Home › Guides › What to check before buying wireless earbuds
What to check before buying wireless earbuds
Fit, battery, noise control and the details that decide whether you will keep using them.
Fit comes first
Earbuds that do not sit comfortably in your ears will end up in a drawer. Look for several sizes of ear tips in the box and a return policy that lets you try them. If you exercise, check whether the maker states a water or sweat resistance rating, and what that rating actually covers.
Battery life has two numbers
Makers usually give the playing time of the earbuds alone and the total including the charging case. Check both, and note whether the quoted time is with noise cancelling on or off, since it often changes.
Noise cancelling and ambient sound
Active noise cancelling reduces steady sounds such as engine hum better than sudden ones such as voices. An ambient or transparency mode lets outside sound in, which is useful for walking and commuting. If you need one or both, confirm that the model offers them.
Phone and app compatibility
Most earbuds work with any phone over Bluetooth, but some features, such as an equalizer, firmware updates or fast pairing, depend on a companion app or on a particular phone. Check the maker's page for what works with your device.
Calls and microphones
If you take many calls, look for reviews that describe call quality in noisy places, not only music. Check how the controls work, whether touch or press, and whether you can turn off accidental touches.
This guide is general information. It is not a recommendation of any product, and it does not include prices.
More guides
- How to tell if a discount is realA crossed-out price is not proof of a deal. Here is what to check before you trust a percentage.
- TV buying basics: the specs that matterSize, resolution, panel type and the ports you will use, in plain words.
- A simple checklist for choosing a laptopMemory, storage, battery and the details people forget until after they buy.