The best Bluetooth wireless in-ear monitors in the UK 2023

In the car, for sports, on public transport, the common obsession is to keep your hands free. What better than Bluetooth in-ear headphones for that? We offer this guide to help you make the right choice among the many brands, Apple, Samsung, Bose, and models all equally well performing.

Apple AirPod Pro 1
9/10

Best value for money

Apple AirPod Pro

The best Bluetooth wireless in-ears

Apple launches AirPod Pro which is a real technological revolution in terms of Bluetooth wireless earphones. It has 3 interchangeable tips for a better fixation to the ear.

207 £ on Darty

With its brilliant white color, AirPod Pro offers two listening features to enhance your user experience. Transparency mode lowers the frequency of sound and lets the surrounding atmosphere enter the earpiece. Active Noise Control eliminates extraneous noise that can interfere with the audio quality of the earpiece.

AirPod Pro has a built-in microphone for making and receiving calls. Thanks to the intelligent assistant Siri, this iPhone-connected earpiece lets you listen to your text messages. With this device, a playlist played on your smartphone can be shared to a loved one wearing the same model of earphone. AirPod Pro has a good battery life of 24 hours.

AfterShokz Trekz Air 2
8/10

Best value for money

AfterShokz Trekz Air

The best entry-level Bluetooth wireless in-ears

This dedicated sports in-ear headset stands out for its attractive design, but especially for its original open ear design. It offers optimal listening quality while sparing your ears and keeping you connected to the world around you.

63,96 £ on Amazon

The Open Ear design uses bone conduction, not the ear canal. The earpiece is then placed on the bone at the entrance to the ear. The wrap-around earhooks are lightweight, flexible and comfortable, even when worn for long periods. Thanks to this, you can hear your music freely and stay alert to what's going on around you.

Very practical for sports, the AfterShokz Trekz Air headset is equipped with IP55 technology making it resistant to moisture and dust. With Bluetooth 4.2, it enjoys a stable connection, as well as 6 hours of autonomy.

Sony WI-1000XN 3
9/10

Best value for money

Sony WI-1000XN

The best high-end Bluetooth wireless in-ears

Thanks to the neckband that ensures a good fit, this in-ear headset will accompany you during your sports activities. Equipped with Alexa integrated, it is a faithful ally at home. The attractive design tops it all off to definitely win you over.

273 £ on Cdiscount

Two transducers ensure that this earphone delivers impeccable sound quality, both in terms of highs and lows. The ear tips in the ear canal and the active noise reduction system ensure perfect sound isolation. The Sony WI-1000XN neckband earphone has a battery life of 10 hours.

Hands-free telephony controls are located on the headband, and incoming calls are notified by vibration. For better control of audio settings, an app is available for IOS and Android. Sony WI-1000XN is ideal for listening to music on the go.

Bose QC Earbuds 4
9/10

Excellent

Bose QC Earbuds

The best alternative

Lightweight, sound quality and noise reduction all come together in this wireless in-ear headset to make it unique. Bose QC Earbuds keep you rocking to the beat of your favorite music.

223 £ on Boulanger

Powered by a powerful battery, this earbud offers a maximum of 18 hours of autonomy to its user. With this remarkable duration, Bose QC Earbuds can be used to watch back-to-back movies from your smartphone. A short time of 2 hours is enough to recharge the earbuds. This product comes with an induction charging case.

Using Active Noise Control technology, this Bluetooth headset isolates you from ambient noise and optimizes listening comfort. Its integrated microphone allows you to make or receive phone calls in hands-free mode. With a single click, reduce the sound frequency of Bose QC Earbuds and enjoy the sounds of nature.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best Bluetooth wireless in-ear monitors

Any specific needs?

The best Bluetooth wireless in-ears

The best entry-level Bluetooth wireless in-ears

The best high-end Bluetooth wireless in-ears

The best alternative

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best Bluetooth wireless in-ear monitors

TOP OF THE TOP NOT EXPENSIVE TOP OF THE RANGE Excellent
Apple AirPod Pro 5
9/10
AfterShokz Trekz Air 6
8/10
Sony WI-1000XN 7
9/10
Bose QC Earbuds 8
9/10
OUR SELECTION
Apple AirPod Pro
AfterShokz Trekz Air
Sony WI-1000XN
Bose QC Earbuds
Apple launches AirPod Pro which is a real technological revolution in terms of Bluetooth wireless earphones. It has 3 interchangeable tips for a better fixation to the ear.
This dedicated sports in-ear headset stands out for its attractive design, but especially for its original open ear design. It offers optimal listening quality while sparing your ears and keeping you connected to the world around you.
Thanks to the neckband that ensures a good fit, this in-ear headset will accompany you during your sports activities. Equipped with Alexa integrated, it is a faithful ally at home. The attractive design tops it all off to definitely win you over.
Lightweight, sound quality and noise reduction all come together in this wireless in-ear headset to make it unique. Bose QC Earbuds keep you rocking to the beat of your favorite music.
Battery life
24 H and 4 H for headphones
6 H
10 H
18 H
Charging connectivity
Lightning
USB Type-C
Micro USB
USB Type-C
Waterproofing standard
IPX4
IP 55
IPX7
IPX4
Sensitivity
80 dB
100 dB
101 dB
104.5 dB
Bluetooth type
Version 5
Version 4.2
LDAC
Version 5.1

