Wireless in-ear headphones help you comfortably listen to music, audiobooks, communicate via instant messengers and a host of other tasks. They are compact, aesthetically pleasing and do not put pressure on the eardrums. Manufacturers offer devices with different characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. The presented rating of the best wireless in-ear headphones of 2022 will help you choose the right model.
How to choose the right wireless Bluetooth headphones?
Most wireless earbuds are of high quality, but there are some nuances that are taken into account when choosing a gadget:
- the sound quality and volume level personally by listening to excerpts of your favorite music to understand how the bass sounds. Alternatively, carefully read reviews and reviews where test results are published. The frequency range, which determines whether the user can hear a sound of a certain frequency, is 18 - 20 thousand Hz. Volume level is within 95.
- Dimensions are selected according to preference. Bulky ones can cause inconvenience when wearing and carrying, but the battery capacity depends on the size. The autonomy of in-ear headphones ranges from 2 to 18 hours, on average within 3-4 hours. Don't go overboard by choosing a model that's too small.
- The presence of a microphone expands the capabilities of the gadget. It is often located near the mouth rather than near the ear.
- The noise reduction function allows you to listen to music and talk on the phone even in a noisy room
- Pay attention to audio codec technologies , with the help of which sound is transmitted via Bluetooth. AAC codec support guarantees the clearest sound. AptX HD provides the optimal balance between sound quality and connection stability. AptX Low Latency provides unnoticeable audio lag when watching videos and playing games. More information about audio codecs can be found here.
Time does not stand still; a series of headphones that were still relevant in 2022 and 2019 have now been replaced by more high-tech models. As for the cost, this parameter is not decisive. Many cheap models that can be bought on the Aliexpress trading platform are in no way inferior to branded ones, but at a much lower price.
Nozzles
Rice. 6. Options for ear tips.
In IEMs type headphones, as a rule, there can be three types of tips: soft plastic (English flanges, sleeves), foam (English foam) and arbitrary shapes (English mold) with hard acrylic or soft silicone material (there are also hybrid, soft and hard forms, but less often).
Soft plastic nozzles come in two types: universal and size-dependent. Universal ones come with two or three protrusions, this allows them to be inserted into the ears to the required depth, achieving the notorious “tightness”. Often headphones with such tips cause disturbance to the listener with their impact. Size-dependent soft plastic attachments are more comfortable, as they have three sizes: small, medium and large. The user chooses what suits his ear size.
The highest “sealing”, and as a result, the best comfort and noise insulation for foam nozzles. This shape gives a fuller, warmer and more pleasant sound than plastic or silicone. Foam nozzles also have two types, related to size. It is worth noting that attachments of this type cannot be cleaned and require replacement after several weeks of use. Some manufacturers even produce similar attachments (with different types of foams) for separate sale, in addition to the standard ones.
The black foam tips from are the most popular [not an advertisement] on the market and provide greater comfort based on (subjective) experience. Often models have a size, which is indicated by dots on the bottom of the earphone: one dot is small, two dots are medium, three dots are large. Manuals are always supplied with the headphones.
Which headphones are better: vacuum or wireless earbuds?
comparison of two types of headphones
Vacuum headphones of different sizes are also called earplugs; here the ear pads act as inserts into the ear canal, like earplugs. This design solution works to suppress extraneous noise and allows you to better feel the bass. But droplets are not recommended to be used for several hours in a row due to excessive pressure on the eardrums.
In-ear headphones or tablets are not inserted deep into the ear, but are placed in a standard manner. They have the same dimensions, so they select exclusively ergonomics. Models with overlays are rare. Most often these are plastic ear pads. They don't hurt your ears. They are classified as open headphones, they sound more natural, they are cheaper than in-ear headphones with the same characteristics. By the way, neither vacuum nor plug-in models should be listened to at high volume.
For home or travel, it is better to take eardrum-friendly tablets, and for the gym, the best solution would be models with a behind-the-ear attachment that will not fall out during active movements. To use the headset in public places, it is better to choose noise-isolating earplugs that are suitable for walking, traveling on the subway, and playing sports. Do not fall out, compact and comfortable.
What are called "droplets"
“Droplet” headphones are an in-canal accessory that is placed inside the ear during use and held there due to the elastic force and special attachments that hermetically seal the front part of the ear canal. Due to their compactness, portability, reasonable cost and ease of use, they are considered one of the most popular types of “ears” on the modern electronics accessories market.
Despite the simplest design, the type of headphones in question has an “intricate” internal operating scheme, complicated by the fact that the product is miniature.
