What are the best true wireless (TWS) headphones you can buy in India right now? Options vary depending on your budget, and we’ve selected the best TWS headphones according to price categories, key features, and specific requirements.
We’ve seen some impressive innovation and growth in the true wireless earbuds segment, including some big-ticket launches from brands in the premium segment like Apple and Samsung. This has helped refresh the space a bit, which is much needed given the often long product lifecycles in the true wireless headphone segment. As a result, there are new launches across categories and platforms, including some long-awaited successors to previously beloved ones.
Active noise cancellation continues to be a key feature buyers look for when choosing true wireless headphones across price segments including the affordable space, but new innovation comes in the form of enhanced codec support. High-end and features built for certain devices and platforms continues to be a big trend in the segment. We’ve refreshed our top picks in true wireless earbuds price categories, with new products from Apple, Samsung and Oppo, among others. This is our top pick.
How do true wireless headphones work?
Until the advent of true wireless technology, wireless headphones and earphones had some kind of connector between the left and right channels, be it cord or headband. With true wireless headphones, even this short cable is gone, and each has its own battery, DAC, amplifier, and Bluetooth chip. Headphones connect individually to the source device, or the main headset is connected to the source then also connect to a second headset to provide a digital signal.
This way each earphone can work independently, but the two work together to ensure that the listener receives the stereo sound coming from the source device. The obvious advantage of this arrangement is the convenience of a completely wireless listening experience, which improves comfort and ease of use. This is a boon in many usage scenarios, including when exercising, in crowded places, on the way to work, or when you want to use the headset while lying down.
True wireless headphones often include a built-in microphone, making it possible to use them as a hands-free device with your smartphone. As long as the microphone is good enough to pick up sound over a slightly longer distance, this makes true wireless headphones the most discreet and efficient way to conduct call conversations on the go. And while additional components can make the headphones a little heavier than regular headphones, many of the new options are compact, lightweight, comfortable, and don’t rely on wing tips. or ear hooks to secure in your ears.
Best true wireless headphones: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
The much-awaited successor to the original Apple AirPods Prothe second generation variant see some major improvements in the user experience. Although the design and style of the headphones are mostly unchanged, the charging case has new smart functions, the controls have some improvements, as well as active noise cancellation and good sound quality. significantly more.
Of course, all of this works best if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, as you need an iOS device to be able to access and use some features. If you have an iPhone, you’ll be able to track the headphones and charging case with the Find My service, charge the case wirelessly (even the Apple Watch charger now works), and use Spatial Audio. You can also access detailed controls and settings for the headphones through iOS.
On Android, the headphones can be paired normally using Bluetooth, but many of the extras aren’t accessible, making this only a reasonable option if you have an iPhone to use them with. Still, the sonic signature is interesting in a variety of genres, and the active noise cancellation on offer is some of the best you can find on true wireless headphones right now. Although expensive, in general, there is no better pair of true wireless headphones than AirPods Pro (2nd Generation).
Buying: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Best true wireless headphones for Android: Sony WF-1000XM4
The Sony WF-1000XM4 are truly top-of-the-line true wireless headphones in every sense, and there’s one key factor that sets it apart from other similar products – support for the Bluetooth LDAC codec. This makes it especially well-suited for use with Android smartphones, and the sound quality on offer is truly one of the best you can get with this form factor. Good ANC, a functional app, and other useful features make this a truly capable wireless headset.
While the fit feels a bit wobbly due to the size of the headset and limited control customization options, the Sony WF-1000XM4 is one of our top picks thanks to its LDAC support, which works stable and without any connection problems. The sound is detailed and enjoyable, making this perhaps the best pair of true wireless earbuds you can buy right now – if you have an Android smartphone.
Buying: Sony WF-1000XM4
Best sound quality: Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Arguably the best sounding true wireless headphones you can buy right now, Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro benefit from advanced Bluetooth codec support, good drivers and tuning, and very good active noise cancellation. Overall, the sound is detailed, well-tuned, and enjoyable, especially with popular genres.
