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Daily Maverick
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Digital dispatch from Estonia, the eGovernance capital of the world
Daily Maverick was invited to Estonia as a guest of the minister of foreign affairs to attend the African Business Forum and 11th annual eGovernance Conference. Minister Leon Schreiber was also in attendance, but I missed his panel discussion at the forum. 'When Estonia was part of the Soviet Union the decisions were made in Moscow; now we're part of the European Union and decisions are made in Brussels. There's no change,' says my driver — it's a private trip, but he also does Bolt work — while racing to the African Business Forum that I'm already late for. It takes about 10 minutes to get from Tallinn airport to the Radisson hotel where the event is happening. 'It's 2pm' chimes the digital assistant on my Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds. There is almost no traffic on a Tuesday. I've been in transit for 24 hours since boarding Ethiopian Air flight ET 846 in Cape Town. I should have arrived on Sunday, but my passport was still at the VFS operational centre in Pretoria on Friday, on its journey which started when Godongwana ended his Budget 3.0 speech en route to Cape Town from the Swedish embassy in Nairobi. Technology should have solved this problem by now. I'm also in desperate need of a shower. A problem of scale I dialled into the media roundtable with Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna from the downstairs lobby of the VFS offices in Cape Town. He said that we 'cannot compare your big country with us' in response to questions about scaling his country's digital advancements to the South African context. It's a fair point. Estonia has 1.3 million people — roughly the population of Johannesburg's northern suburbs. The entire country runs on what they call the 'XRO solution', a system they developed nearly 20 years ago that allows different government databases to talk to each other seamlessly. So remember, when Tsahkna says '100% of public services are online' and 'everyone knows exactly what their rights are', he's talking about a population smaller than eThekwini municipality and a land area the size of Gauteng. But here's what struck me about his response: he wasn't dismissive. 'There are technological solutions available, of course… and you have (natural) resources to invest,' he said. The key, he insisted, was political leadership. 'We can (share with) you our experiences about digitalisation.' Digital dreams and African realities The Africa Business Forum is in full swing by the time I arrive. I excuse myself briefly to brush my teeth in the fancy bathroom – the only thing I couldn't do while changing in the restroom at Frankfurt Airport before boarding flight LH 880 to Tallinn. I'm led straight into a conference room buzzing with conversations about digital transformation, but the context is distinctly different to what I'd expected. This isn't Estonians lecturing Africans about efficiency — it's a more nuanced conversation about partnership and practical realities. Estonian and EU officials are refreshingly candid about their limitations. When they talk about their digital achievements — tax returns in three minutes, businesses started in 18 minutes online — they acknowledge these come with caveats. For real though, eFiling is dope, but the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (exclusively for Estonian tax residents) online platform is something else. Their entire digital infrastructure was built 'together with the private sector mainly' over 'more than 30 years', they explain, and it works for a population of 1.3 million. The geopolitical subtext is never far from the surface. Estonia is 'under heavy heavy cyberattacks', as officials put it, and they're 'very careful' about technological cooperation with certain countries — a not-so-subtle reference to Russia, their 'difficult neighbour' The digital-first approach wasn't just about efficiency; it was about survival. The Global Gateway pitch The forum's centrepiece is the European Union's Global Gateway strategy — a €150-billion investment promise for Africa by 2027. EU officials position this as a 'value-based alternative' to other global powers' approaches, though they're diplomatically vague about which alternatives they have in mind. 'We are not coming in to put the conditions there,' comes the refrain from multiple speakers. 'We have long-term partners based on values.' The pitch includes 'literally thousands of procurement actions every year', with opportunities ranging from direct private sector contracts to partnerships through organisations like the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), which spent $130-million across various African countries. Digital infrastructure is positioned as one of five key pillars of Global Gateway, with the EU (and Estonia) offering expertise in 'payments identity interoperability' and promising a 'more explicit message to our partner countries' about digital public infrastructure. Estonian companies in Africa The Estonian presence in Africa is already more substantial than I'd realised. Companies like Positum use mobile data to provide insights for governments, working with UN agencies and the World Bank. And the 'digitisation services' industry is in advanced talks to set up a pop-up to deliver e-residency cards in Mzansi — they're aware of our country's challenges with keeping card printing equipment working. Estonian businesses have implemented projects in 'Botswana, in Nigeria, in Kenya, many of them in Tanzania', according to forum speakers. The approach seems less about grand pronouncements and more about practical problem-solving — using Estonia's digital experience as a starting point rather than a template. 'Estonian expertise is really sought after,' one official notes, encouraging participation in international expert groups, 'even if it is pro bono work.' The message is clear: build relationships first, business follows. The e-residency proposition Oh, yes… Perhaps Estonia's most audacious offering is e-residency — a programme started in 2014 that makes you a digital resident without requiring physical presence. 'You don't need to become an Estonia resident,' they explained to me. You apply online, and once approved, 'all our digital infrastructure is open for you about how to start business, run the business, taxation and the services that we have online'. They claim to be the 'only country in the world that can actually be part of this environment'. For African entrepreneurs navigating complex regulatory environments, it's an intriguing proposition — remote access to Estonia's digital infrastructure, running businesses through their systems while remaining physically based elsewhere. It's become a community of more than 120,000 digital citizens, generating €15-billion (R304-billion) in combined revenue from more than 33,000 companies. When Estonia says it is selling a lifestyle to African entrepreneurs, they really mean it — but being an e-resident doesn't come with the same benefits as being a tax resident, so it will still be SARS systems for you. Looking ahead The organisers of the eGovernance Conference told me that they were aware of how previous iterations had been hijacked by the now decidedly out of vogue idea of 'put it on the blockchain' — this year was shaping to be all about 'AI' but they insisted that it would be less of a ride on the hype train. The forum has been about relationships and possibilities; whereas the conference will be about implementation and practicalities. But already, one thing is clear: the Estonian model isn't about copying and pasting solutions. It's about understanding principles and adapting them to local contexts. As Tsahkna puts it, each country needs to find its own model while drawing on available technological solutions and investing in political leadership. I bump into Minister Leon Schreiber at the eGovernance Conference reception — he says I must pull him aside for an open discussion about the eVisa he is trying to get going back at home. I said ' yes ' but was forced to pull away from his typically South African, manly affirming embrace (he is, after all, a Paul Roos old boy) because I was heading out the door to finally take that shower at my hotel room. DM
