Are wireless earbuds bad for your ears?

Not inherently. The risk is volume — listening above 60% for long periods damages hearing regardless of the device. Use the 60/60 rule: 60% volume, 60 minutes at a stretch.

Why does one earbud die faster than the other?

Usually because one is the 'master' that relays audio to the other. Modern TrueWireless Mirroring designs avoid this, but with older sets, swap which bud you use first to even out wear.

Do TWS earbuds work with iPhones?

Yes — any Bluetooth 5.0+ TWS pair works with iPhone over the universal AAC/SBC codec. You lose iOS-specific features like instant pairing, but audio works perfectly.

Earbuds 2 February 2025 9 min read

Wireless Earbuds Buying Guide: TWS Specs That Actually Matter

Driver size, codecs, battery life, latency and fit — the specs that decide if true wireless earbuds are worth your money, with our top picks from the Aeromex range.

True wireless earbuds (TWS) are the most personal piece of audio you will own — they sit in your ear for hours. The wrong pair causes fatigue, dropouts and dead batteries by lunchtime. Here is how to read past the marketing.

Driver size and audio quality

Bigger drivers move more air, which usually means richer bass and fuller mid-range. 10mm is the entry baseline; 11mm–13mm dynamic drivers deliver noticeably better low-end. For most users, a 13mm driver with a tuned chamber is the upgrade that matters most.

Battery life: read both numbers

Manufacturers quote 'up to' totals that include the charging case. Always check the per-bud playtime — anything under 4 hours is a daily annoyance. 6–8 hours per bud, with 24–60 hours total via the case, is the realistic comfort zone.

Per-bud playtime: 5h minimum, 7h+ ideal
Total with case: 24h+ for daily commuters
Charging case input: prefer Type-C over Micro-USB
Quick charge: 10 minutes for 1+ hour is a major plus

Latency and codecs

If you watch video or game, latency matters. Bluetooth 5.1+ with AAC and SBC handles video well. For low-latency gaming look for a dedicated game mode or aptX. Pure music listeners can ignore codec hype — tuning matters more than the codec name.

Fit, comfort and water resistance

In-ear silicone tips isolate noise and improve bass; half in-ear (AirPods-style) is more comfortable but leaks bass. Always try the included tip sizes. An IPX4 rating is the minimum for workouts; IPX5 lets you rinse them off.

Stem vs bean shape

Stem designs (like our AMX PRO 3) position the mic closer to your mouth, so calls sound cleaner. Bean shapes are lower-profile and better for sleeping or wearing under a helmet.

Our pick from the Aeromex range

For premium long-haul listening: AMX SONGX with 13mm drivers and 60h total playback. For balanced everyday use with great call quality: AMX PRO 3. For best value: AMX TWS at the entry price.

Frequently asked questions

Are wireless earbuds bad for your ears?: Not inherently. The risk is volume — listening above 60% for long periods damages hearing regardless of the device. Use the 60/60 rule: 60% volume, 60 minutes at a stretch.
Why does one earbud die faster than the other?: Usually because one is the 'master' that relays audio to the other. Modern TrueWireless Mirroring designs avoid this, but with older sets, swap which bud you use first to even out wear.
Do TWS earbuds work with iPhones?: Yes — any Bluetooth 5.0+ TWS pair works with iPhone over the universal AAC/SBC codec. You lose iOS-specific features like instant pairing, but audio works perfectly.