Best Wireless Earbuds for Small Ears in 2020

by David Wright |

If you’re looking for the best wireless earbuds and you have small ear canals (or want to give earbuds as a present to someone with small ears), it can be not a simple task to find the right ones – primarily if you’re limited in time.

Luckily for you, we have conducted research and will provide you with the list of the best wireless earbuds for small ears based both on the information we have found across the web and on our personal experience.

If you’re in a hurry, we can say right away that in our opinion the Anker Soundcore Spirit Pro are the best wireless headphones for small ears that you can buy currently. Still, If you have 5-10 more minutes, then we suggest you to check out our full list and read the full reviews below.

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Best Wireless Earbuds for Small Ears – our list:

Model	Battery life (up to)
TOZO T10 (Our best pick)	3.5 hours (12.5 hrs with charging case)	Check Price
JLab Audio JBuds Air	3 hours (13 hrs with charging case)	Check Price
Anker Soundcore Spirit Pro	10 hours	Check Price
BeatsX Earphones	8 hours	Check Price
SENSO Bluetooth Headphones	8 hours	Check Price
Mpow Cheetah Bluetooth Headphones	8 hours	Check Price
Jabra Elite Sport True Wireless	3 hours (9 hours with charging case)	Check Price
Samsung Gear IconX	7 hours	Check Price
Sony WF-SP700N/B Wireless	3 hours (9 hours with charging case)	Check Price
Juckbo Wireless Earbuds	3.5 hours (16 hours with charging case)	Check Price

1. TOZO T10 – our Best Pick

The problem with most of the budget wireless earbuds is that they usually lack build and sound quality. But after thorough research, I’ve finally found something that offers above-average sound quality even at a competitive price.

The TOZO T10 doesn’t only offer exceptional sound quality, but it also comes with high-speed and stable Bluetooth 5.0. You can quickly connect these earbuds to your smartphone within seconds.

The design is ergonomic, and thanks to the silicon (gel-flexible) inserts, these earbuds become suitable for small ears. The sound transmission is quite good, thanks to the in-call stereo sound.

The bass and treble here are good and ideal for jogging, running, and other sporting activities. Also, there is the reliable wind-noise protection, which helps to hear the sound better during outdoor sports.

The case comes with the built-in charge that supports the battery with 10-hr playback time (4-cycles). That’s what lets you be less worried about the draining battery. The charging case is also compatible with wireless charging (the wireless charger doesn’t come in the box).

The drawback of the TOZO T10 wireless earbuds is that they don’t support phone-control options.

Wireless connectivity is the prime consideration, and this is one of the reasons I have selected this model. As I mentioned above, the T10 comes with BT 5.0 that supports AVRCP, A2DP, HFP, HSP, and produces stereo sound (in-call).

Sometimes, you may realize that only one piece is paired. In that case, you need to ‘Reset’ the options.

The TOZO T10 is rated IPX8 waterproofing thanks to the efficient Nano-Coating protection.

2. JLab Audio JBuds Air

The JLab Audio enjoys being the official Major League Soccer audio sponsor, and it isn’t surprising at all to get athlete-specific wireless earbuds from the brand. The water/dust proofing of this model is rated IP55. These truly wireless earbuds target the buyers with a low budget.

The sound quality is good, and the noise isolation feature also works well. The JBuds Air comes with 2x Cush-Fin pairs, 3 ear-tip pairs, a USB cable, and a charging case. The device and accessories are plastic made, including the 500mAh charging case. But the design is still delicate and aesthetically appealing.

Each of the buds weighs 6 grams. The in-ear fitting is stable even when cycling and running. The angled-nozzles support ergonomic fit, but after wearing them for an hour, you may feel a slight hint of discomfort.

The charging case serves you with an additional 10-hr playback. The durability of the USB cable is doubtful, though. However, JLab claims to have the cable tested for at least 10k bends before it shows any sign of damage.

In addition to the basic controls, this particular model facilitates the users with advanced controls, including volume adjustments and access to the virtual assistant (Google or Siri). Pressing the earbud-panel thrice, the device cycles through 3 EQ presets including bass boost, balanced, and signature. The JLab JBuds Air is compatible with the JLab App.

As for the battery, it doesn’t impress. It lasts for just over 3 hours of constant playback. But the 500mAh charging case lets you forget about the draining battery because it serves with the additional 10-hr charging anywhere anytime.

It is good to see BT 5.0 connectivity that comes with a range of 10 meters. But don’t forget that the BT connection doesn’t support aptX here. Keeping in mind the price, the lacking of aptX doesn’t really hurt, in my opinion.

If you use iPhone, you are lucky to have AAC support, but in case if you use an Android smartphone, you could be frustrated by the audio-visual lag.

The sound quality is impressive as long as you talk about the low-end frequencies. But the mids and highs fail to impress. If you are looking to enjoy optimal sound quality, then you probably need to spend a bit more and look for something from the higher price-tier.

3. Anker Soundcore Spirit Pro

Anker Soundcore Spirit Pro are a great earbuds in terms of sound quality, fit, sweat/water resistance and playtime . This model is the updated version of previous Anker’s bestseller: SoundBuds Slim+.

The Soundcore Spirit Pro comes with 3 sizes of ear tips and 3 different sizes of ear hooks. More than enough to choose from for the majority of people with all possible sizes of ear canals.

The ear tips of Anker Soundcore provide great secure fit by themselves, but with ear hooks these earbuds become excellent for any sports and outdoor activities. Battery lifetime increased to 10 hours of listening comparing to 7 hours in SoundBuds Slim+.

Soundcore Spirit Pro earbuds have IP68 water-resistant standard and their sweatproof SweatGuard technology so that they can be safely used in various conditions such as sweat during intensive training or raindrops. As well as Mpow, Anker gives their customers 18-month warranty on Soundcore and customer support.

These are nice wireless earbuds with an affordable price that can easily compete with more expensive models. And, by the way, Spirit Pro earbuds also have magnets for putting buds together to wear them around the neck while not in use.

4. BeatsX Earphones – Ear Pieces by the Famous Brand

Beats is a brand known for providing accurate sound with great clarity in every detail. With the BeatsX earphones you will immerse in your music as they have maximum noise cancellation for a great experience. They feature a state-of-the-art acoustic design that conveys clear treble and deep bass with no distortion. That allows you to listen to a wide range of music genres.

