Things to consider…

Everything you need to know before getting started

1 audio quality

Do they provide decent sonic reproduction in the lows, mids, and highs? Is the bass overpowering or well balanced? Do music genres sound muddy or vibrantly clear? You want to enjoy the audio experience.

2 earbud fit

Are the earbuds comfortable to wear? Don’t forget, the real test comes with prolonged use. Also, do they isolate you from the noise and commotion of the outside world, or let in a pile of sound pollution?

3 Battery life

How long do the earphones last on a single charge, and do they take an age to recharge from empty? You don’t want to be sitting around waiting for them to hit 100% for too long. Also, what’s the capacity of the included charging case?

4 Bluetooth connection

Some wireless devices cause all sorts of connectivity issues. Regular drop-outs are particularly frustrating if they happen when you’re listening to an album or a podcast, so solid Bluetooth pairing is a must.

5 water resistance

A headset’s ability to withstand exposure to rain and moisture is a crucial protective feature for outdoor use. Also, ears tend to get sweaty during exercise, so decent water resistance is important.

6 wearing style

How conspicuous (or inconspicuous) are the earpieces during use? Do they look weird sticking out of your ears, or would onlookers even know you are wearing any? If fashion is a big factor in your get-up, it’s definitely something worth considering.