The Copenhagen-based brand Jabra specialises in making headsets and speakerphones for the office, so it should come as no surprise that their Elite Active 65t true wireless earbuds boast excellent calling capabilities. But that’s not their only strength: Among both Reddit users and Amazon reviewers, the Elite Active 65ts have a reputation for durability, good sound quality, great build quality, and in-ear stability during workouts — even weightlifting and CrossFit.
The Elite Active 65ts also come highly recommended thanks to something called HearThrough, a mode that uses the buds’ built-in microphones to pick up ambient sounds.
You’ll find plenty of other features on the Jabra Sound+ companion smartphone app, including tools to customise a music profile, monitor your earbuds’ charging status, and connect them to your preferred voice assistant (Alexa, Siri, or the Google Assistant). Really, the only thing they’re missing is a dedicated noise-cancellation mode — although their in-ear tips are said to be good at eliminating most environmental noises.
Technology
The ones reviewers love in 2020
Science says your wired headphones are doomed to tangle, so get a pair of these wireless earbuds instead.
Do the cords of your headphones look like some sort of impossible puzzle after spending just a few minutes inside a pocket or purse? Turns out there’s a scientific explanation for that.
In 2007, two researchers at the University of California decided to study the likelihood of knot formation by tumbling a piece of string inside a plastic box. They performed no fewer than 3,415 trials of this experiment and analysed the resulting knots using mathematical knot theory. Yep, seriously.
The pair published their findings in a , titled “Spontaneous knotting of an agitated string,” concluding that one end of a string has to cross another part of the string just twice for a spontaneous knot to begin forming. That means as soon as you stash away your headphones, they can be well on their way to Tangle City in a matter of seconds.
The researchers went on to explain that a cord has a good chance of tangling if it’s at least 18 inches long, and that the probability of a snarl forming increases with length. At 59 inches long (or just under 5 feet), you’re pretty much screwed: That’s when a cord reaches its maximum possible likelihood of tangling at 50%. All of this is to say that your 55-inch Apple EarPods are pretty much destined to twist themselves into an absolute state, and there’s really nothing you can do to prevent it.
Mercifully, the tech industry’s collective decision to ditch the headphone jack on smartphones has given rise to a new species of audio gear: wireless earbuds. Just like a pair of standard wired buds, these little guys fit snugly inside your ear’s concha — that’s the shell-shaped cavity right next to the entrance of your ear canal — only instead of sending digital audio signals through a cord, they transmit them via a Bluetooth connection.
If portability and a lower price point appeals to you, you’ll probably prefer wireless earbuds over the on-ear counterpart (wireless headphones). And lucky for you, Apple is no longer the only major brand cranking them out: From Bose to Beats, almost everyone’s got a couple of wireless earbud offerings on the market nowadays.
All those buying options can make for a tricky decision when it comes to finding the right pair of wireless earbuds in terms of fit, style, and intended use. That’s why we’ve sought out the opinions of true experts — that is, actual customers — to bring you the following list of the best wireless earbuds featuring the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology.
These are the best wireless earbuds in 2020.
Available in four colours • Support Alexa, Siri, and the Google Assistant • Three sets of EarGels (adjustable tips) included • Long battery life
Some Redditors have issues pairing their buds to the Jabra Sound+ app
One of the most well-rounded sets of true wireless earbuds money can buy.
Jabra Elite Active 65t
They may not enjoy the same mainstream brand recognition as AirPods or Galaxy Buds, but Jabra’s long-lasting earbuds are excellent.-
Playtime:
5 hours (+10 hours with charging case) -
Style:
True wireless -
Built-in mic:
Yes -
Charging case included:
Yes
Very comfortable • Sweat and water resistant • Great sound quality • Excellent noise-cancellation for their size • Easy pairing and a stable connection
Expensive • Playtime takes a hit when noise-cancellation is turned on
The hype is well deserved.
Apple AirPods Pro
Apple’s in-ear buds are now even better with the addition of active noise-cancellation technology.-
Playtime:
4.5 hours of listening time and 3.5 hours of talk time (+24 and +18 hours, respectively, with charging case) -
Style:
True wireless -
Built-in mic:
Yes -
Charging case included:
Yes
Noise-cancelling earbuds are few and far between, and of the meager options available, only a couple of models are actually worth your hard-earned cash. Apple’s new AirPods Pro are some of the rare buds that tick both of those boxes, but don’t worry — with these bad boys, it’s not like you’re settling. Not at all.
