Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 Review: Best Noise Canceling, Bar None
$398 at Bose
$249 at Amazon
$249 at Best Buy
Don’t like
- Pricey
- No wireless charging
- No multipoint Bluetooth pairing
- AptX support not coming until spring 2023
2022
Bose headphones and earbuds have always skewed toward the more premium end of the price spectrum and the company’s QuietComfort Earbuds 2 are no exception, carrying a hefty list price of $299 (£279, $AU429), or $20 more than the original QuietComfort Earbuds. While that will put them outside a lot of people’s budget for wireless earbuds, their design and voice-calling performance are significantly improved from the originals, and they deliver excellent sound and outstanding noise canceling — arguably the best out there right now. They’re easily among our top current earbuds, and a CNET Editors’ Choice Award winner.
That award came a few months after the release of the QuietComfort Earbuds 2 following some internal debate — most notably the earbuds’ missing support for the aptX Adaptive audio codec, which is compatible with many Android phones and some other devices. But Bose has since announced that aptX support will be added in the spring of 2023. “The QuietComfort Earbuds 2 will support the aptX Adaptive codec for audio streaming, including Lossless and low-latency capabilities,” Bose told CNET, “and enable more seamless and robust connectivity with premium Android devices.”
Bose has now pushed out a firmware update that enables independent single-bud use, “so now you can use either just the left or right earbud for listening to content and taking or making calls.” Previously, only the right bud could be used as a single bud.
I’ll save that value debate for the end of the review after I go through all QuietComfort Earbuds 2’s strengths (or QuietComfort Earbuds II, as Bose calls them), along with a few weaknesses. But if you can afford them, these are certainly strong competitors against Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 and Sony’s WF-1000XM4, the latter of which have been out for a while and are being aggressively discounted at times.
Read more: Best Wireless Earbuds for 2022
Initially the buds were only available in black — or “Triple Black,” as Bose calls it, but you can now also get the in the lighter soapstone color (basically off-white) and it’s possible Bose releases other special-edition colors in the future.
More importantly, the earbuds are about 30% smaller than their predecessors. Their case is about 40% smaller and truly pocketable (though it’s still about 25% to 30% bigger than the AirPods Pro 2’s case). The smaller size corrects a big downside of the original QuietComfort Earbuds, which featured excellent noise canceling and very good sound quality, but were pretty hefty and protruded from your ears. The new buds each weigh a little less than 0.25 ounces, or 7 grams, according to Bose — still not svelte but significantly smaller.
The buds are significantly smaller and lighter than the originals.
David Carnoy/CNET
The other big change is to the ear tips. Bose has ditched its one-piece StayEar wing tips for a two-piece Fit Kit system that features separate ear tips and “stability bands” in three size options. That’s supposed to give users more flexibility to get a secure fit and tight seal. I liked the StayEar wing tips, but after trying the new two-piece system, I’m sold on it. I ended up going with the large tips and medium stability band, and that really locked the buds in my ears. I can’t tell you that this will fit everyone’s ears equally well, but if you’re someone who can’t get a secure fit with the AirPods Pro 2, which are lighter and quite comfortable to wear, this new two-piece Fit Kit may be a reason to give the Bose a go over the new AirPods Pro.
A handful of new premium earbuds feature a kind of auto custom tune feature that takes into account the shape of your ears — and ear canal. Following that trend, Bose has developed a new CustomTune sound calibration system that aims to optimize noise canceling and sound quality for your particular ears. Every time you place the buds in your ears, a proprietary tone is played and a microphone measures your ear canal’s acoustic response. It takes about half a second or so and you definitely notice that the noise canceling has undergone some optimization.
Enlarge Image
The earbuds in the Soapstone color. The case isn’t as small as the AirPods Pro’s case, but it is now considerably more compact.
