Earbuds

Essential earbud features

Modern earbuds offer 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 cancelling (ANC), is a technology that actively suppresses ambient noise. Tiny microphones on the outside of the earbuds pick up ambient sounds, after which the earbuds generate an opposing sound wave to filter out the disruptive 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 the ear canal with ergonomic eartips.

Bluetooth connection

Most modern earbuds connect wirelessly to your smartphone, tablet or laptop via Bluetooth. The Bluetooth version matters here: a higher version provides a more stable connection, lower energy 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

Battery life determines how long you can listen without interruption. With most true wireless earbuds, the battery lasts five to eight hours on a full charge. With the included charging case, you can recharge your earbuds on the go, which often doubles or triples the total listening time. Some models feature fast charging: just fifteen minutes in the case is enough for several hours of listening. That way you're always guaranteed music, even on long travel days.

Built-in microphone

A built-in microphone lets you make hands-free calls. You answer calls with a simple tap or button press, without having to take your phone out of your pocket. On higher-quality models, the microphone comes with noise cancelling, so your voice comes through clear and understandable, even in busy environments. This makes earbuds with a microphone ideal for business users and people who often call or hold meetings on the go.

Touch controls

With touch controls, you manage music, calls and volume directly from the earbuds themselves. One tap pauses the music, two taps skips a track, and a tap and drag adjusts the volume. Some models let you switch noise cancelling on or off via touch controls, or activate a voice assistant. This makes the controls intuitive and fast, without having to reach for your smartphone.

Water resistance

Water-resistant earbuds have an IPX rating that indicates how well the earbuds hold up against moisture. An IPX4 rating means the earbuds are resistant to sweat and splashes, which makes them suitable for working out in the rain or intense training sessions. More expensive models go further with IPX5 or higher, letting them withstand a heavy downpour or even a brief submersion. For fitness users and athletes, water resistance is therefore an important feature to watch out for.

What should you look for when choosing earbuds?

With so much choice, it's good to know what to look for before making 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 shape matches the contour of your ear. Most models come with multiple sizes of eartips, so you can choose the right size for optimal comfort and sound isolation. Especially during prolonged use, an ergonomic fit is essential.
• Sound quality: pay attention to specifications such as bass response, 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 calls and meetings, voice quality and microphone quality matter most.
• Battery life: check how long the earbuds last on a full charge and what the total listening time is including the charging case. For everyday 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 want to use the earbuds in bad weather too? Then choose a model with an IPX rating. 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 based on specifications and reviews to make the best choice for your budget.

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

Buying earbuds at Techpunt?

Looking for a new pair of earbuds? Then you've come to the right place at Techpunt. As an official distributor of both Xiaomi and QCY, China's largest manufacturer of wireless bluetooth earbuds, we have the largest and most complete selection in the Benelux. From compact true wireless earbuds for everyday use to powerful sports earbuds with noise cancelling: here you'll always find the model that perfectly matches your needs.

Order placed before 8:00 PM? Then your new earbuds will simply be 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 team that answers all your questions quickly and expertly. View our full range, compare models and order your favorite earbuds at Techpunt today.