What Is The Best Bluetooth Earphone: Welcome To Advanced Wireless

What Is The Best Bluetooth Earphone: Welcome To Advanced Wireless

The latest Apple AirPods have changed the way I connect to my music. I must admit that when I first heard about the Apple wireless earphones I wasn’t sure what all the hype was about. That all changed when my pair of AirPods arrived. I took them out of the case and they automatically switched on and immediately linked to my iPhone and iPad Pro.

They are remarkably clever and will automatically start playing audio the moment you place them in your ears. They will also stop the music when you remove them from your ears. If you need to rewind or skip a track, lower or raise the volume, make a phone call or get route guidance, simply tap twice to access Siri and tell her what you want to do.

What Technology Is Inside The AirPods?

Apple-Airpods-Bluetooth-Wireless-Earphone-In-Ear-Headset-(Latest-Version)The AirPods are powered by a customised Apple W1 chip together with optical sensors and a motion accelerometer to sense when you put them on. The tiny W1 chip will direct the audio and microphone to tailor audio within the AirPods, whether you’ve got both of them on or just one.

If you’re taking a call or prompting Siri, the AirPods will trigger an extra accelerometer with beamforming microphones to tune out surrounding noise and emphasise your voice so that the caller on the other end or Siri can hear you clearly.

Efficient Battery Gives You More Time To Play Music

Power conservation is a key priority and the W1 chip distributes battery life efficiently so that the AirPods can last up to a pleasant 5 hours on a single charge. In addition to this, the charging case will reserve extra charges so that you can top up your AirPods and not worry about battery life throughout the day.

A fast 15-minute charge will provide 3 hours runtime plus the carry case will hold enough charge to extend the battery life performance for 24 hours. If you need to see the remaining battery life, simply position the AirPods near your iPhone or you can ask Siri to tell you how much battery is left on your AirPods.

AirPods Are The Best Wireless headphones

Apple-Airpods-Bluetooth-Wireless-Headphone-In-Ear-EarphoneFirst time set up is easy and takes just one tap. After this, your AirPods will link to your Apple devices automatically and always stay connected.

They work great on whatever device whether it’s the Apple watch, iPad, Mac or iPhone.

Audio Quality is Outstanding.

Apple W1 chip delivers ultra-efficient wireless so that your audio is better connected with rich sound.

Your music will sound better and movies will be given extra depth thanks to the clear, high-quality AAC audio that streams straight to your ears.

Using the Apple AirPods (My Experience)

From the moment I placed the AirPods into my ears, I knew they were a game-changer. The charging case is cleverly moulded with curved edges for comfortable handling and transportation in your bag or pocket. The case provides a safe place to store and charge the AirPods.

Opening the lid reveals the AirPods resting snug inside, waiting to be placed in your ears. Pairing is immediate and by the time you put on the AirPods they are already connected to your iPhone, iPad and other Apple devices. There are no annoying settings to tweak or pairing codes to fiddle with, the earphones work straight away.

My ear canal is quite small and I wasn’t sure how well the AirPods would fit. I was worried that they’d get uncomfortable with extended use, but they fit perfectly and I’m even using them right now as I write this article. They don’t fall out and are now my best companion for long typing sessions and watching movies. The AirPods stay comfortably inside my ear for hours.

apple-wireless-airpodsGiven the size of the AirPods, I wasn’t expecting the audio to come anywhere close to full-sized headphones. In fact, the tiny Apple W1 chip refines and produces better sounding audio than a lot of headphones that I’ve tested. With this level of depth and audio clarity, you could easily forget that it’s being transmitted wirelessly.

The main issue with former Bluetooth earphones that I’ve tried is the audio quality which often lacked the richness offered by the AirPods, plus there was a tendency of losing connection which resulted in needing to disconnect and pair the earphones again.

You should be aware that the AirPods are not noise-cancelling earphones, they do not have rubber seals to keep out surrounding noise. If you are going to be using them during noisy commutes on the train or plane, expect them to let in a bit of background noise.

Apple-Airpods-Bluetooth-Wireless-Headphone-In-EarWireless is the way forward. I like that there are no wires that get caught onto my clothes and yanks out the earphones or those annoying moments when wires get tangled up. My head can move freely without worrying about wires.

Another neat feature is the auto-pause function which pauses the music momentarily when I remove one of the AirPods from my ear to talk to someone (in person). The music resumes as soon as I place the AirPod back into my ear. If the music is stopped for an extended period, simply tap twice and ask Siri to resume playing. It’s as simple as that.

