The True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds market has grown by leaps and bounds in the past few quarters in India, courtesy of launches in the budget price segment (Rs 1,000-Rs 2,000) and increasing popularity as TWS buds are convenient to use. Homegrown companies in the country have also played a key role in boosting the popularity of TWS earbuds. However, premium TWS buds offer a better and rich experience than the budget options and of course, cost more. It's almost become difficult to buy a bad pair of wireless buds these days, thanks to the rich audio output, noise cancellation and long battery life.
Some of the popular premium TWS earbuds makers include names like Apple, Samsung, Sony, Sennheiser and Oppo, among others. A lot of smartphone makers are also making their buds work best with their own products and handsets via exclusive functionality and features, in a bid to expand their ecosystem. As the end of 2022 draws near, we list the best TWS earbuds in the premium category from the likes of Samsung, Sony, Sennheiser and more that are good for consumers who are willing to splurge on a pair of wireless earphones.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro - Best TWS Buds From Samsung Yet
This pair of earbuds also come with a more compact ergonomic design as compared to its predecessor and 40 per cent improved noise cancellation. The earbuds themselves are IPX7 rated for water resistance, but the charging case is not. Active noise cancellation (ANC), 360 Audio with direct multi-channel and 24bit Hi-Fi, among others, are some of the features that the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro come packed with. The buds are available in three colourways: Bora Purple, Graphite and White. The earbuds come with significant improvements when compared to the Galaxy Buds Pro. Even though the charging case looks similar to its predecessor, but it has a scratch-proof matte finish this time around. The buds offer a good battery backup of up to five hours and the total backup is of up to 18 hours of play-time with ANC on and up to eight hours and a total of up to 29 hours of play-time with ANC off. The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is currently available for Rs 12,499 on Samsung India's official online store, which is quite a steal deal.
Sony LinkBuds S - Compact Design, Excellent Battery Life
Sony LinkBuds S (WF-LS900N) is the successor to the Sony LinkBuds (WF-1000XM4), but comes at a lower price point as its placed below the flagship LinkBuds earbuds. While the Sony LinkBuds is one of the top unique gadgets launched this year, the LinkBuds S has been touted as an offering with a "wear-all-day" functionality. The buds weigh 4.8 grams and come with a compact form factor. The LinkBuds S can be worn easily for 4-5 hours at a stretch, but may not be suitable for all-day wear, as Sony suggets. Some of the key highlights of the LinkBuds S are active noise cancellation (ANC), touch controls through outer surface of each bud and IPX4 rating for water resistance. Battery life is pretty close what has been advertised, close to six hours of play-time and the charging case additionally adds two full charges. The case itself is lightweight and has a beautiful matte design that saves it from scratches and smudges.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 - Looks Posh, Sounds Great
Sennheiser is a renowned name in the audio game and has been there for ages. Sennheiser's Momentum lineup has been very successful for the company, courtesy of clean design and great audio output. Last year's Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 received a warm response in the market and this year's Momentum True Wireless 3 comes with better sound output and a trimmed down form factor. A key highlight of the Momentum True Wireless 3 is the fabric outer covering on the charging case, which makes it stand out and look sophisticated. The case has an indicator LED light and unlike most charging cases, this one has a charging port on the front, housed alongside the notification light. The earbuds themselves weigh 5.8 gram each, which makes them lightweight and comfortable for prolonged use. The buds have active noise cancellation (ANC), which is somewhat better than what Sony's TWS buds offers in certain situations. Battery life on the Momentum True Wireless 3 is good and the earbuds lasted six hours on a single charge while the case added three additional full charges.
Oppo Enco X2 - Forget The AirPods
Similar to last year's Oppo Enco X earbuds, the Oppo Enco X2 look exactly like Apple AirPods, courtesy of a short stem and in-ear design with rubber ear tips. The charging case stands out with a sleek pebble-shaped glossy design. The case bears a tiny Oppo branding alongside a prominent Dynaudio logo, which highlights Oppo's partnership with the Danish loudspeaker maker. The Enco X2 comes feature packed with Bluetooth codec support for AAC, LHDC, LDAC, and SBC, apart from dual-device connection, active noise cancellation (ANC), personal transparency mode, wireless charging and "squeeze" controls, among others. The Enco X2 also has an 11-mm dynamic driver + 6-mm planar diaphragm driver with a SuperDBEE coaxial dual-driver sound system, which has been co-created in partnership with Dynaudio. The earbuds come in White and Black colour options and the white variant is more classy. There are EQ modes to choose from such as Dynaudio Simple and Clear, Dynaudio Punchy, Dynaudio Real and Enco X Classic. Golden Sound lets the user customise the hearing experience based on hearing characteristics and ear canal. The Enco X2 is currently retailing for Rs 10,999. Prospective buyers may be able to get bank offers if they try to purchase the buds through e-commerce platforms.
Anker Soundcore Life Note 3 - Inexpensive, But Sounds Excellent
Anker Soundcore may not be a renowned name in the world of TWS earbuds, which is rather crowded. TWS earbuds need to be exceptional in order to stand out these days and Anker Soundcore Life Note 3 does exactly that, without costing a bomb. The buds have 11-mm drivers, which are a good size and thus, result in excellent sound output. Like several other brands these days, this pair of buds also comes with an accompanying app which has an equaliser as well as "Soundcore signature sound" that promises thumping bass, which should appeal to most users. The buds have a short stem, akin to the AirPods, but not identically similar. The charging case is a bit bulky when compared to most TWS cases with a textured design language that makes use of curved lines spread across the entire case. The earphones in Black colour have a glossy, but metallic finish. Battery life is exceptional for the price and they can function for up to five hours on a single charge with ANC on. This pair of TWS buds is currently selling for Rs 4,499 on Flipkart and it can be coupled with bank offers to further cut the price.