You can’t beat the convenience of wireless audio gears to fill up your daily music dose. They are so convenient that virtually every major entertainment and even professional audio manufacturer to keep up with the market.
In this article, we’ll get you through the basics and words to help you choose the perfect wireless earphones / headphones. A mini buying guide to be exact.
How Wireless Earphones Work
Let's start with the basics. Conventional earphones produce sounds by transferring analog signal from a source (audio player, smartphone, or laptop) to the earphone drivers (miniature speakers that direct sounds to your ear).
Wireless earphones work the same way, except wireless earphones streams audio through bluetooth. Found on virtually any smartphone nowadays. The rest of the process is identical. The streamed digital data converted to analog signal to the earphone drivers.
There are a couple more steps for wireless earphones to work, that is why you might encounter latency if you are using bluetooth earphones on your smartphone.
Audio Quality: WirED vs WirELESS
On paper, wired earphones are superior compared to wireless earphones. Here's a simple explanation; Wired earphones gathers audio directly from the cable, producing direct sound with milliseconds of latency and delivering the true sound of the earphones to your ears. That's why" audiophile grade" cables exist, arguably helps improving the sound quality of an already good set of earphones. We can talk about audiophile grade cables, but it will take a whole article to do. One thing to mention though, they cost really expensive. Tell us if you want us to talk about these niche cables.
Wireless earphones on the other hand requires more steps from your music source to the earphones. more interference translates to lesser sound quality. But that's only on paper.
In real world situation, especially if you enjoy listening to music in general and you are not an audio professional, you might only notice a slight veiled sound on wireless earphones if you do an A/B test between one headphone (wired, and its wireless counterpart), which is not very convenient. and not really necessary.
Wireless Earphone Buying Guide
Now you know the basics, let's jump straight in to the wireless earphone buying guide! Depending on your preference of sound, on what occasion you use your wireless earphones for, and of course, your budget, there are a lot to choose from and we're counting down several for you.
1. Radius HP BTF-01
We'll start of the list with an earphone manufacturer you've probably never heard of. Radius is a Japanese lifestyle audio manufacturer focused on delivering affordable quality portable audio products. The sound and build quality of their products extends beyond their price tag. You've probably never heard of this product because their advertisement does not reach you. They allocate hard advertising budget in developing their product quality.
The Radius HP BTF - 01 sounds fun and well balanced through out the frequency spectrum. They carry single dynamic driver for very coherent sound that is unmatched. The low-end frequency thumps well, the mid-range pronounces vocals really well, with a touch of crispiness on the top frequency.
They are IPX 5 certified. Meaning they are splash proof and well designed for sport use. The HP BTF-01 is tailored to accompany your gym and running session.
With the price less than Rp 1000k, Radius HP BTF-01 is one of the best bang for your buck if you are looking for a fun sound and suitable for sport use.
Rp. 870,000.
2. Beyerdynamic Byron BT
If you watch BBC Radio One live shows, you'll notice every single performers wear a black, studio closed back headphones. That is the Beyerdynamic DT 770. In case you missed out on this, Beyerdynamic is a German professional audio manufacturer producing legendary and indestructible headphones and mics loved by pro audio users around the globe. They also make audiophile focused, home use headphones and recently expanded their range of products to lifestyle, portable audio products and the Byton BT is one of them.
The Beyerdynamic Byron BT carries all-around sound. you can throw various genres of music on it and it will sound good without sacrificing their legacy, the traditional Beyerdynamic sound.
With this product, you are getting a well built wireless earphones that is perfect for your daily commute or even at the office, however this is not the earphone you want to take with you for running.
We think the styling on the Byron BT screams luxury and we think you do so. You're paying for an earphone manufactured by a legend. We think the sound, looks, and build quality is worth every penny
Rp 1,590,000
3. Sony MDR-XB950B1
From home appliances to smartphones, In a nutshell, Sony is a strong Japanese multi-national company specializing in anything gadgets. The cool thing is, every product segment they make, they always carry a handful of great products for that product range. One of them is audio. Sony makes professional, home, and portable audio products. and we'll focus on portable audio products because we will talk about the comfort champion, Sony MDR-XB950B1
Bassheads, this one is for you. Advertised as an "Extra Bass" wireless headphones, Sony MDR-XB950B1 carries an unorthodox approach to bass oriented headphones. This pair of headphones literally shakes your head with the amount of bass they have without sacrificing the sonic quality of the other frequency spectrum. Being an over-ear headphone, expect to hear spacious sound stage for a bass-heavy headphone. This headphone is suitable for any kind of music, but you will enjoy the most out of this headphone listening to electronic music.
This headphone is the honcho in comfort department. We are not exaggerating but this headphone is among the most comfortable headphone on the market. The leatherette earpad hugs your ear comfortably. These earpads incorporate plush materials, like wearing a marshmallow pillow on your head. You can wear these for a long listening session without your head feeling tired. Suitable for casual portable use, or even commuting if you don't mind wearing headphones outdoor.
With the price offered, the Sony XB950B1 is worth every penny. Great sound and comfortable.
Rp 1,800,000.
4. Bose QuietComfort 35-II
Bose is known for their premium home and portable audio devices. They develop the latest and greatest technology to present it to the market.
It's no surprise they sound good, with added noise cancelling feature allowing you to block outside noise, so you get that "you and your music only" experience by using this pair. All the frequencies are well balanced and pronounced very clearly, with a nice bass shake for thumping sensation.
You can wear this pair of headphones for extended period of time without feeling uncomfortable. These headphones are the made to last. The build quality speaks alongside their price tag.
If money is no object, Bose Quitecomfort 35-II might be suitable for you
Rp 5,500,000