Gift-giving is hard. It takes a lot of thought and preparation, and there’s the uncertainty of whether the recipient will even like it. That’s why it’s always smart to give a gift that someone actually needs, and I think just about everyone could use a pair of wireless earbuds. Used daily to listen to music, podcasts, and take calls hands-free, it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
There’s only one problem. There’s a lot of wireless earbuds to choose from. Picking one over another can be tough. How do you differentiate one pair from another? Thankfully, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll discuss everything you need to know to choose the right wireless earbuds gift.
Sound quality between wireless earbuds
When it comes to the sound quality between headphones, there’s a lot of things to consider. Judging sound quality is like tasting food, it’s very subjective. Sound people like certain sound profiles, whereas others like something totally different.
For example, some people like neutral and flat sound profiles. These tend to be audiophiles — people who are fascinated by pure audio and addicted to audio gadgets. These people shun MP3 quality and instead rave about the uncompressed FLAC format. I should know, because I am one.
Earbuds for audiophiles
If you’re buying for an audiophile, look for earbuds with no frequency attenuation in the lows, mids, or highs. They want to hear music the way it was mixed in the studio. That said, they may want to adjust the EQ on their own and create custom profiles. Choose wireless earbuds that come with a corresponding app that allows for sound profile customization.
Consider what type of music they listen to
The type of music someone listens to can also help you pick earbuds with the right sound quality. Rap, hip-hop, and modern pop music tend to have a lot of bass. In that case, choose earbuds that have large bass drivers. These wireless earbuds provide that deep, pulsating bass that a lot of young people prefer.
Battery life and charging case
The great thing about wireless earbuds is that they are small, portable, and the case provides extra battery power. Most earbuds have at least 4-6 hours of battery life. With a charging case, you get all-day battery life.
Consider the portability of the charging case
That’s why it’s very important to consider the charging case in your purchasing decision. They can vary in size and abilities. Some charging cases support wireless charging while most charge through a USB-C port. If you know someone who already has a wireless charging pad, this might be something to consider.
For all-day battery life and storage, the charging case needs to be portable. Some are small enough to carry in a pants pocket. Others are rather bulky and are better suited for bags or purses. If you’re buying wireless earbuds for someone who doesn’t carry a bag or purse, it’s probably best to find a pair with a small case. It provides a quick on-the-go charge, and it can be stored in a pocket when not in use.
Comfort and fit of earbuds
If wireless earbuds are not comfortable, people will not use them. It may seem hard to know which earbuds are comfortable, but there are some things to look for.
Customize your fit with extra silicone tips
First, the earbuds should come with extra silicone tips. They typically have medium-sized tips that fit most people. To be safe, ensure they also come with small and large tips. Encourage the recipient to try each of them to determine which one provides the best fit. It takes only a couple minutes, but it ensures the most comfortable and secure fit.
Active users need additional earwigs
For active people, look for earbuds with additional earwigs. These earbuds have additional tips that wrap into your ear for a more secure fit. It’s a great choice for runners or any activity with rapid head movements like a jump rope. Wireless earbuds designed for an activity usually have high IPX water resistance ratings. This ensures they can handle sweat and outdoor use in the rain.
Active noise cancellation
Wireless earbuds can be used in a variety of situations and environments. For example, it can be used as a tool to improve focus, concentration, and avoid external distractions.
For this type of use, look for wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC). This technology listens to the ambient noise around you and then creates a sound opposite to that called the anti-phase. This cancels the ambient sound out so you can only hear the music.
Wireless headphones with ANC are great to tune out the outside world. However, sometimes you need to be aware of your surroundings, like riding a bike in the city. In this case, you want wireless earbuds that can toggle ANC on and off. With a simple tap, users can switch ANC on when it suits their needs.
Earbuds with dual Bluetooth pairing
Most people own at least two mobile devices like a smartphone and laptop. Some wireless earbuds support dual Bluetooth pairing. Basically, this means that it can connect to two devices at the same time.
For example, imagine you’re working on your laptop listening to music on your wireless earbuds. Suddenly you get a call on your smartphone. With dual Bluetooth pairing, your earbuds can be connected to both your laptop and smartphone. As soon as you get a call, you can answer and talk hands-free with the wireless earbuds.
This feature is very helpful for busy working professionals. Instead of unpairing and pairing to a new device, they can stay connected to two devices on a single pair of wireless earbuds. The convenience this offers will not go unnoticed
Choosing the right wireless earbud
There’s no shortage of choice with wireless earbuds. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colours, and price points. Without a doubt, they make excellent gifts. They offer immediate value to any mobile user.
The thing to remember is that there is no perfect earbud. It really depends on how you use them. Finding the right pair as a gift shows that you really know that special someone. Your present will be used on a day-to-day basis. That’s why wireless earbuds are the gift that keeps on giving.
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