V-Moda Hexamove Lite and Hexamove Pro: These sound similar out of the box, with a ton of bass that can be on the boomy side. That doesnt mean the earbuds wont work with a computer, but depending on your operating system, you could experience a less reliable Bluetooth connection. A memory-foam tip (whether included or available from a third party) can conform to the shape of the ear canal to provide a more stable fit.
The 11-hour battery life per charge is impressive, but the solid battery life and good noise-reduction performance arent enough to make the Plus II a top pick. If you have wired in-ear monitors with detachable cables that you want to use wirelessly: FiiOs UTWS3 is technically not a pair of earbuds; its an adapter. We also werent thrilled with the limited controls and the muffle of the microphone during calls. In addition, the microphone picked up wind noise, and though the wings fit securely, some folks may find the fit fatiguing to wear for long periods. But we wish the Flex earbuds were water resistant and came with optional wings to hold them in place more securely for a broader range of ear shapes. However, the only controls are play/pause and call answer/end. Whether you want quality sound for cheap or are willing to invest in something built to last from the gym to the office, here are the best Jabra earbuds to buy now. The battery life of five hours per charge is middle of the road for true wireless earbuds, but you do get 19 hours from the included charging case, which is small enough to fit in a pocket. Overall, we like the sound quality better than that of the vast majority of true wireless earbudsthough when it comes to boutique favorites like the KEF Mu3 or Master & Dynamic MW08, its really a matter of preference. The mics on their truly wireless headphones generally deliver a better performance than others on the market.
This pairs ANC is quite effective, but the physical sound isolation is lacking. Sennheiser fans may like these, but for most other folks, they arent compelling enough to merit the original $250 price. The microphones are quite clear for calls, the six-hour battery life between charges is good, and the diminutive charge cases built-in USB cable is handy. They're also well-built and are certified IP57 for resistance against dust and being immersed in water. What differentiates these two models (aside from price) is the XM4 provides wireless charging and a longer 8-hour battery life, but is less comfortable to wear long-term compared to the smaller LinkBuds S. The LinkBuds S has an earbud shape that is more universal, but this pair has a shorter 6-hour battery life and is less successful at isolating noise. Clear highs, deep (but not overpowering) bass notes, and a surprisingly large soundstage for tiny earbuds. However, we found that these earbuds didnt feel as secure in our ears as our picks did, the sound was somewhat blurry in the lower ranges, the hear-through mode had a slight delay and a compressed sound that could be off-putting, and the touch controls were easy to trigger when we were adjusting the earbuds in our ears. Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro Upgraded Version: This is a good pair of earbuds. For less than $70, youll get plenty of features, including a good transparency mode and multiple microphones that make voices clear and easy to understand over the phone or via video chat. However, the earbuds have a shape that really suits medium ears best. The touch-based buttons are only able to toggle between ANC on, ANC off, and hear-through mode, in addition to your choice of two other functions: play/pause, skip/reverse, volume, or digital assistant activation. Currently sitting at the high end of Jabras lineup, the Elite 7 Pro offer all of the same benefits of the other buds on this list but are especially ideal for calls. The microphone quality is acceptable, though it lacks some detail and wind resistance. Its almost a comb-filtering effect that makes everything sound like a robot voice and out of sync. Edifier NeoBuds Pro: We liked the large amount of included color-coded tips that make getting a proper fit a breeze. If that bothers you, Raycon includes three pairs of foam tips, which are more effective.
