Experience in choosing to buy True Wireless headphones you need to know

The market today is very diverse in True Wireless models, with different features and prices, making the choice not easy. How to find the right headset for your needs and budget? This article will share some necessary experiences, helping you better understand the important criteria when choosing to buy True Wireless headphones.

What are True Wireless headphones?

True Wireless (TWS) headphones are completely wireless headphones that do not use any wires between the two ears or to the music player. That is, it only refers to headphones with 2 separate sides, not including Bluetooth-connected headphones.

TWS is a type of headset with 2 separate sides, contained in a charging box. (Photo: Times Now)

The device works via Bluetooth connection, allowing users to listen to music, talk and control the device easily without being entangled by wires or bracelets. TWS usually comes with a compact charging case, which helps protect the headphones and prolongs their usage time.

With convenient design, True Wireless headphones are becoming more and more popular, especially among young people and people who travel frequently.

Price level

Price is the first important criterion when choosing True Wireless headphones. The current Vietnamese market is clearly divided into the following segments:

Under 1 million VND: This segment targets ordinary users with models such as Baseus WX5 or Soundpeats Free2 Classic. Despite their low prices, these products still meet basic needs such as listening to music and making phone calls, but are limited in sound quality and advanced features. In this segment, the product niche with prices under 500,000 VND has also emerged very strongly in recent times.

From 1 to 3 million VND: This is the popular mid-range with models like JBL Tune 230 TWS or Sony WF-C510, which have better sound quality and can integrate basic noise cancellation technology.

From 3 to 5 million VND: This segment currently includes products such as Sony WF-1000XM4 or Samsung Galaxy Buds 3, which stand out with active noise cancellation (ANC) technology and high-end sound quality. At this price, users can easily access some flagship lines of major brands.

Over 5 million VND: This is the high-end line with products such as Apple AirPods Pro 2 or Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4. These models offer advanced features, superior sound quality, lossless sound and premium ANC features.

Design

When choosing True Wireless headphones, style is the most important factor that affects the wearing experience. There are 3 main types: earbuds, in-ear and sports TWS.

Earbuds: Usually have an open design, only placed in the ear and not completely blocking the ear canal. The most typical example of this line is the regular AirPods models (2, 3, 4). This design allows you to still hear the surrounding environment, suitable for outdoor activities and especially need comfort for long periods of time. However, the downside is that the sound isolation is worse, and the bass is often not as strong as in-ear.

A typical representative of the earbuds type is AirPods 4. (Photo: PCMag)

In-ear: Designed with silicone or foam earplugs, in-ears are inserted deep into the ear canal, creating a higher seal. This type of TWS helps increase passive noise isolation, providing detailed sound, especially bass. This style is suitable for listening to music in noisy environments or when you need to concentrate. In-ear models also often have better active noise cancellation, with a typical example being AirPods Pro. However, because they have to be inserted deep into the ear, wearing them for a long time can cause fatigue and ear pain. In addition, you also have to pay attention to the size of the earplugs and keep them more meticulously clean than earbuds.

Meanwhile, in-ear headphones are designed to be inserted deep into the ear canal. (Photo: PC World)

Sports: Usually earbuds with an open design, but with an additional ear hook to keep them firmly in place when playing sports. This type is often comfortable to wear, has good battery life. Some products also have certain environmental and sweat resistance... A typical example is Shokz OpenFit.

Sound quality

The sound quality of True Wireless headphones depends on two main factors: hardware and codec.

Hardware: The driver (speaker membrane) plays an important role in sound reproduction, converting electrical energy into vibrations, creating sound. Common types of drivers are dynamic, balanced armature, or hybrid. Dynamic drivers usually produce powerful bass, while balanced armatures reproduce sound details better. Some high-end models use hybrids to combine the advantages of both.

Driver size is also a factor to consider. TWS typically range in size from 8mm to 13mm. Larger driver sizes, such as 13mm, can often produce more powerful bass because they can vibrate more air.

On the other hand, smaller drivers, such as 10mm, may be better suited to genres that require more precise and detailed sound, such as classical music or jazz. Smaller drivers can also provide better clarity and overall balance in the sound.

Codec: This is the audio encoding protocol between the headphones and the playback device. Common codecs include SBC (basic), AAC (good for iOS), aptX (high quality for Android) and LDAC (Hi-Res standard). High-end codecs like aptX Adaptive or LDAC help deliver clear sound, reduce latency, suitable for serious music listeners.

Some important features for the audio experience include the ability to integrate spatial audio and latency (especially necessary when watching videos and playing games).

Battery and charging case

Battery life and charging case quality are two particularly important factors when choosing to buy True Wireless headphones if you want to use them for a long time.

Battery life: Prioritize models with long batteries from the start. Most headphones today provide 4-8 hours of use per charge, a total of 20-30 hours with the charging case. However, lithium-ion batteries will wear out over time, reducing the usage time. TWS is small in size, so having a good battery available will ensure long-term use.

Charging case (quality of construction): A sturdy, non-flimsy charging case will protect your headphones better. If the case is poorly designed, the headphones can easily fall out, damaging the internal components. Choose products with sturdy hinges and durable outer shells to ensure the safety of the headphones during use and travel. Some product lines have screens on the charging case, but in my experience, most of them are just for fun and not very practical.

Control

Current True Wireless headset models are often equipped with touch sensors or physical buttons for control, helping users to easily operate without using the phone. You will especially need to pay attention to this feature set if you often use it when exercising, sleeping, doing housework...

Touch: Popular in mid-range and high-end headphones, with operations such as tapping once to play/pause music, tapping twice to change songs or receive calls, holding to activate virtual assistant or noise cancellation mode (ANC)...

Physical buttons: Usually found on sports or cheap headphones. They provide a firm, less confusing pressing feeling, but sometimes put pressure on the ear when operating. The advantage is that they will not be affected by water or sweat.

Noise cancellation and connectivity

TWS headphones today often integrate two types of noise cancellation: active noise cancellation (ANC) and passive noise cancellation. ANC helps eliminate ambient noise using sound processing technology, ideal for crowded places or places with annoying background sounds such as air conditioning, airplane engines... Passive noise cancellation depends on the design of the earplugs, physically blocking outside sounds.

ANC works by listening to environmental sounds and then creating reverse sound waves to cancel out that noise. (Photo: Apple0

However, in my experience, TWS headphones often can't compare to over-ear headphones in the same segment in terms of noise cancellation due to size limitations, so if you really prioritize noise cancellation, consider headphones.

In terms of connectivity, Bluetooth 5.4 and above are common, with more stable connection range and better battery life. High-end models often feature advanced Bluetooth chips from Qualcomm or Apple H1, supporting codecs like aptX or LDAC, reducing latency and improving sound quality.

Quartz

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/kinh-nghiem-chon-mua-tai-nghe-true-wireless-can-biet-ar910047.html