The 5 best, premium earbuds
Pratishtha Rana
Wireless earbuds are an experience one doesn’t want to go wrong with. Over the years, they’ve become a cult tech device that everybody wants to have as they look trendy and their wire-free comfort is unrivalled.
But above all, what makes wireless ear buds the ultimate catch? Some say it’s the compact design, hands-free control and active noise cancellation, while some seek long battery life and supreme audio quality.
Here are the best earbuds in the market that you could add to your shopping cart.
Sony WF-1000XM3 True Wireless Earbuds
Although the Sony WF-1000XM3 wireless buds was launched in mid 2019, it was introduced in India this year. Compatible with iOS and Android, these earbuds promise advance noise-cancellation experience, thanks to its dual noise sensors and 6-mm driver unit that delivers a superb sound quality. It also has hassle-free touch controls and Alexa and Google voice assistants. But it doesn’t feature an on-bud volume control.
The M3 buds available in silver and black colour scheme, run for 6-8 hours on a full battery and can be recharged three times everyday using the handy charging case. A quick 10-min charge offers about 90 minutes of audio play. One can manage sound quality settings using the Sony Headphones Connect app.
Recently, Sony also unveiled its much awaited WH-1000XM4 wireless noise-cancellation headphones in India.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2
Its the earbuds that put sound first, says Sennheiser for its Momentum True Wireless 2. A power-packed upgrade of its original in-ear buds, version 2.0 is one of the most high-end in the wireless earbuds category currently.
Its new battery life gives a play time of 7 hours, extendable up to 28 hours. It comes with 7mm dynamic drivers for enhanced music quality, which can further be customised with touch-friendly controls on each earbud. The Smart Pause feature automatically stops or resumes the audio when you unplug or plug in the earbuds. Its Transparent Hearing feature allows the users to control how much of ambient noise they want to block while listening to their favourite music.
While celebrating the brand’s 75 years, Sennheiser has also released a limited anniversary edition that features its original brand logo and has an all-black exterior.
Google Pixel buds 2
Also known as the second-gen Pixel buds, these compact sized, wireless earbuds are currently available only in pure white. Packed with smooth touch sensors and Bluetooth 5.0, the long-range connectivity pairs it with Android and iOS even when you aren’t near your device. It also features hands-free Google Assistant (Hey, Google) for real-time in-ear translations and responses. These tiny earbuds are water and sweat resistant, making it perfect for workout and cardio dance sessions.
Along with its custom designed 12mm drivers that give a very crisp, fine audio experience, the device also has dual beamforming mics for glitch-free calls. One time charge of Pixel Buds 2 allows up to five hours of sound play with around 24 hours backup in the wireless charge case.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live
Introduced to the tech world in a clever, unique bean-shaped design, Samsung Galaxy Buds Live is one of the lightest, and comes in three colours, mystic bronze, mystic white and mystic black. The tiny device doesn’t have a silicon tip, usually seen in other earbuds, instead the speakers directly blast the music in your ears. There are three mics embedded in each bud, two on the exterior and one on the interior. It is powered by the Bluetooth 5.0 and the ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) technology, which minimizes background noise partially while still letting some sound in.
On full charge, Galaxy Buds Live run for up to six hours. The compact, colour-twinning case offers additional 15 hours of charge. Charge it up for a quick five minute to enjoy music for about an hour. Other features include touch control, device pairing with TVs and tablets and an equalliser with six sound modes to experiment with.
Airpods Pro
One of the leaders in the premium wireless earbuds category, Apple’s Airpods Pro is a well-refined version of its predecessor. “Hey, Siri” lets one make a quick call, play music or ask for directions. Features like Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency and three microphones deliver an immersive audio experience.
The water and sweat resistant Airpods come with three silicone tip sizes for a better fit, all day long. A playtime of 4.5 hours is possible on a single charge with an added 24 hours available in the wireless charging case.
Pebble Pods by MISHO
Jewellery designer Suhani Parekh’s new Pebble Pods recently caught the eye of many people in tech and jewellery business. These are not your regular earrings, but a modish pair of accessories secures the earbuds in your ears, even during an intense workout session.
These tiny, 22K gold gloss earrings, wraps around the earpods and gives it a dressy look. Made to best fit the AirPods, you can email MISHO at info@mishodesigns.com to pre-order your earrings for a different style of earbuds.