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Determining the best true wireless earbuds is nearly impossible, because most models fit differently, sport various features and have varying costs. Many options are available in what is now a crowded audio category that didn’t exist just a few years ago. So, I enlisted neighbors and family to test seven sets from lesser-known brands, all of which come with a portable charging case. In no particular order, here are the reviews:
$180, marshall-headphones.com • Bluetooth 5.1 • Up to 25 hours of playback (up to 5 on a single charge) • IPX5 waterproof earbuds; IPX4 waterproof case • 4 ear-tip sizes
Marshall Mode II earbuds feel well built and have Bluetooth 5.1. (Marshall/Heartland Foto/TNS)
These earbuds feel well-built. The ergonomic comfort was great, and the sound was even better. Inside each earbud is a custom-tuned driver with a natural, accurate sound with the right amount of bass.
The Mode II charging case has LED battery light indicators. All the touch controls worked well to manage the music and hands-free calls.
$159, denon.com • Bluetooth 5.0 • Up to 24 hours of playback (up to 6 on a single charge) • IPX4 waterproof earbuds • 3 ear-tip sizes
Denon AH-C830NCW delivers strong dynamics and crystal clear vocals. (Denon/TNS)
Denon makes its wireless earbud debut with great sound, feel and controls.
With the active noise cancellation on, the earbuds worked well to reduce background noise, or Transparency Mode lets you hear everything. Denon touts strong dynamics and crystal clear vocals — every playlist sounded precisely as it was supposed to from the 0.4-inch drivers.
A single earbud can be used for mono-listening.
$90, tribit.com • Bluetooth 5.2 • Up to 65 hours of playback (up to 15 on a single charge) • IPX8 waterproof earbuds • 5 ear-tip sizes
MoveBuds H1 is the first-ever sports earbuds from Tribit. (Tribit/TNS)
MoveBuds H1 are the first-ever sports earbuds from Tribit.
What makes these stand out for active users are the attached ear hooks to insure the earbuds stay on, no matter how hard you work out.
Music played clear with or without the noise reduction, and the same went for calls, using the four microphone system. The touch controls include volume adjustment.
$56, ugreen.com • Bluetooth 5.1 • Up to 26 hours of playback (up to 6 on a single charge) • IPX5 waterproof earbuds • 3 ear-tip sizes
UGreen's HiTune X6 Hybrid Bluetooth 5.1 Active Noise Cancelling true wireless earbuds are impressive and not just for the affordable price. (UGreen/TNS)
UGreen’s earbuds are impressive, and not just for the affordable price. A 10mm diamond-like carbon dynamic driver is inside each ear.
With active noise cancellation on, audio played clear, smooth and bass-friendly. On-ear tap controls were responsive for turning the ANC on and off, choosing music, adjusting volume and answering calls.
Three integrated microphones in each earbud and Real Clear Voice technology created excellent call quality.
$60, mobvoi.com • Bluetooth 5.0 • Up to 21 hours of playback (up to 7 on a single charge) • IPX5 waterproof earbuds • 3 ear-tip sizes
Mobvoi’s budget-friendly earbuds are loaded with great features and comfort. They produce clear Hi-Fi sound out of 13mm drivers, with decent bass levels.
The set includes dual microphones with three levels of noise cancellation (off, Quiet mode/Active Noise Cancellation, and Sound-Passthrough), all of which worked well. The earbuds can be used as a pair or in single mode.
Music and volume control and voice assistant access is done with on-ear tap functions and voice commands.
$100, usa.1more.com • Bluetooth 5.2 • Up to 24 hours of playback (up to 6 on a single charge) • IPX5 waterproof earbuds • 4 ear-tip sizes
ComfoBuds Mini from 1More are promoted as the world's smallest. (Mini/TNS)
These are promoted as the world’s smallest pair of true wireless earbuds, providing an almost invisible wearing experience — and they are probably the smallest I’ve seen.
The sound was surprisingly good, with 7mm dynamic drivers and touch controls. 1MORE’s robust QuietMax active noise cancellation technology delivers up to 40dB noise blocking with three modes; ANC Strong, ANC Mild, and Wind Noise Resistant.
