Wireless Bluetooth headphones and earphones - recommendations and chat

[Throbbing Angel]

Another couple of bud offers

HUKD today has

Lenovo LP40 Pro TWS Earphones Bluetooth 5.1/Touch Control Pink/White/Green/Purple £7.10 15 day delivered @ AliExpress/Factory Direct Coll. | hotukdeals

www.hotukdeals.com

And one on eBay's deals of the days is various Skullcandy buds via this store

https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/redrocku...uid=GNIu71kgSf-&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

[gentlegreen]

This is the antithesis of this thread really as I'm not into ultimate portability and won't ever wear in-ears but I'm loving my Chinese BT headphone amp.
Thanks to a dongle on a USB extension it means I can listen to my PC all the way to the bathroom and is giving my neighbours a break. I also find it convenient to be attached to the amp but have my phone detached... I always wear a small under-shoulder bag when I'm out and about ...

The amp delivers more grunt to my big Philips open-backs and more noticeably makes my puny £7 Panasonics bearable when it rains and I have to put the Philips away for safety - though I'm going to see if I can come up with some weather protection for light rain ...

So I've just ordered a replacement pair of Koss KSC75s so it's a lot less of a quality drop when I'm not able to wear the big cans - when cycling - or when doing serious exercise (though that's some way off)..
I opted for customer returns rather than paying more and waiting for delivery from the USA ... I partly felt it a worthy gesture as I returned some cans earlier in the year.
I've had them for under £15 in the past, but they're consistently more expensive these days.

Hopefully I will pro-actively improve the cabling and will be looking for a headband - though in bad weather I'm wearing a buff over them in any case ...not sure about hole-drilling and foam pad mods - that will have to wait until some future date when I locate all my broken pairs and the necessary enthusiasm ...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08KG4XVWM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[gentlegreen]

My new KSC75s arrived and they will be fine for cycling and rainy park days, but I miss the delicacy of the treble of the Philips so I suspect I may well be investigating some modding... the HP amp certainly makes the best of them...
Quite why anyone thinks the horrible portapros are any kind of improvement is beyond me ...

I was sadly reminded yesterday that in France there's potentially a EU135 fine for cycling with earphones so I will have to ingratiate myself with the local constabulary and generally be discreet - hopefully they'll be more laid-back in Brittany ..

 

[editor]

I've got to say I was blown away by how bloody good the noise cancellation on the Anker Soundcore Q20s was when I was on a flight recently. They're truly amazing cans for the price.

 

[danski]

Best headphones I've ever used

Really enjoying mine. Can hear the bass so much better than on the others I had and I'm not constantly pushing them back in my ears as they fit really well. The other cheaper pair I had were definitely a good investment as they did sound very good for the price and helped me know if I would get use out of a better pair as I'd not used any headphones when out and about for years. Still find it a bit weird tbh (being in my own little audio bubble) but more and more I had been thinking I'd like to be listening to music right now, and I can!

 

[shifting gears]

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.

I’ve got these as well, paid £100 a couple of years back and thought that was a fair price tbh, so £40 or £50 is a snip, really

Agree about the mics not being great for calls, but the sound for listening to music is lovely and detailed

 

[gentlegreen]

Those sound very impressive.
I suppose I may have to consider in-ear when I cycle in France - but I have never cycled with cans that block out ambient sounds - it seems to affect my balance even before the claustrophobia sets in... perhaps in-ear plus binaural microphones mixed-in ...

I wonder what the gendarmes would do if one strapped loudspeakers to a helmet ...

 

[salem]

Have you tried bone conduction headphones gentlegreen ? They're not audiophile quality but are amazing for being able to hear what's going on around you. Tried a few at the airport over the years and they're getting better quality too

 

[gentlegreen]

Have you tried bone conduction headphones gentlegreen ? They're not audiophile quality but are amazing for being able to hear what's going on around you. Tried a few at the airport over the years and they're getting better quality too

Thanks - I suppose I might do.
As I say it's only if I cycle in France - somewhat in the future..
I will have to check the lie of the land - and the context - I never listened to music when it was a social ride.
I have never had any issues with the KSC75s - I rarely turn up the volume except in a few specific places.

 

[Throbbing Angel]

I've got to say I was blown away by how bloody good the noise cancellation on the Anker Soundcore Q20s was when I was on a flight recently. They're truly amazing cans for the price.

Currently £41 on Amazon if you tick the apply 18% discount voucher button

 

[UnderOpenSky]

Those sound very impressive.
I suppose I may have to consider in-ear when I cycle in France - but I have never cycled with cans that block out ambient sounds - it seems to affect my balance even before the claustrophobia sets in... perhaps in-ear plus binaural microphones mixed-in ...

I wonder what the gendarmes would do if one strapped loudspeakers to a helmet ...