BeatsX earphones have a distinctive Flex-Form cable that fits comfortably in the ear. This cable has adjustable fitting options making the earphones suitable for all types of ears. The design is comfortable enough for an all-day listening experience without causing fatigue to the ear.

They are lightweight and compact, not to mention the sleek design they exhibit.

There is an Apple W1 chip incorporated in the Beats earphones that changes the way you connect to your devices. This technology allows for effortless connection even while switching to your Apple devices. The chip provides an 8-hour battery life perfect for when on the go.

Featuring the fast fuel, you will get two hours of playback on low battery with a 5-minute charge. With these earphones, you can receive and reject calls, control your music as well as activating Siri with remote talk.

5. SENSO Bluetooth Headphones – Quality Sound with Affordable Price

Sports enthusiasts can attest to how annoying it gets when their earbuds keep falling out off ears when they are exercising. Senso headphones are one of the best for these situations as they provide perfect fit for every ear. It’s achieved thanks to the adjustable ear hooks that ensure a comfortable fit for different types of ears. The ear hooks have gel flex silicone earbuds for a firm and fatigue-free fit.

Waiting for wireless headsets to connect can be a daunting task. As a result, the Senso provides a suitable solution by connecting smoothly up to 30 feet away from the devices. They combine the Bluetooth V4.1 wireless with CVC 6.0 noise isolation technologies, and allow you to fully enjoy every bit of your music. You will like inconceivable sound reproduction with strong bass and clear detail.

The earphones have a durable design with IPX-7 waterproof rating to prevent sweat from causing any damages to them.

They have the longest lasting battery compared to other earphones in the same category. When on standby mode, you get up to 240 hours and they take 1.5 hours to achieve full charge. Featuring the advanced lithium polymer battery, you are able to enjoy your music for up to 8 hours.

6. Mpow Cheetah Bluetooth Headphones

These earbuds come with 3 ear tip sizes out of the box – nothing special here, but the tips provide stable and secure sealing, and the biggest tips can be used for noise isolating purposes.

The Mpow Cheetah has an interesting behind-ear design with ear hooks and resilient wire that’s automatically rolled up for carrying in pocket or bag without entanglement. This wire also snugs against the neck or your head giving comfortable and safe wearing. All of these design features make Mpow Cheetah great earbuds for jogging, running, biking, workouts and any other outdoor activities.

The battery provides up to 8 hours of playing time, which is always good for people who don’t like or not able to recharge the device frequently.

Earbuds work with Bluetooth 4.1 technology and also powered by AptX codec that additionally increases sound quality.

As for the warranty, Mpow provides an 18-month guarantee, and that is incredible for any wireless earbuds.

7. Jabra Elite Sport True Wireless

If you are looking for the utmost music experience, then you might think of investing in the Jabra Elite sport earbuds. These earbuds offer the most premium sound quality and comfort, including people with small ear canals.

Each earbud features two microphones which work at minimizing destruction for perfect listening experience. The call controls enable you to receive calls, end them or reject them. You can play, pause, track forward and backward with the intuitive music controls.

They use the Bluetooth 4.1 technology to ensure effortless connectivity to other devices and provide a comfortable and secure fit every time. This is because they have flexible fitting options designed for different types of ears and enable all-day use without fatigue. These are the best earphones for sports as you have an option to either wear one or both earbuds.

Featuring an IP67 waterproof rating design, sweat and moisture will not damage them.

Jabra Elite Sport have up to 9 hours of battery power for all-day listening enjoyment. You get 3 hours in the earbuds and when placed in the charging case, you will have the extra 6 hours. As mentioned earlier, these are the best earbuds for sports as they feature advanced heart rate monitor and TrackFit motion counting sensor.

Your phone will display the calories burned, training effect, average heart rate and speed via a dedicated App. The tracking controls allow you to open the Jabra sport app on your phone, start or stop the workout and receive real time coaching feedback.

8. Samsung Gear IconX

When it comes to truly wireless earbuds, Samsung seamed lacking something for a long time, but it is not a case anymore. The company jumped in with the promising Samsung Gear IconX. This model quickly pushes back its predecessors, and it is good to realize that this upgrade works far better than we previously had from Samsung.

The Samsung Gear IconX earbuds feature a low profile compact design. For optimal comfort, the interior of these earbuds comes with foam-cushion. It means that you don’t need to jam-tight the buds in ears. The design is smart and practical that helps the buds to stay without sticking out. Also, the earbuds come with wing tips for a secure fit.

As far as the controllers are concerned, the Samsung Gear IconX replaces buttons with the touch-sensitive pad. That’s a smart move because buttons often irritate. But you’ll need time to get used to this touch-panel.

You will have to memorize tap-combinations to use different functions. Initially, it will be a bit frustrating, but once you get used to, things get more and more comfortable.

The best part about the IconX is that these earbuds are compatible with Samsung smartphones. Once connected, you these headphones serve you with real-time coaching. That is why they call IconsX one of the recommended models for runners.

The coaching comes in the form of robotic instructions to keep you motivated. Besides, you get a couple of fitness tracking features. The Gear IconX also features a built-in slot compatible with a 4GB memory card.

The noise cancellation is good. It’s not exceptional, but acceptable as the device has Ambient Sound Mode to support you when you are outside. Wireless (Bluetooth) connectivity is stable for both Android and iOS devices.

The sound quality of the Samsung Gear IconX is not outstanding, but not bad either. The highs are a bit distorted. But if the volume settings are moderate, the sound quality is pretty nice. Overall, it is an enjoyable listening experience as long as the volume is not set too high.

The battery of the Samsung Gear IconX lasts for up to 7 hours, and the good thing is that it supports USB Type-C Fast Charging (10-minute quick-charge that lasts for 1 hour of playback).

9. Sony WF-SP700N/B Wireless

Beauty, stability, and solidity are three words I can use to describe the Sony WF-SP700N/B. This model from Sony has been certified by IPX4. Basically, the designers had the idea of producing something for sports enthusiasts. The Sony WF-SP700N/B wireless earbuds easily survive sweat and splashes.

The design is curvy, compact, and fitting. The structure of these earbuds somewhat resembles pebbles. The bud easily slides into the ear. To make is more small-ear-friendly, Sony offers wingtips to help the buds properly hold grip inside the ear.

