Finally, we can leave those pesky wires behind with the best wireless earbuds in Malaysia 2020!
No more having to detangle your earphones or headphones! Or winding them up every time! And wireless earbuds won’t get in the way when you are working out!
Dive into the world of wireless earbuds with this selection guide on how to choose your first pair of earbuds! We have listed the top wireless earbuds (and their prices) for your convenience, too!
How Do Wireless earphones Even Work?
They work the same way that wireless headphones do. Through Bluetooth! With your Smartphone as the transmitter. And the earbuds as the receivers – one primary, and one secondary.
Types Of Wireless Earbuds
It’s baffling but there are sub-categories for wireless earbuds too!
Be sure you know the difference before you get yourself a pair!
1. Wireless Earbuds
When Bluetooth came around, so did this type of wireless earbuds!
However, they’re not completely wire-free. And have a cord or band that connects both buds.
2. True Wireless Earbuds
Now, these are the ones that are truly without a wire. Meaning you have to take more care not to lose any!
How To Choose The Best Earphones
1. What You Will Use Your Wireless Earphones For
Are you planning to use them at the gym or for jogging along with your Smartwatch?
You’ll need to get a pair that fit securely:
If you find that ear buds usually fall out of your ears, look for a pair that comes with ear tips in various sizes.
Or for a design with a wing and hook to go over your ear for further grip. Rubberized grips work too!
And one other thing:
Do you need them to be waterproof?
Manufacturers will put down the IP or IPX rating. It could be any of these:
- IP2 – Dripping water up to a 15 degrees angle
- IP3 – Spray of water up to 60 degrees angle
- IP4 – Splashing water from any direction
- IP5 – Resistant against water jets from a 6.3mm nozzle
- IP6 – Can stand water jets from a 12.5mm nozzle
- IP7 – Immersion under water up to 1 meter
If you see 2 digits (e.g. IP67), the first one is for solids (6 means full dust resistance). And the second is for liquids.
2. Size & Form Factor
3 types:
- Over-ear
- In-ear
- On-ear
Take a good look at the ear tips too. Some earphones come with multiple tips that you can switch out. Until you find one that fits you perfectly!
These are usually made of silicone.
3. Battery Life
It goes without saying, longer playtime is better! The average for wireless earbuds is 3-5 hours.
Long enough to have a running session on your treadmill!
Some earbuds come with a case that charges them whenever they’re in the case!
The charging case itself should be able to charge the earbuds at least 3 times before it needs to be recharged too.
4. Pairing Bluetooth Earbuds
Whichever earbuds you’re looking at, pairing will be much faster (and easier) if the earbuds are from the same manufacturer as your Smartphone!
For newer models, it’s enough to bring the two devices close to or in contact with each other for the pairing to start! This is NFC technology.
If all else fails, you can always set up Bluetooth between your earbuds and your phone (or Smart TV)!
5. Controls For Wireless Earbuds
Cheaper earbuds can only be controlled via your Smartphone. While the more pricey counterparts use touch control!
Where you just tap the earbuds to switch to the next song, adjust the volume or take phone calls! The smarter earbuds will automatically stop playing music once you remove them from your ear!
6. Sound Quality
The codec software that the wireless earphones use is very important:
Because you don’t want a lot of latency. Which is delay from when an audio signal is being sent to your earbuds. Until the time you hear it! This effect is more obvious when you’re playing a game or watching a video!
Of the available codec software today, AAC is the latest. Followed by aptX HD and aptX. While SBC is considered basic.
And to reduce further sound degradation, your music source should be compatible too!
Especially for Apple users! As Apple devices can only support SBC and AAC.
6.1. Noise Isolation
What’s the difference between this and noise cancellation?
Noise isolation reduces environmental noise through the use of physical barriers. Like a seal around an in-ear bud.
6.2. Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is a self-explanatory feature. Again, normally seen in expensive audio tech.
But a relatively new function is the “Hear-Thru”. Where you can lower the noise cancellation affect as needed. Or put it on hold.
Thus, saving you the trouble of taking the earbuds out altogether!
6.3. Frequency Response
On the more technical side, sometimes there’ll be a little bit of description on the frequency response of the earbuds in the specifications.
Ideally, a flat frequency response between 20Hz-20kHz (i.e. audible range for humans) is preferred. But not physically achievable.
In reality:
The input signal (e.g. music) will not come out exactly the same when it is output from the earbuds, speakers, etc.
So the manufacturer may quote the deviation in decibels (dB). Anything more than 3dB is not going to sound as great!
