Rating and reviews of the best wireless headphones in 2021: Apple, Sony, CGPods and others

Last year, we already published detailed material on how to choose the best headphones of 2021. There is not much time left before the installation of a fragrant Christmas tree in the apartment. In fact, it's only a couple of months until December. This means we need to take stock and see what the range of wireless headphones is like in 2021.

Yes, let's be progressive and admit that wired options are slowly but surely becoming a thing of history. And it is held in high esteem only by conservative music lovers and recording studio owners.

#text sent

Even if you prefer full-size or overhead models and spend long hours on a computer/laptop, the issue of autonomy has ceased to be a problem. As is the price. Even for 3,000 rubles, you can now find quite decent headphones with 38 hours “in one go,” which is enough for 3-5 days.

Spoiler – this is exactly the model in our rating.

But first, briefly about the companies whose products are included in our headphone rating:

Samsung

We wanted to update the rating and review the best wireless headphones of 2021 mainly because of the new Samsung Galaxy Buds Live. Let's allow ourselves a little pretentious lyrics - Samsung once again refuses to rest on its laurels and famously overtakes its competitors with truly breakthrough and advanced solutions.

It will be extremely interesting to see whether the market will pick up the bean-bean design proposed by the Koreans. And will the Chinese have time to rivet copies of the new “bads” for Aliexpress by the New Year?

Xiaomi

The joke about the fact that Xiaomi doesn’t produce teapots is no longer relevant, the brand’s sphere of interests is so huge. What can we say about headphones, of which the company has almost four dozen items in its arsenal. The main argument of the company, as always, is the low, often with the prefix “extra”, price.

True, in the case of wireless models, the quality of both sound and assembly/materials is far from being the best. But for literally one to one and a half thousand rubles, you get a device from a large brand, and not some sharashka office. Therefore, there is at least some hope that the headphones will work longer than a couple of days.

Sony

This company released the world's first portable audio player in 1979. And since then, at the same time, it has been confidently keeping up with the times in the headphone market. We were not too lazy to look at Yandex Market - there are now 40 models on sale, namely wireless ones!

Moreover, devices are offered not only in the high price segment. Inexpensive models from Sony range from 3-4 to ten thousand rubles. Our headphone rating includes the most expensive option for almost 30,000 rubles.

Apple

It is useless to deny the wild popularity of in-ear headphones from the Apple company. Although, compared to competitors in 2021, Apple models at least make us think about alternatives.

Literally in October, the first full-size top-class wireless headphones from the manufacturer, Apple AirPods Studio, are expected. Among other things, we know about the price of about 26,000 rubles and the ability to choose from white and gray colors.

Let's stock up on popcorn because Apple owns Beats Electronics. Whose wireless full-size Beats Studio3 on the Apple W1 chip are sold directly on the Apple website for 28,000 rubles.

CaseGuru

The tiny city of Tyumen with a population of only 800 thousand people. This is where the CaseGuru brand is based, which in 2021 quickly broke into the TOP 5 leaders in the budget segment of wireless headphones. Now Xiaomi will not be so lonely. Unlike the Chinese manufacturer, the Tyumen company's low price does not mean significant compromises on the functions and quality of components and assembly. On the contrary, the models are “stuffed” at the level of analogues that are 2-3 times more expensive.

The price tag a la “like on Aliexpress” in the case of CaseGuru CGPods is due to the fact that the Tyumen brand sells its models only via the Internet. No ordinary retail with its additional markup of 50-100%. Only an honest price from the manufacturer and only direct sales with delivery throughout Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. There is simply no room left for resellers and retailers in the price of CGPods. CaseGuru is the first brand of budget wireless headphones that is initially focused only on direct sales via the Internet.

In addition, the company saves significantly on infrastructure. The staff is only 15 people in a small office in Tyumen. Finally, advertising budgets are relatively modest. In any case, CaseGuru does not spend millions of rubles on dubious PR through rap stars.

Over 10 years of operation, CaseGuru has sold more than 15 million accessories for smartphones in Russia - from cables to protective cases. Then the Russians came up with a whole line of very decent wireless headphones, CGPods, and ordered development and production from the Chinese. They meticulously told their eastern neighbors what to fix and improve to a “chic-brilliance” state. The result is models like CaseGuru CGPods 5.0 and CGPods Lite. According to Tyumen residents, it’s like “podsy”, only cooler and 4 times cheaper. User reviews on CaseGuru's CGPods largely echo the same idea.

Apple AirPods 2

In 2021, explaining the price of 13,500 rubles for in-ear wireless headphones is becoming increasingly difficult. Competitors do not stand still - and frankly, the second generation of Apple AirPods somehow does not at all look like the number one candidate for the title of “best wireless headphones of 2021.”

