r/BuyItForLife • u/ThesoulerBAM • 1d ago
Discussion Got a long day of travel and desperately need some earbuds with really good battery life and are very comfortable to wear for long periods at a time
Had my regular airpods die out on me a few weeks ago and decided i finally need to invest in a new pair.
Budget is around ~$150. I have a very long travel day on friday (Over 24+hrs of travel), and I really need a good set of earbuds that i can use. Really all im after is just maximum comfiness and maximum battery life. I would like some good sound quality, but i really don't need anything too ridiculous.
Edit: Sorry if i worded it weirdly, by battery life I mean how long on a single charge, not consistent use over the years. Won't be able to stop much on my travel day so I they need to last a while on a single charge.
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u/Unlost_maniac 1d ago
Samsung Galaxy buds are pretty solid. Sound great, never had comfort issues. Used to wear them for 8 hours straight and never had issues. Would have to charge them once a week or so.
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u/bluepart2 1d ago
Came here to say these. Sound is way better than Air pods, as a reference. I keep them in the car because I use them only for working out and if I just connect them once a week to my car charger on the way to the gym I never have issues.
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u/AriesUltd 1d ago
I love my AirPod Pro 2s. But no Bluetooth ear buds will be BIFL.
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u/Proof_Mood_9451 1d ago
No, but mine are now 3 years old and still work like the day I got them!
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u/Curious_Thought6672 1d ago
Dear god I should hope so 😂
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u/Froggynoch 19h ago
Right? I owned several Bluetooth earbuds before my Airpod Pro 2s and they each broke within a year. Either one earbud stopped working or they just stopped pairing. They were between $50-$100, so I’d hope they would last longer. I finally bit the bullet and bought my AirPods and they’ve been amazing. Zero issues and still going strong 3 years later. Considering how cheaply made the other ones were, the AirPods were the most economical option. And even more so if they continue to last.
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u/Proof_Mood_9451 1h ago
To be fair I got the second gens right when they came out so this specific model hasn’t really been around long enough to be older than that. But I definitely get the sentiment here!
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u/Longjumping_Mind7712 1d ago
Buds can only take you so far in both of those categories. I switched over to Sony XM4's three years ago. I jog, work, and sometimes sleep with them on! If you haven't experienced their active noise canceling, it can completely mute the noise of a baby crying beside you on an airplane. They have changed my life.
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u/wannabetmore 1d ago
Like work calls (i.e. Teams, zoom, etc) using XM4s linked to work laptop? I just started to take a look at them yesterday to see if I can use them for work and personal cell phone
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u/Longjumping_Mind7712 1d ago
Yes, I work in real estate, you can put them on ambient noise mode to hear yourself talk, there is a setting to only have that during calls. There is also swipe to answer etc. on the side of the actual headphones, it's capacitive touch.
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u/hot-whisky 1d ago
Yep, earbuds can only last you so long these days, and over-the-ear headphones are waaaay more comfortable on long travel days for me (I do have strange ears though, so ymmv). They also usually have the benefit of being able to use them with a wire if the battery gives out.
But if you do need to charge on the go, I always have an external battery with me to charge my phone anyway. I’m so much less stressed out when I don’t need to worry about where I’m going to get my next charge from.
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u/hat_eater 1d ago
I use Jabra Elite 75 to lull me to sleep and the batteries never run out before I get annoyed and remove them. Which can take over 3 hours.
The case recharges them in about 20 minutes.
They are the most comfortable pair I ever used (I'm a side sleeper).
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u/Joatboy 1d ago
I dunno, I've used a lot of earbuds and none are really good to wear for an extended period (2+hrs). My ears just start aching, but maybe it's just me.
I've had very good experiences with the Shock (used to be OpenShok) bone conducting headphones, but those aren't probably what you're looking for.
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u/parttimecanine 1d ago
Airpods Pro. Have had them for around 5 years now and the sound quality and comfort have been unmatched for me. ANC is also superb and the earbuds last around 3-4 hours for me, the case holds about 5 charges I’d say. I pop them in the case when not using them and always have juice.
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u/Only-Ad5049 1d ago
AirPods Pro are great when you can keep them in your ears. I had to buy memory foam earbuds because they wouldn't stay in my ears otherwise.
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u/parttimecanine 7h ago
Did you try the different size buds? For me only one size fit comfortably. Good to hear you found something that works for you though!
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u/Only-Ad5049 6h ago
I tried all the sizes, they seal fine but over time just slip and fall out.
If you look at r/AirpodsPro you will find that figuring out how to keep them in the ears is basically an FAQ. That question is asked quite often and while there are some other suggested brands to try like SpinFit, the majority of people suggest memory foam. It works, but the tips wear out and you have to plan to replace them every few months.
