Testing TWS Headphones: From Luxury to Budget

The Bluetooth headphone market is becoming increasingly competitive, with new brands and models emerging every month. Following the launch of Apple's AirPods Pro 3 in the fall, Samsung introduced its Buds4 Pro in the spring. In addition to major companies like Apple and Samsung, other manufacturers, such as Xiaomi, are actively working in the market, striving to meet consumer needs by offering headphones for every taste and budget.

In our testing, we gathered three pairs of TWS headphones from different manufacturers, representing three price categories: luxury, nearly premium, and budget. Each of these pairs has its unique features that can satisfy various user needs.

We begin with the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Eleven Copper, which is a true choice for those looking to indulge in luxury. These headphones cost around 30,000 UAH, and for this price, you receive 9.2-millimeter neodymium drivers that deliver a standard frequency range from 20 to 22,000 Hz. For those who enjoy customizing sound to their preferences, there is a full-fledged equalizer and presets available in the proprietary app. Additionally, the headphones are equipped with active noise cancellation (ANC) and pressure-relief vents, making them comfortable for use in noisy environments, such as on the subway.

Connection is via Bluetooth 5.2, supporting aptX Adaptive, AAC, and SBC codecs, allowing for maximum sound quality from various smartphones. There is also the capability for simultaneous connection to two devices thanks to the Multipoint function. For calls, there are six microphones, three in each earbud, which filter out wind noise. The battery life of these headphones is 6 hours with noise cancellation on and up to 20 hours with the charging case. Without ANC, the playtime increases to 8 hours and 28 hours, respectively. The case supports Qi wireless charging and classic USB-C, while the headphones themselves have an IP57 rating, making them resistant to sweat, fine sand, and accidental rain.

Next in our review are the AirPods 4 from Apple. Although these headphones cannot be classified as luxury, they still offer quality sound at a more accessible price. The basic AirPods 4 cost less than their pricier counterparts, the AirPods Pro 3, yet still boast many advantages. They feature an open acoustic architecture without silicone ear tips, providing comfortable wear for extended periods. At the core of the headphones is the H2 chip, which significantly enhances sound and voice quality. Thanks to a low-distortion driver, the AirPods 4 deliver deep bass and clear high frequencies, as well as support for personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking.

To improve call quality, the headphones include a Voice Isolation mode that cuts out background noise. However, on a single charge, the AirPods 4 can only operate for up to 5 hours, although with the charging case, the total usage time reaches 30 hours. It is important to note that active noise cancellation will require an additional payment of about 3,000 UAH. This version also includes a conversation detection feature and a case with a speaker for easier locating via the Locator app.

Finally, in our review, we have the Redmi Buds 8 Active from Xiaomi, which are ultra-budget headphones costing about as much as a few trips to a café. Despite their low price, they offer quite adequate sound quality, reproducing both high and low frequencies. In the proprietary Xiaomi Earbuds app, there are five ready-made presets and the option for manual equalizer adjustment. These headphones can last up to 7 hours of continuous playback, and with the charging case, the total usage time reaches 37 hours. This means you won't have to think about recharging them frequently.

If the battery runs low before heading out, a quick charge allows for about two hours of use after just 10 minutes in the case. Connectivity is provided by Bluetooth 5.4, and the presence of Google Fast Pair simplifies the connection process. For outdoor calls, two microphones with AI algorithms are built in to suppress noise, allowing users to avoid background sounds while talking on the go. Overall, if you are not an audiophile, the Redmi Buds 8 Active could be a great choice, especially for students and schoolchildren looking for affordable headphones.