Wireless earbuds are handy for listening to music, taking calls, commuting and exercising. But a long list of features doesn’t automatically mean a better everyday experience. A model packed with impressive-sounding terms can still be uncomfortable, run out of battery quickly or disappoint when you’re on a call.
So, pay particular attention to these three common pitfalls:
In-ear earbuds partially seal the ear with silicone tips. This can help with passive noise isolation and often provides a secure fit. Check whether the earbuds come with different tip sizes. The wrong size can cause pressure, a loose fit or weaker bass.
Open-ear headphones or ear-clip models sit around or outside the ear canal. They feel more open and let in more ambient sound. This can be practical at the office, on a walk or whenever you want to stay alert in traffic. The sound and noise isolation are different from those of closed Bluetooth earbuds, though.
If you mainly listen at home, on the go or at the office, you could also consider wireless over-ear headphones with larger earcups. They offer a different wearing experience and can be suitable for longer listening sessions.
Look at these three figures separately:
According to the product specifications, the Redmi Buds 6 Play offer 7.5 hours of playtime per charge and 36 hours with the charging case. Each earbud weighs 3.6 grams and charges via USB-C. This makes them an interesting option for everyday use, but the IPX4 rating applies only to the earbuds; the charging case is not waterproof.
Long battery life is particularly useful if you travel often or don’t want to charge every day. Just check that the quoted total isn’t only a theoretical figure from the manufacturer. Manufacturers’ own information states that settings such as volume and noise cancellation can affect battery life.
For calls, online meetings and gaming, earbuds with a microphone and a stable Bluetooth connection are important. Bluetooth 5.4 or Bluetooth 6.0 mainly tells you about the connection standard; it doesn’t guarantee clearer calls on its own. Also check how many microphones there are and what information is provided about noise reduction during calls.
For waterproof earbuds, the IP code is the key:
An IP rating doesn’t last forever. Wear, dirt and damage can reduce the level of protection. Only charge a wet case or wet earbuds once all the connectors are dry.
Why it suits this user: A compact option for music, podcasts and calls, without complicated settings. According to the product specifications, each earbud weighs 3.8 grams.
The product specifications list both playtime per charge and total playtime with the charging case. The IP54 rating applies only to the earbuds, so you can take the limits of their water protection into account.
Bluetooth 5.4, 7 hours of playtime per charge, 37 hours with the case, USB-C and SBC/AAC support.
Why it suits this user: Designed for people who value a larger driver, active noise cancellation and customisable features in an app.
The product listing gives separate details for ANC, battery life and the different modes. According to the product information, you can choose Noise Cancelling, Transparency or Off.
12.4mm driver, 49dB ANC according to the product title and up to 42 hours of battery life; USB-C and app settings are also listed.
Why it suits this user: A good fit for sport, commuting and calls, when longer battery life and splash resistance matter.
The product description lists IPX5 and 55 hours of total battery life. IPX5 isn’t suitable for swimming or submersion, and the charging area must be kept dry.
10mm driver, six microphones according to the product description, touch controls and a stated total battery life of 55 hours.
Why it suits this user: The open-ear design may suit the office, walks, light exercise and situations where you don’t want to block out everything around you.
The open design means you don’t have to rely solely on a transparency mode. According to the product description, battery life is up to 25 hours.
Open-ear design, compatibility with Android, iOS and Windows, Wireless 6.0 according to the product listing and up to 25 hours of battery life.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Open the charging case or press and hold the pairing button, then go to Settings > Bluetooth on your smartphone. Select the name of the earbuds. If you’re connecting for the first time, you may need to remove a previously paired device first. Check the manual for the exact steps.
Battery capacity decreases over time. Their practical lifespan depends on charging cycles, heat, moisture and how you use them. Keep the charging case dry, don’t charge it in a damp environment and avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures. You should also avoid listening at high volume for long periods.
An active feature such as ANC can usually drain the battery faster than listening without ANC. The exact effect varies by model and setting. So, check the stated playtime both with and without noise cancellation, if the manufacturer provides that information.