Tech Review: 2023's Best Wireless Earbuds

You don’t need a doctor to tell you to think carefully about what gadgets you put into your orifices. A decent set of earbuds can save you from terrible audio quality, comfort and convenience.

When it comes to high-end buds, though, Sony WF-1000XM4 (€229) are leaders in the pack, supposedly churning out distinct bass and treble, while creating subtle noise-cancellation and feeling light inside your ear-hole.

Sennheiser, another brand renowned for audio quality, sells their Momentum True Wireless 3 earbuds (€249) with a case to support wireless charging. Rainy day hikers will appreciate the built-in splash resistance. Momentum may also be the best buds on the market for battery life, with Sennheiser touting “up to 28 hours” of playtime.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, at €299.95, are pricier than most, but supposedly have the richest technology on board. These babies calibrate themselves to the shape of your ears and then optimise a suitable noise cancellation and sound performance. One listening mode allows you to hear music and your surroundings at the same time, as though the world had a soundtrack.

Meanwhile, iPhone owners will run into the arms of Apple AirPods 3rd gen (€199). Like Bose’s earbuds, these wireless peripherals have adaptive EQ that tunes music to your ears. They run on six-or-so hours of battery life – a boost from the 2nd gen’s five hours - and their bulbous earpieces are supposedly a decent fit for Irish ears.

Read the full tech roundup in the new issue of Hot Press, out now.