Truly Wireless In-ear Headphones – best zero cable ear buds
There are wireless headphones and there are truly wireless earphones. These are earbuds that are not linked with a cable between them and connect to the mobile device independently or in pair.
Think about pairing two portable Bluetooth speakers to make them stereo. Zero cable Bluetooth ear buds are going to be the next big thing.
While they are not new in the market, Apple’s move to introduce AirPods, their version of the totally wireless headphones meant consumers will start to take an interest on the profile, and its easy to see why.
While wireless headphones do not need a cable to connect to the mobile device, it still has a cable to link the left and right side. You can hide this easily with the head band on a full size headset but with in-ear headphones, there is usually a thin link cable or a neck band to hold both sides together.
The latest in headphone innovation meant we are seeing smaller ear buds that can function independently with its own wireless receiver, battery and controls built-in. All this is making a truly wireless in-ear headphone possible.
Let’s check out some of our options available in the market right now.
5 Best Zero Cable Bluetooth Ear Buds
Here is our list of 5 best truly wireless headsets of which three of these have activity and heart rate monitor built-in making them perfect for sports.
1. Apple AirPods
Launched at the same time as Apple’s iPhone 7, the AirPods are Apple’s answer for removing the 3.5mm headphone socket from their iPhone. For those who love their headphones, they can still use the included lightning to 3.5mm headphone adaptor to get their music from the lightning port or invest in a pair of lightning headphones.
AirPods automatically connect to the phone when placed in the ear and supports voice calls with built-in microphone. It comes with a charging case and with the one time setup, it is always connected for ease of use. For simplicity, there are no buttons but it senses when you take them off and put a pause on your tunes.
You can also activite Siri by double tapping on either side of the AirPod and start asking your question, commands, control the volume and more without having to reach for your phone. All this is possible with a custom Apple W1 chip inside making the AirPod works only with iPhones. Still, even with its own chip built-in, it manages up to 5 hours on a single charge. Top up with the charging case for more than 24 hours of listening time. The AirPods feature quick charging, a 15 minutes charge is sufficient for 3 hours of listening time.
Other features include, a voice accelerometer that recognizes when you’re speaking and works with a pair of beamforming microphones to filter out external noise and focus on the sound of your voice. Optical sensors and motion accelerometers work with the W1 chip to automatically control the audio and engage the microphone, giving you the ability to use one or both AirPods.
2. VerveOne+ by Motorola True Wireless – WATERPROOF
A truly wireless ear buds from Motorola, the VerveOne+ features a charging station to top up the buds for up to 12 hours use.
- IP57 Water and Sweat Proof
- Rich HD Sound
- Dual integrated microphones
- Up to 12 hours playtime – BEST BATTERY LIFE
- Up to 150 ft Bluetooth range
3. Jabra Elite Sport True Wireless Sports Earbuds – ACTIVITY TRACKER, WATER PROOF
Superior quality wireless headphones for sound and call, the Jabra Elite Sport pumps out bass-rich sound and has advanced four-way microphone call technology to reduce wind noise. As with most zero cable headphones, the battery only last up to 3 hours but the included on-the-go charging case allows you to top up for another 6 hours (9 hours total).
There is also a neat audio pass-through function that lets you hear the surrounding sound at the touch of a button. Jabra has an app to go with the activity tracker, you can use this to personalise and analyse your fitness using in-ear heart rate monitor. The app also advises on recovery and predicts your race pace and more.
As a sports headset, the Jabra Elite Sport earbuds are constructed to handle the most high-energy training and workout sessions. They are made to be waterproof and comes with a 3-year limited warranty against sweat damage.
4. Samsung Gear IconX Cordless Fitness Earbuds – ACTIVITY TRACKER, SPLASH PROOF, SWEAT RESISTANT, ON-BOARD STORAGE
Designed with fitness in mind, the Gear icon by Samsung is the perfect workout partner. With Gear icon, you’ll enjoy superior audio in a totally cable-free package that includes stabilizing, wing tipped ear gels, a super-lightweight design and a compact, convenient charging case.
Users can stream music directly from their phone, or use the built-in music player and not have to worry about carrying their phone to the gym or on those long walks or runs. 4GB of on board storage allows them to store up to 1000 songs directly on the headset for autonomous, phone-free listening.
Add this to the built in activity tracker and heart rate monitor and take your workout to the next level.
- Truly cable-free design with comfortable, stabilizing ear gels to keep the headset where it belongs and a charging carrying case, for storage and charging when not in use
- Built-in 4GB music player for phone-free listening and Built-in Fitness Tracker and Heart Rate Monitor that allow you to share your data with your device
- Coating for splash and sweat resistance
- Compatible with 3rd party fitness apps
5. Bragi The Dash – ACTIVITY TRACKER, ON BOARD STORAGE, NOISE CANCELLATION
Bragi The Dash goes beyond just a pair of stereo truly wireless headbuds, it comes with on board storage. The Bluetooth headphone has 4GB (3.5GB available) of on board storage allowing users to store up to 1000 songs directly on the headphone and using the onboard music player, feed your ears without the need for a phone or tablet.
There is also an integrated sensor that tracks the users work outs. Just like your smart bands or activity tracker, it sends live feed during fitness activities such as heart rate, steps, cadence, strokes, duration and more. User can track all this using the free Bragi app. It is also worth noting that the onboard software is updateable for improved functionality.
Other features include passive noise cancellation that is automatically activated when the ear buds are inserted in the ear and if you wish to turn it off, initiate Audio Transparency with a swipe of the left ear bud and you will hear the surrounding ambient sounds again. There is also a built-in microphone to handle calls hands free.
Battery life is up to 3 hours per charge but the portable charger that doubles as a case has enough juice to charge the earbuds 5 times over.
