Best wireless in-ear headphones: 2022 rankings

In-ear headphones differ from vacuum headphones in their design: they do not have silicone ear pads that are inserted deep into the ear. The body of the earbuds is held in the auricle due to its shape, which cannot be changed. Therefore, before purchasing, consider the size of the headphones: they may be too big or small for your ears.

Also, earbuds do not provide as good passive noise reduction as earplugs because they do not fit closely to the ear. Because of this same feature, they are less harmful to hearing and help to better control surrounding sounds.

Apple AirPods 3

Perhaps the most popular earbuds that come to mind when talking about this category of headphones are AirPods from Apple. Today, the third generation of this model is already available on the market - in Russia, AirPods 3 cost 16,500 rubles. Considering the prices of competitors, this “Apple” accessory no longer seems as expensive as the first AirPods at one time.

The new product has a more powerful battery and can now work without recharging for up to 6 hours, as well as 30 hours when charging from the case. Five minutes is enough for an hour of playback. Also in the third generation, the headphones use spatial audio technology, producing truly surround sound. You can customize the sound using the adaptive equalizer - it collects data from inward-facing microphones to find out the characteristics of the sound that the user hears.

The headphone housing is splash- and sweat-proof according to IPX4, and all built-in microphones are covered with a special acoustic mesh to cut off ambient noise during phone calls. Note that AirPods 3 are compatible only with gadgets from Apple - iPhones, iPads, smart watches, laptops, Apple TV, etc. There is no point in buying them for an Android smartphone.

Criterias of choice

If you don’t delve into and study complex terms, all you have to do is act in a proven way and choose headphones based on the following criteria.

• Brand

Here it is not a fact that the more famous, the better. The most obvious example is CaseGuru, a Tyumen brand. In terms of basic parameters such as clarity and volume of playback, they are in no way inferior to Apple devices, and the price is an order of magnitude cheaper.

• Reviews

Sometimes, of course, they are contradictory, but worthy models still deserve more high marks. Pay attention to information about battery life, noise reduction (if you don’t want extraneous sounds in the background of the track in your headphones), volume and charging time.

If you order a device through online platforms, pay attention to reviews of the seller’s work, conditions and terms for returning defective goods.

• Connection type

It can be Bluetooth or TWS (True Wireless Stereo). By and large, they are the same thing, it’s just that the first ones are connected to each other by wires, the second ones are not. The principle of operation of TWS is that initially the transmitting device is connected to the main earphone (in most models this is the right one), and then the earbud itself divides the signal to both earphones for stereo sound.

The advantages of such models are compactness, good sound quality, and the ability to use (disconnect if necessary) one of the earbuds. The downside is that they are much easier to lose and problems may arise with recharging if the storage case, also known as the charger, fails.

• Form

Here everything is individual and depends on the anatomy of the auricle. No amount of reviews will help you understand how the earbuds will behave in your ears. If you can’t find a comfortable model, look for headphones with a set of ear pads of different sizes (one of 3 should fit).

• Autonomy

The longer the battery life, the better. When ordering or purchasing in a regular store, be sure to clarify this question. The minimum acceptable value is at least 4 hours.

• Protection

For those who like to train to their favorite music. You can safely go into the shower with expensive headphones with a high class of protection; they will not fail even if you get caught in a downpour while jogging. If you need these, choose models with a protection class of at least IPX4 (from splashes from any angle).

• Price

Here, as with any product, quality cannot be too cheap. It is better not to consider models for 400-600 rubles. The sound will be, to put it mildly, not very good, and such models break down in just a couple of months. You can buy earbuds with decent sound quality for no less than 1,500 rubles. By the way, sometimes budget models are not much inferior to their famous counterparts (no one has canceled the overpayment for the brand either).

HUAWEI FreeBuds 4

The current model from HUAWEI is one of the few in-ear headphones that support active noise cancellation. Of course, they do not protect against external noise as effectively as vacuum models, but much better than earbuds without ANC at all.

