Joybuy Insights

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

Wireless earbuds are handy for listening to music and podcasts, making calls and travelling. But a long product list tells you little about how they’ll perform in everyday use. A low price may be tempting, but a poor fit, limited microphone performance or disappointing battery life can quickly make a purchase impractical.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I focus on features that can be checked. Look out for these three common pitfalls before you choose:

  • “Long battery life” with no clear testing conditions: playtime is often quoted with the volume turned down, ANC switched off or the charging case included. Check whether the figure applies to one charge of the earbuds or the full set.
  • Noise cancelling that doesn’t suit how you’ll use them: ANC can reduce distracting background noise, but it isn’t the same as complete silence. For cycling or walking, an open design may be more practical.
  • A fit that becomes uncomfortable after a short time: in-ear models seal the ear canal and usually come with different-sized ear tips. Open-ear earbuds sit outside the ear canal, but let in more ambient sound.

The key specifications to consider when choosing wireless earbuds

1. Choose between in-ear, open-ear and over-ear first

True wireless earbuds come as two separate earbuds with a charging case. They’re compact and suitable for everyday use. With in-ear models, a good seal is important for bass and passive noise isolation. Check whether the box includes several sizes of ear tips.

Open-ear earbuds rest next to or around your ear. This means you can stay more aware of traffic, colleagues or fellow travellers. That makes them an interesting choice for walking, commuting and some sports. However, the sound may feel different outdoors than it does with a sealed in-ear model.

An over-ear model, such as the AirPods Max 2, covers your whole ear. It’s a different category from wireless earbuds, but may appeal if comfort during long listening sessions and a spacious sound are important to you.

2. Check battery life per charge

Look for three separate figures:

  1. Playtime from the earbuds themselves
  2. Total playtime with the charging case
  3. Playtime with ANC or spatial audio switched on

According to the product information, the JBL Wave Buds 2 offer up to 40 hours of total playtime with ANC switched off. The same listing gives up to 10 hours from the earbuds themselves. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen are listed with up to 6 hours per full charge. These differences are only useful when you compare the testing conditions.

A quick-charge feature can be just as practical as a large case. For example, the manufacturer states that the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro offers up to 4 hours of playtime after 5 minutes of charging. Always check whether this is a brand claim rather than an independent guarantee for every use case.

3. Look beyond the Bluetooth version and IP rating

Bluetooth 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 or 6.1 tells you which connection technology is used, but it doesn’t tell you on its own how stable the connection will be in your home or on a train. Also check for features such as multipoint, which lets you switch between devices such as a laptop and smartphone.

For sport and rainy weather, the IP rating is relevant:

  • IP54: limited protection against dust and protection against splashes, as defined by the rating.
  • IPX4: protection against splashes, but no guarantee against immersion.
  • IP57: a higher level of protection than IP54, but always follow the product-specific safety instructions.

An IP rating doesn’t make a product suitable for swimming. Dry your earbuds after they’ve been exposed to moisture, and only charge them once the connectors are dry.

Recommended models for different types of user

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Huawei FreeBuds SE 2 Black

Huawei FreeBuds SE 2 Black

Why it suits this profile: A lightweight in-ear model for everyday listening, calls and commuting. The product listing states that each earbud weighs 3.8 grams and features Bluetooth 5.3.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The stated battery life is broken down into up to 9 hours per charge and 40 hours with the case. The listing also specifies IP54 protection against dust and splashes.

Key benefit & highlights

Lightweight design, USB-C charging and up to 40 hours of stated total playtime.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen Deep Plum

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) Deep Plum

Why it suits this profile: Designed for listeners who value active noise cancelling, adjustable sound and a secure fit when travelling or working.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists nine combinations of ear tips and stability bands. This lets you tailor the fit rather than settle for one standard size.

Key benefit & highlights

According to Bose, the model offers ANC, Aware Mode, Bluetooth 5.3, IPX4 and up to 6 hours of playtime.

Suitable for: Specialist needs & intensive users
Baseus Eli Sport 2 Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds Cosmic Black

OS-Baseus Eli Sport 2 Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds Cosmic Black

Why it suits this profile: An open-ear design for walking, light exercise and situations where you want to stay aware of your surroundings.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The open design avoids the pressure of a sealed ear canal. Bear in mind, though, that background noise may affect your listening experience.

Key benefit & highlights

Bluetooth 6.0, USB-C, support for SBC, AAC and LDAC, and around 8 hours of listening at 50% volume according to the specifications.

Suitable for: Frequent callers and multitaskers
JBL Wave Buds 2 Black

JBL Wave Buds 2 - Black

Why it suits this profile: Handy for users who switch between a smartphone and laptop, and want ANC, ambient modes and a charging case with plenty of capacity.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product listing distinguishes between up to 40 hours with ANC off and the ANC, Ambient Aware and TalkThru features. It also mentions multipoint for two devices.

Key benefit & highlights

Four microphones per set according to the product information, IP54 and a USB-C quick-charge feature.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and current European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about wireless earbuds

How do I connect wireless earbuds to my phone?

Charge the earbuds and case first. Then open your smartphone’s Bluetooth settings, put the earbuds into pairing mode and select the product name. Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair or the brand’s app can help with some models. If the connection doesn’t work, remove the previous pairing and try again.

How long do wireless earbuds last?

Battery life per charge is often between a few hours and roughly a full working day. Overall lifespan depends on charging cycles, temperature, moisture, care and software support. Keep the earbuds in their case, clean the charging contacts carefully and avoid prolonged exposure to heat.

Are noise-cancelling earbuds suitable for cycling?

Don’t use active noise cancelling in situations where you need to hear traffic or warning signals clearly. When cycling, choose an open-ear model or transparency mode instead, and be mindful of traffic rules and your surroundings. Also avoid listening at high volume for long periods; safety information from several brands warns that prolonged exposure can cause hearing damage.