The Top 15 Best Bluetooth Earbuds in 2018 - Ultimate Guide
Are you on the hunt for the best Bluetooth earbuds? We’ve come to the right place, as we’ve extensively researched and ranked the Bluetooth earbuds in the market.
For those of you who are new with the terminology, we will start with the basics of the best bluetooth earbuds..
So what are the best Bluetooth earbuds? Also called in-ear headphones (because you have to place them in your ear canal for secure anchoring and maximum audio impact), earbuds today operate on a communication standard called Bluetooth, a wire-free connection that uses UHF radio or broadcast signals to connect devices without the need for a line of sight. This means that you can have your earbuds in one room and the device you are connecting to in another room without loss of audio quality as long as you are within the operating range, which is usually 33 feet (10m). Bluetooth-enabled devices today operate on Bluetooth generation 4.0. This translates to faster and more secure connection.
Advantages of the Best Bluetooth Earbuds
Why ditch the wires and go for the best Bluetooth earbuds? For starters, don’t you get fed up with having to wrestle jumbled up 2-ft. cords when a better thing to do with your free hand is hit the play button already so you can have some suave musician soothe your fraying nerves?
Or don’t you get tired with all the motions you have to go through to plug and unplug headphones when you want to switch devices located in different rooms? Or maybe just focus on the road ahead when you are doing your 5 miles a day instead of fumbling with the cords because you want to switch from slow tempo to thumping bass to keep your legs going?
The best Bluetooth earbuds give you the freedom to go wherever you want and move at a speed and intensity you want without worrying that you might damage your headphones and devices with your butter fingers. And if you are worried about sound quality ruining your listening pleasure, you probably haven’t put on a pair yet and get carried away by the powerful bass streaming from two tiny earpieces.
Sound quality used to be the major complaint of users when using Bluetooth or any wireless connection, but wireless technology has evolved in leaps and bounds such that audio quality of wireless earbuds is comparable to the wired variety. Today, well-made Bluetooth earbuds offer a listening experience that is rich, crisp and lifelike.
Disadvantages of the Best Bluetooth Earbuds
Of course, there are still certain areas where wireless connection needs improvement, such as the range of signal and its vulnerability to interference. Because the average operating environment of Bluetooth is 33 feet, you still need to be within striking distance of your smartphone if you wish to take calls or listen to a podcast without having to put up with choppiness.
By nature of its construction, any wireless connection is prone to suffering from interference. Bluetooth enabled devices are not immune from this vulnerability. If you happen to stand before a microwave oven heating your meal, the audio may cut out or the song may skip.
Unlike wired connections that have already stood the test of time, Bluetooth connections are still at the forefront of wireless technology, and to push their boundary to new levels entails costs. This translates to the best Bluetooth earbuds costing more than your run-of-the-mill wired headphones.
Considering the value – the comfort, conveniences and ease – you get from Bluetooth earbuds, the difference in price easily becomes justifiable. Given the lightning-speed with which technology evolves nowadays, it’s just a matter of time before all these shortcomings are addressed, and the price drops, like how all things new are priced until the technology they use has stabilized.
So go ahead and give yourself some ear candies, and free yourself from the leash of wired technology. To help you find the sweetest deals, here are the best Bluetooth earbuds in the market today.
Top 15 Best Bluetooth Earbuds in 2018 - Complete Chart
1. Bluetooth Earbuds QY8 [Update QY7] AYL V4.1 Wireless Sport Earbuds
When you are looking for unparalleled sound quality, expanded pairing capability (for when you want to stream music and answer calls at the same time), ease of operation, and snug fit, all for an incredibly affordable price, nothing beats AYL V4.1 QY8 Best Bluetooth Earbuds, which have received and continue to receive stellar feedback from the majority of users.
Wireless headsets, by construction, generally can’t hold a candle to wired headsets when it comes to sound quality. With AYL V4.1 QY8 Bluetooth Earbuds using Bluetooth 4.1 + EDR APTX audio decode technology, prepare to hear music like you have never heard them before from Bluetooth earbuds.
If you want to enjoy the full body and range of the equalizer, these wireless earbuds pass the test on all fronts – excellent bass, mids and highs. This means you can enjoy soothing sounds when you want to meditate, or get revved up by heavy bass when you want to amp up your workout. With the headphones’ ability to pair up to 2 devices 33 feet away at the same time, your listening possibilities get better.
While some wireless headsets deliver superb music, some may falter in the audio department. AYL V4.1 QY8 Bluetooth Earbuds have taken care of that too, allowing clearer conversations than when you have the phone up to your ear. The noise isolation feature does a decent job filtering ambient noise so you still get situational awareness for when you need to hear cars coming your way. As these phones are sweatproof, you can run hard all you want and not worry about your earbuds getting soaked.
Onboard controls are located on the right earbud, which contains all the functions like the on/off button, volume controls and microphone for hands-free calls. Playback and talk time lasts 7 hours, and standby time is up to 175 hours.
Pros
- Unparalleled audio quality
- Clear calls
- Can be paired to up to 2 devices all at once
- Sufficient noise isolation allowing for situational awareness
- Comes fully charged
- Sweatproof
- Affordable
Cons
- Keeps falling out if angle of placement is not right
2. Photive PH-BTE70 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
Sound quality is dependent on how well the earbuds are positioned in your ears. With Photive PH-BTE70 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds, comfortable and secure fit is never a problem. Ear hooks clip well and nicely around your ears, so you don’t have to adjust endlessly for that optimal spot. With excellent fit, you can be as active as you want and still get superb audio. Many users love these benefits and have given fantastic feedback in return.
If you crave for deep bass, the Photive PH-BTE70 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds deliver topnotch acoustics, thanks to state of the art aptX technology. Latest Bluetooth 4.0 technology makes it easy to enjoy your favorite activities without a noticeable drop in transmission and sound quality for up to 33 feet. Universally compatible with Bluetooth-enabled devices, these best Bluetooth earbuds make pairing and connecting to any device a breeze.
Photive PH-BTE70 could do better in the microphone department. Customer feedback is generally positive in the acoustics and fit category, with one downside having to do with getting calls. Microphone tends to get muffled, with some reviews claiming they sound like calling from a tunnel.
Sweatproof for active wear, the Photive PH-BTE70 is also comfortable for casual wear. At 0.81 ounces, you will hardly notice.
On full charge, playback time is 6 hours, and re-charging time is 2 hours.
Pros
- Seamless pairing
- Comfortable fit
- Easy to use onboard buttons
- Durable for active wear
- Sweatproof
Cons
- Muffled microphone
- Noise cancellation could do better
- Issues with too much bass, too little treble
3. TaoTronics TT-BH06 Wireless Bluetooth In-Ear Earbuds
Irresistible price point offering balanced audio and crystal clear sounds are the major selling points of TaoTronics TT-BH06 Wireless Bluetooth In-Ear Earbuds. Powerful audio drivers in each ear and aptX codec technology afford fantastic listening experience and CD-like sound quality, features that earned these Bluetooth earbuds excellent reviews.
Bluetooth 4.1 technology allows easy pairing with tablets, smartphones and other Bluetooth-ready devices for up to 33 feet. Transmission range of these earbuds makes it possible to work outdoors without the signal cutting out. Enjoy 5 hours of non-stop talk time and playback.
Intense workouts require earbuds that will stay in place and not get soaked with sweat. The TaoTronics TT-BH06 Wireless Bluetooth headsets are specifically made for sports so you can hit the gym, do some weightlifting without the earbuds falling off.
Few of the best Bluetooth earbuds fit into the ear right out of the box, but TaoTronics TT-BH06 Wireless Bluetooth In-Ear Earbuds do. No need to fiddle with earhooks. The box comes with a trio of them along with 3 eartips.
Outside noise makes talking on the phone stressful, but with CVC Noise Cancellation 6.0 technology built in with TaoTronics TT-BH06, you get to speak and hear clearly hands-free.
Pros
- CD-like sound quality
- Secure fit right out of the box
- Stable transmission up to 33 feet
- Quality is above expectations for this price point
Cons
- Makes annoying thumping sounds when running
4. Mpow Swift 2nd-Gen Bluetooth 4.0 Wireless Sports Earbuds
Mpow Swift 2G Bluetooth 4.0 Wireless Sports Earbuds selling point is high quality for a mid-range price. Built with cutting edge aptX technology, Mpow Swift 2G features impeccable sound quality especially on the low sound density.
Using Bluetooth 4.0 version, these wireless headsets let you connect up to 30 ft. working distance without noticeable drop in signal. Because these are in-ear headsets, stereo sounds are high quality and outdoor volume louder than most.
There are three different equalizer levels, so you have room to experiment. Middle frequencies sound closer to the acoustic effect of the wired headsets, and setting your earbuds this way minimizes lesser loss of sound quality.
A few gripes with these wireless headsets are about the battery dying without warning, and the controls requiring fine motor skills to operate.
Mpow Swift 2nd-Gen earbuds have been designed for ergonomic fit. A total three sizes of buds, three sizes of wings and three sizes of stabilizers mean you can customize fit for better security, a feature important for active users on the go. Its superb noise cancelling feature using
CVC6.0 digital noise reduction technology makes music crisper and calls clearer. If you need situational awareness, you may have to adjust the placement to allow some ambient noise.
Pros
- Flawless pairing process
- Excellent sound quality
- Multipoint connection to 2 devices at a time
- Watertight for running in the rain
Cons
- Issues with “sudden death” (earbuds losing power without warning)
- Controls require some dexterity to locate and use
5. Powerbeats 2 Wireless
For the active athlete looking to add power to their workout playlist, Powerbeats 2 Wireless In-Ear Earbuds is hard to beat. Dual-driver acoustics stream music through each ear bud for your maximum listening pleasure so there’s no lyrics-only music when using a single earbud. Bass is good, and does not overpower other sounds when streaming rock or hiphop. Noise reduction is superb while letting ambient sound come in to allow situational awareness for when you are running outdoors.
Whether you are working out in the gym or pounding the pavement, Powerbeats2 best bluetooth earbuds ensure stable connectivity for up to 30 feet. This means you can listen to music or take calls even if your device is in another room without a noticeable drop in sound or call quality. Enjoy continuous playback for up to 6 hours and another hour with a 15-minute recharge.
Lightweight material allows comfort without compromising a secure fit. The earhooks are flexible yet provide stability even under demanding workouts. Because the Powerbeats2 Wireless headsets have been designed with athletes in mind, expect excellent water-resistance even when operating the device with sweaty hands. Control wrap around the cable makes switching tracks or changing volume a no-slip grip affair. You can make hands-free calls too.
Pros
- Powerful bass
- Hassle-free connectivity
- Water-resistant
- No-slip grip cable
Cons
- Back piece hurts ear cartilage
- Sound quality not at par with cheaper competition
- Range of fit limited
6. Bluetooth Earbuds, By Zivigo
Crisp sound, strong connection, and stylish look put Zivigo Wireless BlueTooth in the Top 10 best earbuds list.
Enjoy unparalleled sound quality with a CSR 8635 chipset and V4.1+EDR BlueTooth technology. If you are partial to extra heavy bass, this wireless headset is ear candy. Even better, you can focus on your listening experience with its CVC6.0 noise cancelling technology.
Unlike other Bluetooth earbuds, you can pair these headsets with up to 2 different devices 30 ft. away at the same time. You can watch movies on your tablet while taking a call from a friend. With its built-in microphone, you enjoy hands-free calling. While some wireless headsets only do well with music, the Zivigo Bluetooth earbuds excel with the spoken word (for audio books and podcasts), music, and phone conversations.
On a full charge, you get 8 hours of continuous talk time or 7 hours of music playtime. The earbuds can be fully charged in 2 hours.
The headsets appear well-made and feel sturdy, and with their stylish look, make a great wardrobe accessory. Different sized earbuds allow for a range of comfortable fit.
Pros
- Great bass
- Clear calls
- Excellent noise cancelling
- Stylish
- Lightweight
- Secure fit
- Strong connection capability
Cons
- Plastic hook for over-ear fit can irritate
- Some issues with external parts falling off
7. Mpow Seashell Bluetooth 4.1 Running Sports Earbuds with Microphone
Crystal clear phone conversations, good sound quality, excellent noise cancellation and wide compatibility are Mpow Seashell Bluetooth Sports Earbuds strongest selling points. Throw in a waterproof feature and long battery life, and you have a winner.
