To pair the earphones with your mobile phone, you won’t have to press any buttons whatsoever. Using the Single Mode, you’ll be able to take a call or listen to music in one ear, while having your other ear free to listen to your surroundings. The charging case, with its 500mAh battery, will allow you to recharge the device up to 4 times.
Instructions could have been a bit better
The ENACFIRE E18 serves as a great example of what cordless Bluetooth earphones are all about and what are their biggest strengths and advantages. The sound quality here does not trail behind its wired counterparts, the ergonomics are excellent, and their practicality is practically unrivaled. Easily the best earphones in their price range.
Earbuds fitting, Silicone ear tips (S, M, L) included
Bluetooth 5.0
Built-in microphone, Sweat-resistant IPX4, Charging case (500 mAh) and charging cable included
Up to 4 hours music continuous use a single charge
Up to 10 metres
1 year
Thanks to the digital artX technology and the A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, and HFP profiles, these wireless earbuds provide you with high-quality sound close to that of CD quality audio.
The storage pouch could be of better quality.
The VAVA wireless earbuds will please you with realistic sound, decent autonomous operation and its quick charging capability. The headset has an appealing design with a steel side. It is also lightweight, so you can wear it for a long time without experiencing ear fatigue.
Earbuds fitting, Magnetic Aluminum Design, Silicone ear tips (S, M, L) and Ear Hooks (S, M, L) included
Bluetooth 4.2
IPX6 Splashproof, aptX Stereo, cVc 6.0 Noise Cancelling Mic, Carrying Pouch included
Up to 9 hours music continuous use a single charge
Up to 10 metres
18 months
Supplied with an improved lithium polymer battery, this model gives you up to 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. It complies with the IPx7 code, meaning that the whole thing isn't just sweat-resistant but full-on waterproof. Apart from that and in addition to 3 regular tips, the model comes with memory-foam ear tips.
The over-ear clips are not shapeable, so some may find them a tad uncomfortable.
If you would willingly describe yourself as a fitness enthusiast and need a pair of affordable wireless headphones to support you through the most rigorous workout sessions and long jogs, Mpow Flame may just prove to be your cup of tea. Furthermore, the earphones are great for frequent travelers.
Snug Shallow In-Ear fitting with built-in ear hooks, Regular ear tips (S, M, L) and 1 Pair Memory Foam Ear Tips included
Bluetooth 4.1
IPX7 Water resistant, CVC™ 6.0 noise-reduction technology, Built-in microphone, Built-in control panel, Wire clip, Storage case and charging cable included
Up to 10 hours music continuous use a single charge
Up to 10 metres
18 months
This headset ensures clear, quality and voluminous sound thanks to the included noise reduction technologies. The built-in microphone with a high level of sensitivity guarantees that you will be heard clearly on the other side.
The working time on one full charge might be shorter than stated.
The Linkwitz earbuds with a charging case have a convenient one-button control. They will become your reliable companion during walks, training or on the way to and from work. You won't feel any discomfort even if you wear them for a long time. And thanks to the Single mode, you can use only one earpiece.
Earbuds fitting, Silicone ear tips (S, M, L) included
Bluetooth 5.0
IPX5 Sweat-proof and Rainproof, Mono & Stereo Modes, Built-in microphone, Charging case (350 mAh) included
Up to 4 hours music continuous use a single charge
Up to 10 metres
2 years
The set includes 4 pairs of ultrasoft silicone ear tips in different sizes and 3 pairs of ear fins. They ensure the most comfortable wear of the earbuds even when worn for extended periods of time.
The low battery warning is a bit annoying.
These light and ergonomic Bluetooth earbuds with magnet fastening are Sweat- and Rainproof. They will please you with an amazing sound even in crowded places. They will let you answer calls in the Hands-free mode and enjoy crystal clear sound with no interference.
