Apple AirPods 3
The oddball design that got us all wearing earbuds just got smaller
$279, apple.com/au
PROS
- Shorter stem
- Better sound, stronger bass
- Spatial Audio for select songs
CONS
- No noise cancellation
- New design doesn’t suit all ears
- Spatial Audio requires a subscription
The strange but strangely effective design of Apple’s earbuds has been tweaked in their third edition, though the AirPods remain instantly recognisable. The white, wireless gadgets are smaller this year, with a stem shorter than the first edition, and a redesigned main body that will be slightly more secure in some ears (though not all). Apple’s version of virtual surround sound, called Spatial Audio, now features in these earbuds for use with some Apple Music songs, and they’re also water-resistant, feature an Adaptive EQ, and produce better bass than you should expect.
Rating: 4/5 stars
NuraTrue
They look more like ear buttons than earbuds but these Aussie inventions personalise your audio
$300, nuraphone.com
PROS
- Creates a personalised audio profile
- Comfortable and secure design
- Touch buttons can be customised
CONS
- Minimal noise-cancellation
- Not designed for high-res formats
- Long charging time
These Australian earbuds have two big advantages: a button-shaped design that is surprisingly comfortable, and a personalised sound profile for the wearer. When you put these buds in your ears, a demanding digital voice guides you to create a personalised audio set-up depending on what frequencies you can hear (the company was created by two doctors). The result is excellent sound that is different for each wearer, as well as customised tap controls for social mode (so you can hear the outside world) and music playback, decent if not industry-standard noise-cancellation, and sweat-resistance.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Google Pixel Buds A-Series
The ‘A’ stands for affordability but these budget-friendly buds aren’t bad
$159, store.google.com
PROS
- Wings keep these earbuds secure
- Easy access to Google Assistant
- Budget-friendly price
CONS
- No wireless charging
- No touch controls
- No active noise-cancellation
Google’s latest earbuds are missing the fancier features of its last model but they also command fewer dollars, making them good value. The new Pixel Buds still deliver quality audio, thanks to 12mm drivers, clear phone calls thanks to dual microphones, and a secure fit courtesy of plastic ‘wings’ that fit inside your ear folds. These white buds are also water and sweat-resistant, connect to phones quickly, adapt to the sound around them, and users can quickly summon Google Assistant by pressing their exterior. Touch controls and wireless charging will be missed by some but the price of those additions will not.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Sony WF-10000XM4
Big earbuds, big price but these Sony gadgets deliver a truly big sound
$450, sony.com.au
PROS
- Surprisingly effective noise-cancellation
- Stylish, unique design
- Excellent sound quality
CONS
- Large size requires adjustment
- Needs an accompanying app
- Commands a high price
There’s a good chance you’ll discover lyrics you never noticed with these earbuds -- that’s just how crisp they are. Sony’s take on wireless earbuds is typical of the company’s attention to detail when it comes to audio (their headphones of the same name are industry-leading) and they’re capable of playing high-res audio, upscaling your digital songs, and playing music with virtual sound-sound effects. Being high-end earbuds, they also offer active noise-cancellation, an adaptive sound mode, wireless charging, water-resistance, and they can be customised for your ears in an accompanying app.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Nuheara IQbuds2 Max
These advanced earbuds can be used like hearing aids, even in social situations
$499, nuheara.com
PROS
- Personalised sound profile
- Can be used in noisy pubs
- Will deliver audio from the TV via an app
CONS
- High price
- Big in the ears
- Charge with old Micro USB connection
These earbuds from Perth-based startup Nuheara are unique because they’re not just about playing music: they can actually help those with mild hearing loss who don’t yet need hearing aids. The IQbuds2 Max personalise audio for the wearer through an app but also deliver sound based on their environment, be it on a plane, at home, in the office or even in a restaurant. In social situations, for example, these earbuds can magnify the voices near you so you can hear them amongst the din. They are large and pricey but have the potential to rescue conversations.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Originally published as Tried and tested: The best wireless earbuds on the market
