Best True Wireless (TWS) Earbuds in India: These are top AirPods alternatives in India

The truly wireless earbuds trend picked up with the introduction of Apple AirPods in December of 2016. And in a span of a few years, you have got plenty of options to choose from. This covers pricier alternatives to AirPods, some of which are head and shoulders above Apple’s offering to good-sounding specimens in the lower price brackets too.

Now like with any other tech purchase, the options can be overwhelming and a tough act to follow. So, to help you with that, here we have hand-picked the industrially acclaimed TWS earbuds which we believe would come as crazy bargains to you.

But, before we get on with it, let’s have a glance at the benefits of TWS and a few things to know before you buy a true wireless hearable.

Let’s have a look at the –

Benefits of TWS earbuds

Look there isn’t a one fits all rationale to justify a TWS buy. Instead, these are the salient reasons why one should pick a TWS against the wired brethren.

The prominent benefit is that the TWS earbuds are – Convenient and Chic

Cut the cord! They spare you the long tangly wires. This facilitates free movement and use-cases such as workouts, crowded commutes, trekking, etc.

TWS is not just convenient to ears, but to bear and wear. They are easy to carry around in their tiny cases which in most cases come pre-bundled. They look funkier and blends with your dress.

Things to note –

• Look out for the return policy. Cuz, needless to say, the sound is very personal, and in case you don’t like the audio characteristics of the one you bought, you might want to change it.
• Know whether the one you have your eyes on comes with a micro-USB or USB-C port. The choice depends on the kind of socket your phone has.
• Important parameters are battery life, sound staging, ergonomic (buds and the case), MFB, and microphone quality.
• Then there are bells and whistles such as AI assistants, in-built equalizers, active noise cancellation, ambiance mode, gaming mode, ingress protection, codec, personalized controls, EQ, etc. And as the tech matures, we shall get more features.
• As for support, more often than not, the buds from every brand works universally with every smartphone out there. Some even support PS4 and Bluetooth-enabled TVs. But, then there are AirPods whose Play&Pause as well as Siri activation is reserved for iPhones.

With that, let’s get down to the Affordable AirPods Alternatives in India.

Best TWS Earbuds in India 

Contents

• Best TWS under Rs 5,000 in India
• Best TWS under Rs 7,000 in India
• Best TWS under Rs 10,000 in India

TWS for Budget buyers in India – Best TWS under Rs 5,000

1. Oppo Enco W51

Oppo has been doing a good job in the hearable space. Enco W51 is a Bluetooth 5.0 based earphone that works within a 10m radius. It claims low latency transmission, ANC, and up to 4 hours of battery life.

Inside, it packs a 7mm dynamic driver that produces a relatively balanced audio output. Then there are things like IP54 water and dust resistance, Qi wireless charging support, and up to 4 hours of battery life.

You may also check out the Enco W11 (review) if you’ve got a tight budget.

2. Blaupunkt BTW01

Blaupunkt German veteran has launched its BTW01 TWS model in the country. It measures 5.5 grams and is rated for sweat, water, and dust. It vaunts to offer decent fidelity and coverage across a wide profile with a good amount of separation. It stays flushed inside ears without coming in your way.

In terms of battery life, the mentioned playback time is 6 hours. It is equipped with Bluetooth 5.0. While taking calls, you can use the left pod as it is the master. As for the call quality, it’s said to be crisp, although traffic, commotion, and windy surroundings can be a problem. Again, much like the other contenders, this one also does a fair job in the sound department with a slight preference for boxy bass.

3. JVC HA-A10T

JVC HA-A10T is really the best TWS under Rs 4,000. They in fact punch above their price tag. The JVC HA-A10T is light and comfortable with additional foam ear tips bundled within the box.

It only delivers detailed sound with excellent sound staging. It has an adaptive sonic signature without tilting on one side. The JVC HA-A10T has Bluetooth 5.0 for connectivity. There is no support for AAC or AptX and only supports the SBC codec. It delivers good battery life and has IPX5 protection.

