The best wireless earbuds you can buy in 2019
Originally published at Gadget Flow on March 17, 2019.
- What is AptX sound? It’s a standard for streaming audio via Bluetooth. In general, AptX earbuds will offer better quality than the non-AptX competition.
- Is there a difference between wireless and true wireless? Yes. Many “wireless” earbuds have earpieces connected by a cable. “True wireless” earbuds are cable-free.
- What are the best AirPods alternatives? You have come to the right place. Keep reading to see our favorite wireless earbuds, both from Apple and other brands.
Since Apple unleashed AirPods on the world, wireless earbuds have gone from strength to strength. With good battery life, excellent sound and smart features, there’s every reason to upgrade. But does Apple still rule the roost? Here’s a rundown of the best wireless earbuds that money can buy.
What features should you look for in wireless earbuds?
Before sizing up the options, it’s important to know what you’re looking for. Wireless earbuds come in many shapes and sizes, and they vary greatly in terms of features.
Battery life and charging are important considerations. Many earbuds can now manage four or five hours straight, with their charging cases providing extra juice. If possible, choose fast-charging earbuds — these minimize the time you will spend without music. Some can reach 50% battery in just 15 minutes.
In terms of sound quality, AAC and AptX are the standards you’re looking for. The former is Apple’s lossless format, while AptX offers CD quality on Android. A new format, AptX HD, offers even better sound — although you will need a compatible audio source.
In addition, it’s worth buying earbuds that use Bluetooth 5.0. This is the latest version of the wireless technology, and it comes with a variety of benefits: reduced energy usage, better range, faster data transfer, and the ability to pair with two devices at once.
Although the drivers in earbuds are all tiny, some are more powerful than others. If you value bass, look for earphones with drivers close to 15mm in diameter.
The best wireless earbuds
WIthout further ado, here’s a list of our favorite earbuds:
Bose SoundSport Free Wireless Earbuds
Weighing in at only 0.35 ounces, the SoundSport Free earbuds are the perfect choice for athletes. The earpieces are both water- and sweat-resistant, and you get 10 hours of battery life with supplied charging case.
Price: $199.95 USD
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8s 2.0 Wireless Earbuds
The latest version of B&O’s premium earbuds deliver style and excellent sound quality. Available in a range of colors, these earbuds also provide intuitive touch controls and 16 hours’ battery life with the supplied charging case.
Price: $350 USD
Jabra Elite 65t True Wireless Earbuds
With four microphones on board and wind-noise reduction, the Elite 65t earbuds from Jabra are great for making handsfree calls. They’re also ready for Bluetooth 5, and the companion app offers a range of great settings to play with.
Price: $169.99 USD
Jaysport X4 Earbuds
If you’re willing to sacrifice the “true wireless” moniker for better battery life, the X4 earbuds are definitely worth your consideration. Designed for triathletes, these waterproof and sweat-proof earbuds offer eight hours of playback on a full charge. You also get a nice EQ option via the companion app.
Price: $109.99 USD
Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless Earbuds
As you would expect from Sennheiser, the MOMENTUM earbuds are something special. They deliver top-quality audio thanks to low-latency AptX, while two microphones help to cancel ambient noise. Furthermore, you get 12 hours of playback with the supplied charging case.
Price: $299.95 USD
RHA TrueConnect True Wireless In-Ear Headphones
Although the RHA earbuds are visually unspectacular, they boast a very impressive spec sheet. These buds offer 25 hours of playback with the supplied case, and they charge to 50% in 15 minutes. In addition, they are waterproof and compatible with Bluetooth 5.
Price: $169.95 USD
Apple Airpods
A roundup like this wouldn’t be complete without Apple’s Airpods. These wireless earbuds are now two years old, but they still seem cutting-edge. They work seamlessly with Apple devices, providing 24 hours of playback with the supplied case. Apple’s W1 chip offers strong wireless connectivity, so you get to enjoy AAC sound to the fullest.
Price: $159 USD
Samsung Galaxy Buds
Samsung has hit a home run with the Galaxy Buds. These earbuds pair with Galaxy devices automatically, and they have custom-tuned audio from AKG. Furthermore, Samsung has included multiple codecs to ensure you get the best possible sound quality on every device.
If that wasn’t enough, these lightweight earbuds offer six hours of listening time on a full charge.
Price: $129 USD
More to come?
While Samsung has taken the lead, Apple is likely to fight back later this year with the launch of AirPods 2.0. We are expecting a radically different set of earbuds, featuring Bluetooth 5 and a new W2 chip.
