When it comes to finding the perfect pair of TWS earbuds (True Wireless Stereo), it’s essential to prioritize not just sound quality but comfort, durability, and features like noise cancellation, battery life, and connectivity.
After personally testing multiple models, we’ve compiled a list of the top five TWS earbuds that deliver on every aspect you might be looking for.
From booming bass to crystal-clear calls, these are the earbuds worth considering. Let’s dive into the reviews and our experience with each.
Also Read: Top 5 Tested Hearing Protection Earbuds
1. Soundcore by Anker P20i TWS Earbuds
Key Features:
- 10mm Oversized Drivers: Provides a rich and detailed sound with emphasized bass.
- 22 Preset EQs: Fully customizable sound profiles via the Soundcore app.
- 30H Long Playtime: Offers 10 hours of continuous playback and an additional 30 hours from the charging case.
- AI-Enhanced Clear Calls: During calls, two microphones make sure that voices are picked up clearly.
Our Experience:
The Soundcore P20i left a lasting impression due to its balanced sound profile and powerful bass, which is perfect for bass-heavy tracks. The comfort level was also remarkable—lightweight and compact, they fit snugly in the ears, making them ideal for long listening sessions.
The AI-enhanced microphone technology really came through during calls, delivering clear voice quality without background noise interference.
Soundcore by Anker P20i TWS Earbuds
Soundcore by Anker P20i is perfect for those who want customizable sound and extended battery life.
Another standout feature is the 22 preset EQs, allowing a personalized listening experience, especially when switching between music genres. Fast charging is also a huge benefit—a quick 10-minute charge provided a solid 2 hours of playback.
Why you should buy: Soundcore P20i excels in comfort and sound customization and is a great all-rounder for music lovers and those who make frequent calls.
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2. JBL Tune Flex Noise Cancelling TWS Earbuds
Key Features:
- 12mm Drivers: Delivers JBL’s Pure Bass Sound for a powerful audio experience.
- Active Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient: Minimizes distractions while letting you hear important surroundings.
- 4 Mics for Perfect Calls: Provides crystal-clear call quality.
- Up to 32 Hours of Battery Life: Offers 8 hours of playtime with ANC on, extended to 32 hours with the charging case.
Our Experience:
We were particularly impressed by the JBL Tune Flex’s noise-cancelling capabilities. It effectively blocked out ambient noise during commutes, but the Smart Ambient feature allowed us to stay aware of our surroundings when necessary.
The Pure Bass Sound lives up to its name, with deep, pulsating beats that elevate any music listening experience. Call clarity was exceptional, with all four microphones working together to ensure no loss in voice quality. The lightweight design made these perfect for both casual listening and workouts, especially since they’re water-resistant.
JBL Tune Flex Noise Cancelling TWS Earbuds
JBL Tune Flex is excellent earbuds specially for call quality and noise cancellation.
Why you should buy: If you want effective noise cancellation without sacrificing awareness of your surroundings and prioritize powerful bass, these TWS earbuds are a great option.
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3. Carego Wireless Ear Buds Y42 Pro-B
Key Features:
- 13mm Dynamic Drivers: Delivers immersive sound with deep bass.
- 40H Total Playtime: Playtime lasting up to 40 hours when using the charging case and 6 hours on a single charge.
- LED Battery Display: Shows real-time battery status of each earbud.
- Bluetooth 5.3 provides a stable, fast connection with wide compatibility.
- Touch Controls: Provides simple, intuitive control over calls, volume, and music.
Our Experience:
The Carego Wireless Earbuds are perhaps one of the best value-for-money options on this list. The sound profile was impressive, especially for bass-heavy music, thanks to the 13mm drivers that brought out every detail in our playlists.
What truly sets these apart is the LED battery display, which made it incredibly convenient to track how much power was left in each earbud. Despite being lightweight, the earphones stayed secure during workouts.
Carego Wireless Ear Buds Y42 Pro-B
Carego Wireless Ear Buds Y42 Pro-B offers unbeatable value with excellent sound and long battery life.
