Group test
WIRELESS NOISE–CANCELLING EARBUDS
If you want to listen to your tunes without the hassle of cables or the distraction of external noise, we’ve got six great options
Reviewed by NICK ODANTZIS
ONTEST…
〉Apple AirPods Pro
〉Jabra Elite 85t
〉JLab Epic Air ANC
〉Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro
〉Technics EAH-AZ70W
〉X by Kygo Xellence
T he popularity of true wireless earbuds – that is, earbuds that connect to your devices over Bluetooth, have no wires between each unit, and fit inside your ear with buds – has exploded in recent years.
While the audio quality of on- or over-ear headphones is generally better, they’re not as flexible. True wireless earbuds are tiny, by comparison, easily fitting in your pocket; they’re barely noticeable in use, and they’re more comfortable. They’re also superior when it’s hot outside or when you’re working out – many are even water resistant for that reason. True wireless earbuds are also housed in a case which charges them when not in use –a big benefit when you’re on the move.
Many of these true wireless earbuds now come with noise cancelling built in order to reduce the level of external noise. All the earbuds on test offer come with a noise-cancelling mode.
Here we test six of the best, covering a range of prices. We’ll look at fit, ease of use, battery life, active noise-cancelling ability and, most importantly, audio quality.