The review includes refined versions of "trial" TWS headsets from famous brands and the most successful novelties.
Content:
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Best TWS headphones
TWS (True Wireless Stereo) headphones are at the height of popularity right now. Stylish, small and comfortable in-ear and in-channel models, completely wireless are ideal for the city. With these headphones, you can listen to music, take calls and listen to messages on the go without having to take your phone out of your pocket.
"Real wireless" devices are actively improving, but each brand is going in its own direction. Some increase autonomy, others focus on beautiful sound, or vice versa - create the most comfortable headset for talking.
Bose Sport Earbuds.
The sports version
The sports version of Bose's super comfortable QuietComfort vacuums does not differ much from the "civilian" version. Except that the case here does not support wireless charging, but Sport Earbuds are much cheaper.
Reasons to buy:
- IPX4 waterproofing;
- Clear operation of the control sensors;
- Cool sound and big volume reserve;
- Fast charging;
- Several colors to choose from.
Structurally, Bose Sport is the same QuietComfort, which is considered one of the most comfortable TWS headphones. The in-channel fit and removable ear cushions of different sizes with "fins" provide them with a secure fit in the ear. To prevent accidental presses on the sensors during exercise, single touches are excluded from the controls. Well, the protection against moisture and sweat only confirms the sports orientation of the ears.
Bose, as always, offers a magnificent sound: rich, voluminous and carefully adjusted in all frequencies. It is a rarity for sports accessories, so active music lovers will like it. Even on poorly mixed tracks they pull out the lower and upper frequencies - not mindlessly, but in moderation.
Paired microphones do a good job of transmitting speech in conversation mode. Yes, they do not cut off unnecessary noise, but the voice is captured clearly. Earplugs are equipped with sensors that recognize their presence in the ear. You can answer the call or resume playing tracks by inserting the right earpiece. Playback is automatically paused when it is removed. The left earpiece is a slave and does not support these functions by itself.
The case has very informative indicators - by the number of lit LEDs it is easy to determine the remaining battery charge. However, the autonomy of the set is not the highest. Even when using the case the playing time will be only 15 hours, and on one charge the headphones will not last more than five hours. But 15 minutes in the case the "ears" will be enough for two hours of work.
Jabra Elite 85t
Lots of customization opportunities
Jabra has improved their top-of-the-line TWS headphones by adding more modern features and interesting chips.
Reasons to buy:
- Delicate and adjustable ANC noise cancellation;
- Audio transparency mode - also customizable;
- Ability to use your own hearing profiles;
- Good moisture protection (IPX4);
- The case supports Qi-charging.
On the surface, the unremarkable TWS-shells from Jabra were full of surprises. Yes, they play clear and juicy, and they perform well as a wireless headset thanks to the protection of the microphones from the wind. But the Elite 85t has many other features that you'll appreciate as you use it.
Instead of touch controls, there are small physical buttons on the shells of the earmolds that are short and crisp. Under the right hand they are used to control tracks and answer calls, the keys on the left ear are responsible for noise cancellation modes and ANC. But in general, a lot of additional functions can be attached to each one, and even for different usage scenarios.
When you remove the earpiece, the playback is automatically paused. That's how the Jabra version of the multipoint connection works, when you're connected to a computer or TV and the phone gets a call.
The mobile app Jabra Sound+ opens up interesting possibilities. In addition to the standard EQ settings and the choice of one of the 5 ANC levels, you can start a "soundscape" here - when in addition to the music playing in the background, the sound of rain, for example, is connected. The program also suggests including white noise and its other colored varieties for better concentration or relaxation.
Another rare feature is MySound. This tests the wearer's hearing to create a personalized profile. After a little testing, the sound in the headphones is automatically calibrated so that it is perceived most correctly by the individual.
Skullcandy Indy Fuel TWS
Original design and versatility
These headphones have an unusual design with its own character. But overall, the Indy Fuel is a versatile headset that is suitable for communication, listening to music and audiobooks, as well as sports and travel.
Reasons to buy:
- Comfortable and secure fit in your ears;
- Good volume reserve and clear sound;
- IP55 moisture protection;
- Multiple commands available for touch panels;
- Wireless charging case.