For example, 20Hz-20kHz with +/- 3dB deviation
If there is a graph of the frequency response (Frequency vs dB), it should have small rather than large bumps.
7. Budget
Cheap earphones will definitely not sound as nice! Or be as comfortable to wear! The battery may not last for long. And they may not be using the latest chip or software!
So if you can’t afford the pair of earbuds that you want, save up for it instead of settling for a cheaper pair!
And if you don’t require much out of a phone besides calls and watching videos:
You can save some money by pairing your earbuds with one of the best Smartphones under RM1000!
13 Best Wireless Earbuds Malaysia 2020
1. Edifier TWS1 True Wireless Earbuds
Despite being very affordable:
The Edifier TWS1 True Wireless Earbuds are still one of the best Bluetooth earbuds you can find in Malaysia.
Because the connectivity is stable (Qualcomm True Wireless Stereo Plus integration) for up to 10 meters away from your phone!
- Acoustic Design: In-ear, Closed
- Weight: 4.5 g Each
- Frequency Response: n/a
- OS Support: Android & iOS
- Noise Cancellation: Yes, CVC Technology
- Control: Touch Control
- Battery Life: 8 + 24 Hours (Playtime + Charging Case)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth v5.0 Qualcomm® aptX™
- Wireless Range: ~30 ft (10 m)
- Charging Case: USB Charging Cable
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM159
Pros:
- IPX5 splash and sweat proof
- Good sound quality (Pretty smooth frequency response)
- Noise isolation works for higher sounds
- Lightweight
- Takes 1.5 hours to fully charge
Cons:
- No wireless charging
- No fast charging
- Earbuds have a tendency to slip out
- Low voices may sound off
2. Apple Airpods Pro
It’s from Apple, so expect this to be at the premium price point!
And with it comes superb noise isolation (3 ear tip options) and active noise cancellation!
There’s a handy transparency mode for when you do want to hear what’s happening around you too!
- Acoustic Design: In-ear, Closed
- Weight: 5.4 g (Each), 45.6 g (Charging Case)
- Frequency Response: n/a
- OS Support: iOS & Android
- Noise Cancellation: Yes, Active Noise Cancellation
- Control: Force Control & Voice Control
- Battery Life: 4.5 + 24 Hours (Playtime + Charging Case)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth v5.0
- Wireless Range: n/a
- Charging Case: Wireless Charging Or Lightning Connector
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM959
Pros:
- Works on Android (limited features)
- IPX4 sweat proof rating
- Brilliant charging case design
- Overall neutral frequency response (i.e. some bass can be heard)
Cons:
- Looks odd
- Requires a lightning cable to charge
- Not waterproof enough for swimming
- Short playtime when using noise cancellation (expected)
3. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2
Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 2 has the highest price for a Bluetooth earphone in this list! You can use it with either iOS or Android since it has a companion app!
The wireless earbuds are comfortable and have superior ANC!
- Acoustic Design: In-ear, Closed
- Weight: 6 g (Each), 58 g (Charging Case)
- Frequency Response: 5 – 21,000 Hz
- OS Support: iOS & Android
- Noise Cancellation: Yes, Active Noise Cancellation
- Control: Customizable Touch Control & Voice Control
- Battery Life: 7 + 21 Hours (Playtime + Charging Case)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth v5.1
- Wireless Range: n/a
- Charging Case: USB-C Charging Cable
- Warranty: 2 years
- Price: RM1,499
Pros:
- Built-in equalizers (i.e. amazing sound)
- Transparent Hearing
- IPX4 (sweat proof)
- Long battery life
- Case feels premium
Cons:
- Expensive
- The case doesn’t have wireless charging for the buds
4. Powerbeats Pro Totally Wireless Earphones By Apple
Before you put your money down for the Airpods:
You might want to mull over the Powerbeats Pro Totally Wireless Earphones By Apple first!
It makes a worthy workout companion because it’s sweat proof and will not fall out with the ear hook design!
- Acoustic Design: In-ear, Closed
- Weight: 20.3 g (Each), 88 g (Charging Case)
- Frequency Response: n/a
- OS Support: iOS & Android
- Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Control: Button Control & Voice Control
- Battery Life: Up To 9 + 15 Hours (Playtime + Charging Case)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth v5.0
- Wireless Range: n/a
- Charging Case: Lightning Connector
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM999
Pros:
- High performance workout earphones
- IPX4
- Fantastic sound quality (Especially bass) and noise isolation
- Long battery life
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Only supports AAC (I.e. may not be suitable for Android users)
- Charging is by Lightning connector
5. Bose SoundSport Free Wireless Headphones
The 2017 model of the Bose SoundSport Free Wireless Headphones was hard to beat when it first came out!