Featuring a shorter and wider design and clearer sound quality over the second generation of AirPods, the Pro version’s secret to good noise cancellation are its soft, removable silicone tips, which come in three different sizes. These tips make the AirPods Pro far more comfortable than most in-ear buds, but more importantly, they create a tight seal to effectively tune out ambient sounds. Granted, it’s virtually impossible to achieve total silence with a little pair of in-ear buds — for that, you need a nice, hefty pair of headphones that cover your entire ear. But for their size, the AirPods Pro are pretty great at eliminating the hubbub of your surroundings.
If you ever decide you want to hear some of that hubbub — say, if you’re waiting for the tube or crossing the street — simply turn on the AirPods Pro’s Transparency mode. It’s just like the Jabra Elite Active 65t’s HearThrough feature in that it uses the buds’ built-in microphones to pick up some of the sounds of your environment while preserving the clarity of whatever it is you’re listening to.
Featuring a shorter and wider design and clearer sound quality over the second generation of AirPods, the Pro version’s secret to good noise cancellation are its soft, removable silicone tips, which come in three different sizes. These tips make the AirPods Pro far more comfortable than most in-ear buds, but more importantly, they create a tight seal to effectively tune out ambient sounds. Granted, it’s virtually impossible to achieve total silence with a little pair of in-ear buds — for that, you need a nice, hefty pair of headphones that cover your entire ear. But for their size, the AirPods Pro are pretty great at eliminating the hubbub of your surroundings.
If you ever decide you want to hear some of that hubbub — say, if you’re waiting for the tube or crossing the street — simply turn on the AirPods Pro’s Transparency mode. It’s just like the Jabra Elite Active 65t’s HearThrough feature in that it uses the buds’ built-in microphones to pick up some of the sounds of your environment while preserving the clarity of whatever it is you’re listening to.
Very lightweight • Four sets of EarTips and EarWings included • Sweatproof and water resistant • Easy pairing • Customer service is great
Short battery life • Don’t fit securely enough for running or rigorous workouts
They won’t blow you away, but they’re excellent for the money.
Anker Soundcore Liberty Neo
Offering decent sound for the money, Anker’s buds are a worthy upgrade from the junky earbuds you impulse-bought at the airport.-
Playtime:
3.5 hours (+9 hours with charging case) -
Style:
True wireless -
Built-in mic:
Yes -
Charging case included:
Yes
ot everyone can afford to shell out a couple hundred dollars for a pair of true wireless earbuds, but that’s OK: You’ve got a wallet-friendly option in Anker’s Soundcore Liberty Neo earbuds, which retail for under £100.
Now, that’s not to say the Neos are as good-sounding or comfortable as a pair of high-end earbuds like the AirPods — you get what you pay for. The vast majority of customers who left reviews on Amazon and the Anker website say they’re really easy to pair with other devices and deliver balanced, natural sound with above-average bass, but some reported connection issues with random audio drops and an awkward fit.
All things considered, they’re an excellent value and a good choice for light use. Moreover, Anker’s customer service has an awesome reputation among reviewers; more often than not, the company will send a free replacement if a customer reports an issue.
Now, that’s not to say the Neos are as good-sounding or comfortable as a pair of high-end earbuds like the AirPods — you get what you pay for. The vast majority of customers who left reviews on Amazon and the Anker website say they’re really easy to pair with other devices and deliver balanced, natural sound with above-average bass, but some reported connection issues with random audio drops and an awkward fit.
All things considered, they’re an excellent value and a good choice for light use. Moreover, Anker’s customer service has an awesome reputation among reviewers; more often than not, the company will send a free replacement if a customer reports an issue.
Durable build quality with modern design • Reliable connection • The best sound quality money can buy • Splash resistant
Weak battery life • Pricey
Very high quality at a high cost.
Sennheiser Momentum
If you can justify the high price tag, you’ll be the proud owner of the best-sounding buds on your block.-
Playtime:
4 hours (+12 with charging case) -
Style:
True wireless -
Built-in mic:
Yes -
Charging case included:
Yes
Sennheiser? Making incredible-sounding, incredibly expensive wireless earbuds? Groundbreaking.
No, but seriously: Sennheiser has a reputation for engineering high-end audio equipment of exceptional quality (as any audiophile can tell you), and its Momentum True Wireless earbuds are no exception: The mid-tones are clear, bright, well-balanced; the bass is super bold (but doesn’t rattle your skull); and high notes don’t sound tinny — rather, they twinkle.
