Joybuy Insights

Choosing wireless in-ear earbuds: how to avoid a poor purchase

Wireless in-ear earbuds are useful for music, phone calls, travelling and sport. However, a long list of features does not automatically mean that a model will suit your everyday use. For example, earbuds may promise many hours of battery life but feel uncomfortable to wear. Noise cancelling is also sometimes mentioned without clear context, even though there is a major difference between active noise cancellation and passive noise isolation.

Pay particular attention to these three common pitfalls:

  1. The wrong fit: if the earbuds do not seal properly, sound quality will suffer and they may come loose while walking or exercising.
  2. Confusion about battery life: the stated playback time often applies per charge, not to total use with the charging case.
  3. An overly broad interpretation of water resistance: an IP rating indicates a specific level of protection. IPX4, for example, does not mean that a product is suitable for submersion.

Which specifications are important?

1. Fit and wearing comfort

With wireless in-ear earbuds, the silicone tips partially seal the ear. So check whether several sizes of ear tips are included. According to the product information, the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC and Liberty 4 Pro come with additional ear tips. This makes it easier to adjust the fit.

For sports, an ear hook or secure design can be useful. The Anker Sport X20 is intended for activities including sports and has controls on the earbuds. According to the manufacturer, the Sony LinkBuds Fit uses an ear hook and cushion design. Fit is personal: adjust the left and right earbuds properly before judging the sound quality.

2. IP rating for rain and sweat

The IP code consists of numbers, or an X and a number. The first part generally refers to protection against solid particles; the second part refers to water. The available product specifications include:

  • IP54: protection against dust and splashing water according to the product listing, as with the Anker P30i.
  • IPX4: splash-resistant, as with the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC and Sony LinkBuds Fit.
  • IPX5: protection against water jets according to the stated classification, as with the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro.
  • IP68: the highest stated classification in this selection, listed for the Anker Sport X20.

An IP rating does not automatically make a product suitable for swimming. Always follow the instructions and avoid charging the earbuds or case when they are damp.

3. Microphones, Bluetooth and battery life

For earbuds for calls and music, microphones and the processing of ambient sound are important. However, the number of microphones is no guarantee of perfect call quality. According to the product information, the Liberty 4 NC and Liberty 4 Pro have six microphones, while the Anker P30i has four. The final call quality also depends on wind, network connection, phone and software.

Also check the Bluetooth version and supported profiles. The P30i lists Bluetooth 5.4, while the Liberty 4 NC lists Bluetooth 5.3 and the LDAC profile. Compatibility with your smartphone remains more important than the version number alone.

The stated battery life ranges from approximately 7 to 12 hours per charge in this selection. The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC and Liberty 4 Pro offer up to 10 hours; the Sport X20 offers up to 12 hours. The Sony LinkBuds Fit offers 8 hours without noise cancellation and 5.5 hours with noise cancellation. ANC can therefore affect battery life. Also check whether a charging case and a USB-C cable are included.

Our recommendations by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Anker P30i wireless in-ear headset

Anker P30i Wireless In-Ear Headset

Why it suits this profile: This model is designed for everyday listening and calls without a long list of specialised features. The earbuds have Bluetooth 5.4 and touch controls, and come with a USB-C cable and charging case.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications list IP54, four microphones and up to 10 hours of playback. This makes it easy to compare protection, call capabilities and battery life in concrete terms.

Key benefit & highlights

Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C, touch controls, four microphones and a charging case.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro

Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro

Why it suits this profile: This model combines ANC, a two-way speaker system, USB-C and wireless charging. Its features are particularly well suited to users who value audio settings and a more extensive ecosystem.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The IP57 rating does not mean you can swim with them. The product information states protection against dust and splashing water; use and charging should reflect this.

Key benefit & highlights

ANC, six microphones, Bluetooth 6.1 according to the product specification, USB-C and wireless charging.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
Anker Sport X20 wireless in-ear headset

Anker Sport X20 Wireless In-Ear Headset

Why it suits this profile: According to the product specification, the Sport X20 is designed for sports, everyday use and calls. Its stated IP68 rating and battery life of up to 12 hours suit users who are often on the move or physically active.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Water and sweat resistance are linked to a specific IP code. Still, check the manufacturer's conditions and keep the charging case dry.

Key benefit & highlights

IP68 according to the product listing, up to 12 hours of playback and controls for volume and playback.

Suitable for: Travellers and users seeking peace and quiet
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC wireless in-ear earbuds

Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Wireless In-Ear Earbuds

Why it suits this profile: This model lists active noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.3, six microphones and up to 10 hours of playback. According to Soundcore's own information, the ANC function adapts to your surroundings; check the actual performance with your device and usage.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Alongside ANC, the product information lists IPX4, USB-C, additional ear tips and a charging case. This clearly specifies important aspects of everyday use.

Key benefit & highlights

ANC according to the product listing, LDAC profile, six microphones and up to 10 hours of audio per charge.

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.

Frequently asked questions about wireless in-ear earbuds

How do I connect Bluetooth earbuds to my phone?

First, charge the earbuds and put them into pairing mode. Then open your phone's Bluetooth settings and select the headset's name. Some true wireless earbuds require a companion app for additional settings. If the connection does not work, remove the old pairing and try again.

How long do wireless earbuds last?

Battery capacity decreases over time. Lifespan depends on charging cycles, temperature, volume and usage. Store the earbuds in the charging case, keep the contact points clean and avoid leaving the battery completely flat for long periods. Also check whether replacement parts or the case are available.

Are noise-cancelling earbuds suitable for calls?

They can be, but ANC is primarily designed to reduce ambient noise while listening. For calls, microphones, wind filtering, the phone connection and software are at least as important. So do not compare only the ANC function; also consider the number of microphones and the intended use stated in the product specifications.