At one point in time, true wireless earbuds were a brand-new innovation. Today, the market is over-saturated with so much choice. Each pair purports to offer a unique feature of some kind, whether it’s excellent noise cancellation, fabulous hi-res audio quality, unique equalizer settings, an ultra-secure fit, water-resistance – the list goes on. It’s near impossible to stand out among the pack. But these innovative wireless earbuds manage to do just that.
Sennheiser Momentum Sport
The Sennheiser Momentum Sport true wireless earbuds aren’t the first to take measurements of various vitals. But they’re an interesting new design in terms of earbuds that combine audio with training and fitness features. They integrate a photoplethysmography (PPG) heart rate sensor along with a body temperature sensor that can provide crucial data to a compatible fitness app and other devices. This includes Apple Watch and Apple Health, Garmin Watch and Garmin Connect, Strava, and Peloton. They’re also the first non-Polar product that works with Polar’s biosensing capabilities and data analytics so you get real-time insights while training, all within the Polar Flow app.
Along with the semi-open design, there’s an acoustic relief channel to help minimize the noise of your footsteps and breathing while running, for example. Transparency Mode is adjustable and there’s an anti-wind mode for outdoor activities. They are IP55 sweat and water resistant, shock-proof, and come with an IP54-rated water-resistant charging case that’s Qi enabled for wireless charging. Set for availability in April, they’ll sell for US$330 or about $450 in Canada.
H20 Audio TRI PRO Multi-Sport with Playlist+
Remember back in the ‘80s and ‘90s when you would sit in front of a boombox with a cassette tape in the deck, listening to the radio and waiting to hit “record” when you heard your favourite song? The H20 Audio TRI Pro Multi-Sport with Playlist+ employs a similar concept, but with streaming. The feature, called Playlist+, allows you to play a playlist and record it so you can leave your device at home or in the locker at the gym, or listen even while underwater without your phone nearby and Bluetooth connected. (Yes, they are swimproof earbuds). It has 8GB memory to store Playlist+ tunes or a downloaded playlist transferred from your computer. It can also connect to your device via Bluetooth for standard streaming when you do have your phone in tow and want to stream.
These true wireless earbuds employ bone conduction technology so they sit on your temples so you can hear the music through vibrations without your ears being blocked. A band wraps around the back of your head. They’re completely waterproof with an IPX8 rating, designed for wearing while swimming or doing other underwater activities. At US$180 or about $240 in Canada, these aren’t the best-sounding earbuds you’ll find. But if you’re a swimmer and want a pair you can wear while you do laps in the pool, these are a solid option to consider.
Urbanista Phoenix Solar
Even though all true wireless earbuds come with a charging case and boast decent battery life, imagine never having to charge a pair. That’s the case with the Urbanista Phoenix earbuds, which are solar powered from the sun or strong artificial light. They’ll keep gaining a charge as long as the Powerfoyle charging surface on the case is exposed to light. It’s a slow charge, but enough to keep you going in a pinch. The case even comes with a lanyard so you can wear it around your neck or strap it to your backpack and continuously charge as you move outdoors.
At US$150 (about $200 in Canada), the Urbanista Phoenix Solar earbuds feature hybrid active noise cancelling with transparency mode, noise reducing microphones, IPX4 water-resistant design, multipoint connection, and have a 34-hour battery reserve.
Skullcandy Push Active
Ideal for active individuals, the Skullcandy Push Active true wireless earbuds have the Skull-iQ Smart Feature technology, which allows for hands-free control so you can do just about anything without having to grab your phone or even push buttons on the buds themselves. This is perfect for winter activities like skiing where you’d otherwise have to remove gloves. You can adjust volume, switch tracks, answer an incoming call, or even queue up a Spotify playlist, all with voice commands. You can also activate your phone’s own built-in voice assistant using Skull-iQ.
What truly makes these earbuds stand out, however, is the inclusion of built-in Tile finding technology so you can locate them if they are lost, misplaced, or even stolen. They are IP55 sweat and water resistant and offer up to 44 hours of total play time with the charging case.
Finding Unique Features
Each of these earbuds offers unique features that make them stand out, something different from what you’d find in most true wireless earbuds. Of course, above all else, you want earbuds that sound great, last for a long time, pair easily with your phone, offer effective noise cancellation, and fit your lifestyle. We cover the most important features to look for in true wireless earbuds, and it’s worth running through this list as well before selecting a pair that suits you. But beyond that, these innovative wireless earbuds have features that truly set them apart.
