How to Choose Truly Wireless Earbuds: A Buyer’s Guide

“Truly wireless earbuds” come in so many varieties today that it’s honestly hard to know which one to choose.
To find the exact right pair for you, it is important to establish a set of criteria to determine “what matters most to you” among the numerous features and performance specs available.

In this article, we clearly deliver information that serves as a “compass” to help you find the optimal pair, ranging from the fundamental knowledge needed to avoid regrets when choosing truly wireless earbuds, to feature comparison points like sound quality and battery life, and tips on how to choose based on your purpose and usage scenario.

What is a truly wireless earbud?

As the name implies, “truly wireless earphones” are earphones that feature absolutely no cables connecting the left and right earpieces, nor any cables connecting the earphones to playback devices like smartphones.
They are also called “TWS,” which stands for “True Wireless Stereo.”

Completely free from the annoyance of tangled cords and the worry of them getting caught on clothing, you can enjoy an unprecedentedly free and comfortable music experience, whether in crowded commuter trains, while walking, or during workouts at the gym.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Freedom from tangled cords No worry about broken cables Usable even away from the playback device	Connection with playback device can occasionally become unstable Regular charging is required Risk of loss due to compact size

You could truly call them a revolutionary item for enjoying music more closely and more freely.

The Role of Truly Wireless Earphones: Voice Assistants in Various Scenarios

Truly wireless earphones are not just tools for listening to music.
They also play the role of a “voice assistant” in modern life.

For example, without taking your smartphone out of your bag or pocket, you can activate voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant by operating the earphones themselves to check the weather forecast, send messages, or manage your schedule.
This allows you to obtain various information or perform simple tasks even when your hands are full.

In this way, they make information access and communication smoother, serving as an existence that makes daily life more convenient.

Characteristics of True Wireless Earbuds

The most prominent physical characteristics of true wireless earbuds are their “structure in which the left and right earbuds are completely independent” and the inclusion of a “dedicated charging case” that serves both for portability and charging.

Because the left and right earbuds are independent, it is also possible to use just one earbud on its own.
Furthermore, thanks to this charging case, even if the battery of the earbuds runs out, simply placing them back in the case allows you to easily charge them multiple times. Many products now allow you to use them all day long without worrying about running out of battery.
With typical products, it is common to see a total playback time of 20 hours or more when combined with the case.

Feature Category	Description
Structure	Left and right earbud units are completely separated physically
Alternative Names	Left-right independent earbuds, TWS (True Wireless Stereo)
Charging Method	Stored and charged in a dedicated case with charging functionality
Role of the Case	Protection and storage of earbuds, portability, and multiple recharges for the earbuds
Convenience	Achieves long battery life when used in conjunction with the case

It is this combination of the left-right independent structure and the charging case that greatly enhances the convenience of true wireless earbuds.

Essential Knowledge When Choosing True Wireless Earbuds

To choose true wireless earbuds wisely, gaining some basic knowledge is extremely important.

Understanding these technical elements—such as “Bluetooth,” “codecs,” “noise cancellation,” “water resistance,” and “earphone shape”—will help guide you in choosing earbuds you won’t regret.

What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless communication standard used to wirelessly connect devices like smartphones and computers to earphones.

Thanks to this technology, you are freed from the hassle of cables, enabling a free listening style.
Bluetooth has different versions, and generally, newer versions tend to offer improved connection stability and reduced audio latency.

When choosing truly wireless earbuds, we recommend checking the Bluetooth version supported by your smartphone or other source device alongside the version supported by the earbuds themselves.

What is a Codec?

A codec refers to a set of “encoding/decoding methods” used to compress audio data when transmitting it via Bluetooth to your earbuds, and then decompressing it back on the earphone side.

Because sound quality and audio latency vary depending on the type of codec, it is one of the most important checkpoints when choosing earbuds.
Representative codecs include the standard “SBC”, “AAC” which is primarily supported by Apple products like the iPhone, and “aptX” which is available on select Android smartphones.
If the earbuds and the playback device (such as a smartphone) do not support the same codec, you will not be able to benefit from that codec.

