The Best Ear Buds
The technology behind earbuds has come a long way. On one side of the aisle, Bluetooth earbuds bring seamless ease to your audio experience. Wired earbuds, too, have advanced to the point of crystal-clear audio and fiercely competitive prices. If you're still yet to upgrade your earbuds, you'll soon come to wonder how you managed to live without them. Contemporary acoustic engineering is pushing the limits of what is possible in these miniature drivers. The result is an immersive sound with astounding punchiness and clarity that will make you feel as if the music is right beside you. As we searched for the top earbuds, we had three burning questions in mind: Do they produce dynamic audio with precision and clarity? Does the battery life have you covered for extended trips? Are there quality microphones on board to keep you equipped for calls? We love the Apple AirPods, a distinctive modern classic boasting some of the best audio out there with their upgraded H1 chips. These sleek contenders are sure to live up to audiophile expectations, but their 24-hour battery life leaves a little to be desired. If you're searching for a seriously endurant pair, the Soundcore Life P2s boast an impressive battery life of over 40 hours. Read on below to discover the rest of these sonic delights.
Apple AirPods Pro
A modern marvel
In the past, the early Apple earbuds got a lot of flack. Times have changed. Apple’s AirPods Pro is an innovative success story. Their reliable wireless connection, comfortable fit, top-notch dynamics, and stylish design are just the beginning. We also love the responsive touch and tap controls, which keep you in the driver’s seat. And if you want a completely hands-free experience, just ask Siri to help you out. Since their subsequent domination of the wireless earbud landscape, it’s hard to revive the argument that Apple doesn’t value high-end audio experience.
Pros:
- The active noise cancellation provides a cushioned and focused listening experience.
- With high-dynamic-range amplifiers and an impressive H1 chip, these compact buds deliver a surprisingly immersive and dynamic sound.
- With a fully charged MagSafe charging case, you can enjoy over 24 hours of listening time before needing to recharge it.
Cons:
- As with all things Apple, the price is fairly expensive.
Tozo T10 Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Earbuds
Wind, rain, or shine
Tozo may be relatively new to the wireless earbud scene, but they’ve quickly developed a reputation for producing earbuds with exceptional performance at a relatively modest price point. The T10s shine through as a stellar entry-level option. The powerful 8mm drivers reproduce rumbling sonics that can reach frequencies as low as 16hz, producing clear bass tones. You won’t be disappointed if you’re a big fan of big bass.
Pros:
- Both the case and the earbuds sport IPX8 waterproofing, so they can be submerged safely for half an hour in a meter of water. This sturdy waterproofing also keeps sweat clear from internal components, making these earbuds suitable for high-intensity sporting applications.
- An impressive listening time of over six hours per charge will save you from disruptions during long journeys and remote working sessions.
- Advanced Bluetooth 5.0 protocol provides a powerful, low-latency connection.
Cons:
- Some might find the extensive connection status messages annoying.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2
Distraction-free immersion
These sleek earpieces from the Korean tech giants Samsung make their mark with a distinctive futuristic geometry. At a closer glance, you’ll find that this design is anything but science fiction. The chunky curvature provides a supremely snug fit, making them a great choice for those who might otherwise avoid wireless buds because of sizing issues. Better yet, these beauties feature powerful two-way dynamic drivers that were designed by the esteemed audiophiles AKG.
Pros:
- The top-notch active noise cancellation cuts out distractions from the outside world, providing a crystal clear soundstage. Consequently, they’re ideal for taking calls and listening to music in noisy environments.
- The finger tap controls mean you don’t have to forage blindly for obscure buttons or retrieve your phone in a hurry when answering calls.
- The “Audio Switch Bluetooth” feature allows you to shift effortlessly between Android devices with little to no audio dropout.
Cons:
- Active noise cancellation is only compatible when paired with devices running Android 7.0 or above, and it’s only effective on devices with at least 1.5GB of RAM.
Anker Soundcore Life P2 True Wireless Earbuds
They just keep going
You might associate the Anker name more readily with charging solutions than hi-fi audio hardware, but their subsidiary division Soundcore develops earbuds with a breathtaking performance that far exceeds what you’d expect at this low price. We were blown away by the soundstage of these Graphene drivers. Weighing 35% less than standard dynamic drivers, these buds are lightweight and sport astounding depth and clarity.
Pros:
- With over 40 hours of battery life stored in the fast-charge case and up to seven hours of listening between charges, the battery life of these earbuds is hard to beat.
- The four microphones enhance voice pickup and eliminate background noise to offer unparalleled clarity during calls.
- The twist-and-lock fit makes for a seriously secure hold that’s unlikely to slip out inadvertently. With five graduated sizes of ear tips also included in the box, you’re sure to find a snug fit.
Cons:
- The physical buttons are clumsier to use compared to competitors’ tap- and touch-style controls.
Occiam T17 Wireless Earbuds
The athlete's choice
Many choose Bluetooth earbuds for their on-the-go convenience or simply through a dislike for cables. One place where a wireless solution can really shine, however, is in athletics. With growing bodies of research suggesting that the right musical accompaniment can drive our physical performance to new heights, it’s no surprise that many of us don headphones during our workouts. This over-ear design from Occiam ensures your precious hardware will stay firmly in place, no matter how ferociously you move.
Pros:
- The IPX5 splashproof coating has you covered during rainy training sessions and works to repel sweat buildup during exercise.
- A bold LED power display in the charging case lets you quickly keep an eye on battery status without connecting to a device.
- With a widely compatible Bluetooth protocol, these earbuds retain full functionality on any Bluetooth device.
Cons:
- These drivers pack a punch for the budget-friendly price, but the audio quality won’t compete with high-end audiophile options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect a single earbud for monophonic audio?
If you’re wearing your earbuds in an office space, you might want to keep one ear open to your immediate environment with another primed to receive calls. Many options will allow you to use a single earbud while the other remains safe in the charging box. Not all models support this functionality, however, so it’s worth reading the small print if you prefer to wear yours like this.
Do all earbuds work with all smartphones?
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a set of Bluetooth earbuds that won’t connect to almost any Bluetooth-capable device. However, some brand-specific models boast advanced features like active noise cancellation that are only compatible with specific operating systems. Be sure to check compatibility before buying to avoid disappointment.
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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.