The build quality of the case and earbuds is the best I’ve seen in a long time, the audio performance to match. What would I have liked to have seen? An EQ option from a KEF app, offering the ability to fine-tune frequencies to suit the user’s preference/music genre.

KEFs Mu3 combines aesthetic design with high-quality sound. Appearance and sound are equally convincing at the highest level. In terms of sound, we haven’t heard any better in-ears in this price range. In addition to the excellent sound quality and the flowing “Lovegrove” look, the Mu3s have a lot more to offer: Bluetooth 5.0, 24-hour operating time, comfortable fit, intuitive operation, quick-reacting touch surface. In addition, there is active noise cancellation and the ambient mode. Whether at work or in your free time: KEF leaves nothing to be desired in terms of wireless and powerful in-ear headphones with the Mu3.

Having tried the earbuds on both my Android and Apple devices, I found their performance to be seamless and stable. Pairing them up was easy and lightning-fast, perfect when rushing to the gym. And a quick charge is all that is needed to keep me connected to my music all day long.

KEF forgoes app connectivity with the Mu3 and thus any means of personalising these True Wireless in-ears. The modest codec selection and rather weak noise cancellation are also not arguments in favour of a purchase – but the sound and wearing comfort, the ease of use and battery life, as well as the design, are. In some respects, the debut attempt from the renowned loudspeaker specialist treads its own path but positions itself impressively, with a strong character that sets it outside of trends and the mainstream.

If you’ve decided you can live without the niceties in your next pair of true wireless ANC earbuds, the only question you have to ask yourself is: do I consider ‘smooth’ and ‘understated’ to be positive or negative qualities?

KEF Mu3 has something that shines in my eyes, and it also has something that I regret. The unique design and detailed ingenuity make KEF Mu3 different from other true wireless headphones, whether it is the brand of KEF or the well-known Ross Lovegrove. Designers, they all attached a halo to KEF Mu3, giving it its own unique charm. Maybe it is not perfect under the halo, but sometimes a word of “like” is enough.

There are reasons you might want to choose something else—better noise canceling or a somewhat fuller sound—but for most listening the Mu3s do a pretty great job at a very reasonable price.

True wireless earbuds may be everywhere, but the KEF Mu3 is a great contender. It has great sound, making it a fine option for music and speech. The design and comfort are good, and the connection strength is consistent. The lack of aptX or LDAC support might be a drawback for some, and you won't find ear detection here either. If you want stylish earbuds, with noise cancelling and good sound quality, the Mu3 is worthy of serious consideration.

KEF’s first noise-cancelling wireless earbuds make a positive impression, even if they fall short of being best-in-class

These earbuds are a real pleasurable listen, but a few touches like wireless charging and a smaller case would get them a better shot at top-tier success.

KEF has put together its best ingredients for the Mu3, and the result is a beautiful, neutral, natural listening experience, class-leading ergonomic fit, and spectacular battery life. Yet, the technically minded may feel inclined to look elsewhere, as the ANC isn't the best, and there's no included app to change the settings or tweak the sound. So with all of these ingredients, I'm happy with this first entrée whilst looking forward to some developments that will see a perfect main course come next.

Precise sound, active noise suppression for undisturbed music enjoyment, an outstanding design by Ross Lovegrove, an ergonomic shape for maximum comfort and a long battery life, the KEF Mu3 Noise Canceling True Wireless Earphones should offer all of this.

Apart from the call quality there's nothing particularly bad about the KEF Mu3 earbuds, however there's nothing about them that'll set your heart racing. They're tasteful in almost every respect; look elsewhere if you fancy something a bit more challenging.

While these buds sound absolutely stonking, they’re missing some of the extra features that you’ll now find on other earphones, some that cost far less (but generally don’t sound anywhere near as good).

Though they lack some of the features we’ve come to expect on true wireless earbuds at this price, the KEF Mu3 are beautifully crafted, sound amazing, and have a generous battery life.