4. Realme Buds Air

At one glance, you might confuse this one with the AirPods in dint of the design resemblance. But, if that look is inline with your taste, then there’s more to it that might excite you. The Realme Buds Air (review) is powered by a super latency R1 Chip. It can auto-connect with the phone using Google Fast Pair. Similarly, it features auto play and pause which is neat. It also comes with dual-channel transmission, multi-functioning buttons (MFB), gaming mode, solo-bud usage, environment noise cancellation during calls, etc.

The bundled charging case is compact and sports charging LED indicators as well as a USB-C port. They tout an overall 17-hour battery mileage while the buds themselves push 3 hours of juice. We won’t get much deeper into their endurance and aural experience here as you may find the same and more in our detailed review.

You may also check out Realme Buds Air Neo, which comes around Rs. 2,999.

5. JBL C100TWS

 

It also checks the basic features such as Bluetooth 5.0, auto-sync as soon as you take it out of the box, MFB, etc. JBL C100TWS offers the signature JBL “pure bass” output. That said, it also vaunts good stereo calling and overall clear sound quality. In dint of the Auto Sync feature, you just need to pair the right earbud and the left one will pair automatically.

Inside, there is a 5.8mm driver and a battery capable of churning 5hrs of music playback. The case adds 12 hours of usability. It charges in two hours tops and there is quick charging support.

Before jumping to the next option, here is a worthy mention that’s from the house of JBL: Tune 120TWS.

ALSO READ: 8 Best Phones For TikTok Video creators in 2020

6. Noise X5

Noise X5 has roped in good reviews. It is a Bluetooth 5-based true wireless earphone that works up to a 10m radius. It asserts 6 hours of juice on a single charge and 36 hours in-total with the charging case. They’ll be back full in around 3 hours. The case claims to top the pods for around 10 times.

The brand underlines a balanced profile. However, as you’d expect the bass gets prominence. Amongst other things, you also get IPX5 water resistance and Ok Google/Hey Siri voice command support.

7. OnePlus Buds

OnePlus Buds is the first TWS offering from the brand. In terms of looks, it is an AirPods doppelganger. It houses a 13.4 mm dynamic driver inside and covers the 20 Hz – 20 kHz frequency gamut. On the software side, it is aided by Dolby Atmos and Dirac Audio tuning. The sound signature is slewed towards lower registers.

 

The feature list also comprises things like IPX4 water resistance, wear detection, noise cancellation, and touch controls.

If you want something cheaper from OnePlus, try the Buds Z.

8. Xiaomi Mi Wireless Earphones 2

Xiaomi True Wireless earphones 2 share the familiar stem and half in-ear design. It bears a 14.2mm dynamic driver and titanium composite large diaphragm. It sports an LHDC codec for richer audio output, dual noise-canceling microphones for a subdued (down to 30dB) noise, and a 10m radius of Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.

Furthermore, you will also enjoy fancy elements like gesture support and in-ear detection thanks to built-in optical sensors. On top of all that, the Xiaomi phone users get seamless connectivity.

Xiaomi contends a total of 14 hours of battery life on a single charge, four hours with the earbuds. Top it fully in one hour and 10 minutes. It has a USB Type-C port.

You may also checkout Redmi Earbuds S (review), which comes around Rs. 1,799.

Best TWS under Rs 7,000 In India

9. Lypertek Tevi

This truly wireless earbuds from a little-known brand has managed to impress with its performance. The Lypertek Tevi TWS is probably the best one in the market under Rs 7,000.

It uses Bluetooth 5.0 for connection and supports SBC, AAC, and Qualcomm’s aptX codecs. The 6mm Graphene driver in each bud manages to offer an entire frequency range with a close to the neutral sound signature.  Unlike most affordable TWS where lows are boosted. Lypertek Tevi sounds mostly neutral however, lows could have been handled better. If you are someone who prefers thumping bass then Lypertek Tevi is not for you. Sadly, it lacks a wear detection feature. Call quality on these is excellent.