Codecs cannot be used unless both connected devices support them.

	Earbuds (supports SBC, AAC)	Earbuds (supports SBC, aptX, aptX HD)
Android (Device supporting SBC, AAC, aptX)	AAC	aptX
Android (Device supporting SBC only)	SBC	SBC

As shown above, if either device does not support a particular codec, they will fall back to a codec that both support.
Since SBC is universally supported by virtually all devices, communication will take place using SBC if higher-tier codecs are not supported.

Checking which codecs are supported can help you expect a higher-quality and lower-latency listening experience, so be sure to check the specifications before purchasing.

SBC: The standard audio codec supported by many devices

SBC (Subband Codec) is the most basic audio codec built into Bluetooth earphones by default.
The major characteristic of this codec is its high versatility, making it usable with virtually all Bluetooth-compatible audio devices (smartphones, PCs, earphones, etc.).

Because of this, you rarely need to worry about codec compatibility between your earphones and playback device, providing the reassurance that sound will essentially play once connected.
While sound quality and latency may be slightly inferior compared to other codecs like AAC and aptX (discussed later), it offers sufficient quality for everyday music listening.

Unless you are pursuing exceptionally high sound quality or primarily playing games where sound latency is a concern, you will likely get a thoroughly satisfying music experience even with SBC-compatible earphones.

AAC: A relatively high-quality codec used in iPhones and other devices

AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) is an audio codec standardly adopted, particularly in Apple products such as iPhones and iPads.

Compared to SBC, it features higher compression efficiency, generally less sound quality degradation, and lower latency.
Therefore, when iPhone users choose fully wireless earphones that support AAC, they can enjoy higher-quality sound compared to an SBC connection.
Of course, many Android smartphones also support AAC.

For users who primarily use Apple devices, whether earphones support AAC is one of the key points to check if you prioritize sound quality.

aptX: A low-latency, high-quality codec available on select Android smartphones

aptX is an audio codec adopted in some Android smartphones, characterized by higher sound quality and lower latency than SBC, much like AAC.

It is sometimes described as having “CD-like quality” and has the property of easily retaining a large amount of information during the transmission of music data.
Especially in situations where synchronization between video and audio is required, such as watching videos or playing games, the low-latency performance of aptX is a major advantage.
However, to use aptX, both the smartphone and the earphones must support aptX.

For those who own a compatible Android smartphone and are particular about sound quality and low-latency performance, aptX-compatible earphones are an attractive option.

What is Noise Cancelling: A feature that reduces ambient noise to help you focus on music

Noise cancelling is a feature that reduces noise reaching your ears by using built-in microphones in the earphones to pick up ambient noise and generate opposing sound waves to cancel it out.

This feature makes it easier to concentrate on music, podcasts, or phone calls even in noisy environments such as trains, cafes, or offices.
It tends to be particularly effective against continuous low-frequency noises, such as the running sounds of airplanes and trains.
Since the effectiveness of noise cancellation and the types of noise that can be cut out vary depending on the product, it is a good idea to refer to reviews.

Type	Description
ANC	So-called noise cancellation equipped in AirPods and others refers to Active Noise Cancelling It cancels out noise by generating a sound with the opposite waveform to the noise (anti-phase) It consumes battery but offers high sound isolation
PNC	Noise cancellation that physically reduces noise is Passive Noise Cancelling It enhances sound insulation through clever materials and shapes By the way, passive means external/non-powered in this context
CVC	This call noise cancellation prevents your surrounding noise from reaching the person on the other end of the call While useful during calls, it is completely useless when listening to music or watching videos The official name is “Clear Voice Capture”

For those who want to enhance their immersion in music or focus on work in a quiet environment, the noise-cancelling feature is extremely useful.

Active Noise Cancelling: Cancelling noise with sound waves of the opposite phase to the noise collected by the microphone

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC for short) is a technology that actively cancels out noise by using built-in microphones in the earphones to pick up surrounding ambient noise and outputting sound waves with the opposite waveform (anti-phase) from the speakers.

This mechanism allows you to expect a very high level of noise reduction effect.
However, because this processing consumes power, it may affect the battery life of the earphones.
Additionally, there are differences in noise-cancelling strength and the types of sounds that can be reduced depending on the product.

It is an advanced technology that meets the needs of those who want to enjoy music in a quieter environment or concentrate on their work.

Passive Noise Cancelling: Noise reduction through the physical sound insulation of earphones

Passive noise cancelling refers to the effect of physically blocking external noise through the shape, materials, and fit of the earphone body itself.
This does not require any special electronic circuitry; it is the sound isolation performance inherent to the earphone design.

For example, canal-type earphones that fit deeply into the ear canal like earplugs tend to have a structurally high passive noise-cancelling effect.
Unlike active noise cancelling, it does not consume battery power, but the effect heavily depends on how well-sealed the earphones are in your ears.

Even in earphones without active noise-cancelling features, choosing a product with high passive noise-cancelling effectiveness can still yield a certain degree of noise reduction.

What is Ambient Sound Mode: A mechanism to hear surrounding sounds while wearing earphones

Ambient sound mode is a mechanism that uses microphones built into the earphones to pick up surrounding environmental sounds, allowing you to hear them while keeping the earphones in your ears.
It is also referred to as “ambient mode” or “transparency mode”.

Using this feature, you are less likely to miss station announcements even while listening to music, and you can converse at store registers without removing your earphones, improving daily convenience.
Additionally, when running or walking outdoors, it becomes easier to notice the approach of cars and bicycles, helping to ensure safety.

For those who frequently find themselves in situations where they want to keep their ears blocked with earphones while still being aware of their surroundings, the ambient sound mode can be said to be an extremely valuable feature.

What is Water Resistance (IPX Rating): An index indicating the degree of protection against water droplets and submersion

Water resistance is an international standard indicating how well earphones are protected against water, with the level expressed by a number following “IPX”.
“IP” stands for Ingress Protection, the X portion indicates the dust resistance rating (expressed as X if omitted), and the final number indicates the water resistance rating.

The higher this number, the higher the water resistance; for example, IPX4 means “protection against water splashes from any direction,” and IPX5 means “protection against water jets from any direction”.
When anticipating sweat during exercise or sudden rain, it is important to check this IPX rating.

IPX Rating	Degree of Protection (Guide)	Example Use Cases
IPX4	Protected against water splashes from any direction	Daily sweat, light rain
IPX5	Protected against water jets from any direction	Heavy exercise sweat, some products can be washed with water
IPX7	Does not allow water inside even when temporarily submerged under specified water pressure conditions	Accidentally dropping them into water (short duration)

Especially for those who want to use earphones during sports or outdoor activities, be sure to choose a product with water resistance suited to your specific use case.

What is Earphone Form Factor: A design that affects fit and how sound is heard

The form factor of earphones is a design element that greatly impacts the overall experience, including fit in the ear, sound isolation, and how sound is perceived.

Whether you can use them comfortably for long periods, how well they block out ambient sound, and whether you can achieve your preferred sound quality are all largely determined by the shape of the earphones.

The main designs fall into three categories: “In-ear (canal) type,” which is inserted deep into the ear canal, “Earbud (inner-ear) type,” which rests lightly at the entrance of the ear, and “Open-ear type,” which delivers sound without blocking the ear.
Each shape has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the optimal design depends on your ear shape, your primary usage scenarios, and the type of listening experience you are looking for.

Choosing a shape that suits your preferences and usage habits is the first step to finding earphones you will be satisfied with.

In-ear type: Inserted deep into the ear canal like an earplug, offering high sound isolation and a secure fit

In-ear (canal) type earphones feature eartips (earplug-like components) on their ends and are designed to be inserted deep into the ear canal.

The biggest advantage of this shape is its “passive noise cancellation effect,” which provides a tight seal against the ear to physically block out ambient noise.
This makes it easier to get immersed in music, and sound leakage tends to be minimal.

By choosing eartip sizes and materials that match your ears, you can improve the fit, achieve a more stable wearing experience, and enhance low-frequency expression.
On the other hand, because they seal the ear, some people may feel pressure or experience fatigue during long periods of use.

Materials vary, including silicone and foam, and selecting eartips sized to fit your ear canals enhances the seal, prevents sound leakage, and can deliver more impactful bass performance.

The in-ear type is suited for those who want to concentrate on music in noisy places like trains, or who want to enjoy solid, powerful bass.

Inner-ear type: Rests lightly at the entrance of the ear, offering an open fit

Inner-ear style earphones are designed so that the main body rests lightly in the hollow of the ear (the concha).

Unlike canal-type earphones, they are not inserted deep into the ear canal, featuring minimal pressure and an open, lightweight fit.
They cause little ear fatigue even during extended use, and ambient sounds can be heard naturally to a certain degree. This makes them well-suited for those who dislike a sense of confinement or for situations where you want to enjoy audio while doing other things.

However, compared to the canal type, they have lower adhesion, resulting in inferior noise isolation and a tendency for sound leakage.
In addition, the impact of the low-frequency range can sometimes be subdued compared to the canal type.

This design is recommended for those who want to maintain comfort during prolonged use or who want to enjoy music while remaining somewhat aware of their surroundings.

Open-ear type: Delivers sound without blocking the ears, using bone conduction or special acoustic design

Open-ear earphones are a relatively new type of earphone that deliver sound without completely blocking the ear canal, by placing the speaker unit around the ear or utilizing bone conduction technology.

The biggest advantage is being able to naturally hear ambient environmental sounds even while listening to music, which improves safety (e.g., detecting approaching vehicles when running outdoors) and smooth communication (e.g., being able to converse while wearing them).
Because they do not block the ears, they are characterized by a lack of pressure and resistance to stuffiness.
On the other hand, due to their structure, sound leakage is prone to occur, requiring caution when used in quiet places.
Furthermore, in terms of sound quality, they may be at a disadvantage compared to closed canal types when it comes to the volume of bass and the delicate expression of sound.

This shape is suitable for outdoor activities such as running and cycling, or for those who want to enjoy music in the office while remaining able to communicate with those around them.

Ear-cuff type: Simply “clip” them onto the rim of the ear

A variation of the open-ear type. Ear-cuff earphones adopt a structure that clips onto (or hooks over) the ear cartilage or earlobe like an earring. The speaker unit is positioned just outside the ear canal, delivering sound via air conduction.

Bone-conduction type

A type of open-ear design. Bone-conduction earphones place transducers in front of the ears (near the cheekbones) or on the temples, delivering sound directly to the inner ear via bone conduction. Because the ear canal remains completely open at all times, this offers a listening experience entirely different from conventional earphones.

How to Choose Truly Wireless Earphones

What criteria do you use when choosing truly wireless earphones? Is it sound quality, features, or price?
With so many products available, it can be really confusing to know which one to choose.
The most important thing when choosing earphones is to identify performance that matches your usage scenarios and desired experience.

In this section, to ensure you don’t regret your earphone purchase, we will explain specific checklist items in detail, ranging from sound quality, connection stability, and battery life, to noise-cancelling features and price and added value.
By understanding these points, you will surely find the optimal device for you among the numerous products available.

Sound Quality: Sound Reproducibility via Supported Codecs and Driver Units

"Sound quality" is one of the aspects that many people prioritize the most when choosing fully wireless earphones.
"Codecs" refer to the "compression methods" used when wirelessly transmitting audio from a smartphone or other device to the earphones, which heavily influences sound quality and latency.
Additionally, the "driver unit" is the component inside the earphone that actually produces the sound, and its type and size also dictate sound reproducibility.

If you are looking for high sound quality, the first thing to check is the supported codecs.
For example, if you use an iPhone, checking for "AAC" support, or for many Android smartphones, "aptX" support, allows for a greater amount of data compared to the standard SBC codec, letting you enjoy clearer and deeper sound.

As for driver units, generally speaking, a larger diameter tends to excel in rich low-frequency expression.
The type of driver also changes the strong frequency ranges and overall sound character.

It is also important to have an idea of the kind of sound you want to listen to—such as whether you prefer punchy bass or crystal-clear vocals—depending on your favorite music genres and personal preferences.

Connection Stability: Bluetooth Version

“My audio keeps cutting out…” This is one of the most frustrating issues with wireless earbuds.
This “connection stability” is primarily determined by the Bluetooth version and the performance of the chip built into the earbuds.

The newer the Bluetooth version, the more stable the connection tends to be, and data transfer speeds also improve.

Furthermore, the performance of the wireless communication chip installed in the earbuds also affects connection quality and low audio latency.

Even great sound quality cannot be enjoyed if it keeps breaking up.
For a comfortable listening experience, be sure to thoroughly check connection stability.

Battery Life: Playback time with the earbuds alone and when using the charging case together

Truly wireless earbuds require charging.
Because of this, “battery life” is a factor that greatly influences daily usability.
The two key points to check are “continuous playback time with the earbuds alone” and “total playback time when using the charging case together”.

Additionally, support for “fast charging,” which provides several hours of use from a short charge, is extremely convenient if you happen to forget to charge them.
Envision your own usage style and choose a product with optimal battery performance.

Noise-Canceling Performance

Wanting to focus on music and content without worrying about train noise or city hustle and bustle.
The feature that makes this wish come true is “noise cancellation.”

The mainstream technology for this feature is “Active Noise Cancellation (ANC),” which picks up ambient noise with microphones and cancels it out by emitting sound waves with the opposite phase from the earbuds.

The effectiveness of noise cancellation varies significantly from product to product.
Some products allow you to adjust the intensity of the noise cancellation, while others automatically optimize it according to your surrounding environment.

However, it is important to note that using the noise-cancelling feature tends to drain the battery faster.
We recommend using it smartly, such as turning it off in quiet places.

Ambient Sound Mode: Clarity of surrounding sounds and natural sound quality

When listening to music with earphones, you might sometimes miss station announcements or fail to notice someone talking to you.
That is when “ambient sound mode (also referred to as transparency mode, hear-through, etc.)” comes in handy.

This feature works by using microphones built into the earphones to pick up surrounding sounds and playing them back inside the earphones, allowing you to hear external sounds even while wearing them.

Using this feature allows you to safely and smoothly handle situations without the hassle of taking off your earphones, such as when paying at a cash register, checking train announcements for your next stop, or enjoying music outdoors while staying alert to nearby car traffic.
The naturalness and volume of the captured ambient sound vary depending on the product.
If the sound is too mechanical or certain frequency ranges are overly emphasized, it can actually feel unpleasant.

If possible, we recommend actually testing out products to choose one with an ambient sound mode that sounds natural and easy for you to hear.

Water Resistance: Choosing the IPX rating that matches your usage environment, such as sweat and rain

Sweat from working out at the gym or sudden rain when you are out and about.
If you want to use your earphones with peace of mind even in such situations, checking the “water resistance” is essential.

Water resistance is indicated by an international standard called the “IPX rating,” where a higher number following “IPX” signifies a higher level of water resistance.

IPX Rating	Degree of Protection	Examples of Usage Scenarios
IPX4	Protection against water splashes from any direction	Sweat in daily life, light rain
IPX5	Protection against water jets from any direction	Sweat during sports, moderately heavy rain
IPX7	No ingress of water when temporarily immersed in water to a certain depth (1m)	Washing with water, activities with a risk of submersion

However, keep in mind that high water resistance does not mean you should intentionally wet them or wash them with soapy water, as this can cause malfunctions.
It is important to anticipate your own usage scenarios and choose earphones equipped with the necessary water-resistance rating.

Microphone Performance: Clear Voice Transmission and Noise Reduction Capabilities During Calls

Fully wireless earphones are used not just for listening to music, but also for hands-free calls and online meetings.
This is where “microphone performance” becomes crucial.
Whether your voice reaches the other person clearly and how well surrounding noise is cut out directly impacts comfortable communication.

Particular attention should be paid to the noise reduction (noise cancellation) function during calls.
When this feature is excellent, it becomes easy for the other person to hear your voice even in noisy locations, such as train platforms or windy outdoors.
Depending on the product, some models feature multiple microphones and use AI algorithms to separate and process ambient noise from the speaker’s voice, achieving even clearer audio transmission.

Because performance varies depending on the position and number of microphones as well as the installed technology, it is recommended to refer not only to specifications but also to the voices of actual users.

Fit and Comfort: Earphone Shape and Eartips for Comfort Even During Long Hours of Use

Since earphones are worn directly in the ears, “fit and comfort” is a vital factor that greatly influences comfort during extended use.
No matter how good the sound quality is or how feature-rich the device is, poor comfort will make you reluctant to use them.
Factors affecting the fit include the “shape” and “weight” of the earphone body itself, as well as the type and size of the “eartips” that touch your ears directly.

Earphone shapes include the “canal type” which inserts deeply like an earplug, the “earbud type” which rests lightly at the entrance of the ear, and the “open-ear type” which does not block the ear.
Since each offers different fit and sound isolation, choose according to your preferences and usage scenarios.

If possible, it is ideal to try them on before purchasing to confirm that they sit snugly and comfortably in your ears.

Operability: Ease of Function Control via Touch Sensors or Physical Buttons

It is extremely convenient to be able to perform various operations directly on the earphones themselves, such as playing/stopping music, adjusting volume, skipping/reversing tracks, and answering or ending calls.
This “operability” is a key factor directly tied to daily usability.

There are mainly two types of control methods: the “touch sensor type,” where you lightly tap or long-press the sides of the earphones, and the “physical button type,” where you press down until it clicks.

The touch sensor type allows for operation with light pressure, placing less strain on the ears, and many products feature a sleek appearance.
However, accidental touches can sometimes occur at unintended moments.
On the other hand, the physical button type provides a clear, tactile click for reliable operation, but some people may find the sensation of the earphones being pushed further into their ears when pressing the button to be bothersome.

Consider which control method is easier for you to use and less prone to accidental operation.
Depending on the product, you may also be able to customize the control methods using a dedicated app.

Whether you can operate frequently used functions without stress is a surprisingly important point for living a comfortable earphone lifestyle.

Price and Added Value: Balancing Desired Performance and Features Within Your Budget

Completely wireless earphones range widely in price, from those available for a few thousand yen to those costing tens of thousands of yen.
Of course, “price” is an important selection criterion, but it is essential to determine not just whether it is simply expensive or cheap, but whether it offers “added value commensurate with that price.”

Approximate Price Range	Main Features & Functions
Under 5,000 yen	Basic playback functions, SBC/AAC support, limited additional features
5,000 yen to 10,000 yen	Good sound quality, noise cancellation (entry-level), IPX4 or higher waterproof performance, basic operability
10,000 yen to 20,000 yen	High-quality codec (such as aptX) support, highly effective noise cancellation, ambient sound mode, multipoint
20,000 yen and above	Top-class sound quality, state-of-the-art noise cancellation, abundant additional features, high-quality microphone performance

The wise approach is to clearly define your budget, list the features you absolutely cannot compromise on and those you would be happy to have, and then choose the product that offers the best balance of them all.
An expensive product is not necessarily the best one for you.

Terminology and Specifications Worth Noting

When choosing truly wireless earbuds, understanding certain technical terms and convenient specifications will help you better understand the products.
Here, we explain key terms that serve as hints for your selection, specifically “Multipoint connection,” “Multipairing,” “Low latency mode,” “Dedicated app,” and “Wireless charging (Qi).”
Understanding these terms will make it easier to look at a specification table and determine, “This is a feature I need!”

What is Multipoint Connection: Simultaneous Bluetooth Connection to Multiple Devices

Multipoint connection is a feature that allows your earbuds to maintain a simultaneous Bluetooth connection with two or more devices, such as a smartphone, PC, or tablet.

For example, if you receive a phone call on your smartphone while watching a video on your PC, the earbuds will automatically switch to the audio from your smartphone, saving you the trouble of having to reconnect the earbuds.

Feature	Description
Supported Devices	Usually 2 devices, 3 or more on some models
Use Case	Convenient when using multiple devices together, such as a PC and smartphone, or tablet and smartphone
Advantages	Reduces the hassle of switching devices, seamless audio experience
Points to Note	Not all products support this feature, so check before purchasing

For those who use multiple devices on a daily basis, this is an important feature that significantly improves work efficiency and convenience.

What is Multipairing: A feature that stores pairing information for multiple devices

Multipairing is a feature that allows the earphones themselves to store Bluetooth connection settings (pairing information) for multiple devices (such as smartphones, PCs, and music players).

Once a device has been paired, there is no need to go through the pairing process again the next time you use it; you can easily switch simply by selecting it from the earphone’s connection destination list.
Many products feature this function, and generally several device configurations can be stored.

Feature	Description
Storable Devices	Varies by product, but generally around several to 8 devices
Use Case	When you want to share earphones across multiple devices, but simultaneous connection is not required
Advantages	No need to re-pair when switching connected devices
Points to Note	Unlike multipoint connection, simultaneous connection is not possible

It can be said to be an extremely convenient feature for those who want to use their earphones across multiple devices, but do not necessarily require simultaneous connection.

What is Low Latency Mode: A feature that minimizes synchronization lag between video and audio

Low latency mode is a feature that minimizes the timing gap (lag) between video and audio that tends to occur when watching videos or playing games with wireless earphones.

Particularly in action games, rhythm games, and movies, noticeable audio lag can ruin the enjoyment of the content.
Earphones equipped with low latency mode reduce this discrepancy and provide a more comfortable viewing and gaming experience.

Target Content	Video streaming, gaming (especially timing-sensitive ones)
Effect	Reduces video and audio synchronization lag
Advantages	More natural and immersive viewing experience, improved operability in gaming
Points to Note	When the mode is active, sound quality may drop slightly or battery consumption may increase

For those who want to enjoy watching videos and playing games without stress, the presence or absence of a low latency mode is an important checkpoint when choosing earphones.

What is a dedicated app: Software that provides equalizer adjustments and firmware updates

Dedicated apps are smartphone applications provided by earphone manufacturers. By using them, you can customize various functions of the earphones and keep their performance up to date.

Key features include the equalizer function, which allows you to adjust the balance of bass and treble to your preference, and firmware updates, which improve earphone operation and add new features.

Main Functions	Description
Equalizer Adjustment	Change the balance of bass, mids, and treble to your liking
Firmware Update	Fix earphone bugs, improve performance, and add new features
Operation Customization	Change the control assignments for earphone touch sensors or buttons
Noise Canceling Adjustment	Adjust noise canceling intensity and ambient sound pass-through levels
Other	Check remaining battery, find my earphones feature, tutorials, etc. (varies by product)

For those who want to pursue a more personalized usage experience or always want to use their earphones in the most up-to-date state, the provision of a dedicated app will be a major advantage.

What is wireless charging (Qi): A charging method using electromagnetic induction that eliminates the need for charging cables

Wireless charging (Qi) is an international standard that allows charging simply by placing the earphone charging case on top of dedicated equipment such as a charging pad, without connecting a cable.

With earphones compatible with this Qi standard, you can easily charge them by reusing chargers of the same Qi standard, such as wireless chargers for smartphones.
Since plugging and unplugging cables is unnecessary, it is highly convenient for those who want to keep their desk area tidy or want to reduce the hassle of charging even a little.

Features	Description
Charging Method	Electromagnetic induction
Advantages	No need to plug/unplug charging cables, share chargers, keeps desk area tidy
Disadvantages	Charging speed may be slower compared to wired charging, requires a separate charger
Checking Compatibility	Need to verify if the earphone case is compatible with the Qi standard

If you value charging ease, whether or not a pair of earbuds supports wireless charging (Qi) is definitely a point you’ll want to check when choosing your earphones.

Conclusion

There are countless types of truly wireless earbuds out there, but in this article, I—Mr. Gadget—have shared the key points to help you find a decision-making framework for figuring out what matters most to you.
I’ve carefully explained everything from basic knowledge to specific features, showing you what criteria to use to find the perfect pair for yourself.

I hope this article serves as a “compass” for anyone struggling to choose truly wireless earbuds, helping you find your ultimate partner.
Be sure to use the points explained in this article as a reference to find that one satisfying pair that will richly color your everyday life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does the battery last on truly wireless earbuds?

Battery life for truly wireless earbuds varies significantly depending on whether you use just the earbuds or combine them with the charging case.
Continuous playback time on the earbuds alone ranges by product; some models offer just a few hours, while others can play for 10 hours or more.
The charging case has enough capacity to recharge the earbuds multiple times, and many products offer a total playback time of 20 hours, with longer ones exceeding 40 hours when used with the case.
It is a good idea to choose a model with the battery performance you need, taking into consideration your commute time, time spent outside, or how many hours you use them throughout the day.
Whether they support fast charging, which lets you use them for a long time with a brief charge, is also a key point to check.

What is the specific difference between various waterproof “IPX” ratings?

IPX water-resistance ratings indicate different levels of water tolerance based on the number.
For example, IPX4 offers protection against “water splashes from any direction,” allowing you to use them with peace of mind against daily sweat or light rain.
IPX5 provides protection against “water jets from any direction,” and many products with this rating can handle heavier rain than IPX4 or intense sweat during sports.
Going even higher, IPX7 indicates a level where the device “is not inundated with water even when temporarily submerged under defined conditions of water pressure,” meaning that if you accidentally drop them in water, they may be fine if retrieved immediately.
However, keep in mind that these are test results assuming fresh water, and most products do not support soapy water, seawater, etc.
Please check the appropriate rating for your usage scenarios.

Which design is less fatiguing during prolonged use: canal-type or earbud-type (open-type)?

While fatigue during prolonged use varies depending on individual ear shapes and product designs, earbud-type models generally tend to have less pressure and are less tiring to wear for extended periods.
Earbud-type models feature an open-feeling fit because they rest lightly at the entrance of the ear canal.
On the other hand, canal-type models are inserted deeply into the ear canal like earplugs to enhance sealing performance; while they excel at sound isolation and preventing sound leakage, some people may feel a sense of pressure and experience ear pain during long hours of use.
The most reliable approach is to first consider the shape that best fits your ear anatomy and, if possible, try them on at a storefront.

Can I check which audio codecs my smartphone supports?

Whether your smartphone supports specific Bluetooth audio codecs (such as AAC or aptX) is determined primarily by the smartphone’s operating system and model.
iPhones basically support AAC.
For Android smartphones, supported codecs vary by model, but you can often check them in the device’s settings menu, particularly under advanced settings such as developer options.
Because configuration methods differ depending on the smartphone manufacturer, checking the smartphone’s instruction manual or manufacturer support page is the most reliable method.
A connection using a specific codec is established when both the earbuds and the smartphone support that same codec.

Can truly wireless earbuds be used with just one side?

Many truly wireless earbuds support using just a single earbud.
Some products refer to this as “single-ear mode” or “mono mode.”
If single-ear use is supported, you can, for example, listen to music with one ear while listening to station announcements during your commute, or make calls while keeping an ear open to ambient sounds while driving or working.
Another potential use case is extending overall battery life by alternating between the left and right earbuds.
Product specifications typically state whether single-ear use is supported, so it is a good idea to check before purchasing.

How can I check the fit if I cannot try them on at an online store?

If it is difficult to try products on beforehand when buying online, there are several ways to estimate the fit to some extent.
First, try checking the “weight” listed in the product specifications.
Generally, lighter earbud models tend to feel less burdensome on the ears.
Next, search for user reviews and feedback on the product you are considering.
Searching with keywords like “fit,” “comfort,” or “whether they cause ear pain” will reveal specific impressions and evaluations from people who have actually used them.
Additionally, check whether “the variety and sizes of included ear tips are abundant.”
Having multiple ear tips included increases the likelihood that you can find a size that comfortably fits your ears.

Thank you very much for reading to the end!

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This article was originally written in Japanese and has been translated.