Earbuds fitting, Magnetic Design, Ultra soft ear tips (XS, S, M, L) and 3 pairs of ear fins included
Bluetooth 4.1
IPX6 Sweatproof, Built-in microphone, Built-in control panel, Zipper case, Two clamps included
Up to 8 hours music continuous use a single charge
Up to 10 metres
1 year
Some Things Ought to be Simple
You know what we like in our wireless earphones? No, not audio quality, although that’s a fair guess and you’re not wrong on that one. What we like most is simplicity. At the end of the day, isn’t it the biggest appeal of wireless technologies? No cords, no wires, no hassle. With that idea in mind, let’s talk about the ENACFIRE E18. What we have here is a pair of earphones that has simplicity as the cornerstone of its design philosophy. To pair this pair (our deepest apologies) with your mobile phone, you won’t have to press any buttons whatsoever. Just pull them out of the charging case and the device automatically appears as the primary Bluetooth option in your smartphone’s Bluetooth menu.
Speaking of the charging case, we really like how small it is. You can easily fit it inside your pocket. The headphones themselves deliver up to 4 hours of continuous playtime and the case will let you charge them 5 times over, so you’ll have 20 hours of music on the road.
Special Modes for Driving and Sharing
Ra's al Ghul in Batman Begins taught the titular character to always mind his surroundings. The people behind these earphones may not agree with the underlying theme of his philosophies but reckon this particular idea has its merits. That’s where the Single Mode comes in. Using this mode, you’ll be able to take a call or listen to music in one ear, while having your other ear free to listen to your surroundings, a particularly useful mode for riding and driving.
Finally, for what is essentially a mid-range device with a price tag below 50 quid, the audio quality here is superb. The bass is powerful and the HD stereo output is crisp and clear. The model is loud enough to block out background noise and the range of 33 feet (10 metres) is more than you need from a device like that. Thanks to that, you can share the earbuds with your family or friends and get the best experience together. And thanks to 3 silicone ear tips in large, medium and small sizes, the earbuds will fit anyone.
Long story short, the ENACFIRE E18 serves as a great example of what cordless Bluetooth earphones are all about and what are their biggest strengths and advantages. The sound quality here does not trail behind its wired counterparts, the ergonomics are excellent, and their practicality is practically unrivalled. All in all, these are arguably the best earphones in their class.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £21.66 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07CKQHCBL |
CD-Like Sound
The VAVA Bluetooth Headphones are a budget alternative to expensive earbuds for working out. This pair has a lot of things to offer, so let’s just jump into it.
First things first, a lot of users point out the good sound quality. Thanks to the digital artX technology and the A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, and HFP profiles, these wireless earbuds provide you with high-quality sound similar to CD quality audio. They produce a rich voluminous sound and allow you to enjoy your favourite tracks while running or jogging. What makes them even more suitable for different kinds of physical activities is that they are IPX6 waterproof, thus they fear no sweat. They have a special nano-coating that protects the earbuds from breaking.
The next thing we like about these earbuds is how comfortable they are. The set comes complete with three pairs of silicone ear tips that reach deeply into your ear and don’t fall out during your fitness training. Plus, to make them even more secure, the manufacturer equipped them with earhooks made in different sizes as well. It is also lightweight, so you can wear it for a long time without feeling tired.
Apart from eartips and hooks, the set also includes a storage pouch. However, we wish that its quality were a little better.
Secure Carrying
The VAVA Headphones utilise Bluetooth 4.2 which makes them less energy consuming. It provides a reliable connection in an average working range of 10 metres. The next important thing concerning every type of wireless headphones is, of course, battery life. We were pleasantly surprised to know that these earbuds can stream music for a whole 9 hours on one full charge (which takes only about 2 hours).
As for the design, a lot of users really like the stainless steel sides that make the overall look more appealing. Plus, thanks to the built-in magnets, you can securely lock the earbuds on your neck for safe carrying. We would also like to mention the convenient controls. The switch on the connection cord allows you to control the volume, switch songs and answer or decline calls. Thus, you don’t need to constantly have your phone by your side and can have your hands completely free. Speaking of calls, this earset is fitted with the cVc 6.0 Noise Cancelling Mic, so the person you talk to will be able to hear you clearly.
To conclude, the VAVA wireless earbuds are a good analogue of completely wireless earbuds. They will please you with realistic sound, decent autonomous work and fast charging.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B072C4ZFZ6 |
10 Hours of Non-Stop Music
The Mpow Flame is one of the better options that the budget wireless earphones market has to offer. It has its flaws, sure. For one, the over-ear clips are not shapeable, so there's a decent chance some may find them a tad uncomfortable. But the model definitely has its strengths, too.