10. Creative Outlier

Creative Outlier is another option that comes with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and supports Qualcomm’s aptX codecs along with SBC and AAC. Like Lypertek Tevi, both earbuds connect individually and have IPX5 rated for water resistance. Each bud of the Creative Outlier packs a 5.6mm Graphene driver which are tuned for punchy bass.

It has a good sound stage and clear instrument separations. Mids and Highs are not as boosted as the Lows. Still, they are clean and audible which makes Creative Outlier a worthy buy under Rs 7,000.

11. Crossbeats Pebble

This one looks outstanding thanks to its tan color with a dash of copper on the button. The case shares the same olive green hue. It weighs around just 4.8g. It is lite to carry around and the IPX6 water resistance means you can wear it whilst on workouts. Beats skew towards booming bass due to the underlying graphene drivers. While it touches highs, the mids are reserved.

Crossbeats pebble also brings stereo and mono modes. There is an MFB button with voice-command triggers. When it comes to battery life, Crossbeats boasts up to 5 hours of music playback outta the buds and a 20-hour total runtime.

12. 1MORE Stylish

1more Stylish supports the aptX Bluetooth codec which will enhance the audio output from the aptX compatible phones. Speaking of Bluetooth, you get version 5.0. It bears a 7mm dynamic driver, which churns out a respectable balanced sound.

 

It claims 6.5 hours (50% Volume) of continuous play/talk time between charges and tops a whole day’s worth of juice with the case. Do note that it has a micro-USB port which might disappoint some.

13. Shanling MTW100

There is a high chance that Shanling would be a new name to you. The Chinese brand has garnered good rave from the industry. Shanling MTW100 comes in two variants -Dynamic and Balanced Armature. The latter is the one to go for in light of a huge 7 hours of earbud endurance coupled with an additional 24 hours of juice inside the case. You can snuggle them both or go Mono.

The Balanced Armature is actually the inherent driver’s name which is made by Knowles. Sound-wise, It has been given props for its fair and flat signature. If you are a bass-head, you may pick the dynamic model but you would have to live with shorter mileage and sound characteristics.

Although you get Bluetooth 5.0, you have to live with just AAC and SBC codec. Sorry no, aptX here. A nice addition is Surrounding Awareness mode, which lets you hear the ambiance. Oh, yeah there is IPX7 water resistance too in the mix.

Best TWS under Rs 10,000

14. Sony WF-XB700 TWS

The Sony WF-XB700 TWS (review) should appeal to bass enthusiasts. This versatile pair of truly wireless delivers that extra thump and punch that bass lovers hope for. Despite a warm sound signature, the Sony WF-XB is suitable for most music genres and audio content.

These TWS from Sony can last for 10 hours on a single charge. If you are wondering about noise cancellation, these TWS doesn’t offer Active Noise Cancellation however, they can passively block background sound. This is one of the better TWS under Rs 10,000.

15. Jabra Elite 65t True Wireless Earbuds

The Jabra Elite 65t is another worthy TWS option under Rs 10,000. It offers a good fit, excellent battery life, and a balanced sound. These earbuds turn on as soon as you pull them out of the case and as you put them back they start to charge again.

The Sound quality wise they have balance tuning with a touch of warm tilt. It results in ample bass with a good impact without suppressing highs and mids.  T20i. They offer good noise isolation and with a companion app, you can tweak EQ and take advantage of other options.

ALSO READ: Top 8 Phones For Music Enthusiasts To Buy In 2020

16. Samsung Galaxy Buds+

If you have a Samsung smartphone user, the Galaxy Buds+ is the best option for you. These Truly Wireless earbuds from Samsung packs a woofer and tweeter in each bud which is tuned by AKG.

For the best experience, you will be required to have Samsung wear companion app on your phone. The Galaxy Buds+ offers good passive noise isolation which makes the entire experience more pleasing. While it has been tuned for slightly elevated bass response, the dual driver system ensures crisp vocals and clean highs. Calling experience on the Galaxy Buds+ is average at best.

You can also try the newer Galaxy Buds Pro for a more polished sound and feature set (if it’s available in your market).

17. Oppo Enco X

Enco X (review) has a higher price tag and a richer feature set than its previous TWS outings. The audio is tuned by Dynaudio and comes out as refined and clean. The bass response is tight. As for calls too, the quality is pleasing.

