The Best Wireless Earbuds Buying Guide: how to choose, plus our top recommendations

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Erin Lawrence

Erin Lawrence

Sony Link Buds Review, open earbuds

Sony Link Buds.

If you’re shopping for headphones or earbuds to connect to your phone, tablet, or computer, you know there’s a ton of choice out there. How can you choose the best wireless earbuds for your specific situation? It helps to be armed with information on how to choose earbuds effectively. In this post, we will cover the most frequently asked questions about wireless earbuds and share some of our favourites from the many pairs we have reviewed.

What are truly wireless earbuds?

Truly wireless earbuds are a type of headphones that are 100% free from cables and wires. These earbuds usually feature two separate buds (one for each ear) that pair with each other wirelessly, allowing you to listen to music or take calls without having to worry about cords getting in the way.

This type of technology allows for a much more comfortable and convenient listening experience. Most truly wireless earbuds feature Bluetooth technology, meaning that you can easily connect them to your device of choice to play music or take calls. With truly wireless earbuds, you don’t have to worry about wires getting tangled up or snagging on things as you’re out and about – you can just enjoy your music without a care in the world!

What’s the difference between wireless earbuds and wireless headphones?

The main difference between wireless earbuds and wireless headphones is the physical design. Wireless earbuds usually feature two separate buds that fit snugly in your ears, while wireless headphones cover the entire outer part of your ear connected by a band that goes across the top of your head.

Wireless earbuds vs wireless headphones

Wireless earbuds (left) vs wireless headphones (right).

While both types of devices are designed to provide a hands-free listening experience, truly wireless earbuds tend to be more convenient and comfortable due to their smaller size and lighter weight.

What are the advantages of wireless earbuds?

  • More portable as it comes in a compact package with charging case to keep things all together.
  • No wires or cords that could get tangled up in your bag or pockets.
  • Snug in-ear fit keeps outside noise out so you can focus on your music.
  • They typically cost less than wireless headphones with the same features.

What are the disadvantages?

  • Small design makes it easy to drop, lose or misplace.
  • They can’t hold long charges because of how small they are.
  • Some true wireless earbuds designs are not meant for active lifestyles as they tend to fall of during intense activities such as running.

What qualities should I look for in the best wireless earbuds?

  1. Sound Quality – make sure that you get earbuds that produce clear and balanced audio with good bass response.
  2. Battery life – look for earbuds that have the battery life to get you through a full day of listening.
  3. Comfort – make sure that the design fits your ears comfortably and snugly.
  4. Water resistance – if you’re planning on using them outdoors or in moisture-filled environments, look for earbuds with an IPX rating so that you know that they’ll be protected against sweat and water.
  5. Price – find a pair of earbuds that fit your budget and has the features you need.

What are the differences in fit, style and comfort?

When it comes to fit and comfort, there are various styles of wireless earbuds available. Traditional in-ear buds feature a design that fits snugly into the ear canal, while open ear designs allow for more “breathing room” and less pressure on the ears.

AirPods Pro making an odd rattling, clicking or popping noise? You may have a big problem. Here's how to fix it + what to do if you can't:

AirPods Pro.

Apple, for example, offers in-ear buds in the form of the Airpods Pro and the open-ear design with its basic Airpods.

An earbud’s physical size also plays a part in a lot of people’s purchase decisions. Bigger designs can accommodate larger sound drivers but tends to be heavier making it unstable to wear. They also often jut out of the ear which isn’t desirable for a lot of people since you can look a little like Frankenstein, or they can get caught on hats, hoods, etc.

Some models come with additional tips or fins that can help to secure the fit even further. For those who prefer a more discreet look, there are also smaller earbud designs available that are barely visible when worn. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what kind of comfort level you’re looking for while wearing your earbuds.

Do wireless earbuds fall out when running? How do I keep true-wireless earbuds from falling out of my ears?

It depends on the type of earbuds you’re using. Truly wireless earbuds may be prone to falling out if they don’t fit your ears properly, or if they are too heavy. If you’re going to be using your wireless earbuds for various athletic pursuits, look for models that are marketed as active, sport, or fitness earbuds.

jabra, elite, active, 75t, 85t, review, how, earbuds, headphonesThese active styles of earbuds often have extra silicone grips and fins or loops that can help stabilize them in your ear better. (You can also find aftermarket stabilizing/anti-slip options on Amazon too if you’ve already bought but are struggling).

