Product Strengths

• Outstanding audio quality while ensuring awareness of surroundings
• Well-rounded frequency response helps keep most of the bass frequencies intact, while still permitting hearing outside noises
• Extremely comfortable and secure design, especially for runners and athletes, due to the 'Air Fitting supports'
• Balanced midrange reproduction, making them suitable for genres like indie ballads and soft rock
• Healthy stack of features, offering Bluetooth Multipoint, head gesture controls, Sony 360 Reality Audio, and auto play/pause

Product Considerations

• Open design limits overall sonic capabilities and bass response
• Open design leaks sound and also lets in unwanted noise
• Average battery life (8 hours from the buds)
• Can be tricky to position correctly in the ear

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Nothing Ear (Open): The Sony LinkBuds Open are a better bet than the Nothing Ear (Open) thanks to their stronger bass and more comfortable, discreet design

Takeaway: The Sony LinkBuds Open are a great option for those who want awareness of their surroundings with good sound. If struggling with in-ear fit, these earbuds could be the answer.

Product Strengths

• Very comfortable to wear, to the point of almost forgetting they are being worn due to the light weight and design
• Sound quality is good for open-ear earbuds, with clear audio and decent bass
• Solid battery life offers around 12 hours of playback on a single charge, and 40 hours with the charging case

Product Considerations

• Maximum volume may be on the lower side, especially in noisy environments
• The triple tap control can be tricky to use
• Lacks a custom EQ option in the app, only offering preset EQs
• Does not support wireless charging
• Weak case magnets cause earbuds to fall out easily if dropped

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs 1More S50: The S70 is a tad softer than the S50, but has more stock bass; the S70 build quality has jumped a few notches; the S70 is a proper follow-up to the S50

Takeaway: The 1More S70 are comfortable open-ear earbuds with great sound quality and good battery life for those who like to be aware of their surroundings while listening to audio. The sleek design and practical features make them a solid choice for everyday use.

Product Strengths

• Open-back design provides a wide soundstage, sometimes described as industry-leading for a Bluetooth headphone.
• The BlueMini Bluetooth adapter is convenient, versatile, and provides good value as a wireless balanced DAC/amp module.
• Comfortable to wear, with large ear holes and soft earpads accommodating various ear sizes.
• A wired-only version has been released at a lower price, making it more attractive for wired listening.
• Offers multiple connectivity options: wired (analog and digital via USB), and wireless (Bluetooth).

Product Considerations

• Bass response may be lacking for bass enthusiasts, described as 'sucking' or 'rolling off' in some reviews.
• Treble can be bright and sibilant, and potentially 'hashy', especially at higher volumes or with certain pairings.
• The build quality, while decent, uses more plastic than some competitors like the Sundara.
• The stock cable is stiff and can produce microphonics.
• The included Blue Mini Bluetooth adapter lacks advanced features like volume control or track skipping.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs. Hifiman Sundara: The Sundara generally offers better overall sound quality, detail, vocal presentation, and bass (when both are wired), but the Deva with BlueMini gets very close.
• Vs. Hifiman HE400/HE400i: The Deva is better overall when using the BlueMini, especially compared to HE400.
• Vs. Sennheiser HD 6XX/650: The Deva is similar in some ways to the HD 6XX, with a comparable sound signature, but the HD6XX may be smoother in some respects, the HD6XX bass tends to be muddy, while the Deva has a tighter controlled base.
• Vs. AKG K712 Pro: The Deva is tuned closer to the HD 6XX and the 712 Pro but has a narrower soundstage, the 712 Pro has fun articulate bass.

Takeaway: The Hifiman Deva is a versatile headphone that offers a unique blend of open-back planar sound with convenient Bluetooth connectivity, making it a worthwhile consideration for those seeking a convenient and good-sounding listening experience, especially at home or in the office. The inclusion of the BlueMini offers great value as both a Bluetooth receiver and a DAC/Amp, which lets the Deva sound great when wired to a great amp or even just as a DAC to your computer.

Product Strengths

• Excellent spatial presentation, quite holographic, with coherent imaging and separation.
• Balanced sound signature and neutral tuning.
• Improved over the original Deva, adding warmth to fix a slight imbalance of the original.
• Wireless performance is very good due to BlueMini R2R dongle.
• Very comfortable to wear.

Product Considerations

• Use caution when taking it outdoors, particularly when it's windy.
• Stock cable is subpar.
• Aftermarket cable considerations must be taken into account because standard dual 3.5mm headphone cables can short something out.
• Drivability can be an issue with some devices, potentially requiring high gain and higher volume levels on DAPs.
• The extension mechanism on the headband feels a little bit clunky at times.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs HE400SE: A clear step up, with better resolution and less sibilance.
• Vs Sennheiser HD600/HD6XX: The Deva Pro has a very expansive soundstage, quite a bit wider than what is found on something like the HD600 or HD6XX.

Takeaway: The Deva Pro is a well-rounded wireless headphone with a pleasingly balanced sound and a uniquely holographic spatial presentation, making it a great choice for audiophiles seeking convenience. The inclusion of the Bluemini R2R adds value through its wireless capabilities.

Product Strengths

• Very comfortable for all-day wear, with reviewers noting they can be worn for hours without ear fatigue
• Unique and stylish design, resembling a piece of jewelry or ear cuff, and the ear clip design is surprisingly effective
• Good for being aware of surroundings, making them suitable for running, biking, or use around the house while still hearing what's happening around you
• Decent sound quality for the price and functionality, particularly for podcasts and audiobooks
• Low-latency mode works well, significantly improving audio sync for gaming or video watching

Product Considerations

• Bass response is limited due to the open-ear design
• May not get loud enough in noisy environments
• Touch controls are limited, with only double and triple tap customizable
• The 1More app can be finicky and slow, requiring restarts

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The S20 has a design unlike anything ever seen, and it puts sound in your ear in a very unusual fashion

Takeaway: The 1More S20 earbuds are comfortable and stylish, making them a solid choice for users who want to remain aware of their surroundings while listening to audio. They work well for podcasts, audiobooks, and casual music listening in quieter environments.