This is thanks to a rather impressive approach to the Bluetooth codec, with the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro supporting the new 24-bit SSC Hi Fi Codec. Battery life is also good, and there’s Qi wireless charging in addition to USB Type-C fast charging.
The only reason this isn’t our top pick among true wireless earbuds (or even for Android devices in general) is because to get that top-notch sound quality, Samsung smartphone must be paired with the headset. As with everything else, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are not unlocked to their full potential. While the app works on all Android devices, it’s not yet available for iOS.
Buying: Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Best True Wireless Headphones Under Rs. 15,000: Oppo Enco X2
The Oppo Enco X2 slightly more expensive than its predecessor, but still a great value proposition like no other in the true wireless headphone space. Price Rs. 10,999, this is a headset that challenges much more expensive competitors and still comes out on top. With good ANC and great sound quality for the price, there really isn’t a better mid-range option right now.
Much of this is due to driver setup; The Oppo Enco X2 has a dual-driver setup, which is still pretty rare on true wireless earbuds. There’s also support for the Bluetooth LHDC and LDAC codecs, as well as good active noise cancellation, app support, and customization and factory settings on a number of devices including OnePlus and Oppo devices. Perhaps the only downside on this headset is the average battery life, but the pros far outweigh the cons on the Oppo Enco X2.
Buying: Oppo Enco X2
Best affordable true wireless earbuds: Oppo Enco Air 2 Pro
Affordable true wireless headphones often come with active noise cancellation and the Oppo Enco Air 2 Pro is one of the best you can buy for under Rs 5,000 with this feature. Price Rs. 3,499, the Enco Air 2 Pro impresses for a number of reasons, including its sleek and comfortable design, application support, good ANC performance for the price, and clear and attacking sound.
It’s an all-rounder in every sense and is our top pick among affordable headphones. While the battery life is average and the audio is a bit harsh at very high volumes, the benefits of the Oppo Enco Air 2 Pro far outweigh the cons. This is a great value for money product in every way, delivering performance far beyond the price tag.
Buying: Oppo Enco Air 2 Pro
How we choose the best true wireless earbuds
We’ve reviewed or used a wide variety of true wireless headphones, including popular options from major electronics manufacturers, as well as options from traditional audio brands that have been in the business. manufactures headphones and earplugs for many years. We’ve also taken into account specs, codec support, and pricing to come up with our top recommendations.
True wireless headphones form a relatively new product segment, and we’ve had the chance to test out most of the new options. In addition to the headphones themselves, we also pay attention to the charging case that comes with these options. Boxes often provide extra batteries, and are also a convenient and safe way for you to carry your headphones when not in use. With all these points in mind, we’ve selected our list of top recommendations, as well as other options to watch out for as listed below.
Also consider true wireless headphones
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 is a delightfully premium package and well worth considering, but feels a bit pricey when compared to competing options.
Google Pixel Buds Pro: Google’s answer to AirPods Pro, the Google Pixel Buds Pro are a very good true wireless earphone, but limited by the lack of enhanced Bluetooth codec support.
Sony LinkBuds S (WF-LS900N): A notch below the flagship WF-1000XM4, the Sony LinkBuds S (WF-LS900N) is almost as good, but at a slightly more affordable price point.
Realme Buds Air 3 Neo: While not exceptional, these entry-level truly wireless earbuds from Realme are great value for money and a good start to the TWS form factor.
Elite Jabra 85t: Jabra’s latest true wireless headphones are priced Rs. 17,999 won, and is its most advanced yet with great sound, good ANC and all-round performance. It’s only slightly expensive compared to the excellent Oppo Enco X.
OnePlus Buds Z2: Price at Rs. 4,999 In India, the alternative to the OnePlus Buds Z features active noise cancellation and delivers punchy, fun sound, making it a worthwhile option for under Rs. 5,000 especially if you have a OnePlus smartphone.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro: Samsung’s flagship true wireless earbuds are a great choice with enhanced codec support and very good sound quality for approx. Rs. 10,000 won – if you can get used to complex and consistent design.
