They work perfectly well with a smartphone, but we find you can get better performance using hi-res and CD-quality files through a laptop and dedicated music player software, or by hooking them up to a high-end music streamer. Now we get the Technics EAH-AZ60, which doesn't have quite as premium a feel as the EAH-AZ70W, but it sounds sweet with clean, well-balanced sound, well-defined bass and good detail. Master & Dynamic's earlier MW07 and MW07 Plus delivered top-notch sound for true wireless, but they were a little lacking in the features department and weren't so great for making calls. When viewing Netflix and YouTube video content dialogue is loud and clear, with no lip-sync issues. But perhaps it should be. Google's latest in-ear headphones are packed with features and come in at a very low price which is an attractive package in itself. I like the CX for the money and the CX Plus delivers the same excellent sound while rounding out the feature set with active noise canceling and a transparency mode. Technically, the new splash-proof Beats Fit Pro ($200) aren't AirPods, but they're built on the same tech platform as the AirPods Pro. We can't think of any pair of in-ear headphones at this price that comes close. Timing is excellent, sonic balance is perfectly poised and there is a surprising amount of detail for the money. On the back, there is a micro USB input for charging the internal battery, which should last 12 hours on a full charge (though it depends on volume level). Like some other audiophile earbuds on this list, the UW100 are a little beefy and may not fit small ears. These use Bluetooth 5.0 with support for the AAC and aptX codecs (for devices that have aptX, like Samsung's Galaxy smartphones). If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. They're all about the sound (they fit my ears well, though these are true noise-isolating earbuds with tips you jam pretty deeply into your ear canal to get a tight seal). I got a good seal and comfortable fit with one of the larger tips, and if you're able to get a good fit, these deliver excellent sound and decent noise-canceling performance. Their looks might not appeal to everyone, and they can be a bit fiddly to wear at first, but these are all about the amazing audio. And you will have plenty of time to be entertained thanks to the class-leading eight-hour battery life.
These in-ear buds are packed with features. The FoKus Pro use the Qualcomm SoC QCC3040 chip and Bluetooth 5.2. If you want to upgrade your ageing Apple EarPods, the Beyers should be high on your hit list. They feature Bluetooth 5.2 and multipoint Bluetooth pairing so you can connect to two devices at the same time, such as a computer and smartphone. They're also splash-proof, with an IPX4 rating. The Live Free 2 fit securely in my ears and are smaller and superior to Samsung's Galaxy Buds Pro, particularly in terms of comfort level. These in-ears are good for running and sports, thanks to their IPX4 rating, and you also get fast pair connectivity with Android devices and swift pair with Windows 10 PCs. Founded in 2005, a relative flash in the pan compared with many audio companies, SoundMagic rose from obscurity to multiple-Award winners, most notably with its budget in-ear headphone range. Unlike a number of rivals, there aren't any touch-capacitive controls to get to grips with here. These are well-balanced, but they have a more exciting sound profile, with bass that's a touch more forward and nice sparkle in the treble. Not only are they extremely comfortable, they are also some of the most musical buds we have heard in this price bracket. Known for its excellent sounding, retro-designed, open-back wired headphones, Grado has long been a favorite among audiophiles, earning extra points forbuilding many of its headphones by hand in Brooklyn, New York, for over 60 years. So, you will also want to ensure the in-ear headphones you go for (and the tips you get with them) are comfortable. lol, You also listed some with wire lol - not in 2021. The NuraTrue also has a "social" transparency mode -- it's good but not quite up to the level of the AirPods Pro's transparency mode in terms of how natural it sounds. They feature big, open sound with well-defined bass and good clarity. They are vented, though, so some background noise inevitably creeps in. And for some people, they might just be better than the AirPods Pro. They also offer multipoint Bluetooth pairing so you can simultaneously pair them with two devices, like a computer and a smartphone. Music sounds clear and there's a great deal of refinement on show, which is to be welcomed at this price level. Feel the burn: best wireless headphones for running and the gym, Brilliant Bluetooth options: best wireless noise-cancelling headphones.
You can use a single earbud independently and the earbuds have ear-detection sensors so your music pauses when you remove them from your ears. Sensational in-ear headphones with excellent noise-cancelling and Bluetooth connectivity. Grado says it's been working for two years to fit them with its "signature" mini-drivers and tune them accordingly. This new version is improved and a good value compared with other so-called premium buds. If you are after a pair of affordable and entertaining in-ear headphones, the Earfun Airs are definitely worth investigating. Following thethird-generation AirPods, Apple has another new set of earbuds, this time from its subsidiary audio company, Beats. The good news is they sound fantastic -- for true-wireless earbuds anyway -- and perform well as a headset for making calls. They're the Sony buds for people who can deal with larger buds like WF-1000XM4 but want 80% to 85% of those buds' features and performance for $80 less. They have support for Sony's LDAC codec for high-resolution wireless streaming over Bluetooth with music services like Qobuz or Tidal that offer high-resolution music files. In many ways, they're excellent true wireless earbuds, particularly when it comes to their sound and noise canceling, which is arguably the best right now in a set of earbuds. The Melomanias deliver an impactful and expansive musical performance. Are they better than the Sony WF-1000XM4, which cost $120 less? It took Bose quite awhile to get them into stores, but the $279 noise-canceling QuietComfort Earbudsare finally here. You can buy separate ones (including a three-button version for Apple devices and a one-button model for everything else), along with a Bluetooth 5.0 module. The stemless Live Free 2 are rated for up to seven hours, while the Live Pro 2 are rated for 10 hours. I'd venture to call them the sports AirPods you've always wanted. The Pixel Buds A-Series light and comfortable, and they do a good job of isolating you from the outside world. This is the page for you. With an updated 10mm dynamic driver and a silver-plated copper cable, they are great value for money too. They sound great overall, delivering refined, articulate sound (also accurate) with well-defined bass and excellent detail. aptX is available for devices that support the aptX audio codec; these have aptX Adaptive and use Bluetooth 5.2. The buds are IPX4 splash-proof and are rated for up to 7 hours of battery life on a single charge at moderate volume levels.