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u/etheranon 1d ago
i second earbuds with cables. honestly i love them. i have had a pair of DUNU Titan S IEMs and they've lasted me three years already. I am careful with them though and put them in their case, but the esrbuds can be removed from the cable in case it breaks. and your IEMs work as new! see different models and comparisons on crinacle. most of the things there are for audiophiles, who actually invest in quality for their products. but you can find pretty inexpensive things that are bifl imo.Â
Most brands you see on stores like beats or whatever arent really good. audiophiles are like cameramen, in a sense that their devices dont usually stop functioning, because if they did, people wouldnt buy them.Â
if what you wsnt is something bluetooth, invest in a pair of iems and an eac such as a FiioBTR5 or a TWS adapter
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u/jimjimmyjimjimjim 1d ago
Wired options only.
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u/Cookiemonster23x3 1d ago
If you dont wanna spend too much and ok with not a big brand, I have been using this company for 5 years now. Amazing product and I think you will love these:
Tribit Wireless Earbuds,150H Playtime Bluetooth 5.2 IPX8 Waterproof Touch Control Ture Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Mic Earphone in-Ear Deep Bass Built-in Mic Bluetooth Headphones, Flybuds 3
Search it on Amazon, really good ratings and price point is def worth it.
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u/NotAThrowRA16 1d ago
I've had two pairs of Tribit over-ear headphones (I haven't tried the earbuds). While the price is great and I thought the sound quality was pretty good, they both started having issues after ~ 2 years, so I'm not sure about whether the products could count as BIFL.
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u/Cookiemonster23x3 22h ago
My first ones still works after 5 years. Fair point, they are a unknown company and could be inconsistent with their quality.
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u/SquirrelWatchin 1d ago
I currently use Skullcandy ANC Rail in-ear buds. Amazon has them on sale right now I see.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPP1DBRL/ref=pe_386300_440135490_TE_simp_item_image?th=1
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u/MessAppropriate783 1d ago
I really like my Raycon everyday ear buds. They run about $100 but to be completely honest. My husband got a $20 pair of Amazon because he works in a warehouse and didn't want to destroy an expensive pair... I can't hear the difference. They both recharge several times in the case before needing plugged in. We have had both pairs about two years.
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u/Froggynoch 19h ago
Please nobody fall for the Raycon trap. They are cheap crap and they only get away with charging so much because musicians and YouTubers promoted it aggressively.
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u/Random3133 1d ago
I bought a couple pairs of Raycons when all the YouTubers were pushing them, and having discount codes. I think I paid about $70 a pair for mine. I later bought Soundcore Liberty 3 earbuds, and the sound quality is night and day! Now the raycon sound muddy to me. The Soundcore earbuds are very clean and clear sounding, plus better range. Lower lows and higher highs.
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u/Unlucky_Mammoth_2947 1d ago
I use Cambridge audio m100’s, the battery is fantastic, sound quality is also very good. They also have noise cancelling which is decent but not as good as some I’ve had in the past. But over all best battery ear buds I’ve had
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u/FlobyToberson85 1d ago
I have a couple pairs of JLab Go Air Pop earbuds that are inexpensive ($25ish), comfortable, and last a long time. Wear mine like 2/3 of the day and only charge them every 3 or 4 days, if that.
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u/texag20102014 1d ago
I have Bose ear buds that are noise cancelling and the case acts as a charger. Love them to death and would highly recommend them!
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u/Wogdog 1d ago
I’m a big fan of the TOZO T10. Get all day use out of them at work, sound good, and are cheap.
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u/Hostile_City 18h ago
I liked the Tozo buds as a basic budget option. The Pixel Buds Pro go on sale for $150 and are worth every penny.
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u/jkvf1026 1d ago
No electronics are BIFL.
However, as somebody who has to have an 18 to 20 hour travel day anytime I want to go see family I swear by my Bose headphones.
I was gifted the most recent model of Bose QuietComfort headphones last winter and to be honest I can't even tell you when I charge them because they have such a nice battery life that I don't actually know how frequently I need to charge them. I also have really specific sensory needs, and I've never had an issue with my headphones feeling uncomfortable.
I don't like in the earbuds because my ears are really small and no rubber guard small enough will fit...leaving me to use naked ear buds that fall out. So I can't really speak for earbuds but honestly I feel like headphones over the ear are better at an airport or train station anyway so people know you're not able to hear in case there's a problem.
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u/relaps101 1d ago
I really enjoy my Samsung pro 2, they're cheaper now the 3 has come out.
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u/relaps101 1d ago
Ps, I wear them up to 8 hours on a single charge while I work, I take a nap listening to wjite noise with them. They're great. Mic is decent, better on the 3s from the videos I've seen.
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u/Yogicabump 1d ago
Oppo Enco X2. No one talks about them, but I tested 7 earbuds from Amazon and this was my winner. People I recommended it to are also happy.
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u/Cancerous-73 1d ago
I know this is a "buy" thread but wanted to save you from pouring money into Sennheiser Momentum any model. Very reliably unreliable....having two pairs replaced under warranty and still failed on the third.