To start with, this little device is ridiculously good at conserving energy. Equipped with an improved lithium polymer battery, the model gives you up to 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, a number that's probably unmatched by any other pair of earphones that costs less than 100 pounds. The charging cable comes included in the kit.
For Sports Enthusiasts
Two things make the Mpow Flame great for fitness enthusiasts. First, it complies with the IPx7 code, meaning that the whole thing isn't just sweat-resistant but full-on waterproof. You can completely submerge it in water for 5 minutes and the device will come out unharmed. Apart from that and in addition to 3 regular tips, the model comes with memory-foam ear tips. They adapt to your ear canal and ensure a practically flawless seal and a snug fit, so they'll never feel uncomfortable nor will they likely fall out.
Though clearly not the target audience the manufacturers had in mind, the earphones may even satisfy that always demanding audiophile crowd. As long as they remember that this is a below 20-pound model, they'll likely be impressed with the high-definition stereo sound and surprisingly robust rock-solid bass. What we also like about this product is that it uses a noise cancelling technology that blocks any ambient noise and positively affects the quality of sound as well.
Lastly, the set includes an EVA storage case - a round bag with a zipper that will protect your earbuds and allow you to carry them easily and, most importantly, safely.
In conclusion, if you would willingly describe yourself as a sport enthusiast and need a pair of affordable wireless headphones to support you through the most rigorous workout sessions and long jogs, the Mpow Flame may just prove to be your cup of tea. Furthermore, the earphones are great for frequent travellers.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B073CCHKMN |
Easy Connectivity
The Linkwitz TWS is a set of completely wireless earphones that will provide you with quality sound and reliable operation. With these earbuds, you will be able to enjoy quality HIFI stereo sound. Thanks to the noise cancelling technology, they reduce ambient sounds, providing you with 360-degree rich, voluminous sound. This feature is important not only for listening to music and watching videos but also for communicating. Plus, the built-in microphone with a high level of sensitivity guarantees that you will be heard clearly on the other side.
The next feature that makes this mode so appealing is the integrated Bluetooth 5.0. Thanks to that, it has a stable signal with a minimal chance of interference. Plus, it also reduces power consumption. The Linkwitz earbuds will steadily work with your Android phone, iPhone, laptop, PC, TV or any other device that supports wireless connectivity. Speaking of which, these headphones also have easy one-step connection. With the push of two buttons, your earbuds will be paired with any device in a matter of a few seconds.
Now, let's touch upon battery performance. The manufacturer states that they can work for about 4 hours on one full charge. However, a lot of users point out that the working time may actually be somewhat shorter, especially if you listen to music on the max volume. Like any pair of true wireless earbuds, the Linkwitz headphones come with a magnetic charging case. This 350 mAh unit allows you not only to avoid losing them but also to charge the earbuds on the go. It is suitable for 4 full charges, which significantly increases the total working time.
Great Deal for The Money
These mini earbuds are light and comfortable to wear. You can choose one of three pairs of silicone earplugs in small, medium and large sizes. Hence, you can be sure they will not fall off while on the go. Also, thanks to the light weight and convenient plugs, there will be no painful sensations even if you wear them for a long time. In addition to this, the model features a Single mode, so you can use only one earpiece at a time.
Money doesn’t always equal quality, and this pair of completely wireless earbuds from Linkwittz is a great illustration of that. Its affordable price makes them very appealing to many users. Plus, thanks to the 2-year warranty you can purchase them with full confidence.
The Linkwitz earbuds with the charging case have a convenient one-button control. They will become your reliable companion during walks, training or on a way to and from work.
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07GSRVL5M |
Generous Set
For some people, it might be rather challenging to find a decent pair of earbuds that sound good and can be a reliable companion on the way to work or during a morning run. That’s why we recommend taking a closer look at the SoundPEATS Q12. These wireless headphones come with quite a generous set, so wearing them will be as comfortable as possible. The set includes 4 pairs of ultrasoft silicone ear tips in different sizes and 3 pairs of ear fins. They ensure the most comfortable wear of the earbuds even for a long time and won’t fall of even during active exercises. What we also like is that thanks to the magnetic design, they are easy to carry and won’t get lost. Plus, there are 2 clamps included, so you can secure the earbuds on your clothes.