The headphones work without recharging for up to 4 hours without noise reduction or about 2-3 hours with noise reduction turned on. They can be charged 4 more times from the case. Fast charging is supported: 15 minutes in the case is enough for 2.5 hours of use. FreeBuds 4 can be connected to any smartphone, but the AI ​​Life application from HUAWEI is available only in the company's App Gallery app store.

We talked about the headphones in more detail in the review.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

Famous headphones from Samsung in the form of “beans”. By design, they are classified as earbuds, although they have small silicone inserts for a better fit in the ear. The model is available in five colors: bronze, black, blue, white and red.

The headphones are compatible with Android, iOS and can connect to a Windows PC. They support active noise cancellation and wireless charging, and also have excellent sound quality. It uses 12mm speakers from AKG and a system of three microphones and a bone conduction sensor for accurate voice transmission during phone calls.

The headset will work for up to 6 hours when playing music, and when powered by the case, this time can be extended to 21 hours. Moreover, just 5 minutes of charging is enough for an hour of work. We talked in more detail about the pros and cons of the model in the review.

Noise canceling features of in-ear headphones

Using headphones in areas with high noise concentrations can be a problem. It is difficult to listen to music correctly on a crowded street where cars and other vehicles constantly honk their horns. Likewise, it is difficult to use regular headphones in gyms and offices.

Wireless headphones can be equipped with noise canceling function.

Read: How to choose noise-canceling headphones and which ones to buy?

Compatibility

It is useful to check the Bluetooth version of your smartphone and the headphones you are about to buy. The ideal situation is when both devices have the same version.

Secondly, you should also check if the headphones are compatible with your smartphone OS. As a rule, many headphones are compatible with all operating systems.

Edifier TWS200 Plus

Edifier's wireless in-ear headphones are a great option for those looking for a budget headset with long battery life. On one charge it will last about 6 hours - at the level of top competitors. If you charge the headphones from the case, they will work for another 18 hours.

The model interfaces with a smartphone via Bluetooth 5.2, supports aptX and a reproduced frequency range of 20 Hz - 20 kHz. The headset has a compact case made in gray - it looks strict and unlike other gadgets like AirPods.

You can control the headphones using the touch buttons on the case. Users note the good quality of noise reduction in the microphone - which means that Edifier TWS200 Plus are suitable for talking on the phone even on a noisy street.

Which company should you choose?

High-quality in-ear headphones for 2021-2022 can be purchased from a large number of manufacturers. Let's look at brands that have gained trust among consumers:

1. Premium segment:

• Apple. An impeccable reputation, gadget design aesthetics and unique innovations have created a modern cult of the company.
• Samsung. A multinational company and one of the most famous consumer electronics brands in the world.
• HUAWEI. Chinese company, one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world.

1. Average price models:

• HONOR. It is a leader in the development and research of key advanced technologies that form the basis for smartphones and other smart devices.
• Realme. Realme focuses on the core features of its audience's devices - performance, battery life, and low cost.
• Vivo. A global high-tech company that takes a leading position in creating innovative products and services in the field of mobile communications.

1. Budget price category:

• EXPLOYD. As a company that focuses on customer satisfaction, explore launched its own line of mobile phone accessories in 2014.
• Q.C.Y. One of the first wireless stereo headsets with the Bluetooth 4.1 standard was released worldwide under the QCY brand.
• Xiaomi. It is a world leader in the production (sales) of smartphones.

Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2S CN

The top wireless in-ear headphones cannot be imagined without the Xiaomi model. One of the most relevant at the moment is Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2S CN. Outwardly, they are similar to AirPods, but are not their replica clone.

The model runs on Bluetooth 5.0 and is compatible with Android and iOS smartphones. The headset will last up to 5 hours without recharging, and the case will work for another 24 hours. Users praise the headphones for their good sound, support for wireless charging and affordable price - about 3,500 rubles.

Top 20 Best In-Ear Headphones by Sound Quality

Below is a rating of the best wired in-ear headphones and Bluetooth models, which took into account both the sound characteristics of the headphones and their ergonomics, appearance, functionality, and cost. For wireless devices, their autonomy and the reliability of the Bluetooth connection were also taken into account.