The profile is minimal, and the placing of the control buttons is pretty suitable. There are not too many buttons on the buds but just a tap button. Perhaps, it may take some time to get used to this button, but it doesn’t frustrate as long as the buds manage to impress through their sound quality.

The Sony WF-SP700N/B offers exceptional sound quality, especially if the bass is what impresses you. The sound features punchy bass, and the highs are clear and livelier. Sony has done a great job to enable this device to produce the sound that nearly resembles 3D quality.

Talking about the Bluetooth, the connectivity is convenient and stable. Sony has included NFC pairing to fasten the Bluetooth speed and to optimize connectivity. What impresses the most is the noise cancellation quality of the Sony WF-SP700N/B. These earbuds serve you with the 3-NC options. You can easily reduce noises and distractions to enjoy the crisp sound fully.

The earbuds are compatible with Android and Apple smartphones. You can sync them via NFC and Bluetooth.

Also, there is an Ambient Sound Mode. You have the freedom of blending music and mixing surrounding sounds which is a nice feature, especially when you are outdoor or in the gym.

As for the battery life, the WF-SP700N/B comes with a suitable battery that supports playback for ~3 hours. With a charging case you can increase this time to up to 9 hours.

10. Juckbo Wireless Earbuds – Great Multi-Device Compatibility

Busy individuals always love having something that serves multiple purposes along with the primary functions. The Juckbo Wireless Earbuds offer promising multi-device control at a competitive price. You can play media tracks and attend phone calls via these earbuds.

If you have small ears, these earbuds are suitable because you have the option of selecting from several tips. The design is ergonomic, comfortable and easy-to-fit. They are lightweight, and you don’t feel discomfort even after wearing them for over an hour. To hold the earbuds in place, they have a 4-point support system.

The earbuds pair with each other automatically. Pairing them with other devices sometimes takes a little longer than usually. The sound quality is acceptable for this price range. It provides clear and crisp sound as long as the volume is moderate.

The Juckbo earbuds have IPX5 waterproofing rating, so you need not worry about sweat and splash.

The speed of battery charging is pretty fast. It reaches from 0% to 80% in just 30 minutes. The battery indicator keeps you updated about its current level. Once fully charged, it provides up to 3.5 hours of playback time.

Noise cancellation of the Juckbo Wireless Earbuds is disappointing though. Sometimes it becomes problematic if you happen to be in a noisy place.

The maximum volume level doesn’t produce as much sound as you might expect, but as mentioned before, the quality of the sound remains good as long as the volume remains moderate.

The in-call stereo sound is supported by the PC antenna and MEMS Silicon filter. Nano-Coating serves with waterproofing feature, but this model is not meant for swimming anyway.

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Previously listed earbuds

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What You Should Know Before Buying Wireless Earbuds (Buyer’s Guide)

We’ve also written a buying guide for choosing cordless earphones in our Best Wireless Earbuds article, so you may want to check that out as well.

First of all, let’s find out what are the main advantages and disadvantages of wireless/Bluetooth earbuds in comparison with the standard wired headphones.

The strongest advantage of all the wireless headphones is the freedom in movement while listening. No matter what you do – running, riding a bicycle, walking, riding a scooter, mountaineering/climbing, working out, exercising at the gym, moving in public transport or just cleaning the house – you will feel the comfort of the absence of cables. And in some activities and sports (like swimming) it’s almost impossible to use regular wired headphones at all, so switching to wireless can be the only way out for some people in some situations.

Many wireless earbuds also allow controlling audio directly from the headphones, without a need to reach a phone or other audio source. Sure, some wired earphones have a remote control on its cord as well, so it’s not always an advantage and still depends on specific models.

Of course, there are no advantages without the drawbacks. And here are the main ones:

Downsides of Wireless Earbuds

1) Need to charge.
One of the most significant (and understandable) downsides of wireless headphones is that it requires charging. Again, this depends on specific people and their lifestyles. For someone who only needs small earbuds for a few hours a day it won’t be an issue at all. But for another person who, for example, loves long hikes – having one more device that needs charging can be an additional headache.

This disadvantage is however continually weakened with the development of technology and increasing the battery capacity. There are already models that provide 12+ hours of wireless play time. And battery’s lifetime will only improve with time due to new technologies (in particular also due to the popularity and the development of electric vehicles and their batteries).

2) Higher price.
Even though this downside is also gradually eroding, the price of wireless earbuds usually higher than standard wired earphones with similar audio quality. Of course, there is nothing strange here because, except for the speakers themselves, all wireless headphones have at least Bluetooth/Wi-Fi module and a battery on board. And most of the wireless devices also use some extra modules and technologies (e.g. AptX) that cost a penny as well.

However, thanks to amazing manufacturers from China (and not only), there are enough models currently with excellent sound quality (comparable with wired headphones) in various price categories.

3) Harmful radio waves.
Unfortunately, there are no comprehensive studies on this subject yet and usually only a few mention radio waves as shortcomings of all wireless devices (including wireless earbuds). However, based on my research, I’m almost sure that any headphones (and any other devices) that work via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi technology harm our body. The magnitude of the harm is a task for professional research in this field, but the fact of the harmful effects itself is beyond any doubt for me.

Personally, while understanding the risk of using wireless earbuds, I do own and use them, but from time to time only. I also have conventional wired earbuds and try to use them most of the time.

So, my honest personal advice for anyone who wants to buy wireless headphones is to use them only in situations when a wired option is not suitable – e.g. while running, working out and so on. Sure, I could be wrong with it and, probably, radio waves don’t harm our health at all. But, as they say: it’s better to be safe than sorry.

4) Sound quality.

Yes, due to the limits of wireless technologies wired headphones generally have cleaner sounding. With the technological progress, the differences are getting smaller and smaller though. So, for most people, the sound quality of good wireless earbuds is more than enough for daily needs.

However, if you are a true audiophile and catch every note and tone of all sounds – most likely you will need wired headphones to satisfy your music lover nature completely.

Choosing the best bluetooth earbuds for small ears

If you have ears with small ear canals (or you’re looking for a gift for someone who has small ears), there is only one general thing you have to take care about when choosing the best wireless earphones – it’s the availability of interchangeable tips with different sizes in earbuds package.

We made sure that all the wireless headphones mentioned in this article do have various ear tips, so any person with small ear canals can comfortably use any of the models mentioned above.

