Choosing wireless earbuds: how to find the right pair for you

Wireless earbuds are handy for listening to music, making calls, travelling and working out. Yet many models look much the same at first glance. A low price may be tempting, while a higher Bluetooth version or impressive battery life doesn’t automatically mean a product is right for you.

Look out for these common pitfalls:

• Battery life without a clear explanation: the stated playtime often includes both the earbuds and the charging case. Check the playtime on a single charge, too.
• Misinterpreting water resistance: IPX4, IPX5 and IP54 ratings don’t mean you can swim with the earbuds. What’s more, the rating often applies only to the earbuds, not the case.
• Confusing noise cancelling with noise isolation: active noise cancellation and the passive seal created by silicone ear tips work in different ways. With open-ear earbuds, you’ll hear more of the sounds around you.
• Judging comfort only after buying: in-ear earbuds seal the ear canal, while open-ear earbuds sit on or next to your ear. The fit affects how much sound you can hear and how securely they stay in place.

Which specifications should you check?

1. Bluetooth version and connection

Bluetooth 5.4 earbuds are a practical choice if you’re looking for a recent connection standard, low power consumption and support for modern smartphones. However, a higher version number doesn’t tell you everything about sound quality. The audio codec, phone and software all play a part, too.

For videos and games, synchronisation matters. The product information for the Lenovo LE302 lists Wireless 6.0 and low latency. If you’re gaming, always check whether your phone or computer supports this feature. For everyday listening, calls and commuting, a stable connection is usually more important than the version number alone.

2. Battery life in everyday use

Check three separate details:

1. Earbud playtime on a single charge.
2. Extra charges provided by the charging case.
3. Charging time and whether fast charging is available.

For example, the Redmi Buds 6 Play list 7.5 hours per charge and 36 hours with the case. The REDMI Buds 8 Active offer 7 hours per charge and 37 hours in total. This is more useful than a large total figure on its own, as you’ll know how long you can listen without needing to recharge.

A pair of earbuds with long battery life is handy for long working days and trips. Just check whether the stated battery life was measured at a particular volume or with features such as noise cancelling switched off.

3. Fit, microphone and protection

There are several styles to choose from for everyday use:

• In-ear earbuds: seal the ear canal and often stay firmly in place. They’re suitable for music, calls and commuting.
• Open-ear earbuds: leave your ears unobstructed, helping you stay aware of the sounds around you. This can be useful in the office or while out walking.
• Wireless headphones: cover all or part of your ear and can provide more physical isolation, but are usually larger.

If you make calls often, you could choose earbuds with a microphone and multiple microphones. According to the product description, the MINISO MS106 has six microphones and noise reduction for calls. This is a product claim; how clearly you can be heard also depends on wind, how far you are from your phone and your surroundings.

For working out, the IP rating matters. In practice, IPX4 means protection against splashes, while IPX5 is designed to withstand water jets. Neither rating means the earbuds are suitable for submersion. A charging case may have a different level of protection from the earbuds themselves. Always let the USB-C port dry completely before charging.

Our recommendations for different needs

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Redmi Buds 6 Play White

Why it suits this profile: A compact choice for music, podcasts and phone calls, with no complicated settings. This model uses Bluetooth 5.4 and has a USB-C port.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications list both 7.5 hours per charge and 36 hours with the case. They also clearly state that IPX4 applies only to the earbuds and doesn’t mean they can be submerged.

Key benefit & highlights

Bluetooth 5.4, 10mm dynamic driver, 7.5 hours of playback per charge and ear tips in different sizes included.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality

HONOR Earbuds A Pro

Why it suits this profile: A good fit for listeners who value active noise cancellation, a large driver and app settings for listening to music and travelling.

How this product avoids the pitfall

According to the user information, the controls offer Noise Cancelling, Transparency and Off modes. This lets you adjust the listening mode to suit your surroundings instead of relying on a single setting.

Key benefit & highlights

The product name lists a 12.4 mm driver, up to 49 dB of active noise cancellation and 42 hours of battery life. The app supports EQ and firmware settings.

Suitable for: Specific needs & heavy users

MINISO MS106 Wireless Bluetooth 6.0 Earphones

Why it suits this profile: A good match for people who work out, make frequent calls and use multiple devices. The product information lists an IPX5 rating and the ability to connect to two devices.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The IPX5 rating is more specific than simply calling the earbuds waterproof. This level of protection is designed for sweat and rain, not swimming or submersion.

Key benefit & highlights

According to the product description: up to 55 hours of total battery life, 10 minutes of fast charging for up to 3 hours of playback and a 10 mm driver.

Frequently asked questions about wireless earbuds

How do I connect Bluetooth earbuds to my phone?

Open the Bluetooth settings on your Android phone or iPhone. Put the earbuds into pairing mode, select the product name and confirm the connection. If it doesn’t work, remove any previous pairing and check that the earbuds are sufficiently charged.

How long do wireless earbuds last?

Battery life on a single charge often ranges from a few hours to more than seven hours. Total battery life with the case is higher, but lithium batteries lose capacity over time. Don’t leave the case in extreme heat or cold for long periods, and charge the earbuds using the supplied USB-C cable or another suitable one.

Can you swim with waterproof earbuds?

Usually not. Check the exact IP rating and whether it applies only to the earbuds. IPX4 and IPX5 are generally designed for sweat, splashes or rain. Even with a higher rating, follow the product instructions and keep the case dry. Also, don’t listen at high volume for long periods, or wear earbuds while cycling, driving or crossing the road when you need to hear the sounds around you.