What are wireless earbuds? + 5 TOPs

Wireless earbuds are essential for anyone who listens to podcasts, is an audiophile or just enjoys listening to music on the move. The light, flexible in-ear buds are a better choice than the bulky headphones. They offer the best sound quality, noise cancellation, and easy drip.

No more wired earphones that tangle around your throat and pump out Swedish House Mafia at the worst, most tinny sound possible. These are wireless music players that last for years. They have superior sound quality and water resistance.

Apple revolutionized wireless headphones in 2016 when it released the AirPods. Since then, we have been treated to some amazing models by luxury brands such as Bang & Olufsen and Bowers & Wilkins, Android-centric options by Sony and Samsung, as well as smart tech from Jabra and Google, you are sure to find the right one for your needs and budget.

These true wireless earbuds have built-in microphones for improving voice calls, instant wireless connectivity with your smartphone or computer, and the same high-quality functionality you would expect from a smart hi fi system.

What are wireless earbuds, you ask?

Although wired headphones may be the best option for audiophiles, wireless headphones offer many advantages. Wireless headphones are much more comfortable to wear than wired headphones. They can also be easier to carry around in your bag and offer voice assistant smarts like Siri and Google Assistant.

These tiny buds can be connected to your tablet, smartphone or laptop via Bluetooth. They beam your music and podcast directly into your ears.

You can now use silicone or rubber tips to sit in your ear. This will eliminate the need for headband bad hair days. Many headphones come with a handy carry case that stores extra battery charge. These headphones are lighter and more versatile than traditional headphone models. They can also withstand audio scrutiny, so you don’t have to worry about losing any sound quality.

Are they worth the price?

A pair of wireless noise cancelling earbuds, regardless of your budget, is far better than bulky on- or over-ear models. These earbuds are small enough to be carried in your pocket, strong enough to last for a week of gym trips or commutes, and smart enough that they can answer phone calls and respond to voice commands. They’re perfect for any situation, whether it’s holiday or work.

The best options can protect you from annoying sounds such as the train’s hum or the ranting of a colleague. Active noise cancellation is a feature that filters out any ambient sound and helps you concentrate. This is combined with the ability of some more advanced models to surround you with sound using spatial audio, and you have a pair that will make you an audiophile.

Which wireless earbuds for running are the best?

While you could be content with wearing any old pair of headphones on your morning run, it is not the best option in the long-term. For CrossFit WODs, running headphones that are focused on sports have fins at the tips. These headphones are usually IPX4 or higher to protect against sweat and prevent corrosion. Lovely.

For complete protection, get at least IPX7 if you plan to do any strenuous activities in rain or if you are a sweaty typea guy.

While most buds work with your smartphone, it is not ideal for those who want to take their phone along on the track. You can avoid this problem by purchasing a pair of buds that sync with smartwatches from the same brand. Android buds for Android users.

What is Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)?

ANC is the highest quality earbuds. It drowns out any other noise, except what you are actually listening to. Noise-cancelling headphones use a lot of microphones to scan the surrounding noise (e.g., the hum of an airplane engine, or murmur of the office) and then create a lower signal that cancels out any music. They are a blessing for commuters who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Many will offer a range of noise-cancellation options, including transparency mode, which allows in all noise, to total silence. This ensures that you have the perfect level of privacy, no matter where you may be. If you’re not fussed about blocking out noise on, for example, your daily runs, then you can save yourself some cash and go for cheaper noise-cancelling-free options.

TOP 5 EARBUDS WE LOVE

BOSE QUIETCOMFORT II EARBUDS

• Pros: Superior noise cancellation, Comfortable fit, Tailored sound
• Cons: Battery life could be longer

Bose’s second generation wireless buds offer some of the most effective active noise cancellation tricks. They block out outside sounds with unmatched efficiency. The various eartips, stability bands, and custom tune tech use special chimes, in-built microphones, to map your ear canal and adjust the EQ to suit your hearing. These are the most advanced wireless buds you can purchase. Amazon.co.uk and bose.co.uk

SONY WF1000XM4

• Pros: Best overall wireless earbuds, Marathon-level battery, Amazing noise cancellation
• Cons: Slow Bluetooth connection to certain devices may be slow. The new XM5 series could soon be available

Sony’s XM4s are a pound-for-pound the most impressive wireless earbuds on the market. Although their name is a complex jumble of numbers and letters, it roughly means «bloody amazing earbuds». These buds have a new processor, which powers frighteningly good active noise cancellation, a more comfortable and stable fit, and improved microphones to minimise wind noise, audio quality, and treble reproduction during calls. They are widely considered the best earbuds in the world, and for good reasons.

We have tested the world-class XM5 wireless earbuds earlier this year and expect Sony to continue to be the leader in wireless earbuds for many more years, especially with the inevitably upcoming WF-XM5s. Amazon.co.uk and argos.co.uk. johnlewis.co.uk

APPLE AIRPODSPRO (2nd GEN)

• Pros: Longer battery life, superior noise cancellation, and superb sound
• Cons: More colour options could be possible

It doesn’t make sense to resist looking up at Apple’s huge ecosystem if you find yourself in the thick of it. Apple’s products can’t be ignored. The latest update to their industry-changing AirPods (the 2nd generation of Pro headphones), may not shake foundations, but it adds some new features to an already great pair of earbuds. This might be the most innovative gadget of the year, with super-charged ANC and touch-sensitive controls. Selfridges.com

EARFUN AIR

• Pros: Great value for money
• Cons: Bland design No ANC

You might think that EarFun is a small company that makes cheap headphones at a low price. But you would be wrong. They have received rave reviews and are critically acclaimed. They include wireless charging, a long battery life and a waterproof design for your peace of mind. They don’t have active noise cancellation but it is easily overlooked considering the value for money. Amazon.co.uk

JABRA ELITE 5

• Pros: Unconventional color option, wireless charging
• Cons: Sound faces fierce competition, Basic design

Although they may not provide the best sound quality, Jabra’s Elite 5 provides a great listening experience. With ANC added for good measure, background noises will be reduced to allow you to focus on music and calls. The best call quality is possible thanks to the clever noise cancellation and built-in microphones. This is a great choice for people who like to chat between Spotify and Netflix. Amazon.co.uk