Read the full review: Beyerdynamic Soul Byrd. We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices. Their more penetrating fit (the buds have to be jammed into your ears), which provides very good passive noise-muffling, may not work for everybody. Instead, you will find a single tactile button on the top edge of both earbuds. The E11Cs deliver a snug fit and a well-balanced, fun and energetic sound. Both sets of buds -- the Live Pro 2 have stems while the Live Free 2 have a pill-shaped design -- offer a comfortable fit along with strong noise canceling, very good sound quality and voice-calling performance, plus a robust set of features, including multipoint Bluetooth pairing, an IPX5 splash-proof rating and wireless charging. Though fairly pricey, If these fit your ears well, they're among the better premium buds, particularly for sound quality. Well, this is the list for you. While the case offers wireless charging, the buds are missing a sensor that would pause your music when you took them out of your ears and resume playback when you put them back in. The earpieces fit securely with the aid of premium comply memory foam tips (you get three sizes to choose from). The Sony XM4s (above) sound a bit more fun, but the Shure Aonic Free sound precise and major in analysis. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). But if you're looking for great-sounding earbuds with brilliant noise canceling, solid voice-calling capabilities and good battery life, these buds check all the boxes.
I could probably name 10 iem's that are better, cheaper and better looking than many of those you mentioned. I prefer Bang & Olufsen's newer Beoplay EX earbuds but the Beoplay EQ buds also deliver top-notch sound and adaptive noise cancellation, along with a natural sounding transparency mode. Aside from that small gripe, they're a very good value, particularly now that Earfun is offering them for $54 when you input the code SUMMER40 (40% off) at checkout on its site. The aluminum-shelled case opens and closes with precise smoothness, and the buds themselves have their own aluminum accent on the outer surface where the touch controls live. But with the world moving to wireless audio, the company has slowly shifted into the Bluetooth headphone arena, first with itsGW100 on-ear model(in 2018) and now with its first true wireless earbuds, the GT220 ($259). It's also worth noting that the earpieces are magnetic and snap together around your neck, holding them securely in place when not in use. Battery life has improved a bit (up to around 12 hours of battery life at 50% volume versus 10 hours for the MW07 Plus), and the earbuds are equipped with Bluetooth 5.2, active noise cancellation with three microphones on each earbud (noise reduction during calls isn't up to the level of the AirPods Pro, but overall call quality has improved).
The Sonys are comfortable to wear too and you get great noise isolation from the ear tips and fantastic noise cancelling from Sony's Integrated Processor V1. As you would expect from Sennheiser, their sound is refined and mature. These are all-around solid noise-canceling earbuds that can count sound quality as their biggest strength.
What Hi-Fi? Functionality is kept simple with a remote and mic on the cable for the left earphone.
Best in-ear headphones Buying Guide: Welcome to What Hi-Fi? The MW08 model offers some significant improvements, including the addition of solid noise canceling and call quality, that make it one of the top models for 2022. It's also worth noting that their high sensitivity (112dB) means that the E11Cs can deliver plenty of volume.
How are we supposed to pick one? (It's still very good, but the buds are overkill if you're just connecting them to an iOS device.). They support the AAC and aptX Adaptive audio codecs (mostly Android devices support aptX streaming). Earfun is highlighting how you can see the buds' squared-off stems through the case -- there's a little window -- but aside from the stems, the buds themselves have a similar shape and design to the AirPods Pro.
The SoundMagic E11C headphones are the latest addition to a range that represents one of the more surprising success stories of recent years. They fit me comfortably and securely and are suitable for sporting activities, with an IP54 splash-proof rating. Earfun's Air Pro 2 not only features solid active noise cancellation, but its sound is also impressive for its relatively modest price, with overall well-balanced sound, decent clarity and solid bass performance. While their sound and noise canceling don't quite measure up to the WF-1000XM4's, they're close and cost less. In his spare time Andy is a keen golfer and gamer. The Free Byrd earbuds, which support the AAC and AptX Adaptive audio codecs, exhibit many of that model's sonic traits, including clean, accurate sound and an airy open quality (wide soundstage). What Hi-Fi? But if you're OK with it, these are easily among the best-sounding true-wireless earbuds out there -- and maybe even the best-sounding. They're also one of the best true-wireless earbuds overall, giving the Sony WF-1000XM4 a run for the money. They feature a comfortable, secure fit (except perhaps for those with much smaller ears), top-notch build quality, great sound, good noise canceling and improved voice-calling performance over B&O's EQ buds, with three microphones in each earbud that help with reducing background noise while picking up your voice. All rights reserved. Read the full review: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. Superb in-ear headphones with an attractive price tag and a wired connection. There is no input from PR companies or our sales team when it comes to the verdict, with What Hi-Fi? You'll struggle to find a better pair of wired in-ear headphones at this price. The Bose are right up there with the best-sounding true wireless earbuds and go toe to toe with theSennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2. And, if you want to block out more of the outside world, you might want to consider a pair of noise-cancelling in-ear headphones too.
