True Wireless In-Ears were the hot sellers in 2018 and meanwhile all well-known headphone companies do offer this type of headphones. Although completely wireless headphones are on the market for quite a while now once again it needed Apple to really get some momentum in this product category.
And because many smartphone manufacturers killed the headphone jack in the last couple of years many users now want (and need) to listen to their favorite tracks without any cables on their headphones.
The new Pixel Buds from Google don't have much in common with their predecessors, except for their name. Their most striking feature is their completely new look: what were loose-fitting earbuds are now tighter-fitting in-ears, and the thin fabric string between the two earplugs has also gone. This sounds great – but will the 2020 model be judged to be our (Pixel) buddy?
Padmate's cable-free Pamu Quiet in-ears feature hybrid noise reduction with dual-chip technology, support Bluetooth standard 5.0 as well as high-quality audio codecs with aptX and the AAC format. The eye-catching pocket watch sized case serves as a charging station.
With their Redemption ANC, House of Marley have added slightly bass accentuated, cable-free in-ears to their portfolio, and they are made of sustainable materials in accordance with the company’s philosophy. These headphones support Bluetooth standard 5.0 as well as high-quality audio codecs with aptX and the AAC format, while the visually appealing bamboo surfaces offer integrated touch controls.
The True-Wireless counterpart of the 1more Dual Driver ANC Pro is called "True Wireless ANC". These headphones are supplied in a carrying case that is not lightweight but pleasantly robust with a non-slip base. This case has magnetic positioning and can be used for safe storage but it also functions as a charging station and additional battery.
Sennheiser want to demonstrate that - in addition to their excellent Momentum True Wireless, which are right at the top of the charts both in terms of hit lists and price - they are quite capable of catering to the upper mid-range of the market. With the CX 400BT True Wireless, the established German brand delivers quite respectable in-ears at the modest price of 199 Euros. Find out what they can and can't do in our test.
The cable-free EP-N5 in-ears from the Chinese manufacturer Aukey offer noise suppression, support Bluetooth standard 5.0 as well as a high-quality audio codec with the AAC format and, despite their low price, are equipped with touch control. As these headphones are water and sweat resistant, sports applications are also possible.
TaoTronics’ SoundLiberty 94 come with Active Noise Cancelling, are True Wireless, equipped with Bluetooth 5.1 and at first sight offer a package with a considerable running time and neat workmanship for just under 80 Euros. Whether this is actually the case, we will investigate in detail here.
Smartphone manufacturer OnePlus is expanding its headphone division with the addition of True-Wireless headphones that support Bluetooth standard 5.0 and, with the AAC format, a high-quality audio codec. The running time of this compact pair of headphones is respectable, especially since the transport case, which also serves as a charging station, has a pocket-friendly format.
With the London, Swedish manufacturer Urbanista offers cable-free in-ears with a respectable battery life, which have both active noise suppression and an ambient mode for outdoor listening. The headphones come in a slim, handy charging case, which can be powered either via the USB-C connection or wirelessly via Qi.
Indy Fuel, Skullcandy’s wired in-ears, play powerful, bass-driven music and are equipped with an ambient mode, EQ settings for music, podcasts and movies, and an app connection. A sturdy fit, plus the sweat, water and dust resistant IP55 finish also makes these headphones ideal for sports use.