The Best Wireless Earbuds And Headphones To Help You Focus
Whether you need to focus at work or multi-task while moving around at home, these earbuds and headphones help you get the job done
Whether you work in an open-plan office, commute on public transport or work out often, there’s one accessory that can help you stay focused – a reliable set of earphones. And these days, more people are choosing to cut the cord and go wireless, because who has time to deal with a tangled mess every single time?
Wireless earphones are definitely the way of the future, especially for those of you who are working hybrid from home, office, to cafes.
Perfect for multi-taskers who are constantly on-the-go, here are some of the best Bluetooth earbuds and headphones to get your hands on.
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- Jabra Evolve2 Buds ($448)
- JBL Live Free NC+ TWS ($193)
- Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 ($1,295)
- Harman Kardon FLY ANC ($225)
- Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ($529)
- Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II ($379)
- Sennheiser HD 450BT ($199)
- Sony WF 1000X M4 ($299)
- Apple AirPods Max ($799)
- Dyson Zone (Price TBC)
The latest Bluetooth earbuds in town, the Jabra Evolve2 Buds was just launched Dec 19, 2022. The Buds come as an addition to Jabra’s Evolve series.
Jabra claims that these buds were “designed to boost concentration and improve collaboration for professionals working on the go”.
Evolve2 Buds is also compatible with Microsoft Teams and Zoom, and use the latest technology to reduce disruptive background noise and enable clearer calls.
Other features include:
MultiSensor Voice technology (Multiple microphones, blocks out noise)
USB adapter for wider Bluetooth connection up to 20 metres range
Connect to two devices simultaneously
Active Noise Cancellation
HearThrough (Hear environment sounds)
33 hours battery life
Jabra Evolve2 Buds is priced at $448.18 from Amazon.
First released in April 2021, these JBL Live Free NC+ True Wireless TWS earbuds come in four colours – black, blue, pink, and white. They’re generally suitable for daily usage such as commute, office, and workouts. You won’t get superb sound quality, complete noise cancellation, nor is it the best choice for pro gaming.
However, this pair of earbuds do come at an attractive price point of $193, look great and presentable, and are still considerably respectable and sufficient for a regular joe.
JBL Live Free NC+ TWS bluetooth earbuds is priced at $193.71 from Amazon.
Often compared to the Apple AirPods Max, these Beoplay H95 headphones have earned wild praises online ever since its official release in September 2020.
Beoplay H95’s sound quality sits above the JBLs, Sonys, and Sennheisers. To many reviewers on Reddit, the Beoplay H95 presents sound better than the Apple AirPods Max. On the flip side, the AirPods Max’s noise cancellation may prove to be better.
However, if you’re not used to headphones, the B&Os veer on the heavier end of the spectrum and may not be as comfortable as the AirPods Max.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 is priced at $1,295 from Amazon.
This pair of Harman Kardon FLY ANC headphones is often compared to the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones. Both headphones sit in the $300 price range, and are aesthetically similar.
Released in September 2020, these Harman Kardon FLY ANC headphones come with active noise cancelling (ANC) technology and a sleek, black minimalist design. It feels premium with a leatherette material covering most of its exterior, including the headband and ear-cups. Its construction is sturdy, though the headband could be rather tight.
You get micro-USB ports instead of the common USB B or C ports, three equalizer settings, and its noise cancellation may not be as good as other headphones’.
Overall, this Harman Kardon FLY ANC is better than than the Sony WH-1000XM4.
Harman Kardon FLY ANC is priced at $225.42 from Amazon
These Bowers & Wilkins PI7 seems to be one of the higher quality earbuds in the $500 price range, rating high for sound quality, bluetooth connectivity, build, design, and fast charge.
However, its battery life is very low at a paltry four hours of play time on full battery. Charging from 0 to 100 per cent takes approximately three hours as well.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is priced at $529 on Shopee
Priced within the $300 range, these Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds II were just released in October 2022 and have since earned praises from the global audiophiles community.
It comes with USB-C ports, earbud stabilisers, active noise cancelling that can’t be shut off, a mobile app for control and custom equalizer adjustments. You get seven hours of battery life, and a “Bass boost” setting for individuals who prefer stronger bass.
However, software components such as charging, pairing, and connectivity may be iffy.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II is priced at $379 on Amazon
First released in February 2020, this pair of Sennheiser headphones fall under the German audio equipment company’s “HD” higher quality range. You’ll also get decent sound suitable for regular home or office use, and active noise cancelling.
Compared to other headphones on this list, these Sennheiser HD 450BT are considerably the cheapest headphones. For this price range, you’ll get a lower sound range and quality. Online audiophiles often prefer to go for Sony headphones that are priced $100 or so more than these Sennheisers. Of course, you may get a much better build, design, and sound quality for $100 more.
Finally, the headband is pretty tight. If you know you have a larger head size, you might want to skip this one.
Sennheiser HD 450BT is priced at $199 on Amazon
These Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds have been earning 5/5 stars from online reviewers. Just recently released in September 2022, the WF-1000XM4 earbuds will get you good sound quality, pretty quiet active noise cancelling, along with a rounded and slimmer bud design.
You won’t get as much off that low bass experience, although you will get in-built mics to facilitate video calls at work.
A key highlight of the Sony WF-1000XM4 is its stellar active noise cancellation – which could end up being too much if you feel claustrophobic listening to pin drop silences.
Sony WF-1000XM4 is priced at $299 from Amazon and the Sony online store.
Released in December 2020, the Apple AirPods Max gives you the most colour options – space grey, green, sky blue, silver, and pink. You get 20 hours of battery life, active noise cancellation, transparency for you to tune into environment sounds.
Since launch, the Apple AirPods Max have been consistently lauded for their high quality build and design, comfort, sound quality, and the ease of connectivity to both Apple ecosystems and Windows laptops.
Apple AirPods Max is priced at $799 from Amazon and Apple online store
Hitting stores in March 23, the Dyson Zone headphones took the company six years of audio research and development. It comes with 50 hours of battery, active noise cancellation, reproduces sound frequencies from 6Hz to 21kHz, has 11 microphone points, environment noise suppression, and a detachable air purifier face mask.
Retail price is currently unknown.
Text: Home & Decor