Earbuds are one of those notions that seemed like a pipe dream at first: insert a little earphone into each ear and listen to music or make phone calls while remaining unattached from everything.
Earbuds allow you to listen to music or other audio without bothering those around you. Background noise can be decreased by using headphones.
The initial wireless buds were enormous, died after a few hours, and had several additional flaws. Fortunately, times have changed.
There are several new models that sound fantastic and function flawlessly. After evaluating hundreds of wireless earbuds over the past four years, these are our current favourites in a variety of designs and price ranges.
Best Overall Earbuds
Google Pixel Buds A-Series
The Pixel Buds A-Series are our favourite wireless earbuds for most people because to their comfortable fit, decent sound, nice appearance, and low pricing.
In addition to an AirPods-like five hours of listening duration and an IPX4 sweat-resistance rating for sports, these headphones pair fast with Android smartphones and have outstanding Google Assistant integration.
(They still connect rapidly with iPhones, but not as quickly as Apple buds.) Google Assistant will not be available on iPhones.) The egg-shaped casing extends the listening time by 19 hours.
The ear fins make them quite stable in the ears, and the audio quality is greater than Apple’s entry-level buds, with louder bass made possible by the superb seal produced by the silicone ear tips.
Runner Up
1More ColorBuds
We’ve tested a lot of wireless earbuds over the years, but 1More, a lesser-known audio firm, still creates some of our favourites.
The ColorBuds, 1More’s second generation wireless earphones, are outstanding.
They’re really comfy and IPX5 sweat-resistant, and they sound just as nice as buds that cost twice as much.
Because of their silicone ring tips, you can wear them for hours on end and nearly forget they’re there, and the four built-in mics improve call quality over the previous generation.
The six hours of battery life per charge is roughly a half-hour less than the predecessor, but the earbuds are smaller and lighter.
Between sessions, the case retains around 16 hours of power.
They’re typically available for around $60 at this time, making them an excellent deal.
Best Noise Canceling Earbuds
Sony WF-1000XM4
Excellent all-around wireless earbuds
Of course, no earbud is perfect, and not everyone will enjoy the Sony WF-1000XM4 buds’ fit or be able to afford their hefty price.
But if you want great-sounding earbuds with active noise cancellation, strong voice-calling features, and a long battery life, these are the ones to choose.
Yes, it is water-resistant (IPX4 rating — splash-proof).
Best Cheap Buds
JLab Audio Go Air
Not everyone can afford to spend hundreds of dollars on wireless earphones. JLab allows you to pay as little as $30. (and they frequently go on sale too).
The firm has created a reputation for itself by producing earbuds that compete with big-known brands for far less, and the Go Air are no exception.
For $30, you get five hours of battery life, a comfortable fit, and sweatproofness.
The disadvantage? They have more bass than other versions, and the open-topped casing will need to be cleaned frequently since it gathers muck.
Best for Workouts
Jabra Elite 7 Active
Jabra scanned millions of ears to create elegant, comfortable designs, and it shows with the Elite 7 Active.
The music quality, noise-cancelling technology, and mic quality are all superb, and the buds have a particular grip on the exterior to hold them in your ears.
What’s the best part? A two-year guarantee is included, as is an eight-hour (!) battery life.
Jabra frequently sells old models for years, so you’ll have no trouble changing ear tips, the shell, or even a bud as needed.
Most Secure Fit
Beats Powerbeats Pro
Apple’s Powerbeats Pro are designed to be bulkier than many of the earphones on this list.
They’re designed to guarantee a super-secure fit throughout even the sweatiest workouts, from which they’ll be protected by an IPX4 water-resistance certification.
They sound significantly superior to Apple’s basic AirPods or practically any pair of Beats you’ve ever heard, and they provide an incredible nine hours of battery life from a single charge (18 extra hours with the portly 3 x 3-inch square case they come in).
One of the most useful features is their ability to instantly halt or divert calls back to your phone if one of them is removed from your ear.