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Buying guide - Bluetooth wireless in-ear monitors

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How to choose your Bluetooth wireless in-ear monitors

To enjoy a quality sound experience and safe for the ears, here are the parameters not to neglect when choosing your Bluetooth wireless in-ear monitors.

#1 - Autonomy

The battery life of today's Bluetooth in-ears is typically around 4 to 12 hours. If you're looking for long-lasting batteries that don't require frequent recharging, consider the Sony NWWS623B

for example.

Some manufacturers offer Bluetooth headphones with rechargeable cases so you don't run out of battery while traveling. So you can buy one as a backup. You can also turn to brands that offer carrying cases (or power banks) that serve both to recharge the headphones 2 to 4 times after use.

#2 - Sound quality

Choose

your Bluetooth in-ear headphones based on the audio quality you're looking for. This audio quality usually depends on the manufacturer. If you covet strong bass and extended acoustic power, look to the Bose brand.

If you want deep sound with a wide frequency range, high treble and good bass, Seinheiser is your best choice. Indeed, this brand offers a high quality sound between the middle and the top of the range.

The Jabra brand on the other hand is appreciated for its very precise midrange sound with little cut-off. Finally, the Japanese brand Sony offers sounds suitable for all styles of music and their products are generally concentrated on the mid-range.

#3 - The weight

Weight is an important parameter to consider when choosing your in-ears for optimal comfort and a better fit in the ears. The ideal weight for your in-ears, especially if you are a nomadic user would be less than 20g.

Between 20 and 40g, the fit of the earphones on the ears is good but you will feel the weight of them after prolonged listening. We do not recommend headphones over 50g because they are not comfortable to wear and do not fit well in the ear canal especially for users who move around a lot.

#4 - Sound insulation

The

active noise reduction system was designed to reduce the noise around you so you can focus on the sound of the headphones. It not only provides simple noise isolation but also registers the surrounding noise and sends an opposite signal back to the listener to cancel out the passive noise.

If you are in a noisy environment, opt for in-ear earphones with this system (such as the BackBeat Go 410 from Plantronics for example), but you must be careful because this can be dangerous, especially when you are crossing the street for example.

Moreover, in-ear monitors tend to offer significant passive noise isolation and you need to weigh your choice against the places you frequent. In this sense, opt for certain models like Apple's AirPods that isolate very little outside noise.

#5 - The size

There

are generally 3 different formats of wireless earphones: button earphones, semi-in-ear earphones and in-ear earphones. If you want a less insulating model that fits in the ear canal without clogging the ear canal, opt for the button earphone. But it should be noted that its fit in the ears is not always optimal.

On the other hand, the in-ear model fits well in the ears and isolates effectively from surrounding noise. However, the comfort generated by the in-ears is not necessarily there. Nevertheless, you can choose among the different sizes of earmolds offered by the manufacturers. Finally, choose the semi-in-the-ear formats if you want to combine the two formats.

Did you know?

The Bose brand markets wireless in-ear earphones called SleepBuds, which help the user fall asleep faster. They cost €269 a piece and play soothing sounds rather than music.

Noise scale and recommendations

For your information, here are the noises to which we expose our ears on a daily basis.

Noise levelMaximum exposure time
100 dB15 minutes
91 dB2 hours
88 dB4 hours
85 dB8 hours

Bluetooth wireless in-ear or Bluetooth headset?

Bluetooth Wireless In-Ear Monitors

More compact and discreet, Bluetooth wireless in-ear monitors fit easily into the ear canal and are held in place by custom ear cushions. These products have become smaller and more efficient to provide excellent sound isolation and sound quality.

Wireless in-ear monitors are especially perfect for music-loving athletes who like to be light in weight and seek more freedom of movement. However, due to their small size and limited battery life, Bluetooth wireless in-ear monitors can be easily lost.

Bluetooth headset

Depending on the shape and application, there are circum-aural Bluetooth headphones that fit around the ear and supra-aural headphones that fit over the ear. Bluetooth headsets have improved in sound quality over the years, especially in terms of distortion, punchy bass and clearer treble. The level of isolation has even become exceptional thanks to the active noise reduction feature.

Some Bluetooth headsets also offer additional options such as direct playback of micro SD card, radio, etc. with easy volume control. However, they are heavier than in-ear headphones and the pressure of the headband on the head and ears will quickly be felt after a few hours of use, especially with the over-ear models.

