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Intro to Earbuds

Published on August 26, 2024 By
Noah Abbott

Explore the world of earbuds with our introductory guide, perfect for anyone looking to dip their toe in a more portable listening experience. We touch on key aspects like sound quality and comfort, providing a straightforward overview that helps you navigate the basics of choosing the right pair for your daily needs, whether you’re after affordability or the finest audio quality.

Grado GT220 In-Ear Wireless Headphones

Headphones are great, but sometimes you need something smaller and more portable, like earbuds. Earbuds let you listen to your music anywhere, and they're just for you. Almost everyone has a pair of earbuds these days. But how do you know which ones are really good and which are just okay? Apple's AirPods are super popular, and there are lots of other earbuds trying to be just as good. It's tricky to find the best ones with so many choices out there.

With decades in the high-fidelity audio business behind us, we know how to tell the best from the rest and what a pair of earbuds needs to stand out, and this article will be all about these unique little devices.

Cardas Audio A8 Earbuds exploded view

Parts You Should Know About

Earbuds are small but have a lot of parts. They have a housing that holds everything, a speaker driver to turn electrical signals into sound, and a sound tube to send the sound into your ear. If they're wired, they have a remote control on the cable and a split where the cable divides for each ear. Wireless earbuds don't have cables. They have Bluetooth to connect to your phone and a battery. Some even have a microphone for phone calls or noise cancellation to block outside sounds.

Earbuds vs Headphones

Earbuds vs Headphones

Earbuds come in different types that cater to a multitude of preferences and needs. It’s worth mentioning that the term earbud is used as an umbrella term for In-ear headphones and earphones, a bit like jelly and jam and shoes and sneakers. There are a couple of subtle differences to know about. Earbuds are different from headphones because they go in your ear. They're small and easy to carry, perfect for when you're moving around.

Different Kinds of Earbuds

There are many types of earbuds. Some sit outside your ear, while others go inside your ear canal with a soft pad for comfort. Wireless earbuds that don't have cables, sweat-resistant sports earbuds, noise-canceling earbuds for quiet listening, gaming earbuds with a microphone, and bone-conduction earbuds that use vibrations and are great for outdoor activities.

Types of earbuds graphic

Wired Earbuds

Some people prefer wired earbuds for their high-quality sound. They use cables to send unprocessed sound to your ears. They don't need batteries, but they can't move around as freely as you can with wireless earbuds.

Wireless Earbuds

Wireless audio technology has been advancing rapidly. In the past, wired and wireless earbuds had clear differences in performance. However, that distinction is now disappearing quickly. Instead of using wires, Bluetooth earbuds receive compressed audio data from your device. The earbuds use algorithms called Bluetooth codecs to convert the data into the music you hear. These codecs are continuously updated and are getting better at reducing playback issues like latency (the delay between your device and the earbuds).

Man jumping rope while wearing PSB M4U TWM Wireless Earbud Headphones

Comfort

Sound is important, but so is comfort and security. You don’t want them falling out of your ear at the wrong time. Earbuds should fit well and never hurt or irritate your ears. Look for ones with a variety of different replaceable cushions.

Sound Quality

This is the big one. Of course, it's also the hardest to quantify. It’s really just about using them, and that's not easy if you haven't bought them yet. If you're online, we highly recommend reading reviews and hearing what others say about sound quality before committing. This is especially important if you're looking for more budget-friendly options.

Meze Audio Rai Penta In-Ear-Monitor lifestyle image

So Why Choose Hi-Fi Earbuds?

Earbuds are a great way to listen to music on the go. They're small and easy to carry, and they can sound really good. They're perfect for music lovers who want to listen to high-quality music anywhere. If you still have questions about earbuds or sound, you can ask audio experts for advice and recommendations. They'll help you find the best earbuds for you.