2025 Popular Wireless Earphones Shopping Guide & Recommendation
Bluetooth headsets have become trendy in recent years. Apart from their stylish appearance, they are more convenient to use and operate than traditional headsets. The removal of the 3.5mm jack from most mobile phones also increased the need for Bluetooth headsets. There are many Bluetooth headsets available in different styles which offer different functions. Here's a guide to help you pick one!
Types
Bluetooth headsets are generally classified as 'wireless' or 'true wireless'. Each has its own unique characteristics, so both have their fans.
| Pros | Cons | |
| Wireless headphones |
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|---|---|---|
| True wireless headset |
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Sound quality
This is the biggest consideration when choosing a headset. Sound quality is often affected by both subjective and objective circumstances. Subjectively, everyone has different sound quality requirements. The easiest way to adjust the sound quality is to use your music player or your own software's EQ equaliser to adjust the highs and lows, or to test out the headphones before buying them. Choose a brand and model that suits you best.
Objectively, use the headphone unit and Bluetooth code to help you choose. Headphone units are generally divided into dynamic and balanced armature. Dynamic headphones are generally cheaper and have better low frequency performance, but the sound quality and detail are not as good as that of balanced armature headphones. Balanced armature headphones have better mid and high frequency performance. The sound quality is fine, but the low frequency performance is poor and comes with a higher price tag. For those who require both high and low frequencies, they can opt for dynamic hybrid headphones to achieve a balance of the three frequencies.
On the other hand, Bluetooth encoding affects signal reception and audio decoding to a certain extent. The current mainstream coding formats are as follows:
| Bit rate | Sound quality | Support level | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBC (common Bluetooth protocol) | ~ 328 kbps |
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| AAC (Apple transport protocol) | ~ 250 kbps |
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| aptX (Qualcomm protocol) | ~ 350 kbps |
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Apart from Bluetooth encoding, the music file format also affects sound quality. The most common streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music) support up to 320 kbps or less, and even the most basic SBC encoding can still deliver full audio quality. If sound quality is important to you, we recommend a Bluetooth headset with aptX encoding and a HiFi streaming platform (Tidal, Moov, KKBOX) to enjoy the best sounds.
Noise cancellation function
There are two general types of noise cancellation: passive and active. Passive noise cancellation (or physical noise cancellation) is more common and is used to block out noise through a more conforming or in-ear design by filling the crevices of the ear. Active noise cancellation, on the other hand, is commonly found in high-end true wireless headphones. Noise is recorded through a noise-cancelling microphone and then offset by using a DSP processor and an ANC noise cancellation chip to convert sound waves opposite to the noise. Although the noise cancellation function can enhance the music experience offering a more immersive experience, you need to be careful when using them on the road to avoid the danger of not hearing ambient sounds around you.
Talk-time quality
True wireless headphones are generally not as good as wireless headphones because the microphone is built into the headset and is positioned far away from the mouth when worn. The reception quality is relatively standard. Some true wireless headsets focus on talk-time quality and have a built-in cVc (Clear Voice Capture) chip. This reduces ambient noise through software noise reduction, allowing the other party to hear sounds more clearly for better quality calls.
Bluetooth specification
Mainly affects the distance and stability of the headset as well as its battery life. The latest Bluetooth specification is 5.2, which is faster and has better connectivity and latency than before for a better audio experience. Check the maximum specifications supported by the connected devices and the brand of the Bluetooth chip before you buy.
Battery power
This is mainly affected by the power consumption of the headset and the charging compartment, as well as the Bluetooth chip. All mainstream true wireless headsets have good battery power, with an average of 4-6 hours. Even if the headset runs out of battery, it can be put into the charging compartment for a quick charge. If you want to use your headphones on the go for long periods, choose a true wireless headset with long battery power.
Comfort
The weight and shape of the headset affect the comfort level when wearing headphones. Generally, true wireless headphones weigh around 2-5 grams (each ear) and the lighter they are, the more comfortable they are. For those with smaller ears, choose a true wireless headset with a lighter design to make it easier to wear. For those who work out a lot, a sporty design is recommended for a more comfortable fit.
Waterproof performance
Water resistance is another important factor when choosing a Bluetooth headset. Currently, true wireless headsets are mainly available in IPX4-IPX6 specifications, which is sufficient for gym and rainy days. Some headphones can be submerged in up to 1m of water for around half an hour. It is not recommended to wear headphones in the shower to avoid damage due to humidity.