And we were sad to see that you can choose only two controls per earbud, which really limits adjustments. Though the Free 2 can't rival the Beats Fit Pro earbuds as far as performance, and doesnt offer active noise cancellation, our test panel was impressed with both the sound quality and the number of premium features this pair offers while still selling for around 50 bucks. You have three factors to consider: sound, battery life, and fit. Aside from the sound, the swipe/touch controls work well enough, but the up and down for volume may cause the earbuds to move in your ears a smidge, and there are no track controls. Between the stabilization fins on the earbuds and the Find My feature, losing an earbud becomes far less likelyso if youre an iPhone user prone to misplacing small things, the Beats Fit Pro might be worth extra consideration. We wish the controls included volume and voice-command options, and although the sound featured the warm mids and lows Marshall is famous for, the highs had a harsh edge that made strings sound edgyas though amplified by a cheap speaker. Although bonus features like spatial audio and head tracking have yet to really show lasting value, others like the touchless Hey Siri control and Find My function can prove especially helpful. The moderate earbud size and inclusion of six sets of silicone tips (plus three sets of wings) help ensure a secure fit for a variety of ear sizes and shapes. Most manufacturers will stipulate that their wireless earbuds are designed to work specifically with mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. In addition to reviewing gear for AV magazines, Ive been in and out of top recording studios for more than a decade, first as a radio producer and on-air talent, then as a professional voice actor. We have sent you an e-mail with your new password to
What matters most to you: convenience, sound quality, price, or longevity? These earbuds also function cordedwith the active noise cancellation (ANC) on or offfor those trips when you want to use an in-flight entertainment system. In 2020, a good number of people experienced rattling in one or both earbuds. (If you arent interested specifically in true wireless earbuds or want to spend even less, pop over to our guide to the best earbuds under $50, where youll find more recommendations for neckband-style and wired earbuds that offer surprisingly good sound for the money.). Soul Sync Pro: If your phone runs out of power, the case for this pair can double as a phone charger. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). Three tip sizes are included, and all of our panelists were able to get a secure fit. While the controls are customizable in the app, you can only choose a few to assign, so youll need to use your phone for some controls. The entire outer surface of the earbud hosts touch controls, so adjusting the fit or taking the earbuds in and out can trigger music playback and/or ANC. The best Jabraheadphones with an over-ear designthat we've tested are the Jabra Elite 85h Wireless. Weve found the Elite 4 Actives ANC to be very good for the price, even holding up to expensive rivals like the $199 Beats Fit Pro in some scenarios. Marshall Motif ANC: This pair has above-average noise cancellation, and the hear-through mode sounds more authentic than that of most earbuds. Skullcandy Indy Fuel and Indy Evo: These are the same earbuds with one key exceptionthe Fuels case offers wireless charging. The sonic profile has mildly over-emphasized bass, but there is enough boost in the details of the high frequencies that lyrics arent lost in hip-hop or other low-note-heavy songs. However, while speech should still be understandable, it may also sound thin and muffled. Many of the issues can be resolved if you adjust the settings in those apps, but its nonetheless frustrating and worth mentioning. The tap-based touch controls are also a bit fussy. A solid gust will lead to a buffeting sound, so youll want to duck inside to take a call on a blustery day. To help you better consider your options, Wirecutter is looking into the overall environmental impact of all of our picks. The Fit Pros physical buttons dont misfire as frequently as touch- or tap-based controls can, nor do they require a ton of pressing force that can jam the earbuds painfully into your ears. However, those with very small ears and people who are sensitive to tactile response in the ear area may find that the wings create a too full feeling that can be fatiguing during long listening sessions. But the earbuds are a bit chunkier than the Beats Fit Pro, and they dont have wings or hooks to stabilize them. When making this decision, its important to think about where and how youll be using your gear. The rating only applies to clear water, so be sure to rinse any saltwater, sweat, or dust off of the Free 2 after exposure and allow the earbuds to dry thoroughly before placing them back in a case. JLab JBuds Frames: These arent technically earbuds. It is compatible with Qi wireless chargers and has a quick-charge feature that will supply two hours of listening time after just 10 minutes in the case. Google says the Volume EQ feature adjusts the tuning as you turn the volume up or down so that the sound stays balanced. The sound quality is balanced once you get the proper fit, but the vented design means that there isnt much isolation from noise around you. 
