Gadgets: These earbuds are a winner

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It's a safe bet that when I open a product from Sennheiser, the sound quality is top-notch. So it shouldn't come as a surprise when I say their new Accentum Open true wireless earbuds are a winner for a variety of reasons.

First and foremost is the sound, an area where Sennheiser has come to be known for, since its inception in 1945. I'll do the math for you: 80 years. Each of Accentum Open's true wireless earbuds has an 11mm dynamic driver, which pumps clear, crisp sound into your ears with Sennheiser's renowned sound tuning.

Sound is most important, but if the earbuds aren't comfortable, the sound doesn't matter. Accentum Open are designed with a universal fit, featuring an open nature that gives users the comfort they need. This prevents ear fatigue, allowing for all-day use. The weight is a significant contributor to ergonomic comfort, with each stem-styled earbud weighing 4.4 grams or 0.155 ounces.

Inside is Bluetooth 5.3, which also supports multipoint connectivity, allowing them to be connected to up to eight devices and enabling seamless switching between laptops, smartphones or tablets. With the built-in dual-beam-forming microphones, the quality of hands-free calls will be crystal clear, with minimal background noise.

You'll get about 6.5 hours of playback before a charge is needed in the portable charging case. Fast charging will yield 1.5 hours of use from a 10-minute charge. And you can go a total of 28 hours before the case itself needs a USB-C charge.

The app free Accentum Open true wireless earbuds are poolside safe with an IPX4 splash resistance rating, which also makes them safe for workouts. They are built with my favorite feature, smart pause. Now, when an earbud is removed, the music pauses, and it resumes playing when the earbud is put back in your ear.

Tone prompts alert you to features such as power on/off, pairing, low battery, etc. There is no need to turn them on; they automatically activate when removed from the charging case. To turn them off, return them to the case. Adjusting the volume, taking calls, and selecting music are done with responsive touch controls.

https://www.sennheiser-hearing.com $129.95, available in black or cream

While the Accentum Open TW earbuds deliver great sound to your ears, the Mixx Assistive Audio noise-reducing earplugs do the opposite, blocking sounds for a quieter environment, whether for better sleep or to enjoy peace and quiet.

The Sleep model ($14.99) is designed to help you get a restful night's sleep, with less snoring noise and more snoozing, as stated on the packaging. With insomnia a problem for many of us, we look for anything to help us achieve a good night's sleep.

With the Assistive Audio Sleep earplugs, even side sleepers will like the way they block noise with their low-profile design. They are made with hypoallergenic, medical-grade silicone for a comfortable fit that does not cause skin irritation.

There's no charging, power or pairing. Just find the right fit, with three included sizes to choose from: small, medium and large. Once you have the correct size, the tip will conform to your ear for a natural fit with its spring-loaded design.

The Assistive Audio Adaptive ($24.99) adjustable passive noise reduction earplugs are designed to protect your hearing in various environments. They have a noise reduction rating of 10 decibels for travel, 15 decibels for music, and 20 decibels for study environments.

They are also made with Hypoallergenic medical-grade silicone. Once you have it in your ear, twist the ear plug for use in different settings. The Adaptive earplugs have a US ANSI S3.19-1974 hearing protection standard certification.

Both models come with a carrying case and are machine washable. Assistive Audio is the medical devices division of Mixx Ltd.

https://www.mixx-audio.com