For Siri to activate, you will need to use the AirPods over WiFi or through your iPhone signal. To be honest, I rarely spoke to Siri prior to using the AirPods. I now engage with Siri a lot more especially to make calls, I simply tap and say “Call wife” and the call goes straight through.

Apple AirPods Product Rating

Apple-Airpods-Bluetooth-Wireless-Headphone-In-Ear-EarphonesApple AirPods are the most advanced wireless earphones that I’ve used to date. Customer feedback has been very strong with most users praising the Airpods for rich, clear audio and an easier platform to enjoy music without interruptions or connectivity issues.

Product Rating: 9/10 

Where Can You Buy The Apple AirPods?

Find the best prices for the Apple AirPods By Clicking Here

Apple-Airpods-Bluetooth-Wireless-Headphone-In-Ear-Headset-(Latest-Version)Product Specs

  • Bluetooth / Wireless
  • Weight: AirPods (each): 4 g (0.14 ounces)
  • Weight: Charging Case: 38 g (1.34 ounces).

Dimensions

  • AirPods (each): 16.5×18.0x40.5 mm (0.65×0.71×1.59 inches).
  • Charging Case: 44.3×21.3×53.5 mm (1.74×0.84 by 2.11 inches).

Connections

  • AirPods: Bluetooth.
  • Charging Case: Lightning connector.

AirPods Sensors (each):

  • Dual beam-forming microphones.
  • Motion-detecting accelerometer.
  • Speech-detecting accelerometer.
  • Dual optical sensors.

Power and Battery

Apple-Airpods-Bluetooth-Wireless-Headphone-In-Ear-HeadsetAirPods Power with Charging / Carrying Case:

  • More than 24 hours of listening time.
  • Up to 11 hours of talk time.
  • 15 minutes in the case gives 3 hours listening time or over an hour of talk time.

AirPods Power (on a single charge):

  • Up to 5 hours of listening time.
  • Up to 2 hours of talking time.

System Requirements

  • iPad, iPhone and iPod touch models with iOS 10 or later.
  • Mac models with macOS Sierra or later.
  • Apple Watch models with watchOS 3 or later.

The Bottom Line

Apple has designed a great pair of earphones that take advantage of the best wireless capabilities to stream clear audio without the need to mess around with settings. The AirPods are remarkably better than the standard wired EarPods and it’s worth investing in a pair.

Apple-Airpods-Wireless-Earphone-In-Ear-Headset-(Latest-Version)

Are the AirPods the best Bluetooth earphone currently available? Absolutely. They are extremely advanced and the pairing technology is cutting edge, but what stands out the most is the dynamic powerful audio which I didn’t expect from a set of wireless earphones so small. Once again, Apple has designed a user-friendly product that compliments other Apple devices and makes the most of existing technologies like Siri.

Are you considering buying the Apple AirPods or do you already own a pair? Please leave your comments in the section below. I’d love to see your opinions.

Recommended Reading: Best Wireless Headphones For Running

Best Wireless Headphones For Running

Running is tough at the best of times but it’s much easier with the right accessories to keep you motivated. Today I’ve summed up a quick review of the best wireless headphone for running. If you’re searching for a pair of Bluetooth earphones strong enough to withstand the outdoor elements and powerful enough to enrich your running playlist you won’t find anything better whether you’re a beginner or a pro runner.

The Bose Sound Sport wireless headphones are a wireless and stylish piece of kit with rich audio quality accustomed to Bose. You can concentrate on running without the distraction of wires and enjoy the best uninterrupted wireless technology.

The ear tips are designed to stay fixed for stability and provide a better running experience. They are made from a comfortable silicone material with a distinctive outline that provides a snug fit and ensures that the earphones don’t fall out during your workout.

Bose soundsport headphone Wireless

Pairing your earphones to your music player or phone is made simple thanks to the latest Bluetooth and NFC technology with assisted voice prompts. You can use the onboard mic and remote to adjust volume, skip through songs and answer phone calls (if you really need to).

Bose Sound Sport wireless earphones can withstand sweat and weather and are fitted with a lithium-ion battery that keeps the earphones pumping your tunes for 6 hours on a full charge.

If you’ve ever owned a cheap pair of wireless earphones you’ll immediately notice the improvement in sound superiority and build quality from the Bose Sound Sport. Below is a detailed breakdown and ratings based on my user experience:

How Do The Bose Wireless Earphones Sound?