Bose
While the design improvements are a nice step forward, the QuietComfort Earbuds 2 really shine on the noise canceling front. It’s really impressive just how much the sound around you is muffled. Bose says it’s targeted frequencies that were previously difficult to reduce in the mid and high range, like the voices of nearby co-workers, screaming babies and family distractions in your home office. I used the buds in my home next to a relatively loud HVAC unit, and the noise canceling basically silenced it completely.
But I was more impressed with how much sound it reduced when I walked the streets and rode the subway in New York City. You can still hear people’s voices, but they seem to be muffled by about 60% and maybe even slightly more. It’s a little startling when you take the buds out of your ears or put them into transparency mode — Bose calls it Aware mode — and realize how much sound is being filtered out.
And yes, that transparency mode is also improved — it does sound more natural and lifelike. The best transparency modes, like that of the AirPods Pro, make it seem as if you’re not wearing earbuds and can hear the world as it would sound without earbuds in your ears. These do a good job of getting you close to that sensation.
While the drivers appear to be the same or very similar to those found in the original QuietComfort Earbuds, Bose reps told me that thanks to the CustomTune technology, the sound is noticeably improved, with more “nuance, clarity, depth” and better accuracy. And that’s pretty much what you’ll hear if you were to compare these to the originals. Everything is a little more clear and natural sounding. Their predecessors also had relatively big sound — and by that I mean they have a pretty wide soundstage. But the bass has a bit more definition and punch, and there’s a bit more detail and separation between instruments so you can hear them more distinctly. I also thought they had just the right amount of warmth, particularly with both men’s and women’s vocals. Their tonal balance is overall very good.
The earbuds are IPX4 splash-proof and are suitable for sporting activities like running and gym use.
David Carnoy/CNET
While software and advanced algorithms play a big part in the QuietComfort Earbuds 2’s performance, they feature four microphones in each bud, two of which are beam-forming microphones to focus on picking up your voice. Voice-calling performance was a weak point in the original QuietComfort Earbuds and Bose has clearly made an effort to improve it with better noise reduction — and voice pickup — during calls. I think it’s significantly better now (you can hear a sample call in my companion video review).
As for battery life, it’s rated at 6 hours with noise canceling on — that’s the same as the new AirPods Pro 2 — and you get about three extra charges from the new trimmed-down charging case, which features USB-C charging but not wireless charging. That latter shortfall is a bit unfortunate since most earbuds in this price range, including the AirPods Pro 2, feature wireless charging.
Like their predecessors, the QuietComfort Earbuds 2 are splash-proof with an IPX4 rating. They also have similar touch controls with a swipe gesture for volume control that I like. I thought the touch controls worked well, and they are slightly customizable in the companion app for iOS and Android (you have the option to select certain “shortcuts”).
Enlarge Image
The new fit test in the companion app for iOS and Android.
Bose
As for Bluetooth flavors, these are equipped with Bluetooth 5. 3. They use the AAC and SBC audio codecs but currently have no support for Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive audio codec or multipoint Bluetooth pairing (I manually switched between an iPhone 13 Pro and a Galaxy Z Flip 4). In theory, you may be able to get slightly better audio quality if you use a device like an Android phone that supports aptX Adaptive and wirelessly stream high-resolution music files using services like Tidal, Amazon Music and Qobuz that deliver high-resolution music.
I was disappointed by that, particularly by the lack of multipoint Bluetooth pairing. But there’s some hope that may change in the future. That’s because a Bose rep told me these earbuds are equipped with a 5 Series Qualcomm chip. That chip supports multipoint Bluetooth pairing and has aptX support, which Bose now says is coming in 2023, so I think there’s a decent chance we’ll see multipoint Bluetooth pairing added in the future and perhaps other features. Bose didn’t mention anything about Bluetooth Audio LE and Auracast, a new Bluetooth audio broadcasting technology that’s coming to earbuds and headphones, but some new earbuds like the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are listed as being “ready” for LE Audio.