The RZ-S500W are the company's first foray into wireless noise-cancelling and they are sensational performers for the money. A budget pair of in-ear headphones, offering excellent value for money. Wireless in-ear headphones blessed with excellent sonics and a low price tag. Given that we first reviewed the Shure SE425s back in 2013, it's fair to say they have stood the test of time. proud of having delivered honest, unbiased reviews for decades. They're a great set of earbuds if you can afford them. The step-down EAH-AZ40 also sound good, but the EAH-AZ60 not only have larger drivers (8mm compared with 6mm), but they support Sony's LDAC audio codec and have two additional microphones for voice calling and noise canceling (the EAH-AZ40 doesn't have noise canceling). Our list of hand-picked pairs proves you don't have to spend a fortune to take sound quality to a new level. Sennheiser's engineers have chosen to go with a single driver rather than the more fashionable multiple unit approach that many rivals take and it is made with rigidity and low resonance in mind. The black headphone amp (about the size of a pack of cards) is solidly built and boasts a classy knurled rotary volume control. Alas, it's expensive at $299 (the more durable MW08 Sport, which sounds the same, is $349). The noise reduction isn't quite as good as what you get with some buds but that may improve with firmware upgrades (the 1More companion app is serviceable but could also be improved). Sennheiser's flagship in-ear headphones set high standards. The MW08s now support both the aptX and AAC audio codecs, with an extended range of more than 20 meters, according to Master & Dynamic. They boast app support, customisable EQ settings and the British audio firm's innovative High-Performance Audio Mode. The touch controls on each bud are responsive and intuitive, allowing you to control your music and switch between noise-cancelling modes with zero fuss. The buds are available in three color options. As for drawbacks, the standard SE425s dont come with a remote or mic unit. Equipped with Bluetooth 5.2, they're splash-proof with an IPX5 rating and offer up to 7 hours of battery life on a single charge at moderate volume levels, though you'll probably get closer to 6 hours with noise canceling turned on. Battery life is excellent: with Bluetooth 5.0 and active noise cancelling switched on, these buds should last a commendable 6 hours. Some of Earfun's buds have had a bit too much treble push -- sometimes referred to as "presence boost" -- but these mostly manage to avoid that (they do sound better than the original Air Pro). They offer superb noise-cancelling tech, which can be adjusted in the companion app, as well as customisable controls. Each bud houses a 5mm dynamic driver and features a soft silicone ear tip that offers a great seal that ensures good noise isolation. The answer to that will depend partially on just how well they fit your ears and just how good a seal you get from the included ear tips. Budget in-ear headphones with great sonics for the money and noise cancelling built in. While not positioned as 'sporty', they are IPX4 sweat- and water-resistant. I didn't experience any listening fatigue over longer listening sessions. They have an IPX5 rating (splash-proof), and in April 2022, they added multipoint Bluetooth pairing via a firmware update so you can simultaneously pair them with two devices. All review verdicts are agreed upon by the team rather than an individual reviewer to eliminate any personal preference and to make sure we are being as thorough as possible, too. If you want an affordable and accomplished pair of wireless in-ear headphones, Cambridge Audio's offering definitely warrants a closer look. They also feature solid noise canceling, multipoint Bluetooth pairing, wireless charging, a transparency mode and an IPX4 splashproof rating. They have big, open sound with lots of energy in the bass and good detail. New York, These Sony in-ear headphones are a brilliant option for many reasons. The first thing you will notice about these headphones is the design: Shure has gone for the in-ear pro-style in-ear monitor configuration, where the cable passes up your back and splits behind your head before passing over the top of your ears. NY 10036. They work well for a variety of music genres but fans of hip-hop and EDM will find they have plenty of kick to their bass. Insight and precision are first-rate too. They present a spacious soundstage, with nicely balanced highs and lows. They serve up a musical and entertaining performance, overflowing with energy and detail.
The mids sound natural and the treble has a nice sparkle to it. They're also lightweight and comfortable to wear, their noise cancellation is effective and they have a fairly natural-sounding transparency mode that allows ambient sound in if you want to hear the outside world around you for safety reasons. Everybody wants true-wireless earbuds that sound good, but what if you want true-wireless earbuds with exceptional sound quality? There is also support for Siri and Google Assistant voice controls. Fokus says the ergonomic shell is 3D printed with a semi-custom low profile shape, a designer faceplate and embedded touch sensor. They're available in the gold tone pictured as well as a graphite color. Alternatively, you can also use a dedicated music device that supports aptX Bluetooth streaming. They probably offer some level of water resistance, but they currently don't have an IPX rating, which means I can't recommend them for anything but nonsweaty workouts at the gym. Hopefully, some firmware upgrades will make them even better over time. But Beyerdyanic has said it made sound quality its highest priority and that definitely shows. They're IPX4 splash-proof and deliver up to 6 hours of battery life with noise canceling on and up to 8 hours with it off. Battery life is seven hours from the buds and a further 28 hours from the charging case.
Fantastic in-ear headphones with brilliant noise-cancelling tech. You can use a single earbud if you want; they're IPX5 splash-proof, and battery life is rated at 6 hours with noise canceling turned on. Over the years, JBL has put out some decent true-wireless earbuds, but nothing that really got me too excited. If you want a fantastic pair of in-ear headphones that wont tangle you up in wires, you need to try these Sonys. The buds have an IP57 water resistance rating, which makes them waterproof and dust-resistant. But the Sony WF-1000XM4's noise canceling and headset performance are superior, and they cost around $120 less. A choice of foam and 'Soft Flex' tips should make for a snug fit, too. The step-down noise-cancelingPI5 budsretail for $249. Aside from the design, the biggest difference between the two buds is battery life; the stemless Live Free 2 is rated for up to seven hours, while the Live Pro 2 is rated for 10 hours. We handpick the products and services we write about. These Bluetooth in-ear headphones hit the spot. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers.