Apple hasn't gotten around to improving the mediocre sound. The user still has the same modest set of three functions at his disposal. There is no moisture protection, no choice of body colors. Focusing on voice control via Siri, at least in Russia, does not work. On the one hand, well, it’s not customary for us to actively talk with our headphones on the street. On the other hand, although Siri is good, on average users put Alice from Yandex in first place, Google Assistant in second, and Siri in third.

The obvious advantages of Apple AirPods 2 include not a record, but impressive autonomy of 25 hours. There are still indecently few models with such a total indicator. Apple made, in general, the right bet. After all, for the average user, a couple of “extra” hours without a power outlet is more important than higher sound quality. Instant connection to a smartphone and stable communication are also invariably among the advantages of the company’s “ears”.

Reviews from many users on Apple headphones indicate that an excellent volume headroom is also a plus. Many competitors suffer from too low an upper threshold.

There is also an element of progressiveness due to the case’s support for wireless charging. Yes, so the price jumps to a completely indecent 19,000 rubles. After all, we will have to buy not only the corresponding version of AirPods 2, but also the wireless charger itself. However, Apple has never been kind to our wallets. If you want to be on the cutting edge of technology, please pay in full.

By the way, you also have to pay for the design. Not everyone likes white sticks sticking out of their ears. What to do if the form factor makes you feel ugly and archaic?

If you please, spend 21,000 rubles on Apple AirPods Pro “plugs”, but even there you won’t be able to completely get rid of the cane.

On topic : Review of differences between 2nd generation AirPods and old AirPods

Best Wireless In-Ear Headphones

Apple AirPods 2 (with charging case) MV7N2

One of the best wireless in-ear headphones . Faster connection and almost

the complete absence of signal delay is ensured by the new chip.

The headphones support the use of a voice assistant.

High-capacity battery with fast charging allows you to work for 3 hours without interruption.

One of the characteristic disadvantages is the ability to work only with the products of your own company.

Specifications:

Weight: 4 g + 40 g (case);
Impedance: 32 Ohm;
Range: 20-20000 Hz;
Mount: no;
Membrane: 11 mm;
Water protection: no.

pros

high battery capacity;
voice control;
build quality;
wireless charger;
ergonomics.

Minuses

works only with iOS 10;
sound quality;
weak landing;
no soundproofing;
no protection from water.

Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2

High-quality in-ear headphones for 2021, with almost all modern technologies, including the latest version of Bluetooth and an active noise reduction system.

Each earphone can be used as a headset thanks to the built-in microphones.

Capacious battery ensures long-term operation without recharging.

At the same time, users note a weak fit and periodic falling out of the headphones during active head movements.

Specifications:

Weight: 4.5g + 50g;
Impedance: 32 Ohm;
Range: 20-20000 Hz;
Mount: no;
Membrane: 14.2 mm;
Water protection: yes.

pros

price;
sound quality;
Can be used separately;
equipment;
microphone quality.

Minuses

insufficient fit;
poor sound insulation.

HUAWEI FreeBuds 3

High-quality wireless in-ear headphones with active noise cancellation . Quality

sound is ensured by a good membrane.

The model can be used as a headset.

They work easily with most smartphones, but users note difficulties when connecting to Samsung and Apple models.

Specifications:

Weight: 9 g;
Impedance: 32 Ohm;
Range: 30-17000 Hz;
Mount: no;
Membrane: 14.2 mm;
Water protection: yes.

pros

comfortable fit;
high-quality microphone;
active noise cancellation;
sound quality.

Minuses

fewer options when working with smartphones from companies other than Huawei;
overcharge.

CaseGuru CGPods 5.0

These headphones, originally from Tyumen, were presented to the public with the slogan “the most budget-friendly, high-quality analogues of AirPods.” Thanks to its high popularity, the model has ensured CaseGuru the title of the new leader in the segment of inexpensive wireless “ears”. Xiaomi had to make room. CaseGuru CGPods 5.0 at a price of 4,400 rubles turned out to be really better than AirPods in a number of parameters.

For example, user reviews actively praise the quite serious water protection class IPX6. That is, you can even swim or take a shower with headphones on. Instead of three control commands from Apple, CGPods have as many as eleven, also through touch buttons.

Finally, the glossy plastic case was replaced with a harsh cylinder made of professional aircraft aluminum.

The case can withstand 100 kg of load; an adult can literally stand on it.

The total battery life is about 17 hours – a little more modest than that of Apple. But 10-12 hours in typical inexpensive TWS headphones is much more impressive. Sound quality? The previous generation of the model won a large comparison test, which also included AirPods 1.0. CGPods 5.0 are the same CaseGuru headphones, only instead of Bluetooth 4.2 they introduced version 5.0.

Last year, we recommended Beats Powerbeats Pro as the only worthwhile wireless TWS headphones for sports in our review-rating. In 2021, we will crown CGPods 5.0 in this category. The model is equipped with replaceable silicone spacers that securely fix the headphones and prevent them from falling out. Well, don’t forget about moisture protection, so the model doesn’t care about your jogging in the rain. Reviews of CaseGuru CGPods 5.0 headphones confirm that complete immersion in water also passes without a trace for the brand’s headphones.