Eartips sizes

When buying wireless earphones, you should always check whether they will fit in your ears. How the earbuds fit determine the comfort and sound quality you get.

Getting the right size for small ears can be tricky. That is due to the fact that people have ear canals with different shapes and forms. For this reason, you should pay attention to the size of the eartips if you want a comfortable fit.

When your earphones keep falling off while engaging in different activities, they become a nuisance. Eartips that are too small don’t work well to form a strong seal for sound isolation. This means that the sound you get will be of low quality with minimum noise cancellation.

However, if you are buying the earphones for small ears, they will provide perfect fit with no discomfort. Larger eartips have similar effect as they can cause utmost discomfort and can easily slip out of the ear.

Wireless earphones offering multiple sizes of ear tips are the best options since you can get the right size for your ears. You are able to try all of the eartips to ensure you get the right one offering comfort and secure fit as well as good sound quality. Small ear tips have a deeper fit that produce the best sound results.

Larger ear tips on small ears will sit at the threshold of the canal and may provide comfort when partaking lighter activities like sleeping. The right size of eartips will keep the earbuds strongly inserted in your ear. Also, most sport earbuds have ear fins to hold them shallowly in the ears.

Comply Foam vs Silicon ear tips

There are two main ear tips for in-ear headphones (both wireless and wired models) currently: it’s silicon ear tips and foam ones. Each of them has its pros and cons, however, two different people can have opposed opinions on each of them.

First of all, let’s clarify what Comply Foam tips are.

Comply is a registered trademark of Hearing Components, Inc. In short, the story of this brand started in 1990 when a former employee of the 3M company Robert Oliveira (PhD) allocated the Comply brand to a separate company. Since that time Hearing Components Inc. has been creating a wide range of product for hearing with a speciality in foam formulation.

The Comply Foam ear tips use memory foam technology which allows them to adjust to the shape of the ear canal while exercising, running or working out (due to temperature changes and movement). This also leads to a richer bass and better sound experience overall. You can read about all the benefits of Comply Foam on their official website.

How to insert Foam tips in ear canals

At first glance, this may look like something too obvious to write about, but Comply Foam tips have to be inserted a bit differently than regular silicon ear tips.

First, you need to roll/squeeze the tip into a thin cylinder. Then gently insert the entire tip into the canal and hold it in for 10-15 seconds. During this period the foam will expand and take the shape of your ear canals, and you will be ready to explore all the benefits of Comply foam tips with great isolation.

Of course, besides the correct inserting, you will likely need to test out different sizes of tips to choose the one that suits you best.

How To Prepare Comply Foam Tips for Inserting

Should I choose only between earbuds that come with Comply Foam ear tips?

In my opinion, the answer is no. And here is why:

First of all, if you pick quality wireless earbuds most likely even silicone ear tips will provide robust sealing and sound delivery. And secondly, you can always buy Comply Foam tips additionally if you feel that standard silicon ones don’t satisfy your needs.

So you should always consider and compare earbuds and their filling (like battery capacity, Bluetooth module, sound quality, etc.) first while also making sure that there are ear tips of different sizes inside the package.

In other words, foam tips are not able to transform some poor headphones into good ones. But they can really enhance advantages of quality earbuds and help to move your sound experience to the next level.

 

Related Guides

Best Wireless Earbuds in 2020

by David Wright |

I guess you’ll agree: having no cables or wires is always a great thing, without them you are truly set free and have nothing holding you back.

With wireless earbuds, you can forget all those quests for unravelling the headphone cords and not to mention you can also place your sound source device where it’s convenient for you, not the wires.

When it comes to sports, walking tours or any other outdoor activities, wireless headphones become a “must-have” item. So, if you need earphones for sports activities while travelling, or if you just don’t like all those entangled wires and you want to feel truly “free” – then wireless earbuds are definitely your best choice.

Though choosing the best wireless earbuds is not always an easy task. Firstly, because of all the different models and brands out there (and not all of them are good enough to even be mentioned). Add to this a variety of requirements for sound quality, different ear structures, personal priorities (price, design, battery life, brand, sound preferences, weight, size and so on) and you’ve got the idea.

So we’ve done our best to cover all the best earbuds without wares for different purposes and under various categories. Let’s see together what the market has to offer today. Below you will find the best wireless in-ear headphones you can buy to date.

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Best Wireless Earbuds – our list:

Model	Battery life (up to)
Jaybird X3 (our "best of all" choice)	8 hours	Check Price
Jlab Epic2 (our best sports earbuds)	12 hours	Check Price
BeatsX	8 hours	Check Price
NuForce BE6i	8 hours	Check Price
Bose SoundSport Wireless	6 hours	Check Price
Bose Soundsport Pulse Wireless	5 hours	Check Price
Sony SBH80 (our best neckband earbuds)	6 hours	Check Price
ADV.Sound Model 3	5 hours	Check Price
Bose QuietControl 30 (Active noise cancelling)	10 hours	Check Price
LG Tone Infinim (HBS-910)	10.5 hours	Check Price
TaoTronics Bluetooth Headphones (TT-BH16) (best Bluetooth earbuds under $50)	7 hours	Check Price
AfterShokz Trekz Titanium	6 hours	Check Price

1. Jaybird X3 – Our Top Pick

Founded in 2006, Jaybird is a company that is now owned by Logitech and based in Utah. Wireless Bluetooth sports headphones are their most popular products, and therefore you can probably guess that its line of wireless products is of high-quality.

X3 is the third generation of Jaybird’s wireless earbuds, in comparison with the previous X2 model, the company has achieved to make them smaller, improve the sound quality and increase battery life. Combined with the new design the X3’s are not only a step up but look even better than before.

The plastic the X3 model is made from is nicer to the touch as well as being sturdier looking than the X2 plastic. Jaybird has also redesigned the Bluetooth antenna in order to increase the sustainability of the signal.

The battery of these headphones will provide the user with up to 8 hours of use on a full charge and takes about 20 minutes of charging to get one hour of playtime.

Most wireless earbuds have a secure fit but in this model, Jaybird made them even more, well… secure. The silicone ear fins are tightly fixed at the top and bottom of the ear surface, this ensures reliable fastening during workouts, running and any other intensive activities. The buds are also sweat-proof thanks to their hydrophobic nano coating. In fact, these earbuds were designed in the first place for sports and workouts.