The issue with this design is diminished bass response. The microphone call quality is fantastically clear, though you dont get any of your own voice mixed into the sound, so you may find yourself wanting to speak loudly when on calls. Learn more. We were disappointed that such promising earbuds could be ultimately derailed by poor user-interface choices. Apple AirPods Pro: This pair is a major step up over the basic AirPods, in both sound quality and versatility, but it may not be worth the price unless youre a hardcore Apple fan. Skullcandys Mod true wireless pair includes an impressive amount of features for $60: customizable controls and EQ (hence the name Mod), IP55 dust and water resistance, dual-device connectivity, a seven-hour battery life with quick-charge abilities, and a hear-through mode. And if you spend most of your day on calls, you just might find them worth the premium. In the end, we dont dislike the AirPods Pro; we just like using other earbuds a little better. The battery life of 11 hours of listening time (up to seven hours with ANC turned on) is impressive for true wireless earbuds. Noise cancellation is effective in a specific low-frequency range, but ends up sounding unnatural since the isolation on higher-pitched sounds isnt as effective. The touch controls are easy to use, but we found ourselves inadvertently triggering music when trying to get them initially positioned in the ear. Heres Why.. The microphones sound clear enough but cant handle wind noise. Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication. The Pros sound can be adjusted in EQ, and once you reduce the bass, it sounds quite good, with a nice sense of space and detail in the mids and highs. The companys buds are fairly platform agnostic they pair well to both iPhone and Android devices via Bluetooth, with a free Sound+ app that lets you do things like adjust sound profiles or activate special features. People who like to swap between several devices during the day may wish this pair had dual-device pairing capabilities. The most annoying attribute of the S600 is that there is no reset button on the case. Approved devices for improved productivity. The speak-to-activate awareness mode is incredibly helpful for office workers or parents who need to have brief conversations and dont have a free hand to tap a button. Those who want to block out higher pitches such as voices or baby cries will find that the Fit Pro offers solid noise isolation. Choose the Jabra Service you want to use. Its still not as foolproof as earbuds that have mechanical buttons to press, but because we didnt have frequent misfires, we forgave this minor drawback. The Jabra Elite Active 75t are a bit on the older side, but they continue to hold up against newer competition and theyre cheaper than ever these days at $99. However, even the largest tips cant really be described as thattwo of our panelists needed third-party tips to get a sealand the stabilizing winglets are best suited for medium-size ears or smaller. Theres also a hear-through mode so that you can choose to hear your surroundings when you need to. The sound quality is marred by bass notes that are very blurry, leaving other sounds muffled and dull. The earbuds are also very tiny, fit comfortably, and have full tap-based controls. 01 ANC: Though the sound is quite good, the ANC isnt very effective, the tap controls are prone to miscommunication, and the stem/sound tube lengths dont allow for these earbuds to seat deeply in the ear canal, so many folks may find achieving a secure fit impossible.
We admire folks trying something new, but this sadly wasnt what we hoped it would be. Bowers & Wilkins PI5 and PI7: These true wireless noise-cancelling earbuds are similar. Driven by data, run by a passionate team of engineers, testers, technical writers, developers, and more. The noise cancellation is reasonably effective, but the controls are limited and the bass frequencies in music are overemphasized in a way that makes the male vocals sound recessed. Heres Why, Other good wireless Bluetooth earbuds section, Read more about Apples privacy practices, sustainability issues related to wireless earbuds, cleaning of earbuds can address some sound-related issues, other options in our running headphone guide, our guide to the best headphones for running, Why We Love the 1More Piston Fit BT Earbuds, Your Wireless Earbuds Are Trash (Eventually). The PI7 has adaptive noise cancellation and a case that doubles as a Bluetooth transmitterbut the audio quality via the case transmitter was poor. Weve tested more than 400 sets of Bluetooth earbuds to date, so we cant list every competitor herebut we do keep notes. {{email}}, Hi {{customerName}}, The buttons handle music playback, call answer/end, digital-assistant activation, and toggling between ANC and the hear-through mode that lets in outside sounds for more situational awareness. Wirecutter takes security and privacy issues seriously and investigates, as much as possible, how the companies we recommend deal with customer data. so that you can compare the results easily. Here you can vote for our next review, Compare graphs from our headphones test results in order to make a clearer and more informed decision, Create or edit custom headphones ratings, your custom ratings will be present on the table tool, and other pages. Switching from one device to another is a process similar to that of other Bluetooth earbuds or headphones, and you can only be connected to one device at a time. Even when these fit properly, we thought this pair had coarse-sounding highs that didnt impress. 1More ComfoBuds Mini: We like this pairs diminutive size and natural-sounding hear-through mode, but we werent happy with the sound, even when we used 1Mores SoundID system to make adjustments for our preferences. The noise cancellation on this pair is very effective, though only in a specific frequency range. But these earbuds are really worth consideration only if you are looking for an alternative to the original AirPods. Because of the distinct, intense range of noise cancellation on the Fit Pro, people who are prone to eardrum suck may discover that the ANC on this pair triggers that feeling of uneaseand the level of reduction is not adjustable. I hold a bachelors degree in both music performance and audio production from Ithaca College, and I also have tested more than a thousand pairs of headphones and earbuds while working for Wirecutter. In the case of the Jabra Elite 75t Wireless and Jabra Elite Active 75t Wireless, this feature was added during a firmware update. We tested 25 new pairs of wireless earbuds and added them to the Competition section. Neither pair has full controls. IPX7 means the device can be dropped in a meter of water for 30 minutes with no adverse effects. The earbuds are IPX3 rated, which means you can briefly take these out in a drizzle but definitely not to the gym. No cherry-picked units sent by brands.
