Wireless earbuds have become the headphones most of us reach for every day: on calls, on the way to work or university, at the gym and at the desk.
They also vary a lot. Some block out the street, some let it in on purpose, and some work much better with one phone brand than another. Picking the wrong pair can mean poor calls, an uncomfortable fit or features you cannot use.
If you are shopping for wireless earbuds in Beirut, here is what to check before you buy, from noise cancellation and fit to battery, calls and care.
Start With Your Phone
The phone you use shapes which earbuds make the most sense.
AirPods work best with iPhone and other Apple devices. They pair quickly, switch automatically between Apple devices signed in to the same Apple Account, and their settings sit inside the iPhone’s Settings app.
Galaxy Buds work best with Galaxy phones, where you get features such as Auto Switch between Samsung devices. The Samsung Galaxy Buds Core listing, for example, mentions easy connection with Galaxy devices and support for Samsung Find.
Both still work as standard Bluetooth earbuds with other phones, including Honor, Xiaomi, Infinix and Tecno, but you may lose some features and settings. Some extras depend fully on the matching phone: Live Translation on AirPods Pro 3 is powered by Apple Intelligence, and Live Translate on Galaxy Buds 3 is a Galaxy AI feature.
We covered the same idea for wearables in our guide to choosing between Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch and WHOOP.
1. Noise Cancellation, Open Fit or a Sealed Fit
Active noise cancellation (ANC) uses microphones to pick up outside sound and cancel part of it. It works best on steady, low sounds such as traffic hum, air conditioning or a generator running nearby, and less well on sudden noises and voices.
How the earbud sits in your ear matters just as much:
- Open fit: AirPods 4 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 rest in the ear without silicone tips. They feel light and let you hear your surroundings, but they block less noise.
- Sealed in-ear fit: AirPods Pro 3 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro use silicone ear tips that seal the ear canal. The seal blocks more sound on its own and helps noise cancellation work better.
Open-fit models can still have ANC. AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation adds ANC and Transparency mode to the open design, and the Galaxy Buds 3 listing includes ANC too. Without a seal, though, the effect is usually milder than on a sealed design.
If you want the quietest commute or study session, look at sealed noise cancelling earbuds. If ear tips feel uncomfortable to you, an open fit may suit you better.
Whatever you choose, switch to transparency or ambient sound mode where available, or take one earbud out, when walking near traffic. Hearing cars and motorbikes matters more than the music.
2. Fit and Ear Tips
Comfort decides whether you actually wear earbuds for long, and fit also affects sound. A loose fit usually means weaker bass, weaker noise cancellation and earbuds that slip during workouts.
With sealed earbuds, try the different tip sizes in the box. AirPods Pro 3 come with several sizes, and the AirPods settings on iPhone include an ear tip fit test. Some people need a different size for each ear.
Open-fit earbuds have no tips to change, so they either suit the shape of your ear or they do not. If earbuds have fallen out of your ears in the past, a sealed design or one with wingtips is usually a safer choice.
For the gym, the Galaxy Buds Core listing mentions wingtips for a secure, comfortable fit, and the AirPods Pro 3 listing describes a redesigned shape for a more secure fit.
3. Calls and Microphones
Calls are often the weak point of earbuds, especially outdoors. Beirut street noise, traffic and wind all make it harder for the microphones to separate your voice from everything else.
More microphones and voice-detection sensors help. The Galaxy Buds Core listing mentions three microphones in each earbud, and the AirPods 4 listings mention dual beamforming microphones and a speech-detecting accelerometer.
If you take a lot of calls on the move, test them outside with someone you know, not just at home. Keeping the earbuds’ firmware updated can also help with connection and call quality.
4. Battery Life and Charging the Case
Earbud battery life is usually quoted two ways: listening time on a single charge, and total time with the charging case. Noise cancellation, volume and calls all reduce it.
As an example, the AirPods Pro 3 listing shows up to 8 hours of listening with ANC on a single charge. The case matters as much as the earbuds, because short top-ups during the day can carry you through.
Check how the case charges. AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 charge over USB-C, and the case of AirPods 4 with ANC also supports wireless charging. The AirPods Pro 3 listing also notes that a USB-C cable and power adapter are not included, so make sure you have one at home. If you need one, our team at H2 Group can point you to a compatible cable.
Earbud cases draw little power, so the USB-C charger you already use for your phone is usually fine. For more on chargers, see our guide on how to choose the right fast charger for your phone.
Like phones, earbuds do not like heat. Avoid leaving the case on a car dashboard or in direct sun at the beach.
5. Water and Sweat Resistance
Look for an IP rating if you work out or wear earbuds outdoors in the heat. The first digit refers to dust and the second to water, and a higher number means more protection.
The AirPods Pro 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro listings both show IP57, and the Galaxy Buds Core listing shows IP54. That helps with sweat and splashes, but earbuds are generally not meant for swimming or showers, and resistance can wear down over time.
6. Over-Ear Headphones for Commuting and the Office
Earbuds are not the only option. Over-ear headphones usually offer bigger batteries, and some people find them more comfortable for long sessions at a desk.
The JBL Tune 770NC is one example. JBL lists Adaptive Noise Cancelling, up to 70 hours of battery life, 3 extra hours from a 5-minute charge, a flat-folding design and connection to two Bluetooth devices at once. Battery figures like this are usually measured with noise cancelling off, so expect less with it on.
If you prefer something lighter, the JBL Tune 670NC is an on-ear model listed at 174g, compared with 232g for the 770NC. Both work with the free JBL Headphones app, which is available for iPhone and Android, so they suit whichever phone you use.
One drawback in a Beirut summer is that ear cushions can feel warm. Earbuds may be more comfortable for walking outside, with headphones kept for the office or home.
7. Gaming and Video
Bluetooth audio always has a small delay. For music and most video apps you will rarely notice it, because the apps usually adjust for it.
In fast games the delay can be more noticeable. If you play competitively, a wired headset avoids it. The JBL Quantum 100, for example, is a wired gaming headset with a detachable boom mic. Many phones no longer have a headphone jack, so you may need a USB-C to headphone jack adapter.
8. Care and Cleaning
Earwax and dust build up on the mesh and tips over time, and they can make sound quieter or muffled. A little regular care helps:
- Wipe the earbuds and case with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
- Remove silicone tips and clean them separately, letting them dry fully before refitting.
- Use a soft, dry brush on the mesh, and never push liquid or sharp objects into the openings.
- Keep the charging contacts inside the case clean so both earbuds charge properly.
- Store the earbuds in their case, not loose in a pocket or bag.
Quick Checklist Before You Buy
- Which phone do you use, and do you want features that only work with that brand?
- Do you need strong noise cancellation, or would you rather hear your surroundings?
- Are silicone ear tips comfortable for you, or do you prefer an open fit?
- How many of your calls happen outdoors or in traffic?
- Do you have a USB-C cable and charger for the case, or would wireless charging suit you?
- Will you use them at the gym or outdoors in the summer heat?
- Would over-ear headphones suit part of your day better?
Find Wireless Earbuds and Headphones at H2 Group Beirut
You will find AirPods, Galaxy Buds, JBL headphones and more in our sounds section, along with chargers and cables to go with them.
If you are not sure which pair suits your phone and routine, visit either branch and the H2 Group team can help you compare the options.
H2 Group Hamra
Bliss Street, Hamra, Beirut
Phone: 71 26 25 26
H2 Group Tareek Al Jadidah
Tareek Al Jadidah, Beirut
Phone: 71 26 25 24
From your first pair of earbuds to an upgrade for your daily commute, we are happy to help you choose.