The control and microphone module is a little bit bigger than the X2, but it’s still pretty comfortable to use and looks stylish.

The only serious problem, or to be more precise, only serious inconvenience, you may face with the X3 is its charger. Unfortunately, you can’t use a standard micro USB connector for charging, instead, you have to use Jaybird’s original adapter.

Keep in mind, these headphones are not actively noise-cancelling. However, due to their good fit and a noise-isolating design, the sound is pretty clean and nothing will seriously disturb you while listening.

Unfortunately, the X3 doesn’t have a true water resistant standard. Though, as I mentioned above, they are sweat-proof and you’ll hardly experience any issues unless you run a test with heavy rain or dive with them (this is a joke of course, but really – don’t do it).

MySound App

Jaybird’s MySound App allows customizing presets and equalizer settings. Once you’ve set up your personal settings (or choose one of the built-in presets), they will be saved directly in your X3 earbuds, so the sound setting remains the same regardless of which device you pair and use as the sound source.

The app has a handy “share” option where you can connect your friend’s X3 earbuds to your device and you can listen to the same music together. Along with this, you have a “Multipoint” option that allows you to connect the earbuds with multiple Bluetooth devices. For example, you can listen to the music or audiobook from your tablet and make a call from a cell phone at the same time.

The app also allows syncing the playlist to your smartwatch so you can use the earbuds without even a phone with you. Note, however, that not all smartwatches can support this feature. And, of course, with MySound App you are able to monitor your battery level.

2. JLab Epic2 – Best Wireless Earbuds for Sports

 

4. NuForce BE6i

BE6i is the evolution of the previous wireless earbuds, NuForce BE6, created by Optoma Corporation. Before talking about the new model, I should mention that the predecessor (BE6) received great feedback and was mentioned as being the “recommended” Bluetooth headphones in some authoritative media such as GadgetSpeak.com, the Daily Mirror, Techradar.com and Digitaltrends.com.

What’s new in BE6i?

Firstly, the battery life has been increased to 8 hours of playback. Secondly, the water-resistance level has been improved; the earbuds are now IPX5 certified which makes them even more protected from sweat and rain. Also, thanks to the fact that they are made of aluminium (same as the BE6), they are lightweight and look even more stylish.

Of course, the sound quality was also improved, which I will cover in more detail further in the article.

Talking about the design, the earbuds are available in grey and gold colours, and as I mentioned above, they are crafted from aluminium. There are six sets of ear tips in the box: 4 pairs of silicone tips with different sizes and 2 pairs of soft foam tips with heat activated memory which was designed to improve noise isolation and give more of a secure fit in the ear canal. The BE6i earbuds are magnetic so you can secure them around your neck when they are not used.

The BE6i headphones feature aptX and AAC compatibility and use Bluetooth 4.1. In combination, all these technologies provide better sound quality, more stability, lossless connection and wider range.

The model also contains new 10mm large drivers which help to deliver distortion-free sound even at high volume levels.

Sound quality

First thing I would like to mention here is that the NuForce BE6i is really loud and thanks to their 10mm drivers, they still provide clear sound at the highest volume.

As my little investigation shows, the NuForce line is known for its powerful low end sounds so it’s not surprising that BE6i delivers great low bass. Unfortunately, their mids and highs are not as great as their lows, but the overall sound picture is still pretty nice in my opinion.

 

5. Bose SoundSport Wireless

 

Bose SoundSport Pulse Wireless

If you want something a little more then there is also the SoundSport Pulse Wireless model available, this is a version of the SoundSport with a built-in heart rate sensor. They come with StayHear+ Pulse tips that measure the pulse and also provide a secure fit to make workouts comfortable.

Heart rate data can be monitored in real time via Bose Connect app. The Pulse also can be synchronized with many popular fitness apps like Runtastic, MapMyRun, Endomondo, Runkeeper and more.

SoundSport Pulse Wireless earbuds cost a bit more than original SoundSport Wireless model. Also because of the additional sensor used in this model, the official battery life of the Pulse Wireless is down to 5 hours vs the 6-hour life in the original SoundSport Wireless earbuds.

6. Sony SBH80 – Best Neckband-Style Earbuds

Sony is a company that surely needs no introduction. They produce such a wide range of products that it’s almost impossible to find someone who has never heard of them, and in my personal experience, when Sony creates something they do it dignifiedly. Their SBH80 Bluetooth earbuds are no exception.

The SBH80 was designed for daily use in different situations. Sony describes their design as “discreet” but I’d rather say they are minimalist, they are the embodiment of the “beauty of simplicity” concept. Just look at them, they were created back in 2014, but still look modern and stylish (though, it’s a subjective opinion of course).

The earbuds are good when used for sports too, they are water and sweat resistant, but without an official IP certificate. The earbuds are light and comfortable, and the rear unit is designed in such a way that it remains practically motionless on the neck while running or working out.

SBH80 uses aptX technology to deliver a lossless wireless sound with high quality. The model has two microphones on both strips so no matter how you turn your head while speaking, your interlocutor will hear your voice clearly. The SBH80 also supports the HD voice technology which eliminates background noises and delivers your voice even more accurately.

NFC helps to connect the SBH80 to a smartphone. It’s done by touching the NFC device to the main unit after this is done the pairing will start automatically.

Sound quality

The SBH80 headphones deliver deep bass and solid, clear highs at the same time. Thanks to their noise-cancelling design, you can truly hear all the range of frequencies. For best sound experience I personally recommend to use them with aptX compatible devices, this is true not only for Sony and SBH80 but for any headphones that support aptX audio codec.

 

7. ADV.Sound Model 3

Advanced Sound is a new company who’s on a mission to create products that bring great sound experience at affordable prices.

“We are fully focused in packaging and delivering this superior audio in the most durable and the most comfortable chassis.” – Advanced Sound

What is remarkable in these Model 3 earphones in comparison with all the others headphones reviewed here is that they are wireless and wired at the same time – they are the first convertible wireless earbuds in the world. With the detachable MMCX connection, you can use them wirelessly with an around the neck cable which includes Bluetooth and inline remote with built-in microphone & battery. You can also connect a regular 3.5mm audio cable instead of a wireless one and use the Model 3 as normal wired earbuds, both cables are included in the standard package.

