Wireless vacuum headphones: the best models and selection criteria

Wireless vacuum headphones have become a real hit of sales. These models are distinguished by their functionality and durability, they perfectly convey all shades of sounds, while simultaneously isolating the ear canal from external noise, but problems invariably arise with the choice - there are many options, they all look attractive.

The rating of the best earplugs, in-ear Bluetooth headphones and other models for your phone will help you make the final decision without mistakes. Let's take a closer look at the best models and selection criteria for wireless vacuum headphones.

Wireless vacuum headphones or IEMs (In-Ear-Canalphone) represent a variety of accessories for phones and other mobile equipment. They are also called intracanal or, less euphoniously, "plugs", since they are installed not in the auricle, but inside the ear canal, into the ear canal. Models without wires with a microphone are usually called headsets, since with their help, you can successfully communicate with the interlocutor in voice mode. In-ear or in-ear headphones of this type retain the ability to reproduce music, they can have a special cord or a hard plastic headband in the neck area.

IEMs differ from earmolds in the way they are attached to the ear. They are more reliable and functional, they ensure the immersion of the handpiece with the attachment into the canal, without creating a risk of falling out, even at very high levels of physical activity. Sound sealing with this type of headphone design is always maximum, excess noise is blocked, a closed chamber is formed, better revealing the full depth of the music.

The design of wireless in-ear headphones includes the following elements:

• frame;
• microdriver with holder;
• acoustic shutter;
• nozzle;
• connector;
• insert for placement in the ear canal.

All in-ear headphones are usually divided into groups according to the type of signal reception and transmission, as well as the type of drivers used. Only 2 variants of converters are used here.

• Dynamic, with a balanced anchor (BA). These drivers use a moving coil to produce an intense bass response. Such models belong to the budget category, since the overall sound quality of the headphones remains at a rather low level. It should be added that large, well-known brands almost never use such transducers in their acoustics.
• Rebar. These drivers have a smaller frequency range, but sound reproduction is more accurate and clear. To improve the sound range, multiple dynamic converters are installed in each earphone. Such models are larger in size and cost much more.

In-channel models can be divided according to the type of nozzles used in them. If soft plastic is used, sleeves will be printed on the package, foam is indicated. For freeform, mold is indicated. This includes silicone or acrylic tips, which vary in hardness. And they also distinguish universal nozzles and having a certain size range. Group 2 is selected individually, taking into account the comfort of the user. The universal models have special lugs that allow you to change the depth from the dive. It is worth considering that their use brings some discomfort until the desired tightness is achieved.

Most popular attachments - foam... They are quite soft and comfortable to wear, they look attractive, they provide the formation of a pleasant, warm sound that is noticeably different from what silicone and plastic demonstrate. Their only drawback is the need to replace them after 2-3 weeks of use. Foam tips cannot be cleaned, they are only disposed of.

They use a fixed-type transmitter and rechargeable headphones. The signal is transmitted in analog form, without encryption, at FM frequencies 863-865 Hz... Such models are not distinguished by high clarity of broadcast, interference is very noticeable in them... The quality and range of reception largely depends on external factors, possible signal shielding. Music lovers will definitely not be interested in such models.

The infrared LED in the design of such headphones and the infrared port in the phone in this case act as a receiver and transmitter of an audio signal. The big disadvantage of this type of wireless connection is small radius of data transmission. The devices will have to be kept in close proximity to each other at all times so that the infrared sensors are visible. This is an outdated and inconvenient option that is practically not found on the market.

The most massive category of wireless vacuum headphones. Such models differ in a range of up to 10 m, and sometimes up to 30 m, are compact, do not require a Wi-Fi connection search. It takes no more than a minute to establish pairing. The signal is transmitted via Bluetooth after passing the encoding, it is better protected from eavesdropping and tampering. There is no need for a stationary transmitter, communication is quick and easy with any device, from TV to player.

In fact, headphones that are positioned as Wi-Fi devices use the same Bluetooth technology, since device standards for data transmission in this way are the same: IEEE 802.11. The name Wi-Fi can be viewed as a marketing ploy; it does not in any way affect the method and route of data transmission, it only indicates that it belongs to a certain protocol.

Vacuum wireless headphones have gained massive popularity. They are appreciated for their portability and compactness, good moisture resistance and high-quality sound. Among the models that are most admired by the consumer audience and the expert community, there are several options.

• Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless. Premium wireless earbuds with high sensitivity, branded case and superior design. The range of Bluetooth support is 10 m, the device is very light, has touch control, quickly connects to a smartphone.