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Save Some Serious Money With These Outstanding Memorial Day Tech Deals
PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing. Memorial Day presents another amazing opportunity to find sales on some of PCMag's top-rated tech and favorite picks. The major retailers and brands have unleashed those amazing deals, and we're going to be updating this story throughout the weekend with the best discounts we can find on headphones, tablets, smartphones, TVs, and every important piece of tech we can find at low, low prices. Off we go... Sony WF-1000XM5 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds for $198.00 (List Price $299.99) Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device With Remote (2023 Model) for $24.99 With Code "4KNEWFTV" Blink Mini 2 Indoor Wireless 1080p Camera (2-Pack) for $37.99 (List Price $69.99) Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm, Sports Band) for $299.00 (List Price $399.00) Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Phone With $50 Amazon Gift Card (Pre-Order) for $1,099.99 Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus (2021 Release) for $119.99 (List Price $179.99) Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro 8-in-1 Wi-Fi Smart Lock With Fingerprint ID for $139.99 (List Price $179.99) Aiper Scuba S1 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner (2024 Model) for $499.99 (List Price $699.95) A sharp 14-inch AMOLED touch screen, Intel Ultra 5 CPU, and 16GB of RAM make this Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro a tool of choice for students and working professionals. If you already have Galaxy devices, you can use them in conjunction with the Galaxy Book4 Pro to extend the display and start a project on one device, then seamlessly continue working on another one. This $470 price drop brings the cost down below a grand for a premium computing experience that will be a thrill to Galaxy owners. Click over to our review of the Best Laptops of 2025 for comparison. Dell Inspiron 15 3530 Intel i7 512GB SSD 16GB RAM 15.6" Laptop for $649.99 (List Price $779.99) Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7640 Intel Ultra 9 512GB 2.5K Laptop for $799.99 (List Price $1,099.99) Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Ryzen 7 1TB SSD 16GB RAM 16" Touch Laptop for $979.99 (List Price $1,739.00) HP OmniBook X Flip Intel Ultra 5 512GB SSD 14" 2K 2-in-1 Laptop for $699.99 (List Price $999.99) Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition Intel Ultra 7 1TB 15.3" 2.8K Touch Laptop for $999.99 (List Price $1,379.99) The 360-degree lidar vision creates a precision map of your home. It detects and avoids objects, so you don't have to spend time picking up before this Shark IQ robot vacuum gets to work. The bagless self-empty base can hold up to 60 days of dirt and debris, and HEPA filtration traps 99.97% of allergens. Thanks to a multisurface brush roll that captures fur, dust, and dander, it's perfect for pet owners. You can get a whopping 50% off this robot vacuum and then kick your feet up while it makes your cleaning routing that much easier. Suitable for hardwood, tile, and carpet, the Roborock Q7 Max offers both vacuuming and mopping for an all-rounder that will clean up any mess. A combination of 4,200Pa suction and 11 oz of consistent mop pressure with 30 water flow levels means the Q7 Max can tackle varying levels of dirtiness, from caked-on mud to freshly spilled crumbs. Grab yours now for 33% off retail and transform your cleaning routine for how we got down and dirty with our reviews of the Best Robot Vacuums of 2025 for more options. iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Q0120 Robot Vacuum Cleaner for $199.99 (List Price $249.99) Shark RV2302AE IQ Robot Vacuum With 60 Day Capacity Base for $248.00 (List Price $499.00) Eufy RoboVac 11S Max Self-Charging Robot Vacuum Cleaner for $169.99 (List Price $279.99) iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ Self-Empty Robot Vacuum and Mop for $299.99 (List Price $549.99) Roborock Qrevo Plus Robot Vacuum and Mop With FlexiArm Design for $579.99 (List Price $899.99) The 10th Generation Apple iPad received our Editors' Choice Award stamp of approval as "the best tablet for most people," thanks to improvements in design and performance. Even if you don't have an existing Apple ecosystem, you'll find value in the sharp 2,360-by-1,640 display, long battery life, and high-quality camera. This $150 price drop is a pretty compelling reason to pick one up, whether for yourself or for a grad in your on over for more Memorial Day Tablet Deals. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Wi-Fi 11" Tablet for $159.72 (List Price $219.99) New Apple iPad 11" 128GB Wi-Fi Tablet (2025 Release) for $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire Max 11 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (2023 Model) for $174.99 (List Price $229.99) Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Oxford Gray) for $199.99 (List Price $329.99) Apple iPad Mini 128GB Wi-Fi 6E Tablet (2024 Release) for $399.00 (List Price $499.00) 'The Sony WF-1000XM5 earphones are a worthy update to one of our most-recommended models, with the best audio quality of the noise-cancelling pairs we've tested,' according to our audio expert. They were awarded our Editors' Choice award as the best earbuds for audiophiles with just two cons to speak of: the price and bloatware in the app. Saving $100 during the Memorial Day sale pretty much solves the price problem, allowing you to enjoy best-in-class sound quality for less. These are some "Good" headphones! At least that's what out audio expert, Tim Gideon, said in his 2023 review of the Beats Studio Pro when he lauded it for delivering punchy bass with bright highs, its comfortable fit, as well as its premium accessories. These are built for bass lovers, that's for sure. At their retail price, they're not quite as good as the Bose QuietComfort 45, but we're talking sales here and with a $150 discount that brings the cost just under $200, these become quite the steal. Your ears win, your wallet wins, everybody wins here. Listen up, because we've got even more Memorial Day Headphone and Earbud Deals for you. Apple AirPods Max ANC Wireless Headphones (USB-C Charging, Starlight) for $479.99 (List Price $549.00) Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones (Black) for $39.98 (List Price $59.99) Beats Studio Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (Black) for $199.95 (List Price $349.99) Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones for $229.00 (List Price $349.00) Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones for $298.00 (List Price $399.99) In our review of the JBL Clip 4, our expert enjoyed the crisp, rich audio and fully waterproof design. Those characteristics remain the same in the JBL Clip 5, which holds an impressive 4.8 rating on Amazon. Portable and powerful, this speaker brings the jams wherever you roam, and you can enjoy your music, podcasts, and