Bluetooth Earbuds

Two earbuds, no cable

Bluetooth earbuds are two small earpieces with no cable between them, kept in a case that also charges them. They work with any phone that has Bluetooth, whatever its port, and the phone can stay in a pocket or across the room. They suit walking, running, the gym, housework and everyday listening on the move. Against that, they need charging, they are easy to drop or lose one of, and the battery inside wears slowly over the years, like a phone's.

What to look for in Bluetooth earbuds

• Battery life, in two numbers. How long the buds play on one charge, and how much more the case holds. The first says whether they last a journey or a working day; the second, how often you charge the case. Both are measured under the maker's own conditions, and loud volume and noise cancelling use more.
• The case. Most charge from a USB-C cable. Some also charge by sitting on a wireless pad or a 3-in-1 charging station.
• Codecs. Bluetooth sends sound compressed, using a codec, and both phone and earbuds must share one. SBC is the basic one every pair supports, iPhones use AAC, and aptX and LDAC are found on many Android phones. For most listening the difference is small.
• Delay. Bluetooth sound arrives a fraction after the picture. Video apps usually correct for it; games often cannot. Some earbuds have a low-delay game mode, but for serious gaming wired earphones are still the safe choice.
• Calls and switching. Microphones in each bud help callers hear you. Some earbuds pair with two devices at once, often called multipoint, and move between phone and laptop.

Fit, noise and water

In-ear earbuds seal the ear canal with a soft tip, blocking the most noise, and depend on the right size of ear tip. Open earbuds rest in the outer ear and let you hear more around you. Ear-hook and wing earbuds hold firm for running. Active noise cancelling works best on steady, low noise such as a train or a plane, and a transparency mode lets outside sound back in.

For sweat and rain, look for an IP rating. IPX4 means water splashed from any direction, IPX5 jets of water, and IPX7 being dropped in water up to 1m deep for up to 30 minutes. The tests are separate, so a higher number does not always include a lower one, and charging cases are rarely rated at all.

Questions people ask about Bluetooth earbuds

Do Bluetooth earbuds work with any phone?

With almost any phone, as nearly all have Bluetooth. Extras such as particular codecs or a settings app may work only with some.

How do I keep the battery healthy?

Keep earbuds and their case out of hot cars and sunny windowsills, put the buds back in the case after use, and charge the case before it runs completely flat.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when it usually arrives.

More to look at

• Earbud cases and covers
• Ear tips
• Wired earphones
• 3-in-1 charging stations
• For runners
• Port and earbud brushes
• Guide: Earphones and earbuds for your phone