Earbuds

Essential earbud features

Modern earbuds offer so much more than just playing music. There are features that make everyday use a lot more pleasant, safer and more convenient. Below you'll read which features you can expect and exactly what you can do with them.

Noise cancelling (ANC) (active noise cancellation)

Active noise cancelling, also known as ANC, is a technology that actively suppresses ambient noise. Tiny microphones on the outside of the earbuds pick up surrounding sounds, after which the earbuds generate an opposing sound wave to filter out the disturbing noise. The result: you only hear what you want to hear. This is ideal in busy environments such as trains, planes or public spaces. In addition to active noise cancellation, many in-ear models also offer passive sound isolation by sealing off the ear canal with ergonomic eartips.

Bluetooth connection

Most modern earbuds connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to your smartphone, tablet or laptop. The Bluetooth version matters here: a higher version provides a more stable connection, lower power consumption and better sound quality. Current models support Bluetooth 5.0 or higher, giving you a fast and reliable pairing with both iPhone and Android devices. Once paired, the earbuds connect automatically as soon as you take them out of the case.

Battery life and charging case

The battery life determines how long you can listen uninterrupted. With most true wireless earbuds, the battery lasts five to eight hours on a full charge. With the included charging case, you charge the earbuds on the go, which often doubles or triples the total listening time. Some models feature fast charging: fifteen minutes in the case is already enough for several hours of listening pleasure. That way you're always assured of music, even on long travel days.

Built-in microphone

A built-in microphone enables hands-free calling. You answer calls with a simple touch or press of a button, without having to take your phone out of your pocket. On higher-quality models, the microphone is equipped with noise cancellation, so your voice comes across clear and understandable, even in busy environments. This makes earbuds with a microphone ideal for business users and people who make a lot of calls or hold meetings on the go.

Touch controls

With touch controls, you manage music, calls and volume directly via the earbuds themselves. With one tap you pause the music, with two taps you skip a track and with a tap and slide you adjust the volume. Some models let you switch noise cancelling on or off via touch controls, or activate a voice assistant. This makes operation intuitive and quick, without you having to grab your smartphone.

Water resistance

Water-resistant earbuds come with an IPX certification that indicates how well the earbuds resist moisture. An IPX4 certification means the earbuds are resistant to sweat and splashing water, making them suitable for sports in the rain or intensive workouts. More expensive models go further with IPX5 or higher, allowing them to withstand a heavy downpour or even brief submersion. For fitness users and athletes, water resistance is therefore an important feature to look out for.

What should you look for when choosing earbuds?

With so much choice, it's nice to know what to look for before you make a decision. The right earbuds depend on your personal use, budget and preference. Below you'll find the most important points to keep in mind:

• Wearing comfort and fit: earbuds fit best when the fit matches the shape of your ear well. Most models come with multiple eartip sizes, so you can choose the right size for optimal comfort and sound isolation. Especially with prolonged use, an ergonomic fit is essential.
• Sound quality: pay attention to specifications such as bass reproduction, clarity of the high tones and the presence of noise cancelling. For music lovers and audiophiles, a balanced sound profile with powerful bass and clear tones is the priority. For calling and meetings, voice quality and microphone quality are most important.
• Battery life: check how long the earbuds last on a full battery and what the total listening time is including the charging case. For daily use, a battery life of at least five hours on the earbuds themselves is a good starting point.
• Bluetooth version and compatibility: choose earbuds with a recent Bluetooth version for a stable connection with your smartphone. Also check whether the earbuds work well with your device, whether that's an iPhone or an Android phone.
• Water resistance: do you exercise regularly, or do you also want to use the earbuds in bad weather? Then go for a model with an IPX certification. A higher score means more protection against moisture.
• Value for money: good earbuds don't have to be expensive. At Techpunt you'll find affordable earbuds that combine excellent sound quality, long battery life and a comfortable fit. Compare models on specifications and reviews to make the best choice for your budget.

By deciding in advance which features are most essential for you, you make the choice a lot easier.

Buying earbuds at Techpunt?

Are you looking for a new pair of earbuds? Then Techpunt is the right place for you. As the official distributor of Xiaomi and QCY, China's largest producer of wireless Bluetooth earbuds, we have the largest and most complete range in the Benelux. From compact true wireless earbuds for everyday use to powerful sports earbuds with noise cancelling: with us you'll always find the model that fits your needs exactly.

Order placed before 8:00 PM? Then your new earbuds will simply arrive on your doormat the next business day. Free shipping on orders over 75 euros, a two-year warranty on all products and a customer service that answers all your questions quickly and expertly. View our full range, compare models and order your favourite earbuds at Techpunt today.