Wireless earphones can pair with multiple Bluetooth enabled devices including mobile phones, smart watches, tablets, TV's or laptops. They provide a convenient way of listening to music, podcasts or ebooks – your lead won’t bother you or get in the way. You can use wireless earbuds when you want to keep a phone in your pocket or elsewhere but remain connected. They are ideal for around the home or at the gym, as you can take calls or listen to an audio input, without being tethered to the device.
Bluetooth technology was launched in 1999 and became available for use in gadgets by 2000. It works as a wire replacement, streaming audio and other data between devices like speakers, mobile phones, earphones, and computers. Bluetooth was used to create wireless headphones from 2004 onwards, partly because it uses less power than Wi-Fi so the battery can be smaller whilst lasting longer. By 2015 the first true wireless headphones with no connecting wire between them were launched by Onkyo, by the following year many other manufacturers had their own version.
The new crop of earbuds means a distinction has to be made between ‘wireless’ and ‘true wireless’ earbuds. ‘True wireless’ devices have no cable or link between them, while the ‘wireless’ versions have an over-the-head or around-the-neck connection. Neither requires a phone jack in order to work. Here is a look at the best-known companies involved in making true wireless and wireless headphones.
Many companies are offering wireless earbuds on the market right now. The top manufacturers include Apple, Beats, Bose, Samsung, and Sony. Here’s a breakdown of the different products on offer:
Apple – Apple's AirPods are completely wire-free and provide excellent sound quality, along with extended battery life. The company created its W1 chip just for these headphones. It contains an accelerometer to detect movement, an optical sensor, and a microphone to make calls or summon Siri hands-free. You can also use a tap pad to control music, use Siri, or take calls. Pairing is instant with other devices running iOS 10 or later and these pods do work with Android devices, though some functions are lost.
Beats By Dre – Beats by Dre wireless headphones are known for their comfortable feel and stylish look. The sound is reliably good and they have excellent noise cancelling capabilities. Although the focus remains on over-the-ear models, there is a wider selection to choose from including around-the-neck ear pods.
Bose – Bose's wireless headphones are produced with technology which is exclusive to the brand. This means that the Bluetooth connection is extremely reliable and it is simple to swap between two separate Bluetooth enabled devices. Some of their headphones have Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa built in so you can text, call, and listen to music without having to touch your phone.
Samsung – Released in 2018, Samsung’s Gear IconX true wireless headphones are considered to offer excellent sound and a good fit but are let down by limited battery life. By 2019, the Galaxy Buds were released. They are smaller than the Gear IconX headphones but provide all the same benefits as well as longer battery life.
Sony – Sony have a large family of wireless headphones which includes true wireless earbuds, over-the-head earphones and in-ear buds with around-the-neck support. With Bluetooth and NFC functionality, they can connect to an Android gadget or iPhone equally well, providing hands-free access to music and calls.
Some audio fans are always going to prefer the sound experience offered by over-the-ear headphones, but the wireless versions have specific uses and benefits which meet other needs. So when and why should you use wireless earphones?
You don’t have to use a cable! It sounds like an obvious point but it’s an important one. Cables can get in the way when you are moving, whether it is at home, at work, or exercising. We’ve all had earphones ripped out of our ears after getting caught up on something, and then there is the equally frustrating job of having to detangle earphones that have been in your pocket.
Charging is simple. Some wireless headphones can now be charged wirelessly using Qi Wireless Charging, while others have a micro-port on the ear cup itself, but the majority come with their own charging case. These cases are connected to the mains using an auxiliary cord and many can hold a charge themselves. This is usually sufficient for a number of headphone top-ups. Once you have finished with your headphones, you can place them in the case to begin a recharging cycle.
They’re less of a drain on mobile devices. Without a wired connection, many devices use less power and the battery lasts longer. Bluetooth needs very little energy to function, so some headphones can keep going for up to 20 hours of playback time between charges.
You can move more freely. Many wireless headphone models have a range of up to 9 metres or more, allowing you to put more distance between yourself and a device whilst maintaining a good sound connection. This is especially useful if you listen to music during a workout, when doing the housework, or when taking calls on the go.
They have great sound quality! Earlier wireless Bluetooth headphones did not provide especially good sound quality, but in recent years improvements have been made to both noise-isolation and bass-boost technologies. If you select earbuds which are known for their excellent output, you won’t be disappointed.
You can do way more with them than just listen to music. Modern earbuds can even store music, provide fitness tracking, deliver coaching tips as you work out and connect to AI like Siri, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
We spend a lot of time using our earphones, whether it’s listening to podcasts in bed, as a distraction whilst travelling or for inspiration when jogging. For this reason, it’s important to think about how you’re planning to actually use them before you buy a pair.
If you are a particularly active person, waterproofing can keep your earbuds safe from splashes of rain and sweat as you work out. The Soul Electronic X-Shock earbuds can withstand being submerged in water for up to half an hour and even have LED lights on to make you more visible in reduced light. Another good choice would be the KuaiFit Sport headphones, these come with a selection of fitness software and 8GB of storage, so your phone can stay at home.
If you appreciate the detail of every track and do not want to compromise on audio, the RHA Trueconnect earphones are a good choice. They have especially deep bass notes, with crisp highs and no hiss when played at increased volume.
Is how your earphones look the most important thing? The Solo 3 Wireless are some of the most stylish headphones around and unlike many true wireless pairs, they are not designed to be hidden away in the ear. They come in a range of shades including rose gold, gloss white and matt black, so you can personalise your listening experience.
If you don’t have a specific use in mind, but you want a pair of wireless headphones that are reliable and offer great sound quality, you need to go for a good all-rounder. Some excellent general-use wireless headphones have been released by Jabra. Their Elite 65t has impressive call and music quality, along with Bluetooth 5.0 and IP55-rated protection from dust or water. They even come with different sized ear gels for comfort.
These two iconic companies have been competing in the smartphone market for decades, with both flagship companies now offering wireless headphones as well. The first innovative AirPods were released in 2016, while the Samsung Galaxy Buds did not arrive in stores until 2019. The price tags are relatively similar, but how do their specs compare?
Colours: White
Average battery life: 5 hours
Dimensions: 0.69 x 0.69 x 1.59 in (17.7 x 17.7 x 40.6 mm)
Earbuds weight: 3.9g
Tap pad controls: Siri/answer call/end call/play/pause skip track
Comes with: Lightening cable/charging case
Colours: White/yellow/black
Average battery life: 6 hours
Dimensions: 0.69 x 0.89 x 0.80 in. (17.7 x 22.8 x 20.52 mm)
Earbuds weight: 5.6g
Tap pad controls: Play/pause/skip track/answer call/end call
Comes with: Eartips/USB C cable/charging case
If you want to customise your earphones, keep them safe on the road or ensure they are always ready for action, there are lots of audio accessories to consider.
Ear Cushion Kit - It is easy to lose the small cushions that cover each earbud and they can wear out with repeated use which makes them feel less comfortable. Also, earbuds come in universal sizes, so if yours do not sit in your ear particularly well, you can buy differently sized ear cushions to achieve a better fit.
Charging Case - The majority of headphones come complete with a charging case, but if yours is damaged or you want a spare, there are plenty to choose from. Most are designed to work with all the best-known brands, like the Smatree Wireless Headphone Charging Case. Once inside, the headphones are powered up for the next time you need them.
Carry Case - Earbuds are small and easy to loose amongst the other items in a handbag or rucksack, so to keep them safe when not in use, you can buy a carry case. Unlike charging cases they won’t provide any extra battery life, but they can offer protection from knocks, drops and dust.
When you are planning to buy your next set of earphones will you go for a wired or wireless set? Most people have both, but if you are unsure about investing in a new pair, take a look at the pros and cons of wireless listening.
Pros
There are no wires to get caught up in your clothing or become tangled together
Some models have an auxiliary cable and a 3.5mm port so they can be used wired if the battery is low – giving you the best of both worlds
Music can be paused or played and you can take calls without touching your phone
High-end pairs use advanced Bluetooth technology for better sound quality
You can sync them with Bluetooth enabled gadgets
Cons
They need to be charged before use and if the power is low you will have to wait for them to refuel
Sounds are compressed while streaming which can compromise the audio quality on cheaper versions
As they are so small, button controls can be sticky and difficult to operate
Whether sound, looks or sturdiness are your priority, there are a wide range of wireless headphones available. You can shop for popular types online at Amazon, eBay, and Currys PC World. Or you can explore the stores of larger manufacturers like Sennheiser, Jabra and RHA. On the high street, Argos, Richer Sounds and John Lewis all stock a huge collection of earbuds.
When it comes to cutting edge technology like wireless headphones, new products are regularly released and this can drive down the price of previous models. You can pick up some excellent deals during the Christmas period, or in the seasonal sales which happen in summer and spring. Taking place at the end of November, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the UK’s largest retail events. Many online and high street stores make sweeping reductions over this weekend, which include cutting the prices in their wireless technology departments.
Shoppers who are planning to upgrade their existing headphones or want to try out a wireless pair for the first time can find a bargain at hotukdeals. We collect the details of reductions online and instore, then list them together on our wireless earphone page.