Now, they look bulky compared to the competition. But they do fit well. With little chance of leaving your ear mid-workout! There’s no noise isolation or cancellation so you’ll be able to hear birds singing and traffic if you’re going outside!
- Acoustic Design: In-ear, Closed
- Weight: 9 g (Each), 80 g (Charging Case)
- Frequency Response: n/a
- OS Support: iOS & Android
- Noise Cancellation: No
- Control: Multi-function Button Control & Voice Control
- Battery Life: 5 + 10 Hours (Playtime + Charging Case)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Wireless Range: 30 ft (10 m)
- Charging Case: USB Charging Cable
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM949
Pros:
- IPX4 water resistant
- Very durable
- AAC support
Cons:
- Still expensive
- Somewhat intermittent connection
6. Jabra Elite Active 75t
Always on calls? The Jabra Elite Active 75t has a lovely microphone and long battery life! The case packs small, perfect for busy folk that are always on the go!
Gym rats will appreciate its solid fit and rubber-like grips. As well as the bass-heavy sound performance.
- Acoustic Design: In-ear, Closed
- Weight: 5.5 g (Each), 35 g (Charging Case)
- Frequency Response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
- OS Support: iOS & Android
- Noise Cancellation: Yes, Passive Noise-Cancellation (PNC)
- Control: Customizable Button Control & Voice Control
- Battery Life: Up To 7.5 + 20.5 Hours (Playtime + Charging Case)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Wireless Range: 33 ft (10 m)
- Charging Case: USB Charging Cable
- Warranty: 2 years
- Price: RM999
Pros:
- IP rating: IP57 (Fully waterproof)
- Long warranty
- Fast charging support
- AAC support (unreliable for Android users)
Cons:
- No wireless charging
- Not the best noise reduction performer (and no ANC)
- Prone to picking up dust and fingerprints
7. Sudio TOLV True Wireless Earbuds
Sound quality (even bass) and value-for-money are the strong points of the adorable and minimalist Sudio TOLV True Wireless Earbuds!
As long as you can put up with the occasional connectivity issue! And lack of noise cancellation!
- Acoustic Design: In-ear, Closed
- Weight: 4.5 g (Each)
- Frequency Response: n/a
- OS Support: iOS & Android
- Noise Cancellation: No
- Control: Button Control & Voice Control
- Battery Life: Up To 7 + 28 Hours (Playtime + Charging Case)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Wireless Range: 49 ft (15 m)
- Charging Case: USB Charging Cable
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM459
Pros:
- Long wireless range (15m)
- Light
- Long battery life
Cons:
- May fall out during vigorous activities
- No wireless charging
- For daily use only (i.e. not waterproof)
8. Sony WF-1000XM3 True Wireless Earbuds
Sony and its WF-1000XM3 True Wireless Earbuds have been giving the competition a run for their money when it comes to noise cancellation!
Furthermore, they sound great and have Google Assistant integration!
- Acoustic Design: In-ear, Closed
- Weight: 8.5 g (Each), 77 g (Charging Case)
- Frequency Response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
- OS Support: iOS & Android
- Noise Cancellation: Yes, HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1e
- Control: Customizable Touch Control & Voice Control
- Battery Life: Up To 6 + 18 Hours (Playtime + Charging Case)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 & NFC (Case)
- Wireless Range: ~33 ft (10 m)
- Charging Case: USB Charging Cable
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM699
Pros:
- Up to 8 hours of power on full charge (with noise cancelling off)
- Headphones Connect app offers Adaptive Sound Control
- Auto play/pause
- User friendly
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Bulky charging case
- Fit is not secure enough for working out
- Unreliable connectivity if you’re going to use it with a laptop or smart TV
9. Sony WF-XB700 True Wireless Headphones With EXTRA BASS™
Where the Sony WF-1000XM3 True Wireless Earbuds fails in the gym, the Sony WF-XB700 True Wireless Headphones With EXTRA BASS™ makes up for!
With an IPXR waterproof rating, a better fit and a lot of bass!