Sounds a great way to piss people off regardless.

Not sure if I'd like to cut out sound when cycling, even if traffic is more reasonable in France.

As mentioned I'd definitely look at bone conducting ones.

 

[Throbbing Angel]

Seems safest.

The Anker buds I sent back (A40's) have a mode where they let sounds through - I assume this is for things like when you're in traffic/working and need to hear your name/a bell/alarm/whatever. Assume that other makers have this too??

 

[xenon]

Yeah, it's quite common. Sometimes called transparent audio. Sony have got some, i forget the make.

If you need sun glassses something like the Bose Frames are a good option, keeping your ears uncovered. Wouldn't have paid full price but picked up some Bose Tempos on sale in the summer.

 

[Me76]

More of a warning this one. My skullcandy sesh Evo has stopped charging and as they are over two years old and only cost £35 I was fine with that.

Thought I'd get some more as I have skullcandy jib for work and they are pretty good too.

They don't have sesh Evo on the skullcandy website any more so I got Mods.
The sound is rubbish and so tinny it made me stop listening to music when traveling. Also, the Bluetooth connection is pretty poor and would break up if I put my phone in my bag.

So I am sending them back and getting another pair of sesh Evo from another site.

 

[hash tag]

My old ear plugs are starting to go home and looking around I found these on offer. Tried them out today, very comfortable, great sound and very useable

Bose Sport Earbuds True Wireless Sweat & Weather-Resistant Bluetooth In-Ear Headphones with Mic/Remote, Baltic Blue

Buy Bose Sport Earbuds True Wireless Sweat & Weather-Resistant Bluetooth In-Ear Headphones with Mic/Remote from our Headphones range at John Lewis & Partners. Free Delivery on orders over £50.

www.johnlewis.com

 

[Throbbing Angel]

Q20s are cheap again fyi etc

 

[skyscraper101]

I just got me some of these Shokz openfit bluetooth headphones, and I'm absolutely loving them. OK they're not cheap at £179 but hear me out.

Firstly, they have great sound with great bass and top end, and an app where you can customise the EQ. This is fundamental for me as I won't put up with cheap sound (I also have airpods 2nd Gen and Sony WH-1000XM3s)

Furthermore, because they are on-ear headphones rather than in-ear headphones they are super comfortable to the point where you can barely feel them and unlike airpod style earbuds which can get really uncomfortable after a certain amount of time when wedged into ears, or even big style on-ear noise cancelling ones which can get hot and sweaty for walking around in (I only ever use these on airplanes now) - these just sort of float next to your ears and also they let in plenty of ambient/background noise so they're great for walking or cycling.

Without a doubt, these are the most comfortable earphones I've ever owned. They are exactly what I've been looking for since Sony discontinued the MDR-W08L side firing earphones years ago. Something I I can walk around with for hours, and sleep on, with great sound, USB-C charging, Bluetooth 5.2, built-in touchpads for volume/track advance etc (also customizable) and they won't get hot, sweaty or irritating. I can't recommend enough.

Shokz OpenFit Bluetooth True Wireless Open-Ear Headphones, Black

Buy Shokz OpenFit Bluetooth True Wireless Open-Ear Headphones from our Headphones range at John Lewis & Partners. Free Delivery on orders over £50.

www.johnlewis.com

 

[Throbbing Angel]

Sounds like you like them

 

[editor]

I'm after some decent quality noise cancelling earbuds that really, really stick in my lughole and stay there.

I've seen enough people scrabbling around tube trains looked for displaced individual earbuds, so what ones with stay-put power would folks recommend? I don't like the look of the ones that have the funny sticking out bit (Apple, Anker etc) or hefty ones that look like you're turning into a Cyberman.

Ideally I'd love to find something like the Beats Flex which are wireless but connected to each other (see below) but I haven't been able to find anything like that with noise cancelling...

 

[contadino]

I'm after some decent quality noise cancelling earbuds that really, really stick in my lughole and stay there.

I've seen enough people scrabbling around tube trains looked for displaced individual earbuds, so what ones with stay-put power would folks recommend? I don't like the look of the ones that have the funny sticking out bit (Apple, Anker etc) or hefty ones that look like you're turning into a Cyberman.

Ideally I'd love to find something like the Beats Flex which are wireless but connected to each other (see below) but I haven't been able to find anything like that with noise cancelling...

View attachment 396883

I have Anker Liberty 4's which have really good noise cancelling and sound great and don't fall out of my ears. Love them. I use them in the gym too and they've never fallen out. I wear them all day when in the office and they're comfortable. However I think it's more down to the shape of your ear than the buds.

 

[editor]

I have Anker Liberty 4's which have really good noise cancelling and sound great and don't fall out of my ears. Love them. I use them in the gym too and they've never fallen out. I wear them all day when in the office and they're comfortable. However I think it's more down to the shape of your ear than the buds.