whatever else via Bluetooth connection for up to 10 hours, depending on volume level. Pick one up with a significant 38% price reduction, and don't forget it comes in several colors, so when you use the built-in carabiner to attach it to your bag or belt loop, it will look stylish, to up the bass with more Memorial Day Speaker Deals. Beats Pill Wireless Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Matte Black) for $99.95 (List Price $149.95) Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore Portable Bluetooth Speaker for $149.00 (List Price $249.00) JBL Go 4 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker (Black) for $39.95 (List Price $49.95) Sony SRS-XB100 Wireless Bluetooth Portable Speaker for $38.00 (List Price $59.99) Soundcore Boom 2 Portable Waterproof Outdoor Speaker (Black) for $119.99 (List Price $139.99) "The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is an outstanding phone from top to bottom. Google has done an excellent job redesigning the hardware, which is improved in every way," says our expert, Eric Zeman. In our review, we shouted out everything from the size, shape, and weight to the larger and brighter screens to the faster Tensor G4 processor. These reasons all added up to rate this new model as "Excellent." AI features include some interesting "camera tricks" for taking, editing, and sharing your photos. The retail price for an unlocked model is steep, but a $300 discount makes that much more manageable. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Phone With $50 Amazon Gift Card (Pre-Order) for $1,099.99 Google Pixel 9 Pro 128GB Unlocked Phone (Obsidian) for $799.00 (List Price $999.00) Samsung Galaxy A16 5G 128GB Unlocked Phone (Blue Black) for $176.00 (List Price $199.99) Moto G Stylus 5G 256GB Unlocked Phone(2024 Model, Caramel Latte) for $299.99 (List Price $399.99) Apple iPhone 14 128GB (Verified Refurbished by Back Market) for From $319.99 (List Price $629) Our expert reviewed the Google Pixel Watch 2, and called it "one of the best Wear OS smartwatches" thanks to improvements over the previous generation, including longer battery life and more health-tracking features. Whether you're a workout buff, someone who wants a better way to track their health, or simply want a Google-powered smartwatch, this $100 price drop is a great reason to pick up this model. The attractive, comfortable design can be worn for any occasion, but especially for exercise, where the IP68 waterproof rating will come in handy. We've been on the watch for more Smartwatch Deals, and we think these are worth your time. Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm, Sports Band) for $299.00 (List Price $399.00) Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (Bluetooth, 40mm, Cream) for $219.99 (List Price $299.99) Amazfit Active 42mm Smartwatch With 14 Days Battery Life for $84.99 (List Price $109.99) Garmin Forerunner 165 Running Smartwatch (Black) for $199.99 (List Price $249.99) Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (Wi-Fi, LTE, 47mm, Titanium Silver) for $509.99 (List Price $649.99) This indoor-outdoor home security camera earned our rare "Outstanding" rating and an Editors' Choice award for affordable cams. And right now it's on sale for only $25. What? You need to know more than that? But of course! This affordable bundle includes sharp 2K video and a weatherproof design with built-in spotlights. Plus you're getting features such as intelligent motion detection, color night vision, and local and cloud storage options that are usually found on more expensive models. If this is your first foray into the home security camera market, you can't go wrong with this deal on Tapo TP-Link 2K. You've probably seen a video doorbell in the entryways of neighboring homes, but if you haven't taken your home security into your own hands, what are you waiting for? This 35% deal on the Eufy video doorbell may entice you to take the plunge. Sharp, 2K video, motion detection, 2-way audio, and wide compatibility with virtual assistants are just a few of the benefits of this model. The dual camera layout also provides you with a wider view to eliminate blind spots, and intelligent recognition will not only tell you when there's a package, but remind you about it later. That last feature is, in my opinion, worth the cost alone. Keep a few extra bucks in your wallet while keeping things safe with these Memorial Day Home Security Deals. TP-Link Tapo C120 2K QHD Security Camera for $24.99 (List Price $39.99) Arlo Essential VMC3052 2nd Generation Wireless XL Camera for $99.99 (List Price $149.99) Blink Mini 2 Indoor Wireless 1080p Camera (2-Pack) for $37.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Indoor Cam 2nd Gen 1080p Camera With Cover (White) for $34.99 (List Price $59.99) Arlo Essential Indoor 2K Security Camera (2nd Generation) for $29.99 (List Price $79.99) Once upon a time, drones were expensive, accessible to only the most hard-core hobbyists. They're fun, but they can also elevation the value of your films or photographs like this Holy Stone HS175D, which records in 4K and gets up to 46 minutes of flight on a single charge. Save 29% right now and take flight for less. Whether you just enjoy new tech or you're looking for your next dedicated hobby, the Holy Stone HS175D has something to on over to our Best Drones article for more buying options. Ruko F11PRO 4K Drones With GPS Auto Return Home for $284.99 (List Price $379.99) Ruko F11GIM2 4K Quadcopter Drones With GPS Auto Return for $349.99 (List Price $565.99) Potensic Atom SE GPS Drone With 4K EIS Camera for $269.99 (List Price $299.99) Ruko F11PRO 2 6K Drone With 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilization for $399.99 (List Price $569.99) Holy Stone HS720 Foldable GPS Drone With 4K Camera for $209.98 (List Price $249.99)
Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Best iPhone earphones in 2025: Top 10 wireless earbuds with noise cancellation and long battery life
Did you buy a new iPhone 16 Pro Max but found your current earphones aren't compatible or lack good sound quality? It's time to upgrade to earphones that perfectly match your iPhone and deliver excellent audio performance. While Apple's AirPods are popular for seamless compatibility and sound, not everyone prefers their design or style. If you're in the same boat, our curated list will help you find the perfect wireless earphones. Featuring top brands like Apple, Beats, Marshall and Samsung, this guide covers all price ranges and the latest tech, so you can choose the best earbuds that fit your style, budget and needs. The Beats Studio Buds are true wireless noise-cancelling earphones designed to deliver powerful and balanced sound through a custom acoustic platform. They feature Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) to block external noise and Transparency mode to hear your surroundings. These earbuds are compatible with both Apple and Android devices, offering simple one-touch pairing. They are also IPX4-rated for sweat and water resistance, making them suitable for workouts. With up to 8 hours of listening time on a single charge and an additional 16 hours via the charging case, these earbuds provide a total of up to 24 hours of playback. A 5-minute Fast Fuel charging option gives up to 1 hour of playback when the battery is low. The built-in microphones offer high-quality call performance and voice assistant interaction. Excellent sound quality and ANC. Comfortable and snug fit. Microphone quality may not suit everyone's preferences. Some users have experienced connectivity issues. Beats Studio Buds - Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Earbuds - Up to 8H Battery Life, Up to 24H w Charging Case, IPX4 Rating, Sweat Resistant, Apple & Android Compatible, Built-in Mic - White What are buyers saying on Amazon? Affordable and iPhone-compatible, but mixed reviews on sound, battery, fit, and durability raise reliability concerns. Why choose this product? Best for budget users wanting iPhone compatibility; sound and build may vary by unit. The Sony WF-1000XM5 are premium true wireless earbuds featuring industry-leading noise cancellation technology powered by two proprietary processors and multiple microphones for superior ambient noise reduction. They deliver stunning sound quality with the specially designed 8.4mm Dynamic Driver X, supporting a wide frequency response up to 40,000 Hz and High-Resolution Audio via LDAC codec. Battery life is impressive, providing up to 8 hours of playback with noise cancelling on, plus an additional 24 hours from the compact charging case. Fast charging offers about 1 hour of playback from just 3 minutes of charging. Connectivity is via Bluetooth 5.3, supporting a 10-meter range and seamless device pairing. Best-in-class noise cancellation with adaptive ambient sound control Excellent sound quality with rich bass and clear vocals Premium price point No wireless charging support (charging via USB-C only) Sony WF-1000XM5 Best Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Mic, TWS, Up to 36 Hours Battery Life - Black What are buyers saying on Amazon? Praised for compact design and spatial audio, but sound, battery, comfort, and call quality receive mixed to poor feedback. Why choose this product? Ideal for light, compact use with spatial sound; may disappoint in call clarity and consistency. The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 are premium earbuds offering excellent sound quality with the TrueResponse transducer system, delivering rich bass and clear treble for an immersive listening experience. They feature advanced adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that automatically adjusts to your environment, along with a Transparency Mode to stay aware of surroundings. Battery life is strong, providing up to 7 hours of playback with ANC on and a total of 30 hours including the charging case. Fast charging delivers about 1 hour of playback from just 8 minutes of charge. The earbuds are IP54-rated for dust and splash resistance and include multiple ear tip and fin sizes for a secure, comfortable fit. Very good sound quality with detailed, balanced audio Effective adaptive noise cancellation and future-proof wireless features Transparency mode can introduce noticeable background noise at high levels Some users report occasional bugs and unintuitive app-earbud interactions Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 in Ear erabuds with BT v5.4 and AURACAST Technology, Qualcomm aptX Lossless CD-Quality Audio, Intelligent Adaptive ANC, Qi Fast Charge - (Black Graphite) What are buyers saying on Amazon? Praised for crisp sound, noise cancellation, and comfort. Touch controls work well, but battery, value, and connectivity receive mixed reviews. Why choose this product? Great sound and fit with responsive controls; may face connectivity and battery inconsistencies. The Sony LinkBuds S WF-LS900N are compact, lightweight true wireless earbuds featuring advanced noise cancelling powered by Integrated Processor V1. They deliver clear, immersive sound with a 5mm driver and support High-Resolution Audio via LDAC. Adaptive Sound Control smartly adjusts ambient sound based on your activity and location for an ideal listening experience. These earbuds offer up to 6 hours of playback with ANC on, extendable to 20 hours with the charging case. They feature Precise Voice Pickup Technology for clear calls, IPX4 water resistance, and quick charging that provides 60 minutes of playtime in 5 minutes. Excellent noise cancellation and adaptive ambient sound Best-in-class call quality with wind noise reduction design The charging case is not water resistant ANC can produce noise in very windy conditions Sony LinkBuds S WF-LS900N Noise Cancellation Bluetooth Earbuds, TWS, Hi-Res Audio, Up to 23Hrs Battery-Black What are buyers saying on Amazon? Comfortable and high quality, but noise cancellation, battery, and connectivity get mixed feedback. Right earbud issues and poor case quality reported. Why choose this product? Extremely comfortable with premium features, but may face reliability issues like disconnections, earbud failure, and poor battery performance. The Beats Solo Buds are compact, music-focused true wireless earbuds delivering balanced audio with custom acoustic architecture. Designed for all-day wear, they come with four ear tip sizes ensuring comfort and noise isolation. Class 1 Bluetooth provides a reliable connection with both Apple and Android devices. These buds offer up to 18 hours of listening on a single charge. The compact case lacks charging capabilities, and a 5-minute Fast Fuel charge provides up to 1 hour of playback. They can charge from phones, tablets, or laptops using a USB-C connection. Long battery life on a single charge Compact and comfortable design No charging case included No Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) or transparency mode Beats Solo Buds — Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds | 18 Hours of Battery Life | Apple & Android Compatibility | Built-in Microphone - Matt Black What are buyers saying on Amazon? Battery life is praised. Sound quality receives mixed reviews — some find it satisfactory, others report it as underwhelming. Why choose this product? Strong battery performance. Sound may vary by user preference, with inconsistent audio quality experiences. The Marshall Minor IV are true wireless earbuds known for their signature Marshall sound and open-ear design. They feature 12mm dynamic drivers, touch controls, and Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connectivity. The earbuds offer up to 7 hours of playback per charge, with a total of over 30 hours using the wireless charging case. An IPX4 rating provides water resistance for everyday use. Customizable EQ and battery preservation features are available through the Marshall app. While they deliver clear mids and highs, the sound may lack bass depth, and there is no active noise cancellation. Long battery life and comfortable fit Customizable sound via app No active noise cancellation Bass response can feel limited for some genres Marshall Minor Iv Wireless in Ear Earbuds with 30+ Hours of Playtime, Water-Resistant, Wireless Charging- Cream What are buyers saying on Amazon? Mixed reviews on sound, build, and comfort—some find them good, others report poor audio, cheap construction, and discomfort. Why choose this product? May suit casual listeners seeking affordability, but quality and comfort may not meet all expectations. The Beats Studio Buds+ are true wireless earbuds delivering rich, immersive sound with a custom two-layer transducer and improved bass clarity. They feature active noise cancelling (ANC) that is 1.6x more powerful than the original Studio Buds, thanks to larger microphones and a new processor. The earbuds also offer a comfortable fit with three new acoustic vents to reduce pressure during extended use. Battery life extends up to 6 hours per charge with ANC on, and 24 hours total with the charging case. They support Dolby Atmos spatial audio, have IPX4 water resistance, and offer easy pairing with Apple and Android devices. Enhanced noise cancellation and clear, punchy sound Comfortable fit with pressure-relieving vents No wireless charging support Lacks EQ customisation in the app Beats Studio Buds + Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Up to 36H Battery Life, Charging Case, 5 