What’s more, Sennheiser’s companion Smart Control app lets you tweak the earbuds’ frequency response to accommodate your personal listening preferences, and there’s a Transparency Hearing mode that lets you listen to your surroundings without removing the buds from your ears.
Long story short: If you can afford these puppies, well, lucky you.
No, but seriously: Sennheiser has a reputation for engineering high-end audio equipment of exceptional quality (as any audiophile can tell you), and its Momentum True Wireless earbuds are no exception: The mid-tones are clear, bright, well-balanced; the bass is super bold (but doesn’t rattle your skull); and high notes don’t sound tinny — rather, they twinkle.
What’s more, Sennheiser’s companion Smart Control app lets you tweak the earbuds’ frequency response to accommodate your personal listening preferences, and there’s a Transparency Hearing mode that lets you listen to your surroundings without removing the buds from your ears.
Long story short: If you can afford these puppies, well, lucky you.
Water resistant • Stellar overall sound quality • Fit is secure • Available in four different colours
Mediocre battery life • Bulky design
If you care about the sound quality of your music above all else, these should be your go-tos.
Bose SoundSport Free
These bulbous little buds offer some serious oomph — just don’t expect much from them when it comes to video syncing.-
Playtime:
5 hours (+10 hours with charging case) -
Style:
True wireless -
Built-in mic:
Yes -
Charging case included:
Yes
As with noise-cancellation, wireless earbuds’ bass typically pales in comparison to that of on-ear headphones. But if you want those deep thumps without the bulk, the Bose SoundSport Frees can turn up the beat (and then some) — just make sure you use their squishy silicone tips (available in three different sizes) to form a tight seal within your ear canal.
In terms of overall sound quality, former Mashable tech reporter Raymond Wong made the bold claim that the SoundSport Frees “sound better than [first-gen] AirPods” when he reviewed them in 2018, citing crisper tones and a “much clearer separation between the left and right earbuds.”
Amazon customers are huge fans of the SoundSport Frees’ easy pairing, as well as the fact that their companion smartphone app (Bose Connect) features a tool that can help you track down a lost bud if you accidentally misplace it.
The biggest issue most reviewers have with the SoundSport Frees is that they’re crappy when it comes to video syncing — the audio tends to lag a second or two behind — so if you spend a lot of time watching Netflix or YouTube, skip these buds.
In terms of overall sound quality, former Mashable tech reporter Raymond Wong made the bold claim that the SoundSport Frees “sound better than [first-gen] AirPods” when he reviewed them in 2018, citing crisper tones and a “much clearer separation between the left and right earbuds.”
Amazon customers are huge fans of the SoundSport Frees’ easy pairing, as well as the fact that their companion smartphone app (Bose Connect) features a tool that can help you track down a lost bud if you accidentally misplace it.
The biggest issue most reviewers have with the SoundSport Frees is that they’re crappy when it comes to video syncing — the audio tends to lag a second or two behind — so if you spend a lot of time watching Netflix or YouTube, skip these buds.
Wireless PowerShare lets you juice up with other Galaxy devices • Lightweight • Splash resistant
Establishing a connection with your smartphone is kind of a hassle • Not the most comfy
From charging options to touchpad controls, there are plenty of ways to make these things your own.
Samsung Galaxy Buds
These durable and highly customisable earbuds offer the sort of convenient functionality that even Apple devotees can get behind.-
Playtime:
6 hours (+7 hours with charging case) -
Style:
True wireless -
Built-in mic:
Yes -
Charging case included:
Yes
The Apple versus Samsung rivalry may run deep, but just because you’ve pledged your allegiance to one brand’s smartphones doesn’t mean you have to use their wireless earbuds, too. What we’re trying to say is this: You should consider using Samsung’s excellent Galaxy Buds even if you’re an iPhone user, and especially if you value the ability to personalise your user experience.
For starters, Samsung’s Galaxy Wearables app is a must-download; it allows you to tweak your Buds’ touchpad controls, adjust their notifications, and customise their sound via an equalizer for a personalised listening experience. There are also options to switch your Buds to an Ambient sound mode, which lets you hear some of your surroundings, and enable a “Find My Earbuds” tool that’ll pinpoint a lost Bud’s hiding spot.
With the Galaxy Buds, even your charging options are flexible: Pop the Buds inside their included charging case for up to seven extra hours of battery life on the go, or use the Wireless PowerShare feature to steal some juice from your Galaxy S10 series smartphone.
Based on the reviews we’ve read, the biggest issue people seem to have with the Galaxy Buds is that they’re annoying to pair with other devices. You have to create a Samsung account and download the SmartThings app to establish a connection, and the Galaxy Wearables app is a whole other thing that’s strictly for fine-tuning your settings. Still, they come highly recommended overall.