It’s worth noting that while the noise canceling is of the adaptive variety, you can adjust its levels between three settings. Also, the earbuds have adjustable equalizer settings so you can tweak the sound profile. And, as noted, you can now use either bud independently and leave the other one in the charging case. Previously, you could only use the right bud independently, with certain touch controls available only on the right bud. Bose released a firmware upgrade in February of 2023 that “allows you to seamlessly switch between your earbuds, and if one earbud runs out of battery life or disconnects from Bluetooth, you can continue listening with the other earbud without interruption.”
Bose vs. Sony, Beats and AirPods Pro
I’ll finish by saying that I did compare these to some other top earbuds, including Sony’s WF-1000XM4, which were released in June 2021 and list for $20 less. The XM4s are still excellent, but these QuietComfort Earbuds 2 have surpassed the Sony buds not only in terms of sound quality and noise canceling but voice calling and fit as well. The Bose buds are superior.
The original QuietComfort Earbuds are substantially larger compared to the second-generation model on the right.
David Carnoy/CNET
I also like the Beats Fit Pro ($200) for both everyday use and as sports earbuds (they also stay in my ears very securely). They’re probably the better value, particularly as we’re starting to see regular discounts on them. But the Bose offer better overall performance along with a comfortable, secure fit in comparably sized earbuds.
Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, which also earned a CNET Editors’ Choice Award, are lighter and smaller and deliver impressive overall performance in a smaller package (that includes the charging case, which does feature wireless charging). But if you’re someone who can’t get a really secure fit from the AirPods Pro — or are an Android user — these are a compelling alternative. That said, the performance improvements to the AirPods Pro 2 make them a pretty safe and enticing choice for iPhone users for $50 less than the Bose. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider the QuietComfort Earbuds 2 if you’re an iOS user, but the AirPods Pro have their own set of advantages for iOS users, including spatial audio, automatic switching between your Apple devices on your iCloud account and hands-free Siri.
The same can be said for Samsung’s excellent Galaxy Buds 2 Pro buds and Samsung Galaxy device owners. Those buds have certain features that only Galaxy owners can take advantage of, including high-resolution audio over Bluetooth if you have the right setup.
But again, the QuietComfort Earbuds 2 may offer a better fit for you, and I do think they sound a touch better than both the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and Pixel Buds Pro and have better noise canceling. If you can get a tight seal with these buds, the noise canceling is really impressive. As I said, probably the best out there right now. And ultimately, that’s the reason why they may be worth $300 to some people.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 key features, per Bose
- 30% smaller buds and 40% smaller case [compared to previous model]
- New CustomTune technology for optimizing sound and noise canceling
- Improved sound, noise canceling and voice-calling performance
- Touch controls with swipe gestures for volume control
- New two-piece Fit Kit system that features separate ear tips and stability bands in three size options
- Four microphones on each earbuds, two of which are beamforming for voice calls
- 6 hours of battery life with noise cancellation on
- Bluetooth 5.
3
- Support for AAC and SBC audio codecs (aptX support coming in 2023)
- Customizable EQ settings
- Price: $299 (£279, AU$429)
- Colors: triple black ships first, with soapstone to follow later in the year
Editor’s note: This review was originally published on Sept. 15, 2022 and updated in December to reaffirm our continued positive experience with the headphones and add an Editors’ Choice designation. It was updated again in February 2023 to note that Bose has now pushed out a firmware update that enables independent single-bud use.
Earfun’s New Air Pro 3 Earbuds Deliver Impressive Sound — and They’re Already 30% Off
The Earfun Air Pro 3 feature one of Qualcomm’s latest Bluetooth audio chipset.
Earfun/Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
Earfun has put out a series of wireless earbuds over the last couple of years with one important commonality: They’re very good values, made more so by frequent discounts. I’ve highlighted previous deals on its Air Pro SV and Air Pro 2, as well as the more recent Earfun Air S. Now the company has released its new Earfun Air Pro 3 earbuds, which feature the latest Qualcomm QCC3071 system-on-a-chip with aptX Adaptive for Android and other devices that support it. They’re available for $56, or 30% off their list price of $80 at Earfun’s website or at Amazon by activating the instant 10%-off coupon, then adding the code EAP3CNET at checkout.