20th place – Philips TAT1215 review

Budget wireless headphones, equipped with dust and moisture protection according to the IPX4 standard, are suitable for listening to music while playing sports or running in the drizzling rain.

The headphones look stylish, are comfortable, fit securely in the ears and operate autonomously for up to 18 hours. Pairing with the device occurs immediately after removing the headphones from the charging case and is securely held within a radius of 10 m.

To control the headphones, use the multifunction button. You can also control it from your smartphone by activating your voice assistant (Google Assistant or Siri).

The microphone transmits speech clearly. The sound of the headphones is rich, clear, with deep accented bass, and a good volume reserve.

TAT1215 characteristics table.

Pros of TAT1215:

1. Compact design.
2. High maximum volume.
3. Fast bluetooth pairing.
4. Comfortable, secure fit.
5. Good clear sound.
6. Decent autonomy.
7. Dust and moisture protection.
8. Good price.

Cons of TAT1215:

1. A weak magnet on the cover of the charging box.
2. Micro-USB charging port.

19th place Tws i15

TWS in-ear headphones with a microphone are almost identical to Apple AirPods and are instantly recognized by the iPhone, which is accompanied by beautiful animation. Touch control, there is a voice assistant call.

Well-built, high-quality materials make the headphones easy to use, and the built-in microphone allows you to communicate comfortably on the phone; there is support for Hands-free mode.

Budget in-ear headphones work for 3 hours on a single charge; a Lightning connector is provided for recharging; the cord is included in the package. They sound pleasant, there is a sufficient amount of bass, and the volume is also quite enough.

i15 specifications table.

Advantages of i15:

1. Stylish design.
2. Excellent build and materials.
3. Good microphone.
4. Comfortable to wear.
5. Lightning charging connector, cable included.
6. Nice sound.
7. Hands-free mode.
8. Good price.

Disadvantages of i15:

1. Low autonomy.
2. Lack of splash protection.

18th place Hopestar S23 Stereo

The TWS headset model with active noise reduction system fits tightly and softly into the ear canal and allows you to enjoy music without external interference for 24 hours, if you use the charging case. Available in 3 colors: black, white and blue.

The headphones quickly connect to the device and reliably maintain a connection within a radius of 10 m. The sound produces clear, rich, deep, with good detail and balance of all frequencies.

S23 Stereo specifications table.

Pros of S23 Stereo:

1. Compact design.
2. 3 colors.
3. Good landing.
4. The presence of an active noise reduction system.
5. High autonomy.
6. Balanced rich sound.

Cons of S23 Stereo:

1. Micro-USB charging socket.

17th place Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic

Xiaomi wireless headphones with a good semi-open microphone from Xiaomi work up to 20 hours in battery mode using the charging box, up to 5 hours without it.

The headphones are equipped with dual microphones with background noise suppression technology, which ensures excellent voice quality during telephone conversations, even in noisy places. The headphone controls are touch sensitive, a call to a voice assistant is provided, and there is a Hands-free function.

Support for the AAC codec and a speaker with a diaphragm with a diameter of 14.2 mm are responsible for acceptable sound quality. It is worth noting that the mid frequencies predominate here, the lows are practically inaudible, the highs are not enough, but for listening to music on the go and at this price this is more than enough.

Earphones 2 Basic specifications table.

Advantages of Earphones 2 Basic:

1. Convenient charging case.
2. Good autonomy.
3. USB Type-C charging port, cord included.
4. Hands-free mode support.
5. Comfortable to wear.
6. Excellent microphone quality.
7. Good level of sound reproduction.
8. Small price.

Disadvantages of Earphones 2 Basic:

1. No volume control or track switching.

16th place Baseus w04 Pro

An inexpensive model of Bluetooth headphones, equipped with standard protection from moisture and dust, can be used during sports training and jogging in wet weather. The headphones are available in four color options (black, white, gray, beige), they look stylish, comfortable, and fit securely in the ears.