CGPods are 3-4 times cheaper than AirPods and 2-3 thousand lower in comparison with analogues of varying degrees of popularity. As we have already clarified in the section on manufacturers, this Aliexpress-style price is due to modest associated costs. Instead of a “base” in Moscow, there is a modest office in Tyumen and only 15 people on staff.

Low marketing costs and the complete absence of Tyumen models in offline retail and networks like Eldorado. This means there is no markup of 50-100%. There is no need to pay for delivery; headphones are sent to residents of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

The best budget wireless headphones from 3000 to 5000 rubles.

The most expensive budget models are represented by worthy representatives of respected manufacturers: Honor, Audio-Technica, JBL, etc. They do not, of course, have gold-plated plugs, but they are not going to discharge two hours after switching on and die forever. Meet the best in-ear, on-ear and full-size versions of headphones over 3,000 rubles.

Plug-in

The best in-ear headphones included in the review provide almost perfect sound and have almost no drawbacks: so, nit-picking. Want to make sure? Test them yourself.

1MORE Stylish True Wireless E1026BT

pros

small
good signal
sound quality

Minuses

working hours

From 4280 ₽

Whatever you say, size matters. These little ones from the rating of the best true wireless headphones only work for 2.5 hours, then they require recharging. But the sound is rich, even at full power. They hold up well too.

Honor FlyPods Youth Edition

pros

3 hours of work
water protection
voice dialing
pleasant to the touch

Minuses

tracks don't switch

From 3786 ₽

This is one of the most popular models of in-ear headphones today. Probably because the price-quality ratio is optimal here. They fit in the ear like a glove and are immune to rain. If only the tracks could be switched, it would be great.

Invoices

Let me introduce you to headphones that you wouldn’t be ashamed to give as a gift to a teenager. They are a little narrow for adults, but will fit like a glove on a small head. Both winners are distinguished by good sound transmission and autonomy.

Audio-Technica ATH-S200BT

pros

2 days without recharging
good sound
sit firmly on the head

Minuses

not suitable for large heads

From 3790 ₽

This headset has high autonomy, excellent sound transmission, although the sound insulation still limps, but slightly. The connector for the wire is only narrow. And yes, the model will not fit the size of an adult man: it is narrow.

LilGadgets Untangled Pro for children

pros

folding
depth adjustable
fully soft headband

Minuses

put pressure on the ears

From 3405 ₽

Everything seems to be fine: the music plays without distortion (for a child), the rim is soft, the color is acidic. There is a wire, with a regular 3.5 mm connector. Microphone? There is also. It's bad. Because the ears still feel tight, even despite the adjustable depth of the hoop.

Full size

Models for adults must, first of all, convey clear sound in order to satisfy the claims of audiophiles. Here are the best (at this price) headphones, which it’s not a sin to get to know better.

JBL E55BT

pros

comfortable
20 hours on 1 charge
fold up

Minuses

will fasten the joints

From 3678 ₽

This model is a bit heavy: 232 g can be felt when worn for a long time. There are no complaints about the quality of the music or the microphone. But there are questions about the body, which creaks as if it’s singing along.

Xiaomi Redmi Airdots 2

In principle, you don’t have to write anything about these “ears” because of two facts.

First : Xiaomi models are the most popular Bluetooth headphones in Russia. And they will remain so regardless of our opinion. Some wild hundreds of thousands of search queries through Yandex.

The second fact is that these are not just budget, but ultra-cheap models, costing an average of 1,500 rubles. Beyond the point where there is no point in criticizing for anything, any complaints are covered by the ultra-low price.

Mediocre quality of plastic, a very flimsy (almost disposable!) case with a loose lid, a scant list of control commands, only 12 hours of battery life - these are the things that immediately come to mind. The list goes on, but why? Most of all, Xiaomi Redmi Airdots 2 are essentially reminiscent of in-ear headsets, which were included with smartphones a few years ago. Such cheap “ears”, absolutely disgusting in sound quality.

It would seem that the place for such crafts is exclusively in the trash. But no! The average citizen is not at all eager to study articles like “how to choose headphones”, “the best wireless headphones” and so on. No. He doesn’t even want to read reviews of different models of wireless headphones. The conventional Vasya does not understand phrases like “elastic deep bass” or “well-developed midrange.” It’s enough for Vasily that he can hear music from the speakers. And period. Well, the caller’s speech can be understood. Finally, the main parameter for Vasya is PRICE!

The sound of the Xiaomi Redmi Airdots 2, even adjusted for the price, cannot be called bad at all – it’s just flat and inexpressive. Moreover, the equalizer does not particularly correct the situation. The voice in the songs is discernible, the instruments play, and an unassuming buyer doesn’t need anything more to be happy. Perhaps, Xiaomi Redmi Airdots 2 are best suited for situations with the characteristic “so that if you lose it, you won’t feel sorry.” For example, if you don’t want to take expensive “apples” on vacation at the seaside. Or you choose the first TWS pair for your child.