However, many of its features do not operate when paired with an Android phone, but the fundamental functions do. Even better, they are regularly on sale for approximately $180.
Related Article>>BEST TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS: TOP AIRPODS-ALTERNATIVES 2021
Best for iPhones
Beats Fit Pro
Best wireless sports earbuds for everyday use
Following the release of the third-generation AirPods, Apple has released another set of earphones from its subsidiary audio brand, Beats.
The new Beats Fit Pro ($200) aren’t technically AirPods, but they’re based on the same tech foundation as the AirPods Pro.
Unlike Beats’ older and less priced Studio Buds, the Beats Fit Pro has Apple’s H1 processor and majority of the functionality of the AirPods Pro, such as active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and Adaptive EQ.
I’d go so far as to say they’re the sports AirPods you’ve always wanted. And for some, they may even be superior to the AirPods Pro.
Water-resistant: Yes (IPX4 rating — splash-proof).
Also Good for iPhones
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Even better noise-cancelling wireless earphones from Apple
The new AirPods Pro (second generation), which are available for preorder now and will ship on September 23, are powered by Apple’s new H2 processor, which gives greater processing power while being more energy efficient, according to Apple.
The new microprocessor, when paired with new low-distortion speakers, produces superior sound with greater clarity and depth.
Noise cancellation has also been increased; Apple claims that the new AirPods offer “twice” the noise cancellation of the original AirPods Pro. Furthermore, the updated AirPods increase an hour of battery life, increasing from five to six hours with noise cancellation turned on.
In addition, the case contains a speaker that generates a sound that may be used to locate your buds using Find My if they decide to hide from you.
While Apple has discontinued the original AirPods Pro, they will continue to be available at a discount until supplies run out. Most individuals, though, should go for the latest model if they can afford it.
Yes, it is water-resistant (IPX4 rating — splash-proof).
The Best for Android
Google Pixel Buds Pro
Excellent wireless earbuds for Android users
Google’s Pixel Buds Pro are the company’s first earphones with active noise cancellation.
While it’s great that they now have a function that many true-wireless earbuds have had for a while, what ultimately distinguishes the Pixel Buds Pro and makes them worth considering – especially for Android users – is their distinct design and winning fit.
This improves their performance in terms of both sound quality and noise cancellation. While not nearly as good for audio calls, they worked well as a headset for making calls.
A few capabilities are lacking at launch, like spatial audio and a five-band equalisation, but Google says these will be available later in 2022.
Water-resistant: Yes (IPX4 rating — splash-proof).
The Best for Samsung Owners
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2
Best value Samsung wireless earbuds
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 is available in four colour variations and is more similar to the current Galaxy Buds Pro and Galaxy Buds Live, all of which have eye-catching glossy curved shapes and the same compact charging case as this latest edition.
Indeed, the Buds 2’s shape and fit (they’re 15% smaller and 20% lighter than the Buds Plus) make them a potentially more appealing option to the somewhat better-sounding Buds Pro.
The Buds 2 include active noise cancellation, much as the Buds Pro.
That implies that all of the current Galaxy Buds models now have some type of active noise cancellation, but the difference is minor with the Buds Live, which have an open design without ear tips.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Best Samsung wireless earbuds
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro provide better noise cancellation as well as very strong sound and voice-calling capabilities, as well as compatibility for high-resolution wireless audio streaming provided you own a Galaxy handset with the appropriate configuration.
However, their most significant enhancement may be their new shape and lower size, which let them to suit more ears.
Aside from their rather high price, their only disadvantage is that several of its essential capabilities are only compatible with Samsung Galaxy smartphones.
Yes, it is water-resistant (IPX7 rating — fully waterproof).
For Headphone Nerds
Grado GT220
If you prefer a more audiophile-like wireless listening experience, check out Grado Labs’ no-frills set. Brooklyn is well-known for producing high-quality headphones and turntable cartridges, and it has just expanded into completely wireless earbuds.
The GT220 are ergonomic and comfy, and they provide a high-quality rendition of the company’s clear sound.
