The truly wireless earphones category has been growing consistently over the last few years, and 2023 was no different. These wire-free audio products have earned themselves a spot in our collection of everyday-use devices. They’ve all but taken over the wired earphones and headphones categories of the yesteryears due to the convenience they provide, the improving quality of wireless connectivity, and upgraded sound quality. While not the most popular of the lot, the mid-range truly wireless (TWS) earphones category offers users an ideal mix of performance and value.
Also read: Digit Zero1 Awards and Best Buy Awards 2023: Best Performing Budget Truly Wireless Earphones
Not only do you get to enjoy some of the perks of more premium offerings, but you also get to do that without burning a hole in your pocket. Features such as Active Noise Cancellation, high-quality codec support, companion apps, wireless charging, and more have made their way down to the mid-range TWS segment – essentially democratising features only a select few would have access to before. This year, we tested an array of TWS earphones in the mid-range category priced between ₹5,000-₹10,000. While each had its strengths and weaknesses, one stood tall because of unmatchable performance at this price.
Digit Zero1 Award 2023 Winner: Jabra Elite 4 (Buy now)
Price: ₹9,999
The Jabra Elite 4 is one of the most balanced-sounding pair of truly wireless earphones you can own under ₹10,000. While the norm is to push for ample bass response, Jabra has done it in an elegant and controlled manner. One where the bass response doesn’t hamper the clarity and detail in the mids and highs. Equipped with SBC and aptX codec support, these earphones employ their 6 mm drivers to near perfection. Sadly, AAC codec is missing, so Apple users get stripped of listening with a high-quality codec.
For everyone else, the Jabra Elite 4 is a fantastic-sounding pair of TWS earphones with full-bodied and dynamic sound that brings life to just about any genre you listen to. The imaging is excellent; there’s enough distinction between instruments in the mix and the soundstage is decent for in-ear headphones. The microphone is one of the best in the business at this price as well. Add to that serviceable ANC, long battery, and decent app support, and you’ve got a winner on your hands. A Digit Zero1 Award winner, that is!
Runner-up: Audio Technica ATH-SQ1TW
Price: ₹7,490
The Audio Technica ATH-SQ1TW is a musical pair of TWS earphones that are marginally beaten out by the Jabra Elite 4. The Jabras produce lower bass slightly better, and have better battery life and superior microphone quality, which is why the Audio Technica ATH-SQ1TW lost the award to it. That aside, the Audio Technica ATH-SQ1TW is slightly better at reproducing highs than the Jabra Elite 4 and is a better choice for those who listen to classical music.
Also read: Digit Zero1 Awards and Best Buy Awards 2023: Best Performing Camera Smartphone
The mids are nice and clean, so this is a great option for listening to podcasts as well. The earphones do lack some features that are usually present at this price point including Active Noise Cancellation and app support. So, the Audio Technica ATH-SQ1TW grabs the runner-up spot purely because of its sound fidelity.
Digit Best Buy Award 2023 Winner: Nothing Ear (2) (Buy now)
Price: ₹9,999
The Nothing Ear (2) is a unique blend between panache and performance. These earphones are conversation starters, just because of how unique they look and the attention to detail that has gone into building this transparent design. These are also one of the most feature-rich earphones you can find under ₹10,000. You get Active Noise Cancellation, 24-bit Hi-Res audio support, LHDC codec, Nothing X app support, customisable EQ settings, IP55 dust and water resistance, Qi wireless charging… you get the drift.
The feature list goes on and on. Most importantly, these features are well-implemented. The battery life has improved significantly compared to its predecessor – the Nothing Ear (1). The sound, while definitely bass-forward, sounds clean and sufficiently detailed. As a whole, the Nothing Ear (2) offers solid value for the money spent, making it an easy Best Buy recommendation.
For more information on Digit Zero1 Award winners across various categories of products, please visit: https://www.digit.in/zero1-awards
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Dhriti Datta
Perpetually sporting a death stare, this one can be seen tinkering around with her smartphone which she holds more dear than life itself and stuffing her face with copious amounts of bacon. View Full Profile