• Apple AirPods Pro... Headphones with microphone, Bluetooth 5.0, support for all available codecs. With this model, the fashion for vacuum wireless headphones began, which swept the whole world. The battery life is 4.5 hours, from the battery in the case, this period can be extended by another day, the joint (pair) mode of use is supported.

• Huawei FreeBuds 3. Water resistant earplugs with microphone and stylish design. This device differs from the older models of the brand in its performance, lighter weight and compactness. The headphones easily connect to iPhones, Android smartphones, and include 3 pairs of earpieces, 1 of which is perforated, for sports.Fast charging is supported, the case will automatically pair the earbuds when you open the lid.

• Beats BeatsX Wireless. Mid-range wireless headphones. They exhibit a sensitivity of 101 dB, have a magnetized base and a rear bail with a signal emitter. Wireless connectivity remains up to 15 meters away and is charged via the USB-A connector. The earbuds are even compatible with the iPhone, work up to 8 hours in a row, there is a fast charging function.

• Meizu POP2. Stylish headphones with a good battery life and a convenient case. The high sensitivity of 101 dB makes them quite loud, one battery charge lasts for 8 hours - this is one of the best results. In addition, the headphones are compatible with iPhone and most other flagship smartphones, and have a dust and moisture resistant housing. Touch control can also be called a distinctive feature, and the noise cancellation system makes conversations comfortable even in a crowd.

• Xiaomi AirDots Pro... Popular wireless earbuds in a compact charging case suitable for iOS and Android smartphones. Communication is supported at a distance of up to 10 m, the box is connected via a USB-C connector. The accumulated energy is enough for 3 headphone recharges on the go.

• Honor FlyPods Youth Edition... Waterproof Bluetooth headphones with carrying case. The model maintains a stable signal within a radius of 10 m, the battery life is 3 hours. The case can charge the earbuds 4 times, fast energy replenishment is supported. One earbud weighs 10 g, includes 3 replacement ear pads of different diameters for each side.

• QCY T1C. Inexpensive Chinese headphones with Bluetooth 5.0 support, charging box included, microUSB connector. The model is compatible with iPhone and Android smartphones, has a quite presentable design, on 1 charge it works up to 4 hours. The headphones are very lightweight, ergonomic, and come with a rather sensitive microphone for talking on the go or while driving. A charge indicator is provided on the case; there is a control key on each headphone case.

When choosing wireless vacuum earbuds for your phone, it is recommended to pay attention not only to the design or the popularity of the model. The technical parameters are equally important. Also, phone accessories should be looked for based on their compatibility. Not always universal solutions are suitable for all models of devices. Among the most important selection criteria are the following:

• type of connection used - here it is definitely worth paying attention exclusively to modern headphones with Bluetooth 4.0 and higher; radio headphones and models powered by an IR signal are not reliable enough, it is difficult to talk about a stable connection and high-quality sound in this case;
• sensitivity determines the sound volume of speakers and headphones; in the case of vacuum models, you should pay attention to options with indicators of at least 100 dB;
• frequency range - the option from 20 to 20,000 Hz will be enough; if the first indicator is large, high frequencies will sound dull and inexpressive; its underestimation is also useless, since beyond 15 Hz the human ear no longer recognizes signals - the wider the range, the deeper the sound will be;
• the presence of a neckband - this analogue of the headset is often added to sports headphones to improve communication, to make the whole structure more convenient to use; it can be represented by a cord or a rigid headband connecting the headphones in a pair, while the vacuum “plugs” themselves will still be wireless;
• built-in microphone - this component turns the headphones into a full-fledged headset for telephone conversations; if this option is not required, you can find a model without a conversation unit;
• design and popularity - branded headphones are chosen by those who want to emphasize their belonging to a narrow circle of the elite; in practice, inexpensive models from bona fide manufacturers turn out to be no worse, it all depends on the user's personal preferences;
• type of attachments - usually there are several pairs of them in a set of different sizes; in addition, it is worth paying attention to the material - for example, acrylic is quite hard, foam is the softest and most comfortable, silicone is considered the most massive, but noticeably inferior to foam in the quality of sound reproduction;
• smartphone compatibility - brand technology is especially "capricious" in this sense, absolutely any model will not fit an iPhone or Samsung; it is better to check the list of compatible devices in advance;
• battery life - with a case included, 4-6 hours of autonomous music playback can easily turn into 24 hours; that is how much the kit can last on one charge from the network;
• price - premium models cost from $ 200, the middle class costs from 80 to 150 USD, the most inexpensive vacuum headphones in the wireless segment are sold at a price of up to 4000 rubles, but the quality of music playback in them will not be up to par.

For a video review of the ROCKSPACE M2T Wireless Vacuum Headphones, see below.