An IPX4 rating and six hours of battery life outside of the supplied charging case are decent stats, and unlike Grado’s larger, flashier headphones, they appear unassuming enough to take anyplace.
For Audiophiles
Astell & Kern UW100
If you’re an audiophile, finding wireless earphones to sync with your current smartphone might be difficult.
Sure, you want them for workouts and strolling around the neighbourhood, but very few companies prioritise audio quality.
The Astell & Kern UW100, for example, has some of the greatest tuning and digital-to-analog conversion (and hence sound quality) of any wireless earbuds I’ve heard.
For audiophiles who enjoy digital music, the brand will be familiar; I’ve long been a fan of Astell & Kern’s high-end digital music players and dongles, but these are the company’s first wireless earbuds, and they are great.
For Alexa Lovers
Amazon Echo Buds (2021)
The second-generation Echo Buds from Amazon feature all the bells and whistles of a quality set of wireless earbuds—wireless charging, noise cancellation, and fantastic app-based customization—but the true reason to buy them is the outstanding Alexa integration. While listening to music, the earbuds listen for voice commands, allowing you to instantly set timers, check the weather, and add items to grocery lists from wherever you are. It takes some getting accustomed to, but having a voice assistant with you all day is more useful than you would imagine.
Honorable Mentions
Other Buds We Like
Every month, new pairs of earbuds with better battery life and more compact designs appear.
As a result, we are unable to mention all we enjoy. However, if you’re still looking, here are some other suggestions.
- Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 for $200
- Master & Dynamic MW08 Sport for $349
- Bowers & Wilkins’ PI7 for $399
- JBL/Under Armour True Wireless Flash for $120
- Beyerdynamic Free Byrd
- Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
- Sony Linkbuds
- Bowers & Wilkins PI7
- JBL Live Free 2
- Beats Studio Buds
- Sennheiser CX
- Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro
- Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2
- Earfun Air S
- JBL Live Pro 2
- Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
- Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
- AirPods 3rd Generation
- Earfun Air Pro 2
- Jabra Elite 7 Pro
- Master & Dynamic MW08
Wireless vs. true wireless: Are they different?
Before wireless earphones like the AirPods, there was a connection connecting the buds.
They were wireless because they supported wireless Bluetooth streaming and did not require a headphone cord to connect to your smartphone.
Other businesses still produce wireless earbuds like the Beats Flex, and some individuals like having a chord that lets the buds to drape from your neck while not in use.
True wireless earphones do not have a connection connecting them. They are completely cordless and wirelessly connect to form a stereo pair. They are also known by their abbreviation TWS (true-wireless stereo).
Are wireless earbuds worth buying?
There have been several headlines in recent months about how Gen Z is making the “humble” wired headphone popular again, notably Apple EarPods (you know, the headphones that used to be included in the box when bought an iPhone but no longer are).
That’s OK, and we have nothing against wired headphones, but they may be inconvenient. Going completely wireless while working out or jogging feels liberated.
Furthermore, most modern phones do not have a headphone jack, so you must utilise wireless headphones unless you purchase a Lightning or USB-C headset or use an adaptor for a regular headphone with a 3.5mm connector.
Wireless headphones with a cable between the buds are available. Neckband-style earphones are still popular, and some people like them since the wire may drape around your neck while the buds aren’t in your ears.
True wireless earphones, on the other hand, provide more flexibility and are packed in a tiny charging case that is easy to transport. And, in recent years, both the sound quality and the dependability of their wireless connection have greatly increased.
While there are many of luxury wireless earbuds available, there are also plenty of great budget versions, some of which cost less than $50.
How do I keep true-wireless earbuds from falling out of my ears?
It’s critical to find the appropriate fit for wireless earbuds so they not only remain in your ears but also sound and operate well (a tight seal is crucial for optimal sound and noise cancelling if the earbuds have active noise canceling).
If the buds come with silicone ear tips, utilise the larger bud rather than the one that is too small for your ear.
