What changed? The insides. A new Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 system chip brings better sound quality, a more stable Bluetooth (5.4, aptX Lossless and Adaptive) and smarter power management. We didn't touch the looks, because new injection moulds cost a fortune. The money we saved went into components.

A battery you forget about. Up to 55 hours with noise cancelling on. That covers a flight from Helsinki to Australia, back, and the train ride home. USB-C charges it fully in 2–3 hours, and a 3.5 mm cable is in the box in case the battery runs out anyway.

Noise cancelling and transparency. Active hybrid noise cancelling takes the edge off open offices and aircraft rumble. Transparency mode is there because you asked for it. The indicator LEDs are hidden inside the cups, because headphones don't need to be a disco ball.

Change the colour. Magnetic covers come off and swap in a second. Pick one to match your mood, or your need to annoy the neighbours.

PS. We take old Valcos in trade-in. You get a discount on the new pair, and the old headphones get a second life.

What are these? Wireless earbuds with active noise cancelling, transparency mode and physical buttons. Jussi Timonen shaped them and Jasse Kesti tuned the sound by ear, not by algorithm. Inside is a Qualcomm QCC30XX chip and 10 mm hybrid drivers: a dynamic driver for bass and a balanced armature for the high frequencies.

Buttons you can actually hit. You can press them with gloves on, even in the rain. The same button switches between noise cancelling and transparency. No guessing where the touch area is.

Noise cancelling needs a tight fit. Several sizes of silicone and memory foam tips come in the box. Pick the ones that stay in your ear and seal, because noise cancelling works best with a tight fit.

Battery, honestly. You get over 6 hours without noise cancelling and about 4.5 hours with it. The case charges the earbuds four times, for up to 17 hours in total, and the case also charges wirelessly. At 55 mm across, it is smaller than a snuff tin.

For everyday life. Multipoint keeps your phone and laptop connected at the same time. IPX4 protection handles splashes, and the hands-free microphones take care of calls.

PS. "Best earbuds" is a claim every manufacturer makes, so we won't. If someone makes the same features for less, buy those.

Who is this for? You, if the VMK20 and VMK25 are too big for your head. Over the years we got feedback mostly from small-headed people, and decided to do something about it. The VMK15 is an on-ear model: the cups sit on your ears instead of around them. It weighs about 200 grams, and the headband adjusts to fit a hobbit and an elephant man alike.

Buttons under the fabric. Solid fabric covers hide physical buttons. No touch controls, just real buttons you can find by feel. All the LEDs are on the inside, so you don't look like a Christmas tree.

Noise cancelling, honestly. The VMK15 has active noise cancelling, but it works best when the headphones seal around your ears. An on-ear model doesn't, so for the best cancelling, get the VMK25. Basic noise cancelling still helps you ignore your family and makes the commute calmer.

Battery and cable. Up to 55 hours with noise cancelling on. USB-C charges in 2 to 3 hours, and a few minutes of quick charging buys you more listening time. If the battery still runs out, a 3.5 mm AUX cable is in the box. You also get an airplane adapter and a travel case.

Sound and calls. Uncle Jasse tuned the sound as well as this price range allows. The built-in microphones are fine for calls and meetings. If you do serious work on the phone, a wired microphone is the better answer.

PS. Colours are black and Lonkero, which is a depressing grey.

What is this? Magnetic replacement shells for VMK25 and VMK25.2 headphones. A pack contains a pair: left and right. Pull off the old one, snap on the new one. No glue, no tools.

Colours. There are 12 to choose from: Period Red, Wunder Green, Depression Blue, Obsession Mint, Original Gray, President Orange, Pinkish, Fuckshia, Imperial Purple, Powder White, Mombasa Night and Gunpowder Camo. The names are Valco's own, and we take no responsibility for them.

Who is it for? You, if your headphones look like everyone else's. Swap the shells to suit the moment: a restrained white for the meeting, Period Red for Sunday morning. The shells also protect the headphones from everyday knocks.

Good to know. Skins fit VMK25 and VMK25.2. They do not fit VMK20 or VMK15 headphones.

What is this? A Bluetooth speaker with a metal and silicone body. 202.5 × 61 × 78 mm and about half a kilo. Made for the job site, the sauna, the hot tub and the trail. Or under your desk, if that suits you better.

Water is fine. IPX7 protection handles water. In Valco's own YouTube test it also survives urine, which is a remarkably specific requirement. The big buttons work with gloves on, and the carry loop hangs it from a backpack.

Battery. Up to 15 hours at 50 percent volume and at least 8 hours at full blast. USB-C charging, 5200 mAh.

Stereo and calls. Two Mk3s pair as TWS stereo. The built-in microphone handles calls, and the 3D button tricks your ears into hearing more speakers than there are. Whether it works depends on the ears.

Honestly. The body is not entirely our design, but we have improved the sound ourselves.

PS. 14-day home trial, 2-year warranty and free shipping.