Do I need noise cancellation in wireless earbuds?

Noise cancellation is not always necessary in wireless earbuds. Some earbuds even have such good quality ear tips that it can double as earplugs, passively blocking out unwanted noise from contaminating your music.

However, active noise-cancellation (ANC) can be beneficial in certain situations. If you’re looking for better sound quality or want to block out background noise while listening to music or trying to focus on work, then active noise cancellation may be a good option for you. Additionally, if you plan on using the earbuds in loud environments, such as on a plane or in a noisy office, noise cancellation can help to reduce the overall sound level.

Just look out for your budget as ANC earbuds tend to cost a lot more than ones without it.

Which brand of wireless earbuds is best?

It’s difficult to say which brand of wireless earbuds is best, as it ultimately depends on personal preference and budget. However, some popular brands that consistently produce quality products include Bose, Sony, Sennheiser, JBL and Jabra.

Apple’s own AirPods line of products are considered to be one of the top choices when it comes to truly wireless earbuds.

It’s difficult to say which brand is the best for an individual as personal preferences in music and purpose for the earbuds plays a huge part in any wireless earbud purchase. For example, Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless may have class-leading music quality but some would argue that its ANC is not up to par with the likes of the Airpods Pro and the Sony WF1000XM4.

How do earbuds work with your phone?

Most earbuds will work with your phone by connecting via Bluetooth. Once the connection is established, you should be able to play music or make calls from your device without any issues. Additionally, some models may also feature additional features such as voice commands or integrated audio controls for added convenience.

jabra, elite, active, 75t, 85t, review, how, earbuds, headphonesHigher-end earbuds, however, offer other connectivity benefits such as lossless codecs,  AAC, aptX, or LDAC support which can improve sound quality and reduce latency. Depending on the model and brand, you may also find additional features such as active noise cancellation or auto-pairing available.

Are cheap wireless earbuds worth it?

Cheap wireless earbuds may not offer the best sound quality, but they can still be a good option for certain situations. For instance, if you’re looking for something that’s easy to use and won’t break the bank, then cheap earbuds might be worth considering.

They could also be a great choice for children or teenagers who are prone to losing their earbuds, or for taking on a trip where you don’t want to risk damaging more expensive models. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what kind of use you plan on getting out of them.

Best wireless earbuds from our reviews

How do you chose the right pair of earbuds for you and your personal tastes? We’ve reviewed each of the earbuds below to help you narrow down your list of best wireless earbuds.

Bose QuietComfort II Earbuds

Bose QC 2 II earbuds

Bose recently released the Bose QuietComfort II Earbuds, which offer the “world’s best noise cancellation”, a smaller size than the previous version, and a CustomTune Audio feature that calibrates the audio and noise cancellation settings precisely. The earbuds have a sweat and water resistance rating of IPX4, making them great for use during heavy cardio and other exercises. They also come with a Bose Fit Kit that offers 3 different sizes of silicone ear tips. The earbuds are powered by Bluetooth 5.3 and have a range of about 9 meters, while their battery life is up to 6 hours on one charge, and the charging case provides 3 additional charges. This is an excellent choice for people who value noise-canceling, comfort, and sound quality. Check out the full review of Bose QC II here.

Pros:

  • High-quality sound: The Bose QC II Earbuds provide excellent sound quality, with deep bass and clear treble notes, making them ideal for music lovers.
  • Easy-to-use touch controls: The touch controls on the earbuds are intuitive and responsive, allowing users to control playback and calls without having to reach for their phone.
  • Comfortable and secure fit: The earbuds come with 3 different sizes of silicone ear tips, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit for most users.

Cons:

  • Expensive: The Bose QC II Earbuds are costly compared to other earbuds on the market, which could be a turn-off for some potential buyers.
  • No wireless charging: Unlike some other premium earbuds, the QC II Earbuds don’t support wireless charging, which may be inconvenient for users who prefer this method.
  • Limited color options: While the earbuds come in two different colors, triple black and soapstone, this may not be enough variety for some users who prefer more options to choose from.

