How to Choose Wireless Earbuds

What to check before you buy wireless earbuds.

Fit comes first

Earbuds that do not seal in your ear sound thin and fall out. Look for several ear-tip sizes in the box.

Active noise cancelling reduces steady background noise, such as matatu engines or office hum. It uses more battery.

Check two figures: playback on one charge, and total with the charging case.

If you take many calls, check the number of microphones and any call noise reduction.

An IPX4 rating or higher handles sweat and light rain.

Bluetooth earbuds work with Android phones and iPhones. Some features, such as app controls, need the maker’s app.

Need help applying this to a particular device? Talk to Phonetab.