The in-ear earbuds fit snugly and comfortably in the ear canal, creating passive noise isolation. The headphones can also be used for active sports activities, as there is a reliable protection against moisture and sweat.
The model has a beautiful bass sound. With gestures, you can fully control playback, make calls, turn on audio transparency mode or call the voice assistant. It is noteworthy that the choice of equalizer modes is also available here - you don't have to climb into the phone unnecessarily.
Skullcandy has excellent battery life. When used with the case, they can work up to 30 hours. The case itself can be charged wirelessly and the headphones are available with quick charging function.
Shure Aonic 215 TWS.
Hybrids with behind-the-ear mounts
Nowadays, this format of TWS headphones is not very popular - everyone is looking for droplets and "beans" that won't fall out of their ears. The Shure Aonic with earbuds won't fall out for sure. And their sound will make you forget about everything in the world.
Reasons to buy:
- Sound quality - like studio headphones;
- Built-in preamp;
- Reliable mounting;
- Noise cancellation and hearing environment modes;
- Possibility of wired connection;
- Increased autonomy.
Shure is a high-level audio technology designed for professional audio work. In headphones for everyday use, the brand applied the same advanced technology, resulting in the Aonic sound is very clear and deep. Additional settings are available in the proprietary ShurePlus PLAY app, and there is also the ability to adjust the level of audio transparency.
Despite the principle of doing away with true wireless completely, this model leaves a loophole, allowing you to use a wired connection as well. The behind-the-ear mounts can be removed, allowing access to the MMCX connectors. But you can't do without them at all - these modules act as BT receivers.
Physical buttons are used to call all the main actions directly from the headphones. Alas, they can not change the playback volume - it can only be adjusted on the phone.
The included case is different from what we are used to see with TWS - it is a round zippered case. It gives the whole system up to 32 hours of battery life, and fully charged headphones can play for up to 8 hours. Also included are 6 pairs of ear cushions in every imaginable size, including ones made of foam.
Samsung Galaxy Buds+
Best for Android
Of the four Galaxy Buds variants, the Plus version proved to be the most successful, both in terms of functionality and battery life.
Reasons to buy:
- Very long life on a single charge;
- Good isolation from outside noise;
- Two-way speakers;
- Three microphones for quality speech transmission;
- Support fast charging.
The beautiful glossy earbuds have been released in four colors. This is an improved version of the first Galaxy Buds, which has been redesigned in detail. It uses technology from AKG for quality sound. Inside are two-way speakers that have separate transducers for the upper and lower frequencies.
The "ears" themselves are still comfortable to wear. With the right ear cushions they fit snugly in the ear canal providing tangible noise isolation. You can also activate their acoustic pickup mode if desired.
Buds+ are ideal for conversations in any environment. Even if the external microphones are weak to pick up speech, the internal, "listening" voice right in your ear is there to help. The housings have a small IPX2 splash protection, so accidental exposure to rain will not do them much harm.
The model has a very long operating time for true wireless - about 10-11 hours. The charging time is lightning fast: 3 minutes in the case is enough for one hour of music playing. The case will provide only one full charging cycle, but the total charging time will be 22 hours, so in this respect the Galaxy Buds do not lose to the competitors.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2
Beautiful sound and effective noise reduction
Sennheiser followed the same path as the Koreans, shortly after the release of the first version of the TWS introducing its improved version - the Momentum 2. In terms of usability, the headphones are somewhat inferior to the Samsungs, but they traditionally excel in sound.
Reasons to buy:
- Great sound;
- Presence of ANC;
- Two audio transparency modes;
- Automatic pause;
- IPX4 splash protection;
- Energy efficiency, plus high-capacity battery.
Despite reducing the size of the headphones and adding active noise reduction, the Momentum 2's power efficiency has increased. Now the model can work up to 7 hours (up to 6 with ANC on) and 28 total after three charges in the case. The case is worthy of special mention, because only Sennheiser covered it with a non-marking fabric - it looks stylish, but not pretentious.
In addition to effective noise cancellation - active and passive - the vacuums have two modes of audio transparency. Here you can "mix" the sound of the surroundings with the playing melody or make it so that you can fully hear what is happening outside by stopping the playback.
