[2023 Edition] Recommended True Wireless Earphones for Beginners

With the release of Apple’s AirPods, true wireless earbuds have become a staple for telecommuting and online meetings. As we start a new spring season, many of you may be considering debuting with true wireless earbuds.
Here, we introduce three noteworthy true wireless earphones that are perfect as entry-level models with satisfying sound quality.

But first, let’s address the points that might seem confusing when choosing wireless earbuds.
Here are some tips to help you find your favorite pair.

1．What are True Wireless Earphones?

True wireless earbuds, also known as truly wireless or TWS (True Wireless Stereo) earbuds, are completely separate earphones with no connecting cable between the left and right earpieces.
They are called in several ways.

They are characterized by their earplug-like fit.
The stress-free experience of using earbuds without any cables can become indispensable once you try it.
The main points to consider when choosing wireless earbuds are as follows:

①Bluetooth Codec
②Bluetooth Version
③Battery Life

2．What is a Bluetooth Codec?

A Bluetooth codec is a standard for compressing and converting audio data to transfer it from Bluetooth devices like smartphones to wireless earbuds.
There are seven main types of codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX-HD, LDAC, apt-X LL, and apt-X adaptive.

SBC (SubBand Codec)
SBC is the standard codec for almost all Bluetooth wireless earbuds.
It’s said to affect sound quality with latency and high-frequency degradation but is generally sufficient for everyday use.
Latest wireless earbuds offer good sound quality.

AAC (Advanced Audio Coding)
AAC is known for no time lag during audio transmission and no high-frequency degradation, enabling high-quality wireless audio.
This codec is mainly used in iOS products (like iPhones) and is also found in most recent Android smartphones.

aptX
aptX is said to provide better sound quality than AAC.
It’s mainly adopted in Android smartphones.
It has lower latency than AAC and is known for high-quality audio.

aptX-HD and LDAC
These codecs are said to provide high-resolution audio quality comparable to wired connections. LDAC is often used in Sony earbuds and headphones.

aptX LL (Low Latency)
aptX LL reduces audio delay even further, achieving ultra-low latency of less than 40ms, making it ideal for video watching with minimal audio-visual lag.

aptX adaptive
aptX adaptive offers high-resolution (48kHz/24bit) audio quality wirelessly. It dynamically adjusts the bit rate between 280kbps and 420kbps according to the signal conditions, ensuring stable and low-latency listening.

3．What is the Bluetooth Version?

The higher the Bluetooth version number, the more advanced the specs.
Higher specs mean better power efficiency, faster transmission speeds, and lower audio latency.
Here are the main features of each version:

4．Battery Life

Battery life is crucial for wireless earbuds.
Once the battery runs out, you can’t listen to music, rendering even the best sound quality useless.
It’s important to check not only the battery life of the earbuds themselves but also how many times the included charging case can recharge them.
Now that I’ve covered the basics, let me introduce the three recommended true wireless earbuds.
Finally!

5．Recommended True Wireless Earbuds 4 Selections

1. SONY WF-1000XM4 BM

Featuring industry-leading noise-canceling capabilities and support for the high-quality LDAC codec, these true wireless earbuds deliver high-resolution sound. Despite their appearance, they fit snugly in your ears. With the dedicated app, you can fine-tune settings like EQ, noise canceling, and ambient mode.

2. JBL / TOUR PRO 2

JBL’s flagship true wireless earbuds come with a touch display on the case. They feature custom-developed driver units and high-performance noise-canceling, allowing you to enjoy JBL’s rich bass and immersive soundstage wirelessly.

3. Shure / AONIC215 SE21DYBL+TW2-A

The second-generation model of Shure’s true wireless earbuds features a detachable Bluetooth wireless adapter, allowing them to be used as wired earbuds with an audio cable. They offer the best-selling SE215 sound quality wirelessly and include features like waterproof performance and ambient mode.

4. audio technica / ATH-SQ1TW2

These true wireless earbuds feature a unique square-shaped body and come in six color variations. They are smaller and lighter than previous models, with significant upgrades in sound quality and functionality, making them a great value and ideal for first-time users.

This time, I focused on true wireless earbuds.
If you’re still deciding between true wireless and neckband wireless earbuds, this page might also be helpful.

■ Popular Wireless Earphones: Recommended Rankings [2022 Edition] (in Japanese only)

I hope this helps you find your favorite earbuds.
See you next time.
Thank you for reading.