An extensive evaluation of true wireless earbuds reveals significant advancements in audio technology, with five recent models being thoroughly analyzed for sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and battery life. The Technics EAH-AZ100 excel in sound performance, featuring a detailed audio profile and superior ANC capabilities, making them the overall best choice. The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 follow closely, particularly noted for their effective noise isolation and comfort. Other models, including the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro, LG xboom Buds, and Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro, show varying strengths and weaknesses in these key areas.
In-Depth Comparison of True Wireless Earbuds
True wireless earbuds have evolved from being mere accessories for convenience on the go to sophisticated audio devices equipped with premium sound quality, advanced noise cancellation, and smart functionalities. The question remains – which models truly provide the best value for your investment? We evaluated and compared five of the latest in-ear models to find out.
Sound Quality: Which Model Delivers Exceptional Audio?
When it comes to audio performance, the distinctions among these earbuds become strikingly clear. Leading the pack is the Technics EAH-AZ100, featuring a Magnetic Fluid Driver that produces an extraordinarily detailed and precise sound profile. It excels in the high and mid ranges, offering clear and spatial sound reproduction, while the bass is both powerful and well-controlled. The addition of Dolby Atmos with head tracking enhances the listening experience, making it a top choice for music enthusiasts who cherish intricate details.
Following closely are the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4, which boast an impressive sound profile thanks to their dual-driver system. They offer a robust bass that is neither overpowering nor too subdued, warm mids, and sparkling highs. Audiophiles will notably appreciate the quality tuning for Hi-Res audio tracks.
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro stand out with their booming bass and expansive soundstage. Their dual-driver design ensures a balanced audio experience, although users may need to fine-tune the sound via the extensive equalizer in the Soundcore app to achieve the best results. Those who enjoy experimenting with settings will discover excellent sound quality.
On the other hand, the LG xboom Buds fall short. Despite a collaboration with Will.i.am, their sound profile feels lackluster. The bass is weak, highs are unremarkable, and the overall dynamic range is unsatisfying.
Lastly, the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro, though they provide decent mids and highs, struggle with bass performance. In more complex musical pieces, they fail to capture details, resulting in a somewhat flat sound experience.
Overall Winner: Technics EAH-AZ100
Noise Cancelling Performance: Who Excels in Isolation?
Effective Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) can significantly enhance the experience of enjoying music or podcasts, especially in noisy surroundings.
The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 stand out in this category, delivering one of the best ANC performances in our testing. In bustling environments like airports, their intelligent dynamic noise cancellation almost entirely eliminates background noise, including voices.
The Technics EAH-AZ100 also perform admirably with infinitely adjustable ANC, enabling precise customization. Notably, these earbuds automatically assess surrounding noise and adapt their noise cancellation accordingly.
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro provide solid ANC that adjusts to ambient sounds, though they may struggle with sporadic noises typical in traffic situations.
While the LG xboom Buds manage to reduce continuous noise effectively, they allow voices and keyboard sounds to penetrate, and they lack finer ANC adjustments, offering only basic on/off functionality.
The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro disappoint, as their advertised 55 dB noise shielding fails to adequately suppress conversations. Additionally, the difference between ANC levels is minimal, leading to a lackluster performance.
Overall Winner: Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4
Comfort and Usability: Which Earbuds Fit Best?
A comfortable fit is essential not only for overall comfort but also for optimal sound quality.
The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 come equipped with seven different pairs of ear tips, including memory foam options. Thanks to the AI-Life app, users can even perform a fit test to ensure a secure and comfortable fit, which remains pleasant even during extended wear.
Equally comfortable are the Technics EAH-AZ100, which offer five ear tip sizes and a lightweight design, complemented by excellent passive noise isolation.
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro are ideal for active users, remaining securely in place during physical activities like running or cycling, in addition to being rated IPX5 for water resistance.
In contrast, the LG xboom Buds are lightweight but may not provide the ergonomic design needed for some users, especially those with smaller ears.
The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro are also quite comfortable; however, their charging case is less secure, having opened multiple times during drop tests, increasing the risk of losing the earbuds.
Overall Winner: Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4
Battery Life: Which Earbuds Last the Longest?
The Technics EAH-AZ100 emerge as the champions of endurance in our tests, achieving an impressive ten hours of playtime with ANC activated and up to 28 hours with the charging case.
Also performing well are the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro, providing up to ten hours without ANC and six hours with it.
The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 offer around five hours of playback with noise cancellation on and seven hours without, which, while decent, is not outstanding.
The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro impress with a runtime of up to eight hours and a total of 40 hours with the charging case, making them one of the more long-lasting options available.
The LG xboom Buds provide up to ten hours without ANC but only six hours with it, and they lack wireless charging, putting them at a disadvantage compared to their competitors.
Overall Winner: Technics EAH-AZ100
Conclusion: Who Takes the Crown?
The Technics EAH-AZ100 emerge as the overall winners, thanks to their superb sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and impressive battery life. They are an excellent choice for audiophiles seeking the best experience.
The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 also showcase strong performance, particularly in noise cancellation and comfort, making them a solid choice for those frequently on the move.
Visual Overview of Technics EAH-AZ100
Here you can see our initial impressions following the unboxing.
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro