling on and blocked an average of 84% of outside noise, doing especially well with low-frequency engine rumble. They swivel flat and fold, weigh 261 g with memory foam pads, and accept a 3.5 mm cable (SoundGuys). Good to know: SoundGuys found the out-of-the-box sound their biggest weakness (use the app’s EQ), and they come with a cloth pouch rather than a hard case.

Check the Soundcore Space 2 on Amazon →

Check the Space 2 at Soundcore.com ($129.99) →

Soundcore.com code AFSC20: an extra 20% off full-price items (valid through Dec 31, 2026).

5. Beats Studio Pro: if you forget to charge

The Studio Pro have a feature that’s handy on planes: plugged in with the included 3.5 mm cable, they play without any battery power (Apple), so a flat battery doesn’t end your movie. They last up to 24 hours with noise cancelling, pair with one tap on iPhone and Android, and they’ve had a price cut. Good to know: their noise cancelling trails Sony and Bose. See our Beats Studio Pro page.

Check the Beats Studio Pro on Amazon →

Tips for using headphones on a plane

  • Charge before you leave, and pack a USB-C cable in your carry-on; many seats have USB power.
  • Bring the 3.5 mm cable. Some planes still use two-pin jacks, so a small airline adapter is worth keeping in the case.
  • Prefer AirPods or earbuds? See our best noise-cancelling earbuds for smaller options.

Specs from the makers, side by side

Every figure below comes from the manufacturer’s own spec page, taken from our earbuds and headphones spec database. “Not stated” means the maker doesn’t publish it, not that the feature is missing.

ModelBatteryWeightCodecsConnectionMaker doesn’t state
Sony WH-1000XM6ANC on: 30 h
ANC off: 40 h		254 gSBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3Bluetooth + 3.5 mm wired; Bluetooth 5.3latency, water rating
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)ANC on: 30 (23 with Immersive Audio)264 (0.583 lb)Not statedBluetooth + wired (audio cable; USB-C); Bluetooth 5.4codecs, multipoint, latency, water rating
Soundcore Space 2ANC on: 50 (45 with wear detection; 40 with LDAC)
ANC off: 70 (65 with wear detection)		Not statedSBC, AAC, LDACBluetooth 6.1weight, multipoint, mics, latency, water rating (support spec article)
Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 WirelessANC on: 57 h290 gSBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LosslessBluetooth + USB-C/wired; Bluetooth 5.4 (6.0 by firmware update)latency, multipoint
Beats Studio ProANC on: 24 h
ANC off: 40 h		260 gNot statedBluetooth (Class 1) + USB-C lossless audioBluetooth version, codecs, latency, multipoint, water rating

Our verdict

The Sony WH-1000XM6 are the best headphones for flying, with excellent noise cancelling, a folding design and a 3.5 mm cable. Choose the Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen) if comfort on long-haul flights is your priority, the Sennheiser Momentum 5 for the longest battery, the Soundcore Space 2 to save money, and the Beats Studio Pro if you want headphones that still work wired when the battery dies.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best headphones for flying?

The Sony WH-1000XM6: strong noise cancelling from 12 microphones, up to 30 hours with it on, a folding design and a 3.5 mm cable. The Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen) are the most comfortable for long flights.

Can you use Bluetooth headphones on a plane?

Yes, for your own phone, tablet or laptop, once the airline allows devices in flight mode with Bluetooth. Seat-back screens usually need a 3.5 mm cable instead.

Do noise-cancelling headphones work well on planes?

Yes. Engine noise is a low, steady rumble, which active noise cancelling handles best. SoundGuys found the budget Soundcore Space 2 especially good with low-frequency noise.

What are the best budget headphones for flying?

The Soundcore Space 2 ($129.99): they lasted over 53 hours with noise cancelling in SoundGuys’ test, fold flat and take a 3.5 mm cable.

Which headphones work when the battery is dead?

The Beats Studio Pro play over the 3.5 mm cable without any battery power, according to Apple. Some noise-cancelling headphones need some charge even when wired.

Related guides

Best Headphones for Flying (2026): Noise Cancelling for Long Flights Read More »

Best RTX 5060 Laptops (2026): 5 Picks, and Why 55 W vs 115 W Matters

Leave a Comment / Gaming Laptops, Laptops
Person playing a game on a gaming laptop

The best RTX 5060 laptop for most people is the ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025): it runs the RTX 5060 at the full 115 W, has a Core i7-14650HX and a 165 Hz screen. If your budget is closer to $1,100, the Acer Nitro V 17 is the cheapest RTX 5060 laptop we’d buy. Whichever you pick, check the wattage first: the same “RTX 5060” runs anywhere from 55 W to 115 W depending on the laptop, and the low-power versions are much slower.

Check the ROG Strix G16 (RTX 5060) on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ specifications, our laptop GPU power database and published reviews from Notebookcheck and Tom’s Hardware (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices change often.

Best RTX 5060 laptops compared

LaptopBest forRTX 5060 max powerScreenBuy
ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025)Best RTX 5060 laptop115 W16″ FHD+, 165 HzCheck price
Acer Predator Helios Neo 14 AIBest small RTX 5060 laptop115 W14.5″ WQXGA, 165 HzCheck price
Acer Nitro V 17 (ANV17-41)Cheapest we’d buy95 W17.3″ FHDCheck price
Acer Nitro V 16S AI (ANV16S-41)32GB of RAM, thinner body85 W16″ WUXGA, 180 HzCheck price
Alienware 16 AuroraLongest battery life80 W (Tom’s Hardware)16″ 2560 x 1600Check price

GPU power figures (including Dynamic Boost) from each maker’s spec sheet, collected in our GPU power database. Dell doesn’t publish one for the Alienware 16 Aurora; the 80 W figure comes from Tom’s Hardware’s review.

Same RTX 5060, 55 W to 115 W: what our database shows

NVIDIA lets laptop makers set the RTX 5060’s power limit, and they use that freedom. Our GPU power database lists 64 RTX 5060 laptop configurations, and their maximum GPU power runs from 55 W to 115 W:

Max GPU powerConfigurationsExamples
115 W (full power)34 of 64ASUS ROG Strix G16/G18, TUF A16/F16, Acer Nitro 16 AI, Predator Helios Neo 14/16, Lenovo LOQ 15 Gen 11, Legion 5 and Legion Pro 5, MSI Katana 15 HX and Crosshair 16 HX
95–110 W11ASUS Zephyrus G16 (105–110 W) and G14 (100 W), TUF A14 (110 W), Lenovo LOQ 15 Gen 10 (100 W), MSI Cyborg 15 MAX (100 W), Acer Nitro V 16 and V 17 (95 W)
85 W12Acer Nitro V 16S AI and Nitro V 16 AI (2026), most Gigabyte Gaming A16 and AERO X16 models
55–75 W7Acer Nitro V 15 (75 W), Nitro V 14 AI (60 W), MSI Cyborg 15 C2WX (70 W), MSI Cyborg 15 and 17 B2RW (55 W)

That’s a 60 W gap between laptops sold under the same GPU name. Notebookcheck notes that the RTX 5060’s performance depends heavily on its power limit and cooling (Notebookcheck), and Tom’s Hardware’s review of the 80 W Alienware 16 Aurora shows what that means in practice: 99 fps in Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 1080p (highest settings), 20 fps behind MSI’s Katana 17 HX (Tom’s Hardware). Some lower-power laptops make up for it with thinner bodies or better battery life, which is fine if you want that. Just don’t pay full-power prices for one.

RTX 5060 or RTX 5070: is the 5070 worth paying for?

  • Same 8GB of video memory: the laptop RTX 5060 has 3,328 CUDA cores and the RTX 5070 has 4,608, but both come with 8GB of VRAM (Notebookcheck). So the 5070 doesn’t let you raise texture settings any higher.
  • Close in benchmarks: in Notebookcheck’s first tests, a 95 W RTX 5060 was “virtually on a par” with an 85 W RTX 5070 across four 3DMark tests, and a 105 W RTX 5070 was only about 10% faster. Notebookcheck concluded that at comparable power limits it “hardly makes sense” to pay for the 5070, as long as the rest of the laptop isn’t weaker.
  • When the 5070 makes sense: when a full-power RTX 5070 laptop costs about the same as an RTX 5060 one. That happens: earlier in October the RTX 5070 Acer Nitro V 16 briefly cost less than most RTX 5060 laptops in this guide. See our best RTX 5070 laptops for current prices.
  • What the RTX 5060 is for: 1080p and 1440p gaming at high settings, with DLSS 4 in the games that support it. For 4K or local AI work, you need more video memory than 8GB.

The best RTX 5060 laptops in 2026

1. ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025): best RTX 5060 laptop

The Strix G16 (G615JMR-AS74) gets everything right that matters at this price: the RTX 5060 at the full 115 W (100 W plus 15 W Dynamic Boost, from ASUS’s official TGP list), an Intel Core i7-14650HX, 16GB of DDR5-5600, a 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, Wi-Fi 7 and a 16-inch FHD+ 165 Hz screen. The only real weakness is the 1920 x 1200 screen, which is sharp enough at 16 inches but not as crisp as the Helios Neo 14’s.

Check the ROG Strix G16 on Amazon →

2. Acer Predator Helios Neo 14 AI: best small RTX 5060 laptop

Most small gaming laptops cut GPU power. The Helios Neo 14 AI (PHN14-71-760T) doesn’t: Acer’s official list puts its RTX 5060 at 115 W, the same as the big 16-inch models. It pairs it with an Intel Core Ultra 7 255H, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD and a 14.5-inch WQXGA 165 Hz G-Sync screen. It costs about the same as the Strix G16, so the choice comes down to size: the Helios for carrying around, the Strix for a bigger screen and more cooling headroom. For more compact options, see our small gaming laptops guide.

Check the Predator Helios Neo 14 AI on Amazon →

3. Acer Nitro V 17 (ANV17-41): cheapest RTX 5060 laptop we’d buy

The Nitro V 17 costs hundreds less than our top two picks and still runs the RTX 5060 at 95 W, above the 55–85 W of several cheaper RTX 5060 laptops. You get a Ryzen 5 processor, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD and a 17.3-inch FHD screen, in a body that weighs about 6.2 pounds. Plan on adding a second SSD soon, since 512GB fills up quickly with modern games. For more laptops at this price, see our best gaming laptops under $1,200 and cheapest gaming laptops worth buying.

Check the Acer Nitro V 17 on Amazon →

4. Acer Nitro V 16S AI (ANV16S-41): best for 32GB of RAM

This Nitro V 16S AI comes with 32GB of DDR5, a 1TB Gen 4 SSD, a Ryzen 7 260 and a 16-inch WUXGA 180 Hz screen, in a thinner body than the Nitro V 17. The trade-off is GPU power: Acer’s official list puts the RTX 5060 at 85 W, so it will be slower in games than the 115 W Strix G16 and Helios Neo 14. Buy it if you also edit photos and video or keep a lot open while you play, and you value the extra memory over the last few frames per second.

Check the Acer Nitro V 16S AI on Amazon →

5. Alienware 16 Aurora: best battery life

The Alienware 16 Aurora is an RTX 5060 laptop for people who also use it away from a plug. In Tom’s Hardware’s battery test (web browsing, video streaming and OpenGL tests at 150 nits) it lasted 9 hours and 41 minutes, compared with 5 hours and 31 minutes for a Gigabyte Aorus 16X. The cost is gaming speed: Tom’s Hardware found its RTX 5060 limited to 80 W and called that “perhaps the biggest compromise”, and also criticized the 720p webcam (Tom’s Hardware). It has a Core 7 240H, 16GB of DDR5 and a 2560 x 1600 screen.

Check the Alienware 16 Aurora on Amazon →

Also worth a look: Lenovo’s LOQ 15 Gen 11 (15AHP11) runs the RTX 5060 at 115 W, but check the seller before you buy. Wait for a sale before buying it.

RTX 5060 laptops to avoid

The MSI Cyborg 15 and Cyborg 17 B2RW run the RTX 5060 at just 55 W, the lowest of any RTX 5060 laptop in our database and less than half of full power (GPU power database, from MSI’s spec pages). Cyborg 17 listings often cost more than the 95 W Nitro V 17. Check the model code before you buy: the Cyborg 15 MAX (C2WX) runs at 100 W and is a different laptop.

Our verdict

Buy the ASUS ROG Strix G16 if you want a full-power RTX 5060 at a fair price, or the Acer Predator Helios Neo 14 AI if you want the same performance in a smaller laptop. If your budget stops around $1,100, the 95 W Acer Nitro V 17 is the one to get. Choose the Nitro V 16S AI for 32GB of RAM or the Alienware 16 Aurora for battery life, knowing both give up some gaming speed. And before you buy any RTX 5060 laptop, look up its wattage in our GPU power database.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best RTX 5060 laptop?

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025): it runs the RTX 5060 at the full 115 W, has a Core i7-14650HX, 16GB of RAM and a 165 Hz screen.

What wattage should an RTX 5060 laptop have?

115 W (100 W plus 15 W Dynamic Boost) is full power, and 34 of the 64 configurations in our GPU power database run at it. Others run it at 85–110 W, and some budget models as low as 55 W.

Is the RTX 5060 laptop good for gaming?

Yes, for 1080p and 1440p gaming at high settings. At similar power limits, Notebookcheck found it nearly as fast as the laptop RTX 5070, and both have 8GB of video memory.

Is the RTX 5070 laptop worth it over the RTX 5060?

Only if it costs about the same. Notebookcheck found a 105 W RTX 5070 only about 10% faster than a 95 W RTX 5060 in 3DMark, and both GPUs have 8GB of VRAM.

How much does an RTX 5060 laptop cost?

In October 2026, RTX 5060 laptops started just under $1,200 (the Acer Nitro V 17, $1,199.99 list), and full-power 115 W models cost well over $1,500.

Related guides

Best RTX 5060 Laptops (2026): 5 Picks, and Why 55 W vs 115 W Matters Read More »

Best Translation Earbuds (2026): AirPods, Galaxy Buds, Pixel Buds and Timekettle

Leave a Comment / Audio, Wireless Earbuds
White wireless earbuds on a wooden table

The best translation earbuds are the ones that match your phone. On an iPhone, the AirPods Pro 3 do Live Translation on the iPhone itself, with no internet once the languages are downloaded. On a Samsung phone, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro translate face-to-face and on phone calls in 22 languages. For business meetings, calls and the most languages, a dedicated translator such as the Timekettle W4 Pro (52 languages) does more. Before you buy anything, though, note that Google Translate now does live translation through any headphones.

Check the AirPods Pro 3 on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on Apple’s, Google’s, Samsung’s and Timekettle’s own documentation and specifications. It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level, and we don’t rate translation accuracy. Prices are list prices at the time of writing. See how we choose products.

Best translation earbuds compared

EarbudsBest forLanguagesWorks offlinePhone neededBuy
Apple AirPods Pro 3iPhone ownersApple’s Live Translation list (see below)Yes, processing is on the iPhoneiPhone 15 Pro or later, iOS 26Check price
Apple AirPods 5Cheaper iPhone optionSame as AirPods Pro 3YesiPhone 15 Pro or later, iOS 26Check price
Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 ProSamsung Galaxy owners; phone calls22Check Samsung’s language packsGalaxy AI phone (calls: Galaxy S26 series)Check price
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2Pixel and other Android phones40+ (Pixel Buds mode); 70+ in Translate’s Live translateNo, needs internetAndroidCheck price
Timekettle W4 ProBusiness, meetings, calls52 (106 accents)13 language pairsiPhone or Android (Timekettle app)Check price
Timekettle M3Cheapest dedicated translator4313 language pairs (offline version)iPhone or Android (Timekettle app)Check price

First: you may not need new earbuds

Google Translate’s Live translate now works with any pair of headphones, on Android and, since March 26, 2026, on iPhone. Open the Translate app, tap Live translate and connect your headphones; Google says it covers more than 70 languages and keeps the speaker’s tone and pacing (Google). In June 2026, Google moved it to its Gemini 3.5 Live Translate model and added a listening mode on Android that plays translations through the phone’s earpiece, with no headphones at all (Google).

So if you already own decent earbuds and travel with an internet connection, try that first. The earbuds below are worth buying if you want translation built into the buds’ controls, translation that works offline, translation on phone calls, or a dedicated device for work.

The best translation earbuds in 2026

1. Apple AirPods Pro 3: best for iPhone

Apple’s Live Translation turns AirPods into an interpreter: you hear the other person in your language, and they can read your words on your iPhone’s screen in the Translate app or hear them played aloud, so they don’t need AirPods. You start it by pressing and holding both stems, by asking Siri, or with the iPhone’s Action button. Once the language models are downloaded, all processing happens on your iPhone, so your conversation stays private and works without a connection (Apple).

The catch is the requirements: an iPhone 15 Pro or later on iOS 26, with Apple Intelligence on. At launch Apple supported English, French, German, Portuguese (Brazil) and Spanish, and said Chinese, Italian, Japanese and Korean would follow; it isn’t available if you’re in the EU with an EU Apple Account (Apple Newsroom). The Pro 3 are the best AirPods for it because their sealed tips and strong noise cancelling make the translated voice easier to hear in a busy street or station.

Check the AirPods Pro 3 on Amazon →

2. Apple AirPods 5: cheaper AirPods with Live Translation

Live Translation also works on the AirPods 5 (both models), AirPods 4 with noise cancelling, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max 2 (Apple). The AirPods 5 are the cheapest current way in, and you can start Live Translation by pressing both stems (Apple Newsroom). Their open fit lets in more street noise than the Pro 3, so the translation is harder to hear in loud places. If you already own AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 4 with ANC, you don’t need to upgrade.

Check the AirPods 5 on Amazon →

3. Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: best for Samsung phones and calls

On a Galaxy phone with Galaxy AI, the Buds 4 Pro work with two Samsung features. Interpreter translates face-to-face conversations: you hear the translation in the buds, and the other person reads it on your phone’s screen. Live Translate works on phone calls: using the Samsung Phone app on a Galaxy S26, the buds deliver a real-time translation of the other caller into your ear. Samsung says the pair supports 22 languages (Samsung).

Translation that comes through the buds on ordinary phone calls is the standout. The limits are that you need a recent Galaxy phone, and the features don’t work on an iPhone. For the rest of what the Buds 4 Pro do, see our best earbuds for Samsung Galaxy.

Check the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro on Amazon →

4. Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: best for Pixel and other Android phones

Pixel Buds work with Google Translate’s conversation mode: tap Live translate, then Conversation, and the app listens for both languages, with translations in your ear and on the phone’s screen. Google lists more than 40 languages for Pixel Buds translation, and it needs an internet connection (Google). Since Translate’s newer Live translate works with any headphones in 70+ languages, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 aren’t required for translation anymore, but they’re the best-integrated earbuds on a Pixel, with strong noise cancelling and a small, light fit. More in our Pixel earbuds guide.

Check the Pixel Buds Pro 2 on Amazon →

5. Timekettle W4 Pro: best dedicated translator for work

Timekettle makes earbuds that exist mainly to translate. The W4 Pro support 52 languages with 106 accents, plus 13 language pairs offline, and go beyond face-to-face talk: they translate phone calls, online meetings and videos, save the audio and text, and can produce AI meeting notes. They use an open-ear design for comfort over long sessions (Timekettle). They work with both iPhone and Android through Timekettle’s app.

Good to know: they cost far more than regular earbuds, an open-ear design doesn’t block noise, and beyond the free ones, extra offline language packs are paid. They make sense for people who translate at work, not for a once-a-year trip.

Check the Timekettle W4 Pro on Amazon →

6. Timekettle M3: cheapest dedicated translator

The M3 are Timekettle’s all-in-one earbuds for translation, music and calls: 43 languages online, 13 language pairs offline on the offline version, and up to 25 hours of battery with the case (Timekettle). They’re the pick if you want offline translation on an older phone that can’t run Apple’s or Samsung’s features.

Check the Timekettle M3 on Amazon →

How to choose translation earbuds

  • Match your phone. Apple’s and Samsung’s translation features only work with their own phones, and recent ones at that (iPhone 15 Pro or later; a Galaxy AI phone). Timekettle and Google Translate work on both iPhone and Android.
  • Check your languages. Apple supports the fewest languages, Samsung 22, Timekettle up to 52, and Google Translate 70+. Check that both of your languages are on the list before buying.
  • Decide if you need offline. Apple processes on the iPhone once languages are downloaded, and Timekettle offers 13 offline pairs. Google lists an internet connection as a requirement for Pixel Buds translation. Offline matters on planes, cruises and roaming plans.
  • Calls and meetings. The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro translate phone calls on a Galaxy S26, and the Timekettle W4 Pro handle calls, video meetings and saved notes.
  • The other person doesn’t need earbuds. With Apple, Samsung and Google, they read or hear your side on your phone.

Specs from the makers, side by side

Every figure below comes from the manufacturer’s own spec page, taken from our earbuds and headphones spec database. “Not stated” means the maker doesn’t publish it, not that the feature is missing.

ModelBatteryWeightWater ratingConnectionMaker doesn’t state
Apple AirPods Pro 3ANC on: 8 h
with case: 24 h		5.55 gIP57Bluetooth 5.3codecs, latency, multipoint
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 ProANC on: 6 h
ANC off: 7 h
with case: 26 (ANC on) / 30 (ANC off)		Not statedIP57Bluetooth 6.1weight, codecs, latency, multipoint
Timekettle W4 Pro6 (translation) / 12 (music)
with case: 10 translation / 18 music (2-pack listing: 20 / 36)		Not statedNot statedBluetoothBluetooth version, weight (199 g figure unclear), water rating
Apple AirPods 5ANC on: 4 (USB-C case) / 5 (wireless charging case)
ANC off: 6 / 7
with case: 20 / 22 (ANC on)		4.3 gIP57Bluetooth 5.3codecs, latency, multipoint
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2ANC on: 8 h
ANC off: 12 h
with case: 30 (ANC on) / 48 (ANC off)		4.7 gIP54 (earbuds), IPX4 (case)Bluetooth 5.4codecs, multipoint, latency
Timekettle M3ANC on: 6 (music)
ANC off: 7 (music) / 7.5 per charge
with case: 25 h		5 gNot statedBluetoothBluetooth version, water rating

Our verdict

Buy the earbuds that match your phone: the AirPods Pro 3 on a recent iPhone (or AirPods 5 to save money), the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro on a Samsung, and the Pixel Buds Pro 2 on a Pixel. If you translate for work, need phone calls, meetings or many languages, the Timekettle W4 Pro are worth their price, and the M3 are a cheaper dedicated option with offline packs. And if you’re on a budget, try Google Translate’s Live translate with the headphones you already have.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best translation earbuds?

The AirPods Pro 3 for iPhone owners, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro for Samsung owners (including translated phone calls), and the Timekettle W4 Pro for business use, with 52 languages and 13 offline language pairs.

Do translation earbuds work offline?

Some do. Apple’s Live Translation runs on the iPhone once the languages are downloaded, and Timekettle’s W4 Pro and M3 support 13 offline language pairs. Google lists an internet connection as a requirement for Pixel Buds translation.

Which AirPods have Live Translation?

AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, AirPods 5, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2, paired with an iPhone 15 Pro or later running iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence turned on.

Can I use any earbuds for live translation?

Yes. Google Translate’s Live translate works with any headphones on Android and iPhone in more than 70 languages. Dedicated or brand-matched earbuds add touch controls, offline use or call translation.

Does the other person need translation earbuds too?

No. With AirPods, Galaxy Buds and Pixel Buds, the other person reads or hears your translated words on your phone.

Related guides

Best Translation Earbuds (2026): AirPods, Galaxy Buds, Pixel Buds and Timekettle Read More »

Best RTX 5090 Laptops (2026): 5 Picks, and Is It Worth It Over the RTX 5080?

Leave a Comment / Gaming Laptops, Laptops
Close-up of a laptop keyboard

Short answer: the best RTX 5090 laptop is the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025): a full-power 175 W RTX 5090, a 240 Hz Mini-LED screen and an 88.4% Notebookcheck score. Before you buy, know what the extra money gets you. The RTX 5090 is only modestly faster than an RTX 5080 in games. Its real advantage is 24GB of video memory, which matters for 4K, local AI and 3D work. And check the wattage: some “RTX 5090” laptops run it at 130 W.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is one game where video memory matters: Microsoft’s “ideal” spec asks for 12GB (see our best laptops for Flight Simulator).

Check the ROG Strix SCAR 16 (RTX 5090) on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ specifications, our laptop GPU power database and published reviews from Notebookcheck, Laptop Mag and Tom’s Hardware (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices change often.

Best RTX 5090 laptops compared

LaptopBest forRTX 5090 max powerScreenBuy
ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025)Best RTX 5090 laptop175 W16″ 2.5K Mini-LED, 240 HzCheck price
ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2025)Biggest screen175 W18″ 2.5K Mini-LED, 240 HzCheck price
MSI Raider 16 Max HX (2026)Best OLED, newest CPU175 W16″ QHD+ OLED, 240 HzCheck price
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10Best-reviewed chassis175 W16″ 2.5K OLED, 240 HzCheck price
Razer Blade 16 (2026)Thinnest RTX 5090 laptop165 W (Razer spec)16″ 2.5K OLED, 240 HzCheck price

GPU power figures (including Dynamic Boost) from each maker’s spec sheet, collected in our GPU power database.

