Buying Guide
How to Buy True Wireless Earbuds
This short guide helps you pick true wireless earbuds that match how you listen. It covers the key factors to check, the common types, must-have specs, where to buy and quick mistakes to avoid so you can act fast and confidently.
What to check first
Sound and drivers: Larger drivers (for example 10 mm) tend to deliver stronger bass while smaller drivers (around 8 mm) often sound tighter for vocals and mids.
Fit and comfort: Choose between in-ear bud shapes or stick/closed designs. A good seal improves bass and passive noise isolation. Look for multiple ear tips in the box.
Battery and charging: Compare single-charge playtime and total hours with the case. Common pairings include 8 to 10 hours per charge and 24 to 30 hours with the case. Check fast charge claims; a 10 minute charge that yields about 2 hours is common.
Call quality and mics: Two mics plus noise suppression or AI-enhanced processing improves voice clarity in windy or noisy places.
Connectivity and features: Bluetooth 5.x gives stable connections and lower power draw. App features like EQ presets, custom controls and a Find My Earbuds function add real value.
Durability and water resistance: IPX5 protects against sweat and splashes; IP54 adds limited dust protection. Cases can have lower ratings, so check both.
Fit and comfort: Choose between in-ear bud shapes or stick/closed designs. A good seal improves bass and passive noise isolation. Look for multiple ear tips in the box.
Battery and charging: Compare single-charge playtime and total hours with the case. Common pairings include 8 to 10 hours per charge and 24 to 30 hours with the case. Check fast charge claims; a 10 minute charge that yields about 2 hours is common.
Call quality and mics: Two mics plus noise suppression or AI-enhanced processing improves voice clarity in windy or noisy places.
Connectivity and features: Bluetooth 5.x gives stable connections and lower power draw. App features like EQ presets, custom controls and a Find My Earbuds function add real value.
Durability and water resistance: IPX5 protects against sweat and splashes; IP54 adds limited dust protection. Cases can have lower ratings, so check both.
Types and how to pick one
- Budget everyday earbuds: Prioritise battery life and reliable Bluetooth. Expect basic water resistance and app EQ options.
- Sport-focused models: Look for higher IP ratings, secure fit and sweat resistance. A lanyard or clip-on case is handy for outdoor use.
- Comfort-first buds: Choose ergonomic or stick-closed shapes if you want long-wear comfort and passive noise isolation.
- Feature-rich audio: If you want customised sound, pick models with a companion app, multiple EQ presets and firmware updates.
Where to buy and mistakes to avoid
Online vs retail: Online sellers usually have better prices and more stock, plus detailed specs and user reviews. Retail stores let you test fit and return quickly. Always check the seller name and return policy.
Common mistakes to avoid:
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Assuming water resistant means waterproof.
- Buying solely on driver size or marketing terms without reading reviews about real-world sound and mic quality.
- Overlooking the charging connector type. USB-C is the most convenient today.
- Ignoring warranty and return windows, especially for lower priced units.
Quick expert tips
- Try multiple ear tips to find the best seal for bass and comfort.
- Prioritise Bluetooth 5.x and recent firmware for fewer dropouts.
- Use the companion app to tune sound, enable features and locate lost earbuds.
- If you need long all-day use, favour total case + earbud runtime of 30 hours or more.
- For calls, pick earbuds with dual-mic setups and recent noise processing tech.
- Compare final price range. You can expect functional, well-featured options around $24 and up to about $45 for models with longer battery and higher ingress protection.
Final Thoughts
Choose earbuds by matching fit, battery life and real features to how you listen. Check return policies and recent user reviews, test fit where possible and use the app to personalise sound. With these checks you can pick a practical pair fast.
