Story: Solving the problem

Everyone feels at least one time that earphone code makes us annoyed. Bluetooth solved this problem, but it’s sometimes unstable. It happened, leaking sound on the phone when I listened to music on a train and it was very embarrassing.

It was over 10 years ago. Recently, I can see many pedestrians who use AirPods produced by Apple. I felt it looks silly when AirPods was launched. I still think so, but it’s popular relatively. I have no discrimination, good is good, bad is bad and I like ads below.

©Apple

I guess many people use the iPhone. Therefore, they bought AirPods. I use MacBook Pro and iPhone, but I don’t consider to buy Airpods. I don’t want to always choose Apple products because of the reason why Apple. I would like to compare the design, battery life, sound and brand. I also don’t consider headphones. I am working in front of MacBook Pro during a day. Headphones hurt my ear when I use it for a few hours. Since then, I dislike it.

To be honest, I hadn’t even known the product category, earbuds. Anyway, I am curious to update my earphone to wireless. I would like to find a good deal for this holiday season 2019.

The Rise And Fall Of The Headphone Jack

©CNBC

A little learned about the history of a headphone jack. The reason why Apple’s engineer removed it is that headphone jack makes cell phones thicker. It was also necessary for waterproof. It makes sense to me.

Apple has a license of 3.5mm jack. I didn’t know that. Earbuds are not for every country. I can understand it. I use iPhone 7 and I need an adapter. I bought WI-C400 Wireless In-ear Headphones on Boxing Day for a while ago. It was not so bad even though it sometimes interrupts sound quality when code rubes cloths. Please try no code experience with affordable products. You can decide which is more convenient.

Top 10 Truly Wireless Earphones

©Flossy Carter

©Gamesky

©MrMobile [Michael Fisher]

I watched over 10 videos and reviews. I could know common products on each video. I also find people who said AirPods looks weird. I do NOT discriminate any products. I am just looking at a product from a consumer standpoint.

Price ranges are between $50 to over $300. I cannot afford high-end products. I am looking for a product at around $100 on Black Friday or Boxing Day.

*There is a link on the product image.

Samsung Galaxy Buds(Black)

Specifications
Battery life: 6 Hours
Case: Up to 13 hours
Water-Resistant: IPX2 (splash resistant)

*A quick 15-minute charge in the case will get you up to 1.7 hours of playtime.
*Official Website: Galaxy Buds

*Updated: 2020.07.08
Now, Samsung Galaxy Buds+ is also available.

Specifications
Battery life: 11 Hours
Case: Up to 22 hours

*Updated: 2020.08.13
Now, Samsung Galaxy Live has released.

Specifications
Battery life: 6 Hours
Case: Up to 21 hours

SoundSport Free wireless headphones by BOSE

Specifications
Battery life: 5 Hours
Case: Up to 10 hours of battery life
Water-Resistant: IPX4

*A quick 15-minute charge will give you 45 minutes of battery life.
*Official Website: SoundSport Free wireless headphones

Powerbeats Pro by Beats

Specifications
Battery life: 9 Hours
Case: More than 24 hours
Water-Resistant: Applicable

*5-minute Fast Fuel charging gives 1.5 hours of playback when the battery is low
*Beats Electronics LLC is a subsidiary of Apple Inc.
*Official Website: Powerbeats Pro

*Update: 2020.07.08
In June 2020, I bought Powerbeats Pro!

EARIN M-2

Specifications
Battery life: 4Hours
Case: Up to 14 hours
Water-Resistant: –

EARIN M-2 looks good, but I have no idea why the price is so different official site and Amazon. The spec are not so stand out. I have no reason to buy EARIN-2.

*Official Website: EARIN M-2

CREATIVE OUTLIER AIR

Specifications
Battery life: 10 Hours
Case: Up to 30 hours
Water-Resistant: IPX5

People who don’t care about a brand is actually smart. If I choose the product based on the spec, CREATIVE OUTLIER AIR is great.

*the best performance compares to others.
*Official Website: CREATIVE OUTLIER AIR

Good reviews

I found a lot of good review products below. I cannot choose them because of design, but you may like their performance.

Sony: WF-1000XM3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
1MORE: STYLISH TRUE WIRELESS IN-EAR HEADPHONES
Jabra: Elite 65t

*Updated: October 4th, 2019
Microsoft announced Surface Earbuds. You can control by touch and voice. I felt it’s a little big for me. I don’t consider it right now. I observe the consumer’s reputation for a while.

AirPods Pro vs. Amazon Echo Buds

*Updated: 2019.12.01
Apple announces AirPods Pro. It looks much better than AirPods. 2 days ago, I observed a customer in McDonald’s. I saw a young guy who uses AirPods and my impression was the same, it looked still weird.

If I compare 2 of them, I will buy AirPods Pro. It looks unique enough compared to other brands. I would like to keep simple when I travel. I don’t want to bring other cables for earbuds. Therefore, I choose Apple in this case.

Conclusion: Design > Spec > Price

3 months before holiday season, I like all products which I feature. I can pay $300 if products solve my problem, wireless. In other words, if products make my life easier. We can think about this point in our design work. Providing value for the client.

I little confused about price. I am not for sure about US$ or CND$ exactly. Please check at Bestbuy or Amazon.

I am quite designing sensitive. The design comes first in any priorities when I choose products. I am still wondering why people choose AirPods. It has really not good reviews in my research. It may be proof of the power of the brand. I am glad to think that!

Review: Powerbeats Pro

*Updated: 2020.07.06

In June 2020, I bought Powerbeats Pro.

I am using Powerbeats Pro for a month and I can say it’s fair. I like codeless for sure. The hook does not bother me even I use glasses sometimes. If you use masks to protect COVID, Powerbeats Pro may not the best choice. I cannot evaluate the sound. I didn’t feel dramatically different.

Overall, I have no regret that I bought it. I cannot back to earphones with code anymore, but just in case, please keep earphones when you go to travel.

Reference:

Apple Explained: Why Apple’s AirPods Are So Popular
iPhonedo: AirPods 2 – Absolutely Better Than Galaxy Buds.
BEST True Wireless Earbuds (Summer 2019) – Free Yourself, Ditch the Cables!
Top 7 Under $100 Wireless Earbuds!!!
CNET: The best true wireless earbuds of 2019
techrader: Best wireless earbuds: the best Bluetooth earbuds and earphones in 2019