The Best Wireless Earbuds for Every Budget

(SPOT.ph) Since the first stereo Bluetooth headsets were introduced, the wireless audio experience has vastly improved over the years. Small, portable headsets called TWS or true wireless stereo) have emerged as the most popular form factor for their size, charging flexibility, and ease of use. Compared to other stereo Bluetooth headset form factors such as the headband and necklace/neckband style, TWS headsets are just a pair of standalone earbuds that are worn on each ear. Headsets in the TWS form factor are usually the smallest you can find. Charging is done through a charger that also doubles as a carrying case. Like with most audio equipment, prices can range from the affordable to the super premium.

Here are the best wireless stereo headsets you can shop now: 

Entry Level

Mi Redmi Airdots (P1,200)

Sitting at the lower end of the price spectrum, the Airdots is a good way to experience going full wireless without spending a hefty sum. It’s one of the smallest TWS earbuds out there and because of its size, it’s easy to fit inside the ears once you find the correct eartips included in the package. The Airdots’ quality won’t blow you away but for those who like a more balanced sound, the earbuds won’t disappoint. The single button controls on the earbuds are pretty basic: one press to pause/play and double press to use the voice assistant like Google Voice or Siri. There’s a built-in mic for calls and each earbud can be used independently. Battery life when used for music is around 3.5 hours and the case can charge the earbuds up to  three or four times on a full battery.  

See a list of Mi Philippines' branches.

Soundpeats Truengine (P1,599)

The Soundpeats Truengine is designed to please more discerning listeners. Its dual-driver configuration offers better sound reproduction with more distinct bass, midrange, and treble. The dual-drivers can clearly be seen through the transparent casing. It’s not as sleek-looking as some earbuds, and a part of it tends to stick outside the ears, but as long as they’re fitted with the right-sized eartips, they’ll stay on your ears. Battery life can go up to 3.5 hours after each charge when playing music, and the case can charge the earbuds up to four times.  The earbuds have a rating of IPX6, so they’ll be fine in light rain or during a workout session. 

Available on Lazada and Shopee.

Mid-Level 

Sabbat E12 Ultra (P3,590)

On first impression alone, the Sabbat E12 Ultra looks the part. The earbuds, as well as the case, come in a variety of colors from metallic, marble, and camouflage. Inside, they are packed with the latest tech such as the Qualcomm 3020 chip with aptX for hi-res audio and Bluetooth 5.0. A single button control allows press/play, call answer/end,  next/previous track, and volume up/down controls as well as access to the voice assistant. Battery life goes up to 6 hours and with the charging case, gets bumped up to 30 hours. The charging case has a 740mah battery, USB Type-C connector, and wireless charging. Overall, the Sabbat E12 Ultra will please those who prefer a more bass-heavy sound profile.

Available on Lazada and Shopee.

Anker Soundcore Liberty Air (P5,796) 

The Soundcore Liberty Air from Anker has a more familiar form factor similar to the Apple AirPods. Graphene-coated drivers produce detailed sound with minimal distortion. On ear, the bass packs a punch with the overall audio sounding clear and crisp. Battery life per charge goes up to five hours with the charging case gives additional 20 hours playtime. It has a IPX5 rating, meaning it has water resistance that can withstand low-pressure water jet spray, which makes the buds suitable for light sports activities, while two mics with noise-cancelling technology filters out ambient noise during calls. The left and right earbuds have one-tap controls for call answering, next track, and play/pause.  

Available online.

Premium Level

Sony WF-1000XM3 (P12,999)

As Sony’s flagship wireless earbuds, the WF-1000XM3 lives up to all the expectations of a premium headset. It’s packed with the latest tech such as a dedicated active noise-cancellation chip which effectively blocks out ambient noise. A digital sound enhancement chip can upscale compressed music files and make the sound quality closer to hi-res audio. With noise cancelling on, battery life is at 6 hours and 8 hours when off. The charging case can charge the earbuds up to three times for up to 24 hours of play time. The WF-1000XM3 sound superb, delivering one of the best listening experiences on a fully wireless headset.

Available at Sony Centers and official Sony dealers.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless (P19,990)

As one of the most respected brands in audio, Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless lives up to its manufacturer’s reputation. The premium build of the earbuds and charging case doesn’t disappoint. Battery life is rated at 4 hours with the case adding two full charges. A companion app lets users check the battery level, set up the equalizer, and adjust the ambient noise level. The 7mm drivers deliver powerful sound with well modulated bass, midrange, and treble. Calls are also loud and clear with the built-in mic. Rounding out the features are aptX and AAC audio support—which basically ensure that these Bluetooth earphones deliver high-definition audio. The IPX4 rating indicates that the headsets have some measure of splash resistance.

Available on Lazada.