Min Fast Charge for 1H Battery, Sweat Resistance, Apple & Android Compatible - Transparent What are buyers saying on Amazon? Users love the sleek design, immersive sound, and comfort. Noise cancellation and Android compatibility are praised. Some note minor limitations in button customisation. Why choose this product? Stylish, comfortable earbuds with great ANC, spatial audio, and seamless Android pairing. Ideal for everyday use and workouts. The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are premium true wireless earbuds featuring a dual-driver setup with an independent woofer and tweeter for rich, balanced sound. They support 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution audio via Samsung's Seamless Codec, delivering detailed and immersive listening. Adaptive Noise Control intelligently adjusts ANC based on your environment, with excellent noise cancellation for constant sounds and smart voice detection. Battery life offers up to 6 hours with ANC on and 30 hours total with the charging case. The earbuds have an IP57 rating for dust and water resistance, six microphones for crystal-clear calls, and support features like 360 Audio, multipoint connectivity, and customizable EQ via the Galaxy Wear app. Excellent noise cancellation and sound quality with dual drivers Robust build with high dust and water resistance (IP57) Battery life is moderate for long trips with ANC on Full feature access best with Samsung ecosystem devices Samsung Galaxy in Ear Wireless Earbuds 3 Pro (Silver) with Galaxy Ai | Adaptive ANC | Real-Time Interpreter | 24-Bit Hi-Fi Audio | Up to 37H Battery | Ip57 What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers love the sound, ANC, and fit. Some report ANC issues and mixed battery performance, but overall quality and comfort are appreciated. Why choose this product? Great audio and build, with strong noise cancellation and comfort. Some inconsistency in ANC and battery, but still a reliable, stylish choice. The Apple AirPods 4 are true wireless earbuds featuring a custom high-excursion driver, active noise cancellation (ANC), and Adaptive Audio for an immersive sound experience. Powered by the H2 chip, they offer personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, voice isolation, and Siri interactions, including nod and shake gestures. The earbuds are IP54-rated for dust, sweat, and water resistance, making them durable for everyday use. Battery life provides up to 5 hours of listening per charge, extendable to 30 hours with the USB-C charging case that supports wireless charging. Controls include force sensors for media and call management, and Bluetooth 5.3 ensures stable connectivity across Apple devices. Excellent integration with Apple ecosystem and spatial audio Lightweight, comfortable design with effective ANC Shorter battery life compared to AirPods Pro 2 ANC less effective due to open-ear design compared to sealed earbuds Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Personalised Spatial Audio, Sweat and Water Resistant, USB-C Charging Case, H2 Chip, Up to 30 Hours of Battery Life, Effortless Setup for iPhone What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers appreciate quality and easy use. Sound, fit, and value receive mixed feedback, with some praising and others finding faults in each. Why choose this product? Reliable quality and smooth Apple integration. Sound, comfort, and price may vary by user, but overall usability stands out. The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are high-performance, true wireless earbuds designed for fitness, featuring secure-fit nickel-titanium earhooks and IPX4 sweat and water resistance. They deliver powerful sound with adaptive EQ, active noise cancellation, and transparency mode, plus built-in heart rate monitoring for real-time workout tracking. Battery life is exceptional, offering up to 10 hours per earbud and a total of 45 hours with the wireless charging case. The redesigned case is 33% smaller and supports Qi wireless charging. Five ear tip sizes ensure a comfortable fit, and the earbuds include advanced microphones for clear calls and voice commands. Exceptional battery life and secure, comfortable fit Heart rate monitoring and advanced noise cancellation Large case compared to some competitors Premium price point Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds – Noise Cancelling, Heart-Rate Monitor, IPX4, Up to 45 Hours Battery & Wireless Charging Case, Works with Apple & Android - Jet Black What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers love the unique design, strong sound, and fit during workouts. Many highlight battery life, comfort, and premium feel despite high price. Why choose this product? Ideal for fitness, long use, and stylish appeal. Great sound and battery life justify the price for Apple or Beats fans. Not all wireless earphones offer seamless integration with iPhones. For the best experience, look for models supporting Apple's AAC codec and features like Siri, Find My, and Spatial Audio. Some functionalities may be limited on non-Apple or non-MFi-certified earbuds. Noise cancellation is valuable if you frequently use earphones in noisy environments or during travel. It enhances audio clarity and immersion, but if you mainly use them in quiet settings, passive isolation or transparency modes may be sufficient for your needs. Water and sweat resistance is essential if you plan to use your earphones for workouts, commuting, or outdoors. An IPX4 or higher rating protects against moisture and extends product lifespan, making your investment more durable and reliable for active lifestyles. Top 3 features of best earphones for iPhone Similar articles for you Best earbuds with microphone in 2025 for hands-free convenience: Top 10 TWS earbuds from Sony, JBL, Apple and more Best type C earphones in 2025: Top 10 picks from boAt, JBL, Samsung with fast charging, great sound and all day comfort Best noise cancelling earbuds: Top 10 options for travel, work and play from JBL, Sony, OnePlus and other top brands Best earphones to buy: Top 10 options for exceptional audio experience Yes, most Bluetooth earbuds will connect to your iPhone, but Apple-certified models offer better integration and features. Spatial Audio creates a surround sound experience, making music and movies feel more immersive when used with compatible Apple earbuds. Look for an IP rating (e.g., IPX4 or IP54) in the product specs, which indicates protection against sweat and water. Many premium models include wireless charging cases, but always check the product details to confirm this feature. Yes, most modern iPhone-compatible earbuds support Siri, allowing hands-free control and voice commands. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Hindustan Times
15-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Beyond wires: Unpacking features of best Bluetooth earbuds in 2025 from top brands