 

Sennheiser Sport

Sennheiser sport, wireless, review

The Sennheiser Sport true wireless earbuds (full review) are designed to cater to people who lead an active lifestyle. The earbuds come with water and dust resistance (IP54 rated) and feature Sennheiser’s “TrueResponse dynamic, 7 mm diameter drivers”. They have an Adaptable Acoustics feature that can adjust the ear tips to allow for ambient noise or provide immersive audio experiences. The earbuds do not have noise cancellation and lack fast or Qi wireless charging. While the sound quality is fantastic, with outstanding bass, and clear vocals, the size of the earbuds and the difficulty of getting a comfortable fit are a drawback.

Pros:

  • Excellent Sound Quality: The Sennheiser Sport True Wireless Earbuds have strong audio technology with 7mm diameter drivers that deliver outstanding bass, clear vocals, and delicate highs. The sound quality is on par with Sennheiser’s other premium earbuds.
  • Water and Dust Resistance: These earbuds are rated IP54, which means they are resistant to dust, sweat, and splashes. They are perfect for outdoor activities and sports.
  • Adaptable Acoustics: The earbuds come with two types of ear tips, open or aware, and closed or focus. The companion app allows you to tailor the sound experience to your preferences.

Cons:

  • Challenging Fit: The earbuds are quite large and can be a challenge to fit into the ear canal properly. The ear fins provided with the earbuds are also a bit big, making them uncomfortable for some users.
  • No Noise Cancellation: Despite the Adaptable Acoustics feature, the earbuds do not have active noise cancellation or an ambient mode. This can be a drawback for those who want to use them in noisy environments.
  • No Wireless Charging: The earbuds do not support fast or Qi wireless charging, which can be a drawback for some users who prefer the convenience of wireless charging.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 true wireless earbuds

Bowers Wilkins, PI7, wireless, earbuds, rewview

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 true wireless earbuds are stylish, well-designed, and easy to set up, as you’ll see in the full review. The earbuds are secure, with different ear tip sizes included in the box. The sound quality is impressive, with a well-balanced bass and vibrant sound across different music genres. The earbuds are IP54 waterproof and dust-resistant, making them durable. The headphones’ noise cancellation is good, and the pass-through feature allows some external audio control. The headphones’ wear-sensing feature automatically stops the music when you remove an earbud. The earbuds have touch controls and can connect wirelessly to various devices, such as a TV, with the included USB-C or 3.5 mm aux cable.

Pros:

  • Excellent Sound Quality: The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 true wireless earbuds produce well-balanced and nuanced sound, with vibrant bass and no discernible lean towards either the high or low end. The overall listening experience is impressive.
  • Durable and Attractive Design: The IP54 waterproof and dust-resistant rating makes these earbuds durable, and the sleek and minimalist design with brushed metal elements gives them a high-end look and feel.
  • Streaming Connections/Audio Retransmission: These headphones allow you to connect wirelessly to audio from other source devices, like a laptop or TV streaming box, and pipe it directly into your headphones using the included USB-C or 3.5 mm aux cable. The charging case also acts as a streaming dongle, making it an absolute game-changer for anyone who wants to listen to the TV without disturbing others.

Cons:

  • Price: The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 true wireless earbuds are quite expensive, which may be a barrier for some consumers.
  • Noise Cancellation: The noise cancellation on the PI7 headphones is either on or off and doesn’t offer any levels of adjustment. While it is effective at blocking out external sounds, it’s not as customizable as some other noise-canceling headphones.
  • Limited Touch Controls: The touch controls on the earbuds are somewhat limited, with only a few functions available such as play/pause, skip, and answering calls. Some users may miss additional touch controls like volume adjustment or song rewinding.

Apple AirPods Pro (1st Gen)

apple airpods pro

The Apple AirPods Pro is a highly recommended purchase for its exceptionally balanced sound quality, customizable fit, and noise-cancellation feature. The AirPods Pro (1st Gen) provides a comfortable fit that stays secure, and the new shape with silicone ear tips ensures proper noise isolation. The active noise cancellation feature blocks out most external noise and makes it easy to focus on work, writing, or phone calls. The Transparency mode is seamless and effective, allowing the listener to hear background noise while listening to music, calls, and other audio. AirPods Pro for sure is a significant upgrade from the previous model. We have not yet gone hands on with the new AirPods Pro Gen 2… mainly because of problems and glitches with these ones.