RTX 5090 or RTX 5080: is it worth it?

  • Video memory is the big difference: the laptop RTX 5090 has 24GB of GDDR7 and 10,496 CUDA cores; the RTX 5080 has 16GB and 7,680 cores (NVIDIA). Both top out at the same 175 W (150 W plus 25 W Dynamic Boost), so the 5090 has more hardware but the same power to feed it (Notebookcheck).
  • Games: a modest gain. Notebookcheck found the 5090’s advantage over the RTX 5080 “isn’t huge, especially in the laptop’s native WQHD resolution”, and recommends the RTX 5080 version of the Strix SCAR 16 unless you can use the extra memory (Notebookcheck). In Laptop Mag’s comparison of a Razer Blade 16 (RTX 5090) and an Aorus Master 16 (RTX 5080), the 5090 laptop won only 22 of 30 tests, partly because the thinner Blade can’t cool it as well (Laptop Mag).
  • Price: a big jump. Full-power RTX 5090 laptops cost well over $4,000. The best RTX 5080 laptop in our RTX 5070 Ti and 5080 guide, the Legion Pro 7i Gen 10, has sold for well under $3,000.
  • Who should buy the 5090: people who play at 4K on an external monitor, run local AI models that need more than 16GB of video memory (see our best laptop for running local LLMs), or render 3D and edit high-resolution video. For gaming on the laptop’s own 1440p screen, an RTX 5080 laptop is the better value.

Not every RTX 5090 is the same: 130 W to 175 W

Of the 16 RTX 5090 configurations in our GPU power database, 13 run it at the full 175 W, among them the Strix SCAR 16 and 18, Acer’s Predator Helios 16 AI and 18 AI, Gigabyte’s AORUS Master 16 and 18, the Legion Pro 7i Gen 10, MSI’s Raider and Titan, and the Razer Blade 18 (2026). The thinner models run it lower: the Razer Blade 16 (2026) at 165 W, the MSI Stealth 18 HX at 150 W and the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) at 130 W. That’s a 45 W gap for the same name on the box. Thin is fine if portability matters to you, but don’t pay full-power prices expecting full-power performance.

Considering a Gigabyte? Read is Gigabyte a good laptop brand?

The best RTX 5090 laptops in 2026

1. ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025): best RTX 5090 laptop

The Strix SCAR 16 pairs a 175 W RTX 5090 with an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX and a 240 Hz Mini-LED screen. Notebookcheck rated it 88.4%, calling it “Asus’ fastest 16-incher”, and found “no loss of performance” compared with the 18-inch SCAR 18 (Notebookcheck). The 32GB/1TB model (G635LX-DS96) was the cheapest full-power RTX 5090 laptop we found. A 2TB version (G635LX-XS97) costs more.

Good to know: Notebookcheck noted the Mini-LED screen is the main thing the SCAR 16 adds over the cheaper Strix G16, at about $550 more for comparable specs.

Check the ROG Strix SCAR 16 on Amazon →

2. ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2025): best 18-inch RTX 5090 laptop

Same 175 W RTX 5090 and Core Ultra 9 275HX, with an 18-inch 2.5K 240 Hz Mini-LED screen. Since Notebookcheck found the SCAR 16 matches its gaming performance, choose the 18 only for the bigger screen, and accept the extra size and weight. The 32GB/2TB model is the G835LX-XS97.

Check the ROG Strix SCAR 18 on Amazon →

3. MSI Raider 16 Max HX (2026): best OLED screen

MSI’s 2026 Raider 16 Max HX moves to Intel’s newer Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and runs the RTX 5090 at 175 W “Maximum Graphics Power with Dynamic Boost” (MSI). Tom’s Hardware (May 2026) praised its gaming performance, “vibrant OLED display” and longer-than-expected battery life, but found the chassis “plasticky” and missed a mechanical keyboard and faster storage. Its RTX 5090 review unit was priced well over $4,000 (Tom’s Hardware). Check the seller before you buy.

Check the MSI Raider 16 Max HX on Amazon →

4. Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10: best-reviewed chassis

Lenovo’s PSREF lists the RTX 5090 in the Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 at 175 W (Lenovo PSREF). It’s the same chassis that earned 88% from Notebookcheck in its RTX 5080 version, with a 240 Hz OLED that supports DisplayHDR 1000 and G-Sync (see our RTX 5080 guide). The catch is price: check Lenovo’s own store and Best Buy, where it’s often cheaper.

Check the Legion Pro 7i (RTX 5090) on Amazon →

5. Razer Blade 16 (2026): thinnest RTX 5090 laptop

The Blade 16 fits an RTX 5090 into a slim aluminium body, and Razer specs it at 165 W. Notebookcheck’s test asked whether a “0.7 Inch Laptop” can cool a 160 W RTX 5090 (Notebookcheck), and TechRadar’s verdict sums up the reviews: “Cost effective? No, but the Razer Blade 16 (2026) might just be the best gaming laptop I’ve ever tested” (TechRadar). Buy it if thinness and build quality matter more than value.

