Today’s generation is fond of using wireless earplugs to listen to music or answer calls. This is not just because it is aesthetic but also because it is convenient while doing other things anywhere, whether exercising or simply sitting in a public space. This article will delve into five earbuds that have been tested and proven top-notch. Read further and learn with our best wireless earbuds tips.
Wireless Earbuds
As over-ear wireless headphones give way to wireless earbuds, we’ve extensively tested numerous options to determine the best ones in 2024. Since Apple introduced its iconic AirPods in 2016, earbuds have surged in popularity, leading to the question: Which wireless earbuds reign supreme this year?
The stakes are high, considering the immense sales volume of “true wireless” earbuds in recent years. Surpassing traditional wireless headphones in 2020, they now account for 59% of intelligent personal audio shipments, as tech market analysts Canalys reported. While Apple’s AirPods generated over $10 billion in revenue in 2021 alone, there may be better options. Here’s a sneak peek at our top five picks, with total reviews provided below.
A Quick Look at the Top Wireless Earbuds of 2024:
- Best Overall: Sony WF-1000XM5 – Ideal for Music Lovers
- Best Value: Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW – Affordable Excellence
- Best for iPhone Users: Apple AirPods Pro – Seamless Integration
- Best for Samsung Users: Galaxy Buds2 Pro – Tailored Performance
- Best for Noise Cancellation: Bose QuietComfort II – Superior Noise Isolation
What are the top-notch, top-notch sound quality?
There’s been a noticeable shift away from Apple’s dominance when selecting the finest earbuds in terms of audio quality. Recently, other brands have emerged as frontrunners in Bluetooth headphones, prioritizing sound excellence. With their Galaxy Buds series, Giants like Samsung and revered audio companies such as Technics have made significant strides in the wireless earphone market, crafting products tailored to deliver unparalleled audio experiences.
As an individual deeply immersed in headphones, I must confess to harbouring initial scepticism towards these advancements. With a longstanding penchant for high-fidelity audio, I found the initial Airpods could have been more impressive regarding sound reproduction. However, the landscape has since evolved, and today’s top-tier wireless buds stand toe-to-toe with traditional over-the-head Bluetooth cans, offering exceptional audio quality.
Nevertheless, achieving the pinnacle of audio performance with your earbuds necessitates some degree of investigation. The presence of various codecs, acting as intermediary software facilitating data transmission from your smartphone to your headphones, holds significant sway over sound quality. Peruse the FAQ section below for a deeper dive into this topic and a comprehensive exploration of other critical features such as weight, battery longevity, water resistance, and noise-cancelling capabilities.
Best Wireless Earbuds Tips: 5 Pinnacles of Audio Performance!
Top Pick: Sony WF-1000XM5
Price: £231.66 on Amazon
Rating: 10/10
Why We Like Them: These earbuds’ audio performance isn’t exceptional, making them a must-have for any music enthusiast.
What We Don’t Like: They are slightly bulkier than their main competitors.
Key Features:
- Battery Life: 8 hours
- Weight: 6g each
- Water Resistance: IPX4 (rain resistant)
- Noise Cancelling: Yes
- Bluetooth Codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC
- Reviewed by Rob Waugh
The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds redefine what’s possible regarding sound quality, delivering rich bass and intricate detail that surpasses all other options in this category. With these earbuds, I rediscovered nuances in my favourite tunes that I had previously overlooked. Sony, a brand renowned for its expertise in audio technology, has once again demonstrated its mastery with these earbuds.
While there are a few drawbacks, the absence of Apt-X codec support may disappoint some users, although Sony compensates with its high-quality LDAC codec. Setting up LDAC requires some tinkering with your phone settings, but the effort is worth it for the superior sound experience. Additionally, although these earbuds are slightly bulkier than their counterparts, Sony has reduced their size and weight compared to previous models, resulting in improved comfort during extended use. With enhanced noise cancellation and intuitive touch controls, the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds offer an unparalleled listening experience that elevates the enjoyment of music for audiophiles everywhere.
Apple AirPods Pro
Price: £207.92 on Amazon
Rating: 9/10
Why We Like Them: Airpods Pro embodies Apple’s iconic design, delivering an exceptional user experience.
What We Don’t Like: They lack compatibility with premium Bluetooth codecs, limiting their audio quality.
Key Features:
- Battery Life: 8 hours
- Weight: 5g each
- Water Resistance: IPX4
- Noise Cancelling: Yes
- Bluetooth Codecs: SBC, AAC
- Reviewed by Rob Waugh
Apple revolutionized the wireless earbud market with the introduction of Airpods, and the Airpods Pro represent the pinnacle of their design and technology. While previous iterations may have lagged in sound quality, the Airpods Pro 2 boasts significant improvements in audio performance, delivering lifelike sound with precision. However, their inability to support advanced Bluetooth codecs like Apt-X may leave audiophiles wanting more musical detail.
