Bud Wiser: 5 tips for choosing the best wireless earbuds

Blog post for shelved Karma feature (previously unpublished)

Remember when listening to music on your daily commute meant wearing a large set of cans over your ears? While those headphones are still around today, advances in wireless technology have made true wireless earbuds a must-have accessory, particularly among casual listeners who value their smaller, more discreet profile.

No strings attached

If you lead an active lifestyle, it can be liberating to not have to deal with a tangled mess of cables before every commute or workout. This realization has led some smartphone manufacturers to start omitting the headphone jack altogether from their newer devices.

Ready to cut the cord?

We've unraveled 5 pro tips for finding the best wireless earbuds for your needs.

1. Comfort fit
   There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to earbuds. The key is finding a pair that offers a snug fit and is comfortable enough for prolonged wear. Look for ear tips that aren't too small or shallow, otherwise you may experience sound leakage or “bleed.”
   
   
2. Sound quality
   While some music purists argue that over-the-ear headphones offer superior sound quality to earbuds, the difference is negligible. Just make sure you go for buds with extra bass, as this can sometimes be lacking in the smaller form factor.
   
   
3. Battery life
   The average battery life for most earbuds is between five to eight hours. Decide how long you spend listening to music in your day-to-day, and choose accordingly.
   
   
4. Water resistance
   If you like rocking out to your favorite Spotify playlist while in the gym or out jogging, opt for sweat-resistant earbuds. Just don't go dancing in the rain with them on!
   
   
5. Noise cancelation
   Noise-canceling headphones are able to block out all kinds of ambient noise, from airplane engines to leaf blowers, and even chatty coworkers. This clever tech tends to be pricier than its sound-isolating counterpart, which simply seals your ear canal like traditional earplugs.

Let’s be buds!

Up to your ears in wireless buds? Let Karma’s smart shopping assistant drown out the cacophony of offers and get you a sound deal. Now, isn’t that music to your ears?