I should also note that to get optimal sound quality (and bass performance, in particular), it's crucial to get a tight seal. Specification is thorough, with noise-cancelling tech, an Ambient Mode, twin mics for voice calls, and battery life that totals 19.5 hours (6.5hrs from the buds and 13hrs from the charging case). These exhibit those traits and their sound is up there with the best-sounding models. And they do so with great success. There was a problem. It features active noise canceling (it's good), a transparency mode, multipoint Bluetooth pairing so you can connect to your computer and phone at the same time, and it has very solid voice-calling performance with good noise reduction. Needless to say, the premium design elements are here. As with the originals, the real selling point is battery life. Read the full Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 review. Up there with the very best wireless in-ear headphones you can buy. They are a great proposition with a good fit, solid connection, decent controls, and good noise-cancelling for the money. If you're not quite willing to step up to the Sony WF-1000XM4 or other high-end models, the Liberty 3 Pro buds are worth considering. We found this a little hit and miss, so we would definitely experiment and consider mixing the sizes if it means getting a more secure fit. and a consumer electronics journalist with nearly 20 years of experience writing news, reviews and features. They sound confident and insightful too, revealing layers of low-level information and organising every track they are faced with into a structured and cohesive whole. We have state-of-the-art testing facilities in London, Reading and Bath, where our team of experienced, in-house reviewers test the majority of hi-fi and AV kit that passes through our door. Just buy them from a retailer that has a good return policy in case you're not completely satisfied. But how do they sound? I personally ended up getting the best fit using Sennheiser's large tips, which work best for my ears. While the earbuds have three microphones in each and tout excellent voice-calling performance, I'd rate it as decent but not great. Do you need a new pair to partner with your smartphone or tablet? Battery life is rated at up to 8 hours at moderate volume levels, and these are splash-proof, with an IPX4 rating. Featuring Knowles balanced-armature drivers and a 32-bit DAC, they offer clean, articulate sound with fast, well-defined bass.
Of course, all of these features would be useless if the Sonys didn't sound great - but they do. Battery life is 10 hours from the buds themselves, which should be plenty for most; the case provides just another 10 hours, so the total battery life can be bettered by some rivals. If you can get the proper fit and a tight seal, these are excellent-sounding earbuds that are right at the top of their price class in terms of sound quality. seal of approval. That makes 45 hours of total run time. Wear sensors detect when the earbuds are in your ears and pause your music when you take them out. The fact there's no noise-cancelling onboard helps to explain the marathon battery life, as that feature can be a real drain. Last year, Panasonic trotted out its venerable Technics brand and gave us a couple of pairs of very good-sounding true-wireless earbuds, including the flagship EAH-AZ70W, which once cost $250 but are down to around $160 on Amazon. Amazingly it all feels fairly premium too. Wallet-friendly and feature-packed in-ear earphones. For sound, they measure up well against the Sony WF-1000XM4 and other top-sounding earbuds and arguably offer slightly better clarity than the Sonys. Earfun talks about them having "six professional mics for a stunning call experience" -- and they work decently enough for calls -- but I was slightly disappointed with the noise reduction while using them in the streets of New York City. The original version of Momentum True Wireless was an impressive debut but the company's second bite at the cherry brings noise-cancelling technology and improved battery life. Please refresh the page and try again. It actually sounds pretty natural and is closer than I thought it would be to the AirPods Pro's excellent transparency mode. The earbuds also perform well -- though not exceptionally -- as a headset for making calls. Battery life is rated at up to 7.5 hours at 50% volume and the metal charging case has a 500-mAh battery (it's not as easy as it should be to get the buds out of their case). Designed to make shopping easier. You can opt for two levels of noise cancellation in the new M&D Connect app for iOS and Android, as well as two levels of transparency that lets you hear the outside world. The Liberty 3 Pro deliver a solid noise-canceling experience (they also have three different transparency modes) and feature Anker's HearID ANC, which "analyzes your ears and level of in-ear pressure to create a tailored profile that optimizes noise reduction and reduces external sound to suit your ears.". The only thing they don't have is an in-line remote. Also, the Earfun Air Pro 2 buds sound better, with richer, more dynamic sound. The earbuds have some extra features, like an ear-detection sensor (your music pauses when you take the buds out of your ears) and a case that has USB-C and wireless charging, which you don't often find at this price. Read our Sony WF-1000XM4 review. I A/B tested these with the Bowers & Wilkins PI7, which arguably have the slight edge -- the PI7 may just be the best-sounding true-wireless earbuds out there right now. They support SBC, ACC, aptX and aptX Adaptive codecs. No earbuds are perfect, of course, and not everybody will love the fit of the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds or be able to afford their high price. Both noise-cancelling and sound quality are excellent. Chirpy-sounding and relatively cheap - a superb pair of in-ear headphones. Second, because of that design, they come with their own headphone amplifier.
While they have a list price of $170, they're frequently discounted on Amazon. A lot of people love Nura's original over-ear Nuraphones, which are uniquely designed with an in-ear component and personalized sound. While the Qualcomm QCC5141 chip that powers them supports active noise canceling (and Bluetooth 5.2), the company has yet to enable it, relying instead on a tight seal from the included ear tips providing good passive noise isolation. Dynamics are very decent too. Rest assured, we have tested all the in-ear headphones mentioned below, which is why you can be confident they are all up to the job.
