In recent times, earphones have become synonymous with earbuds. Every headphone manufacturer has rushed to get a pair on the market, so much so that it has become challenging for buyers to pick the right one for them. However, not all earbuds are created equal, so consumers need to be careful when buying a new pair. Here are seven things to keep in mind before buying your next set of earphones:

Cost
There are many cheap options on the market, but a quality earphone will not be cheap. Good wireless earbuds do not come at bargain prices, as they need good quality parts like Bluetooth chips, high-density batteries, etc. Do your research beforehand to know what features to expect from your earphones and how much they’re likely to cost on average across competitors.

Codecs
A codec is a program that compresses and decompresses data to allow faster transmission between devices. Basic models of TWS (True Wireless Stereo) only work with SBC, a codec that does not support high-resolution music and operates on a limited transmission speed. For Apple’s AirPod users, check for AAC compatibility, as Apple devices support SBC and AAC. The latest versions of Android support most Bluetooth audio codes like aptX, LDAC, and aptX HD, alongside the SBC and AAC.

Ear-tips
The ear-tips are the most important part of your listening experience with earphones, as a good fit ensures good music transmission. It’s essential to ensure that the ear-tips provided with your earbuds come in a range of sizes to fit your ears properly. Fit and comfort are the most important so that your earbud sits comfortably in your ear and does not keep falling off.

Battery life
Most earbuds come with a three-to-five hour battery life, after which they need to be popped back into the case to recharge, which on average holds three to four charge cycles. Check the battery life of a pair of earphones before you purchase them so you’re prepared for their charge cycles.

Controls
Most higher-end earphones feature control pads or buttons on the buds to allow you to control the volume, tracks, voice commands, and take phone calls without picking up your phone. Some models can even auto-pause music when you take a bud out of your ear, aiding any real-time conversations you may be having.

Noise-canceling
Some high-end earphones offer a noise-canceling feature that reduces background noise and enhances your music experience. Many also include a ‘hear-through’ feature so you can adjust the noise canceling to a level that is comfortable or press a button to mute the music to hear what someone is saying without having to remove your earphones.

Volume
Not all earphones operate at the same level when it comes to volume. While for some, you need to raise the volume to 100% to hear what is being said, others offer enough sound at 50%. If you’re comparing the models in a shop, try checking out the maximum volume that your earphones provide, so you’re assured of a quality listening experience each time.

Keeping these features in mind, the new Airpods Pro 2022 are great earphones to invest in. They were launched on September 7, 2022, making them the 2nd generation in the Pro range. They cost $249, and are available for purchase at stores and online retailers across the country. With breakthrough audio, these AirPods are lightweight and have a compact body to provide an exceptional acoustic experience and cancel twice as much noise as the previous generation of the AirPods Pro. Sold with 4 different ear-tips to ensure a snug fit for everyone, the AirPods Pro offer precise and immersive sound, along with convenient features like media playback control with their improved Touch control. They also offer six hours of battery life on a single charge with Active Noise Cancellation, along with 4 additional charges in the case, extending its battery life to 30 hours.