Best Wireless Earbuds for Specific Needs
December 05, 2022 By Raulf Hernes
(Image Credit Google)
Since the COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020, I haven't done any significant traveling. But I'm at my limit now. I'm returning to the Caribbean because I can't resist the call of the sun, surf, and dive. I'm also faced with a far more important decision: which earphones or headphones should I bring, in addition to the typical options for clothing, swimwear, cameras, and reading material.
First of all, let me say that having a choice of devices is unique. Particularly given the variety of my options. Being a reviewer has advantages over the average person, who typically only owns one pair of earphones and sometimes a pair of headphones. If you're in the market for new headphones or earbuds, though, hopefully my review approach will be beneficial anyway. It might influence your decision.
Should I wear headphones or not?
Derek Malcolm asked, "Wait, earbuds?," when I originally suggested this piece to my group. You're not going to bring earbuds? Certainly not for the airplane?" It's a good question, and I grappled with it, but here is where I (cough) ended up: I enjoy wearing wireless earbuds. I would definitely bring the Sony WH-1000XM5, Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 4, or Bowers & Wilkins Px8 – some of my favorite wireless headphones from 2022 — if this were a different kind of vacation.
On the other hand, bringing as little as possible is the aim of this journey. Our scuba equipment takes up a significant amount of space, so I'm using the majority of my carry-on luggage for photographic equipment and other items. If the airlines misplace my luggage, which seems to be a possibility that is rising recently, I will be miserable without it. That, regrettably, means that none of the wifi cans I described will be chosen.
But not everything is lost. Prior to recently, choosing wireless earbuds over wireless headphones meant giving up a lot of convenience. Historically, earbuds have had objectively lower sound quality, active noise cancellation (ANC), and battery life.
That is most definitely not the case in 2022, and in many cases, wireless earbuds are preferable to headphones—and not just because they take up less space in your bag. I'm considering the following top candidates.
Jabra Elite 7 Pro
You already know I'm a big admirer of Jabra earbuds if you've ever read one of my reviews. I think the Elite 7 Pro is an excellent pair of earbuds. They have a terrific sound, are very inexpensive, and are packed with features like ANC, transparency, Bluetooth Multipoint, wearable sensors, wireless charging, and premium sound quality. However, the endurance of these earphones is what puts them in the lead for this specific journey.
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They have an IP57 rating for dust and water protection, making them effectively sand and water resistant. The Elite 7 Pro won't even notice if I'm relaxing by the pool while listening to music and suddenly get the urge to jump in the water, making me completely forget that I have earbuds in. You could swim with Bluetooth headphones while using the Elite 7 Pro, though I wouldn't recommend it as the connection would weaken in the water and you're more likely to lose one in the deep end.
MW08 Sport by Master & Dynamic
It may seem absurd, but one drawback of evaluating headphones and earbuds is that you may struggle to find the time to utilize a pair you truly enjoy listening to if you find one you love because there is always a new pair to test out. However, I frequently reach for the Master & Dynamic (M&D) MW08 Sport when I do have the opportunity (like on a beach vacation).
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One of the best-sounding wireless earbuds I've ever heard are these. Whether you enjoy Liszt, Lizzo, or anything in between, the MW08 is simply beautiful. If you use an iPhone, this is true, but if you also have a source of high-resolution lossless audio and an Android phone with aptX Adaptive, it is even more accurate. Finding a calm area will allow you to clearly hear the difference that you would not be able to hear poolside.
Furthermore, these earbuds feature a fairly long battery life of 42 hours, which is made up of 12 hours of playback time per charge and an additional 30 hours in the case. That is more than the majority of earbuds and headphones combined. I won't need to look for a power outlet, even if our flights are significantly delayed.
Despite the "Sport" moniker, they aren't really any more workout-friendly than the standard M&D MW08, other than the fact that they come with foam eartips in addition to silicone tips. However, I'm thinking of the Sport because the case is significantly lighter and tougher (the earphones are rated IPX5 and the cover is IPX4), and wireless charging is an added bonus.
Apple AirPods Pro 2
What makes Apple's earbuds one of my top three picks? One reason is that I use an iPhone every day, thus the fact that the AirPods Pro 2 works so well with the iPhone is no accident. The AirPods Pro 2 are the best way to FaceTime, in my opinion. I'll also be making numerous calls to my kids via FaceTime, who won't be traveling with us this time.
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The true reason these earphones are a serious contender for my trip, though, is their excellent ANC. The AirPods Pro 2 are the only earbuds or headphones that can effectively drown out noises like the dull rumble of an aircraft engine and occasionally intrusive hotel occupants. It's insanely good. And when you activate transparency mode, it appears as though someone just snapped their fingers and made the AirPods vanish.
Because I like using the AirPods Pro so much, I don't really want to do without them even if they have a meager battery life, the least level of water protection (IPX4) of the three finalists, and sound quality that isn't even close to the MW08 Sport.
Conclusion
I'd take all three if space were the only factor because even three sets of wireless earbuds still take up less space than even the smallest wireless headphones. If you have the resources, why not? Each of them possesses traits that would make them fantastic at various times while on vacation.
On the other hand, if you were to purchase all three, your investment would be $798 at their regular prices. Let's just agree that you probably won't do it.
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Jabra Elite 7 Pro are the headphones I would pick if I could only take two. If I reflect on previous scuba trips, there haven't actually been that many occasions where I've made an effort to completely blank out, so I'd miss the incredible sound of the MW08 Sport. Additionally, since I'm only carrying the iPhone 14, I won't be able to utilize the MW08's high-resolution audio features (iPhones do not support high-resolution Bluetooth codecs).
What if I had to choose just one with a gun to my head? The AirPods Pro would be it. Despite not having ultra-premium sound, the AirPods nonetheless provide excellent sound quality. They may not be able to withstand total submersion, yet they can become wet without suffering any harm.
Yes, the battery life won't get me as far on a single charge, but if I'm miles away from a powered USB port after listening to music for 24 hours, I could have more pressing issues than battery life.
The excellent ANC and simple usability of the AirPods Pro 2 are incomparable, though. It makes sense that they have become so many people's go-to friends, whether they are on a beach vacation or simply looking to unwind from the stresses of daily life.