Wireless Bluetooth headphones and earphones - recommendations and chat

[ATOMIC SUPLEX]

So I have the BT dongle on the end of a 5 metre USB 2 extension hanging from the landing ceiling and it seems to enable me to move from my chair to the bathroom / kitchen OK but drops out at the downstairs back door ... the odd dropout even sitting here - it even crashed my PC initially - second time I've had a BSOD recently - I definitely need a new PC and USB 3.
The BT receiver is pretty decent - certainly capable of damaging my ears ... possibly small enough to clip to the headphones I will see ......
My new headphones arrive tomorrow.
The foam pads on my little Panasonics are nearly worn out now - poor things must know they're about to be usurped.

The idea is that my PC speakers are never turned on to annoy the neighbours - so my singing may get them sending in the authorities

Edit:- tried it in the garden with my phone - seems the range on the receiver may be the limiting factor - phone will need to be dead in the middle of the garden ...

A shame they insisted on putting a BT receiver in a metal box ...

I really don't understand what you are trying to achieve.
You want to listen to music anywhere in your house and in your garden etc on blue tooth headphones, but you don't want to do it via something mobile, like say . . . . a mobile phone? What is the purpose of all these usb dongles or being connected to your PC or even the wifi?

 

[kropotkin]

I wish I could get on with wireless earphones, but every pair I've tried has seen one of them pop out of a lugole and nearly been lost. I've been using wired bluetooth earphones (i.e. with a cable connecting the two) and at least ensures their safety but the charging is still a faff.

If always agreed with this until last time I had COVID I went a bit mad in isolation and bought these

Sony WF-1000XM4 review

What Hi-Fi? Awards 2022 winner. No longer the latest and greatest Sony wireless earbuds, but still stunners

www.whathifi.com

They are just perfect.
Got them in an Amazon deal from Spain I think

 

[BristolEcho]

If always agreed with this until last time I had COVID I went a bit mad in isolation and bought these

Sony WF-1000XM4 review

What Hi-Fi? Awards 2022 winner. No longer the latest and greatest Sony wireless earbuds, but still stunners

www.whathifi.com

They are just perfect.
Got them in an Amazon deal from Spain I think

I have the M3s which are also amazing.

 

[gentlegreen]

I really don't understand what you are trying to achieve.
You want to listen to music anywhere in your house and in your garden etc on blue tooth headphones, but you don't want to do it via something mobile, like say . . . . a mobile phone? What is the purpose of all these usb dongles or being connected to your PC or even the wifi?

Well it's proving to be exactly what I wanted - the garden coverage was an afterthought.
The main thing is when I'm home - i.e upstairs where I live - I need never plug in my speakers and in theory I can forget what time or day it is and never disturb my neighbours again.

This is partly a stop-gap as I hope in a few years' time to be living in a barn - or at least a house with an atrium with no immediate neighbours ...

The PC happens to be my world - my phone is almost just an MP3 player ... and I'm happy to physically separate myself from the phone - less snagging of cables, less destruction of earphone jack - and this cheapo amp gives a lot more oomph ...and it has a proper volume knob

And quality-wise it's also massively below what my HIFI potentially is - and will be - but in a new house with all my media playing through a decent DAC... maybe I'll even up my game in the mobile / portable department too ...

 

[ATOMIC SUPLEX]

Well it's proving to be exactly what I wanted - the garden coverage was an afterthought.
The main thing is when I'm home - i.e upstairs where I live - I need never plug in my speakers and in theory I can forget what time or day it is and never disturb my neighbours again.

This is partly a stop-gap as I hope in a few years' time to be living in a barn - or at least a house with an atrium with no immediate neighbours ...

The PC happens to be my world - my phone is almost just an MP3 player ...

And quality-wise it's also massively below what my HIFI potentially is - and will be - but in a new house with all my media playing through a decent DAC... maybe I'll even up my game in the mobile / portable department too ...

You misunderstand me.
I really don't know at all what you are trying to achieve. You are on a thread about bluetooth headphones, so I assume you to play something through bluetooth headphones. . . but for some reason this has to come directly from your PC?
I'm not trying to be difficult, I just don't know what you are doing.

 

[gentlegreen]

You misunderstand me.
I really don't know at all what you are trying to achieve. You are on a thread about bluetooth headphones, so I assume you to play something through bluetooth headphones. . . but for some reason this has to come directly from your PC?
I'm not trying to be difficult, I just don't know what you are doing.