Bluetooth earbuds are your window into a world of wireless connectivity, and 2025 promises a landscape brimming with innovation from top-tier brands. Forget tangled cables and embrace the freedom offered by the latest models from Sony, JBL, Marshall, Bose, and Sennheiser. Expect significant advancements in audio fidelity, delivering richer bass and clearer highs. Active noise cancellation silences the outside world with greater precision and the battery life on these buds is great too, ensuring your music lasts all day long. Look out for enhanced connectivity protocols for seamless pairing and more stable connections. These 2025 earbuds also integrate smarter features, intuitive controls, and more sustainable designs! ancy some top-notch wireless listening? The JBL Live Pro 2 are contenders for the best Bluetooth earbuds in 2025. They cut out distractions brilliantly with adaptive noise cancelling, so your tunes sound spot-on wherever you are. Plus, a massive 40-hour battery life means the music keeps going. Calls are crystal clear thanks to six mics, and the comfortable fit ensures they stay put. Easy pairing and the ability to switch between devices are proper handy too. Great noise cancelling. Long battery life. Water resistance unclear. Fit might vary. JBL Live Pro 2 Premium in Ear Wireless TWS Earbuds, ANC Earbuds, 40Hr Playtime, Dual Connect, Customized Bass with Headphones App, 6 Mics for Clear Calls, Wireless Charging, Alexa Built-in (Black) What are buyers saying on Amazon? Users often praise the effective noise cancellation and long battery life, noting clear call quality and comfortable fit. Why choose this product? For uninterrupted listening with excellent noise cancelling and a long-lasting battery, plus clear calls, these JBL earbuds are a solid choice. The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are making a strong case for being the best Bluetooth earbuds in 2025. They've got this knack for silencing the surrounding chaos – proper top-notch noise-cancelling, it is. And the sound? Lush vocals and all the little details in your favourite tracks really come through. Even when you're on a call in a busy spot, your voice sounds clear as a bell. They're designed to feel snug in your ears and keep going for a good 36 hours with the charging case. Plus, a clever feature lets you link them to your phone and laptop at the same time. Unbelievable noise cancelling. Fantastic sound quality. Might be a bit pricey for some. The shiny finish could be a bit slippy for some fingers. Sony WF-1000XM5 Best Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Mic, TWS, Up to 36 Hours Battery Life - Black What are buyers saying on Amazon? Loads of people rave about how well these block out noise and how good the music sounds. The comfy fit and the dual device connection are also big thumbs-ups. Why choose this product? If you're after that premium listening experience with top-of-the-range noise cancelling and sound, and you're happy to invest a bit more, these Sonys are well worth a listen. The OnePlus Nord Buds 2r could be just the ticket to budget sound. They pack a good punch with 12.4mm drivers, giving you clear audio and a bit of oomph in the bass. You can even tweak the sound to your liking with their equaliser, offering Bold, Bass, and Balanced modes. Plus, you get a stonking 38 hours of playtime with the case, so they'll keep going for ages. They're even splash and sweat-resistant, which is handy. If you're a gamer on a OnePlus phone, they've got a special gaming mode too. Solid contenders for value in the best Bluetooth earbuds in 2025. Really long battery life. Good sound with customisable EQ. Gaming mode is specific to OnePlus phones. Might lack some premium features of pricier options. OnePlus Nord Buds 2r True Wireless in Ear Earbuds with Mic, 12.4mm Drivers, Playback:Upto 38hr case,4-Mic Design, IP55 Rating [Deep Grey] What are buyers saying on Amazon? People often mention the impressive battery life and the good sound quality for the price. The comfortable fit and the water resistance are also appreciated. Why choose this product? If you're after reliable wireless earbuds with a long-lasting battery and decent sound, especially if you own a OnePlus phone and fancy the gaming features, these offer excellent value for your money. The Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds are built to shut out the world around you, making your music sound epic, even when it's noisy. The audio quality is powerful and well-balanced, hitting all the right notes. You get a decent 8.5 hours of listening on a single charge, and a quick 20-minute top-up gives you another two hours – handy when you're in a rush. They come with different sized ear tips and stability bands, so you can get a proper snug and comfy fit. Plus, you can link them to two devices at once, which is rather clever. Definitely in the running for the best Bluetooth earbuds in 2025. Superb noise cancellation. Comfortable and secure fit. Battery life isn't the absolute longest on the market. Some might prefer a charging case with more additional charges. Bose New QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Lifestyle Bluetooth Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation, Up to 8.5 Hours of Battery Life, Black What are buyers saying on Amazon? People consistently praise the exceptional noise cancellation and the comfortable fit. The sound quality is also a big plus for many users. Why choose this product? If top-tier noise cancellation and a comfortable, secure fit are your priorities, and you want reliable sound from a trusted brand like Bose, these earbuds are well worth considering for your daily life. The Noise Master Buds, with "Sound by Bose", are worth a look. They've got this adaptive noise cancelling that's properly smart, blocking out a good chunk of background noise, so your music sounds clear whether you're on a busy street or chilling at home. They also use LHDC 5.0, which means the audio quality is pretty sharp. The case has a cool design, a bit like an old record, which is a nice touch. You get a massive 44 hours of listening with the case, so they'll last you ages. Plus, you can tinker with the sound and controls in their app. Seriously effective adaptive noise cancelling. Excellent battery life. The Bose sound tuning might not suit everyone's taste. The vinyl-inspired design could be divisive. Noise Master Buds, Sound by Bose in-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds, Up to 49dB Adaptive ANC, LHDC 5.0, Immersive Spatial Audio, 44H Playtime with 6 mic ENC, Dual Pairing, IPX5 Ear Buds TWS (Titanium) What are buyers saying on Amazon? People often mention how well these block out noise and how long the battery lasts. The sound quality, thanks to the Bose tuning, also gets a thumbs-up from many. Why choose this product? If you prioritise really good noise cancelling that adjusts to your surroundings and need a battery that just keeps going, with a detailed sound profile tuned by Bose, these are a strong contender. The Sony WF-C510 are light and comfy, so you can wear them for ages, and they come in a few colours to suit your style. You get a decent 11 hours of listening on the buds themselves, with another 11 in the case – enough to see you through most of the day. A quick five-minute charge gives you an hour of playtime too, which is handy when you're nipping out. They even let you stay aware of what's around you with Ambient Sound Mode. Plus, if you've got two devices on the go, you can switch between them easily. A solid, no-nonsense option if you're looking for the best Bluetooth earbuds in 2025. Comfortable and lightweight for all-day wear. Simple to use with multipoint connection. No active noise cancellation. Sound quality might not satisfy serious audiophiles. Sony WF-C510 Truly Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Mic, TWS, Up to 22 Hours Battery, in Ear, Ambient Sound Mode, Small and Comfortable, IPX4- White What are buyers saying on Amazon? Users often mention the comfortable fit and reliable battery life as key positives. The ease of use and stable Bluetooth connection are also frequently highlighted for everyday convenience. Why choose this product? If you need a comfortable, straightforward pair of wireless earbuds with a good battery life and the convenience of connecting to two devices, without breaking the bank, these Sonys are a sensible choice for your day-to-day audio needs. The Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless earbuds boast hybrid active noise cancellation, so you can properly block out the hustle and bustle or switch to transparency mode when you need to hear what's going on. Sennheiser's sound quality is top-notch, and you can even tweak it to your liking in their app. Plus, they're future-proofed a bit with Bluetooth 5.3 and Auracast tech. You get a solid 8 hours of listening on the buds, with another 20 in the case. They're comfy to wear all day too. Definitely contenders for the best Bluetooth earbuds in 2025. Effective hybrid noise cancellation. Comfortable for all-day wear. Battery life isn't the absolute best on the market. Auracast's full potential is yet to be widely adopted. Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless in Ear Earbuds with Bluetooth 5.3 & Auracast Technology,Crystal-Clear Sound,28 Hr Battery,Touch Interface,Hybrid ANC,IP54 Black What are buyers saying on Amazon? Users often praise the comfortable fit and the quality of the Sennheiser sound. The noise cancellation is also frequently mentioned as a strong point. Why choose this product? If you're after comfortable earbuds with good noise cancellation and Sennheiser's signature sound, plus future-ready Bluetooth tech, these are a worthy option. The Marshall Minor IV wireless earbuds sport that classic Marshall signature sound – think well-balanced audio that lets your music take centre stage. You get a seriously impressive 30+ hours of playtime, so they'll keep going all day and then some. They've been redesigned to be super comfy, so you can keep listening to your longest playlists without any ear fatigue. Plus, you can control your tunes and calls with a tap on the earbuds, and even link them to two devices at once – handy for switching between your phone and laptop. If you download the Marshall app, you can even tweak the sound to your liking and make the battery last longer. Iconic Marshall sound and design. Very long battery life. No active noise cancellation. Open-fit design might not suit all environments. Marshall Minor Iv Wireless in Ear Earbuds with 30+ Hours of Playtime, Water-Resistant, Wireless Charging- Cream What are buyers saying on Amazon? People often praise the distinctive Marshall sound and the incredibly long battery life. The comfortable fit for extended listening and the stylish design also get positive mentions. Why choose this product? If you're after that classic Marshall sound and a battery that just keeps going, wrapped in a stylish and comfortable design, go for these. The JBL Tune Beam 2 are fresh on the scene and could be contenders for the best Bluetooth earbuds in 2025. They've got clever adaptive noise cancelling that adjusts to the surrounding racket, so your tunes always sound their best. Calls should be crystal clear thanks to six microphones. Plus, you can link them to two devices at once, which is proper handy. The battery life is great – up to 48 hours! They've even got a Relax Mode for when you need to zone out. You can tweak the sound to your liking in the JBL app, and they offer spatial sound for a more immersive listen. Excellent battery life, great for long days. Smart adaptive noise cancelling. Spatial sound might drain battery faster. Lots of features might be overwhelming for some users. JBL New Launch Tune Beam 2 TWS, ANC Earbuds, 48Hr Playtime,Dual Connect, Ambient Aware, Relax Mode, Customized EQ with Headphones App, 6 Mics for Clear Calls, Spatial Sound, Personi-Fi 3.0 (Black) What are buyers saying on Amazon? They praise the long battery life and effective noise cancelling. Why choose this product? If you're after the latest tech in wireless earbuds with a massive battery, smart noise cancelling, and plenty of sound customisation, the JBL Tune Beam 2 are a strong new contender for your ears. The OnePlus Buds 3 are worth a proper look. They boast a dual driver setup – a 10.4mm and a 6mm – plus LHDC 5.0 for top-notch sound with deep bass, clear highs, and lovely vocals. A neat trick is the sliding volume control right on the earbud. The noise cancelling is clever too, adapting to block out up to 49dB of racket, so your tunes sound brilliant even when it's noisy around you. You can even link them to two devices at once, which is rather handy for switching between your phone and tablet. Plus, a quick 10-minute charge gives you a whopping 7 hours of playtime, and you get up to 44 hours in total with the case. They're even dust and water-resistant, so a bit of rain won't hurt them. Excellent sound quality with dual drivers and LHDC. Convenient sliding volume control. Noise cancellation performance might vary depending on the environment. Some might find the touch controls a bit sensitive. OnePlus Buds 3 Truly Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Upto 49Db Smart ANC,Hi-Res Sound Quality,in Ear,Sliding Volume Control,10Mins for 7Hours Fast Charging with Upto 44Hrs Playback (Green) What are buyers saying on Amazon? Users often praise the sound quality and the handy sliding volume control. Why choose this product? If you're after great sound with a unique sliding volume control, plus effective adaptive noise cancelling and a long-lasting battery, especially if you appreciate quick charging, these OnePlus Buds 3 are a strong contender. Battery life, active noise cancellation, sound quality, comfort, and smart features like voice assistant integration are key. Buyers also value water resistance, customisable sound profiles, and fast charging for a superior user experience. ANC technology blocks external noise, making earbuds ideal for commuting or working in noisy environments. This feature enhances music and call clarity, providing a more immersive and distraction-free listening experience for users. Long battery life ensures uninterrupted listening throughout the day, especially for travellers and professionals. Features like fast charging and wireless charging cases further add convenience, making battery performance a top priority for buyers. Smart features like customisable EQ, voice assistant compatibility, and multipoint connectivity allow users to tailor their audio experience. App support enables firmware updates and personalised settings, increasing the earbuds' value and appeal. Best Bluetooth earbuds Battery Life (Earbuds + Case) ANC Key Features Similar articles for you Best earbuds with microphone in 2025 for hands-free convenience: Top 10 TWS earbuds from Sony, JBL, Apple and more Bluetooth earphones are good options to consider in 2025: We suggest these 7 options Best wireless earbuds in India: Top 10 choices for premium sound quality and stylish designs Grab up to 84% off on headphones, earbuds, and neckbands from boAt, Sony, JBL, Apple, and more with Amazon Sale offers Yes, most Bluetooth earbuds work with all Bluetooth-enabled devices. Yes, Bluetooth earbuds support hands-free phone calls with built-in microphones. Many modern Bluetooth earbuds offer wireless charging case compatibility now. Most premium models feature sweat and water resistance for active use. Battery life varies, but most offer 5-10 hours per charge. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Yahoo
Best Earbuds for Phone Calls for 2025
