The events of 2020 may have changed many things, but our love of wireless earbuds isn't one of them.
From the perfect wireless earbuds for new runners, to the Android version of AirPods, it can be impossible to keep up with all the new options available on the market.
If you haven't decided to cut the cord, now is the time. Whether you're looking for an affordable noise-cancelling pair, of ones where sustainability is a key focus, here's all the wireless earbuds to try in 2020.
The colourful ones: JBL Tune 220TWS
Whilst Apple always sticks to its signature white for its AirPods, JBL has gone the other way by adding four different colourways for its JBL Tune earbuds, available in triple black, pure white, ocean blue and dusty pink.
Not only that, these cute ‘buds feature JBL’s bass sound tech so you can dance to the beat on the go whilst the handy buttons on the side can be tapped to skip a song, enable voice command and take calls.
£99.99, uk.jbl.com
The fitness ones: Cleer Goal earphones
If you’ve managed to stick with your fitness goals well into February then well done you and nothing makes a workout go faster than a good soundtrack. These Cleer Audio earbuds are designed for workouts, with a sweat-proof coating and changeable ergonomic wings to keep them in place during intense activity.
They also feature echo cancellation call tech for superior call quality, in case you need to pause a run and pick up a work call on the go.
£129, cleeraudio.com
The high-end ones: Beoplay E8 3rd Gen
Bang & Olufsen always comes through with the stylish sound gear, and the new Beoplay E8 earbuds are no different. The company’s engineers used 3D-modelling and consumer testing to ensure the earbuds fit a variety of ear shapes and sizes whilst being 17 per cent smaller than last year’s version.
They also have an impressive battery life – each earbud offers seven hours of continuous playtime and four full charges in the leather case. The accompanying Beoplay App allows you to tweak the sound to suit you.
£300, bang-olufsen.com
The long-lasting ones: Samsung Galaxy Buds+
Read More
Samsung’s upgraded buds have an 11-hour battery life, when most rivals offer six max. Perfect for those with charging fatigue. They include a two-way speaker which adapts to the sound around you, as well as a three-mic system for crystal clear hands-free calls.
They fit snugly in your ears too.
£159, samsung.com/uk
The sustainable ones: House of Marley Redemption ANC earbuds
House of Marley has made a name for itself for its well-designed sustainable music tech. As part of Bob Marley’s 75th birthday celebrations, the company announced its Redemption ANC wireless earbuds – the first sustainably-minded earbuds with active noise cancelling (ANC).
The earbuds are crafted from renewable bamboo and recycled silicone, whilst the case is made from wood derivatives such as sawdust. The buds form a passive seal in the ear and use ANC to keep out background noise. They have a five-hour battery life, with 20 hours in total in the case, and are sweat-proof and water-resistant.
£179.99, houseofmarley.co.uk
The noise-cancelling ones: TicPods 2 Pro
Mobvoi upped its game with the TicPods 2 Pro earbuds. Featuring dual mics with noise cancellation you should be able to drown out the noise of the tube with ease. They also have some fun quick commands and head gesture control – nod your head twice to accept a call or shake it twice to reject it.
They also have a rather affordable price for such a high-tech pair of earbuds at £119.99, so you’re certainly getting a lot of bang for your buck.
£119.99, Mobvoi.com
The sound-focused ones: Sennheiser CX 400BT
They may not have an exciting name, but these new Sennheiser true wireless earbuds make up for it in sound capabilities. Featuring Sennheiser's 7mm dynamic drivers, listeners will be treated to impressive stero sound, with a deep bass and clear treble. This is the same driver featured in the company's more expensive Momentum earbuds by teh way.
The accompanying Sennheiser Smart Control app also allows you to customise the sound experience so it's perfect for you and there are seven hours of battery life, increased up to 20 hours with the charging case. Enough to keep you bopping along, whether it's back on the commute or to drone out the sounds of your WFH housemates.
£169.99, available from September 15, johnlewis.com
The unbreakable ones: Jaybird VISTA true wireless headphones
Jaybird’s new Planetary Green earbuds meet the US military standard for durability, which includes water, sweat, crush and shockproof, so they should definitely survive a workout or two.
With six hours of audio on a full charge, these buds are also the lightest and smallest set of true wireless headphones Jaybird has created to date.
£159.99, jaybirdsport.com