See at Amazon
Lightweight and comfortable to wear — I got a good seal with the largest ear tip size — these aren’t a huge upgrade over the Earfun Air S, but they are clearly better. They have slightly larger wool-composite drivers (11mm versus 10mm), slightly improved noise canceling and better battery life (up to seven hours with noise canceling on, according to Earfun). They also support the new LE Audio standard and LC3 audio codec, which is superior to the SBC codec (they also support AAC for Apple devices). Their transparency mode seems to be a touch more natural sounding than the Air S, too.
Read more: Best Wireless Earbuds for 2023
In short, the Earfun Air 3 deliver strong performance for their modest price, with robust bass, good clarity and a relatively wide soundstage. They also pack in a lot of features, including a wireless charging case and “multidevice” connectivity. (I could pair them to two devices simultaneously but had to pause the music on one device and hit play on the other for the audio to switch.)
They’re IPX5 splash-proof and have touch controls that could be a little more responsive but work OK. And, finally, the buds connect to the Earfun Audio app for iOS and Android, which allows you to update the firmware and tweak their sound profile.
The wireless charging case isn’t tiny, but it fits in a pocket easily enough.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
I listened to the buds using an iPhone 14 Pro and an Asus ROG 6 Android smartphone that’s powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 mobile platform. With the Asus, I was able to stream high-resolution tracks from Qobuz (with aptX Adaptive) and the sound had a bit more depth and detail and the overall sound was impressive, again given the price.
However, they can’t compete with high-end buds like the new $400 Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2, which offer better definition and more accurate sound. I know that’s an unfair comparison, but I only mention it to say that while the Air Pro 3 sound quite good for relatively cheap earbuds, they do have their limitations, particularly when it comes to bass definition — the bass is a tad overemphasized at the default setting.
If you’re wondering where these stand for voice calling, they perform well, with decent background noise reduction in noisier environments (like the streets of New York, where I tested them). But I wouldn’t say they’re excellent for making voice calls; callers said my voice sounded “reasonably” clear outdoors, not crystal clear. You can use either bud independently of the other and use a single bud to listen to audio or make calls.
Here’s a quick look at the Air Pro 3’s specs, according to Earfun. They were originally only available on Earfun’s website, but have now hit Amazon.
- Compatible with Earfun audio app
- Multidevice connectivity
- Qualcomm QCC3071 system-on-a-chip with aptX Adaptive
- QuietSmart 2.0 hybrid active noise cancellation up to 43dB
- 6-mic array
- Bluetooth 5.3 + next-gen LE Audio & LC3 codec
- 11mm wool composite drivers
- <55ms ultra low latency mode for better video and gaming experience
- IPX5 sweat and water resistant
- Up to 7 hours of battery life with ANC on and 9 hours with it off (extra 4 charges in the case)
- Get 2 hours of playtime from a 10-minute charge
- Wireless charging case with USB-C
- Price: ($80 list, $56 sale price)
9 best wireless in-ear headphones
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In today’s world, high-tech products take up more and more space. With its help, it is possible to save a significant amount of time, as well as to make a person’s life more comfortable and convenient in all respects. This also applies to mobile headphones. For the first time, these products appeared on the Russian market back in the 90s of the last century – they immediately became very popular with young people. Today, their prevalence has become even greater. A lot of people are unable to imagine life without the use of headphones. They are used everywhere – for work, for games, for listening to music and watching movies.