Check the Razer Blade 16 (2026) on Amazon →

Check the Razer Blade 16 at Razer.com →

Also worth a look: HP’s OMEN Max 16 with an RTX 5090 and Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus costs well over $4,000, but HP doesn’t publish a GPU power figure for it, so we can’t confirm it runs the 5090 at full power.

Our verdict

If you’ve decided you need an RTX 5090, buy the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 16: full 175 W, a bright Mini-LED screen and the lowest price we found from Amazon itself. Choose the SCAR 18 for a bigger screen, the MSI Raider 16 Max HX for an OLED, or the Razer Blade 16 if you want the thinnest machine and can live with less power. If you mainly game on the laptop’s own screen, though, an RTX 5080 laptop gets you most of the performance for far less; see our best RTX 5070 Ti and 5080 laptops.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best RTX 5090 laptop?

The ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2025): it runs the RTX 5090 at the full 175 W, has a 240 Hz Mini-LED screen, scored 88.4% at Notebookcheck.

Is an RTX 5090 laptop worth it over an RTX 5080?

For gaming on the laptop’s own 1440p screen, usually not: Notebookcheck found the 5090’s lead over the 5080 isn’t huge. It’s worth it if you need 24GB of video memory for 4K gaming, local AI models or 3D and video work.

What wattage should an RTX 5090 laptop have?

175 W (150 W plus 25 W Dynamic Boost) is full power. Most big 16- and 18-inch models run it at 175 W, while thinner laptops run it at 165 W, 150 W or as low as 130 W in the 2025 Zephyrus G16.

How much VRAM does the RTX 5090 laptop GPU have?

24GB of GDDR7, compared with 16GB on the laptop RTX 5080 and 12GB on the RTX 5070 Ti.

How much does an RTX 5090 laptop cost?

In October 2026, full-power RTX 5090 laptops cost well over $4,000, and premium or thin models $5,000 or more.

Related guides

Best RTX 5090 Laptops (2026): 5 Picks, and Is It Worth It Over the RTX 5080? Read More »

Best Earbuds for Gaming (2026): Low-Latency Picks for PC, PS5, Xbox and Switch 2

Leave a Comment / Audio, Wireless Earbuds
Black wireless earbuds and their charging case

The best earbuds for gaming use their own USB-C wireless dongle instead of Bluetooth, which cuts the delay you’d otherwise hear in fast games. The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are the best all-rounder: a 2.4GHz dongle plus Bluetooth 5.3, noise cancelling, up to 40 hours with the case, and versions for PlayStation or Xbox. The Sony INZONE Buds are the pick for PC, PS5 and Switch 2, and the Razer Hammerhead V3 HyperSpeed cost a little less.

Check the Arctis GameBuds on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ official specifications and published reviews (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. See how we choose products.

Best earbuds for gaming compared

EarbudsBest forLow-latency connectionBattery (with case)Buy
SteelSeries Arctis GameBudsBest overall; PlayStation or Xbox versions2.4GHz USB-C dongle + Bluetooth 5.310 hr (40 hr)Check price
Sony INZONE BudsPC, PS5 and Switch 2USB-C dongle (Sony rates under 30 ms) + Bluetooth LE Audio12 hr (24 hr)Check price
Razer Hammerhead V3 HyperSpeedValue2.4GHz HyperSpeed dongle + Bluetooth 6.010 hr (40 hr)Check price
PlayStation Pulse ExplorePS5 and PlayStation PortalPlayStation Link + Bluetooth at the same time5 hr (15 hr)Check price
EarFun Air Pro 4Mobile gaming on a budgetBluetooth with a low-latency game modeUp to 7.5 hr with ANCCheck price

Why gaming earbuds need a dongle

Regular Bluetooth earbuds add roughly 150–200 ms of delay on most devices, enough to hear footsteps and gunshots after you see them, and the PS5 and Xbox don’t support Bluetooth audio at all. Gaming earbuds solve both problems with a small USB-C dongle that plugs into a PC, PS5, Switch 2 or handheld, and they keep Bluetooth for your phone. Our Bluetooth headphones for gaming guide explains the numbers. If you already own regular earbuds, see whether they’ll do: AirPods, Galaxy Buds, Beats or Bose.

The best earbuds for gaming in 2026

1. SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds: best overall

The Arctis GameBuds pair a 2.4GHz USB-C dongle, which SteelSeries says is up to 7x faster than Bluetooth, with Bluetooth 5.3, and a triple tap switches between the two. They add 4-mic hybrid noise cancelling with a transparency mode, IP55 water resistance, up to 10 hours per charge (40 hours with the case, and 15 minutes of charging gives 3 hours), and 100+ game audio presets in the Arctis Companion app (SteelSeries). TechRadar’s review headline calls them “small in stature, huge in performance” (TechRadar). Good to know: there are separate PlayStation and Xbox versions; the PlayStation one also works with Switch, PC and VR, so buy the version for your console.

Check the Arctis GameBuds on Amazon →

2. Sony INZONE Buds: best for PC, PS5 and Switch 2

Sony’s gaming earbuds connect through a small USB-C dongle with latency Sony rates at under 30 ms, which also makes them a neat fit for a Switch 2, a Steam Deck or a USB-C Android phone. They add active noise cancelling and Bluetooth LE Audio, and Sony rates the battery at up to 12 hours (24 with the case). More in our Sony gaming headphones guide.