Pros:

  • Supreme Comfort: These headphones are extremely comfortable to wear, even for extended periods, making them a great choice for conference calls, Zoom meetings, and more.
  • Active Noise Cancellation: The ANC technology in the AirPods Pro can effectively block out external noise, making it easy to focus on work, music, or calls.
  • Seamless Integration: As a major Apple user, the seamless integration between Apple products is a major advantage of the AirPods Pro. Switching between devices is easy and the audio quality is consistently good.

Cons:

  • Slippery Design: The AirPods Pro has a super rounded shape that can be difficult to grip, making it hard to pull them out of the case.
  • Cost: The AirPods Pro is more expensive than other wireless earbuds on the market, making them less accessible to some consumers.
  • Limited Sound Customization: While the AirPods Pro has a switch for EQ, the options for customization are limited. Users who want more control over the sound quality may be disappointed.
  • They break! Thousands of users report major connectivity and sound problems with AirPods Pro. Read here about some of the common causes of problems with AirPods Pro and how to fix them.

Edifier NeoBuds Pro

edifier neobuds pro, review, audio, sound music, quality

The Edifier NeoBuds Pro wireless earbuds are a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive options, with decent sound quality and noise cancellation. The earbuds come with 7 sets of ear tips for a perfect fit and a charging case with a glowing red LED. They have an IP54 rating and are resistant to sweat and light rain. The earbuds use Bluetooth 5.0 for connectivity and offer a battery life of up to 5-6 hours with ANC enabled. The Edifier app allows users to manage ANC, ambient sound, EQ, and Game Mode. However, the noise canceling feature is not as strong as expected, and the ambient mode has a loud hiss. Read the full Edifier NeoBuds Pro review on the blog here.

Pros:

  • Affordable: The Edifier NeoBuds Pro offers high-quality sound and great noise cancellation at a lower price point compared to more expensive earbuds.
  • Stylish and Comfortable: The earbuds have a sleek design with long V-shaped stems, and come with 7 sets of different-sized ear tips for a comfortable fit.
  • Good Sound Quality: The NeoBuds Pro delivers reasonably well-balanced sound with powerful bass, and Bluetooth 5.0 allows for better connectivity and longer battery life.

Cons:

  • Lacklustre Noise Cancellation: While the NeoBuds Pro uses 3 microphones in each earbud to assist with active noise cancellation, it is not as strong as some other earbuds on the market, and the ambient sound mode comes with a loud hiss.
  • Ambient mode has a loud hiss: The ambient sound mode designed to allow some outside noise to pass through to your ears comes with a loud hiss, making it less desirable to use.
  • Limited Features: The earbuds may not offer as many features as more expensive earbuds, such as wireless charging, and the ANC and ambient sound modes can only be managed through the Edifier app.

Amazon Echo Buds 2nd gen

Amazon echo buds, review, canada

The Amazon Echo Buds 2nd Gen wireless earbuds come with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Pass-through features, adjustable on a slider bar in the Alexa app. The buds are made of soft plastic with smooth rounded edges and come with different options to ensure a good fit. The Alexa app lets users customize the tap controls, adjust Side tone, view battery life, and more. With a 5.7 mm high-performance driver in each earbud, the sound quality is balanced and solid. The always-on microphones give users voice access to Alexa. The ANC works well in blocking out external noise.

Pros:

  • Active Noise Cancellation: The Echo Buds offer impressive active noise cancellation (ANC) technology that blocks out external noise, making them a great option for those who want to enjoy their music or phone calls without any distractions.
  • Alexa Integration: These earbuds have Alexa integration, allowing users to access the full range of Alexa’s features with just their voice. Users can play music, listen to podcasts, or ask for directions without ever having to take out their phones.
  • Comfortable and Secure Fit: The Echo Buds come with multiple ear tips and silicone covers to ensure a comfortable and secure fit for all ear sizes. The shortened nozzle design also helps to reduce ear pressure and increase comfort during extended use.

Cons:

  • Limited Device Compatibility: Although the Echo Buds can pair with any device that supports Bluetooth, users need to have a smartphone with the Alexa app installed to access all of its features, including the voice assistant.
  • Unresponsive Touch Controls: The touch controls on the Echo Buds can be unresponsive or inconsistent at times, which can be frustrating for users trying to pause or skip a track.
  • Buzzy Bass: While the sound quality of the Echo Buds is good overall, some users may find that the bass is a bit buzzy. However, this can be remedied using the equalizer settings in the Alexa app.

