Every time before I leave my house, I would stare at my collection of true wireless earbuds and I would ask myself the same question: which TWS should I bring with me? The answer depends on where I am going to use the earbuds, and after reading this post, you will find out why the earbuds are my favourites.
For a detailed explanation of my assessment, watch the video:
Klipsch T5 True Wireless – Favourite Carry-Anywhere
It’s my favourite because of the gorgeous Zippo-like case that I can slip into my pocket without worries of getting maimed by my car keys. It’s my favourite because the ear tips are so small and comfortable. It’s my favourite because the audio quality is neutral and detailed.
It fares poorly in connectivity, so it poses a challenge when using in high radio activity places like shopping mall. It fares poorly in microphone, so I cannot carry out decent teleconversations.
Plantronics BackBeat PRO 5100 – Favourite Compact
It’s also my favourite to bring out because the case is compact, the earbuds are tiny and comfortable, and the audio quality is exceptional. Love the transparent treble – not Sennheiser or RHA transparent, but clear enough to bring musical depth without exaggeration. Bass delivery is also full and firm without going overboard. My friend recently bought it and dethroned his Sony WF-1000XM3. While the Sony can adjust EQ through the app, the Plantronics offer better bass delivery and slightly more sparkling treble at the expense of midrange, a typical V-shaped sound signature.
Sony WF-1000XM3 – Favourite ANC and Best in TWS Technology
There is no doubt that these are the best-sounding best-feature packed best-value true-wireless earbuds in the market. The only reason for not using it as often is the bulky case and the equally chunky earbuds. But if you must have the best, you got to compromise. Its active noise cancelling is the best among the TWS, no fight. If that’s all you care for, this is the one to get. But if you need a balance of design and function, there are 2 other TWS ANC contenders to consider.
Master & Dynamic MW07 PLUS – Favourite Premium Style
When it comes to design, MW07 PLUS takes the cake. The polished case is a visual magnet, and the unique acetate earbuds are fit for the fashion-seekers. It even comes with ANC and Ambient Listening modes, while not as superior as the Sony, at least you have them in the earbuds to use them when you need it. If I’m dressed to the nine, the MW07 PLUS is the earbuds to bring along.
Creative Outlier Air/Gold – Favourite $100 Earbuds
Launched in Mar 2019, the Outlier Air goes for below $100, and 2 months later, the Outlier Gold retails at S$139 but often gets discounted in the Creative online store. These models runs on premium Qualcomm QCC3028 wireless audio chip with aptX, and stores over 30 hours of battery life in the case. The Outlier Gold also supports Super X-Fi which received enormous attention in the audio industry, and the recent Gen2 Profile update delivers improved audio experience. These are all-rounder TWS that became the product for the rest of the brands to benchmark against.
Audio Technica ATH-CK3TW – Favourite $200 Earbuds
I only reviewed this a few weeks back, and already I love it. Not just the sound, but the overall user experience. Treble clarity without harsh, bass firm and packed without boomy. Just like the BackBeat PRO 5100, only cheaper and less frills. But still, it comes with touch controls, auto-pause sensor, and compact case with easy-to-remove earbuds (hate those earbuds that needed digging into the case to pry them out).
What Is Your Favourite Listening Profile?
People always ask which earbuds are “the best”, but everyone has different listening preferences. I do not like to blindly recommend earbuds. Even this article is focusing on “MY FAVOURITE”, not about “THE BEST”. Drop me a comment and describe your listening profile – heavy bass, clear treble, loud vocals, genre types, etc. And we’ll figure out an ideal earbuds for you. Or you can just visit one of the popular electronic/headphone shops where they generously offer demo units for you to test.