- Acoustic Design: In-ear, Closed
- Weight: 8 g (Each), 46 g (Charging Case)
- Frequency Response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
- OS Support: iOS & Android
- Noise Cancellation: No
- Control: Button Control & Voice Control
- Battery Life: Up To 9 + 9 Hours (Playtime + Charging Case)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Wireless Range: ~33 ft (10 m)
- Charging Case: USB Charging Cable
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM549
Pros:
- 14mm large drive unit with EXTRA BASS™
- High quality sound
- Long playtime
- Affordable
Cons:
- Short battery life on charging case
- No noise cancellation
- No equalizer customization
- Cheap-looking build
10. Anker A3910 Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Wireless Earbuds
Be crystal clear on your calls with the wonderful microphone of the Anker A3910 Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Wireless Earbuds! You can switch to mono listen mode too!
The weird thing is that it has auto-pause when it’s out of your ear, but no auto-resume!
- Acoustic Design: In-ear, Closed
- Weight: 5.1 g (Each), 43.1 g (Charging Case)
- Frequency Response: n/a
- OS Support: iOS & Android
- Noise Cancellation: Yes, CVC 8.0 Technology
- Control: Touch Control & Voice Control
- Battery Life: Up To 7 + 21 Hours (Playtime + Charging Case)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Wireless Range: n/a
- Charging Case: USB Charging Cable & Wireless Charging
- Warranty: 18 months
- Price: RM499
Pros:
- IPX5 water-resistance rating
- Light
- Long battery life
- Supports Bluetooth 5.0, aptX and AAC
- Good passive noise cancellation
- Wireless charging
- Clear audio
- Case feels premium
Cons:
- Unreliable touch controls
11. Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus
Aside from the gripes with poor Bluetooth connectivity and noise isolation:
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus are some of the best wireless earphones you can find in Malaysia! Their sound quality is incredible. As is the wireless charging capability of the case!
With additional improvements on the microphone and battery life from the original Samsung Galaxy Buds!
- Acoustic Design: In-ear, Closed
- Weight: 6.3 g (Each), 39.6 g (Charging Case)
- Frequency Response: n/a
- OS Support: iOS & Android
- Noise Cancellation: No
- Control: Touch Control & Voice Control
- Battery Life: Up To 11 + 11 Hours (Playtime + Charging Case)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Wireless Range: n/a
- Charging Case: USB Charging Cable & Wireless Charging
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM515
Pros:
- IPX2 (not fully water resistant)
- Long battery life during playtime
- Spotify integration
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Companion app works well
- AAC support
Cons:
- No active noise cancellation
- No auto-resume playback
- No aptX
- Plastic-y build
12. Jaybird Vista True Wireless Earphones
If you’re only going to be in the gym for an hour or less, the Jaybird Vista True Wireless Earphone should tick all your buttons! Steady connectivity, noise isolation and fast auto-connect.
While remaining firmly in your ears!
- Acoustic Design: In-ear, Closed
- Weight: 4.8 g (Each), 32 g (Charging Case)
- Frequency Response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
- OS Support: iOS & Android
- Noise Cancellation: No
- Control: Button Control & Voice Control
- Battery Life: Up To 6 + 10 Hours (Playtime + Charging Case)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Wireless Range: 33 ft (10 m)
- Charging Case: USB Charging Cable
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM658
Pros:
- IPX7
- Premium sound with Custom EQ
- Compact case
- Sturdy build
Cons:
- No active noise cancellation
- Controls are limited
- Not comfortable to wear for long hours
- Other ear buds with better battery life
13. Audio Technica ATH-CKS5TW True Wireless Earbuds
The fit may not be for everyone (only one size) but the Audio Technica ATH-CKS5TW True Wireless Earbuds packs a lot into its bass capabilities! On top of its above-average sound quality!
A unique feature it does have is the reversible fast-charging port!
- Acoustic Design: In-ear, Closed
- Weight: 8 g (Each), 60 g (Charging Case)
- Frequency Response: 5 – 40,000 Hz
- OS Support: iOS & Android
- Noise Cancellation: Yes, CVC Technology
- Control: Button Control & Voice Control
- Battery Life: Up To 15 + 30 Hours (Playtime + Charging Case)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Wireless Range: 33 ft (10 m)
- Charging Case: USB Charging Cable
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM719
Pros:
- IPX2
- Long battery life during playtime
- 10 mm drivers, full-range audio with superb bass
- Reasonable pricing
Cons:
- Big charging case
- No auto pause
- Case is bulky
Conclusion
Your idea of the best wireless earbuds in Malaysia depends on what you will be using them for (or with)!
Item 10 is the best for calls. And fitness buffs can choose items 4, 6 or 9. While item 4 as well as 2, are perfect for iPhone users! But for the best sound cancellation, go for either items 3 or 8!