Oppo has also equipped the Enco X with features like ANC, Wireless charging, IP54 water, and dust resistance, HeyMelody app control (Android only), Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, LHDC, and AAC codec support. 

The Best Premium TWS Earphones

18. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 is what you call a class-act. The brand has engineered a great sounding earphone that looks and features the part. The fruits of 7mm dynamic drivers are detailed with clear and decent sound separation. The lower frequency is well boosted but doesn’t overwhelm the mids. The treble also peaks gracefully. No problem whatsoever with calls either.

Other things in the mix are ANC, Smart Control companion app, IPX4 splash resistance, and about 5 hours of playback (with ANC turned on).

19. Sony WF-1000XM3

Sony WF-1000XM3 (review) is one of the best true wireless earphones money can buy. It bears 6mm dynamic drivers that emit euphonic audio. Albeit not neutral per se, the output has got warm clean bass, stark n’ sparkling treble, as well as spacious sound staging. The call quality is also really really good.

You can tweak the sound as well as several other aspects of the TWS experience from Sony’s Headphone Connect app. The buds come with features like 360-degree audio, Adaptive Sound Control, and ANC. 

Weirdly enough, some standard features like water resistance, wireless case charging, and aptX support miss the boat. 

20. Bose QuietComfort

Bose QuietComfort reveals its strength in the name itself. It offers a highly impressive ANC. You get to choose the level of noise cancellation. If it is proficient in cutting down on the outside cacophony, you’d be surprised by its transparency mode. Once the ambient mode is turned on, you’ll be able to hear the world around you perfectly and converse naturally. Coming to sound, Bose QC outs detailed highs, well-rounded bass, discernible mids, and a wide sound stage. The calls also sound fine. There are no latency issues too.

Other features include IPX4 for water and sweat resistance, Bose Music app controls, Bluetooth 5.1 connection stability, six hours of runtime (and a total of 18 hours with the case). While you take a look at it, note that the case is big and bulky. 

21. Apple AirPods Pro

This is a no-brainer, especially for people who are already invested in the Apple ecosystem. Although there were TWS buds in the market before AirPods entered the scene, it was the one that made the thing popular. The Pro tag came with an ANC feature, which works alright. There is also Transparency mode to stay ambient-aware. It has that signature stem design. Speaking of design, you get IPX4 water resistance. The charging case is their power provider and tranquilizer (by which I mean it turns off as soon as you slide it inside the cradle). You could consume four hours of battery life (w/ ANC) on a single charge (with the case providing a total of 23 hours).

Sound-wise, this pair is pretty dang good. It offers full-bodied bass, a rich expansive sound stage, and clear vocals. The call quality is also excellent. Another neat thing about the AirPods Pro is how it seamlessly switches between other Apple products.

Some solid alternatives to the aforementioned premium titles are — Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 and Beats PowerBeats Pro.

So, if you’re on a tight budget, these are the –

Best True Wireless Earphones To Buy in India

Models	Price
Oppo Enco W51	Rs. 4,999
Blaupunkt BTW01	Rs. 3,999
JVC HA-A10T	Rs. 3,999
Realme Buds Air	Rs. 3,999
JBL C100TWS	Rs. 3,999
Noise X5	Rs. 4,499
OnePlus Buds	Rs. 4,990
Xiaomi Mi Wireless Earphones 2	Rs. 4,990
Lypertek Tevi	Rs. 6,999
Creative Outlier	Rs. 6,699
Crossbeats Pebble	Rs. 4,499
1more Stylish	Rs. 6,999
Shanling MTW100	Rs. 6,499
Sony WF-XB700	Rs. 7,999
Jabra Elite 65T	Rs. 8,999
Samsung Galaxy Buds+	Rs. 9,996
Oppo Enco X	Rs. 9,990
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2	Rs. 19,990
Sony WF-1000XM3	Rs. 13,990
Bose QuietComfort	Rs. 26,900
Apple AirPods Pro	Rs. 20,699