Wireless earbuds provide you with the sound quality and mobility you need, minus the wires. Running wires through your shirt so they don't get in your way can be a hassle, and earbuds like the JF3, Jabra Sport or Motorola S9 not only eliminate pesky cables, but can be paired with more than one device at a time for multipurpose use. For more information, check out our articles on wireless earbuds.
Everyday tasks require full mobility, and while headphones help significantly, the wires can still get in the way. With wireless earbuds you can multitask and save money with earbuds that allow you to listen to music on the go. Most earbuds we reviewed are also sweat and water resistant so they are great for exercising and other outdoor activities. Now you can untangle yourself from outdated headphones with wireless earbuds.
Lightweight design is important for comfort, but it’s also essential for earbuds to have enough substance to stay in place while exercising. Many of the wireless earbuds we reviewed also wrap around your ears and neck for added stability. The best earbuds provide excellent audio performance, sleek design, comfort and durability, while remaining lightweight. Here are the categories we used to rank the best wireless earbuds available:
Performance
Even though they are small, you should look for earbuds that can be turned up to the loudest volume without blowing out the drivers. Frequency response is a key indicator of the range of sound frequencies earbuds can produce. The best products cover the range of human hearing and beyond. Impedance is also important as it affects the flow of electrical current through the device. Too much impedance will result in weak output and poor tone; too little will ruin your speakers. Bluetooth range is among the most important features for earbuds. Bluetooth earbuds have a range of at least 30 feet, which gives you much more freedom from the devices you are paired to.
Features
Earbuds are lightweight, but they shouldn’t be light on features. Many wireless in-ear headphones allow you to pair them with several devices at once so you don't have to go back and re-sync your headphones when switching between devices. Most earbuds are also moisture resistant, meaning light rain or sweat won't harm them. Noise cancellation and the ability to accept or reject a phone call are also excellent features.
Design & Specifications
Battery life and charge time are crucial elements in choosing the right earbuds. Most headphones will work for four hours or more, even with consistent talking or listening. It's easy to charge these devices through a slot on the earbud where you can plug in a USB cable, fully charging them in around two hours. A wrap-around neck design is also important as it keeps earbuds securely in place even when you exercise.
Warranty & Support
Manufacturers sometimes provide forums, FAQs and live chat for technical assistance. Look for wireless earbuds that provide user manuals for help setting up the Bluetooth and pairing the devices. A good warranty also provides long-term customer support and reassurance.
With technology becoming more mobile every day, it makes sense to free yourself from the nest of wires running from your headphones to your MP3 player and other devices. Mobility, performance and design are essential in determining which wireless earbuds will best suit your active lifestyle.
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| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6 | #7 | #8 | #9 | #10 |
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10-9 Excellent
8-6 Good 5-4 Average 3-2 Poor 1-0 Bad
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JayBird JF3 | Jabra SPORT | Motorola S9 | LG Tone | Outdoor Technology Bluetooth Tags | Motorola SF600 | Plantronics BackBeat GO | Philips SHB6000 | Creative WP-250 | Plantronics BackBeat 903+ |
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Lowest Price |
$99.00 |
$61.25 |
$45.00 |
$46.68 |
$64.95 |
$114.99 |
$89.56 |
$54.95 |
$51.50 |
$40.00 |
| Ratings | 9.85 | 8.90 | 8.85 | 8.70 | 8.48 | 8.20 | 7.63 | 7.00 | 6.70 | 6.63 |
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| Performance | ||||||||||
| Minimum Frequency Response (Hertz) | 20 | 300 | 18 | 30 | 30 | 18 | 80 | 15 | 20 | 80 |
| Maximum Frequency Response (Hertz) | 20,000 | 30,000 | 30,000 | 32,000 | 30,000 | 30,000 | 22,000 | 22,000 | 20,000 | 12,000 |
| Impedance (Ohms) | 32 | 32 | 30 | 32 | 30 | 30 | 17 | 16 | 32 | 17 |
| Effective Range (Feet) | 30 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 33 |
| Features | ||||||||||
| Earpiece Controls | ||||||||||
| Bluetooth Capabilities | ||||||||||
| Replaceable Rubber Eartips | ||||||||||
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| Call Answer/Reject | ||||||||||
| Water/Sweat Resistant | ||||||||||
| Shakeproof | ||||||||||
| Dual Microphones | ||||||||||
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| Design & Specifications | ||||||||||
| Battery Life (Hours) | 6 | 4.5 | 7 | 10 | 6 | 7 | 4.5 | 7 | 5 | 7 |
| Battery Type | Lithium | Lithium | Lithium Ion | Lithium Ion | Lithium Ion | Lithium Ion | Lithium | Lithium | Lithium Ion | Lithium Ion |
| Battery Charge Time (Hours) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2.5 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2.5 | 3 |
| Weight (Ounces) | .56 | .81 | 1.1 | 1.13 | 1.6 | 1 | .45 | 2.9 | 7.04 | 1.2 |
| Sound | Surround | Surround | Surround | Stereo | Surround | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo |
| Behind-Head Design | ||||||||||
| Charge Type | USB | USB | USB | USB | USB | USB | Micro USB | USB | USB | USB |
| Warranty & Support | ||||||||||
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | Lifetime | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year |
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