A so-called “anchor” is placed between two permanent magnets, soldered to the earphone structure on one side. The input signal in this case will be repeated due to the movement of the “armature” surrounded by the wire, occurring as a result of changes in the magnetic field. It must be connected to a membrane that directly recreates the frequencies, which is a consequence of the “swinging” of the “armature”.
Conclusion: what are the best wireless TWS headphones to buy in 2022?
Each model from the presented top finds a fan. The final choice depends on the user's preferences and requests:
- the most affordable HONOR FlyPods, AccesStyle Fox and Baseus W09;
- Apple AirPods with a wireless charging case are considered easy to use;
- for those who want to experience technology, Xiaomi AirDots Pro and Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 are suitable;
- for those who value the noise reduction function, you should pay attention to the HUAWEI FreeBuds 3;
- lovers of stylish design will be delighted with Apple AirPods 2 and HONOR AM66 Sport Pro.
- For active people who have to talk on the phone a lot, Apple AirPods 2 (with wireless charging case) MRXJ2 is suitable.
The Apple AirPods 2 (with charging case) MV7N2 is considered the best in terms of sound quality and functionality. These magical headphones will allow you to enjoy music and talk on the phone in comfort.
Top best “droplets”
JBL Reflect Mini BT
pros
- battery life
- high-quality assembly
- ergonomics
- water protection
Minuses
- sensitivity to magnetic interference
- low microphone noise reduction level
- mediocre sound
From 3650 ₽
Ideal for use during sports, thanks to moisture protection and lack of restriction of movement during use.
Panasonic RP-HJE125
pros
- good frequency transmission for a product in its price category
- acceptable sound insulation
- excellent ergonomics
Minuses
- thin wire
- build quality
From 400 ₽
An ideal accessory for music lovers, combining excellent quality at a budget price.
Sennheiser CX 300-II
pros
- build quality
- "extended" package
- good sound insulation
- balanced audio stream transmission
Minuses
- wire quality
From 1390 ₽
The best headphones in their price category, capable of satisfying even the most demanding user.
Xiaomi Mi Sport Bluetooth Mini
pros
- long battery life
- "extended" package
- acceptable sound insulation
Minuses
- ergonomics
- poor connection quality
- minimal microphone noise reduction
From 2150 ₽
An excellent alternative to branded accessories (Sony, Apple, Philips), absolutely not inferior to them in basic characteristics.
Samsung EO-BG950 U Flex
pros
- large capacity battery
- build quality
- microphone sensitivity
- stable pairing with the used electronic device
Minuses
- lack of some functions when compatible with devices from other brands (not Samsung)
From 3690 ₽
Sony MDR-XB50BS
pros
- most comfortable for long-term wearing
- high-quality sound insulation
- instant pairing with the device you are using
Minuses
- quiet microphone
- failures to perform basic functions at sub-zero temperatures
From 4131 ₽
A worthy product from Sony that combines ergonomics and sound quality.
Meizu EP-51
pros
- “rich” equipment
- acceptable audio playback quality
- magnets built into the cups
Minuses
- microphone quality
- small battery capacity
- low level of sound insulation
From 1821 RUR
Beyerdynamic Byron BTA
pros
- "pure" surround sound
- long battery life
- presence of built-in magnets
Minuses
- low quality charger
- short cable
From 13990 ₽
Samsung EO-EG920
- Frequency range: 20-20000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 101 dB
- Resistance: 32 Ohm
- Connection: mini-jack 3.5 mm
Price: from 600 rubles
Another inexpensive in-ear headphones are offered to users by Samsung. They have a nice design, in-ear ear pads, several colors, a microphone and a remote control for volume control. The cord length is 1.2 meters, the plug is straight. Users note that the headphones fit well in the ears and provide good sound with powerful bass.
Advantages:
- Good bass.
- Excellent ergonomics.
- Decent microphone.
- Several design colors.
- Cheap price.
Flaws:
- Very thin cord - easy to break.
HUAWEI FreeBuds 3
- Connection: Bluetooth 5.1
- Autonomy: 4 hours
- Weight: 4.5 grams
Price: from 7,900 rubles
Huawei also offered its own TWS headphones, which were able to implement many useful options in them. FreeBuds 3 received its own Kirin A1 chipset, which is responsible for a lot of functions - data transmission without delay, filtering interference, eliminating noise during a call with intelligent adjustment of the suppression level. The model is distinguished by high-quality sound, easily connects to any device, and has an ergonomic design that is so thought out that even the wind will not interfere with the conversation. In addition, the headphones are able to offer simple controls, several color options and autonomy for 4 hours + 20 hours from the case. It charges via Type-C and also supports Qi wireless charging.
Advantages:
- Great sound.
- Easy synchronization.
- Minimum latency.