The companies that responded to our question about battery life said their devices have about 400 to 500 charge cycles before they start to lose capacity. Although the app has manual EQ, the adjustments consist of three clunky faders that lack the nuance to make changes in a way audio fans would find meaningful. Learn more. Headsets for both the open and home office. Edifier TWS 330NB: This pair has active noise cancellation, but only four hours of battery life with ANC enabled. The onboard controls are touch-based, have the tendency to misfire, and lack volume capabilities. If these fit you and you dont mind slightly fussy touch controls, the AZ60 earbuds make for a solid choice. The Pro also offers more customization, with optional wings, over-ear hooks, a tether cable, and shields that are like little end caps that change the look of the earbuds. The sound quality wasnt our favorite, either, as the high frequencies had an unnatural feel that caused snare hits to sound like a click rather than a rounded snap. However, you must have the NuraLoop powered on for them to work. The squeeze-control buttons are a little tricky to find at first but may get easier to use with practice. The microphones sound compressed but clear over phone calls, but these lack sidetone, so you may find yourself fighting the urge to talk too loudly. Jabra earbuds also generally excel at calls, with all of the below models holding up well during phone chats and work meetings. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company, The best budget wireless earbuds under $100, How we tested for the best in-ear headphones, Best Bluetooth wireless earbuds: Beats Fit Pro, Best budget wireless earbuds under $100: EarFun Free 2, Tips on Tips: How to Shop for Replacement Earbud Tips, Bluetooth Headphones Dont Always Play Nice With Computers. We liked the full-featured physical controls, which are intuitive and easy to use while moving. Medium and small ears wont find these to feel stable. The active noise cancellation is decent, but it may cause eardrum suck for some people (you can read more about this phenomenon in our best noise-cancelling headphones guide). Once fully charged, the earbuds will play music for around seven hours, though this can vary depending on how many phone calls you make and the volume at which you generally listen. The IPX5 rating is sufficient to handle any sweat or water you encounter. The tap controls work well enough, but the sound of multiple taps thump-thump-thumpingin your ear canal can be somewhat annoying. You wont get much noise isolation from this pair, and though the A-Series can be customized to adjust the volume automatically when youre in louder or quieter environments, we wouldve gladly traded that feature for more controls. Weve spent hundreds of hours testing more than 400 pairs of wireless earbuds. The Mod is available for preorder now. Music playback lacks low-frequency support, which can make hip-hop, pop, and electronic music sound like its lacking some oomph. The XM4 didnt make it to our top picks because the large earbud size is cumbersome to wear, and the lack of included XL tips means that both smaller and larger ears may find these a challenge to wear comfortably. The sound quality, though a touch on the bass-heavy side, is enjoyable. Although we consider the cases size to be a flaw, a few of our testers preferred the larger casethey said it was easier to find in their bag. Another downside to the Beats Fit Pro is the chunky case. A Warner Bros. However, neither manufacturer offers refurbishment or recycling programs for the headphones themselves. The most impressive aspect is the nine-hour battery life per charge. The earbud design is rather good at isolating you from noise, and the active noise cancellation is decent. Engineered to deliver the best audio experience and offering freedom from wires, your new earbuds promise to perform to the highest standard, no matter what the situation. Heres what we learned: If your priority is excellent sound quality: The KEF Mu3 is one of the best-sounding pairs of true wireless earbuds weve ever tested. The noise cancellation is average, and despite the stabilizing wings and four pairs of tips included, the buds themselves might be a little large for smaller ears. The hear-through mode sounded more natural than that of many competitors. The earbuds themselves are also quite big. And fortunately, they dont cut many corners at this low price. The case has a Kitt from Knight Rider vibe, with a ping-ponging red light.