Topic : Why Xiaomi Redmi AirDots are better than AirPods, but you don’t need to buy them

From 2000 to 3000 rub.

Finally, we have reached the middle category among budget models. The most complete range of models is presented here, so choosing the best contenders was not an easy task. But we did it! Go ahead, get acquainted!

Earbuds

The inserts were discussed above. They are lightweight and comfortable to play sports with if the silicone ear pads are chosen correctly. Among the options under 3,000 rubles, the most interesting is the model from JoyRoom. And Xiaomi AirDots are for a snack.

JoyRoom JR-T03

pros

loud sound
charging in less than an hour
don't fall out of your ears

Minuses

work 2.5 hours

From 2446 ₽

These headphones fit snugly in your ear, even while running. Yes, they don’t work much, but they charge in just 45 minutes. Music plays without distortion even at high volumes. But sometimes synchronization may be lost.

Xiaomi AirDots

pros

miniature
NFC support
battery included

Minuses

no rewinding tracks
weak microphone

From 2139 ₽

Very small earbuds that work for 4 hours without recharging, and if you connect them to a battery, they will last another 12 hours. But the sound, of course, is average in volume, although good. Calls are answered, although tracks are not flipped through.

Plug-in

In-ear headphones are good because they are attached to the head with at least something: a hoop, a blotch, the temples of glasses, etc. We looked at glasses above, so now we have chosen the most popular version - a hoop and a waterproof sports option. Meet me.

1MORE Stylish Dual-Dynamic Driver BT E1024BT

pros

changes tracks
adjusts the sound
design

Minuses

2-way audio

From 2200 ₽

These headphones play for up to 6 hours. They pick up the signal well and do not glitch. You can select a suitable size insert from the kit. But the sound itself... The highs are played with a bang, the lows too, but the mids are clearly not enough.

JBL Endurance SPRINT

pros

8 hours work
water protection
sensory

Minuses

sensitive sensor

From 2049 ₽

One of the best wireless headphones for phones with very good signal reception. Reviews say about 30-40 m from the phone. You need to get used to the sensor, otherwise false alarms cannot be avoided. You can exercise in the rain, there are no complaints about water resistance.

Invoices

Over-ear headphones last longer because they contain a larger battery. They look stylish and do not strain the eardrum. Wireless technology in the best models provides a stable signal of excellent quality.

JBL T500BT

pros

very soft pads
16 hours of play
lungs
voice dialing

Minuses

there is background noise

From 2057 ₽

Very pleasant headphones to wear, with excellent sound insulation. They are completely hands-free thanks to voice control. But the playback quality lets us down: distinct background noise interferes.

Sony WH-CH500

pros

weight 140 g
20 hours without recharging
iPhone and NFC audio support

Minuses

hard start key

From 2080 ₽

Sony always has great sound. Here too. But you have to try hard to hear it: you have to press the start button with your fingernail, it’s so tight. There are no problems with synchronization, nor with the fit on the head.

Full size

More expensive full-size models have a more natural sound transmission compared to their cheaper counterparts. The adjustable headband size is what you need when multiple people use the headphones.

JBL Tune 700BT

pros

plug-in wire
size adjustment
open until 27:00
high quality sound
comfortable fit

Minuses

plastic and build quality are quite average

From 2800 ₽

This model can be used with a wire. The battery has a capacity of 610 mAh and lasts for 27 hours. The headphones fit quite tightly.

Sven AP-B570MV

pros

stylish case
there is a possibility of wired connection
up to 25 hours of work
powerful sound

Minuses

fragile headband

From 2300 ₽

This model is “omnivorous”, it sees any Bluetooth device. The sound can be very loud without losing quality. They sit on the head tightly and comfortably. But users note that the headband is too fragile: cracks appear on it too easily.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

Samsung is not afraid to experiment - there is no other way if you want to be among the world's leading innovators. Therefore, Koreans often offer us a full-fledged revolution instead of the evolution of successful products. This is what happened in the case of Samsung Galaxy Buds Live. We will definitely see them in every article like “Top 10 wireless headphones.”

The design of the headphones cannot be confused with any other. This has never happened before - we have inserts, but without protruding sticks. Although in appearance they seem to be “plugs”, but where are the replaceable ear pads then? The design turned out to be anatomical. Customer reviews tell us that the headphones fit perfectly in the ears, do not press or fall out.

In addition to the design, one of the key features of the new product is a system of three microphones and a bone conduction sensor. The meaning of the latter is that with the help of special VPU (Voice Pickup Unit) sensors, vibrations transmitted from the voice to the skull are converted into a sound signal. That is, the quality of your speech completely ceases to depend on external noise. Even if music is playing loudly nearby, the interlocutor will clearly hear every word.