Wireless in-ear headphones are very popular among music lovers. They are characterized by small overall dimensions and low weight, which largely distinguishes them from full-size models. Largely due to their compactness, they are easy to take with you even on a long trip. They do not have a bulky headboard and any wires, making it very convenient to use this device. Unfortunately, not every user is aware of how to correctly choose such products. It is for them that we decided to rank the best wireless headphones. In the article we will talk in detail about the useful characteristics of each model, as well as give a number of tips on choosing a product.
Rating summary: (hide/show)
How to choose the best wireless in-ear headphones in 2023?
There is a very wide range of these products on the market today, which differ greatly from each other, both in terms of sound characteristics and battery capacity. In terms of sound quality, they practically do not differ from full-size models, however, it should be remembered that these devices will cost much more compared to wired headphones.
Despite the external similarity, the models are very different in terms of design features. In particular, there are dynamic and reinforcing headsets. The first type supports a wide sound range, allowing you to play both deep bass and very high frequencies. They are the most popular among music lovers. Armature devices are characterized by a smaller range, but an overall improved sound quality.
According to the degree of sound insulation, in-ear headphones are also divided into two types – regular and in-ear. The first have small overall dimensions and poor protection from external noise, but they are very convenient to use. Intrachannel have an elongated inner part compared to the previous type. However, such a design solution provides reliable protection against sounds coming from outside.
For most models, the sound is quite powerful due to the fact that sound waves enter directly into the ear canal. However, some devices have poor sound insulation, which makes it not very convenient to use them in noisy rooms or on public transport. Such a headset has standard overall dimensions, so it is not suitable for every person due to the physiological characteristics of the auricles. The last problem is solved by installing replaceable rubber ear pads.
In our rating, we tried to include the most popular models that fully correspond to the characteristics discussed above. In addition, when choosing devices for review, we were guided by a number of other points – value for money, as well as user reviews. We have tried to compile a list of not too expensive devices so that they are affordable for most of our readers.
Top 9 wireless in-ear headphones in 2023
9. Elari NanoPods Sport
Visually, this product is practically no different from the previous generation model. Headphones are characterized by compact size and elegant shape. They do not stick out and do not hang from the ears, they look very stylish and versatile. The model is presented in the form of two independent headphones that are connected to each other using a radio channel. The kit comes with a charging portable case that reliably protects the device from various physical influences. The case is oval, slightly rounded towards the end panel. Closer to the bottom of the inner panel is a slightly turned in-ear sound guide equipped with a dynamic radiator membrane. The landing is medium in depth. The nozzles are spherical, made of silicone, they sit on the body very tightly, do not fall off. The headphones come with three pairs of ear pads in different sizes.
Available in black or white. The case is well protected from dust or water ingress. In these headphones you can even safely swim in the pool. The case is compact, you can easily put it in your pocket, backpack and so on. The cover of the case snaps into place tightly, the headphones lie there in figured recesses with built-in magnets. When inside, they automatically charge. On a single battery charge, the headphones can work for about 4 hours. The battery capacity of each of them is 50 mAh, the charging station has 250 mAh. Together with the case, the product weighs only 37.5 grams.
Benefits:
- Affordable price;
- Light weight;
- Decent sound quality;
- Compact case;
- Attractive appearance;
- The ability to work on a single charge for about 4 hours.
Disadvantages:
- Touch keys not provided.
Wireless earbuds Elari NanoPods Sport
8.
Samsung Galaxy Buds
The headphone package is standard – the headphones themselves, a charging case, replaceable ear pads and a USB Type-C charging cable, and it is quite long. Products are available in three color options – black, white and yellow. In the ears, the products are located quite comfortably, they practically do not protrude beyond the shell, which favorably distinguishes them from other similar products. The mass of each earpiece is about 5 grams – one of the lightest models on the modern Russian market. The shape of the case is ergonomic, the products are well fixed in the auricle, even if you wear them for a long time, there is no feeling of fatigue. There is support for touch control, a lot of various and useful functions are provided – a voice assistant, rewinding tracks, switching between them, receiving an incoming call.