For starters, Samsung’s Galaxy Wearables app is a must-download; it allows you to tweak your Buds’ touchpad controls, adjust their notifications, and customise their sound via an equalizer for a personalised listening experience. There are also options to switch your Buds to an Ambient sound mode, which lets you hear some of your surroundings, and enable a “Find My Earbuds” tool that’ll pinpoint a lost Bud’s hiding spot.
With the Galaxy Buds, even your charging options are flexible: Pop the Buds inside their included charging case for up to seven extra hours of battery life on the go, or use the Wireless PowerShare feature to steal some juice from your Galaxy S10 series smartphone.
Based on the reviews we’ve read, the biggest issue people seem to have with the Galaxy Buds is that they’re annoying to pair with other devices. You have to create a Samsung account and download the SmartThings app to establish a connection, and the Galaxy Wearables app is a whole other thing that’s strictly for fine-tuning your settings. Still, they come highly recommended overall.
Secure fit • All-day battery life • Sweat and water-resistant • Quick and easy syncing
Not true wireless • Reviewers say there’s barely any bass
Great for morning runs, but not so much for daily use.
Vi Lifebeam
These AI-enabled earbuds have the potential to replace your Fitbit and your personal trainer.-
Playtime:
8 hours -
Style:
Wireless -
Built-in mic:
Yes -
Charging case included:
No
Sure, lots of wireless earbuds are built to endure the toughest and sweatiest of workouts. But do they come with a built-in personal trainer? Yeah, that’s what we thought.
From the AI-enabled wearables maker LifeBEAM comes the Vi Sense Wireless Headphones, the ideal workout buddy for runners and cyclers alike. They’re powered by a voice-activated, artificially intelligent personal trainer named Vi (think of her as Siri’s more athletic cousin), who uses the buds’ built-in biosensors to deliver personalised training sessions based on statistics like your heart rate, motion, and elevation. You can access these custom fitness plans and track your progress anytime on the Spotify-compatible Vi Trainer app, which you can try for free for a whole year.
It should be noted that the Vi Sense aren’t true wireless earbuds (like the rest of the buds on the list); they’re attached to each other with a small cable that’s connected to a flexible neckband. It’s a design that won’t appeal to everyone, but most reviewers really seem to like it.
From the AI-enabled wearables maker LifeBEAM comes the Vi Sense Wireless Headphones, the ideal workout buddy for runners and cyclers alike. They’re powered by a voice-activated, artificially intelligent personal trainer named Vi (think of her as Siri’s more athletic cousin), who uses the buds’ built-in biosensors to deliver personalised training sessions based on statistics like your heart rate, motion, and elevation. You can access these custom fitness plans and track your progress anytime on the Spotify-compatible Vi Trainer app, which you can try for free for a whole year.
It should be noted that the Vi Sense aren’t true wireless earbuds (like the rest of the buds on the list); they’re attached to each other with a small cable that’s connected to a flexible neckband. It’s a design that won’t appeal to everyone, but most reviewers really seem to like it.
Four pairs of eartips included • Available in four different colours • Fast pairing thanks to Apple’s H1 chip • Great battery life • Great sound quality
Charging case is huge and requires a lightning cable • Expensive
An excellent AirPods alternative for Apple zealots.
Powerbeats Pro
Love Apple, but hate AirPods? The Beats Powerbeats Pro are a sporty alternative comfy enough for all-day wear with an all-day battery life to match.-
Playtime:
9 hours (+24 hours with charging case) -
Style:
True wireless with earhooks -
Built-in mic:
Yes -
Charging case included:
Yes
When it comes to shopping for a pair of wireless earbuds, sheer comfort is probably one of the most important (yet overlooked) features: If you’re going to be wearing these things all day, they have to become one with your ears, you know?
Enter: Beats’ Powerbeats Pro, a Mashable’s Choice Award-winning pair of totally wireless earbuds and one of the few that are actually comfortable enough for all-day use. Granted, their somewhat bulky design isn’t for everyone — but if you don’t mind the ear hooks that keep them securely positioned, you’re in for a really solid pair of ultra-wearable buds that won’t budge.
Speaking of, the Powerbeats Pros are actually pretty similar to the AirPods as far as their tech specs go: They come equipped with Siri, feature the H1 chip for quick and easy pairing, and offer hours upon hours of battery life. If you’re an Apple user who really, really hates the look of those white Q-tips, the Pros might make a solid Plan B.
