Choosing wireless earbuds: how to avoid a bad buy

Wireless earbuds are handy for listening to music, making calls, travelling, exercising and working from home. But a long list of features means little if they’re uncomfortable to wear, the battery life doesn’t match everyday use or the water-resistance rating is misunderstood.

Watch out for these common pitfalls:

• A high ANC figure without clear context: a claim such as “up to -50 dB” doesn’t guarantee that every sound will disappear completely. The result depends on the fit, your surroundings and the frequency of the sound.
• Confusing waterproof with splash-resistant: an IPX4 or IP55 rating doesn’t mean the earbuds are suitable for swimming. Always check the exact IP rating and the manufacturer’s warnings.
• Battery life without details of how it was tested: manufacturers often quote the maximum playback time at a certain volume, with specific features switched off. ANC, phone calls and high volume can reduce battery life.
• The wrong fit: in-ear models won’t fit every ear equally well. A poor seal can affect sound quality and noise-cancelling performance. Open-ear or over-ear models may be more practical if you want to stay aware of your surroundings.

Which specifications matter?

1. Connection and compatibility

Most Bluetooth earbuds use a Bluetooth profile for listening to music and making calls. Bluetooth 5.3, 5.4 or 6.0 mainly tells you about the connection standard; on its own, it doesn’t guarantee better sound or a longer range.

Also check for:

• Support for Android, iOS, laptops or gaming consoles.
• Multipoint if you want to switch between, for example, your phone and laptop.
• A microphone and call noise-reduction features.
• Codec support, such as SBC, AAC or LDAC. LDAC only works at its best if your source device supports it too.

For a gaming headset, the connection also matters. A 2.4GHz dongle may offer different latency from Bluetooth with certain computers and consoles. Check that the connection method you want is compatible with your device.

2. Battery life and charging

Check two figures: the playback time of the earbuds themselves and the total playback time with the charging case. A model with long battery life is useful for commuting, studying and travelling, but always compare figures based on the same testing method.

Fast charging can come in handy if you often forget to charge your earbuds. Also check whether a USB-C cable is included and how long a full charge takes. Don’t leave lithium batteries in extreme heat unnecessarily, and use suitable charging accessories.

3. Comfort, protection and intended use

For sports earbuds, a secure fit and an appropriate IP rating are often more important than extra audio features. According to Sony’s product information, IPX4 protects against splashes, but isn’t intended for submersion. Baseus lists IP55 splash resistance for the Bass EP10 Pro; that doesn’t make it a swimming headset.

An open-ear model can be comfortable for running because it doesn’t cover your ears completely. Over-ear Bluetooth headphones usually have larger ear cups and a headband, but take up more room when travelling. For long listening sessions, weight, cushioning and adjustability are therefore worth checking.

Our recommendations for different needs

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

HTC NE20 Wireless AI Language Translation Earbuds

Why it suits this profile: This TWS model is designed for everyday listening, calls, work, study and exercise. The LED indicator on the charging case shows the charging status.

How this product avoids the pitfalls

The product information lists Bluetooth 5.4, touch controls and a built-in microphone. It advises checking the specific water-resistance rating before exposing the earbuds to water.

Key benefits and features

Bluetooth 5.4, LED charging indicator, touch controls and microphone. According to the product description, a translation feature is available through a compatible mobile app.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless

Why it suits this profile: These over-ear Bluetooth headphones are well suited to long listening sessions, travelling and working from home. According to the product description, the headband and ear cushions are designed for extended wear.

How this product avoids the pitfalls

The stated battery life is up to 60 hours. The product information also makes clear that this model isn’t water-resistant, so you won’t accidentally use it as sports headphones.

Key benefits and features

Up to 60 hours of playback, adaptive noise cancellation, Transparency Mode, four microphones and Bluetooth. A wired connection is also listed.

Suitable for: Specific needs and intensive use

Mojawa HaptiFit Terra Advanced Smart Sports Wearable

Why it suits this profile: The open-ear design with bone conduction is intended for workouts, running and other activities where you don’t want to be completely cut off from your surroundings.

How this product avoids the pitfalls

An open-ear model means you don’t have to rely solely on passive isolation or ANC. If you plan to use it while swimming, be sure to check the exact water-resistance information before buying.

Key benefits and features

Open-ear bone conduction, Bluetooth, microphone and built-in 32 GB MP3 storage, according to the product name.

Frequently asked questions about wireless earbuds

How do I pair Bluetooth earbuds with my phone?

Charge the earbuds and case first. Then open your phone’s Bluetooth settings, put the earbuds into pairing mode and select the correct product name. If your model has an app, you may find extra settings, firmware updates or equaliser features there.

How long do wireless earbuds last?

Battery capacity decreases over time, depending on charging cycles, temperature and use. Store the earbuds in their charging case, avoid prolonged exposure to heat and don’t use damaged cables. In practice, playback time is usually shorter when ANC, phone calls or high volume are used continuously.

Are noise-cancelling earbuds suitable for cycling?

ANC earbuds can reduce surrounding noise, making you less aware of traffic. Don’t use them while cycling, driving or in other situations where you need to hear traffic clearly. For outdoor exercise, an open-ear model may be a better choice, depending on your surroundings and local rules.