In offline mode, the headphones operate for up to 5 hours on a single charge and up to 20 hours using the box; there is support for wireless charging. The sound as a whole is clean, rich, detailed, without obvious distortion, but the quality of the microphone leaves much to be desired.

w04 Pro specifications table.

Pros of w04 Pro:

1. Stylish design.
2. 4 colors.
3. Nice secure fit.
4. Wireless charging support
5. Hands-free function.
6. USB Type-C charging socket.
7. Detailed rich sound.
8. Good autonomy.
9. Dust and moisture protection.
10. Price equals quality.

Cons of w04 Pro:

1. The microphone is not working well.

Recommended reading: rating of the best tws headphones.

15th place HONOR AM115

The best inexpensive in-ear headphones with a cable connection to the device are equipped with a high-quality microphone that clearly transmits speech when communicating on the phone. It is also possible to adjust the volume and switch tracks.

The headphones fit well in the ears and do not cause discomfort when worn. The sound, with a well-defined entire frequency range and deep bass, can confidently be called the best at this price.

AM115 specifications table.

Advantages of AM115:

1. Comfortable fit.
2. Good microphone.
3. Durable audio cord.
4. Volume adjustment.
5. High quality sound.
6. Good price.

Disadvantages of AM115:

1. Poor sound insulation.

14th place Bixton AirOns Plus 2

TWS earbuds with support for wireless charging attract with a stylish appearance and have convenient touch controls. By pressing any headphone for 5 seconds, you can call a voice assistant who will help you change the volume, switch tracks or make a phone call.

The tight, secure fit allows you to use the headphones comfortably when playing sports; the battery life is quite enough for this.

The headphones have a good volume reserve, the sound is reproduced in a wide dynamic range, there is an excellent stereo panorama, the bass sounds deep and powerful.

AirOns Plus 2 specifications table.

Pros of AirOns Plus 2:

1. Good appearance.
2. Excellent build and materials.
3. Comfortable to wear.
4. Fast, reliable Bluetooth pairing.
5. Good sound.
6. Lightning cable included.
7. Wireless charger.
8. Hands-free mode.
9. Voice assistant.
10. Possibility to use each earphone separately.
11. Price.

Cons of AirOns Plus 2:

1. Poor microphone quality.
2. Battery life is short.

13th place Jbl T205

In-ear headphones from JBL with a wired connection to the device are available in 4 color options, look stylish, and do not cause discomfort during prolonged use due to the ergonomic shape of the headphones, light weight and compact size.

The in-ear headphones are equipped with a one-button control panel and a built-in microphone, which allows you to comfortably use the headphones as a headset. The delivery set includes a case for storage and carrying.

JBL Pure Bass technology ensures high-quality sound reproduction with soft, clean bass, all frequencies are well developed and balanced, and the volume reserve is good.

T205 specifications table.

Advantages of T205:

1. Attractive design.
2. Compactness.
3. Light weight.
4. Convenient controls.
5. Flat wire.
6. Good microphone.
7. Soft clear sound.
8. Case included.
9. Ideal value for money.

Disadvantages of T205:

1. Lack of dust and moisture protection.

12th place Samsung Eo eg920

Wired headphones from Samsung are securely and comfortably fixed in the ears thanks to the well-thought-out configuration of the headphones and mounting arms; they do not fall out of the ears when running or playing sports. The in-ear headphones are equipped with a soft flat audio cord of optimal length and are available in 4 colors: red, blue, white, black.

As a headset, the headphones work well, speech is heard clearly and loudly. The sound overall is clear, rich, balanced, with deep bass and a high maximum volume level, which can be adjusted on the headphones themselves.

Eo eg920 specifications table.

Pros of Eo eg920:

1. They look nice.
2. 4 colors.
3. Reliable fastening.
4. Nice build.
5. Ability to adjust volume.
6. Clear rich sound.
7. Durable flat audio cord.
8. Great microphone.
9. Small price.