Enter: Beats’ Powerbeats Pro, a Mashable’s Choice Award-winning pair of totally wireless earbuds and one of the few that are actually comfortable enough for all-day use. Granted, their somewhat bulky design isn’t for everyone — but if you don’t mind the ear hooks that keep them securely positioned, you’re in for a really solid pair of ultra-wearable buds that won’t budge.
Speaking of, the Powerbeats Pros are actually pretty similar to the AirPods as far as their tech specs go: They come equipped with Siri, feature the H1 chip for quick and easy pairing, and offer hours upon hours of battery life. If you’re an Apple user who really, really hates the look of those white Q-tips, the Pros might make a solid Plan B.
Continue Reading
Entertainment8 hours ago
2024: A year of digital organizing from Palestine to X
Entertainment1 day ago
Should you buy the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition?
Entertainment2 days ago
Mars is littered with junk. Historians want to save it.
Entertainment2 days ago
‘The Wild Robot’ and ‘Flow’ are quietly revolutionary climate change films
Entertainment2 days ago
Review: Is the $499 Bose Smart Soundbar worth it?
Entertainment3 days ago
CES 2025 preview: What to expect
Entertainment3 days ago
‘The Room Next Door’ review: Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore are magnificent
Entertainment4 days ago
Polyamorous influencer breakups: What happens when hypervisible relationships end
Entertainment4 days ago
‘The Last Showgirl’ review: Pamela Anderson leads a shattering ensemble as an aging burlesque entertainer
Entertainment5 days ago
OpenAI’s plan to make ChatGPT the ‘everything app’ has never been more clear
Entertainment4 weeks ago
Black Friday Ninja deals: Ninja Slushi in stock, plus the Creami and air fryers on sale
Entertainment4 weeks ago
Intel’s 20-year-old AI ethicist, who graduated high school at 11, discusses the future
Entertainment4 weeks ago
Yoto Player review: This screen-free speaker keeps kids entertained and engaged
Entertainment2 weeks ago
‘A Complete Unknown’ review: Timothée Chalamet infuriates as Bob Dylan
Entertainment4 weeks ago
Bluesky can learn from Twitter’s early mistakes
Entertainment3 weeks ago
Greatest Cyber Monday streaming deals 2024: Save up to 90% on Hulu, Peacock
Entertainment4 weeks ago
HP Omen 17 review: This gaming laptop stays cool under pressure
Entertainment3 weeks ago
Greatest post-Cyber Monday deals 2024: Shop Amazon, Greatest Buy, Target, more
Entertainment4 weeks ago
Apple Black Friday deals 2024: Amazon has record-low prices
Entertainment4 weeks ago
Amazon Black Friday laptop deals: Shop record lows on M3 MacBook Air, Microsoft Surface Laptop 7
Entertainment8 hours ago
2024: A year of digital organizing from Palestine to X
Entertainment1 day ago
Should you buy the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition?
Entertainment2 days ago
Mars is littered with junk. Historians want to save it.
Entertainment2 days ago
‘The Wild Robot’ and ‘Flow’ are quietly revolutionary climate change films
Entertainment2 days ago
Review: Is the $499 Bose Smart Soundbar worth it?
Entertainment3 days ago
CES 2025 preview: What to expect
Entertainment3 days ago
‘The Room Next Door’ review: Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore are magnificent
Entertainment4 days ago
Polyamorous influencer breakups: What happens when hypervisible relationships end
Entertainment4 days ago
‘The Last Showgirl’ review: Pamela Anderson leads a shattering ensemble as an aging burlesque entertainer
Entertainment5 days ago
OpenAI’s plan to make ChatGPT the ‘everything app’ has never been more clear
-
Entertainment6 days agoWordPress.org’s login page demands you pledge loyalty to pineapple pizza
-
Entertainment7 days agoRules for blocking or going no contact after a breakup
-
Entertainment5 days agoOpenAI’s plan to make ChatGPT the ‘everything app’ has never been more clear
-
Entertainment6 days ago‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ review: Can Barry Jenkins break the Disney machine?
-
Entertainment4 days ago‘The Last Showgirl’ review: Pamela Anderson leads a shattering ensemble as an aging burlesque entertainer
-
Entertainment5 days agoHow to watch NFL Christmas Gameday and Beyoncé halftime
-
Entertainment4 days agoPolyamorous influencer breakups: What happens when hypervisible relationships end
-
Entertainment3 days ago‘The Room Next Door’ review: Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore are magnificent