Headphones are synchronized with a smartphone using a Bluetooth 5.0 wireless channel with support for an extended number of codecs. The connection takes place within a couple of seconds, the connection is very stable and reliable. In order to take full advantage of the functionality of the product, you will have to download a special application with which you can fine-tune the equalizer and so on. The product is equipped with two microphones – one of them is directed outward, the other – towards the user.
Benefits:
- Long battery life;
- Wireless battery charging available;
- Fits perfectly in the ear;
- Decent sound quality;
- The presence of two microphones at once.
Disadvantages:
- Relatively high cost;
- Microphones are rather weak.
Samsung Galaxy Buds in-ear headphones
7. HUAWEI FreeBuds Lite 9 headphones0032
These products feature enhanced sound quality, water and dust resistant housing and a portable carrying case with wireless charging function. Despite the fact that these headphones have been on the domestic market for over a year and a half, they are still very popular among people. The design is minimalistic, as the developers made the main emphasis on the ergonomics of the model. As a result, the model turned out to be comfortable and very practical. The case is made on the basis of a reliable aluminum alloy of high strength, it has a very attractive metallic sheen. Moisture protection fully complies with the international standard IP54, which allows you to use the model even in rain or snow. In the auricles, they are held by comfortable silicone tips.
Connect to external devices using the Bluetooth 4.2 protocol, pairing takes place within a few seconds. There is a function of active noise reduction, there is a high-quality microphone that provides high-quality speech transmission. The headphones are equipped with MEMS silicon microphones. High and low frequencies are carefully designed, so the owner can enjoy a powerful sound that is distinguished by good clarity and decent volume.
Benefits:
- Stylish product with excellent ergonomics;
- Good voice;
- Provides perfectly clear sound;
- Enclosure protected against moisture and dust;
- Compact and lightweight case with wireless charging.
Disadvantages:
- High cost;
- Vacuum headphones are not fully liked by every user.
Bluetooth earbuds HUAWEI FreeBuds Lite
6. Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds
Compact and fairly light headphones that are securely fastened in the ears, they do not restrict movement in the least, they do not fall out even during active movements, for example, when playing sports. The battery capacity is enough for three hours of fully autonomous work, regardless of whether a person is talking on the phone or just listening to music. The products are equipped with an active noise suppression system and carefully thought-out sound insulation. The drivers are 7 mm in diameter, 16 ohm impedance, and are capable of supporting a very wide frequency range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, which is within the limits of hearing of the human ear. With the help of these headphones, you can listen to music of absolutely any genre – from classical works to hard rock.
Comes with a branded case that acts as a charging station. It has built-in magnets and a battery. Headphones are securely fastened, so they will not fall out. The battery capacity of the case is enough to provide autonomous use of the device for ten hours. If desired, these products can be synchronized with two external gadgets at once, however, synchronization must be done in turn – first one earphone is paired, and then the second.
Benefits:
- Affordable device cost;
- High quality workmanship and assembly;
- Extended functional side of the device;
- Attractive appearance of the device.
Disadvantages:
- Synchronization with a smartphone takes a relatively long time.
Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds
5. Creative Outlier Air Sports
Ideal for sports enthusiasts and businessmen. The kit contains everything you need for comfortable use of the product. The charging block is made of high-strength aluminum alloy, it is equipped with stiffeners, so it can easily withstand even significant physical exertion. The kit comes with a special armlet, which will be really indispensable for active training. The process of setting up and connecting the device to a smartphone is very simple. Each of the earbuds has a single key with wide functionality: double-click switches the track, allows you to answer a phone call, single-click starts playing the melody, pauses it. Headphones work based on the Bluetooth 5.0 wireless module. Pairing takes a few seconds, the connection is quite stable, not interrupted.