Building on Bluetooth 4.1 chip with aptX technology, Mpow Seashell pairs and connects well with most Bluetooth-enabled devices. CSR 8645 chip lets you enjoy surround stereo sound for a superb listening experience, whether you are enjoying music or taking an important call.
Sixth generation CVC technology enables excellent noise cancellation and makes clearer sound from microphone. That way, you get high quality, hands-free phone conversation even in crowded and noisy places.
For sports earbuds, it is essential for them to stay in place no matter the intensity of running or jumping involved, and this is exactly the kind of fit and security you get from Mpow Seashell earbuds. They stay in place so well you don’t have to adjust them or put them back in your ear even while doing strenuous activity.
It helps that the wireless headsets are lightweight, so putting them on for extended periods won’t get in the way of an active workout or pleasurable listening or movie-watching experience. These best bluetooth earbuds are also excellent in noise cancelling, so if you want to tune out, you can put these earbuds on and focus on listening to songs, audio books or podcasts.
Fit and comfort are easily achieved as the earbuds come with an assortment of accessories so you can mix and match to customize fit according to your ear anatomy.
Unlike wireless earbuds with clunky onboard controls, the Mpow Seashell have intuitive controls so it’s easy to figure out where the volume +/- is without having to take them off every now and then.
Pros
- Surround stereo sound
- Clear microphone for better hands-free conversation
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Stays in place even with vigorous movements
- Assortment of accessories for custom fit
- Waterproof
Cons
- Sound quality could do better
- Durability issues
8. Magnetic Bluetooth Earbuds Headset by Phaiser
Enjoy strong bass and crispy highs with Magnetic Bluetooth Earbuds Headset by Phaiser. Thanks to Bluetooth 4.1 technology and 8mm speakers that stream HD sound, you get outstanding listening experience with a selection of normal, bass and treble settings. These wireless earbuds may not weigh much, but they carry acoustic punch. Phone clarity is also above-average, with minimal to no signal loss as you approach the range of 30 feet.
The headsets feature patented winged earphone tips so your buds are held in place even during the most demanding workouts. If you prefer an over- or under-ear fit, there are accoutrements included made for that purpose. Otherwise, the angle in the earbuds make for better rotational adjustment. If you want to block out noise, the memory foam tips provided make an excellent job at noise cancelling.
While the earbuds allow pairing of up to 2 devices, you can only connect one device at a time.
A special Liquipel Nano-coating makes the Magnetic Bluetooth Earbuds Headset by Phaiser sweat resistant. A few users say these earbuds survive accidental dropping into the water. If you want better security, there are accessories for cord management so you can clip them to your shirt.
As the name suggests, you can easily stow your earbuds under the collar by wearing them like a necklace.
Pros
- Solid sound quality
- Sweat resistant
- Clear calls
Cons
- Lacks ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously
- Bluetooth option does not have a connect feature on some devices
9. Nocobot(TM) Small Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 Invisible Earbuds
Small and affordable is what makes Nocobot Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 Earbuds attractive to budget-conscious buyers. These best Bluetooth earbuds are getting agreeable reviews for its nifty look and feel on the pocket.
But don’t be misled by the size and price. If you are looking for clear phone calls and solid acoustics, these earbuds are worth trying out. For something so affordable, the quality of the speakers is above expectations. Despite its size, reviews are positive about ease of use. While these earbuds could easily disappear into your ears, they don’t seem to present major problems in operating the controls.
There is no noticeable loss of quality at higher volumes, so if you need to work out a sweat and put on loud music, you still get to enjoy the same audio quality. The range is good, keeping decent connection for up to 30 feet away. This translates to more flexibility so you can enjoy listening to podcasts, audio books or music uninterrupted.
Size does not necessarily translate to comfort, but the Nocobot Bluetooth earbuds are an exception. Some users are concerned that earbuds these small could easily get loose, but fit is surprisingly snug, giving no indication that they could fall out.
