Wireless earbuds slot into a commute, workout or a quiet moment alone, with no cords to deal with.
Wireless earbuds suit anyone who listens on the move: a commute, a walk, a workout or a long flight. Fit comes first, because earbuds that don't sit comfortably end up in the case. Then compare battery life with the charging case, noise cancelling, water resistance and which phone they use.
Gift ideas
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Wireless earbuds with dual 6mm drivers, 4 mics with noise reduction for calls, IPX7 waterproofing and up to 35 hours with the case. Wireless charging, a game mode and custom EQ in the app.
Wireless earbuds redesigned for comfort with a shorter stem and press controls, the H2 chip, personalised spatial audio with head tracking, and Voice Isolation for clearer calls. Nod or shake to answer Siri.
Wireless earbuds in black with deep bass, 8 hours per charge plus 24 more from the case, and speed charging. An ambient mode keeps you aware of your surroundings, and VoiceAware handles hands-free calls. Water and dust resistant.
Wireless earbuds suit anyone who listens on the move. That's the commuter, the walker, the person at the gym, the traveller on a long flight, and the one who takes calls on a walk around the block. They also suit someone whose old headphones have a tangled cable and a crackle, or whose phone has no headphone socket.
They are also a good gift for the podcast person who is always a few episodes behind and would love to catch up on the walk to work.
What to look for in wireless earbuds
How they sit. Earbuds sit in the ear, with silicone tips in a few sizes. The right size seals comfortably, and a poor fit is the usual reason a pair stays in the drawer.
Noise cancelling. It reduces background hum, which suits trains, planes and open-plan offices. An ambient mode lets sound back in when they need it.
Battery. Look for two numbers: hours per charge, and hours with the charging case. The case tops the earbuds up on the go.
Water resistance. A mark such as IPX5 or IPX7 matters for the gym and for running in the rain.
Calls. Several have microphones with noise reduction, which helps for anyone who takes calls outdoors.
Their phone. All of them pair over Bluetooth. Some add extra features when paired with a phone from the same brand, so it helps to know what they use.
When wireless earbuds are the wrong gift
Earbuds are personal. If they already have a pair they love, yours will probably stay in the drawer. Fit matters too, and some people can't stand anything in their ears. If they lose small things, they'll lose these too: tiny, and very good at going missing between sofa cushions.
Frequently asked questions
Are wireless earbuds a good gift if I don't know what phone they use?
Yes. Nearly every phone supports Bluetooth, and most earbuds pair with any modern phone, though a few extras, such as quick pairing, work only with one brand of phone. If you can find out which phone they use, it helps.
Do wireless earbuds need noise cancelling?
Not always. Noise cancelling reduces background sound, which suits trains, planes and open-plan offices. Some earbuds also have an ambient mode that lets outside sound back in, so the wearer can still hear announcements and traffic.
How long should wireless earbuds last on a charge?
Look at two numbers: the hours per charge, and the hours with the charging case. Several hours per charge covers a commute or a long workout, and the case tops them up on the go. It matters most to anyone who forgets to charge.