$150, dottiraudio.com • Bluetooth 5.2 • Up to 72 hours of playback (up to 12 on a single charge) • IPX7 waterproof earbuds • 12 ear-tip sizes
Dottir Freedom On-Grid true wireless earbuds are designed by CrossFit Champions to ensure they remain in your ears playing during ultra-competitive sports activities. (Dottir/TNS)
The Freedom On-Grid true wireless earbuds are designed by CrossFit athletes to feature secure-fitting ear hooks for rigorous workouts.
Inside each earbud is a 13mm dynamic driver, which produces a perfect bass-heavy sound. Active noise cancellation can be turned on to block out outside noise.
On-ear controls allow for music and volume adjustments, plus access to voice assistants.
This is a high-quality Bluetooth boombox option if you have a big enough budget. Extremely loud with crisp highs and booming lows, this waterproof speaker has a 24-hour battery life, so it’s ideal for outdoor use. $500
This Bluetooth speaker has high-quality drivers for excellent sound clarity and intense bass. With a 24-hour battery life, it’s great for outdoor use — lightweight and waterproof. $110
With the look of a classic ’90s boombox, this machine also features a CD player, FM radio and Bluetooth compatibility. You can plug it into a power outlet, or fit it with six D batteries for on the go. $130
With two tweeters, two subwoofers and two passive bass radiators, this waterproof boombox is capable of decent volumes and has rich, punchy sound. It has an impressive 24-hour battery life, and you can even charge your devices from it. $100
In addition to its classic looks, this compact Bluetooth boombox features an AM/FM radio and a cassette player, so it really is a blast from the past. Though affordably priced, it isn’t especially loud. $50
This barrel-shaped Bluetooth boombox is simple to use. It features an FM radio and slots for an SD card and USB stick, from which you can play music. The speaker runs on a wall plug or a rechargeable battery with three hours of playtime. $84
This retro-looking Bluetooth boombox is available with either a rechargeable battery, or four D batteries slots. It has a CD player, radio, carrying handle and remote control. $130
This Bluetooth boombox has the quality you’d expect from a Sony product, with rich, deep bass. In addition to Bluetooth capability, it has a built-in CD player and an AM/FM radio. It’s great for use outdoors and on the go as its battery plays for up to 26 hours. $120
If you’re in the market for a Bluetooth boombox with that classic boxy ’80s vibe, look no further. This model features a built-in cassette player and a four-band radio. The analog buttons complete the look. It runs on D batteries or plugs into a power outlet. $50
While the main purpose of this boombox is to be used as a Bluetooth speaker, it also has an aux input, so you can use it as a portable amp for a mic or guitar. It’s loud and powerful with quality speakers that give clear sound with deep bass. The detachable strap makes it easy to carry sound with you. The battery life lasts up to 5 hours, but it can be plugged into an outlet. $110
This stylish retro-look Bluetooth boombox is ideal for anyone who wants an ’80s throwback. This model also has an AM/FM radio and a cassette player, though some users have reported minor issues with the latter. It runs on an AC adapter wall plug into an outlet or four D batteries. $89
*All prices as listed on amazon.com.
Lauren Corona is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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Denon AH-C830NCW delivers strong dynamics and crystal clear vocals. (Denon/TNS)
MoveBuds H1 is the first-ever sports earbuds from Tribit. (Tribit/TNS)
UGreen's HiTune X6 Hybrid Bluetooth 5.1 Active Noise Cancelling true wireless earbuds are impressive and not just for the affordable price. (UGreen/TNS)
ComfoBuds Mini from 1More are promoted as the world's smallest. (Mini/TNS)
Dottir Freedom On-Grid true wireless earbuds are designed by CrossFit Champions to ensure they remain in your ears playing during ultra-competitive sports activities. (Dottir/TNS)
Marshall Mode II earbuds feel well built and have Bluetooth 5.1. (Marshall/Heartland Foto/TNS)
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