What Makes a Good Wireless Earbud?
A good pair of wireless earbuds is not all about the design and the color. Wireless earbuds are complicated, and various factors come together to make them work as effectively as possible. These include battery life, sound quality, connectivity, and lifestyle fit.
Battery Life
Wireless earbuds do not have the luxury of plugging right into your phone, so you need to keep them charged. When it comes to earbuds, hours of battery life are as important to consider as durability and excellent sound. Nothing is more frustrating than having your playlist end abruptly halfway through your run because your earphones could not last to the end of your route. The best earbuds maximize the time you spend listening and minimize the time you spend charging.
Sound Quality
High audio quality is the clearest sign of a well-made pair of earbuds. Many brands will sacrifice battery life or size for sound quality or vice versa, so the goal is to find an option that excels in both. High-quality sound uses a lot of energy, which usually comes with a higher price point. Noise cancelling has become a massive consideration in sound quality — the elimination of background noise paired with engaging transparency mode options comprise the criteria of the best noise-canceling earbuds, which in turn separates good sound from great sound.
Connectivity
Wireless earbuds connect to your device through a 2.4GHz carrier. If your earbuds are separate pieces, meaning they do not have a wire connecting them, then one side is designated as the primary receiver over the other. Some earbuds have an easier time relating to transmitters than others, so consider that when making your choice.
Connectivity gets more and more relevant as you begin using earbuds for work, and not just playtime. Having better sound and call quality is important when you’re fielding phone calls with your earbuds in, and aside from having good mics, solid connectivity ensures that you don’t have to sacrifice when using your earbuds.
Lifestyle Fit
If you plan to connect to a phone, you want to make sure that the earbuds you choose can seamlessly connect to your device as opposed to the type of device you would use if you need the earbuds for business. If you need earbuds for running, comfort and size will be an important factors, while if you are a frequent flyer, you might find that noise-canceling technology is your primary concern. The standard for most earbuds is silicone eartips, which tend to be a comfortable fit and generally adaptive to various lifestyle needs.
What Are the Best Wireless Earbuds for Androids Today?
Sony WF-1000XM4
Specifications
The WF-1000XM4 is a pair of noise-canceling earbuds that are truly wireless. It utilizes a Qi wireless charging system with a solid eight hours of charge when left outside the case. It has many touch control settings that let you switch between noise-canceling to ambient sound. You can also use the headphone connection to customize the touch controls.
Advantages
The Bluetooth signal on the WF-1000XM4 is top-of-the-line, and its Integrated Processor V1 was built to provide a stable connection in environments with considerable interference. The level of setting customization is in a league above most other headphones, and the touch control system is simple and intuitive.
Disadvantages
Coming in at $278 on Amazon, the WF-1000XM4 is a pricey option compared to other true wireless earbuds. The battery life is also not up-to-par with the competition, especially considering the high price point.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
Specifications
Bose is a long-time audio powerhouse, and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds live up to the company's reputation. They have a strong noise canceling system with easy-to-use touch controls. They can connect to your devices through Bluetooth 5.1.
Advantages
The active noise cancellation and transparency systems are excellent and intuitive. They are built to yield a comfy, secure fit for a wide array of ear shapes securely, and the sound quality is at the front of the pack. The wireless connection is also sturdy, meaning they will not disconnect often.
Disadvantages
The QuietComfort earbuds are large and bulky, which can be a turn-off for some customers. The battery life is not fantastic, even with the charging case, so they would not be the best option if you need long stretches between charges. Like the WF-1000XM4, the headphones are pricey as a tradeoff for their premium features.
Sennheiser Momentum 2
Specifications
The Sennheiser Momentum 2 runs on Bluetooth 5.1 and can easily connect to your Android device through aptX. It has simple touch controls with several options for a better fit.
Advantages
The Momentum 2 has solid sound quality and an IPX4 rating, something the previous Sennheiser Momentum headphones did not have. If you want extra features, you also have three different apps to choose from when running your headphones.
Disadvantages
The price tag on the Momentum 2 is even higher than the other two earbuds, making it hard to recommend. The battery life is also less impressive than many other modern true wireless earbuds.
Beats FitPro
Specifications
Beats has proven itself as a company over the past decade, and the FitPro is a great option for people looking for affordable true wireless earbuds. They have a lightweight design with a battery life that rivals the latest AirPod pros.
Advantages
These headphones come in at only $199, making them a better deal than most of the other options on this list. The sound quality is excellent, and the noise-canceling system works as advertised. The battery life is also solid as far as true wireless earphones go.
Disadvantages
There is no wireless charging option for the FitPro. There is also no manual equalization option, which could negatively affect some users.
Choosing the Best Wireless Earbuds for Your Android Phone
There are many options for Android phones, and wireless earbud technology gets better by the year. Sure, Android users should stay away from the Apple Airpods Pro — but with the numerous high-end options available, it’s probably alright to leave the basic choice for the basic iPhone users.
For all the latest info on the best new true wireless earbuds, check out Navi. Navi uses industry insights to determine the best possible products for your needs.
It is easy to pay too much, and Navi is there to help you ensure you know what you are looking for before making a purchase. Use Navi to help you decide which modern pair of wireless headphones will be the most compatible and comfortable for you and your Android device.
Sources:
True wireless earbuds: Why is the connection so bad? | The Sound Guys
Sony WF-1000XM4 True Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones (Black) | Amazon
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds | Bose
Sennheiser MOMENTUM 2 | Sennheiser
Beats Fit Pro - Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds | Beats By Dre