Tribit Flybuds 3

TRIBIT FLYBUDS REVIEW, flybuds 3, 100H

The Tribit Flybuds 3 truly wireless earbuds  (full review) offer a lot for their $39 price tag, with a huge battery life of 100 hours and a charging case that also doubles as a power bank for your phone. The earbuds have a basic design but are attractive and fit comfortably with silicone ear tips and fins. They connect quickly and easily via Bluetooth 5.0 with low latency. Sound quality is good for the price, with strong bass and clear vocals, although there is not much depth or intricacy. The on-bud touch controls and independent buttons on the charging case are also convenient features.

Pros:

  • Budget-friendly: The Tribit Flybuds 3 earbuds are priced at $39USD/$55CAD, which is very affordable compared to other truly wireless earbuds on the market.
  • Long battery life: With a total battery life of 100 hours, these earbuds offer about 20 days of listening without having to recharge, making them ideal for extended use.
  • Touch controls: The on-bud touch controls are a great feature that is typically only found in higher-end headphones, making the Tribit Flybuds 3 a great value for the price.

Cons:

  • Flat Sound Profile: While the sound quality of the Tribit Flybuds 3 is decent for the price, it is not as dynamic or nuanced as the sound quality of higher-end headphones. It has a relatively flat sound profile that is lacking in resonance and complexity, which may not be ideal for audiophiles or those seeking a more immersive audio experience.
  • Design: While the design of the earbuds is basic and unobtrusive, some users may find the large charging and storage case bulky and inconvenient to carry around.
  • Connectivity: Although the earbuds use Bluetooth 5.0 technology for a stable and uninterrupted connection, some users may experience occasional connection issues or latency.

Jabra Elite Active 75t & Jabra Elite 85t

jabra, elite, active, 75t, 85t, review, how, earbuds, headphones

The Jabra Elite Active 75t and Jabra Elite 85t truly wireless earbuds are similar in appearance and have common features such as fast charging, Qi wireless charging, auto power on/off, and the ability to fine-tune using the Jabra Sound+ app. Both have Active Noise Cancelling and HearThrough technology. The Elite Active 75t is waterproof, dust and sweat-resistant, and has a longer battery life, making it suitable for athletic use. The Elite 85t has 6 mics with wind protection, making it suitable for constant conference and video callers. The earbuds fit comfortably and sound great, while both ANC and HearThrough features work well. See the full review and comparison here.

Pros:

  • Great Sound Quality: Both Jabra Elite Active 75t and Jabra Elite 85t offer great sound quality. The bass is strong and resonant, and the music is well-balanced, with or without HearThrough.
  • Active Noise Cancelling (ANC): Both earbuds come with ANC, which can help block out outside sounds such as lawnmowers, TV sounds, or distracting noise, providing an immersive listening experience.
  • App Features: The Jabra Sound+ app provides detailed battery information, equalizer settings, noise-cancellation, HearThrough, and a library of nature sounds to help relax and concentrate.

Cons:

  • Price: Both earbuds come at a premium price, which can be a turnoff for those looking for a more affordable option.
  • Battery Life: While the Jabra Elite Active 75t offers a longer battery life of 7.5 hours, the Jabra Elite 85t provides 5.5 hours on a single charge.
  • Fit: The teardrop shape of the earbuds might not fit well for everyone, especially those with smaller ear conchas or ear canals, which may cause discomfort during extended usage.

LG Tone Free truly wireless earbuds with UV sanitizing

LG , tone, free, wireless, earbuds, headphones, review, uv, sanitizing, self cleaning

The LG Tone Free HBS-FN6 earbuds have a unique self-cleaning technology using an industry-first ‘UVnano’ charging case that can kill 99.9% of bacteria on the part of the earbud closest to the inner ear. As you’ll learn in the full review, the earbuds have good sound quality and use Meridian technology, which delivers high-quality audio. The earbuds also have Ambient Mode and are IPX4 splash-resistant, making them durable. The earbuds are easy to set up, have a long battery life, fast charging, and can charge wirelessly on a Qi charging pad. Overall, the LG Tone Free earbuds are great for people looking for high-quality, durable, and hygienic earbuds.

