Looking for a new pair of earbuds or earphones? Walk into any gadget shop or scroll through Shopee and Lazada, and you’ll see hundreds of them. In Malaysia, more and more people use them every day, whether it's for work, the gym, going for a walk, or just hanging out at home. But with so many choices in the market, how to choose earbuds that really fit your needs?
Don’t worry, we’ll help you understand what to look for when buying earbuds or earphones.
Editor
Mae An NG chevron_right
Table of Contents
How to Choose Earbuds?
Choosing earbuds isn't just about picking the most expensive or the prettiest ones. It's about what you need.
Wired vs Wireless - Which One Is Better?
Let’s start simple.
Wired Earphones
- Pros: Usually cheaper, you never have to worry about battery life, and some say the sound quality can be steadier.
- Cons: It can get tangled, can snag on things. Sometimes a bit troublesome.
Wireless Earbuds (Especially True Wireless - TWS)
- Pros: No wires to untangle. Perfect for exercise or moving around. Many come with cool charging cases.
- Cons: Need to charge them. It can be more expensive. And if you lose one, you need to buy a new pair.
Smart Tip: If you're always on the go or love working out, wireless is probably your best friend. For home use or if you're on a tighter budget, wired can still be a champion!
Sound Quality - Bass or Balance?
Some people like strong bass. Others prefer clear vocals.
- Bass lovers: Look for earbuds with extra bass features.
- Balanced sound: If you listen to all sorts of music, a balanced sound profile is a safe bet. Not too much bass, not too sharp. Just nice. Look for “Hi-Res Audio” or dual drivers.
- Noise-cancelling: This is important if you are always in noisy places.
How to choose earbuds that sound best? Try test them out before buying.
Comfort
Not all earbuds feel the same. Some are too big, some are too small.
- Look for silicone ear tips (they're soft and adjustable).
- Choose lightweight earbuds, especially if pakai long hours.
- Some earbuds come with multiple ear tip sizes—very helpful!
Smart Tip: If you can, try them on (if the shop allows for hygiene reasons) or read reviews about comfort.
Battery Life - How Long Can It Last?
For wireless earbuds, battery life is very important.
- Earbuds Playtime: How long can they play on a single charge? 4-5 hours is okay, but 6-8 hours is even better.
- Charging Case: The case itself holds extra charges. A good case can give you 20+ hours of total playtime. This is a key factor in how to choose earbuds if you're often out.
Smart Tip: Make sure your earbuds can tolerate at least one full day of use.
Mic Quality for Calls and Meetings
- Choose earbuds with a built-in mic and noise reduction.
- Dual mics or ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) are great for clear calls.
How to choose earbuds for work? Make sure people can hear you clearly, even in busy places with loud background noise.
Water and Sweat Resistance for Gym Goers
If you always work out or jog, don’t forget this!
IP Rating: Look for an IP rating (e.g., IPX4, IPX5).
- IPX4: Splash resistant. Good for light sweat and rain.
- IPX5/IPX7: More water-resistant. Better for heavy sweaters or if you might get caught in a downpour.
Smart Tip: Don’t ruin your earbuds just because of sweat. Always check for water resistance.
How Much Should You Spend?
There’s something for every budget. Think about how much you're willing to spend.
- Under RM100: Basic wired or budget wireless earbuds.
- RM100 - RM300: Mid-range, better sound, more features.
- RM300 and above: Premium sound, ANC, longer battery.
Smart Tip: Set a budget first! It helps narrow down your choices. You don't always need to spend a lot to get something good.
Final Thought
So now you know how to choose earbuds that suit your lifestyle, budget, and style. Always remember: the best earbuds are the ones that fit your ears and your needs. Whether you’re a music lover, gamer, or work-from-home pro, there’s a perfect pair out there for you.
Next time someone asks you, "How to choose earbuds?"—just share this guide and check out the best earbuds and earphones in Malaysia list here in ProductNation.