I want Bluetooth, but I also want the phones of my choice.
This has added functionality to my listening - whether upstairs, in the garden, in the park or on my bike.
The Portapros come in a BT version, but it's all my eggs in one basket and £90 and these little Chinese amps are rated by some by themselves.

The headphone socket on my PC is dead and I had to use a USB soundcard to listen with headphones .
And who knows I might choose to sometimes use the line-in on this amp - or plug my choice of wired phones directly into my phone ..

My default way to enjoy music and everything else used to be and will be again my stacked Quad ESLs which are like wearing giant headphones.

One day I may well want audio that will tolerate ocean swimming.

 

[bellaozzydog]

Bose are my go to. Got a big pair, some wired noisecancelling ear plugs and some wireless ones for the gym

The wireless go with me everywhere, sound good, stay in when exercising and hold charge really well. Just take them out their wee container and they connect

Bose Sport Earbuds | Bose

True wireless Bluetooth sport earbuds from Bose featuring lifelike sound and a comfortably secure fit. Shop Bose Sport Earbuds today.

www.bose.co.uk

 

[gentlegreen]

.

 

[UnderOpenSky]

Tempted by a new pair as its prime day. Nothing to expensive as they're for running. I've used Bluetooth ones with a cable between each bit for years which does have the advantage of one falls out you don't loose them.

 

[ATOMIC SUPLEX]

Tempted by a new pair as its prime day. Nothing to expensive as they're for running. I've used Bluetooth ones with a cable between the each bit for years which does have the advantage of one falls out you don't loose them.

The only reason I got something expensive is because they were for running.
The shockz bone conductor ones I got for running have ended up being excellent, but if I did it all again I would get Orange ones (The brand not the colour) as they are £50 or so cheaper, and I can't imagine Orange making a shit product.

 

[UnderOpenSky]

The only reason I got something expensive is because they were for running.
The shockz bone conductor ones I got for running have ended up being excellent, but if I did it all again I would get Orange ones (The brand not the colour) as they are £50 or so cheaper, and I can't imagine Orange making a shit product.

They look nice, but still a bit rich for my tastes sadly.

 

[UnderOpenSky]

Depends if you want sit in ear or screw into ear I suppose Me76

I love my Anker P2's - currently £40 - these regularly drop to about £30 with a clicky voucher at Amazon.

Anker A1's are currently £35 instead of £48

Amazon's Echo buds are currently £60 instead of £120 and have Alexa and Noise cancellation.

SoundPeats TrueFree2 are £9 off today making them £21

I've been looking at SoundPeats TrueAir2 this weekend as they are also £9 off making them £22 - mainly because they sit in the ear like Apple buds rather than push into the ear like anything else with those rubber bits on. Haven't pulled the trigger yet because the P2's are so good and pushing them into the ear makes them isolate brilliantly - so much so it is almost like they have noise cancellation (for me and my ear shape, anyway).

All have good reviews, all cheap-ish (subjective I know).

I sent my Echo Buds back (also paid £60) as I could not for the life of me get them to stay in my ears properly. YMMV.

The A1s are £28 today, at that price I might be tempted to see how I get on without a wire. But will hang fire a bit to see if there are any other good deals on budget headphone.

 

[ATOMIC SUPLEX]

They look nice, but still a bit rich for my tastes sadly.

I can understand that. I must have been feeling a bit fruity when I bought mine.
In my case I figured listening to music was a large part of my running, and I am running around three or four times a week. The combination of not sticking something in your ear and something holding onto your head like glasses (that won't fall off) made it worthwhile for me. I just wish the Orange headphones had been available when I wanted them for Brighton half back in Feb.

 

[danski]

If always agreed with this until last time I had COVID I went a bit mad in isolation and bought these

Sony WF-1000XM4 review

What Hi-Fi? Awards 2022 winner. No longer the latest and greatest Sony wireless earbuds, but still stunners

www.whathifi.com

They are just perfect.
Got them in an Amazon deal from Spain I think

These are on offer for £159 atm.
Still happy with yours?

 

[kropotkin]

Best headphones I've ever used

 

[DaphneM]

The A1s are £28 today, at that price I might be tempted to see how I get on without a wire. But will hang fire a bit to see if there are any other good deals on budget headphone.

Got Anker P2 Mini for £25. They do the job well

 

[Throbbing Angel]

Got Anker P2 Mini for £25. They do the job well

I tried a pair of their A40's last week as they have noise cancellation. I could discern no difference between them and the P2's I have. The noise cancellation added nothing whatsoever. The buds were fine but not worth what I paid in the sale, £63 instead of £90.