They sound clear, dynamic and are also bursting with detail. The Fokus Pro are Noble's second-generation premium true-wireless earbuds and feature a hybrid three-driver configuration, with a custom made 8.2mm dynamic driver and 2 Knowles balanced armature drivers. They're IPX54 splash-proof and have 4 hours of battery life with noise canceling on (that's a little disappointing), plus an extra four charges from the case. They are nice and comfortable and feature a small rubber lip that ever so slightly pokes up from the housing to help them nestle into your ear. And you might even be able to snare a pair with a discount if you check the most recent pricing. Sony's in-ear headphones boast some serious sonic skills. Featuring excellent sound, improved noise canceling and voice-calling performance as well a smaller, more refined design that includes stabilizing fins (so the earbuds stay in your ears more securely), the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 are among the best new true-wireless earbuds for 2022. Read our Beyerdynamic Free Byrd review. While these classy Sennheisers sound a tad more composed than the Sony WF-1000XM3s (above), they are also much pricier. Your colour options are white and black. is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher.
These in-ear buds are packed with features. The FoKus Pro use the Qualcomm SoC QCC3040 chip and Bluetooth 5.2. If you want to upgrade your ageing Apple EarPods, the Beyers should be high on your hit list. They feature Bluetooth 5.2 and multipoint Bluetooth pairing so you can connect to two devices at the same time, such as a computer and smartphone. They're also splash-proof, with an IPX4 rating. The Live Free 2 fit securely in my ears and are smaller and superior to Samsung's Galaxy Buds Pro, particularly in terms of comfort level. These in-ears are good for running and sports, thanks to their IPX4 rating, and you also get fast pair connectivity with Android devices and swift pair with Windows 10 PCs. Founded in 2005, a relative flash in the pan compared with many audio companies, SoundMagic rose from obscurity to multiple-Award winners, most notably with its budget in-ear headphone range. Unlike a number of rivals, there aren't any touch-capacitive controls to get to grips with here. These are well-balanced, but they have a more exciting sound profile, with bass that's a touch more forward and nice sparkle in the treble. Not only are they extremely comfortable, they are also some of the most musical buds we have heard in this price bracket. Known for its excellent sounding, retro-designed, open-back wired headphones, Grado has long been a favorite among audiophiles, earning extra points forbuilding many of its headphones by hand in Brooklyn, New York, for over 60 years. So, you will also want to ensure the in-ear headphones you go for (and the tips you get with them) are comfortable. lol, You also listed some with wire lol - not in 2021. The NuraTrue also has a "social" transparency mode -- it's good but not quite up to the level of the AirPods Pro's transparency mode in terms of how natural it sounds. They feature big, open sound with well-defined bass and good clarity. They are vented, though, so some background noise inevitably creeps in. And for some people, they might just be better than the AirPods Pro. They also offer multipoint Bluetooth pairing so you can simultaneously pair them with two devices, like a computer and a smartphone. Music sounds clear and there's a great deal of refinement on show, which is to be welcomed at this price level. Feel the burn: best wireless headphones for running and the gym, Brilliant Bluetooth options: best wireless noise-cancelling headphones.
You can use a single earbud independently and the earbuds have ear-detection sensors so your music pauses when you remove them from your ears. Sensational in-ear headphones with excellent noise-cancelling and Bluetooth connectivity. Grado says it's been working for two years to fit them with its "signature" mini-drivers and tune them accordingly. This new version is improved and a good value compared with other so-called premium buds. If you are after a pair of affordable and entertaining in-ear headphones, the Earfun Airs are definitely worth investigating. Following thethird-generation AirPods, Apple has another new set of earbuds, this time from its subsidiary audio company, Beats. The good news is they sound fantastic -- for true-wireless earbuds anyway -- and perform well as a headset for making calls. They're the Sony buds for people who can deal with larger buds like WF-1000XM4 but want 80% to 85% of those buds' features and performance for $80 less. They have support for Sony's LDAC codec for high-resolution wireless streaming over Bluetooth with music services like Qobuz or Tidal that offer high-resolution music files. In many ways, they're excellent true wireless earbuds, particularly when it comes to their sound and noise canceling, which is arguably the best right now in a set of earbuds. The Melomanias deliver an impactful and expansive musical performance. Are they better than the Sony WF-1000XM4, which cost $120 less? It took Bose quite awhile to get them into stores, but the $279 noise-canceling QuietComfort Earbudsare finally here. You can buy separate ones (including a three-button version for Apple devices and a one-button model for everything else), along with a Bluetooth 5.0 module. The stemless Live Free 2 are rated for up to seven hours, while the Live Pro 2 are rated for 10 hours. I'd venture to call them the sports AirPods you've always wanted. The Pixel Buds A-Series light and comfortable, and they do a good job of isolating you from the outside world. This is the page for you. With an updated 10mm dynamic driver and a silver-plated copper cable, they are great value for money too. They sound great overall, delivering refined, articulate sound (also accurate) with well-defined bass and excellent detail. aptX is available for devices that support the aptX audio codec; these have aptX Adaptive and use Bluetooth 5.2. The buds are IPX4 splash-proof and are rated for up to 7 hours of battery life on a single charge at moderate volume levels. Read the full review: Beyerdynamic Soul Byrd. We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices. Their more penetrating fit (the buds have to be jammed into your ears), which provides very good passive noise-muffling, may not work for everybody. Instead, you will find a single tactile button on the top edge of both earbuds. The E11Cs deliver a snug fit and a well-balanced, fun and energetic sound. Both sets of buds -- the Live Pro 2 have stems while the Live Free 2 have a pill-shaped design -- offer a comfortable fit along with strong noise canceling, very good sound quality and voice-calling performance, plus a robust set of features, including multipoint Bluetooth pairing, an IPX5 splash-proof rating and wireless charging. Though fairly pricey, If these fit your ears well, they're among the better premium buds, particularly for sound quality. Well, this is the list for you. While the case offers wireless charging, the buds are missing a sensor that would pause your music when you took them out of your ears and resume playback when you put them back in. The earpieces fit securely with the aid of premium comply memory foam tips (you get three sizes to choose from). The Sony XM4s (above) sound a bit more fun, but the Shure Aonic Free sound precise and major in analysis. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). But if you're looking for great-sounding earbuds with brilliant noise canceling, solid voice-calling capabilities and good battery life, these buds check all the boxes.
I could probably name 10 iem's that are better, cheaper and better looking than many of those you mentioned. I prefer Bang & Olufsen's newer Beoplay EX earbuds but the Beoplay EQ buds also deliver top-notch sound and adaptive noise cancellation, along with a natural sounding transparency mode. Aside from that small gripe, they're a very good value, particularly now that Earfun is offering them for $54 when you input the code SUMMER40 (40% off) at checkout on its site. The aluminum-shelled case opens and closes with precise smoothness, and the buds themselves have their own aluminum accent on the outer surface where the touch controls live. But with the world moving to wireless audio, the company has slowly shifted into the Bluetooth headphone arena, first with itsGW100 on-ear model(in 2018) and now with its first true wireless earbuds, the GT220 ($259). It's also worth noting that the earpieces are magnetic and snap together around your neck, holding them securely in place when not in use. Battery life has improved a bit (up to around 12 hours of battery life at 50% volume versus 10 hours for the MW07 Plus), and the earbuds are equipped with Bluetooth 5.2, active noise cancellation with three microphones on each earbud (noise reduction during calls isn't up to the level of the AirPods Pro, but overall call quality has improved). The Sonys are comfortable to wear too and you get great noise isolation from the ear tips and fantastic noise cancelling from Sony's Integrated Processor V1. As you would expect from Sennheiser, their sound is refined and mature. These are all-around solid noise-canceling earbuds that can count sound quality as their biggest strength.
What Hi-Fi? Functionality is kept simple with a remote and mic on the cable for the left earphone.
Best in-ear headphones Buying Guide: Welcome to What Hi-Fi? The MW08 model offers some significant improvements, including the addition of solid noise canceling and call quality, that make it one of the top models for 2022. It's also worth noting that their high sensitivity (112dB) means that the E11Cs can deliver plenty of volume.
How are we supposed to pick one? (It's still very good, but the buds are overkill if you're just connecting them to an iOS device.). They support the AAC and aptX Adaptive audio codecs (mostly Android devices support aptX streaming). Earfun is highlighting how you can see the buds' squared-off stems through the case -- there's a little window -- but aside from the stems, the buds themselves have a similar shape and design to the AirPods Pro.
The SoundMagic E11C headphones are the latest addition to a range that represents one of the more surprising success stories of recent years. They fit me comfortably and securely and are suitable for sporting activities, with an IP54 splash-proof rating. Earfun's Air Pro 2 not only features solid active noise cancellation, but its sound is also impressive for its relatively modest price, with overall well-balanced sound, decent clarity and solid bass performance. While their sound and noise canceling don't quite measure up to the WF-1000XM4's, they're close and cost less. In his spare time Andy is a keen golfer and gamer. The Free Byrd earbuds, which support the AAC and AptX Adaptive audio codecs, exhibit many of that model's sonic traits, including clean, accurate sound and an airy open quality (wide soundstage). What Hi-Fi? But if you're OK with it, these are easily among the best-sounding true-wireless earbuds out there -- and maybe even the best-sounding. They're also one of the best true-wireless earbuds overall, giving the Sony WF-1000XM4 a run for the money. They feature a comfortable, secure fit (except perhaps for those with much smaller ears), top-notch build quality, great sound, good noise canceling and improved voice-calling performance over B&O's EQ buds, with three microphones in each earbud that help with reducing background noise while picking up your voice. All rights reserved. Read the full review: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. Superb in-ear headphones with an attractive price tag and a wired connection. There is no input from PR companies or our sales team when it comes to the verdict, with What Hi-Fi? You'll struggle to find a better pair of wired in-ear headphones at this price. The Bose are right up there with the best-sounding true wireless earbuds and go toe to toe with theSennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2. And, if you want to block out more of the outside world, you might want to consider a pair of noise-cancelling in-ear headphones too.