Sadly they've got those sticky out bits that I really don't like.

 

[contadino]

Sadly they've got those sticky out bits that I really don't like.

You know they don't stick out, right? They follow the channel between ear lobe and lug hole, flush with the ear.

ETA, I think the microphones are in them, which was important as I needed to have good noise cancelling mics for teams calls. The ones that are more like a little drum seemed to rate less well in general for picking up noise when on a call. YMMV

 

[editor]

You know they don't stick out, right? They follow the channel between ear lobe and lug hole, flush with the ear.

They just look shit and I don't like the shape of the things. Sorry, but I had a pair of those Libertys before and ended up giving them away.

 

[Throbbing Angel]

It really depends on your ear size editor so YMMV.

I really liked the Anker P2's I had until I lost them. They are similar in shape to the Liberty's contadino mentioned. The models that are not like that, such as Amazon's buds had too much weight in the wrong place and would not stay in my ears.

The P2's weren't noise cancelling but fitted in my earholes so well that they sealed out 99% of all noise, so much so I only used them on about 50% volume most of the time.

Buds with numerous sized tips to get a good fit is an essential imho. Preferably ones that have an app too so they can sense if they're isolating properly.

I'd use Amazon to ensure I could return them if I were you. Try a few brands out.

 

[Throbbing Angel]

It really depends on your ear size editor so YMMV.

I really liked the Anker P2's I had until I lost them. They are similar in shape to the Liberty's contadino mentioned. The models that are not like that, such as Amazon's buds had too much weight in the wrong place and would not stay in my ears.

The P2's weren't noise cancelling but fitted in my earholes so well that they sealed out 99% of all noise, so much so I only used them on about 50% volume most of the time.

Buds with numerous sized tips to get a good fit is an essential imho. Preferably ones that have an app too so they can sense if they're isolating properly.

I'd use Amazon to ensure I could return them if I were you. Try a few brands out.

These are them... Superceded now

 

[editor]

It really depends on your ear size editor so YMMV.

I really liked the Anker P2's I had until I lost them. They are similar in shape to the Liberty's contadino mentioned. The models that are not like that, such as Amazon's buds had too much weight in the wrong place and would not stay in my ears.

The P2's weren't noise cancelling but fitted in my earholes so well that they sealed out 99% of all noise, so much so I only used them on about 50% volume most of the time.

Buds with numerous sized tips to get a good fit is an essential imho. Preferably ones that have an app too so they can sense if they're isolating properly.

I'd use Amazon to ensure I could return them if I were you. Try a few brands out.

Some come with a little interior lug'ole hook but ideally I'd like pair that are connected by wire so I'm never going to worry about one falling from my ear.

The Google Pixel Buds A-Series look secure with the little built in 'fin' but they don't come with noise cancelling

 

[Throbbing Angel]

Some come with a little interior lug'ole hook but ideally I'd like pair that are connected by wire so I'm never going to worry about one falling from my ear.

The Google Pixel Buds A-Series look secure with the little built in 'fin' but they don't come with noise cancelling

Yeah, they do. I have the wired usb C model of those for my Pixel. They're good but they're like open back headphones as they let all external sound through. Good in quiet places and they fit well, though.

Other markets must do summat similar, aye? With ANC I mean.

 

[editor]

Yeah, they do. I have the wired usb C model of those for my Pixel. They're good but they're like open back headphones as they let all external sound through. Good in quiet places and they fit well, though.

Other markets must do summat similar, aye? With ANC I mean.

Some fast and furious Googling has produced these contenders:

Buy JBL Reflect Aero TWS | Sports earbuds | JBL

Powerful companion to your active lifestyle. Comfortable fit and JBLs Signature Sound ✓ Dust and Waterproof ✓ 8 hour battery ✓ Free shipping

uk.jbl.com

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09WDK7GGJ

 

[editor]

And then there's these. I wonder if I could buy ear tips for this?

These Noise-Canceling Earbuds Punch Above Their $100 Price

These wireless earbuds offer nearly everything you’d want at less than half the price.

www.wired.com

 

[Throbbing Angel]

And then there's these. I wonder if I could buy ear tips for this?

These Noise-Canceling Earbuds Punch Above Their $100 Price

These wireless earbuds offer nearly everything you’d want at less than half the price.

www.wired.com

£74.11 on Amazon UK today.

They come with a selection of ear tips (the part you shove into your ear and listen through) one of the user photos shows these in the box.

I had a pair of these. The app was good. Can't recall the ANC effectiveness. I returned them as these are the sort of design that won't stay in my massive ears, so they kept falling out / felt loose. I'd be feart of one falling out when I was walking around. Whereas that never happened with the P2's from the same company - go figure.