This article was initially published on Mashable for a US audience and has been modified for a UK audience.
Everyone knows the hassle of dealing with tangled headphones. It’s like an absurd riddle that we have to figure out every single day. It’s the burden that comes with having wired headphones.
Perhaps this explains why top audio brands have largely moved away from the traditional headphone jack and focused on nearly exclusive wireless audio. That, along with the constantly advancing technology. It’s no surprise that wireless earbuds have grown in popularity and transformed into an essential tech accessory for those with busy and active lifestyles.
And “lifestyle” is indeed the key term. Because headphones and earbuds represent a lifestyle choice — there’s a set available for everyone and every lifestyle. Which provides great variety but can complicate the decision-making process when selecting the ideal pair for you. We’ve simplified it a bit by conducting research and compiling the finest wireless earbuds available.
What are wireless earbuds?
Similar to regular wired earbuds, these compact devices fit comfortably within your ear’s concha (the shell-like cavity adjacent to the entrance of your ear canal) and transmit digital audio signals through a wireless connection.
What is true wireless?
True wireless is a term you’ll frequently encounter when exploring and purchasing earbuds. Technically, earbuds are categorized into several types. For example, “wireless” earbuds link to one another via a cord, whereas “true wireless” ones are completely cord-free — they operate independently of one another and your device. True wireless headphones can utilize various wireless technologies to deliver sound to your ears. The most prevalent type is Bluetooth.
With brands and consumers preferring true wireless options, we’ve followed the trend — all the earbuds featured in this collection are true wireless.
Are earbuds better than headphones?
If you value portability and a more affordable price, you may lean towards wireless earbuds instead of their on-ear equivalents (wireless headphones). Fortunately for you, Apple is no longer the sole major brand manufacturing them. From Bose to Beats, nearly every audio brand now offers a variety of wireless earbud products.
Headphones are typically regarded as the preferred option for dedicated audiophiles. However, there are earbuds designed for superior sound quality that can rival over-ear headphones at a similar price range. Wireless sound quality can be influenced by factors such as the distance and obstacles between your headphones and device, as well as the codec software that your headphones support.
What are Bluetooth codecs?
Codecs are algorithms that encode and decode digital audio signals. Seek out earbuds with low latency (the time it takes for the sound to reach your ears) and support for Qualcomm’s aptX codecs. These are the best and most current codecs — especially for streaming video content and ensuring the image and audio remain synchronized. This is crucial if you’re a Netflix fan or have a penchant for Prime.
What is noise cancellation?
Noise cancellation is another significant feature in high-tech headphones. There are two types of noise cancellation — passive and active noise cancelling. Passive noise cancellation occurs through the headphone design, which may physically prevent external noise. Active noise cancellation (ANC)