Monster launches AirLinks true wireless earbuds with voice control

True wireless earbuds are all the rage, so we expect to see plenty of new models revealed at this year's CES. And Monster has delivered, with two new pairs of wire-free earphones.

The models fall under the new Monster AirLinks range, and come with voice control, RF connectivity, charging cases, and a $20 insurance policy to replace a lost earbud.

The AirLinks Elements aim to blend audio performance and "high-fashion", though we're not sure we're prepared to make a judgement on the latter. Naturally Monster thinks they sound the part, while a charging case designed like a jewellery box and an earbud design inspired by diamonds takes care of the fashion bit.

If you're more about function than form, and want something for the gym or running, then the AirLinks iSport may be more your bag. They're sweat- and water-resistant, and presumably have a more functional case.

Both sets of buds promise four hours of playtime per charge, claiming up to 16 hours of playback when both the earbuds and case are fully-charged (we're assuming the case delivers three full charges).

Launched at CES 2018, the AirLinks Elements come with a $249.95 price tag, while the AirLinks iSport will cost $199.95.

There is plenty more from Monster at CES, particularly in the form of two new portable speaker ranges. The Monster SuperStar series features four new speakers and claims to be the first portable range to sport voice control - Monster's own MonsterTalk voice control, no less.

The models - S100, S200, S300 and S400 - range in price from $60 to $200, so are at the affordable end of the speaker spectrum. Some models can be paired together, while all have voice control of your music, including Spotify and Tidal.

The larger Monster Blaster range has been expanded with the Blaster Black ($349), Blaster S ($299) and - wait for it - the Ravebox Plus, which promises lasers and strobes to accompany your tunes. We look forward to seeing and hearing that one...

Monster also announced its move into in-car audio, revealing the Volkswagen R project - the car and system is set to be revealed later this week.

Read more:

CES 2018 highlights

Sony WF-1000X true wireless earbuds review

How to avoid buying fake heaphones

Best in-ear headphones 2018

How to choose the right pair of headphones

Monster iSport Strive review

Joe Cox
Content Director

Joe is the Content Director for What Hi-Fi? and Future’s Product Testing, having previously been the Global Editor-in-Chief of What Hi-Fi?. He has worked on What Hi-Fi? across the print magazine and website for almost 20 years, writing news, reviews and features on everything from turntables to TVs, headphones to hi-fi separates. He has covered product launch events across the world, from Apple to Technics, Sony and Samsung; reported from CES, the Bristol Show, and Munich High End for many years; and written for sites such as the BBC, Stuff and The Guardian. In his spare time, he enjoys expanding his vinyl collection and cycling (not at the same time).

Latest in Wireless Earbuds
Audio Technica ATH-CC500BT2
Audio-Technica's novel wireless headphones aim for high-quality audio and a comfortable fit wherever you go
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
Beats' latest running headphones promise a lighter fit, improved sound and the brand's "best-ever" noise-cancelling
AirPods Pro 2 on a chair outside
Apple's latest patent teases major usability upgrades for the AirPods Pro line of wireless earbuds
Bose QC Ultra Earbuds, Sony WF-1000XM5, Apple AirPods Pro 2 and B&W Pi8 wireless earbuds sat on the top of an orange Epos speaker
My dream pair of wireless earbuds combines the best bits of Apple, Bose, Bowers & Wilkins and Sony
Sony LinkBuds Fit in-ear headphones
Getting into fitness? Save over £50 on Sony's stellar, super-secure sporty wireless earbuds
JBL Tour Pro 3 wireless earbuds with two different types of eartips
You could be spoiling the sound of your wireless earbuds and not even know it
Latest in News
Musical Fidelity B1xi
Musical Fidelity's new stereo amplifier houses HDMI ARC and a built-in phono stage
A close-up of the FiiO FT7 headphones' earcups.
FiiO's FT7 flagship headphones take the fight to pricier rivals
A grey WiiM Vibelink Amp on a wooden cabinet between two bookshelf speakers.
The WiiM Vibelink Amp is WiiM's first integrated amp with no streaming elements
Q Acoustics 3050i
Save £650 on this five-star Q Acoustics 5.1 home cinema setup
Optoma Photon Go on white background
Optoma's new on-the-go projector is set to be one of the cheaper USTs on the market
Marantz Cinema 30 AVR
Our Award-winning reference Marantz AVR is still selling at its best price ever