On the downside, a number of features are available only to owners of Samsung smartphones. For example, Buds Together – connecting two headphones to one smartphone at once. Or a game mode with minimal probability of picture and sound out of sync.

The total autonomy of Apple AirPods 2 is 24 hours and 5 hours from one full charge. Samsung Galaxy Buds Live are inferior in overall work – 20 hours. But it claims as much as 7.5 hours “in one go.” In practice, users in the case of “slips” indicate an average of 4-5 hours, and the Samsung model is a confident 6 hours.

Moisture protection is not the most impressive, IPX2. But it’s enough to protect against rain and drops of sweat. One could point to IPX4 in AirPods Pro. But don’t forget that AirPods 2 are generally devoid of water protection.

The price of the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live is definitely in order. The model costs 14,000 rubles, which is comparable to AirPods 2 and at least 4,000 rubles cheaper than AirPods Pro. So the battle for the buyer is shaping up to be extremely interesting.

On topic : • Wireless TWS headphones Samsung Galaxy Buds Live vs AirPods Pro: review 2020 • Compare the new Samsung Galaxy Buds Live headphones (beans) with AirPods Pro. Zharishka

Types of Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

The very first thing you need to look at when choosing wireless headphones is their type. They are divided into 4 types, each of which has its own pros and cons, and its admirers:

Inserts – usually come in the form of drops or tablets. Their noise isolation is of average quality; some users complain that they fall out of their ears.
Insertable (or vacuum, plugs) - they have better sound, but they are considered to be harmful to hearing.
Overheads – fastened together with a bow and placed on the ears. The sound quality is superior to the previous two types, but there are problems with use in winter.
Full-size - similar to overhead ones, but cover the auricle completely. They have the most luxurious sound, but are heavy and are more suitable for home use.

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Sony WH-1000XM4

A year ago, we wrote in our rating “Sony WH-1000XM3: the best headphones of 2021 and 2021.” Top headphones Sony WH-1000XM4 claim a similar title in 2021. The Japanese manufacturer, instead of revolution, took the path of evolution, and time after time improves the already successful WH-1000XM series.

New features include auto-pause when removing headphones, pairing with two devices at the same time, and updated DSEE Extreme technology to improve the quality of compressed sound. Active noise canceling has become even better, and Bluetooth 4.2 has been replaced by version 5.0. In the “cool option” category, there is an automatic stop of music playback if the headphones hear a voice nearby.

Sony headphones still have no equal in terms of ease of control. All control is concentrated on the right ear cup with a touch-sensitive side surface. Touched twice – start/stop track. Swipe up/down - change the volume, right/left - move to another track. After such an intuitive method, it seems strange that competitors have not yet copied Sony's approach.

Finally, we note the proprietary mobile application Sony Headphones Connect. An individual approach is always good. Sony allows you to select an audio codec, adjust the equalizer, and play with noise reduction parameters. Find out about the existence of the 360 Reality Audio option - this is a special mode for a realistic surround scene. There are still only a few tracks that support this feature, but they are still represented on Deezer and Tidal.

On topic : Sony WF-1000XM3 wireless headphones: review from iPhones.ru

JBL T500BT

Top 10 rating according to KP

Editor's Choice

Jabra Elite 75t (average price 13 thousand rubles)

Jabra Elite 75t.
Photo: Jabra The Jabra Elite 75t has a very bass-heavy sound out of the box, which is surprising. The bass is increased to such an extent that some may not like it. Luckily, you can customize the Elite 75t's sound signature using a smartphone app. Battery life here is also excellent - up to 7.5 hours of listening on a single charge.

When included with the charging case, you get approximately 20 additional hours of listening time, for a total of approximately 28 hours of listening time including the case. Unfortunately, they still don't come with wireless charging, but they do charge via USB-C. The fit in the ears is also good. The Jabra Elite 75t is truly comfortable. Elite 75t has protection against water and dust according to the IP55 standard. Just don't shower or swim with them.

Customizable sound, long battery life, USB-C charging, water and dust resistant

No wireless charging, bass too heavy for some

Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro (average price 10 thousand rubles)

Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro. Photo: Soundcore

One of the Liberty 2 Pro's strengths is its battery life. They play for up to 8 hours before needing to be charged. The included charging case will also give you an extra 24 hours of battery life, which is quite impressive. The case uses USB-C for wired charging and even supports wireless charging via the Qi standard. In terms of sound quality, the Liberty 2 Pro boasts enhanced bass and treble, providing an enjoyable listening experience for most modern music genres. The Liberty 2 Pro's noise isolation is one of its weak points.

Finally, the Liberty 2 Pro are comfortable, making them easy to wear for longer periods of time than many other true wireless earbuds. They don't physically go into your ear, instead they rest on the outside of the shell, which should help with any form of fatigue or discomfort, especially over long periods of time.

Long battery life, excellent sound quality, USB-C and Qi wireless charging

Sound insulation could be better

AirPods Pro (average price 21 thousand rubles)

AirPods Pro. Photo: Apple

Despite some limitations on Android (no auto play/pause, Google Assistant, or other features), AirPods Pro have some of the best active noise cancellation for headphones on the market. The AirPods Pro noise reduction has fantastic performance for its class. Sound quality is solid on AirPods Pro. They lack just a little in the bass, but otherwise they have very good sound. The mids are slightly elevated, creating a close-in feel.

The headphones provide 4.5 hours of sound playback with noise reduction turned on and five hours without it. The charging case provides 19 hours of additional listening time. The case is charged via the proprietary Lightning connector. The charging case supports wireless charging, which means you can completely bypass Apple's proprietary cable. The fit in the ears is one of the best on the market. Unlike other headphones that have a plastic “stud” to secure the ear tips, the AirPods Pro ear pad attaches directly to the earpiece speaker.

Long battery life, good sound, wireless charging case

Some functions missing on Android, Lightning for charging

What other TWS headphones are worth paying attention to?

Sony WF-1000XM3 (average price 16 thousand rubles)

Sony WF-1000XM3. Photo: Sony

Apart from the Sony WF-1000XM3 and AirPods Pro, there aren't many wireless headphones with active noise cancellation. That's why the Sony WF-1000XM3 is an easy choice if this feature is important to you. The design is not the best and they are quite bulky, but in terms of sound, they are impeccable. Battery life is also excellent - up to six hours in standalone mode and up to 19 hours when paired with a case.

Of course, like most noise-canceling headphones, the WF-1000XM3 offers an ambient sound mode that changes the direction of the microphones to allow outside noise to penetrate. The sound quality, as mentioned earlier, is excellent in the WF-1000XM3. The WF-1000XM3 has moderate bass that is only slightly boosted and does not overwhelm other frequencies at all. In terms of water and dust resistance, the WF-1000XM3 has a base IPX4 standard. This means they are splash and sweat resistant, but not recommended for use in the rain.

Great sound, active noise cancellation, ambient sound mode, USB-C charging

Not as water resistant as other options, bulky design

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless (average price 18 thousand rubles)

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless. Photo: Sennheiser

You can't go wrong with Sennheiser when it comes to any audio equipment, and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless are no exception. These headphones are on the list for those who love dancing, hip-hop or any other bass genre of music. The Momentum True Wireless has a very punchy bass boost. The bass is not super powerful, but the high frequencies fade into the background. This means that instruments such as drum hi-hats and female vocals may sound slightly muffled.

The great news is that the Sennheiser mobile app (available for both iOS and Android) allows you to customize the sound signature to a certain extent. The earbuds offer six hours of battery life and up to 12 hours of use when included with the charging case. They are also one of the largest wireless headphones available. But that's not a big deal since they're still much more portable than any regular in-ear or on-ear headphones. At least they're still in your pocket even with the rather large charging case. Overall, if you have money to spend on Sennheiser earbuds and want great bass, this is the choice for you.

6 hours of battery life, USB-C charging case, iOS and Android app with fine-tuning equalizer

The case and the headphones themselves are bulky, the bass is too prominent

Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 (average price 8 thousand rubles)

Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2. Photo: Soundcore

Anker's Soundcore brand has been offering Liberty TWS headphones for several years now, and the second version, the Liberty Air, is the best. While the resemblance to Apple's AirPods is undeniable, the Liberty Air 2 has a few handy features that set it apart from the rest. For starters, the sound that comes out of these headphones is absolutely amazing for the money.

Unlike the AirPods, Soundcore equips the Liberty Air 2 with silicone ear tips (five sizes per box) that help with isolation and low ambient noise. The case, which offers three additional seven-hour charges that the headphones offer, charges via USB-C or Qi wireless charging, and the top opens and closes with a satisfying tactile feedback. The sides of each earbud offer customizable gestures for play/pause, next and previous track, and even volume control. And you can even use the earbuds in the rain—they're IPX5 waterproof.

28 hours of battery life with case, really good sound for the price, IPX5 water resistance, great fit in ears

The body materials feel cheap, the call quality is not impressive

1More Stylish True Wireless (average price 4.8 thousand rubles)

1More Stylish True Wireless. Photo: 1MORE

1More Stylish True Wireless are ideal for those who are looking for superior sound quality, but are not willing to spend a lot of money on it. Bass lovers will love them, but those who love a punchy, slightly unbalanced sound will also love them. The most impressive part of the sound signature, however, is the soundstage. The Stylish True Wireless is on par with some of the more expensive TWS headphones.

In terms of battery life, the 1More Stylish True Wireless perform exceptionally well, lasting up to 6.5 hours on a single charge. When included with the charging case, they have an additional 17.5 hours of battery life, for a total of up to 24 hours of audio playback. The case itself is relatively small and compact. Unfortunately, they still use Micro-USB for charging and don't support wireless charging at all. The fit is good - the earbud fits into the ear without any problems. You are unlikely to feel any discomfort or fatigue, even after a long period of time.

Long battery life, Bluetooth 5.0, superior sound with wide soundstage

Micro-USB for charging, no wireless charging

Jabra Elite 65t (average price 8.2 thousand rubles)

Jabra Elite 65t. Photo: Jabra

Almost two years after their release, Jabra's Elite 65t is still one of the best TWS earbuds out there. If you're looking for versatile wireless headphones for commuting and working out, these are a great option. They are especially good for receiving calls. You get five hours of battery life, and the case adds another ten.

The design also ensures that the earbuds provide a seal around the ear and you get excellent sound isolation. And their very design is such that they will not fall out when you run or exercise. There is Bluetooth 5.0 and IP55 water resistance. Here are the reasons why the Elite 65t continues to sell so well even two years after its debut.

Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, IP55 dust and moisture protection, thoughtful controls

Outdated, no AptX

Beats by Dre Powerbeats Pro (average price 16 thousand rubles)

Beats by Dre Powerbeats Pro. Photo: Beats

The best wireless workout headphones, Powerbeats Pro from Beats, combine water and sweat resistance, stylish design and proprietary Apple integration, making them a tempting choice for working out. Beats headphones tend to be bass-heavy, but the Powerbeats Pro have a balanced sound.

Connecting the headphones together and using the controls makes it easy to use. Powerbeats Pro also offers longer battery life than AirPods, with up to 9 hours of listening time. The ear hooks provide a very stable and secure fit. They come with a set of medium sized silicone tips and three additional options in small, medium and large sizes.

Easy setup, long battery life, well-balanced sound

Bulky charging case

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 5100 (average price 12.5 thousand rubles)

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 5100. Photo: Plantronics

Plantronics makes some of the best calling headsets in the industry, and the BackBeat Pro 5100 is an exemplary example. Four noise-cancelling microphones help minimize background noise and wind interference for clear calls. Despite bass distortion at high volumes on some tracks, Plantronics' 5.8mm drivers handled the audio well, producing clear mids and highs. The ability to use either earbud separately is a great feature that frees up the opposite ear to hear your surroundings. The earbuds' durability and tight fit to the ear are also great for workouts. The Plantronics companion app includes many useful features. Somewhat finicky pairing and controls are the only downsides.

Ideal for calls, elegant and sporty design, many functions via companion app

Complex controls, slightly muddy bass

CaseGuru CGPods PRO

In this place there should have been JBL T500BT - the best-selling, and therefore the most popular, large wireless headphones in Russia. The model has the super-authoritative name JBL in the field of portable audio and a very “tasty” price of 2,500 rubles in its favor. However, what we have here is not only and not so much a selection of “what is in demand in Russia.” We must recommend the most interesting wireless headphones - which we do with pleasure.

The newly-minted and direct competitor of the JBL T500BT is, again, a new product from Tyumen from the CaseGuru brand, the CGPods PRO model. The device costs 2,900 rubles, only 500 “re” more expensive than the JBL product. But, judging by the constant promotional codes both from bloggers and on the brand’s Instagram, it’s possible to buy headphones for 2,600 rubles.

In all respects, the JBL model belongs to the entry-level budget segment and, in general, to the previous generation of on-ear wireless headphones. Take Bluetooth 4.1 and only 16 hours of battery life. CaseGuru CGPods PRO is the complete opposite, an example of a “stuffed” budget phone of the new generation. The Tyumen residents themselves nicknamed the model “flagship Russian fat-bass headphones with color music.” Bluetooth 5.0, a built-in MP3 player and a record 38 hours of non-stop music without recharging are a record for headphones up to 7,000 rubles.

The average listener determines the sound quality of headphones by the amount of bass. The more low frequencies, the better. Especially for such citizens, you can enable the “MEGA-BAS” mode in CaseGuru CGPods PRO. The “bold” sound can be easily turned off by simultaneously pressing two buttons on the right earcup.

CaseGuru CGPods PRO are also Tik-Tok headphones, as they have switchable multi-colored backlighting. If your friend/acquaintance likes to record short dance videos for Instagram and Tik-Tok, Tyumen color music will definitely bring additional dynamics to the video. Here's how the backlight works:

Real reviews of the CaseGuru CGPods PRO headphones are just around the corner - let's see how successful the model turned out in practice.

What to look for when choosing wireless headphones

All models are similar, but they all differ in some ways. It is not always possible to listen to the sound in all models, and you want to know in advance which criteria for headphones are important and which are not so important.

Soundproofing. To prevent external noise from spoiling the experience of listening to your favorite music or interfering with a telephone conversation, you need to choose a model with good sound insulation. There are headphones that themselves distinguish external noise and have an active noise reduction system, but they are more expensive and energy-intensive.

2 Battery life. To enjoy your music for as long as possible, always pay attention to how many hours your headphones can last on a single charge.

3 Availability of a microphone. If you are going to use headphones for negotiations, a microphone is a must. The built-in microphone looks neat and does not take up additional space.

4 Additional cable. It makes the headphones more versatile; if they suddenly turn out to be discharged, then you can connect the cable and continue to enjoy music, watch movies, listen to audiobooks and lectures, etc.

5 Charging speed. The faster your device charges, the faster you can start using it again.

Convenience. The ergonomics of headphones depends on the purpose and place of their use. A device that is convenient at home may be completely inconvenient on the street.

6 Maximum reception distance. It's simple, the further you take the headphones, the further you can move away from the device. This makes a big difference for sports headphones in the gym so you don't have to carry your phone around.

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Marshall Major III Bluetooth

And again we see the evolution of a series of wireless headphones from a single brand. Marshall Major II Bluetooth are fairly affordable headphones, the price is about 4,600 rubles. And it doesn’t seem to stand out with anything special in its characteristics. But the model won our hearts with its, dare we say it, exquisite design in the Marshall style. You literally devour the headphones with your eyes, they are pleasant to wear and show off to others.

The third generation of headphones has even more vinyl leather elements - now there are also such inserts on the side of the ear pads. The drivers were replaced, instead of 64 Ohms we got 32 Ohms. This had a positive effect on the increase in maximum volume.

About the sound quality - the rise in lower frequencies has been preserved, there are still plenty of them. The main difference from the second generation is the clearly raised tops. To some, this sound may seem “lighter”. But, judging by the reviews, in some compositions the high-frequency parts hurt the ears.

The autonomy has not changed, it is still up to 30 hours depending on the volume. Of course, not 38 hours like CaseGuru CGPods PRO or Sony WH-1000XM4, but also a very decent result.

We don’t know how, but the developers managed to reduce the weight of the headphones from 260 grams for their predecessor to the current 178 grams. This is a significant difference and a noticeable step towards comfortable long-term wearing of the Marshall Major III Bluetooth.

On topic : These are the new Marshall wireless headphones. I fell completely in love

The best on-ear wireless headphones

JBL E45BT

A model with a laconic design and clear lines, available in a variety of colors.

Volume control is provided by buttons on the right earcup.

The batteries are not the most energy-intensive - autonomy is only 16 hours, full charging takes 2 hours.

Foam ear pads place sensitive pressure on the ears. The sound is deep, strong, high frequencies sound no worse than low ones.

Sound insulation is of average quality.

Specifications:

Weight: 5 g;
Impedance: 32 Ohm;
Range: 20-20000 Hz;
Sensitivity: 96 dB;
Mount: no;
Membrane: 40 mm;
Water protection: no.

pros

build quality;
good sound quality;
ease of use;
price quality.

Minuses

press on ears;
Not the best quality ear pads.

Sony WH-CH500

On-ear wireless headphones are lightweight, build quality and come in a variety of colors.

The capacious battery provides up to 20 hours of operation and 200 hours of standby time.

The sound is balanced, the model easily connects to all devices via Bluetooth 4.2.

Despite the old version, the connection quality does not suffer from this . In the budget segment, headphones are considered one of the most popular.

Specifications:

Weight: 140 g;
Impedance: 32 Ohm;
Range: 20-20000 Hz;
Fastening: headband;
Membrane: 30 mm;
Water protection: no.

pros

high-quality assembly;
swivel mechanism;
high autonomy due to energy-intensive battery;
connection stability.

Minuses

poor sound insulation;
low volume;
poor microphone quality;
tight buttons;
Sound slows down in games.

Marshall Major III Bluetooth

Popular model with high sound quality and high battery life . Emitters

provide good sound, especially at high frequencies.

The battery allows you to work on a single charge for up to 30 hours and goes into idle mode after 15 minutes to save power.

Sound insulation is provided by a tight fit to the ears without excessive pressure, which allows them to be used as a headset.

Specifications:

Weight: 178 g;
Impedance: 32 Ohm;
Range: 20-20000 Hz;
Fastening: headband;
Membrane: 40 mm;
Water protection: no.

pros

high autonomy;
high-quality sound;
ease of operation;
design.

Minuses

sometimes they put pressure on the ears;
extra charge for no wires.

JBL Tune 600BTNC

Ergonomic headphones made of high quality plastic . Ear pads and headband

trimmed with artificial leather.

They fit tightly to the ears, which can create a feeling of pressure.

Low energy consumption – up to 12 hours of operation.

Sound quality is good and improves when noise reduction is turned off.

Surround sound with clear bass.

Noise reduction is high-quality, but not complete, while passive isolation is ensured even with a high level of noise from the outside.

Specifications:

Weight: 173 g;
Impedance: 32 Ohm;
Range: 20-20000 Hz;
Sensitivity: 100 dB;
Fastening: headband;
Membrane: 11 mm;
Water protection: no.

pros

build quality;
strength;
effective noise reduction;
possibility of wired connection.

Minuses

low battery capacity;
easily soiled coating of parts;
no battery indicator.