Joybuy Insights

Choosing wireless earbuds: what should you look for when listening to music, making calls and exercising?

Wireless earbuds often look similar, but they can differ significantly in fit, battery life, microphones and water resistance. A low price can be tempting, while a model with active noise cancellation may prove unnecessarily expensive if you mainly make calls at home.

The most common buying mistakes come down to three pitfalls:

  • Misunderstanding long battery life: the listening time of the earbuds is not the same as the total listening time with the charging case.
  • Confusing water resistance with waterproofing: an IPX4 or IPX5 rating is designed for splashes or sweat, not swimming.
  • Assuming ANC figures guarantee silence: figures such as 49 or 50 dB come from product specifications or brand communications. Your actual experience also depends on fit, the frequency of the surrounding noise and the smartphone you use.

The key specifications of Bluetooth earbuds

1. Fit and comfort

True wireless earbuds sit in your ears without any cables. That’s practical, but a good fit is essential. Check which sizes of silicone tips are included, the weight of each earbud and the shape of the housing.

In-ear models generally block out more surrounding noise than open wireless earbuds. That can be useful on the train, but less so if you need to hear traffic or cyclists when you’re out and about. An ear hook, as found on the Soundcore AeroFit Pro, can provide extra security when running or working out.

2. ANC, transparency mode and call quality

Active noise cancellation, also known as ANC, uses microphones and electronics to reduce surrounding noise. It’s particularly effective against constant sounds, such as train engines or aircraft noise. Voices and sudden sounds may not be filtered out completely.

For phone calls, multiple microphones, wind-noise reduction and a good fit are important. Also check whether the model supports multipoint if, for example, you want to connect a laptop and smartphone at the same time. According to its product specifications, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 has three microphones, a VPU sensor and a multipoint connection.

3. Battery life and charging options

Always compare these three figures:

  1. Listening time on a single full charge.
  2. Total listening time with the charging case.
  3. Listening time with ANC switched on.

For example, the Sony WF-C710N is listed with up to 30 hours with noise cancelling and 40 hours without, including the charging case. The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro is listed with up to 10 hours between charges and up to 40 hours with the case. These figures depend on volume, codec, connection and features.

A USB-C port is now a practical feature for everyday use. Wireless charging is handy, but not essential if you usually use a cable.

Water-resistant earbuds: how to read the IP rating

The IP code indicates how well a product is protected against dust and water. Don’t rely on the marketing copy alone; check the full rating:

  • IPX4: resistant to splashes. Suitable for light rain or everyday use, but not for submersion.
  • IPX5: resistant to water jets under the relevant test conditions. Sweat and light rain are less likely to be a problem, but swimming is still out.
  • IP55: limited protection against dust and resistance to water jets. After exercising, check that the earbuds and charging contacts are dry.
  • IP57: a higher level of water protection according to the product specifications, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and don’t charge damp earbuds.

A charging case may have a different level of protection from the earbuds. This matters if you put your sports earbuds straight back in the case after use.

Product choices for different situations

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Baseus Bass EP10 Pro in-ear true wireless earbuds

Baseus Bass EP10 Pro In-Ear True Wireless Earbuds Moon White

Why it suits this type of user: This model combines ANC and USB-C with a stated total battery life of 55 hours, and supports SBC, AAC and LDAC. That makes it a practical starting point for music, commuting and phone calls.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications list 11 hours of listening time per earbud and 55 hours with the charging case separately. They also state an IP55 rating, which does not protect against submersion.

Key benefit & highlights

Adaptive hybrid ANC, six microphones according to the product specifications, LDAC and USB-C.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Sony WF-1000XM5 true wireless earbuds

Sony WF-1000XM5 True Wireless Earbuds with Noise Cancelling - Silver

Why it suits this type of user: A good choice if you travel frequently, listen to music closely and want to adjust settings in an app. The listed features focus on ANC, multipoint and quick recharging.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The listing gives a battery life of 8 hours with ANC, 12 hours without ANC and 24 hours with the charging case. This makes it easier to estimate how long you can use them in practice.

Key benefit & highlights

LDAC, multipoint, USB-C, IPX4 and a stated quick-charge feature that provides 60 minutes of listening after 3 minutes of charging.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive users
Soundcore AeroFit Pro wireless ear-hook headphones

Soundcore AeroFit Pro Wireless Ear-Hook Headphones

Why it suits this type of user: The ear hook is designed for anyone looking for a secure fit during sport, walking or an active working day. The design lets in more surrounding sound than a fully sealed in-ear model.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The IPX5 rating is more informative than simply calling them “sports earbuds”, but it does not protect against submersion. The ear hook also reduces the risk of an earbud falling out as you move.

Key benefit & highlights

Bluetooth 5.3, support for AAC, LDAC and SBC, physical buttons and up to 14 hours of continuous playback according to the product specifications.

Suitable for: Samsung users
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro true wireless earbuds

Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro True Wireless In-Ear Earbuds

Why it suits this type of user: According to the product specifications, this model is a good match for anyone with multiple Galaxy devices who wants ANC, 360 Audio and wireless charging.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The stated figures distinguish between 6 hours with ANC and 7 hours without ANC, with up to 26 or 30 hours including the case.

Key benefit & highlights

IP57, Bluetooth 6.1 according to the listing, six microphones, 2-way speakers and support for wireless charging.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about wireless earbuds

How do I connect wireless earbuds to my smartphone?

Open the charging case, switch on Bluetooth on your smartphone and select the name of the earbuds. The first time you connect, you may need to press and hold a button on the case. Then check the brand’s app for firmware updates and additional settings.

How long do wireless earbuds last?

Their lifespan depends on charging cycles, storage, moisture and how you use them. Battery capacity decreases over time. Keep your earbuds dry, clean the charging contacts carefully and avoid leaving them to charge for long periods in high temperatures. A model with a charging case remains practical as long as both the earbuds and the built-in battery are working properly.

Are more expensive ANC earbuds always good for calls?

Not necessarily. Check the number of microphones, wind-noise reduction, multipoint support and how they work with your smartphone. ANC is mainly designed to reduce surrounding noise while you listen; call quality depends on other components. So compare the full product specifications rather than looking only at the ANC figure.