- Wireless charging case.
- Ergonomics.
- Effective noise reduction.
Flaws:
- You cannot connect to two devices at once.
Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2
- Connection: Bluetooth 5.0
- Autonomy: 4 hours
- Weight: 4.5 grams
Price: from 3,700 rubles
Xiaomi AirDots 2 wireless in-ear headphones are a TWS model with noise reduction, support for the LHDC codec and the ability to fine-tune through a proprietary application. It’s worth noting right away that the utility is in Chinese, so it’s not particularly useful. In addition, the model received an infrared sensor that understands that the headset has left the ear and pauses the sound. There is the ability to operate only one earphone, simple touch controls and a voice assistant. Autonomy is about 4 hours, together with the case – 14 hours, a Type-C cable is used for charging.
Advantages:
- Excellent sound quality.
- The microphone conveys voice well.
- Comfortable fit.
- Possibility to use only one earphone.
- Convenient controls.
Flaws:
- The proprietary application is only in Chinese.
- Average autonomy compared to competitors.
- For high-quality sound, you need to update the firmware.
Nobby Practic T-101
- Connection: Bluetooth 4.2
- Autonomy: 3 hours
- Weight: not specified
Price: from 800 rubles
Among budget TWS models, Nobby headphones look quite good. They demonstrate pretty decent sound, have a built-in microphone, quickly connect to a smartphone, and are also available in several colors. In addition to white and black, there is yellow and mint. Battery life is 3 hours, the included case adds about 15 more hours. Considering the price, this is a pretty interesting proposition.
Advantages:
- Affordable price.
- Several colors available.
- Good ergonomics.
- Decent sound for the price.
- Quite high autonomy.
Flaws:
- In black and white they look very cheap.
- There is practically no microphone - the interlocutor has poor audibility.
Philips SHE1350
- Frequency range: 16-20000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 100 dB
- Resistance: 32 Ohm
- Connection: mini-jack 3.5 mm
Price: from 200 rubles
Taking into account the price, headphones from Philips are difficult to evaluate. Meanwhile, many users agree that they sound quite good and have a high volume that covers the noise in city transport. The model has a straight plug and a 1 meter long cord.
Advantages:
- Very cheap.
- Famous brand.
- Good sound for its price.
- Convenient straight plug.
- Loud.
Flaws:
- Very thin and short cable.
JBL T205BT
- Connection: Bluetooth 4.1
- Autonomy: 6 hours
- Weight: 16.5 grams
Price: from 1,500 rubles
Inexpensive in-ear headphones from JBL are a model with a neckband and several colors. It is classified as affordable, so it has not received any super capabilities, but at the same time it demonstrates excellent sound, which is confirmed by numerous reviews. The operating time here is short - 6 hours, the battery charges in 2 hours. The cord is flat, so the headphones don't get tangled in your pocket. Users also respond positively to the ergonomics, volume reserve and ease of control.
Advantages:
- High quality sound.
- The flat cord prevents tangling.
- Convenient controls.
- Several bright colors of design.
- Inexpensive.
- Lungs.
Flaws:
- No moisture protection - not the best option for sportswear.
- No magnetic mount.
- Weak autonomy
Xiaomi Dual-Unit
- Frequency range: 20-40000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 105 dB
- Resistance: 32 Ohm
- Connection: mini-jack 3.5 mm / USB-C
Price: from 770 rubles
Headphones from Xiaomi have a beautiful appearance, a microphone and volume control. The cable length is 1.25 meters, the plug is L-shaped. It can be 3.5 mm or USB-C, which is relevant for modern smartphones without a headphone output. Users note that the Xiaomi Dual-Unit is a high-quality headset for the money, but if you tinker with the settings, the sound quality can increase significantly.
Advantages:
- Nice appearance.
- Good sound.
- There are versions with USB-C or 3.5.
- Long cord.
- By adjusting the sound you can significantly improve.
Flaws:
- The remote control is inconvenient - the buttons are quite difficult to find.
Hoco M1
- Frequency range: 20-20000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 116 dB
- Resistance: 32 Ohm
- Connection: mini-jack 3.5 mm
Price: from 165 rubles
Budget headphones Hoco M1 are unlikely to please with the sound quality, since it is completely ordinary here, but users like that for their minimal price they received a microphone and volume control. Otherwise, the model is completely unremarkable - simple design, thin wire, straight plug, 1.2 meter cable. They are hardly suitable for enjoying music, but they will do as a cheap option for communicating and listening to some kind of sound.
Advantages:
- Very affordable.
- Have a microphone.
- There is volume control.
Flaws:
- The sound is mediocre.
- The cable is thin and will break quickly if handled carelessly.