Music is also paused automatically if you take one earpiece out of your ear, which the headset will tell you through optical sensors. But because the left earpiece is a slave, playback in the right earpiece automatically resumes when it's sent to the case.
The headphones are controlled via touch pads on the cases. If you want, you can reassign the gesture commands in the Smart Control mobile app. There is also a very functional equalizer, which allows you to flexibly adjust the playback of songs.
Well, the sound of the Senkhs is, as always, impeccable. All frequencies are detailed and balanced: nothing is lost in the overall musical picture and does not get clogged. The manufacturer added a little bit of bass, but most people will even like this approach.
Shanling MTW100BA
Armature headphones
Chinese headphones with armature drivers attracts with a nice design. But they also sound interesting. So those who don't like the analytical nature of armature drivers should listen to them to change their minds.
Reasons to buy:
- High water protection (IPX7);
- Holds the connection securely;
- There is an audio transparency mode;
- Pleasant and detailed sound;
- Wireless charging case;
- Reasonable price.
The standard TWS headphones seem to be surprisingly comfortable to wear. The sound of the armature drivers is excellent: with clean tops without sand, clear mid-range and firm, not blurred bass. Shanling plays very expressive and at the same time natural, suitable for most music genres.
As a headset for talking, they are also good and even allow quite comfortable to talk on the phone on the street, although the microphones do not cut off completely the external noise. In any mode, you can use only one earpiece - they are equal, which is convenient.
The case is flimsy and looks cheap, but can provide "ears" to 3 full charging cycles and 24 hours of total work. Another plus of the case is Qi support. The kit comes with 8 pairs of good quality ear cushions, which will allow you to accurately fit the headphones in the ear canal.
Google Pixel Buds TWS (2020).
Designed to fit in every detail
This is definitely the best headset for owners of Google Pixel phones. But most Android device users will also like it for its functionality.
Reasons to buy:
- Elegant design;
- Extensive features with the Assistant;
- Secure fit in your ears;
- IPX4 splash protection;
- Quality and comfortable case.
The TWS Vacuum Headphones are comfortably shaped and yet quite compact. The extra petal holds the case securely in your ear during active movement, but it will also make you think twice about trying it on before you buy.
The Pixel Buds have fairly large speakers, although in terms of sound, this model is far from the best on the market. But as an everyday headset "ears" and really good: when speaking excellent hearing in both directions, and you can use only one earpiece.
Interaction with Google Assistant is conveniently organized. It is summoned by voice command and in the same way allows you to use all the features of the assistant - up to the control of the smart home and listening to text notifications from your phone.
The included case supports wireless charging Qi, the headphones themselves - fast. Buds autonomy is the standard 5 hours. For 10 minutes in the case you can get another hour of talk time or 2 hours of music.
Edifier TWS200
A good and inexpensive headset
The Chinese manufacturer has already released quite a few TWS headphones. "Two-hundred" model offers optimal functionality at an affordable price, and it is best honed for phone conversations.
Reasons to buy:
- Large speakers;
- Support for aptX;
- Quality voice transmission;
- Decent battery life;
- Low price.
The earbud-style headset is equipped with paired noise-canceling microphones, making it ideal for talking on the phone in any environment.
Good sound in playback mode is provided by drivers with an increased diameter (13 mm). When properly seated in the ear, they give a deep sound with distinguishable bass, but at maximum volume they can no longer handle the tops.
You can use the earmolds in pairs or one at a time. LDS antennas are built into the shells of the droplets that provide a stable Bluetooth signal and at the same time reduce the delay to a minimum.
Touch panels allow you to control playback of tracks and calls, to call the voice assistant. The only thing that was not provided by the manufacturer - the volume settings and track scrolling by touch.
The autonomy of the headphones is from 6 to 8 hours on a single charge. The included case gives another three full cycles. The case itself is well made, although made of plastic - there is no backlash, no unnecessary gaps.
Microsoft Surface Earbuds
Truly comfortable earbuds
Let's face it: these headphones are unreasonably expensive, and their design won't suit everyone's taste. But if you need earmuffs and other brands' devices don't want to stay in your ears because of the way they are built, try MS Earbuds.