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u/GadgetDojo 1d ago
I've found Echo Buds to be comfy and long-lasting. Sound quality is actually pretty solid, especially for the price. With your budget, it might be worth picking up two pairs just to make sure you'll have a functioning pair for the entire trip. They're $50, but you can often get them on sale for $25-$35.
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u/H_o 1d ago
These https://www.amazon.co.uk/SoundPEATS-Cancelling-Bluetooth-Headphones-Transparency/dp/B09D7BMYHF/
Never going to be BIFL but they are so solid as an all rounder, have 2 sets of them and they are just too practical, no idea why people spend big money on these types of things
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u/Random3133 1d ago
I use either my Soundcore Liberty 3 noise cancelling Bluetooth headphones, or My Audio-Techina wired noise cancelling earbuds. I've had these for more than 10 years. My phone does still have a headphone jack, but if yours doesn't they make USB-c to headphone jack adapters.
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u/SVAuspicious 1d ago
Nothing meaningfully BIFL.
I travel a lot. I have two sets of Apple Gen 2 Airpods. I can switch between. I can use one set and switch from one side to the other and charge the offside in the case. I also carry wired buds. That's what I use on planes.
Airpods can play from my iPhone, iPad, Android tablet, and Lenovo Windows tablet. I have older wired buds with 1/8" TRRS plug and a little adapter to Lightning. Someday I'll have to add USB-C. *sigh* I do have a Y-cord so I can charge my phone or Apple tablet and listen at the same time. IMHO, Apple was stupid to drop the headphone jack. They don't listen to me. I can charge everything off 220V 50 Hz, 117V 60 Hz, and 12VDC so plug in the wall and all auto/air.
Remember to have your phone off and no buds in going through C&I anywhere.
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u/Mudslingshot 1d ago
I've had two different generations of Galaxy Buds (the Buds+ and then the Buds 2) and both have been incredibly comfortable
I wear both for entire shifts at work and they are wonderful. The buds 2 have a slightly shorter better life (but better all around) but they charge up a lot faster from the case than the older style
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u/Only-Ad5049 1d ago
One issue you are going to run into with earbuds is the amount of time they last between charges. Most earbuds are good for 6 hours then you have to put them into the case to charge. A few might last longer. If you don't mind taking them out for a while then earbuds will work great.
If you want to be able to wear them constantly for longer than that you might want to look at headphones instead. I know they are more expensive but Bose QC headphones are amazing for travel. You don't have to get the more expensive ultras, although they have better features. I bought the regular QCs to wear on a long flight recently and they were amazing.
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u/Only-Ad5049 6h ago
BTW, if you want headphones, get over-the-ear, not on-the-ear. You want something that puts very little pressure on your skull or they will start to hurt after a while. As a bonus, most headphones come with a cord that lets you plug them in, and many will still work without being turned on so you don't even need the battery.
Sony and Bose are generally considered to be the best. Beats is highly rated but I see a lot of posts on the channel asking how to fix a broken band. Apple AirPods Max are highly rated but very expensive.
Bose has one of the lower battery life at 24 hours, many are rated for much longer than that.
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u/half_breed_duck 1d ago
Shokz are the type I use. Get a couple days use out of them before they need to be recharged. Not the best sound, but you can still hear everything around you while wearing them. I was able to wear them hours at a time during my first try. Not the greatest to lay your head on the seat behind you, though. Nap limiting.
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u/Only-Ad5049 6h ago
Have you tried OpenFit. Much better sound than the bone conduction, no band wrapping around your head, still really good battery life. I have the original OpenFit and the OpenFit 2 is supposed to be even better.
They still have the issue that they are open to outside sounds so loud external noise can overwhelm them. Unlike bone conduction, you cannot plug your ears (which actually improves the sound of bone conduction).
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u/Dirk-Killington 22h ago
I like the Google ones.Â
When I'm traveling all day I just use one bud at a time to keep the other charged.Â
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u/overheardlines 21h ago
I have earfun free pro 2 and would recommend! They hold charge well and are comfy, I wear them for hours everyday and I've had them coming up for 2 years. They've survived being dropped multiple times (including once while in the case into a mug of water) plus they charge quickly still. Also I find the noise cancelling to be great (I'm very sound sensitive). I don't expect them to be BIFL ofc but still good!
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u/anewjesus420 15h ago
you might be suprised by chinese IEMs
you can buy bluetooth adapters for em, replace the buds, etc
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u/NumberlessUsername2 1d ago
Surprised nobody is mentioning bose ultra open. These things are extremely comfortable because they don't go in the ear canal, have excellent battery life, and pretty decent sound quality considering they're open-style. I've never had better ear buds in my life, they are so damn good. Perfect for extended time in the ear.
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u/Non_Native_Coloradan 1d ago
Wrong sub, no earbuds or electronics are BIFL.
Go find the buy it for battery life sub.
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u/airsign 1d ago
bluetooth? no bluetooth earbuds will be buy it for life. i like my soundcore space a40, especially for the price lately (sale: $45) but the battery is shot after 2 years. I wear them all day.