The control panel is situated under the right earpiece and allows you to control the music without taking your phone out. Plus, thanks to the Hands-free mode, you can quickly answer or decline phone calls.
The next important thing is, of course, performance. These earbuds have pretty good sound quality. They are also fitted with a quality microphone, so you can communicate and be heard clearly even when you are in crowded places. As for the battery, the SoundPEATS earbuds provide you with 8-9 hours of continuous music play on one full charge. This time can vary depending on the level of volume. They also have a low battery warning signal. However, a lot of users point out that it can be really annoying since it will alert you about the low battery charge every minute. Yet, if you charge the earbuds in time and don’t intend to use them for a very long time, you can avoid this inconvenience.
Sturdy and Reliable Earbuds
The SoundPEATS Q12 wireless headphones are also sturdily built. They are IPX6 waterproof, so they fear no sweat or raindrops. However, to protect the headset, the manufacturer added a small storage case with a zipper. If you are going on a trip, you can carry the charging case there as well, so everything will be at hand at any moment.
This model comes with Bluetooth 4.1, which may not be the latest version, yet you will still have a stable connection with no sound delay. This is especially important if you watch a video or a film.
To conclude, these light and ergonomic Bluetooth earbuds from SoundPEATS with magnetic fastening are durable and convenient. They have a long lasting battery and will please you with their amazing sound even in crowded places. With them, you can answer calls in the Hands-free mode and enjoy crystal clear sound with no interference.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B07KJ9DYJ1 |
What Are Wireless Earbuds?
Today, earphones are an indispensable piece of equipment for individuals listening to music. In general, earbuds are miniaturised earphones, serving to reproduce music directly into your ears from a music source of very small output power. In-the-ear wearing of earbuds makes these devices very compact and convenient in use. At that, wireless earbuds, as the name states, require no cables or wires for connecting to a music/sound source, owing to their capability of receiving a digital sound signal and perform a digital-analog conversion (wired earphones receive an analog signal via wires) using integrated hardware.
The modern earphones market offers a multitude of various types and modifications of earphones, which differ in design, connection type, and features. This review is dedicated to the analysis of the best wireless earbuds models, which are a splendid fit for both casual everyday use and wearing during fitness and sports training. In our review, we clarify the important aspects you should consider when selecting a wireless earbuds set.
If for some reason you favor using earphones of other types, for example, full-size circumaural (over-the-ear) headphones, gaming headphones, hands-free earphones for mobile devices or simply wireless headphones or wired earbuds we recommend you to check out our reviews dedicated to headphones, gaming headsets, Bluetooth headsets, earphones, wireless headphones, and earbuds.
What Features to Compare
Sound Quality
In case you have decided to buy a set of earbuds, the object of your primary concern, as with other headphone models, should be the sound quality. There are several parameters that influence this feature, namely: frequency range, sensitivity, and the impedance of an earbuds set. All earphones are intended for reproducing the hearing range of a sound recording (they do it with more or less precision), which in general can be divided into the low, middle and high range. In the best-case scenario, wireless earbuds reproduce the sound starting from the lowest register - 15 Hz up to the high-frequency sound of 25 kHz. The frequency range of wireless earbuds that a manufacturer specifies for an earbud set determines the capability of a set to reproduce a sound signal in a given range. The recommended frequency range for earbuds is 20-20000 Hz (which is nearly identical to the typical range of human hearing).
Please note that the standard considerations relating to conventional earbuds are not directly relevant to wireless earbuds as they receive a digital signal, convert it to an analog signal and amplify it with the help of the integrated hardware, thus providing the same result regardless of the sound source parameters (given adequate signal transmission conditions). The sensitivity and impedance parameters may come into play for a wireless earbud set if it has a dedicated analog wire for plugging directly into an analog output.
Convenience of Use
After figuring out what parameters influence the earbud sound quality, we proceed to another important aspect, which is the convenience of use. The convenience is governed by the method of the earbuds’ plugging into your outer ear and attaching to your ears or neck. Note that earbuds can be fit into your ear auricles with special flexible attachments, which are often ergonomic ear tips. This method is convenient for those who wear hats and headwear, do weightlifting or fitness training in a gym frequently or jog every day. In addition, wearing such earbuds is a plus for girls and guys with long hair as it prevents messing the hair up. To maintain the convenience of the continuous use of earbuds, you should seek earbuds models that have ear hooks which do not press on your ears too much or pull them back, but apply just enough pressure for keeping the earbuds in your ear canals. Some wireless earbuds models can use a neckband instead of ear hooks, which is to be worn around a user’s neck near a shirt collar zone or use a flexible headband.