The RZ-S500W are the company's first foray into wireless noise-cancelling and they are sensational performers for the money. A budget pair of in-ear headphones, offering excellent value for money. Wireless in-ear headphones blessed with excellent sonics and a low price tag. Given that we first reviewed the Shure SE425s back in 2013, it's fair to say they have stood the test of time. proud of having delivered honest, unbiased reviews for decades. They're a great set of earbuds if you can afford them. The step-down EAH-AZ40 also sound good, but the EAH-AZ60 not only have larger drivers (8mm compared with 6mm), but they support Sony's LDAC audio codec and have two additional microphones for voice calling and noise canceling (the EAH-AZ40 doesn't have noise canceling). Our list of hand-picked pairs proves you don't have to spend a fortune to take sound quality to a new level. Sennheiser's engineers have chosen to go with a single driver rather than the more fashionable multiple unit approach that many rivals take and it is made with rigidity and low resonance in mind. The black headphone amp (about the size of a pack of cards) is solidly built and boasts a classy knurled rotary volume control. Alas, it's expensive at $299 (the more durable MW08 Sport, which sounds the same, is $349). The noise reduction isn't quite as good as what you get with some buds but that may improve with firmware upgrades (the 1More companion app is serviceable but could also be improved). Sennheiser's flagship in-ear headphones set high standards. The MW08s now support both the aptX and AAC audio codecs, with an extended range of more than 20 meters, according to Master & Dynamic. They boast app support, customisable EQ settings and the British audio firm's innovative High-Performance Audio Mode. The touch controls on each bud are responsive and intuitive, allowing you to control your music and switch between noise-cancelling modes with zero fuss. The buds are available in three color options. As for drawbacks, the standard SE425s dont come with a remote or mic unit. Equipped with Bluetooth 5.2, they're splash-proof with an IPX5 rating and offer up to 7 hours of battery life on a single charge at moderate volume levels, though you'll probably get closer to 6 hours with noise canceling turned on. Battery life is excellent: with Bluetooth 5.0 and active noise cancelling switched on, these buds should last a commendable 6 hours. Some of Earfun's buds have had a bit too much treble push -- sometimes referred to as "presence boost" -- but these mostly manage to avoid that (they do sound better than the original Air Pro). They offer superb noise-cancelling tech, which can be adjusted in the companion app, as well as customisable controls. Each bud houses a 5mm dynamic driver and features a soft silicone ear tip that offers a great seal that ensures good noise isolation. The answer to that will depend partially on just how well they fit your ears and just how good a seal you get from the included ear tips. Budget in-ear headphones with great sonics for the money and noise cancelling built in. While not positioned as 'sporty', they are IPX4 sweat- and water-resistant. I didn't experience any listening fatigue over longer listening sessions. They have an IPX5 rating (splash-proof), and in April 2022, they added multipoint Bluetooth pairing via a firmware update so you can simultaneously pair them with two devices. All review verdicts are agreed upon by the team rather than an individual reviewer to eliminate any personal preference and to make sure we are being as thorough as possible, too. If you want an affordable and accomplished pair of wireless in-ear headphones, Cambridge Audio's offering definitely warrants a closer look. They also feature solid noise canceling, multipoint Bluetooth pairing, wireless charging, a transparency mode and an IPX4 splashproof rating. They have big, open sound with lots of energy in the bass and good detail. New York, These Sony in-ear headphones are a brilliant option for many reasons. The first thing you will notice about these headphones is the design: Shure has gone for the in-ear pro-style in-ear monitor configuration, where the cable passes up your back and splits behind your head before passing over the top of your ears. NY 10036. They work well for a variety of music genres but fans of hip-hop and EDM will find they have plenty of kick to their bass. Insight and precision are first-rate too. They present a spacious soundstage, with nicely balanced highs and lows. They serve up a musical and entertaining performance, overflowing with energy and detail.
The mids sound natural and the treble has a nice sparkle to it. They're also lightweight and comfortable to wear, their noise cancellation is effective and they have a fairly natural-sounding transparency mode that allows ambient sound in if you want to hear the outside world around you for safety reasons. Everybody wants true-wireless earbuds that sound good, but what if you want true-wireless earbuds with exceptional sound quality? There is also support for Siri and Google Assistant voice controls. Fokus says the ergonomic shell is 3D printed with a semi-custom low profile shape, a designer faceplate and embedded touch sensor. They're available in the gold tone pictured as well as a graphite color. Alternatively, you can also use a dedicated music device that supports aptX Bluetooth streaming. They probably offer some level of water resistance, but they currently don't have an IPX rating, which means I can't recommend them for anything but nonsweaty workouts at the gym. Hopefully, some firmware upgrades will make them even better over time. But Beyerdyanic has said it made sound quality its highest priority and that definitely shows. They're IPX4 splash-proof and deliver up to 6 hours of battery life with noise canceling on and up to 8 hours with it off. Battery life is seven hours from the buds and a further 28 hours from the charging case.
Fantastic in-ear headphones with brilliant noise-cancelling tech. You can use a single earbud if you want; they're IPX5 splash-proof, and battery life is rated at 6 hours with noise canceling turned on. Over the years, JBL has put out some decent true-wireless earbuds, but nothing that really got me too excited. If you want a fantastic pair of in-ear headphones that wont tangle you up in wires, you need to try these Sonys. The buds have an IP57 water resistance rating, which makes them waterproof and dust-resistant. But the Sony WF-1000XM4's noise canceling and headset performance are superior, and they cost around $120 less. A choice of foam and 'Soft Flex' tips should make for a snug fit, too. The step-down noise-cancelingPI5 budsretail for $249. Aside from the design, the biggest difference between the two buds is battery life; the stemless Live Free 2 is rated for up to seven hours, while the Live Pro 2 is rated for 10 hours. We handpick the products and services we write about. These Bluetooth in-ear headphones hit the spot. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers.
