This article on Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Headphones is part of {Tech} for Travel’s coverage of IFA 2023. The biggest tech event in Europe is held annually in Berlin, Germany, where the biggest names in consumer technology attend and launch new products to the world’s media.
Click here to read more on the new travel gadgets news coming out of IFA this year.
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IFA 2023 News: Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Headphones
Shure has unveiled its latest flagship Noise Cancelling headphones, the AONIC 50 Gen 2, with a slew of premium features and the build quality they are known for.
The launch coincided with IFA 2023. However, Shure did not have a booth at the show and instead opted to use the pre-IFA event, Showstoppers, to let the world’s media have a short but oh-so-sweet first try on them, including myself.
Shure claims its second generation of the AONIC 50 sets a new standard for premium, high-fidelity audio, enhanced active noise cancellation, and 50 per cent more battery life than the first generation.
Features // Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Headphones
The Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 headphones introduce a new hybrid active noise cancellation technology with four selectable modes: Light, Moderate, Max, and MaxAware.
Powered by custom-engineered 50mm dynamic drivers with studio quality sound, high-fidelity and spatialised audio technology, which enhances the perception of the three-dimensional space in the audio you’re listening to.
Shure’s proprietary algorithm enhances spaciousness in the audio playback without compromising on the original sound. This is important for frequent fliers as an immersive and peaceful listening experience will be achieved by effectively blocking out external noise. And these headphones can do that better than any others I’ve tested.
Users can also customise the EQ through the ShurePlus™ Play App (Android | Apple) and choose from three distinct audio modes: Music, Cinema, and Podcast.
If you are a frequent long-haul flier, you’ll be pleased to hear the Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Headphones boast up to 45 Hours of battery life, with ANC on! And Quick Charging requires just 15 minutes of charging for 5 hours of playback.
Other features include adjustable earcups on reassuringly sturdy metal swivel hinges, supports Snapdragon Sound™ with Qualcomm® aptX™ Adaptive technology, along with AAC, SBC, and LDAC codecs and crystal-clear communication with beamforming microphone technology thanks to the Six microphones.
The Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Headphones have a solid yet slimline, travel carry case, and 3.5mm Audio and USB-C cables. Both can be used for wired playback should you ever get to the end of those 45 hours of battery life.
Snapdragon Sound Technology, incorporated into the second generation of AONIC 50 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones, is designed to provide an unparalleled audio experience. By optimizing a suite of technologies by Qualcomm Technologies across connected devices, Snapdragon Sound delivers consistent, crystal clear and captivating audio.
Shure
Hands-On Review // Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Headphones
I had 15 minutes with the new AONIC 50 Gen 2 headphones paired with one of the Shure PR team’s phones.
For comparison, I travel regularly with the Sony- WH1000XM5 headphones, arguably the best ANC Headphones for travellers since they were launched.
To begin with, I was treated to music with ANC off, and then the PR person moved up to full ANC all by using the app, although AONIC 50 Gen 2 does have physical on-cup buttons. As the headphones moved into their highest ANC setting, the several hundred media attending the event disappeared.
The Shure ANC technology is astonishing!
I first thought the metal swivel hinges might be better suited to a sound studio and not an aircraft cabin. Yet, the AONIC 50 Gen 2 headphones deliver the same movement and flexibility as the Sony WH-1000XM5. But the Shure build quality felt more durable, and I even preferred the slightly snugger fit that the more rigid frame provided.
Based on this brief demo, I think Shure will give Sony a run for their money!
Specifications // Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Headphones
| Dimensions | TBC |
| Weight | TBC |
| Colour Options | Black |
| Driver | 50mm Dynamic |
| Codec | AAC, SBC, and LDAC |
| Power | up to 45 hours |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth USB-C 3.5mm Audio Jack Physical Buttons |
| Microphones | Six |
| In the Box | AONIC 50 Gen2 Headphones Travel Case 3.5mm Audio Cable USB-C Cable Two Year Warranty |
| Website | shure.com |
Price // Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Headphones
The AONIC 50 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Gen 2 will be available in September 2023 at Shure.com and selected retailers starting at $439/£349.