This guide offers tips for purchasing wireless earbuds, covering factors such as price, technology options like Bluetooth and Kleer, transmitter requirements, comfort, battery life, and sound quality.
Mobile communication is the buzzword these days. More and more advanced technological enhancements and products are being developed faster than consumers can handle. Previously, you either had to lug a bulky portable radio and cassette player or CD player, but now you can use enhanced-function cell phones and MP3 players.
What is annoying is that when using some of these electronic gadgets, it is inevitable that you will have to use wired earphones attached to a source, like your MP3 player or mobile phone, for discreet listening to your favorite music while on the go or for receiving and making calls. They either dangle around your neck or from your lapel when not in use, or worse, you roll them up and put them in your pocket or handbag. Problems crop up the next time you want to use these earphones or earbuds, for oftentimes, they end up in a tangled mess.
Bluetooth® technology solved that problem for new models of cell phones and is now being extended to MP3 players with the introduction of wireless earbuds.
Before rushing out to buy a pair of wireless earbuds, here are some tips to guide you in making the right choice.
- Because wireless earbuds are new, the price is still a bit steep. Currently, prices range from about $35 for a simple model to about $300 for a high-end model. A Sennheiser MX W1 sells for up to $500.
- There are two types of technology employed for wireless earbuds: Bluetooth®, which is common in new models of cell phones and other electronic gadgets, and Kleer technology, which offers better sound quality, greater range from the source, and less power consumption. Sennheiser and DigiFi are some of the brands that use Kleer technology.
- Check if your MP3 player has a built-in transmitter. If your MP3 player is not equipped with one, you will have to buy a transmitter as well as the wireless earbuds. Bluetooth®-enabled earbuds may or may not include a transmitter, so you need to check. Kleer-enabled wireless earbuds are sold with a transmitter included.
- Some wireless earbuds can be used with your MP3 player and cell phone simultaneously with the switch of a button. Be sure to look into this dual functionality.
- A wireless earbud model may still be connected together with a central unit located behind the head when in use. Some come as separate earbuds with the wireless signal integrated into each piece.
- Consider the weight of the earbuds, as you will be using them for extended periods of time. Another thing to consider is how the earbuds fit in your ear canal and their ability to stay in place while on the go. Some earbuds can be used while exercising, jogging, or running. Check if the earbuds are sweat- and water-resistant.
- Check for noise reduction capability so you can enjoy your music without outside interference.
- Ensure you get maximum use from a full charge. Battery life should last from six to ten hours per full charge. Consider one with a built-in battery charging function.
- Lastly, and perhaps the most important consideration, is the sound quality the earbuds will produce.
You will have to read the reviews and testing done on these products before you buy, as it is most unlikely that you will be allowed to open a pack and test each one, unless of course there is a demo unit that you can try.
How to Buy Wireless Earbuds
This guide offers tips for purchasing wireless earbuds, covering factors such as price, technology options like Bluetooth and Kleer, transmitter requirements, comfort, battery life, and sound quality.
Mobile communication is the buzzword these days. More and more advanced technological enhancements and products are being developed faster than consumers can handle. Previously, you either had to lug a bulky portable radio and cassette player or CD player, but now you can use enhanced-function cell phones and MP3 players.
What is annoying is that when using some of these electronic gadgets, it is inevitable that you will have to use wired earphones attached to a source, like your MP3 player or mobile phone, for discreet listening to your favorite music while on the go or for receiving and making calls. They either dangle around your neck or from your lapel when not in use, or worse, you roll them up and put them in your pocket or handbag. Problems crop up the next time you want to use these earphones or earbuds, for oftentimes, they end up in a tangled mess.
Bluetooth® technology solved that problem for new models of cell phones and is now being extended to MP3 players with the introduction of wireless earbuds.
Before rushing out to buy a pair of wireless earbuds, here are some tips to guide you in making the right choice.
- Because wireless earbuds are new, the price is still a bit steep. Currently, prices range from about $35 for a simple model to about $300 for a high-end model. A Sennheiser MX W1 sells for up to $500.
- There are two types of technology employed for wireless earbuds: Bluetooth®, which is common in new models of cell phones and other electronic gadgets, and Kleer technology, which offers better sound quality, greater range from the source, and less power consumption. Sennheiser and DigiFi are some of the brands that use Kleer technology.
- Check if your MP3 player has a built-in transmitter. If your MP3 player is not equipped with one, you will have to buy a transmitter as well as the wireless earbuds. Bluetooth®-enabled earbuds may or may not include a transmitter, so you need to check. Kleer-enabled wireless earbuds are sold with a transmitter included.
- Some wireless earbuds can be used with your MP3 player and cell phone simultaneously with the switch of a button. Be sure to look into this dual functionality.
- A wireless earbud model may still be connected together with a central unit located behind the head when in use. Some come as separate earbuds with the wireless signal integrated into each piece.
- Consider the weight of the earbuds, as you will be using them for extended periods of time. Another thing to consider is how the earbuds fit in your ear canal and their ability to stay in place while on the go. Some earbuds can be used while exercising, jogging, or running. Check if the earbuds are sweat- and water-resistant.
- Check for noise reduction capability so you can enjoy your music without outside interference.
- Ensure you get maximum use from a full charge. Battery life should last from six to ten hours per full charge. Consider one with a built-in battery charging function.
- Lastly, and perhaps the most important consideration, is the sound quality the earbuds will produce.
You will have to read the reviews and testing done on these products before you buy, as it is most unlikely that you will be allowed to open a pack and test each one, unless of course there is a demo unit that you can try.
How to Buy Wireless Earbuds
By Howtodotips
This guide offers tips for purchasing wireless earbuds, covering factors such as price, technology options like Bluetooth and Kleer, transmitter requirements, comfort, battery life, and sound quality.