I sent them back within 48 hours and went back to my £30ish Anger P2's which I've had for nearly 2 years now. If I need ANC when I am at work I'll continue to use my Bose over ear headphones unless I find some ANC buds that do the job.

I find that the isolation on buds does more than anything else. A really good, tight fit is really important. I had that on the A40's but the ANC added nothing, could still make out conversations when it was turned up to 11. The other modes were useless (for me at least) as they allowed more noise through.

Ho Hum

I was very tempted by the new Bose QC II Buds but they are nearly £300 [£250 during BlackFriday] and they just can't be ten times better than my P2's, can they?

 

[xenon]

The relatively cheap Blitzwolf ones I've been using for just over a year have an odd qwerk. Like the iphone forgets where the sound is supposed to be going. I.e. you stop hearing stuff and have to tap the side of the phones (which is play) several times to get it to start again. Or speak to Siri via pressing the button to sort of wake them up then press play on the screen.

The sound is still pretty decent and the ability to use them wired is also good. however, I may want something else as I often sleep listening to music and these are too big to lie on your side.

TL;DR is reading latest recommendations.

 

[magneze]

These are great but you can get them for about a tenner less outside of the Black Friday "deal".

Panasonic RZ-S500W review

What Hi-Fi? Awards 2021 winner. Panasonic's first noise-cancelling true wireless earbuds are stellar performers

www.whathifi.com

Not for exercising though. I don't think they'd work great, the fit isn't secure enough.

 

[xenon]

Ah is all buds. Don't want earbuds. Music sounds better in over ear cans.

 

[Sasaferrato]

I bought these https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09TVHSVMR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They are good value for the money.

As you get older your hearing deteriorates, I doubt if I could tell the difference between these and ones at ten times the price.

 

[hash tag]

Can't people post links that are to sites other than Amazon I won't touch them.

 

[Throbbing Angel]

I bought these https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09TVHSVMR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They are good value for the money.

As you get older your hearing deteriorates, I doubt if I could tell the difference between these and ones at ten times the price.

Yeah, that's true about age.

The buds I sent back have a fancy app that builds you a sounds profile built on your responses to a load on beeps and boops. Part of that set up was asking your age bracket so it can adjust accordingly.

I think as long as one is happy with the sound and fit of any cans or buds, that's all that should matter, innit?

 

[Sasaferrato]

Yeah, that's true about age.

The buds I sent back have a fancy app that bulls you a sounds profile built on your responses to a load on beeps and boops. Part of that set up was asking your age bracket so it can adjust accordingly.

I think as long as one is happy with the sound and fit of any cans or buds, that's all that should matter, innit?

I only use them late at night if Mrs Sas is in bed, background music really.

 

[Throbbing Angel]

Can't people post links that are to sites other than Amazon I won't touch them.

Unfortunately, a lot of the Anker headphones and earbuds can't be purchased through their UK site. No idea why.
Dunno if anyone else stocks their stuff. e2a. Currys and Argos are listed as their UK bricks and mortar/web partners as well as the mighty Amazon.

Bose Quiet comfort II buds are the same price on Bose UK as on Amazon. Plus their refurbished stuff has a90 day no quibble return set up AND a 2yr warranty when you buy direct.

Black Friday 2022 | Headphones, Earbuds and Bluetooth Speakers | Bose

Black Friday deals at Bose. Discover perfect holiday gift ideas, shop Bluetooth speakers, noise cancelling headphones, earbuds, soundbars and wireless subwoofers.

www.bose.co.uk

MyMemory sell Aukey and MPow headphones and buds as well as Amazon

Memory Cards, Micro SD Cards, USB Memory Sticks, SD Cards, SDHC - Free Delivery | MyMemory

MyMemory is an online digital memory retailer, offering affordable memory from the world’s leading brands. Shop online for FREE UK delivery!

www.mymemory.co.uk

Currently doing Aukey EP-T31's at £9! Or two pairs for £17.00!

I got some cracking MPow over ear ANC cans for £18 I think a couple of months back, to leave in my locker at the gym. Perfect for drowning or the shite they play there and for me to sweat all over and not have to worry about.


HotUK deals is a good source for these kind of deals year round, not just at Xmas and Black Friday Week.

Headphones Deals ➡️ Get Cheapest Price, Sales | hotukdeals

Latest Headphones ➤ deals & offers - October 2024 ☑️ Get the best discounts, cheapest price for Headphones and save money on hotukdeals.

www.hotukdeals.com

Sennheiser are very well regarded. Never had any myself.
Current offers: Sale: Offers on Headphones & More | Sennheiser
Their Outlet/Refurbs: Outlet | Sennheiser


Richer Sounds are still going and still one of the most knowledgable places on the web/high street.