We also appreciated the simplicity of the touch controls, which made adjusting volume or skipping tracks hassle-free.
Why you should buy: The Carego Y42 Pro-B is a solid choice for users looking for an affordable yet feature-packed set of TWS earbuds with long-lasting battery life and immersive sound.
4. Philips TAT1138 True Wireless Earbuds
Key Features:
- AI-Enhanced Call Clarity: Filters background noise for clear calls.
- IPX4 Waterproof Rating: Splash-proof design for workouts or outdoor use.
- 15 Hours of Playtime: Offers 5 hours of playtime with an additional 10 hours via the charging case.
- Bluetooth 5.3: Stable, efficient connection compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
Our Experience:
The Philips TAT1138 impressed us with its focus on call clarity, which is ideal for professionals. The AI-assisted microphone filtered out environmental noise, making conversations clearer than many other TWS earbuds we’ve tested.
The secure and comfortable fit, combined with the IPX4 rating, made these a fantastic option for workouts. Although the battery life is slightly shorter compared to other models on this list, the compact charging case ensures you won’t run out of power on the go. Bluetooth connectivity was flawless, with no dropouts or lag during usage.
Philips TAT1138 True Wireless Earbuds
PHILIPS TAT1138 is ideal for professionals seeking crystal-clear calls and secure fit.
Why you should buy: If call clarity is a priority and you need a set of TWS earbuds that can keep up with your active lifestyle, the Philips TAT1138 is a smart investment.
5. JBL Tune 230NC TWS Earphones
Key Features:
- Active Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient: Blocks out unwanted noise while allowing you to hear surroundings.
- JBL Pure Bass Sound: 10mm drivers deliver rich bass.
- 40 Hours of Battery Life: Up to 40 hours of playtime, including the charging case.
- Water-Resistant and Sweatproof: Designed to withstand workouts and rainy days.
Our Experience:
The JBL Tune 230NC TWS are a close contender for the best overall TWS earbuds. They combine active noise cancellation, excellent sound quality with JBL’s Pure Bass, and an impressive battery life that easily lasted through a full day of use.
During our tests, the Smart Ambient feature provided the perfect balance between blocking out noise and staying aware of our environment.
JBL Tune 230NC TWS Earphones
JBL Tune 230NC stands out for overall performance, especially for those who need premium sound, noise cancellation, and durability.
These earphones are also perfect for workouts, thanks to their sweatproof design and IPX4 water resistance. The ergonomic fit ensured comfort even during extended wear.
Why you should buy: For those who want a premium mix of features—such as noise cancellation, long battery life, and water resistance—these earphones are hard to beat.
Comparison
| Feature | Soundcore by Anker P20i | JBL Tune Flex | Carego Y42 Pro-B | Philips TAT1138 | JBL Tune 230NC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driver Size | 10mm | 12mm | 13mm | Not specified | 10mm |
| Sound Profile | Customizable with 22 EQ presets | JBL Pure Bass Sound | Immersive sound with deep bass | Focus on call clarity | JBL Pure Bass Sound |
| Noise Cancellation | No ANC, but AI-Enhanced Call Quality | Active Noise Cancellation with Smart Ambient | No ANC | No ANC, but AI-Enhanced Call Quality | Active Noise Cancellation with Smart Ambient |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (10 hrs earbuds + 20 hrs case) | 32 hours (8 hrs with ANC on + 24 hrs case) | 40 hours (6 hrs earbuds + 34 hrs case) | 15 hours (5 hrs earbuds + 10 hrs case) | 40 hours (10 hrs earbuds + 30 hrs case) |
| Charging Features | Fast charging: 10 mins = 2 hrs playback | Standard charging | LED Battery Display, standard charging | Standard charging | Standard charging |
| Microphone Quality | AI-Enhanced, 2 microphones for clear calls | 4-mic setup for clear calls | Basic mic, not specified | AI-Enhanced, background noise filtering | Dual microphones for clear calls |
| Water Resistance | Not specified | Yes, IPX4 (water-resistant) | Not specified | Yes, IPX4 | Yes, IPX4 (water-resistant) |
| Bluetooth Version | Not specified | Not specified | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Not specified |
| Best For | Balanced sound, customizable EQ, fast charging | Noise cancellation, powerful bass | Affordable, long battery life, immersive sound | Call clarity, workouts | Overall performance, ANC, workouts |
Conclusion:
After thoroughly testing these TWS earbuds, we can confidently say that each has its strengths, depending on what you’re looking for. Whether it’s bass-heavy sound, superior noise-cancelling, or long-lasting battery life, there’s a pair here for every listener. Among our top picks:
- Soundcore by Anker P20i is perfect for those who want customizable sound and extended battery life.