Bose soundsport headphone Wireless exerciseGiven the portable size of these earphones, there is no compromise with audio quality. The low end delivers warm rich bass and the mids are crystal clear. I was expecting a slight loss of quality when comparing the Sound Sport to wired headphones but personally, I’d say these are among the best earphones I’ve listened to (wired or wireless).

I would even go as far as using these headphones for everyday usage, my daily commutes and when travelling. They are much more than just headphones for sport and I’m pleasantly happy about this.

Sound Score: 10/10

Do The Bose Sound Sport Earphones Fit Nicely inside the ear?

Yes. My ear canals are quite small and I struggle to use standard-sized earbuds. The housing which contains the battery and electronics is a medium size but this doesn’t compromise the fit for the inner earpieces. They are several sizes provided in the package to accommodate ears of all sizes (including my small ears).

Ear Fit Score: 8/10

Charging Your Sound Sport Earphones

There is a charging port conveniently located on one side of the earphones which smoothly connects to the USB cable without any risk of damaging the earphones. I have no complaints here.

Ease of Charging Score: 9/10

Are the Sound Sport Earphones Comfortable During Exercise?

Bose soundsport headphone Wireless fitnessDepending on the size of your ears you could argue that the Sound Sport earphones are larger than standard-sized earphones but even so, this does not take away from how comfortable they feel during usage.

Once you’ve placed them on, they will stay fixed to your ears regardless of how fast you run.

Bose Sound Sport Comfort Score: 10/10

Bose Sound Sport Pricing

Bose is a premium brand and you could say that these are premium wireless sports earphones. You might pay slightly more for the Sound Sport but you will get the reassurance that they will last much longer than anything else you will buy.

The headphones are priced around $149, at the time of writing, but the long lifespan and reliable Bose customer service will save you money in the long term.

Bose Sound Sport Pricing Score: 7/10

Bose Connect app

The Bose Connect app ensures that you can get to your workout playlist quickly without delaying your running or exercise. The app is free to download and enables you to easily link and change between your devices.

Bose-soundsport-Wireless-app

The app is user-friendly and offers clever ways to use your headphones and customise your settings so that you can connect to the music you need to keep you motivated.

Another useful hidden feature is the ability for the Bose app to read your pulse through the earbuds. This is a beneficial feature not just for running but for other types of exercise like cycling, aerobics and weight training.

What Else Should You Know About The Sound Sport?

  • The control buttons take some getting used to but are easy to use. The buttons are big and require a bit of pressure when pressed but this didn’t distract me from my running.
  • Bose states that the battery life lasts up to 6 hours but I managed to squeeze out a decent 7 hours from the Sound Sport, which is a nice bonus.
  • The carry case is strong and incredibly useful for keeping the headphones and spare earbuds safe.

 

What is included with the Sound Sport wireless headphones?

  • Sound Sport wireless headphones.
  • Stay Hear+ tips.
  • USB charging cable.
  • Carry Case.

bose_soundsport_in_the_box

Bose SoundSport Wireless Headphones Product Rating

The Bose SoundSport Headphones are robust and practical for an active lifestyle that extends beyond running. The earphones are the preferred choice for runners and athletes owing to the balance between rich sound, good battery life and premium materials that are resilient to the rigours of demanding exercise. Sound Sport scores very high.

Product Rating: 8/10 

Where Can You Buy The Bose SoundSport Wireless Headphones

Find the best prices for the Bose SoundSport Headphones By Clicking Here

bose-premium-soundsport-earphones

Bose soundsport headphone Wireless runningConclusion

In summary, the Bose Sound Sport earphones are highly recommended and are the best wireless headphone for running. Bose are the connoisseurs of superior sound reproduction and this is evident when using the Sound Sport.

Bose SoundSport Wireless is incredibly comfortable to wear for long periods and sounds amazing. I can go out for my run knowing that the battery won’t die midway through training (I’ll never run for more than 6 hours in a single session). Bose is still a frontrunner for delivering high-quality sound to your ears through Bluetooth.

Are you considering buying the Bose SoundSport Wireless Headphones or do you already own a pair? Please leave your comments in the section below. I’d love to hear from you.

Recommended Reading: The Best Fitness Trackers For Runners

Bose Ear Headphones Review. Does Soundlink AE2 Live Up To The Hype?

Bose Ear Headphones Review

The latest wireless offering from Bose is a pair of headphones that wrap around the ear. The Bose Soundlink around-ear wireless headphones 2. It’s a bit of a mouthful but given the solid performance of all Bose products I think this can easily be forgiven.

