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True wireless earbuds are more popular than ever before, but there are so many options out there that it can be difficult to choose which one to buy, especially if you’re new to this product category. While wireless headphones may have first been used primarily as a fitness accessory, the increased number of features on today’s models makes them just as good for watching TV, going to the movies, working out at the gym, or just hanging out at home with friends. With that in mind, here are 10 tips for choosing the right truly wireless earbuds to suit your specific needs and lifestyle!
1) Decide your budget first
How much are you willing to spend on a pair of truly wireless earbuds? If you’re looking for an entry-level pair, we recommend spending at least $50 to $100. Cheap, low-quality pairs can be easily lost or damaged, making them inconvenient and frustrating. Quality over quantity is our motto here. You should also consider what your ears require—some people just need a basic earbud while others require a certain shape or size that isn’t always standard with every pair. You don’t want to shell out hundreds of dollars only to realize your new buds aren’t going to work with your ears!
2) Know your own requirements
First, before you look at any of your options, ask yourself what your priority is. If you’re going to be working out and need earbuds that are sweatproof, then go with those over ones that aren’t. If you don’t care about water damage but value bass, then choose something else. These are just a few of many factors to consider when choosing wireless earbuds—knowing what matters most to you can help narrow down your choices and save time in making a decision.
3) There is no best pair, only what fits you best
There are a lot of truly wireless earbuds on sale these days, but one size does not fit all. Some people swear by Apple’s AirPods while others like Bose SoundSport Free or Samsung’s IconX. In addition to being comfortable, there are other factors you should consider when buying a pair. For example, if you listen to music frequently at high volumes, you may want noise-canceling earbuds. Otherwise, make sure your headphones aren’t too bulky or light in order to ensure that they don’t fall out of your ears during exercise and that they don’t hurt your ears after a few hours (or minutes) of use.
4) Check if they are sweat-proof or waterproof
Waterproof means they can handle getting splashed or immersed in water, while sweat-proof usually just means they’re resistant to some amount of sweat. You don’t want your earbuds to short out during a run, so make sure you check if they are indeed sweat-proof or waterproof. Some truly wireless earbuds are water-resistant, but not waterproof; if you’re looking for earbuds that can withstand a full swim session, look at those specifically marketed as waterproof. Otherwise, be safe and get something guaranteed to hold up under water—it may cost more but it will save you from losing your investment.
5) Read customer reviews from reputable sources
While there are many trustworthy sites out there, it’s also a good idea to read reviews from people who actually purchased and used your product. While not all online reviews can be trusted, they do provide one way of gauging overall opinions on a product. Plus, reading a few well-written ones can give you ideas about how to approach some of your own content. It’s worth noting that manufacturers sometimes write negative reviews themselves or pay others to do so; for example, earlier in 2017 Koss was discovered to have posted one-star reviews of its competitors’ headphones on Amazon. This is why it’s important to read reviews from multiple sources.
6) Can you return them?
Most retailers have generous return policies, but be sure to check. You’ll also want to see what fees you may incur if you do decide to send them back. Some companies charge restocking fees or require you to pay to ship back (which isn’t much better). Most companies will let you keep any accessories that came with your order too. It’s a good idea to ask questions before taking home your new earbuds – and if something seems sketchy, don’t buy them! Check out customer reviews on places like Amazon as well before taking home truly wireless earbuds.
7) Try them out yourself before buying
If you’re buying true wireless earbuds, then your first point of reference should be trying them out. If they don’t fit comfortably, then they aren’t worth investing in. For example, you may find that some brands are more comfortable and natural to wear, while others just fall out easily or cause irritation. There is no right answer when it comes to truly wireless earbud comfort; all ears are different so what works for one person won’t necessarily work for another. Try before you buy if possible so that you know what your personal experience will be like long-term with a given brand and model before making a purchase decision.
8) Who do I recommend? You decide!
If you know exactly what you’re looking for—no need to be more specific than that—then, by all means, check out our guide to choosing a pair of truly wireless earbuds. If, however, you aren’t sold on a particular feature (or brand) just yet, it might help to read a few recommendations from The Wirecutter. They tested dozens of headphones over hundreds of hours and narrowed their picks down to just five. I won’t tell you which pair to buy but I will say The Wirecutter is worth a look if you want some unbiased input on your purchase.