The battery in the wireless cable provides up to 5 hours of playtime and takes 1.5 hours to achieve a full charge. Five hours of listening is nothing exciting for sure but having the opportunity of switching between wireless and wired cables – for example, when the battery is discharged, is really cool.

The Model 3 supports a number of technologies that maximize sound quality and streaming including; DSP technology (Digital Signal Processing), aptX and AAC codecs. I’ve already mentioned these features earlier but they do really help to bring the overall audio performance to the next level.

Previous products by Advanced Sound received many positive reviews, but I believe the company did their best to make Model 3 earbuds outstanding. In my opinion, they are the best of all Advanced Sound’s creations up to this date. These Bluetooth earphones have a reliable fit, are beautifully designed, sound fantastic and can be used as wired earbuds. Add to this a price tag of less than $100 and we have some truly great wireless in-ear headphones that can easily compete with the more famous brands whose models are usually 50 – 100% more expensive.

Sound quality

Adv.Sound Model 3 is officially Hi-Res audio certified which means that the earphones are able to produce frequency over 40kHz and deliver high-resolution audio at 96kHz/24-bit. All of the above-mentioned technologies that are supported by the Model 3 (DSP, aptX and AAC) play their role and complement the overall sound picture and for the most part, song lows, mids and highs sound balanced and “warmly”.

 

8. Bose QuietControl 30

“You can’t control how noisy your environment is. But you can control how much of it you hear” – these are the words that start the official description of the new QuietControl 30 by Bose. These Bluetooth earbuds are actively noise-cancelling and let you control how much external sounds should be blocked out. They are expensive, but it’s Bose brand after all and this model attracts attention already with its chic design – so let’s see what’s inside.

QuietControl 30 have a neckband design which was initially popularized by LG with their Tone series.

Inside the collar is a Bluetooth module and noise-cancelling components, however, the weight is optimal so it’s very comfortable to wear. On the back of the neckband are two LED indicators for the battery and Bluetooth status along with one button which is used to switch the earphones on/off and for Bluetooth pairing.

In addition to the standard multi-function (play/pause/skipping tracks/Siri or Google Now activation) and volume buttons, the inline remote has two extra buttons which allow adjusting to the level of noise cancellation. For example, when you are running or riding a bicycle you can reduce or completely turn off the noise cancelling to hear ambient traffic. The adjustment can also be made via the Bose Connect app.

Unlike some others neckband-style earphones, the QuietControl 30 doesn’t have an option to connect with a standard 3.5mm audio cable – they are completely wireless. Battery playtime is pretty impressive 10 hours with less than 3 hours of charging. The QC 30 supports NFC for simplified Bluetooth pairing with NFC-compatible devices.

There are 3 sizes of StayHear+ ear tips in the package which also help to add passive noise reduction. They sit securely so it’s convenient to use the QC 30 for sports as well as for daily use.

Sound quality

The QuietControl 30’s sound is similar to the SoundSport Wireless model which I’ve described above. Since we’re talking about Bose it’s not surprising that special attention is paid to the lower frequencies in QC 30, but it doesn’t prevent the ability to clearly distinguish mids and highs as well – the overall sound is balanced and good detailed.

As for the active noise cancellation function, it’s definitely good but not as strong as in the previous wired QC 20 model. However, for daily use and for the vast majority of situations it’s more than enough and the QC 30 is one of the best ANC in-ear wireless headphones available at the moment. The possibility of noise reduction level adjustment is a great and useful feature too.

In my final words regarding these Bose earphones I would like to say that given their high price, I recommend QC 30 only if you:

1) Need active noise-canceling wireless earbuds with great design by a famous brand.

2) Are looking for the most powerful noise cancellation amongst all the headphones.

I would only think of buying the QuietControl 30 if both of the above points are true for you. Otherwise, there are other models that will suit you and that will cost less.

 

9. LG Tone Infinim (HBS-910)

LG is a trendsetter for neckband-style headphones. When they first released their Tone series these type of earphones quickly became very popular. The LG Tone Infinim HBS-910 is the 2016 model which in my opinion remains the best in the series, considering that its successor HBS-1100 headphones are currently almost twice as expensive as the HBS-910.

Like all the Tone series’ earphones, the HBS-910’s also have a neckband design with a nice lightweight collar. Their size is comfortable to wear, however, this may depend on the size of the users’ neck. The neckband contains all the electronics, the battery and also has a retraction feature which allows you to hide the cable and earbuds inside when you’re not using them.

The audio of the HBS-910 is powered by Harman Kardon Signature Sound, which provides high-quality sound and is also enhanced with aptX codec. Battery life is solid with 10.5 hours’ worth of music listening on less than 2 hours of charging.

The neckband has a vibrating function that informs you about incoming calls or if you have moved too far away from the connected device. There are standard control buttons on the collar as well as the buttons for hiding the retractable cords. The earbuds are magnetic so they can also be interconnected while not in use.

These earphones are not recommended for use during sports and activities where they can be exposed to sweat or water as they are not water-resistant. However, you can definitely wear them during “no-sweat” workouts.

Sound quality

With properly selected ear tips the Infinim HBS-910 delivers accurate and clear sound with a slight emphasis on bass. Harman Kardon and aptX do their job well too and when used in combination the sound quality is much higher than the average Bluetooth headphone, though it isn’t the best.

 

10. TaoTronics Bluetooth Headphones (TT-BH16) – Best Budget Wireless Earbuds

The TaoTronics Company was founded in 2008, it specializes in small electronics and accessories. Their Bluetooth earbuds are budget models with a cost less than $50, but built with high quality and worthily competing with many more expensive earphones. This latest version has already received thousands of positive reviews, as have its predecessors TT-BH06 and TT-BH07U. So let’s take a closer look at this company’s new creation.

Similarly to the previous models of this series, TaoTronics TT-BH16 are created primarily for working out and sports. The earbuds fit snugly and securely stay in your ears during running or exercising. In the kit you will find 3 pairs of earbuds and 3 pairs of ear hooks, they are interchangeable with each other to be more comfortable and safe use in different conditions.

These TT-BH16 earphones are IPX5 certified which makes them more protected from dust, sweat and water. The earbuds are made of plastic, which is unsurprisingly considering that they are inexpensive, and have a simple yet beautiful design. As in many other in-ear models, the TT-BH16 have built-in magnets and can be attached together for safe wearing around the neck.