Reasons to buy:
- Very comfortable controls;
- Comfortable and stays securely in your ears;
- Quick Bluetooth pairing;
- AptX support;
- IPX4 moisture protection.
From many similar to each other TWS-headphones Microsoft model differs in the first place appearance. Instead of the usual shells-bottoms or droplets on the legs of these earmuffs have a flat round pad with a touch pad to control. The devices themselves sit very securely in your ears because of the wide silicone ear cushions.
The sound of music here depends a lot on the placement in your ear. To make sure everything plays properly and frequencies are not lost, Surface Earbuds need to be twisted to get the right fit. You'll also need to install the Surface Audio app - at least to access the equalizer.
As a headset, the MS circles are not ideal, because only one (right) earpiece is connected to the conversation. It will be comfortable to talk indoors, but on the street your voice will be worse heard by the interlocutor. But they are suitable for voice typing in Office services - speech clarity is not lost, and recognition is almost error-free.
Features of TWS-headphones
Many audio brands are now adding true wireless, that is, fully wireless, headphones to their lines. Drops, earmuffs and earplugs that fit in the ear canal are comfortable in their own way. The product is relatively new on the market and many models come out "raw", after which manufacturers refine them, getting feedback from customers.
But some devices are not cheap at all. To avoid spending money on unsuitable headphones, you need to be aware of the peculiarities of TWS. And the first thing to remember is that you always have to make some kind of compromise.
Pairing method
Early versions of TWS headphones and many newer models use Qualcomm True Wireless Stereo Bluetooth connection technology. Here, the right earpiece turns out to be the master and pairs directly with the phone (or other device), while the left earpiece is already tethered to it. There are some limitations and problems with these pairs:
- You can't use the left earpiece standalone - only paired with the right one;
- the power consumption of the master and slave headphones is different, so the first discharges faster;
- more often the sound is out of sync;
- Pairing takes longer;
- Transmission delays increase.
The updated technology is called Stereo Plus. With it, both headphones are connected directly to the main device and work independently of each other.
Autonomy
True wireless headphones need to be compact and light enough to stay securely in your ears without attachments. There's no cord-so a misplaced earpiece can break or get lost altogether. But because of their diminutive size, you can't put high-capacity batteries in them. Therefore, the norm for these babies is still 4-5 hours of battery life without recharging.
The problem is solved by the charging cases, which also limit the developers in terms of size, but not so strictly - the case must remain compact and easy to carry in their pockets. And the less autonomy of the headphones themselves, the more charging cycles should provide them with a case.
It is good if the selected model supports fast charging. With it, just a few minutes in the case will be enough headphones for another hour or two of work.
Microphones
Compact headphones should not only play music, but also function as a headset. However, because of the format, their built-in microphones may not pick up your voice well or be drowned out by external noise.
If you plan to talk frequently through the TWS, especially in busy places or on the street, get advanced models with an additional internal microphone. It will pick up your voice right in your ear and transmit speech more clearly.
The "droplets" that Apple invented are also good for calls. Here the microphones are placed in the legs of the headphones and are directed towards the mouth. This allows them to pick up the speaker's voice better, even if they can't cut out ambient sounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do TWS headphones support multipoint?
There aren't many such models yet, but they do exist. They are top-of-the-line headphones: AirPods, Jabra, Sennheiser. Something similar is implemented in the Samsung Galaxy, but there we are rather talking about a quick switch between devices than a full-fledged multipoint. In any case, this is an additional function that increases the cost of the headphones, so the cheap versions definitely do not have it.
Which headphones are better - in-ear or vacuum headphones?
If you use them more often as a headset for talking and indoors, you can take the earmuffs. They are more comfortable, but they don't drown out outside noise.
If you listen to more music than you talk through TWS, in-ear headphones are the right choice: they sound better and also provide passive isolation.
Why do I need the sound penetration mode?
This feature in the true wireless segment is used for vacuum headphones, which completely block the ear canal. Thanks to audio permeability, you can talk to a cashier or passerby, hear the sound of an approaching car or bicyclist - in general, continue to control the situation around you and respond to it in time.
Sound permeability is also useful for phone conversations through headphones. Without it, you will hear your voice much louder in a blocked auditory canal, which is not very pleasant.
Topicals:
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