We’re launching a fresh approach to testing earbuds on TechRadar. Our method blends consistent, repeated evaluations with broader, more subjective assessments by our panel of experts. These initial evaluations are performed with the same rigor across all products, enabling us to make fair comparisons between different earbuds. Every test is conducted by our experts, who have a wealth of experience in evaluating earbuds to maintain uniformity. How we test Earbuds at Discovery MartHow we test Earbuds at Discovery Mart Affordable Wireless Earbuds for Phone Calls
These evaluations will appear in our guide to the top wireless earbuds and the best budget earbuds as we revisit existing models and expand our collection of earbuds for our guides. Additionally, these evaluations will be included in our earbud reviews.
In this section, we’ll detail the specifics of these tests and provide instructions on how to replicate them at home, including the criteria we use to rank earbuds highly.
SOUND EXPERIENCE TEST (ANC OFF)
Our initial examination is centered on evaluating the sound experience, and this is conducted with the active noise cancellation feature disabled (if the earbuds have this capability).
Next, we play a variety of songs selected to highlight different aspects of sound, including acoustic, rock, jazz, classical, and electronic music. These selections are made based on their suitability for bass, midrange, or treble frequencies. Additionally, we choose songs that test the spatial perception or the wide-open feel of the earbuds. Below, you’ll find our earbud testing playlist, along with some insights on what we’re looking for in each track, so you can also try out your new earbuds at home.
We play these testing tracks on a Tidal playlist to guarantee they’re played back in high-quality, original sound files (refer to our ‘what is high-quality audio?’ guide for more details). We also use a FiiO M11S music player, which is our preferred choice among the best high-quality music players available at the moment. Additionally, we listen to the tracks using the best possible connection for the earbuds: if they’re wired, we directly connect to the player; if they’re wireless, we use aptX HD, LHDC, LDAC, or AAC Bluetooth if supported, or standard SBC Bluetooth if none of the others are available.
NOISE QUALITY ASSESSMENT (ANC ON)
We also evaluate the same songs, utilizing the identical playback device with active noise cancellation activated. This is not solely to assess the effectiveness of the ANC in reducing external noise but also to examine the impact of ANC on the overall sound quality.
Achieving optimal noise cancellation without compromising sound quality is a goal, but the process alters the audio file in real-time by introducing ‘anti-noise’ to offset external sounds. This can be executed effectively or poorly.
In numerous instances, ANC may alter the sound’s breadth, making it seem more confined to the headphones rather than immersive. It can also disrupt the sound’s balance and strip away some of the track’s detail.
Often, the ratings with and without ANC might be identical, indicating a successful implementation. However, the difference could be minor or significant. In some instances, the rating with ANC might be higher, assuming the ANC is always active.