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Best Wireless Earbuds (Overall)

As of December 2020

THE JOAT'S Advice

Boltunes is still selling two main versions, a 2019 one and a 2020 one. The 2020 one is like ~$20 more and has stronger noise cancellation and is waterproof instead of just water resistance.

 

For the 2020 version, the 90-day average price as of 12/13/2020 on Amazon is $55.98, according to data from Keepa. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change.

 

For the 2019 version, the 90-day average price as of 12/13/2020 on Amazon is $37.58, according to data from Keepa. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change.

 

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what we like

  • Best for those looking for: A low priced but high quality alternative to AirPods which you can wear all day for calls, podcasts and working out. We slightly prefer these for working out and this headband for sleeping. But, Boltune is our clear overall choice for an everyday wireless earphone
  • Fantastic price at under $50/pair – Can buy 4 of these for the price of one set of AirPods Pros. Allows you to be a little rougher with them and not freak out if you accidentally lose one
  • Great sound and call quality
  • Bluetooth v5.2 ensures good connection quality
  • Strong battery life – Can easily get over 6 hours runtime per case charge and over 40+ hours after charging in and out with the case thereafter
  • Very secure fit – While we slightly prefer these for working out, you can totally use these for running/HIIT workouts without a problem. Much more secure than AirPods
  • Easy to pair to one device
  • 2020 version is waterproof
  • 2020 version also has smart touch controls

keep in mind

  • Microphone is a step below AirPods Pro – We’d be a little hesitant to use these for everyday conference calls if you are speaking to coworkers or clients
  • While the 2020 version does a great job with noise reduction, it’s also just a slight step below the fully immersive noise cancelling of AirPods Pro
  • Pairing and repairing with multiple devices can be a bit cumbersome and clunky – If, say, you are going back and forth between a laptop and a phone, it’s best to completely disconnect from one before attempting to repair to the second
  • Charging cord is so short – You’ll need to keep these close to the outlet/computer you have them plugged into

review

For several years running now, AirPods have been all the rage. (As have all Apple products, it seems…)

 

But are they really worth it? The original ones were so ill fitting for me that I could barely walk without them falling out of my ears, much less workout with them in. I know they’re not meant specifically for working out, but if I’m going to spend that much I would like to be able to use them for a variety of tasks.

 

I went for the Pro version when they came out to much fanfare & while they definitely fit more snug for daily (more sedentary) use, they still didn’t do it for me for medium-high impact activity/exercise.

 

I think most people just want an everyday wireless earbud to do all of the following:

  1. Does it pair easily?
  2. Does it stay in my ear for workouts comfortably?
  3. Is it somewhat noise cancelling?
  4. Does the battery last a long time?
  5. Is music/call quality solid?
  6. Is the microphone clear?

 

Enter the Boltune & HALLELUJAH! Finally. They answer a resounding “yes” to the first 5 of those questions. They check off the boxes for daily use (& even running) plus they are noise cancelling AND you can’t beat the price (currently running on Amazon for just under $50). The only drawback is the mic quality. None of the various alternatives we have tested are as clear as the AirPods when it comes to mic clarity.

If the microphone isn’t a high priority for you and you are more focused on sound/fit, there is NO reason to spend $200ish on AirPods when these take care of it all & if you lose them it won’t be heartbreaking to have to bite the bullet & pay for them again at that price point.

Sizing Tips & FAQs

What’s the difference between the 2020 and the 2019 versions?

The 2020 version can run about $20 more due to better noise cancelling, full waterproofing and more savvy touch controls. The case it comes in is also a little more compact. They both fit just as well but the 2020 version is worth the slight extra cost. You’re fine either way though.

 

Do these stay in your ear for workouts?

Yes! We think these work a little better overall, but Boltunes stay snug as well.

 

What’s the charging cord?

USB-C

 

How’s the microphone quality?

Honestly, not that great. They are acceptable but worse than the AirPods Pro (which are already considerably worse than plugged in Apple Earphones). We have yet to find a blueetoth earbud with podcast quality audio

 

Have another question?

Related Products & Links

APPLE AIRPODS PRO

Apple did a great job with these in terms of technology. The noise cancelling is amazing and rubber tips ensure a slightly more secure fit than the originals. The pairing is more seamless than any other device we have tried. The mic is also slightly better than we have seen in other bluetooth in-ear earbuds (which isn’t saying a lot). For $200 though they are pricey and are not well fitting enough to be worth the anxiety of them falling out. If slightly better mic quality and slightly easier pairing is a huge premium for you, go for the AirPods Pro. But, if not, opt for the Boltunes.

 

APPLE AIRPODS

This is the OG Airpods. While revolutionary when they first hit, their limitations are certainly exposed now. If you still have a pair and want to use them while you run/work out, buy these rubber ear hooks to pair with them and thank us later.

 

MPOW M30

As detailed here, these are our favorite for workouts. You can use them for everyday use but visually, the Boltunes look a little better for use at the office.

 

JAYBIRD VISTA TRUE

Jaybirds are essentially a higher end (and much pricier) version of these MPOWs. They have been a consistent favorite of tech vlogger, MKBHD, for awhile. Jaybird has its own dedicated app which allows you to more directly control volume and locate them if they go missing. If you are looking for a higher end gift to give to someone, this is a good choice. However, it has less battery life and you can basically buy 3-4 MPOWs for the price of one Jaybird.

Have a better suggestion?

reviewed by

Jill

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