The battery provides up to 7 hours of playback with about 2 hours for full charge. The model uses Bluetooth 4.1 and also supports aptX codec, it’s nice to have this technology in such budget earbuds as it which allows the user to stream the music with CD like-quality. There is a built-in mic inside the inline remote so besides listening to music, the TT-BH16’s are ideal to use for calls as well.

Sound quality

Despite the fact that these earbuds are budget and cost significantly less than most of their competition, the sound quality is surprisingly good. In fact, the sound here is not inferior to most models by famous brands that are 3-4 times more expensive. The earbuds provide good levels of both bass and treble, and with aptX, Bluetooth 4.1 and CVC 6.0 noise cancellation technology (yes, they have this on-board too) the TT-BH16 deliver clear and lossless audio straight to your heart ears.

If you want to purchase Bluetooth earbuds but don’t want to spend a decent amount of $ then I would highly recommend these TaoTronics earphones. As a final note regarding this budget ‘gem’, TaoTronics provides a 30-month warranty so in case of any issues with the earbuds they will send you new ones free of charge. Do you know some big brands who provide similar warranty on earphones? I personally don’t…

 

11. AfterShokz Trekz Titanium

AfterShokz Trekz earbuds work using bone conduction technology which creates mini vibrations, sending sound through the cheekbones and straight into the inner ears. As the name might tell, they are made of titanium design coated in silicon rubber. This results in a flexible and a lightweight unit.

AfterShokz have really upped their game with these headphones when compared to the Bluez 2, one of their previous products, as the differences are substantial. Trekz Titanium uses PremiumPitch+, which offers a wider dynamic sound range, deeper bass as well as 50% less sound leakage.

Unfortunately these headphones do still leak some sound and do not completely immerse you from the outside world which could be either a positive point or negative depending on where you are planning on using them. For example, if you plan on going jogging this would be ideal as you can still be aware of your surroundings.

One of the biggest drawbacks of the Trekz Titanium is its 6-hour battery, which as mentioned before, just isn’t up to par with some of the other wireless earbuds out there. This point is very important as nobody wants to be out jogging only for their music to just suddenly stop.

Wireless (Bluetooth) Earphones – What You Should Know

Wireless or wired headphones?

There are two main differences between wired and wireless (Bluetooth) headphones that should be considered before purchasing wireless ones; price and sound quality.

It’s true that the price of wired headphones is lower and their sound quality can be better (depends on model, of course) simply because wireless sound delivery has its limitations due to the Bluetooth capabilities.

Sound quality

Although the sound quality is usually better, many wireless headphones now use various technologies that help them to play sounds lossless with CD-like quality, these are; aptX codec, AAC compatibility, Bluetooth 4.1, DSP, etc. In fact, some wireless models can easily surpass their wired competitors in sound quality. Given the rapid development of technology, wireless devices are getting better year after year.

Price

Sure, if we compare two earphones that are similar in sound quality, one wired and one wireless, the wireless one, not surprisingly, will be more expensive because they have to have more complex design and equipment. Nevertheless, there are some very inexpensive models with high-quality sound, solid battery life, great fit and comfort, which cost only about $30 (e.g. such as TT-BH16 in our list).

Battery

Another difference is, of course, the battery. With Bluetooth headphones you have just that one more device which you have to charge but if you forgive the need to take care of the charge, considering the average battery capacity of modern wireless headphones at 6-8 hours of playback, it’s enough for active use during the whole day.

Unbeatable advantages of wireless earphones

In contrast to the aforementioned downsides, there are enormous benefits that outweigh any possible shortcomings wireless headphones may have. The absence of cables their tendency to entangle comes an incredible freedom in using the headphones, especially when it comes to sports and other activities with a lot of movements. Wireless earphones are the only right solution if you want to enjoy your exercise without adjusting the cable and thinking how to better and more safely position your phone or other sound source.

Wired headphones have another drawback which I’ve personally faced several times. Over time the cable bends at a point near the earbud or near the plug which leads to it failing. This resulted in me now owning 3 or 4 old wired earphones in which only one earbud still works.

And if you think that I’m talking about some cheap earphones… I’m not. This has been an issue for Sennheiser, original Samsung and Sony. So I’m confident that the reason behind this issue is not in the quality of assembly, but rather in the construction of wired earbuds themselves and my wrong wearing, which in turn is facilitated by the construction.

I figure it happens because I usually keep my sound source device down below in my pocket or in my hand while walking, and sometimes the cable accidentally clings to something and sharply pulls down the earpiece. Even though this problem can be prevented by being more careful, using wireless earphones solves the issue without you having to do anything.

Technical Information

aptX – audio codec algorithm created in the late 1980s at Queen’s University Belfast and is currently owned by Qualcomm, aptX technology delivers CD-like quality audio wirelessly via Bluetooth.

The sound quality is much higher than offered from the standard Bluetooth codec. While the standard Bluetooth is not able to send CD-like quality audio because of its file transfer limitations, in aptX it’s achieved by reducing the size of the audio files so they can be delivered through the wireless channel without compromising on quality.

Even though the technology first appeared about 30 years ago, for many years it was only used by big broadcasters and studios. The first aptX device was the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus (source). Nowadays there are hundreds of electronic brands that use aptX technology in their devices all over the world.

Advanced Audio Codec (AAC) – audio coding standard for lossy audio compression. AAC was designed to be the successor of the MP3 format and it’s a part of MPEG-4 format.

Apple was the first company who started to use AAC codec widely in its products (iPod and iTunes were the first in 2003). However, contrary to popular belief, this technology has never belonged to Apple and originally was developed by the consortium of Dolby Labs, Fraunhofer Institute, Bell Labs, Nokia and Sony companies.

Headphones that support AAC technology provide better listening experience when playing sound from AAC sources – e.g. Apple devices, YouTube, PlayStation 3, Android, Blackberry devices and many others.

Bose Soundsport Wireless vs Jaybird X3 – Honest Comparison

by David Wright |

Technology continues to evolve and the transition from wire to wireless has changed our preferences. It is much more apparent when it comes to listening devices, specifically the headsets.
Competition is everywhere in the industry and today, two of the most prominent headsets are going neck to neck – Jaybird X3 and BOSE SoundSport Wireless.

Model	Battery runtime
Jaybird X3	up to 8 hours	Check Price
Bose Soundsport Wireless	up to 6 hours	Check Price

Let’s begin with the comparison of the sound quality of these headsets.

1. Sound Quality

Sound quality is the primary consideration when it comes to the selection of a headset. Let’s first have a look at the BOSE SoundSport Wireless:

Sound Quality of BOSE SoundSport Wireless

• Rich quality with clear output
• No distortions with the bass
• Smoother and pleasing mids

But we noticed something unexpected. The bass decreases at the lows. Though lows are decent, it comes at the expense of bass.

This headset facilitates you with the dynamic volume optimizer which means that you are free to select the sound profile.

Because of its design, the headset fails to isolate ambient with greater efficiency. Although this headset can go very loud, it isn’t suggested as it can get messy.

The design is such that it can’t separate the sounds and noise when you are in a crowded place. That is why this headset is preferable for quiet places.

Sound Quality of JayBird X3

• Good sound quality
• Highs are smooth but not much louder
• Exceptional noise canceling
• Clear and highly perfect mids
• Clear and audible lows

This headset comes with a flexible sound profile. Initially, the sound might appear flat, but once you customize the sound profile as per your likings, it turns out to be an impressive device.

Better noise cancellation and smoother performance with the loud sound gives JayBird X3 an edge over Bose SoundSport Wireless.

2. Connectivity

The ease of use is an important consideration and this what makes connectivity features highly significant. Let’s see how these two headsets perform in this round.

Connectivity Features of Bose SoundSport Wireless

• Connection time is faster
• Supported by NFC – Connect with iOS and Android devices at a time
• It suffers from delays and lags when watching movies and playing games

Connectivity Features of JayBird X3

• Stable and Accurate
• Can connect to two devices at a time

The ability to connect with two different devices makes things super easy for users. JayBird X3 allows you to respond to the phone calls even if you are listening to the music on the laptop.

Actually, there is nothing to choose from here. Bose SoundSport isn’t as stable and accurate as JayBird X3.

3. Battery Life

The battery becomes a highly important factor when it comes to any wireless device. Let’s see how these headsets manage to impress us with their battery performance.

Battery Performance of Bose SoundSport Wireless

• Lasts from five to six hours of constant use
• Charging time is 2.5 hours
• Micro-USB standard charging cable

The performance of the Bose’s battery is above average. There are no significant flaws in this regard.

Battery Performance of JayBird X3

• Lasts from six to eight hours (depending on the usage)
• Takes 2 hours to charge
• Charging dongle is compatible with the in-line remote

Yes, the dongle is good for charging but what if you forget it at home? That is what makes Bose a better choice because even if you forget the Micro-USB charging cable, you can easily find it with your friends.

4. Mobile Apps

Customized settings, consistent updates, and customer support, all of these essential features depend on a reliable mobile app. Let’s see how these two competitors serve their users through their mobile apps.

Mobile App of Bose SoundSport Wireless

• Volume adjustment
• Customization of the sound profile
• Software updates
• Limited functions – the functions are also available with the in-line remote

Mobile App of JayBird X3

• Innovative features
• Volume adjustment
• Built-in equalizer
• Save your sound profiles

Both, Bose as well as JayBird Mobile Apps make things super easy for the users. It is good to see the software updates with Bose SoundSport App. Both of these headsets continue to serve their users in the best possible way through their respective mobile apps.

We’d love to see Bose SoundSport offering more features in the near future.

5. Design

The design does count and often becomes a decisive factor when selecting a headphone from various available options. Let’s have a look at the design features of Bose SoundSport Wireless and JayBird X3.

Design of Bose SoundSport Wireless

• Out-of-Year
• Comfortable to wear for hours
• May feel slightly bigger on the ear
• Stayhear+ – stops them from falling off
• Flexible rubber – 3 sizes
• Shirt Clip
• Wing ear-tips

Design of JayBird X3

• Behind-the-neck design
• Cable Management Clip
• Shirt Clip
• Smaller than X2 headset
• Aluminum-like plastic material with metallic-like logo

The design of the X3 is made to make it highly efficient sound cancellation headset. On the other hand, the sound cancellation of the Bose SoundSport Wireless isn’t as good as expected.

Overall, the designs of the Bose, as well as JayBird, don’t lack too much. JayBird X3 carries a feel and look of a premium device, and this is what makes this headset slightly preferable than SoundSport Wireless.

6. Durability

The durability of Bose SoundSport Wireless

• The battery of the SoundSport doesn’t deteriorate easily. Even after months of constant use, the battery last from five to six hours just as it does when it is new.
• But the sound quality does drop a bit after months of consistent use. That is why we noticed some issues with the SoundSport Wireless’ struggle with the highs. It tends to distort the sound.
• The coats on the cord and the earpieces also fade off with time.

The durability of JayBird X3

• JayBird doesn’t easily wear-and-tear. It is good to see that its design features and coatings don’t fade away after months.
• The problem may occur around the logo’s edges. But these cracks aren’t easy to notice.
• The battery performance is also durable and doesn’t lack the timing even after months of consistent use.

Miscellaneous Features

Bose Soundsport Wireless

JayBird X3

Pros and Cons of Bose SoundSport Wireless

Bose SoundSport Wireless – Official Video

Pros and Cons of JayBird X3

Jaybird X3 – Official Video

Verdict

It entirely depends on your requirements. If you are extremely selective about the quality and design features, then you might opt for the JayBird X3. If you are okay with minor issues, then Bose SoundSport Wireless may be a better option because it saves 15$ which you have to pay for the JayBird’s charging dongle (however, the Jaybird is usually cheaper then SoundSport, so this point is not a serious advantage).

Also, if you are on the road or in a crowded place then noise cancellation features becomes significant. You can select SoundSport for its ability to keep your alert as the noise comes through. If you are in the Gym, you might prefer the JayBird for its exceptional noise cancellation ability.

The battery timing doesn’t turn out to be a huge difference. Five to six hours are enough and you get them with the Bose. Yes, if you are on a long journey, then the difference of a couple of hours may become significant so you’d love to take JayBird with you. The good news is that Bose charges with any Micro-USB cable, so you don’t have to worry about leaving your charging cable at home. You can easily borrow it from anyone around.

Overall, both headsets are extremely good, but if you have to choose the winner, JayBird X3 definitely has the edge over SoundSport Wireless.

 

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