Nexy Posted February 29, 2020 Posted February 29, 2020 Ready to finally try out a pair of the best true wireless earbuds? There's never been a better time to cut the cord, and we're here to help you choose the perfect true wireless buds for your needs (and your budget). If you haven't noticed, headphone cables are going out of fashion. That's because wireless audio sounds better than ever, compression formats for Bluetooth 5.0 are more reliable, and flagship smartphones are shipping without headphone jacks. The best true wireless earbuds of 2020 even come with high-spec tech like active noise cancellation and built-in artificial intelligence. On the other end of the scale, we're seeing an increasing number of super-basic cheap true wireless earbuds entering the market; while you won't find the JLab Go Airs on this list – the audio quality isn't up to scratch – their $29 / £29 / AU$40 price tag is compelling enough in its own right. True wireless means there aren't any cables between the two earbuds at all, so there's no wire or neck band to contend with. Nothing to get tangled in your pocket or caught on your zipper, nothing to whack around your neck in the middle of that run, and also nothing to keep your singular earbuds together. The original Apple AirPods were the first model to truly bring true wireless to the mainstream, but there are far better options out there in terms of audio quality, battery life, design, and crucially, price – and that includes the new AirPods Pro, which have made it onto this list. So, before you buy a pair of old-school 'Pods, check out our list of the best AirPod-alternatives you can buy in 2020. 1. Sony WF-1000XM3 True Wireless Earbuds Acoustic design: Closed | Weight: 70g | Frequency response: 20-20,000Hz | Drivers: 6mm | Driver type: Dome Type | Battery life (on-board): 6 hours | Wireless range: 30ft | NFC: Yes Efficient noise-cancellation Inconspicuous looks Great fun to listen too Not suitable for sports Considering it's still rare to get noise-cancellation in wired earbuds at all, the fact that Sony has managed to pack it into a pair that are not only wireless, but true wireless is very impressive indeed. While models like the AirPods Pro have tried to replicate this, Sony is still top of the true wireless table. That's because the Sony WF-1000XM3 manage to offer a level of noise-cancellation that's exceedingly good for a pair of earbuds – they won't offer the same isolation as a pair of over-ear headphones, but its a worthy trade off for that sleeker form. Sony has really knocked the ball out of the park with the WF-1000XM3. Not only are these hands down the best-looking true wireless earbuds on the market, but they also combine serious noise-cancelling tech with fist-pumping musicality. If you don’t want the inconvenience of carrying full-size cans around, they’re a persuasive alternative. Battery life is above average, and that compact charging case is pretty slick too. Constantly improving, a recent update has brought volume control to the buds themselves, as well as support for Amazon Alexa. We reckon the true wireless jungle has found a new king. 2. Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 Acoustic design: Closed | Weight: 9.2g | Frequency response: 20-20,000Hz | Drivers: 5.8mm | Driver type: Dome Type Outstanding audio quality Good value for money Comfortable design Control buttons can be annoying to use Cambridge Audio is known for its high-end audio equipment, but until now, hasn’t ventured into the world of true wireless earbuds. Enter the Cambridge Audio Melomania 1s: with an outstanding 45 hours of battery life, they combine the brand’s award-winning engineering with the convenience of truly wireless listening. For a pair of true wireless earbuds, the sound quality offered by the Cambridge Audio Melomania 1s is sensational. In fact, it rivals that of some of the best over-ear headphones. They may not have the noise cancellation technology offered by the Sony WF-1000XM3 Wireless Earbuds, but they are $100 / £100 cheaper – and they have a superior battery life. They certainly outperform the Apple AirPods (2019), in all respects apart from the lack of wireless charging case. This is a small price to pay for that exceptional audio quality, though, and we think they represent much better value for money, too. 3. Lypertek Tevi Acoustic design: Closed | Weight: N/A | Frequency response: 20-20,000Hz | Drivers: 6mm Incredible value Neutral audiophile-like sound Great battery life Design is a bit plain You may not have heard of up-and-coming audio brand Lypertek yet, but expect to hear a lot from it soon – its Lypertek Tevi true wireless earbuds are among the best we’ve tried, especially given their low price tag ($130 / £99 / AU$185). With USB-C charging, a well-balanced sound, lengthy battery life, and waterproofing, they tick every box you could ask for, from what are basically a pair of budget buds. The Lypertek Tevi, surprisingly, might just blow you away, punching well above their weight and rivaling buds from some of the biggest audio brands on the planet.
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