In most cases, wireless earbuds use a Bluetooth connection for pairing with a music source. Therefore, all you need to fully unlock the potential of a wireless earbuds headset is a compatible Bluetooth or a Wi-Fi signal transmitting device (smartphone, DAP or a tablet PC). The availability of a built-in microphone, which enables you to quickly answer a call without stopping your workout, also contributes to the convenience of use. Another convenient feature are the control buttons that can be placed either on a wire that connects earbuds with a wireless transmitter-receiver or on the earbuds casing itself. With such built-in control buttons, you can control calls, volume, stop/start tracks playback or skip tracks.
Special Features
The final crucial aspect of selecting wireless earbuds is their special features. If you need your wireless earbuds set to be solely your intense training companion, then we recommend that you go for the models that not only fit snug in the ears but are waterproof or moistureproof. Some advanced models use a special nano coating, which enables earbuds to stay fully submerged in water to a certain depth without getting damaged. Considering the fact that some users go running at night, many wireless earbuds manufacturers equip their models with a light-reflecting coating on a neckband or a connection cable. Many earbuds are compatible with bundled mobile applications that help you monitor the headset battery level and receive low battery warnings. For such notifications, some wireless earphones use light or sound indication. Still, you have to choose an earbuds model with a higher battery capacity to be able to enjoy your music longer. Along with that, the range of reliable wireless signal transmission needs to be considered if you plan to use your wireless earbuds at some distance from the source. A 30-foot range and above is considered a good value.
Did you know?
Headphones and earbuds have become an integral part of our daily lives. Today, when we leave our house, we usually take our keys, phone, wallet and a pair of earphones.
Earphones have been around longer than you probably thought. The first prototypes appeared in the 1880s. They had only one earpiece and were used by telephone operators. With such a rich history, a few myths have appeared. That’s why we decided to share and discuss the most popular of them.
Loud Music Can Damage Earphones
The thing is, they can actually bear an impressive amount of pressure before breakage. What really damages headphones is the amount of electrical signal they receive. So, loud sounds are not really the point. However, listening to music with a volume above 80 dB may have a negative effect on your hearing, that’s why you should always listen to music at a safe level.
Any Music Is Suitable for Testing Earbuds
The phone of the average user is stuffed with loads of modern hits. Therefore, when testing their new pair of earbuds, most customers choose the first song on their playlist. However, it isn't likely to be much of a help for reflecting the real quality of the earbuds. A lot of studies prove that most modern songs (not all of them) have their frequencies compressed. Such an enhancement makes them sound louder. Older songs didn’t go through this procedure due to the lack of technology at the time they were recorded, that’s why they will give you access to a wider range of frequencies.
Finding the Right Size Is Easy
When it comes to headphones and especially earbuds, it might be tricky to find the perfect fit. The structure of your ear is as unique as your fingerprints, that’s why when buying earbuds, stick to those models that come with various additional ear tips.
Producing earpieces for the mass market that will be designed specifically for each user is, of course, impossible. However, there are some companies that create custom-made earpieces. This practice is not really popular yet because it requires a lot of money, time, and effort. Nevertheless, the pickiest users that value their comfort can turn to such companies and get their unique earbuds.
It is always good to know something new, especially about the things we use in our daily life. So, we hope this info was somewhat useful and interesting for you.
Sources:
1. Justin Yu Headphone buying guide, CNET. November 26, 2013.
2. David Brown Wireless Bluetooth headphones buying guide, Crutchfield. July 20, 2016.
3. Will Greenwald The Best Earphones (In-Ear Headphones) of 2016, PCMag. JUNE 27, 2016.
4. How to Choose Headphones, wikiHow.
5. Headphones buying guide, ConsumerReports. April 2016.
6. Armela Escalona 3 Things To Consider Before Buying Earbuds, About Tech.
7. Matt Malmlund Top 10 Best Wireless Earbuds for Running 2016, Heavy. July 27, 2016.