Headphones - Headphones - All Headphones - Page 1 - Richer Sounds

www.richersounds.com

Clearance: Clearance Bargains
Plus they still have lots of bricks'n'mortar stores.


Xiaomi's UK Store has lots of stuff on offer at the moment, just like everyone else.

Xiaomi UK

Welcome to Xiaomi UK official website to buy your favorite products. Here you can buy the latest Xiaomi smartphones, Redmi smartphones, Mi Bands, Power banks and other popular products, as well as various irregular discounts, all on mi.com/uk.

www.mi.com

And then of course you have the free for all's that are AliExpress and Ebay.

AliExpress - Affordable Prices on Top Brands with Free Shipping

Passion shouldn't cost a fortune. On AliExpress, shop online for over 111 million quality deals on Fashion, Accessories, Computer Electronics, Toys, Tools, Home Improvement, Home Appliances, Home & Garden and more!

www.aliexpress.com

Do your research. Pay in your own currency. Use a credit card for maximum protection. Check if it is cheaper being shipped from a different warehouses if offered more than one - this usually affects shipment times, though.

 

[Throbbing Angel]

The BT shop sent me this email this morning.
Luckily they have a text only version link in the email.


Another non Amazon option for general tech. Sometimes includes headphones.

BT Shop

For a limited-time only save up to £180 on the most popular tech, including smartphones, gaming, smart home and more.

BT Shop

Black Friday 2023 | Black Friday Deals & Sales

Find incredible Black Friday deals at BT Shop. Make huge savings on smartphones, laptops & TVs in our Black Friday sale.

email.shop.bt.com

Cyber Monday Deals

Black Friday 2023 | Black Friday Deals & Sales

Find incredible Black Friday deals at BT Shop. Make huge savings on smartphones, laptops & TVs in our Black Friday sale.

email.shop.bt.com

 

[salem]

Not sure if they've been posted here but the Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ are being cleared out for £39 (white) or another tenner for black, they were originally at £119 and got good reviews even at that price.

Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 review

Mind-blowing sound without the wires

www.techradar.com

Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 Plus review

Plus-suffixed sequels with big shoes to fill

www.whathifi.com

You can order direct from the Cambridge Audio website - Melomania 1+ - True Wireless Headphones with free delivery and 60 day money back guarantee if you want to check fit etc. I got a pair and they sound great, although I don't love the button controls and the mics aren't that great for calls.

 

[Throbbing Angel]

Not sure if they've been posted here but the Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ are being cleared out for £39 (white) or another tenner for black, they were originally at £119 and got good reviews even at that price.

Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 review

Mind-blowing sound without the wires

www.techradar.com

Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 Plus review

Plus-suffixed sequels with big shoes to fill

www.whathifi.com

You can order direct from the Cambridge Audio website - Melomania 1+ - True Wireless Headphones with free delivery and 60 day money back guarantee if you want to check fit etc. I got a pair and they sound great, although I don't love the button controls and the mics aren't that great for calls.

They have those on offer at Richer Sounds ATM.

If you joined their free VIP club you get another discount and they boost the warranty to 6 years on some items

Are they any good salem ?? You got these? e2a ah, yes you do

 

[DaphneM]

I tried a pair of their A40's last week as they have noise cancellation. I could discern no difference between them and the P2's I have. The noise cancellation added nothing whatsoever. The buds were fine but not worth what I paid in the sale, £63 instead of £90.

I sent them back within 48 hours and went back to my £30ish Anger P2's which I've had for nearly 2 years now. If I need ANC when I am at work I'll continue to use my Bose over ear headphones unless I find some ANC buds that do the job.

I find that the isolation on buds does more than anything else. A really good, tight fit is really important. I had that on the A40's but the ANC added nothing, could still make out conversations when it was turned up to 11. The other modes were useless (for me at least) as they allowed more noise through.

Ho Hum

I was very tempted by the new Bose QC II Buds but they are nearly £300 [£250 during BlackFriday] and they just can't be ten times better than my P2's, can they?

I very much doubt it

 

[Throbbing Angel]

I very much doubt it

That's what I thought, too. This said, I have a pair of Bose ANC can type - and they are significantly better than the other, cheaper, over the ear, can type headphones I have. I think the build quality combined with good isolation and good ANC works better than some others I have/have tried.

YMMV