Having high-quality earbuds can make the calling experience a whole lot better. Whether you're making frequent business calls, catching up with distant friends and family or even if you dread phone calls, you still want to sound clear and crisp. The best wireless earbuds for calls have a good balance of clear microphones, smart noise reduction and voice-sensing tech to ensure you can hear and be heard loud and clear, even in noisy environments. Some have a sidetone feature allows you to hear your own voice when chatting with noise-isolating buds, ensuring you don't end up talking too loudly. No matter your preferences, we've picked the best wireless earbuds for phone calls to meet all your needs in 2025. In our tests at CNET (on the noisy streets of New York, no less) we found the best earbuds for phone calls were the AirPods Pro 2. Updated almost two years ago with USB-C charging, Apple's flagship noise-canceling earbuds are good at picking up your voice while minimizing background noise. Close runners-up are the Sony WF-1000XM5 and the AirPods 4 with ANC, both of which earned our Editors' Choice badge during the review process. If you're mainly interested in headphones for static use, like in your home office, check out our guide to the best headphones for working from home. These models as more likely to include an extendable boom mic, rather than in-built hardware designed for portable use. But if you're looking for a more versatile option, read up on our picks for the best wireless earbuds overall. I've been testing headphones and earbuds for almost 20 years and have fully reviewed or done hands-on testing with all the earbuds on this list. I'll update it accordingly as we test more models released in 2025. Before anything else, you'll want to figure out how much you're willing to spend on new earbuds. Value-priced earbuds continue to improve, so you can find good "cheap" buds for not too much money (less than $60). If you're looking for premium buds from Sony, Apple and Bose, be prepared to spend a lot more. It's key that the earbuds you buy fit your ears well. They should offer a comfortable, secure fit. If you don't get a tight seal with noise-isolating earbuds, sound quality and noise canceling can be dramatically impacted for the worse. Open earbuds don't have that issue, but they should be comfortable to wear and sit securely in your ears. Because the fit of your earbuds is so important, it's critical to buy your buds at a retailer that has a good return policy, in case the buds aren't a good match for your ears. We test earbuds based on five key criteria, comparing similarly styled and priced models. These criteria are design, sound quality, features, voice-calling performance and value. Design: We assess not only how comfortably the earbuds fit (ergonomics) but also their build quality and how well the controls are implemented. We also look at water- and dust-resistance ratings. Sound quality: We evaluate sound quality by listening to a set playlist of music tracks and comparing the earbuds to top competing products in their price range. Sonic traits such as bass definition, clarity, dynamic range and how natural the headphones sound are key factors in our assessment. Features: Some great-sounding earbuds aren't loaded with features, but we do take into account what extra features are on board. These include everything from noise-canceling and transparency modes (ambient sound mode) to special sound modes to ear-detection sensors that automatically pause your music when you take the headphones off your ears. Voice-calling performance: When we test voice-calling performance, we make calls in the noisy streets of New York and evaluate how well the earbuds reduce background noise and how clearly callers can hear your voice. Value: We determine value after evaluating the strength of the earbuds against all these criteria and what the buds are able to deliver compared to other models in their price class. Soundpeats Air3 Deluxe HS: What makes the Soundpeats Air3 Deluxe HS buds special is that they sound surprisingly good for open earbuds -- they're pretty close to what you get from Apple's AirPods 3 for sound. On top of that, they support Sony's LDAC audio codec for devices that offer it. Not too many cheap open earbuds have good sound, but these Soundpeats have good bass response and clarity. They're also decent for making calls and have a low-latency gaming mode. Sony WF-1000XM4: Released in 2021, Sony's WF-1000XM4 earned a CNET Editors' Choice Award. They're still excellent earbuds, but Sony has now released the next-gen WF-1000XM5. They may be a good option if you find them at a good discount. If you're still interested in the model, check out our full Sony WF-1000XM4 review from when they were released. Beyerdynamic Free Byrd: Beyerdynamic may be late to the game, but it's finally introduced its first true-wireless earbuds, which feature active noise canceling, up to 11 hours of battery life (with noise canceling off) and impressive sound quality. Read our Beyerdynamic Free Byrd review. Master & Dynamic MW08: These buds may not fit everyone's ear equally well, but they certainly have a distinct look, as well as excellent sound and a great listening experience if you can get a tight seal (I was able to get a secure fit with the largest tip). They deliver more of an audiophile sound profile, with smooth, well-balanced sound and well-defined bass. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX: Bang & Olufsen's $395 Beoplay EX buds are the company's best true-wireless earbuds. They feature a comfortable, secure fit (except perhaps for those with really smaller ears), top-notch build quality, great sound, good noise canceling and improved voice-calling performance over B&O's EQ buds, with three microphones in each earbud they help with reducing background noise while picking up your voice. They're out of most people's price range, but they're arguably the best earbuds out there with stems and offer slightly superior sound to the AirPods Pro 2 with better clarity, deeper more powerful bass and richer, more accurate sound. If you're interested in the pricy model, check out my full Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX hands-on. Sony LinkBuds: The LinkBuds are, in a sense, Sony's answer to Apple's standard AirPods. They don't sound as good as Sony's flagship WF-1000XM4 or the LinkBuds S noise-isolating earbuds, but they offer a discreet, innovative design and a more secure fit than the AirPods, as well as decent sound and very good voice-calling performance. Like the third-gen AirPods, their open design allows you to hear the outside world -- that's what the ring is all about. Read our Sony LinkBuds review. JBL Live Free 2: Like the , JBL's new Live Free 2 buds are surprisingly good. With 11mm drivers, six microphones, oval tubes and oval silicon tips, they combine a comfortable fit along with strong noise canceling, very good sound quality and voice-calling performance. Features include multipoint Bluetooth pairing and wireless charging, and they're rated for up to seven hours with IPX5 water resistance (splash-proof). More premium earbuds tend to have six microphones (three in each bud), with some dedicated to analyzing ambient noise and others dedicated to capturing your voice. Typically, there's at least one beamforming microphone on each bud to hone in on your voice. Some earbuds have bone-conduction sensing technology that detects your jaw movement vibrations when you're talking. That helps the earbuds know when you're talking so they can focus on your voice while also reducing background noise. Sophisticated software also plays a role in filtering out background noise while the microphones can focus on your voice. Sometimes, but not always. With earbuds that have stems like the AirPods and AirPods Pro 2, the microphones are a little closer to your mouth, which can help. Just because earbuds have stems doesn't mean they'll be very good for making calls. Several buds on this list are good for making calls that do not have stems. It's generally better to go for noise-isolating earbuds, as they effectively block sound. This can be achieved through either physical sound isolation or active noise cancellation algorithms that help you focus on the sound in your ear.
