How to choose wireless earbuds: noise cancelling, fit and battery

Wireless earbuds are one of the most returned gadgets online, usually because they don’t fit well or the noise cancelling isn’t what the box promised. A few checks before you buy save a lot of hassle.

Fit comes first

The best-sounding earbuds are useless if they fall out or hurt after an hour. In-ear models with silicone tips seal the ear canal, which gives better bass and noise blocking. Open-fit models sit at the entrance of the ear and are comfortable for long wear, but let more sound in.

Tip:Check that the box includes several ear tip sizes. Trying the smaller or larger tip often fixes both comfort and sound.

Active noise cancelling (ANC)

ANC uses microphones to cancel steady background noise such as traffic, fans and aeroplane engines. It is excellent on commutes and flights. It is less effective against sudden or high-pitched sounds like voices. Look for a transparency or ambient mode too, so you can hear announcements without taking the earbuds out.

Read battery claims carefully

Listings usually quote the total with the charging case. What matters day to day is how long the earbuds last on one charge, and that number drops when ANC is on. Look for both figures:

• Earbuds alone, with ANC on
• Total with the case
• Fast charge time, for example 10 minutes for an hour of playback
• The charging port, ideally USB-C

Match the earbuds to your phone

Some features work best within one brand: automatic switching between Apple devices, or Samsung’s higher-quality audio codec on Galaxy phones. If you use an iPhone, AirPods integrate most smoothly. On Android, check that the brand’s app is available and well rated.

Water and sweat resistance

For the gym or running, look for at least IPX4, which covers sweat and splashes. Higher numbers handle more water, but almost no earbuds are made for swimming.