Cons of Eo eg920:

1. No protection against splashes or dust.

11th place Apple EarPods (3.5 mm)

The wired headset model is designed taking into account the shape of the auricle, which provides special comfort when using earbuds for a computer. The headphones are compatible with both Apple devices and any other devices equipped with a 3.5 mm jack. Control is carried out using the built-in remote control, there is volume control.

The headphones sound clean, with good detail, there is enough bass, enough mids and highs. The built-in microphone accurately transmits speech during telephone conversations.

EarPods specifications table.

Advantages of EarPods:

1. Insert design.
2. Comfortable to wear.
3. Super light.
4. Excellent build and materials.
5. There is volume control.
6. Good sound.
7. Compatible with different devices.
8. Affordable price.

Disadvantages of EarPods:

1. Lack of water protection.

Apple AirPods 2

The previous model of AirPods Bluetooth headphones can also be recommended for purchase, although it is inferior in characteristics to the third generation. But it costs less - you can find options starting from 10,000 rubles. The second version already supports Siri, has wireless and fast charging: 15 minutes in the case is enough for 3 hours of music playback. The total autonomy is 5 hours of continuous operation, and the case provides another 4-5 charging cycles.

Like other Apple accessory models, it is recommended to buy AirPods 2 only for connecting to gadgets of your own brand.

JBL Tune 225 TWS

JBL Tune 225 TWS pleases customers with a large selection of colors: there are blue, black, beige, gray, pink and white options. The model will work for 5 hours without recharging and will be charged another 4 times from the case. Thanks to Dual Connect technology, you can use just one JBL earphone - convenient if you are constantly communicating with someone nearby or want to save battery on the second earbud.

The headset from JBL is distinguished by high-quality sound: the bass is powerful, and all frequencies sound rich and clear (20 - 20,000 Hz). You can buy the JBL Tune 225 TWS model for an average of 4,500 rubles - much cheaper than its competitors.

Razer Hammerhead True Wireless X

We also included a model from gaming hardware manufacturer Razer in our 2022 ranking of wireless in-ear headphones. The Hammerhead True Wireless X headset features an interesting gaming design with a brand logo and backlighting. The company also advertises this model as a gaming model - thanks to the low latency in audio output and Bluetooth 5.2 connection, the headphones are perfect for mobile gaming.

We also note good battery life: 7 hours without recharging and up to 28 hours when charging from a branded case.

How to choose wireless in-ear headphones?

When choosing wireless in-ear headphones, the following parameters should be considered:

1. Headset type . In-ear headphones come in dynamic and reinforcement types. Dynamic models have a wider sound range, while reinforced models have a more detailed sound.
2. Sensitivity . It should vary from 90 to 120 dB. In this case, the headphones will have loud sound.
3. Comfortable fit in the ear . Not all models of wireless headphones will be comfortable to wear. Therefore, when purchasing, it is recommended to try on the earbuds. You should also pay attention to the quality and quantity of ear pads included. It is advisable to use silicone ones that fit the size of the ear of a particular user.
4. Working hours . This type of headset can work continuously from 2.5 to 8 hours without additional recharging in the case. With recharging, the life will increase by 2–4 times.

Usams LC Bluetooth

According to reviews from those who bought these headphones specifically to replace the first AirPods, they are difficult to distinguish from the real ones - neither by appearance nor by weight. The wireless gadget from Usams even weighs the same as AirPods, which weigh 4 grams per earphone. But you can buy these “ears” for about one-sixth of the cost of Apple headphones. It is not surprising that buyers are quite actively buying them and trying to understand: is there a difference or not?

With periodic recharging from the battery case, the headphones will work for as long as 25 hours. And if you believe the reviews, they provide good sound - decent, considering the price of the headset.

Hoco ES20

Another “twin” of AirPods, which repeats the design of Apple headphones: from the battery case to the location of the LEDs. In addition, the model has native iPhone support with the headphone battery level displayed on the smartphone display. The headset supports the latest Bluetooth 5.0 and manages incoming calls.

The only thing you have to put up with is not the best battery life. It lasts no more than 2 hours while listening to music. The battery capacity of the case is enough for about five recharges.