Pros:

  • Self-Cleaning with UV Light: The LG Tone Free earbuds have a unique feature of self-cleaning with the help of UV light. The charging case is equipped with UVnano technology, which kills 99.9% of bacteria on the part of the earbud closest to your inner ear. This is an important feature in the current pandemic situation.
  • Great Sound Quality: These earbuds use Meridian sound technology to deliver high-quality audio with clear and well-balanced sound, good bass, and plenty of detail.
  • Long Battery Life and Fast Charging: The earbuds provide up to 21 hours of total battery life when using the charging case, with an average of 6 hours of power in the earbuds and 15 additional hours from the case. The case also provides lightning-fast charging, giving you one whole hour of playback after just 5 minutes. Plus, you can charge them wirelessly on your Qi charging pad.

Cons:

  • Expensive: The LG Tone Free earbuds are relatively expensive compared to other similar earbuds in the market.
  • Ambient Mode Audio Quality: The overall audio quality coming in with LG Tone Free Ambient Mode does sound a little hollow and odd.
  • Limited UV Sanitizing Effectiveness: While LG claims that the UV sanitizing feature kills 99.9% of bacteria, there is no independent verification or a way to verify this claim. The effectiveness may vary depending on the type of bacteria and the duration of exposure to the UV light.

Audio-Technica ATH-CK3TW

audio technica, ath-ck3tw, headphones, earbuds, wireless

The Audio-Technica ATH-CK3TW (full review) truly wireless earbuds offer Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, IPX2 water resistance, and up to 6 hours of battery life, with an additional 24 hours of juice in the charging case. The touch controls work well, and the headphones sound great with clear call quality. However, the in-ear detection feature didn’t work properly for the reviewer, and the earbuds’ oval shape didn’t sit comfortably in the ear. The Audio-Technica app does not work with this model, but the touch controls are responsive. Overall, this a good choice for sports and music enthusiasts looking for wireless earbuds under $150CAD.

Pros:

  • Good Audio Quality: The Audio-Technica ATH-CK3TW earbuds produce a well-balanced and even sound with strong bass. The call quality is also great, thanks to the Qualcomm Clear Voice Capture technology.
  • Strong Battery Life: The earbuds provide 6 hours of use on a full charge, with an additional 24 hours of power in the charging case. The charging case also has a USB-C battery jack when you need to recharge.
  • Touch Controls Work Well: The touch controls on the earbuds are easy to use and responsive. They allow you to play/pause and skip tracks easily.

Cons:

  • Faulty In-Ear Detection Feature: The automatic in-ear detection feature that is supposed to play/pause your music if you take them out of your ears doesn’t work as expected.
  • App Doesn’t Work with the Headphones: The Audio Technica app doesn’t work with this model of earbuds, which means you won’t find any extra controls or access to the Find my Headphones/Product Finder feature.
  • Fit and Feel: The oval shape of the earbuds doesn’t sit into the ear concha well, and they feel top-heavy and lean out of the ears despite getting a good seal with the proper ear tips.

Beats Fit Pro

Beats Fit pro, kim kardashian, reviewThe Beats Fit Pro x Kim Kardashian earbuds are similar to the standard Beats Fit Pro but feature custom colors. The earbuds have a subtle and hip design, with angled wingtips and a “b” logo. They come with a USB-C charging cable, ear tips, and a quick start guide. The buds are comfortable to wear and have touch controls that allow you to play, pause, skip forward or backward, and change between noise cancellation and transparency modes. The sound quality is well-balanced, and the bass is rich. The Beats Fit Pro uses the same Apple H1 chip as the AirPods, supports Bluetooth 5.0, and works seamlessly with both Apple and Android devices.

Pros:

  • Comfortable Fit: The silicone fin tucks easily into the ear, creating a secure fit that’s great for athletes or anyone on the go.
  • Great Sound Quality: Despite being marketed as fitness earbuds, the Beats Fit Pro x Kim Kardashian earbuds have well-balanced, resonant sound with surprisingly booming bass.
  • Easy Set-Up: Pairing with Apple devices is incredibly easy and only takes a few seconds.

