Apple’s first-generation AirPods are a standard-bearer you open the case, press the button on the back, place them in your ears, and once they’re initially paired to your phone, you hear a familiar connection tone that lets you know you’re good to go. Setup and connection: I expect earbuds to quickly and easily pair with my devices once I take them out of the case without having to fool around with settings or extra apps. If the case is too large to fit comfortably in your pocket or bag, it might add a lot of hassle to your listening experience. Finally, don’t forget to consider the size of the earbuds’ case. Models like the AirPods Pro, which come with different sizes of interchangeable ear tips, will provide a more bespoke fit. Others, like Apple’s OG AirPods, have a more rigid plastic design that might not fit as well as some people would like. Some models feature memory-foam ear tips that expand and contour for a more comfortable and customizable fit. I paid close attention to the way the earbuds fit inside my ears. Poorly designed earbuds can feel even worse if you wear glasses (as I do) or if the ear loops of a face mask are competing for limited space on the side of your head. Some of the earbuds I tested were so heavy I felt like someone had attached an anchor to my ears, and they quickly became miserable to wear. Size, weight, and design will affect how earbuds feel. I didn’t experience this issue during my tests, but if you are new to noise-canceling headphones, be sure to choose a pair that lets you turn off the noise-canceling feature or has a hear-through mode that makes it easier to hear the noise around you.)Ĭomfort and size: Great sound quality can only go so far if earbuds are uncomfortable to wear. (Note that some people find noise-canceling headphones uncomfortable because they can cause a feeling of pressure in your eardrums. Many of the earbuds on this list have noise-canceling capabilities, so I listened for how effective they are at blocking out background noise whether I’m inside my home or moving through the city. Some of the earbuds I tested suffered from muddy bass (especially at higher volumes) or a further loss of definition with drums and other instruments fusing together to create a mishmash of sound. I made sure to pay attention to how each pair of earbuds sounds at higher volumes, how they sound when other people are chatting nearby, and how external noise like a subway announcement might interrupt the listening experience. Sound: Good earbuds should deliver well-balanced sound with clear vocals and powerful bass that doesn’t get in the way of other instruments or backup vocals. Use the links below to jump straight to my top picks or keep reading to learn more about how I tested them.īest for iPhone users | Best for Android users | Best noise-canceling for Android users | Best noise-canceling for iPhone users | Best less expensive | Best for audiophiles | Best for simple setup As a result, comfort, convenience, and how much you care about premium sound quality are likely to be deciding factors in which earbuds are best for you. You can also get decent sound, battery life, and noise-canceling capabilities at a variety of different price points. The technology is at the point where you shouldn’t have to worry too much about a dodgy Bluetooth connection or a dropped signal. Overall, I’m impressed by how dramatically earbuds have improved over the past few years. As Jay-Z once said, “Hov did that, so hopefully you won’t have to go through that.” ![]() Outside of work calls, I’ve spent upwards of nine hours with each pair - laughing with Desus and Mero, playing Ghostface Killah’s Supreme Clientele or Paul McCartney and Wings’ Band on the Run - all while juggling a lengthy list of Bluetooth connections in my settings app. ![]() Since it’s once again easier to travel, I’ve also been able to test the noise-canceling models during a six-hour cross-country flight. ![]() I have now tested 14 pairs of wireless earbuds, incorporating them into my life to gauge how comfortable or cumbersome they are during a full day of interviews and Zoom meetings. Then, whenever I venture out, I can see how that sound holds up against the noise of the outside world and test the effectiveness of any noise-canceling features. In the relative quiet of my home office, I can focus on the way the earbuds sound. There’s no subway noise and no co-workers doing interviews nearby. One benefit to working from home throughout the pandemic is that my simple morning routine - I place my earbuds into my ears, press play on a new album or podcast, and stare at my screen until it’s time to take a break with a drink or a snack - provides the perfect opportunity to test earbuds.
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