Joybuy Insights

Choosing wireless earbuds: specifications and pitfalls to look out for

Wireless earbuds are handy for listening to music, making calls, travelling, working and exercising. However, a long product title tells you little about everyday use. A model with lots of features may be uncomfortable to wear, run out of charge quickly or prove less suitable for cycling and running.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I filter product information for practical details. Before buying Bluetooth earbuds, pay particular attention to the following pitfalls.

Three common pitfalls when choosing wireless earbuds

1. Battery life without clear usage conditions

Packaging may quote a long total battery life, but this figure often includes both the earbuds and the charging case. Active noise cancellation can also reduce playback time. So check each of the following separately:

  • playback time per charge;
  • total usage time with the charging case;
  • whether the stated time applies with or without noise cancellation;
  • the charging connection, such as USB-C or wireless charging;
  • whether fast charging is supported.

For example, the JBL Wave Buds 2 product information states up to 40 hours of total playback when ANC is switched off. The Sony WF-C510 quotes 22 hours including the charging case. These figures are not directly comparable.

2. Misinterpreting an IP rating

IPX4, IPX5 and IP57 do not automatically mean that you can swim while wearing earbuds. The exact level of protection varies by model and situation. Sweat and light rain are different from submersion, chlorinated water or seawater.

Therefore, check the official product information. According to its product specifications, the sanag G6S has an IPX4 rating and is designed for sweat and light rain. The MINISO MS106 is described as having IPX5. The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro is listed with IP57, but the safety information states that the product is not intended for swimming.

3. Confusing ANC with complete silence

Active noise cancellation, or ANC, uses microphones and electronics to reduce background noise. Its effectiveness depends on the fit, the type of sound and the surroundings. Low, consistent sounds such as train or aeroplane noise may be treated differently from voices or sudden sounds.

Brands sometimes describe their own features in confident terms. According to MINISO’s own research, the MS106 can offer up to -50 dB of adaptive noise cancellation. Treat this as a stated product specification, not a guarantee that you will have the same experience in every environment. When dealing with traffic and cycling, staying aware of your surroundings remains important, even when using transparency mode or an open design.

Which specifications really matter?

Fit and wearing style

An in-ear model partially seals the ear canal and may therefore provide a different listening experience from open-ear earbuds. When choosing in-ear earbuds, look for:

  • several sizes of silicone ear tips;
  • the weight of each earbud;
  • the shape of the housing;
  • a secure but comfortable fit.

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 come with five sizes of silicone ear tips and weigh 5.55 grams per earbud according to the product information. This may help you fine-tune the fit. The Sony WF-C510 weighs 4.6 grams per earbud.

Open-ear earbuds, clip-on models and bone conduction headphones leave the ear canal open. This can be comfortable when walking, working in an office or exercising outdoors. Sound isolation is generally different from that of closed in-ear models. Also check whether the model stays securely in place during your usual activities.

Bluetooth and multipoint

Almost all true wireless earbuds work via Bluetooth, but versions and features can vary. Bluetooth 5.3 or 5.4 alone does not tell you everything about range and stability; your phone, obstacles and software also play a role.

Also look for:

  • support for iOS, Android or both;
  • multipoint connectivity for two devices;
  • a companion app;
  • microphones for calls;
  • latency when gaming or watching videos.

The Sony WF-C510 supports multipoint according to its product description. The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro lists Bluetooth 6.1 and automatic switching between Galaxy devices. For Apple users, Apple AirPods may be convenient thanks to their integration with iPhone, Apple Health and Find My, but check in advance which features are available outside the Apple ecosystem.

Microphone, codec and sound features

A wireless earbud model with a microphone is not automatically suitable for long online meetings. Look at the number of microphones, their positioning and any noise reduction for calls.

Specifications such as driver diameter, AAC or SBC codec and frequency range provide useful information, but they do not fully predict how music will sound. An equaliser in the app can help you adjust the sound. The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro lists a two-way speaker system, a 9-band equaliser and six microphones. According to the brand’s own information, this model also supports 24-bit/96 kHz audio.

Recommended choices for different user profiles

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Sony WF-C510 wireless earbuds

Sony WF-C510 Wireless Earbuds, 22h Battery, Multipoint, IPX4 - Black

Why it suits this profile: This model combines a weight of 4.6 grams per earbud with USB-C, multipoint and a stated total battery life of 22 hours including the case. That makes it suitable for everyday listening and commuting.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states the battery life including the charging case and explicitly describes IPX4 as protection against splashes, making the figures easier to interpret.

Key benefit & advantages

Lightweight design, Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint, microphone and USB-C charging.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro

Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro True Wireless in-ear Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

Why it suits this profile: Suitable for Android users looking for ANC, adjustable audio and extensive controls. The stated specifications include six microphones, a two-way speaker system and wireless charging.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details distinguish between 6 hours of playback with ANC and 7 hours without ANC. According to the safety information, the IP57 rating should not be treated as permission to swim while wearing them.

Key benefit & advantages

ANC, 360 Audio, Bluetooth 6.1, IP57 and support for USB-C and wireless charging.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
sanag G6S New Sports Touch Wireless Earphones

sanag G6S New Sports Touch Wireless Earphones

Why it suits this profile: The open-ear hook design is aimed at running, cycling, fitness and outdoor activities. As the ear canal remains open, this wearing style may suit users who prefer less isolation.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description states a weight of approximately 5.6 grams per earbud and IPX4 protection. This makes it clear that the model is intended for sweat and light rain, not submersion.

Key benefit & advantages

Open-ear design, Bluetooth 5.3, touch controls, ENC for calls and approximately 26–48 hours with the case according to the product information.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Practical buying tips for everyday use

  • Choose in-ear for sound isolation and a compact fit.
  • Choose open-ear or bone conduction headphones when you want to remain more aware of your surroundings.
  • Check whether the stated battery life is with or without ANC.
  • Use a charging case and keep the charging contacts dry and clean.
  • Before buying, check compatibility with iOS, Android, Windows or your games console.
  • Do not use earbuds when cycling or driving if you need to hear traffic sounds clearly.
  • Keep the volume at a moderate level and take regular breaks during extended listening.

Frequently asked questions about wireless earbuds

How do I connect wireless earbuds to my phone?

Switch on Bluetooth, open the case and follow the model’s pairing instructions. Some models automatically display a pop-up window on the screen. If that does not work, press and hold the pairing button or touch surface as instructed in the manual, then select the earbuds from the Bluetooth list.

How long do wireless earbuds last?

Battery life per charge varies by model and feature. ANC, volume, phone calls and temperature all affect the battery. The total battery life with the charging case is therefore not the same as the playback time per earbud. The lifespan of the built-in battery also gradually decreases through charging cycles.

Are wireless earbuds suitable for running?

That depends on the fit and the IP rating. Sports earbuds with hooks or an open-ear design may stay more securely in place during movement. IPX4 is suitable for sweat and light rain according to the product information, but not for swimming. When running or cycling, always pay attention to traffic and other sounds around you.