In this Bose Ear Headphones review I’ll be looking at the features, aesthetics and whether the headphones truly live up to the brand’s reputation.

Product Review: Bose SoundLink Around-Ear (AE) Wireless Headphones II
Colours Available: Black, White
Guarantee: 1-year Limited Warranty
Product Rating: 8 out of 10 ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Bose-SoundLink-around-ear-wireless-headphones-II

The Soundlink around-ear (AE) 2 is the wireless version of the SoundTrue 2 headphones. Both have been remodeled to look stylish, smaller and lighter than their predecessors.

Bose has done a good job removing the bulk from the earlier models, which looked awkwardly huge if you have a big head like mine.

The headphones are not noise-canceling, however, if it’s active noise cancellation that you’re after then I recommend you check out the wired Bose QC25 which are undoubtedly a front runner, if not the best, at canceling out ambient noise.

Quality

As you’d expect from a Bose product the Soundlink AE 2 is built to look and feel similar to premium products in its class and closely resembles the Bose QC25 headphones.

You will find similar quality and craftsmanship such as the foam band’s lining which is Alcantara and leather, the handles that support the earcups are strengthened by aluminum rails. I’m sold already…

Bose-SoundLink-AE-wireless-headphones-II

The ear cups rotate 90 degrees and can pivot to comfortably fit on most heads. Each side of the ear cups is labelled accordingly to identify left from right. They can be worn comfortably for long periods (more details below).

If you are on the move, a case is provided although the case itself isn’t that large, but it’s nothing major to get worried about. The outer material of the case is half soft leather and half fabric.

The inner material is felt-lined with a neoprene pouch for the cables that come with the package.    

Cables 

Even though these are wireless headphones, you will find a 2.5mm input on the left earcup which allows you to insert the supplied cable for a wired connection.

The cable is about 1m 16cm in length and is long enough to put your phone in your jacket pocket. Bose has made sure that the cable can’t easily be pulled out once secured in its input.

A USB charging cable, to juice up the headphones, is also included. 

Bose-SoundLink-around-ear-wireless-headphones-II

Functional Buttons

The right ear cup houses the volume button with a play and pause feature in the center that can be identified and accessed very easily. Cleverly, the central play/pause button can be used to answer and end phone calls.

There’s also an on / off switch that also gives voice prompts of the current connected device and remaining battery life. How smart is that?

Battery life

A micro-USB can be found at the bottom of the right earcup for a convenient way to charge the headphones using the USB cable mentioned earlier. Bose has done a brilliant job by incorporating a quick charging system into the Soundlink AE 2.

A quick 15-minute charge will give you an impressive 2 hours use. A full charge will take 3 hours and give you 15 hours usage. Battery life is on par with rival headphones which range between 12-15 hours of battery use.

Bose-SoundLink-around-ear-wireless-headphones-II-review

Weight and Comfort

Soundlink AE 2 is extremely comfortable and surprisingly lighter than they look. Similar to the Bose QC25 they weigh 192 grams / 6.9 Ounces.

The light design complements the minimalist cushions perfectly. You would have no discomfort wearing the headphones for more than 3 hours as they don’t clamp too much on your head.

All in all, I would say that these are one of the most comfortable headphones I’ve tried. A slight drawback is that there is a bit of sound leakage at louder volumes compared to other headphones.    

Most Importantly, How Do They Sound?

Bose has traditionally stuck to a relatively flat sound which I prefer because it’s not too overwhelming on the Bass (like Beats Headphones) or the high notes, but at the same time it remains rich and you never feel underwhelmed.

The Soundlink AE II headphones offer a neutral tone that caters to a spectrum of genres including but not limited to rock, classical and string music.

Bose-SoundLink-around-ear-wireless-headphones-II

The headphones work well with Hip-hop, Reggae, Rap, EMD, Drum and Bass genres although I would suggest fine-tuning the sound with your mobile device equalizer if you require the bass to stand out more, personally I thought the bass was sufficient enough to enjoy these genres.     

The Soundlink AE II provides clarity and a distortion-free listening experience. Bose has provided a good balance of bass that’s enough to enjoy, the vocals and highs don’t cause your ears to ring!

For premium headphones, the Soundlink does well with audio separation and distinguishing different sounds. 

Pros:

  • Lightweight design.
  • Comfortable to wear for extended periods.
  • 15 minutes quick charge.
  • Premium build.

Cons:

  • Sound leakage.

