Best Earbuds of 2024

Summary

In this video, David Conor reviews the top true wireless earbuds of 2024, highlighting standout models like Apple's AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation, Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 with advanced AI integration, and Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro with dual drivers and improved voice calling. The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 stands out for sound quality, while the affordable EarFun Air Pro 4 offers strong performance at a budget price. Honorable mentions include Sony LinkBuds Fit, Beats Fit Pro, and JBL Live Beam 3, rounding out a comprehensive roundup of the year's best earbuds.

Takeaways

• 😀 The top true wireless earbuds of 2024 are highlighted, with a focus on new releases.
• 😀 Apple's AirPods 4 offer effective active noise cancelling (ANC) with an open design, catering to those who dislike ear tips.
• 😀 The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 come with a new Tensor A1 chip and improved noise cancelling, appealing to Android and Pixel users.
• 😀 Samsung's Galaxy Buds 3 Pro feature a dual driver setup and solid noise cancelling, despite being seen as an AirPods clone by some.
• 😀 Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 earbuds are praised for their premium sound quality and a unique case that turns into a Bluetooth transceiver.
• 😀 The EarFun Air Pro 4 offers great value at $70, with decent sound quality and noise cancelling for its price.
• 😀 Honorable mentions include Sony's LinkBuds Fit, Beats Fit Pro, and the Soundcore by Anker P4i for their strong features and affordability.
• 😀 The Shokz OpenFit AirBuds are a standout for comfort, with an open-fit design and a price tag lower than the original OpenFit model.
• 😀 JBL’s LiveBeam 3 earbuds are lauded for their solid performance and unique case with a touchscreen display acting as a remote control.
• 😀 The review encourages users to explore the detailed reviews of each model on CNET and share their thoughts on overlooked 2024 earbuds.

Q & A

What makes Apple's AirPods 4 stand out compared to previous models?

The AirPods 4 stand out due to their active noise cancelling (ANC) feature, which is effective despite their open-ear design. This is a technological feat, as ANC typically requires a sealed ear canal. They are also smaller and offer improved sound quality and better voice calling performance compared to the AirPods 3.

Why are the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 recommended for Pixel smartphone owners?

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are recommended for Pixel smartphone owners due to their integration with Google's Tensor A1 chip, which provides more processing power and enables hands-free operation with the Gemini virtual assistant. They also feature improved sound quality, ANC, and voice calling performance.

What are the key design features of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro?

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro feature a stem design with embedded light strips. They also include dual drivers, which consist of a 10 mm dynamic driver and a planar tweeter, as well as dual amps to help reduce wireless hiccups. These features contribute to their high-quality sound, noise cancelling, and improved voice calling performance.

What makes the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 earbuds so expensive?

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 earbuds are priced at $399 primarily due to their exceptional sound quality, which is considered some of the best on the market. They also have an improved design for a more comfortable fit, better noise cancelling, and enhanced voice calling performance. Additionally, their case doubles as a Bluetooth transceiver for in-flight entertainment systems.

Why is the Earfun Air Pro 4 considered a good value pick?

The Earfun Air Pro 4 is considered a good value pick because, despite costing only around $70, it offers solid performance in terms of sound quality, noise cancelling, and transparency. While not on par with flagship models from brands like Apple, Sony, and Bose, the Earfun Air Pro 4 provides great value by offering features close to those premium earbuds at a much lower price.

What notable features are found in the Sony LinkBuds Fit?

The Sony LinkBuds Fit are designed with a built-in sports fin for a more secure fit. They are aimed at users who need wireless earbuds for an active lifestyle. These earbuds are priced at $200 and are a solid choice for those looking for a good blend of comfort, performance, and fit.

What makes the Beats Fit Pro earbuds a popular choice?

The Beats Fit Pro earbuds are popular due to their compact size, secure fit, and solid sound performance. They also benefit from active noise cancelling and seamless integration with Apple devices. Their popularity is also boosted by their competitive price compared to other high-end earbuds.

How does the Soundcore by Anker P4i compare to other earbuds on the market?

The Soundcore by Anker P4i stands out as a budget-friendly option, priced around $50. It offers good sound quality and noise cancelling for its price range. Additionally, its case can be converted into a phone stand, which adds extra utility for watching movies or video calls.

What is unique about the Shokz OpenFit Airbuds?

The Shokz OpenFit Airbuds are part of a growing trend of open-ear earbuds. They are particularly known for their comfort and are priced at $120, which is $60 less than the original OpenFit buds. These earbuds provide a comfortable, secure fit and are ideal for those who prefer not to have ear tips inserted into their ears.

What features do the JBL Live Beam 3 earbuds offer?

The JBL Live Beam 3 earbuds, priced around $150, offer good sound, noise cancelling, and voice calling performance. They are notable for their unique case, which includes an integrated touchscreen display that functions as a remote control for the earbuds.