WHY TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS?
For many readers, true wireless earbuds are our preferred choice of headphones. It’s easy to see why: they offer so much freedom and their compact nature means it’s easy to carry them around. And in the past couple of years, true wireless earbuds have improved tremendously, offering features and performance that rivals full-size headphones. As such, there’s never been a better time to buy a set of true wireless earbuds. However, with so many brands available, it can be hard to decide. Fear not, because we’ve rounded up and tested the best that all of the major brands have to offer.
IN COMPARISON
APPLE
AirPods Pro USB-C
AUDIO-TECHNICA
ATH-TWX9
BOSE
QuietComfort Ultra
BOWERS & WILKINS
Pi7 S2
CREATIVE
Aurvana Ace 2
DEVIALET
Gemini II
JABRA
Elite 10
JBL
Tour Pro 2
MONTBLANC
MTB03
SENNHEISER
Momentum True Wireless 4
SONY
WF-1000XM5
TECHNICS
EAH-AZ80
APPLE AIRPODS PRO USB-C $365.70
Last year’s iPhone 15 series phones were the first iPhones to feature USB-C ports. At the same time, Apple announced a new version of the AirPods Pro, which now has a USB-C charging port for more convenient charging. Apart from the port, and some other firmware updates, the AirPods Pro are unchanged. This means it remains to be the best earbuds for iPhone users and anyone who has invested heavily in the Apple ecosystem.
Unsurprisingly, it has deep integration with Apple devices, and one of my favourite features is Automatic Switching. This allows the AirPods Pro to connect instantly to any Apple device you are using. It’s amazing how quickly and accurately it can follow you as you move between all your Apple devices. Think of it as a supercharged version of multipoint.
The AirPods Pro nail the basics too. The ANC function is very good and is probably outdone only by the Sony WF-1000XM5. Its transparency mode, even after all these years, remains the best in the business. The new Adaptive Audio mode, which was added via iOS 17, adds a new mode that blends ANC and transparency modes and is very handy for the times when you want a little peace and quiet and still want to be aware of your surroundings. It sounds good as well. Its sound signature is unabashedly V-shaped with elevated bass and treble, but it’s mostly well-judged enough that it’s pleasant and non-fatiguing to listen. There’s no question that these are the earbuds to have if you are an iPhone user and heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem.
WITH ITS WEALTH OF FEATURES, EXCELLENT ANC, AND SOUND QUALITY, THIS IS THE BEST EARBUDS FOR ANY IPHONE USER.
TESTED & RATED 9.0/10 HWM SINGAPORE
AUDIOTECHNICA ATH-TWX9 $399
From the moment you take it out of its box, you are left with no doubt that the ATHTWX9 is Audio-Technica’s flagship