- JBL Tune Flex is excellent for call quality and noise cancellation.
- Carego Y42 Pro-B offers unbeatable value with excellent sound and long battery life.
- PHILIPS TAT1138 is ideal for professionals seeking crystal-clear calls and secure fit.
- JBL Tune 230NC stands out for overall performance, especially for those who need premium sound, noise cancellation, and durability.
No matter which pair you choose, these tested TWS earbuds won’t disappoint!
FAQ
1. In TWS earphones, what does “TWS” stand for?
TWS stands for True Wireless Stereo. These earbuds have no cables between the earpieces and rely on Bluetooth technology to provide stereo sound. They offer greater freedom of movement and convenience compared to traditional wired earphones.
2. What are the main benefits of using TWS earbuds?
True Wireless earphones provide wireless convenience, excellent portability, and a cable-free experience. They often come with charging cases for on-the-go power, noise cancellation features, and customizable EQ settings to tailor the sound experience. Their compact size and lack of cords make them ideal for commuting, workouts, and everyday use.
3. What does IPX4 mean for TWS earbuds?
The IPX4 rating means that the earbuds are water-resistant and can withstand sweat or splashes of water from any direction. Nevertheless, they shouldn’t be immersed in water because they aren’t completely waterproof. This rating is common in earphones designed for workouts and outdoor use.
4. What sets Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) apart from Passive Noise Isolation?
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Uses microphones to pick up external noise and generate sound waves that cancel out unwanted noise, making it ideal for busy environments.
- Passive Noise Isolation: Relies on the physical design of the earbuds (such as snug ear tips) to block out ambient noise without using electronic noise cancellation.
5. How long does it take to fully charge TWS earbuds?
Charging times vary by model, but most earphones take about 1.5 to 2 hours to fully charge. Certain models, such as the Soundcore P20i, provide fast charging capabilities, enabling up to two hours of playback with a just 10-minute charge.
6. Are TWS earbuds suitable for workouts?
Yes, many earbuds are designed for active use. Look for models that are water-resistant or sweatproof (such as those with an IPX4 or higher rating). Earphones like the JBL Tune 230NC TWS or Carego Wireless Earbuds are great choices for sports and fitness activities.
7. Can I use only one earbud at a time with TWS earbuds?
Yes, most True wireless earbuds offer a single-earbud mode where you can use just one earbud while keeping the other in the charging case. This feature is ideal for making phone calls, maintaining awareness of your surroundings, or extending battery life.
8. How do I connect TWS earbuds to my device?
To connect your earbuds
- Turn on Bluetooth on your device (smartphone, tablet, etc.).
- Open the charging case of the earphones and take them out.
- The earbuds should automatically enter pairing mode. From the device’s list of compatible Bluetooth devices, pick the earbuds.
- Once paired, the earphones will automatically reconnect the next time you use them.
9. How do I find my lost earbuds?
Some earbuds, like the Soundcore P20i, offer a “Find My Earbuds” feature through their companion app. This feature allows you to make the earbud emit a sound, helping you locate it.
10. What is the typical battery life of TWS earbuds?
The battery life varies by model:
- Soundcore P20i: Up to 30 hours total (10 hours on a single charge, plus 20 hours with the case).
- JBL Tune Flex: 32 hours maximum—eight hours in the earphone and twenty-four hours in the case.
- Carego Wireless: 40 hours total (6 hours per charge plus 34 hours in the case). Always consider battery life based on how much you’ll use the earbuds each day.