Check the INZONE Buds on Amazon →

3. Razer Hammerhead V3 HyperSpeed: best value

Razer’s 2026 gaming earbuds combine its 2.4GHz HyperSpeed wireless with Bluetooth 6.0, switching between them with SmartSwitch. They have hybrid noise cancelling that Razer says is up to 50% better than the previous generation, up to 10 hours per charge (40 hours with the case), and the dongle can be used on its own or you can plug in the case to play and charge at once (Razer). They work with PC, PS5, Steam Deck and phones.

Check the Hammerhead V3 HyperSpeed on Amazon →

Check the Hammerhead V3 HyperSpeed at Razer.com →

4. PlayStation Pulse Explore: best for PS5

Sony’s own PlayStation earbuds use PlayStation Link, its lossless, low-latency wireless, through an adapter for the PS5, PC or Mac, and connect to the PlayStation Portal directly. They can stay connected to your phone over Bluetooth at the same time (PlayStation). Good to know: they last about 5 hours per charge (15 with the case), less than the picks above. More in our best PS5 headsets.

Check the Pulse Explore on Amazon →

5. EarFun Air Pro 4: best budget for mobile gaming

If you mostly play on your phone, you don’t need a dongle. The EarFun Air Pro 4 have a low-latency game mode, adaptive noise cancelling, LDAC and multipoint, and SoundGuys liked their sound, noise cancelling and app at the price (SoundGuys). Good to know: they’re still Bluetooth, so they won’t work for game audio on a PS5 or Xbox.

Check the EarFun Air Pro 4 on Amazon →

Specs from the makers, side by side

Every figure below comes from the manufacturer’s own spec page, taken from our earbuds and headphones spec database. “Not stated” means the maker doesn’t publish it, not that the feature is missing.

ModelBatteryWeightLatency (maker)ConnectionMaker doesn’t state
SteelSeries Arctis GameBudsANC off: 10 h
with case: 40 (2.4 GHz, noise control off)		Not statedNot stated2.4 GHz USB-C dongle + Bluetooth; Bluetooth 5.3weight, case weight, latency, battery with ANC on
Sony INZONE Buds (WF-G700N)ANC on: 11 (dongle) / 18 (LE Audio)
ANC off: 12 (dongle) / 24 (LE Audio)
with case: 24 (dongle, NC off) / 48 (LE Audio, NC off)		6.5 gless than 30 ms (USB-C dongle)2.4 GHz USB-C dongle + Bluetooth LE Audio only (no classic Bluetooth); Bluetooth 5.3 (LE Audio only)multipoint, case weight
Razer Hammerhead V3 HyperSpeedANC off: 10 h
with case: 40 (10 + 30 from case)		Not stated"ultra-low latency" 2.4 GHz (no figure)2.4 GHz HyperSpeed + Bluetooth; Bluetooth 6.0weight, latency figure
PlayStation PULSE Explore5 h
with case: 15 (5 + 10 from case)		Not stated"ultra-low latency" (no figure)PlayStation Link USB adapter + Bluetooth (simultaneous)Bluetooth version, codecs, weight, water rating, latency figure
EarFun Air Pro 4ANC on: 7.5 h
ANC off: 11 h
with case: 35 (ANC on) / 52 (ANC off)		56 (page does not say what it covers)<50 ms (Ultra Low Latency Mode)Bluetooth 5.4earbud weight

Our verdict

For gaming, buy earbuds with their own wireless dongle. The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are the best all-rounder, with PlayStation and Xbox versions, noise cancelling and long battery life. The Sony INZONE Buds are the neatest option for PC, PS5 and Switch 2, the Razer Hammerhead V3 HyperSpeed cost a little less, and the PlayStation Pulse Explore are made for PS5 and the Portal. For phone gaming only, the EarFun Air Pro 4 are a cheap option with a game mode. Prefer a headset? See our best gaming headsets.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best earbuds for gaming?

The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds for most people: a 2.4GHz USB-C dongle plus Bluetooth 5.3, noise cancelling and up to 40 hours with the case. The Sony INZONE Buds are the pick for PC, PS5 and Switch 2.

Are wireless earbuds good for gaming?

Gaming earbuds with a USB-C dongle are. Regular Bluetooth earbuds add roughly 150–200 ms of delay and can’t connect to a PS5 or Xbox, so they’re best kept for casual mobile games.

Which earbuds work with PS5?

Earbuds with their own dongle or PlayStation Link, such as the Arctis GameBuds (PlayStation version), Sony INZONE Buds or PlayStation Pulse Explore. The PS5 doesn’t support Bluetooth audio.

Which earbuds work with Xbox?

Ones made for Xbox, such as the Xbox version of the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds. Xbox consoles don’t support Bluetooth audio, so regular earbuds won’t connect.

Do gaming earbuds have a good mic?

They have built-in microphones for chat; check the maker’s specs for mic support on your console. For streaming or long competitive sessions, a headset with a boom mic usually sounds clearer.

Related guides

Best Earbuds for Gaming (2026): Low-Latency Picks for PC, PS5, Xbox and Switch 2 Read More »

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