I should also note that to get optimal sound quality (and bass performance, in particular), it's crucial to get a tight seal. Specification is thorough, with noise-cancelling tech, an Ambient Mode, twin mics for voice calls, and battery life that totals 19.5 hours (6.5hrs from the buds and 13hrs from the charging case). These exhibit those traits and their sound is up there with the best-sounding models. And they do so with great success. There was a problem. It features active noise canceling (it's good), a transparency mode, multipoint Bluetooth pairing so you can connect to your computer and phone at the same time, and it has very solid voice-calling performance with good noise reduction. Needless to say, the premium design elements are here. As with the originals, the real selling point is battery life. Read the full Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 review. Up there with the very best wireless in-ear headphones you can buy. They are a great proposition with a good fit, solid connection, decent controls, and good noise-cancelling for the money. If you're not quite willing to step up to the Sony WF-1000XM4 or other high-end models, the Liberty 3 Pro buds are worth considering. We found this a little hit and miss, so we would definitely experiment and consider mixing the sizes if it means getting a more secure fit. and a consumer electronics journalist with nearly 20 years of experience writing news, reviews and features. They sound confident and insightful too, revealing layers of low-level information and organising every track they are faced with into a structured and cohesive whole. We have state-of-the-art testing facilities in London, Reading and Bath, where our team of experienced, in-house reviewers test the majority of hi-fi and AV kit that passes through our door. Just buy them from a retailer that has a good return policy in case you're not completely satisfied. But how do they sound? I personally ended up getting the best fit using Sennheiser's large tips, which work best for my ears. While the earbuds have three microphones in each and tout excellent voice-calling performance, I'd rate it as decent but not great. Do you need a new pair to partner with your smartphone or tablet? Battery life is rated at up to 8 hours at moderate volume levels, and these are splash-proof, with an IPX4 rating. Featuring Knowles balanced-armature drivers and a 32-bit DAC, they offer clean, articulate sound with fast, well-defined bass.
Of course, all of these features would be useless if the Sonys didn't sound great - but they do. Battery life is 10 hours from the buds themselves, which should be plenty for most; the case provides just another 10 hours, so the total battery life can be bettered by some rivals. If you can get the proper fit and a tight seal, these are excellent-sounding earbuds that are right at the top of their price class in terms of sound quality. seal of approval. That makes 45 hours of total run time. Wear sensors detect when the earbuds are in your ears and pause your music when you take them out. The fact there's no noise-cancelling onboard helps to explain the marathon battery life, as that feature can be a real drain. Last year, Panasonic trotted out its venerable Technics brand and gave us a couple of pairs of very good-sounding true-wireless earbuds, including the flagship EAH-AZ70W, which once cost $250 but are down to around $160 on Amazon. Amazingly it all feels fairly premium too. Wallet-friendly and feature-packed in-ear earphones. For sound, they measure up well against the Sony WF-1000XM4 and other top-sounding earbuds and arguably offer slightly better clarity than the Sonys. Earfun talks about them having "six professional mics for a stunning call experience" -- and they work decently enough for calls -- but I was slightly disappointed with the noise reduction while using them in the streets of New York City. The original version of Momentum True Wireless was an impressive debut but the company's second bite at the cherry brings noise-cancelling technology and improved battery life. Please refresh the page and try again. It actually sounds pretty natural and is closer than I thought it would be to the AirPods Pro's excellent transparency mode. The earbuds also perform well -- though not exceptionally -- as a headset for making calls. Battery life is rated at up to 7.5 hours at 50% volume and the metal charging case has a 500-mAh battery (it's not as easy as it should be to get the buds out of their case). Designed to make shopping easier. You can opt for two levels of noise cancellation in the new M&D Connect app for iOS and Android, as well as two levels of transparency that lets you hear the outside world. The Liberty 3 Pro deliver a solid noise-canceling experience (they also have three different transparency modes) and feature Anker's HearID ANC, which "analyzes your ears and level of in-ear pressure to create a tailored profile that optimizes noise reduction and reduces external sound to suit your ears.". The only thing they don't have is an in-line remote. Also, the Earfun Air Pro 2 buds sound better, with richer, more dynamic sound. The earbuds have some extra features, like an ear-detection sensor (your music pauses when you take the buds out of your ears) and a case that has USB-C and wireless charging, which you don't often find at this price. Read our Sony WF-1000XM4 review. I A/B tested these with the Bowers & Wilkins PI7, which arguably have the slight edge -- the PI7 may just be the best-sounding true-wireless earbuds out there right now. They support SBC, ACC, aptX and aptX Adaptive codecs. No earbuds are perfect, of course, and not everybody will love the fit of the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds or be able to afford their high price. Both noise-cancelling and sound quality are excellent. Chirpy-sounding and relatively cheap - a superb pair of in-ear headphones. Second, because of that design, they come with their own headphone amplifier.
While they have a list price of $170, they're frequently discounted on Amazon. A lot of people love Nura's original over-ear Nuraphones, which are uniquely designed with an in-ear component and personalized sound. While the Qualcomm QCC5141 chip that powers them supports active noise canceling (and Bluetooth 5.2), the company has yet to enable it, relying instead on a tight seal from the included ear tips providing good passive noise isolation. Dynamics are very decent too. Rest assured, we have tested all the in-ear headphones mentioned below, which is why you can be confident they are all up to the job.
They sound clear, dynamic and are also bursting with detail. The Fokus Pro are Noble's second-generation premium true-wireless earbuds and feature a hybrid three-driver configuration, with a custom made 8.2mm dynamic driver and 2 Knowles balanced armature drivers. They're IPX54 splash-proof and have 4 hours of battery life with noise canceling on (that's a little disappointing), plus an extra four charges from the case. They are nice and comfortable and feature a small rubber lip that ever so slightly pokes up from the housing to help them nestle into your ear. And you might even be able to snare a pair with a discount if you check the most recent pricing. Sony's in-ear headphones boast some serious sonic skills. Featuring excellent sound, improved noise canceling and voice-calling performance as well a smaller, more refined design that includes stabilizing fins (so the earbuds stay in your ears more securely), the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 are among the best new true-wireless earbuds for 2022. Read our Beyerdynamic Free Byrd review. While these classy Sennheisers sound a tad more composed than the Sony WF-1000XM3s (above), they are also much pricier. Your colour options are white and black. is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher.