Busy month in portable audio gear, September. In fact, those of us in the game have taken to calling this particular month 'Techtember', owing to the huge volume of new products entering the market during this important 30-day juncture. And portable audio is always one of the biggest areas for growth. In fact, in the time since we started writing this little roundup, Bose (aside from releasing a set of $99 wired earbuds with ANC which you'll find below) has also released not one but two new open earbuds propositions (which are not — that's how busy this space is right now). Why is Techtember like this? Well, Apple typically kicks things off with its annual event at the top of the month. This year, the Cupertino giant's "Surprise and Shine" event on September 9 saw the release of two new AirPods 5 models at refreshingly affordable price-points. Sony quickly joined in, going one better and launching three new sets of headphones, namely the Sony WH-CH730N, WH-CH530 and WH-1000XM4C, to update its own slam-dunk hits for 2026. So, Apple lost out on the tally sheet by one product? Not so fast: meet Beats 360, the Apple sub-brand's all-new (and heavily leaked) cans that let you customize the ear cup and headband colors for a look that's unique to you. Now, Sonos: the company's hotly-anticipated update to its Sonos Ace cans landed — and yes, the superb Sonos Ace Ultra fix the key Sonos ecosystem compatibility snag of the originals to become one of our favorite releases of the year, and that's not something we say lightly. Then, on September 29, two of the biggest releases in the premium over-ear space landed within hours of each other, namely Nothing's most expensive cans to date, the striking Nothing Headphone (1) Pro, which we've reviewed in full, and the aesthetically gorgeous Technics EAH-A1000, which I've delivered an initial verdict on, pending further tests. For further information on any product in this roundup, select the 'view details' toggle below the image. Or, if you're already sold on a certain set, simply click through to shop these all-new products. Have fun — and above all, enjoy the music! September 2026 — the all-new headphones and earbuds you need to see Apple AirPods 5 What is it? The 5th gen of Apple's iconic earbuds, with improved ANC and Live Translation — plus a wireless case, if you want itAvailability: On sale nowPrice: $129 / £129 / AU$219 (or $149 / £149 / AU$249 w/wireless charging case)Read more: AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging are like a greatest hits rollout of AirPods Pro — just without the hearing health or heart-rate modules Sonos Ace Ultra What is it? The second-gen update of Sonos' over-ear headphones, with upgrades that iron out all the kinks of its first effortAvailability: Available nowPrice: $449 / £399 / AU$699Read more: I tested the Sonos Ace Ultra and they fix the one issue I had with the original model — so they’re easily among my favorite headphones of the yearExclusive: Sonos CEO Tom Conrad explains why the new Sonos Ace Ultra headphones can achieve what fans wanted the first Ace to do ProsFar more musical than the AceExcellent Dolby Atmos for moviesFantastic feature-suite with enhanced ANC and detailed EQ optionsStunning design; responsive controlsConsSome rivals still offer more detailCase doesn’t mirror the headphones’ premium look and feelNot fully foldable Beats 360 What is it? Most unusual new Beats over-ears that prioritize comfort, class, and a 'build your bundle' idea with interchangeable 'Cloud Performance' ear cups and headbandAvailability: Available nowPrice: $349 / £299.95 / AU$499Read more: Beats 360 are one of the most comfortable, best-sounding headphones I've ever worn and made Supergirl more watchable than it should be 'We wanted to create a new ID, a new look, and a new over-ear headphone for a different purpose' — I talked to Beats about the new Beats 360, and after trying them I love the smart customization options as much as the sound Sony WH-1000XM4C What is it? Sony's iconic WH-1000XM4 headphones, updated with replaceable batteries and some small feature tweaks. Availability: Available nowPrice: $299.99 / £219 / €250 / AU$449.95Read more: Sony updates its generation-defining headphones for the replaceable-battery era: meet the WH-1000XM4C — same, but different Sony WH-CH730N What is it? An updated version of the cheap and cheerful Sony WH-CH720N, including battery boost and better ANC. Availability: Available nowPrice: $179.99 / £100 / €120 / AU$229.95Read more: Sony's trio of 2026 headphone goodies includes entry-level options too Technics EAH-A1000 What is it? An updated version of the company's highly-rated EAH-A800 over-ear headphones, now with proprietary 'Magnetic Fluid Driver' tech found in the brand's smaller in-ear offeringsAvailability: Available nowPrice: $449 / £399 / €449 / AU$699Read more: Technics EAH-A1000 initial review: Technics just updated its superb EAH-A800 headphones, and I got them in advance — here's my early verdict Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds What is it? A set of affordable, wired, vaguely retro and delightfully un-Bluetooth earbuds with Bose's active noise cancellation (you scroll through the inline mic to select profiles)Availability: Available now, region dependant (sold out in certain markets) Price: £99.95 / AU$169.95 (about $131)Read more: Bose's latest ANC earbuds come with something you probably wouldn't expect (it begins with W and rhymes with 'tires') Sony WH-CH530 Nothing Headphone (1) Pro