Cheapest place to Buy The Bose Soundlink AE II 

US: Check current prices and more positive reviews here
UK: Check current prices and more positive reviews here

Conclusion

True to Bose’s reputation the AE 2 is a statement of simplified luxury with no compromise on quality. The headphones are sturdy and well put together. 

Overall, if you’re after a pair of headphones that will provide you with a rich, balanced audio quality, a sturdy premium build that’s lighter than any other headphones you’ve tried, then the Soundlink AE II’s are definitely worth considering.  

Thanks for dropping by to scope out the Bose ear headphones review and if you are considering purchasing the Soundlink AE 2 or already own a pair, please let me know what you think in the comments section below.

Further headphone details and specs are also provided below. 

Bose-SoundLink-AE-wireless-headphones-II-review

In the box

  • SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones II.
  • USB charging cable.
  • Backup audio cable.
  • Carry case.
Dimensions  Headphones
Height 19.05 cm
Width 15.24 cm
Depth 3.81 cm
Weight 199.00 g
Dimensions Earcups
Height 9.70 cm
Weight 7.40 cm
Wireless Range Up to 9m
Charging Time 3 hours full charge = 15 hours playtime (15-minute quick charge = 2 hours playtime)

Owners Manual

Bose Ear Headphones Review

Skullcandy Wireless Headphones. They’re Cheap But Are They Cheerful?

Skullcandy Wireless Headphones

The Skullcandy Hesh 2 wireless headphones are a cheaper alternative to the pricier premium brands, Does cheap mean that you are getting an inferior product? Definitely not.

Skullcandy is known for their wacky coloured headphones that appeal to a younger audience but surprisingly, they’ve given us an option of a modest black for the conservative music listener. Let’s have a look at how these headphones performed.

Product Review: Skullcandy Hesh 2 Wireless Headphones

Price:  $96.99 

Colours Available: Black, White, Camouflage

Guarantee: 1-year Limited Warranty 

Jay’s Expert rating: 7 out of 10 ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

 

Skullcandy Hesh 2-wireless headphones
 
 

To start off with, the headphones deliver a great clean sound without too much bass. If you’ve tried Beats headphones you’ll know what I mean.

Skullcandy scores some really high marks in the comfort department. You’ll have no issue keeping them on for 5+ hours, an impressive feat for headphones in this priced at this level.

The rubbery plastic material feels durable and looks just as good. At this point, I’m wondering if there are any compromises to what feels like a great pair of wireless headphones. Syncing to my iPhone was a doddle and took mere seconds to connect. They even spoke to me to confirm when the pairing was complete.

Skullcandy-Hesh 2 wireless-

A minor issue that could be improved is, the music playback resumed on my phone’s speaker (rather than the headphone) if I answered a call using my phone instead of the headphone. The best way to get round this is to use the onboard controls to answer calls. Easy enough

    Skullcandy Hesh 2 wireless

The wireless range was decent, I could go between rooms and even upstairs away from my iPhone and the music didn’t get interrupted. Not bad for cheap headphones!

As mentioned earlier, I was able to keep the headphones on for more than 5 hours at a go and had no issues. The comfortable “ear pillows” on these cans is probably the best point. 

Recharging is done using the supplied micro USB cable which connects to a port that is cleverly tucked away in the ear pad. 

Skullcandy-Hesh 2 wireless- headphones

Pros:

  • Great Sound.
  • Impressive Range between phone and headphone.
  • Passive Noise Cancelling.
  • Connectivity is flawless.
  • Well positioned, sturdy controls on the ear cup.
  • The comfort matches and even exceeds some premium headphones (can be worn for long periods).
  • Good Battery life which will see you through the day
  • Will play while it’s charging, not a standard feature in this genre
  • Stylish design and feel. Strong materials

Cons:

  • They can’t be folded for travel or storage.
  • Slightly on the heavy side.

Skullcandy Hesh 2 wireless headphones

Conclusion

Skullcandy has forged a fantastic pair of headphones that eliminate the need to splash out on a pair of expensive Beats headphones.

The Hesh 2 look stylish and sound great. It holds its own when put through its paces and can be used with most, if not all, music genres and handles it all very gracefully.

They are also great if you enjoy listening to podcasts, audiobooks, or watching movies / YouTube videos on your phone, tablet or laptop. 

Are you thinking of buying a pair of Skullcandy’s Hesh 2 headphones or already own a pair? Please share your thoughts and drop a few comments below. Thanks for reading. 

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