The Best Wireless Ear Buds
Music can amp you up before a workout, calm you down after a rough day, and even help you see the world with a brighter outlook. And as you go about life, the easiest way to enjoy your music is with a set of wireless earbuds. Gone are the days when you were tethered to your phone or iPod by a cable. And to help you find the perfect pair, check out our list of the best wireless earbuds below.
What to Look For
When choosing our favorite earbuds, we looked for ones that have a strong battery life, produce excellent audio quality, and offer a good value for their price. Apple’s Airpods take our top spot, giving you balanced sound levels without breaking the bank. If you find yourself in noisy areas, check out Bose’s QuietComfort earbuds with their noise-cancelling technology. Keep on reading to learn more about our favorite wireless earbuds and why we love them.
Apple AirPods
Apple’s AirPods are everywhere and for good reason. These earbuds have wonderfully balanced sound, making music sound better and giving you clear voice audio on phone calls. They have in-ear detection, automatically pausing your music when you have to pull them out to talk to a friend. Best yet, as with all Apple products, these earbuds pair with Siri, allowing you to control your phone hands-free by simply using your voice.
Pros:
- Have basic sweat and water resistance
- Hands-free control is quick and easy to set up
- Durable construction helps protect them from accidents
Cons:
- They don’t come with ear tips, which might be uncomfortable for people with smaller ears
Beats Studio Buds
Feel the rhythm
If you want to feel your music move you, consider Beats’ Studio Buds. They support spatial audio, giving you a more immersive experience as you listen to music, podcasts, or play games. To drown out distractions, they have basic active noisecancelingg that helps you focus on your music and work. And to ensure you can move, dance, and play without interruption, they have Class 1 Bluetooth to give you more range and better connectivity.
Pros:
- Very good battery life
- Transparency Mode that pauses their Active Noise Cancelling quickly
- Wingtip design helps keep them securely in your ears
Cons:
- Active noisecancelingg capabilities are good but not amazing
Apple AirPods Pro
Apple’s AirPods Pro aren’t just an upgrade over the originals: they’re completely redesigned earbuds that are better in nearly every category. And while they come with a hefty price tag, it’s worth it for those willing to make the investment. They have an improved audio chip, better noise cancellation, and longer battery life. And for those who like modern features, you can even swipe the stem to adjust the volume instead of having to awkwardly press buttons.
Pros:
- The audio quality is top notch
- Come with ear tips that make them more comfortable and fit better
- Advanced features like swiping to adjust volume are convenient
Cons:
- Pricey but worth it if you can afford the investment
Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Drown out distractions
Long, drawn-out noises can be irritating and distracting, especially when you’re trying to relax or focus. Bose’s QuietComfort earbuds excel in their noise-canceling technology, giving you less background noise and better audio immersion. They offer you simple touch controls, including adjusting the level of noise cancellation provided, so you’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-all solution. And to make your voice sound just as clear, their microphones also help filter out background noise.
Pros:
- Adjustable noise cancellation gives you more control for different situations
- Offer crisp audio on all levels
- Easily pair to your phone or other devices
Cons:
- Look blockier than other earbuds, which some people may not like
JBL Tune 125TWS Wireless In-Ear Headphones
Keep on running
Hard work often requires putting in a ton of hours, and it’s only right that you’d want your earbuds to last as long as you. JBL’s Tune 125TWS in-ear headphones do just that, capable of lasting eight hours on a single charge and up 32 hours total with their charging case. They pair immediately with your phone as soon as you pull them out and easily detect other devices for additional pairing. Best yet, their Dual Connect technology allows you to take calls or listen to music with either or both earbuds for additional flexibility.
Pros:
- Extremely good battery life
- The bass sounds crisp and deep
- Very affordably priced
Cons:
- Tend to be a bit heavy, which may be an issue for some
Frequently Asked Questions
How does active noise cancellation work?
Active noise cancellation relies on microphones to detect background noise so that your earbuds can cancel the soundwaves out. It is most effective with long, drawn-out noises, giving your earbuds time to neutralize them. Short, sudden sounds will often still come through.
What affects the battery life of wireless earbuds?
Obviously, the more you use your earbuds, the quicker the battery will drain. But there’s more to it that goes into it that many people overlook. How often and how long you charge your earbuds can preserve or shorten their battery life. Using active noise cancellation constantly will drain your batteries faster. Even the temperature can affect the battery life of your earbuds. We recommend carefully reading their manual for best practices when it comes to preserving their battery life.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.