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Best Audio Gear to Kickstart 2025: Top Picks for Work and Play

The new year is the perfect time to reset and refresh, including your audio setup. Whether you’re a music lover, a podcast enthusiast, or a dedicated gamer, upgrading your audio gear can elevate your everyday experiences. Here’s a guide to the top audio gear picks for starting 2025 off right.

Woman wearing Sonos Ace headphones in white enjoying the music with eyes closed.
Sonos Ace Headphones in White

Best Headphones for Every Lifestyle

Headphones are a versatile choice for private listening, commuting, or working out. Here are the top categories:

  • For Music Enthusiasts:
    Marshall Monitor II continues to set the bar for noise-cancelling headphones, offering unparalleled sound quality, distinctive design, and comfort.
  • For Innovation Buffs:
    Sonos Ace delivers premium audio with lossless streaming, spatial audio, and dynamic head tracking for an immersive listening experience.
  • For the Budget-Conscious:
    Moondrop Edge delivers high-quality sound and blocks out background noise with advanced noise-cancelling tech without a premium price tag.
Marshall Monitor II black bluetooth headphones resting on vinyl crate
Marshall Monitor ii Headphones

Top Speakers to Transform Your Space

Speakers create a shared listening experience and can turn any room into an audio haven.

  • For Small Spaces:
    Sonos Era 100 packs room-filling sound into a sleek, compact design, ideal for apartments or small offices.
  • For the Party Planner:
    Klipsch Detroit offers a powerful sound, portable design, and the ability to pair with up to 10 simultaneous Klipsch speakers to bring life to any gathering.
  • For Real Audio-enthusiasts:
    KEF LS50 Wireless II delivers studio-grade sound with wireless connectivity and minimalist aesthetics.
Sonos Immersive Set Beam set up in a living room, paired with two era 100 speakers. A couple are watching a movie
Sonos Era 100 Speakers

Earbuds That Redefine Convenience

Earbuds are essential for on-the-go listening, and 2025 brings even more innovative options:

  • All-Day Listening:
    Moondrop Blessing 3 offers superior sound quality designed with comfort in mind for uninterrupted listening no matter where you go.
  • Best for Sound Quality:
    Grado GT220 wireless earphones deliver the signature audio quality you’ve come to expect from Grado, packed in a small and minimalist design.
  • Eco-Friendly Choice:
    Urbanista Phoenix features solar-powered charging for virtually infinite playtime, merging convenience with sustainability.
Grado GT220 Earphones sitting in charging case resting on black marble countertop
Grado GT220 Earphones

Portable Audio Gear for Travellers

Frequent travellers need durable, high-performance gear that goes the distance.

  • Ultra-Compact Portable Speaker:
    Marshall Willen is dust and water-resistant with a powerful sound in a compact, travel-friendly size format.
  • Noise-Canceling Headphones:
    Focal Bathys blends high-fidelity sound with active noise cancelling making them perfect to travel in comfort.
A retro-inspired Marshall Willen Bluetooth speaker, reminiscent of the vibrant style of the 1980s, showcasing classic design elements.
Marshall Willen Portable Speaker

The Ultimate Bluetooth Home Setup

Bring wireless connectivity and retro charm to your living space with these picks:

  • Portable Speakers with a Vintage Design
    Tivoli Songbook is a beautiful blend of retro design with a modern performance. 
  • Modern Vinyl Players with Bluetooth:
    The Victrola Stream Carbon combines the nostalgia of vinyl with the convenience of streaming, offering high-quality playback and wireless integration with speakers.
  • Wireless Speakers for Whole-Home Audio:
    Sonos Move delivers rich sound and integrates seamlessly into multi-room setups, perfect for entertaining or relaxing.
Tivoli Songbook in Cream, resting on a kitchen shelf, in a modern mid century kitchen
Tivoli Songbook in Cream

Start your year with audio gear that enhances your sound experience. Whether you’re upgrading headphones, speakers, or smart devices, these top picks ensure that your 2025 starts on a high note—literally!

 

– Morgan

About the Author: Morgan is our resident writer here at Luxe Sound. She loves jamming out Indie Rock, or binging on murder podcasts. She’s here to share the latest trends in audio and make sure you’re always up to date with what’s going on. Whether it's finding the perfect playlist or recommending gear, Morgan’s got your back.