In certain situations, like as with the AirPods Pro, you can also purchase third-party foam ear tips that better grasp the inside of your ear and protect your buds from falling out.
Because one ear may be formed differently than the other, you may use a medium tip in one ear and a big tip in the other.
AirPods have never fit evenly in all ears, and many customers claim that they don’t remain firmly in their ears.
Third-party wingtips, sometimes known as sport fins, can be purchased to secure the buds in your ears. However, you must remove them every time you use your buds because they will not fit in the case.
If you have difficulties keeping earbuds in your ears, opt for a type that has wingtips or incorporates them into the design of the buds.
Earbuds with ear hooks that wrap across the top of your ears are also available. This pattern may be seen on a variety of sports buds.
It may appeal to motorcyclists who cannot afford to have their earphones fall out of their ears while riding at fast speeds.
What is considered good battery life for true-wireless earbuds?
Although a battery life value of 5 hours is considered sufficient, many of the most recent buds give 6 hours or more of battery life with noise cancellation turned on.
If you don’t employ noise cancellation, your battery life will last longer.
With noise cancelling turned off, some earphones now have a battery life of more than 10 hours.
How do I clean my Wireless Earbuds?
Wipe down both the buds and the ear tips with a slightly moistened soft,dry,lint-free cloth (such as the one used to clean glasses or the screen of your phone) and avoid using soap or strong cleaning products.
It’s fine to use a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe or a Clorox disinfectant wipe, but don’t get too much moisture in any ports or into the buds themselves.
You may also use a toothpick or a Q-tip dipped in alcohol to clean any small gaps. Do not soak the Q-tip in alcohol. Finally, before utilising the buds, wait a few minutes for any moisture to dissipate.
How we test true-wireless earbuds
We compare similarly designed and priced true-wireless earbuds using five major characteristics. Design, sound quality, features, voice-calling performance, and value are among the requirements.
When we evaluate design, we consider not only how well the earphones fit (ergonomics), but also the build quality and how effectively the controls are incorporated. We also take into account water and dust resistance ratings.
We assess sound quality by listening to a pre-programmed playlist of music songs and comparing the earbuds to the best competitors in their price category. Bass quality, clarity, dynamic range, and how natural the headphones sound are all important criteria in our evaluation.
Some great-sounding earbuds aren’t packed with features, but we do consider what extras are available.
Noise-cancelling and transparency modes (ambient sound mode), specific sound modes, and ear-detection sensors that automatically halt your music when you remove the headphones from your ears are among the features available.
When we test voice-calling performance, we make calls in New York’s loud streets and assess how effectively the earphones decrease background noise and how well callers can hear your voice.
We calculate value by comparing the strength of the earbuds to all of these parameters, as well as what the buds can give in comparison to comparable models in their price range.
FAQs
How do I pair my Skullcandy wireless earbuds?
Android. Navigate to Settings and enable Bluetooth. Click “Pair new device” in Bluetooth. When your Skullcandy device appears in the list, press it; it should now be associated with your phone.
How do you pair TWS earbuds?
1. Switch the earphones to pairing mode. If you’re not sure how, see the earphones’ instruction booklet.
2. Turn your Android or iOS device’s Bluetooth on.
3. Select your earphones from the list of available devices and press Pair.
Why are wired earbuds better?
Wired headphones employ analogue signals to produce high-quality sound. This is capable of handling more data than digital signals such as Bluetooth.
This means your audio will not have to go through as much processing before reaching you. As a result, they may avoid audio compression and offer it in its original resolution.
Can I wear my waterproof earbuds in the shower?
The majority of waterproof headphones on the market are in-ear models.
Water-resistant over-the-ear headphones are available, however they are not suited for use in the shower or swimming pool.
Are earbuds for running good?
Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds for Exercise
Although they are not marketed as sports earphones, the AirPods Pro are excellent fully wireless headphones for jogging.
This is owed in large part to their award-winning lightweight design and fit, increased bass performance, superior noise cancellation, and exceptional call quality.
