Durability
If you’re big on fitness or the big outdoors, then you should focus on earbuds that are sweatproof and waterproof. Look for an IPX rating of 4 or 5 – this level can withstand a large amount of water. It’s also wise to look at the warranty of the earbuds as well. A two-year manufacturer warranty seems to be the usual amount.
Size / Comfort
There’s no point in having great earbuds if they don’t fit in your ear. Ear size is really important to ensure you can wear the buds for a long period of time without them hurting and that they’re not going to fall out.
When choosing a pair, ask yourself, are there multiple options of earbud sizes? And has the shape been ergonomically designed to ensure they remain in the ear regardless of the activity you’re doing?
Functions
Earbuds that also allow you to control your music with one touch will make exercise smoother and more consistent, And if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, features such as ‘find my earbud’ will be handy as well.
Flexibility
If your earbuds are mainly going to be used for commuting and potential work purposes, you need to find versatile ones when it comes to the amount of sound you allow in.
You’ll want a pair that allows you to let outside noise in on one touch, for example, if you need to hear a quick announcement or hear what someone is saying without having to wait to turn the volume down.
Noise Cancelling / Reducing
Many are noise cancelling which is great for undisturbed music, but if you want to use your earbuds to take work calls on the go, you need a pair that is smart in being able to hone in on your voice and drown out background noise, so you have excellent call quality that’s pure and crisp.
Battery Life
Earbuds with smart features, noise-cancelling technology and a stronger Bluetooth range tend to drain the battery more, so again, deciding what the most important feature of your earbuds is will help you determine whether to choose ones that offer more generally but have a lower battery life or choosing the earbuds that prioritise battery life.
When considering battery life, look out for the features on the charging case as well. Some charging cases offer 24 hours in total and quick 15 minute boosts that allow 1.5 hours of playback. The Samsung Galaxy S20 also gives you the option to charge via your phone and the Samsung Galaxy Plus Buds provide a handy app that allows you to check your earbuds battery life so you won’t get caught out.
Connectivity
A strong Bluetooth connection is crucial for all wireless earbuds, but the Bluetooth that delivers the longest range will provide the strongest connectivity. Look out for earbuds with a Bluetooth 5.0 microchip as it’s a high performance and low energy.
It may be good to see how compatible earbuds are with the device you have and check customer reviews to see how people have connected their earbuds to IOS, androids or laptops.
Final Note
Whether features, integration, price, durability or appearance is your deciding factor, if you’re choosing any of the earbuds from the list above, you’re not going to be disappointed. Each set is impressive in its own right.
All of them deliver quality sound, so it’s down to what you believe will be most comfortable in your ear, your daily activity when using them, and what you prioritise as the main importance of the product.