Verdict

In conclusion, if you're an organized and very active person, Bluetooth in-ear headphones will suit you because of their light weight and comfort. But if you're a light-headed person, you're likely to lose them. So if you're going to go wireless, look for Bluetooth headsets that offer more options and longer battery life.

Why buy a Bluetooth wireless in-ear monitor?

Portability

Because of their small size, Bluetooth wireless in-ear monitors are the best when it comes to portability. Some come with a travel case, but for many people it's that simple, they just throw them in their bag or pocket.

Freedom

With Bluetooth wireless in-ears you have the freedom to walk while you talk. In fact, you can work and even do chores around the house without having to hold the phone. You can listen to music and even receive calls and resume playback at your leisure.

Powerful, popular and popular

Much more compact and discreet than mobile headsets, Bluetooth wireless in-ear monitors are still among the most popular products among music-loving users. As technology continues to evolve, these products are being improved by becoming smaller and more powerful (ergonomics and power). In terms of accessories, wireless Bluetooth in-ear headphones are the latest fashionable accessory, which are designed to fit into the ear canal and remain there thanks to rubber pads. This type of headset therefore creates a rather pronounced isolation.

Comfort

Most Bluetooth wireless in-ear headphones fit just inside the opening of your ear canal, creating a nice seal. Others are held in with small pieces that wrap around the back of your ears. How comfortable they are really depends on your personal preferences and how you will use the headphones.

Affordable and stylish

Bluetooth wireless in-ear monitors are stylish and sophisticated. They are sporty in their appearance and design. They are made to stay firm when you work out. You'll love the way they look even if you're a casual headphone user. They are also affordable despite their stylish appearance and nature.

Tips

Clean and disinfect your in-ear earphones regularly.

To do this, simply remove their ear tips from the earphones and clean them with a cotton swab soaked in water. To disinfect, use absorbent cotton soaked in soap to wipe the tips. You can also use an antiseptic spray.

Store your headphones in a suitable case.

Various

models of cases are available on the market namely soft, hard, fabric, plastic and many others. The ideal case should be waterproof, airtight and dust and shock resistant.

What to do when one of the two headphones is not working.

Start

by rebooting your headphones. If that doesn't solve the problem, reset the Bluetooth and reconnect it with your audio source. If that still doesn't solve anything, it's time to check your mobile / PC settings to make sure the headphone settings are not set to mono. Mono only plays audio on one side, so if the problem persists, consider testing by playing different styles of music. This should solve the problem. If necessary, seek the advice of a technician.

Learn how to overcome interference and jamming.

As Bluetooth headset users know all too well, connectivity problems occur as soon as the audio player is placed in the pocket. This is because it's a physical barrier problem between the transmitter and the audio receiver. So you can try to put your audio player in a pocket near your chest for example. You should also know that Wi-Fi and other wireless devices all use the same 2.4 GHz frequency. This explains why connectivity can be poor in busy places like gyms, subways and public places. Basically, avoid these places as much as possible when wearing wireless headphones.

The hearing aid is the first to be damaged if the sound power of the headphones is 85 to 100 dB. As you turn up the volume, a notification appears at the top of the screen alerting the user that the acceptable threshold has been crossed. If you persist in doing this, the headphones may gradually lose their original performance and become unusable later on.

FAQ

What are the best Bluetooth wireless in-ear monitors?

The best Bluetooth wireless in-ear monitors depend on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide for the best products available.

Are wireless in-ear monitors compatible with all smartphones?

If they are equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 technology, your Bluetooth in-ear headphones will be able to connect to any device.

How do I know if my headphones can be worn in water?

To do this, you only need to determine whether your in-ear earphones are IPX7 waterproof.

My headphones don't seem to work. What should I do?

Make sure you have followed all the instructions in the manufacturer's manual when setting up your headphones. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  2. , jabra.fr
  3. , blog.ubaldi.com
  4. , bfmtv.com
  5. , quechoisir.org
  6. , planet-sansfil.com
  7. , lesnumeriques.com
  8. , amazon.co.uk
  9. , boulanger.com
  10. , cdiscount.com
  11. , audio.avisportail.com
  12. , fnac.com
  13. , onedirect.fr
  14. , darty.com
  15. , rueducommerce.fr
  16. , sodishop.com.gn
  17. , fr.shopping.rakuten.com
  18. , kulturegeek.fr
  19. , sespa.shop
  20. , groupon.fr
  21. , manuals.plus
  22. , fnac.com
  23. , mangetonpad.com
  24. , fnac.com
  25. , vdifrance.fr
  26. , fr.shopping.rakuten.com
  27. , belkin.com
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Apple AirPod Pro 9
Apple AirPod Pro
AfterShokz Trekz Air 10
AfterShokz Trekz Air
Sony WI-1000XN 11
Sony WI-1000XN
Bose QC Earbuds 12
Bose QC Earbuds

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