Like all Apple products, the AirPods Pro offers seamless integration with iOS devices, ensuring a smooth and intuitive user experience. Features such as automatic pairing, pause-on-removal functionality, and customizable noise-cancelling settings enhance usability. Apple’s Spatial Audio technology also provides an immersive listening experience, simulating surround sound on the move. Despite their audio limitations, the Airpods Pro remains a top choice for users seeking stylish design and effortless functionality in their wireless earbuds.
Galaxy Buds2 Pro
Price: £219 on Samsung
Rating: 9/10
Why We Like Them: Exceptional sound quality when paired with Samsung phones.
What We Don’t Like: Limited functionality for iPhone users.
Key Features:
- Battery Life: 5 hours
- Weight: 5.5g each
- Water Resistance: IPX7
- Noise Cancelling: Yes
- Bluetooth Codecs: SBC, AAC, Samsung Seamless
- Reviewed by Rob Waugh
Taking a page from Apple’s playbook, Samsung reserves some of the Galaxy Buds2 Pro’s best features exclusively for Samsung phone users. The earbuds deliver remarkably crisp sound quality through Samsung’s proprietary codec, Samsung Seamless, elevating the listening experience for Samsung enthusiasts. However, users of other devices are relegated to the less impressive SBC or AAC codecs, highlighting the earbuds’ limited compatibility with non-Samsung products.
Despite its audio prowess on Samsung devices, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro must improve bass reproduction when connected to other equipment. However, its performance in the higher frequency ranges remains pleasingly melodic. The earbuds boast tech-savvy features such as notifications readout and voice control via Samsung devices, offering a futuristic touch to the user experience. While an excellent choice for Samsung phone owners, iPhone users may find the lack of dedicated app support discouraging.
Beats Fit Pro
Price: £220 at John Lewis
Rating: 9/10
Why We Like Them: Seamlessly integrates with iPhone for convenient controls and spatial audio.
What We Don’t Like: Bass-heavy sound profiles may only suit some music genres.
Key Features:
- Battery endurance: 6 hours on a single charge, extendable up to 24 hours with the charging case.
- Weight: 5.6g each
- Water Resistance: IPX4
- Noise Cancelling: Yes
- Bluetooth Codecs: 5.0, AAC, SBC
- Reviewed by Simon Lewis
Since Apple acquired Beats in 2014, the Beats Fit Pro has become a go-to choice for iPhone users seeking a rugged alternative to AirPods. Seamlessly integrated with the iOS ecosystem, these earbuds offer on-screen controls that allow users to toggle between active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and Apple’s Spatial Audio feature. Additionally, the battery indicator on the iPhone displays the battery levels of both the Beats and their charging case, enhancing user convenience.
Known for its bass-centric sound signature, the Beats Fit Pro excels in genres like hip-hop and dance, although rock enthusiasts may find the bass performance overpowering. However, the boosted vocal clarity makes them ideal for podcast and news listening, especially in transparency mode, which enhances outdoor safety by allowing users to remain aware of their surroundings. With secure rubber wingtips that ensure a snug fit during workouts, the Beats Fit Pro is famous for fitness enthusiasts and runners seeking reliable earbuds that stay put during vigorous activities.
Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW
Price: £49.99 at HMV
Rating: 8/10
Why We Like Them: Exceptional value for money, offering impressive audio quality at an affordable price.
What We Don’t Like: Lack of advanced Bluetooth codecs and noise-cancelling features.
Key Features:
- Battery longevity: 6.5 hours on a single charge, extendable up to 13.5 hours with the charging case.
- Weight: 5.2g each
- Water Resistance: IPX4
- Noise Cancelling: No
- Bluetooth Codecs: 5.0, SBC
- Reviewed by Rob Waugh
Audio-Technica, renowned for crafting high-quality headphones, delivers another winner with the ATH-SQ1TW. Despite being budget-friendly, these wireless earbuds offer impressive sound quality, particularly in the bass department, surpassing many competitors in this price range. While they lack advanced features like Apt-X codec support and noise-cancelling capabilities, the overall performance remains commendable.
Although the design may not be as sleek as more premium options, the ATH-SQ1TW provides excellent audio performance for the price, making them an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable wireless earbuds.
Conclusion:
The widespread adoption of wireless earbuds for music playback and communication reflects the modern generation’s preference for convenience and versatility in their tech gadgets. The five earbuds discussed in this article represent the pinnacle of wireless audio technology, each offering unique features tailored to diverse user needs. From Sony’s unparalleled sound quality to Apple’s seamless integration with iOS devices, Samsung’s exclusive codec for Galaxy phone users, Beats’ bass-centric performance ideal for fitness enthusiasts, to Audio-Technica’s exceptional value proposition, there’s a pair of earbuds for every preference and budget. As wireless earbuds continue to evolve, prioritizing sound quality, comfort, and functionality, users can look forward to an even more immersive and enjoyable listening experience in the future.