Play time is 4 hours straight on a full charge, while recharging takes 45 minutes to get to full.
Pros
- Discreet
- Decent call quality
- Solid acoustics
- Affordable
Cons
- Hard plastic could irritate after prolonged use
- Requires a bit of fiddling to achieve perfect fit
10. Axgio Vigour Sport Wireless Earbuds
If you are looking for a good build, decent sound quality at an agreeable price, Axgio Vigour Sport Wireless Earbuds are worth a try.
Wireless earbuds are getting less clunky and becoming more stylish, and this pair looks a great addition to a fashionable outfit without compromising comfort and fit. If you prefer over-ear hooks, there are silicon ear tips provided to give more stability. There are two pieces of cord clips of suitable length so the earbuds are held snugly without the cord bouncing up and down during vigorous workouts.
Reception is above expectations for this price point while noise cancelling is outstanding, a feature that you may need to adjust when you need ambient noise to help you with situational awareness.
Onboard controls are intuitive to use and fumble-free so it’s easier for you to answer calls, adjust volume, or skip to the next song without pulling out your smartphone or device. Axgio Vigour Sport Wireless Earbuds also have one of the longest battery life for earbuds, allowing you to enjoy up to 8 hours of music or talk time.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Outstanding noise cancelling
- Stylish
Cons
- Sound quality could do better
- Connection can get choppy after power on
11. Senbowe Bluetooth 4.1 Wireless Sport Earbuds
Pairing Senbowe Bluetooth 4.1 Wireless Sport Earbuds with any device is intuitive. Link it up once with your preferred device, and you are all set up.
Equipped with a built-in microphone, the Senbowe Bluetooth 4.1 Wireless Sport Earbuds sound much better than the phone speakers, a feature you will find most useful when taking calls in noisy environments. The earbuds also use advanced Bluetooth CVC6.0 noise cancellation, so you get to enjoy excellent audio quality with superb bass, warm mid-tones, and crisp vocal sounds.
Portability is high on the list of these earbuds. Weighing only about 16g, their lightweight quality means these earbuds can sit in your ears comfortably for long periods. This is particularly important if you want to enjoy your music or podcasts uninterrupted.
Talking time lasts up to 4 hours while play time lasts up to 5 hours. For full battery, recharge for 2 hours.
The Senbowe Bluetooth 4.1 Wireless Sport Earbuds blocks out sound very well, so if you are running on the road or you require situational awareness, you may need to adjust the earbuds to let in ambient noise.
Pros
- Seamless pairing
- Outstanding bass, mid-tones and vocal sounds
- Lightweight
- Tight fit
- Excellent noise cancelling
Cons
- Power button is on the earbuds and can be hard to press while in-ear
- Some discomfort over long-term use
- Cord is rubbery-like and irritates
12. Jaybird X2 Sport Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds - Midnight Black
If you are looking for Bluetooth earbuds with decent sound quality, noise isolation, and comfortable fit, the Jaybird X2 Sport Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds make a smart choice.
Offering a wide range of fit options, the Jaybird X2 earbuds come in a variety of sizes all with cord clips to allow over/under ear fitting so you get some ambient sound and situational awareness when running outside.
The Jaybird X2 wireless Bluetooth earbuds last 8 hours for music and call, and you enjoy skip-free music outdoors, thanks to its premium Bluetooth audio quality. The signal holds better with a bit of phone adjustment and reduction of outside interference (such as standing before a microwave oven).
Find the right fit to get crisp and clear sound, and put them in-ear, for deep bass. Enjoy the same sound quality when watching or streaming movies. Battery lasts for 8 hours, so you get up to 50 miles of weekly running without charging.
Connectivity is painless, though there is minor connectivity issue with old Bluetooth devices. While the Jaybird X2 earbuds can be connected to only device at any given time, switching from one device to another is easy.
The Jaybird X2 earbuds come with a lifetime sweatproof warranty, and it holds up even in the toughest sweating conditions.