Cons: 

  • Battery life: The battery life of these earbuds is average, which means you may need to charge them frequently.
  • No wireless charging: These earbuds do not have wireless charging capabilities, and you need to charge them using the USB-C to USB-C charging cable provided in the box.
  • Higher Price Point: The Beats Fit Pro x Kim Kardashian earbuds are more expensive than other earbuds with similar features.

Oladance Wearable Stereo Open Ear headphones

Oladance Wearable Stereo ReviewOladance Wearable Stereo Open Ear headphones (full review here) are a great option for those who prioritize comfort and flexibility. The soft, flexible design allows for a comfortable fit for a variety of ear sizes and shapes. These headphones are also water-resistant with an IPX4 rating, making them ideal for running or commuting. The open ear design allows for listening to audio without completely blocking out the world around you. The sound quality is impressive, with fullness and great balance, and the bass is full. At $179USD, they are a bit pricey, but worth it for their unique features.

Pros:

  • Open ear design: Oladance Wearable Stereo earbuds allow you to be aware of your surroundings while listening to music or audio, making them great for running, commuting, or keeping an ear on kids.
  • Great sound quality: These headphones provide a full and balanced sound with a surprisingly full bass.
  • Long battery life: The battery can last up to 16 hours on a single charge and recharging takes only 90 minutes to 2 hours.

Cons:

  • Expensive: The regular price of Oladance Wearable Stereo headphones is $179USD, which may be too expensive for some.
  • Limited noise-cancellation: Because of the open ear design, these headphones may not be ideal for noisy environments where you need to block out external sound completely.
  • Connectivity Issues: There have been some issues with these headphones dropping out or only one earpiece connecting. It takes time to reconnect them, and firmware updates are required to address these issues.

Sony Link Buds review

Sony Link Buds Review, open earbudsThe Sony Link Buds are open-ear wireless earbuds that allow users to hear their music and surroundings at the same time. These earbuds are unique because they don’t block or cover the ear canal. They are also water-resistant, lightweight, and come with touch controls that respond when you tap your face. The Link Buds are comfortable and fit well, with almost no sound bleed. However, they don’t have noise-cancelling features or adjustable hear-through, and most background noise is muted to a moderate level. The sound quality is excellent, with great bass and a balanced overall sound. Read the full Sony Link Buds review here.

Pros:

  • Unique Open Ring Driver: Sony’s unique open ring driver delivers clear phone calls and music while allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings, it’s comfortable to wear, with a good fit and almost completely flush with your ear. They are also discreet and can be worn while sleeping or during daily activities without drawing attention.
  • Wide Area Tap Touch Controls: The touch controls on the Sony Link Buds are innovative and convenient, allowing you to control music playback by tapping your jaw in front of either ear. This feature works well and is more responsive than traditional touch controls.
  • Excellent Audio Quality: The sound quality of the Sony Link Buds is excellent, with balanced levels, clear vocals, and good bass. They are suitable for listening to various types of music and provide an immersive listening experience.

Cons:

  • Not Ideal for Loud Environments: Due to the lack of noise cancellation, the Sony Link Buds may not be suitable for use in loud environments such as airports or construction sites, where the background noise may interfere with music playback.
  • Price: The Sony Link Buds are relatively expensive compared to other wireless earbuds on the market, which may be a drawback for budget-conscious shoppers.
  • Limited Battery Life: The battery life of the Sony Link Buds is relatively short, with only around 6 hours of playback time on a single charge. This may not be sufficient for long listening sessions or travel.

 

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Erin Lawrence

Erin Lawrence

I'm a journalist, tech blogger, writer, TV producer, silversmith& jewelry designer, foodie and world traveler. I blog, write for publications, and supply freelance writing services to Calgary, and the world.

5 Comments

  1. Ayesha Khan on October 3, 2023 at 10:24 am

    I have used your earbuds, and they are excellent! The experience was very good, and the sound quality is impressive.

  2. Khan Muhammad on March 5, 2023 at 10:36 pm

    Nice

  3. dyaaallawijr on March 5, 2023 at 10:02 pm

    Thank you Erin!

  4. Vidyadhar on March 3, 2023 at 11:54 pm

    Try the JLabs JBuds Airpro, they have multipoint bluetooth connectivity. Cheers!

    • Erin L on March 9, 2023 at 10:56 am

      Thanks for the suggestion!

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