The charging case is made quite original – it is equipped with a pull-out compartment, where the headphones will fit, which are placed in special trays equipped with magnets. The total battery life is 30 hours, with a single battery charge in the headphones will last approximately 10 hours – this is one of the highest rates in today’s market. The frequency range and power are impressive, thanks in large part to the presence of a graphene diaphragm. All frequencies are heard clearly, no dips in the range were found. The sound is clear and deep, including at high frequencies.
Benefits:
- Fits comfortably in the ears;
- Reliable protection against splash water and dust;
- Original case shape;
- Wide functionality of the device;
- Excellent sound;
- Long battery life.
Disadvantages:
- Headphone buttons must be pressed with considerable force;
- The LED indication cannot be switched off.
Creative Outlier Air Sports
4. Nokia True Wireless
Simple and easy to use with long battery life. Their body is small in size and light in weight. Most of the body is made on the basis of aluminum alloy, but the backs are made of high-quality plastic. They are marked with the corresponding logo, and there is also a microphone hole. Everything you need for comfortable use is included in the kit – these are the headphones themselves, a USB Type-C charging cable, a cylindrical case is a docking station. They come with a couple more silicone tips. At the bottom of the case, you can find LED indicators that will report the amount of remaining charge. The headphone trays are tight, so you need to place them there carefully so that the jacks exactly match the connectors. Otherwise, the charge will not flow to the devices.
Only the right earbud can be used as a completely stand-alone device, since the left one is synchronized with it, and not with a smartphone, so it cannot work separately. It connects to the device via Bluetooth 5, the case is protected from water ingress according to the IPX4 standard, but dust protection is not provided. The device works with almost all existing codecs. They hold securely in the ears, do not pop out even with significant physical activity, and there are no special devices for this – this was achieved through well-thought-out ergonomics.
Benefits:
- Excellent sound quality;
- Long battery life;
- Handy and comfortable carrying case;
- Ergonomically shaped for a snug fit in the ear.
Disadvantages:
- The headphones are connected to each other, so you can’t use the left one without the right one.
Nokia True Wireless in-ear headphones
3. INTERSTEP SBH-520
Opens the top three leaders in our review of the best wireless in-ear headphones, a fairly stylish and durable model. The upper part of the product is made of a special transparent plastic with a matte coating, which protects products well from fingerprints and dust accumulation. The headphones are stand-alone stations that can be used independently of each other. Each of them has its own built-in battery. The device has a small leg, due to which you can immerse the earpiece to the selected channel depth, without any discomfort. The charging case has a compact overall dimensions, so it can be carried in a jacket pocket or in a bag. The battery life is quite long, the batteries are charged in just two hours.
You can listen to music of various genres without affecting the sound quality. Connection to a mobile device is carried out instantly, no interference was noticed. You can use one of the earphones as a microphone to ensure high-definition speech when talking on a mobile phone. High frequencies are played very cleanly, no interference occurs. There is an active noise reduction system, ergonomics are also at a high level, so you can listen to music at maximum volume without causing discomfort to others.
Advantages:
- Compact dimensions;
- Acceptable cost;
- Light weight;
- Fit snugly in the ears;
- Connect to external devices automatically;
- Attractive design;
- Available in several colors.
Disadvantages:
- No voice assistant;
- Some codecs are not supported.
INTERSTEP SBH-520 Wireless Headphones
2. JBL TUNE 120 TWS
Developed by a world-famous company that has long been engaged in the manufacture and sale of acoustic equipment. The owners of these headphones note their rather large overall dimensions – these are one of the largest devices in our entire review. At first glance, in general, it may seem that they simply do not fit in the auricles, but this impression is erroneous. They hold quite tightly, their shape is carefully thought out, but the ear pads should be selected as carefully as possible. Each earpiece sits neatly in the curves of the auricle, but does not cling to them. Despite the fact that there are no temples here, the model holds tightly, which allows you to engage in even active sports, such as running, lifting the barbell, and so on.
The right earpiece has a built-in microphone, but it is located on the top of the model, so you have to take it out of your ear and put it up to your mouth to talk on the phone. Each device has an LED indication of battery status, as well as control buttons. They are rubber, they have a very short stroke. The case is made of two types of plastic – matte gray on the back and lacquered white on the outside. The case is equipped with a built-in battery with indication. Pairs with any smartphone almost instantly via Bluetooth 5.0.
Advantages:
- Bright and very beautiful appearance;
- Very comfortable to wear despite being large;
- Well thought out soundproofing and noise reduction system;
- Can be used as a headset;
- Voice assistant available;
- Excellent workmanship.
Drawbacks:
- Good value;
- The body of the headphones still protrudes a little beyond the ear shells.
JBL TUNE 120 TWS in-ear headphones
1. AC Robin Echo
We finally made it to #1 in our best wireless in-ear headphones. This product works on the basis of a reinforcing radiator, thanks to which it was possible to achieve the most clear and balanced sound in the widest frequency range. No distortion was observed during listening. Connection with an external device is provided by the Bluetooth 5. 0 module, which provides not only a stable connection with a smartphone, but also a very fast data transfer. The case is very comfortable, the headphones can be easily worn for a long time.
The metal carrying case for the Echo headphones is equipped with a high-capacity battery – it can provide a significant battery life: up to 100 hours of listening or 15 headphone full charge cycles. The headphones themselves will work up to 7 hours without recharging. Headphones meet the IP67 standard, which provides excellent protection against sand, water, dust. This allows you to use AC Robin Echo in any weather, including heavy rain and severe frosts. Headphones look quite stylish, the case is partly made of high-quality metal, and the rest is made of reliable plastic, resistant to various physical influences.
Benefits:
- Fit snugly in the ears;
- Very stylish and modern look;
- Well-designed active noise cancellation system;
- High quality workmanship;
- Fast data transfer;
- Acceptable cost of the device.
Flaws:
- The plastic is a bit flimsy.
wireless in-ear headphones AC Robin Echo
In conclusion useful video
Our roundup of the best wireless in-ear headphones for 2023 has come to an end. We hope that the information we have collected will be enough for you to be able to choose the most suitable model for yourself. If you still have any questions, or if you want to share your experience with us and other readers using this product, then comments on this article are at your complete disposal.
TOP 19 Best 9 Wireless Earbuds0001 Soundtrack
If you decide to purchase wireless in-ear headphones, you must be sure of their sound impeccability. It is unlikely that you are ready to put up with bad sound, giving a decent amount for a product. The sound must be of high quality and accurately reproduce both high and low notes, not forgetting the bass.
Frequency response is another important criterion for determining which frequencies the earbuds are capable of reproducing. They are measured in Hz and typically cover audible spectrum from 20 to 20,000 Hz. It is important to consider that these data undergo significant changes depending on the age of the person. The older we are, the lower our ability to perceive high frequencies.
Also pay attention to the volume level that a new pair of headphones is ready to give you. After all, very often bad reviews about such products are formed precisely because of insufficient volume. It’s good if the model you choose supports the equalizer setting via a mobile application so that you adapt the sound to your own preferences.
If you want to use the earbuds for sports, make sure they are suitable. That is, whether they will stay in the ears with intense movements. Otherwise, it may be difficult for you to focus on your workout, because the headphones will have to be adjusted all the time. Therefore, we advise you to choose a model made of quality materials and ergonomically shaped.
This criterion also includes the ability to manage. And if you don’t like the sensor, because it can be accidentally pressed when adjusting the earpiece or putting on a hat, look for a device with mechanical buttons.
Due to the short battery life of wireless headphones, the fast charging feature can be important for many users. It is usually found in premium models and allows you to reduce the charging time to 15-30 minutes . If you are often on the road, we recommend that you pay attention to the possibility of using this function so as not to waste time. By the way, wireless charging will also be a huge plus.
It is also important to look at the weight and dimensions of the headphones, because wearing heavy accessories in your ears for several hours is a real challenge.