Pros
- Clear sound and deep bass
- Long battery life
- Ease of connectivity
- A range of fit options
- Sweat-resistant
Cons
- Music skips when using older Bluetooth devices
- Volume may not sound loud enough for those adrenaline workouts
13. TOTU Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds Noise Cancelling Earbuds w/ Microphone
TOTU best Bluetooth Earbuds make your listening experience smoother. Bluetooth 4.0 and aptX technology let you enjoy clear calls and high-fidelity stereo music to up to 33 feet. The earbuds’ superb noise-cancellation quality makes it possible to hear clear sound even in noisy environments.
Clarity of sound is often dependent on fit, and with rubber adapters and custom flexible design, you achieve perfect fit and stability even while in the gym or outdoors running. The earbuds’ nano-coating technology protects them against sweat even during heavy workouts. The earbuds come in 5 different sizes.
There’s an intuitive user interface on one of the earphones so you can tune up the volume, play or pause a song, and even answer calls without fiddling a lot of buttons. The built-in microphone lets you take incoming calls hands-free by pressing a button on the ear piece.
For earbuds on the lower end of the price range, you get outstanding value from TOTU Bluetooth Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds w/ Microphone. If you are looking for balance among price, performance and quality, the TOTU earbuds have it all.
Pros
- Clear sound
- Superb noise cancelling
- A wide range of fit
- Easy-to-use user interface
- Hands-free calling
- Sweat-resistant
Cons
- Call quality from built-in mic can use some improvement
- Fit could get uncomfortable after prolonged use
14. SoundPEATS QY7 V4.1 Bluetooth Stereo Sports Earbuds
For discriminating music lovers who are partial to sub-bass, or thick bass, the SoundPEATS QY7 V4.1 Bluetooth earbuds are for you.
Thanks to its 60Hz range, you will replay tracks that give off those funky bass. The clarity and depth in the bass do not usually come at this price point, and for an earbud with a maximum range of 33 feet, these audio qualities hold up even while streaming music half that distance. For sound clarity issues when connecting with Android devices, clearing the Bluetooth data on such devices usually works.
If you are used to using Bluetooth earbuds, you will have an easy time using the controls of SoundPEATS QY7. The volume controls double as track skipping buttons, and there is one power button for turning the earbuds on and off, pairing it with devices, and playing or pausing music.
SoundPEATS QY7 has an impressive standby time of 175 hours, with 5 hours of non-stop talk time, and 2 hours of charging time.
Unlike cheaper earbuds that easily slip off, SoundPEATS QY7 fit well in-ear with little to no effort or adjustment. As these wireless earbuds stay in place for most of your activity, you can focus on enjoying the music without fiddling the earpiece.
Pros
- Once correct size is achieved, fit is superb
- Enjoy clarity and depth of bass when paired with right device
- Long standby time
- Excellent noise reduction
Cons
- May require stabilizers for ear hooks
- Not ideally suited to frequent runners
- Sound clarity could be affected by paired up device
15. Jarv NMotion Sport Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 Stereo Earbuds with In-Line Microphone
If you are partial to earbuds that offer wireless connectivity to all devices without being intrusive – and without costing too much – Jarv NMotion Sport Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 Stereo Earbuds/Headphones with In-Line Microphone makes a wise purchase.
Building on Bluetooth 4.0 A2DP technology, the Jarv NMotion earbuds let you connect to tablets, smartphones and computers without compromising your ability to take incoming calls. Whether you are using them for listening to music while working out, or watching movies, or playing video games, these noise-isolating earbuds produce deep bass and clear treble for your listening pleasure. Take advantage of the in-inline microphone to reduce background noise so your calls are clear and crisp. Music comes right back up after your call ends.
The range is up to 30 feet, without dropping out even with two walls over. With up to 5 to 6 hours of listening and playtime, and seamless connectivity to a range of devices, you can go room to room and enjoy the flexibility of switching from listening to music to watching a movie to playing a game.
The best Bluetooth earbuds come in three sizes along with a set of sport ear hooks for added stability.
Pros
- Seamless connectivity to a wide range of devices
- Music cuts out nicely when there’s incoming call
- Charge time is fast, about one hour and a half
Cons
- May have to use ear stabilizers to achieve perfect fit
- Cord not long enough for it to run behind the head
