Audio

True Wireless Earbuds: Six Models Compared for 2025

Published April 18, 2025 · Updated May 4, 2025 · 11 min read

The Romanian market for wireless earbuds has consolidated significantly over the past two years. Where there were once dozens of no-name options flooding local electronics aisles, the 150–700 RON segment now has a handful of consistently available models from brands with established after-sales support in Romania. Six of those models were tested over three weeks.

The testing method focused on three scenarios: commuting in Bucharest metro and street traffic (passive and active noise cancellation), desk work in a quiet open-plan office (call quality from the other end of a video call), and gym use (fit under movement and sweat resistance). Each pair was worn for at least 25 hours across these contexts before writing notes.

Models included

Noise cancellation in Bucharest metro

The Sony WF-C700N produced the most consistent ANC across Bucharest metro Line 2 — reducing the characteristic low-frequency rumble by a noticeable margin. Sony's algorithm adjusts based on whether the user is stationary or in motion, which was perceptible when transitioning between platform and carriage. The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro offered surprisingly close performance for its price, though it struggled more on the higher-frequency door sounds at interchange stations.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE uses an ANC mode that is audible in quiet spaces — a faint hiss that some testers found distracting during music pauses. This is a known characteristic of the model. In metro noise, the hiss is completely masked.

The JBL Tune Flex Ghost has no ANC, relying instead on an open-fit design intended to preserve ambient awareness. This works well for outdoor running but makes it less practical for commuting on a crowded metro.

Call quality observations

Call recipients on the other end of video calls consistently rated the Sony WF-C700N and the EarFun Air Pro 4 highest for voice clarity. The EarFun microphones separated speech from background noise more aggressively in the office setting, which occasionally clipped word-initial consonants in fast speech. The Anker Liberty 4 NC produced the widest frequency range for voice but passed more ambient noise through than the other two.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE had the most natural-sounding voice transmission of the six — callers reported it sounded closest to a near-field microphone rather than a small wireless device. This likely reflects Samsung's audio processing calibration for voice.

Fit and gym performance

The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro and the Anker Liberty 4 NC both stayed in place across an hour of mixed cardio and strength training. The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE's wing tip is effective once positioned but takes two or three sessions to dial in per-ear. The Sony WF-C700N uses a smaller, rounder form factor that some testers found more comfortable over longer wear but reported more movement during jumping exercises.

The EarFun Air Pro 4 has the largest driver housing of the six models tested, which contributes to a firmer fit in the concha — it moved least during overhead press sets. Sweat resistance was tested by checking for connection dropouts and audio distortion after 40-minute sessions; none of the IPX4-rated models showed degradation.

Sound character notes

None of the six models produce a flat frequency response. All have consumer tuning with elevated bass and reduced upper midrange at default settings. The Anker Liberty 4 NC's companion app allows per-band EQ adjustment, which is useful for users who want a flatter curve for spoken-word content. The Sony WF-C700N also supports EQ through the Sony Headphones Connect app, available on both Android and iOS.

The JBL Tune Flex Ghost has the most forward midrange of the group at default settings, which makes vocals and guitars more present in rock and folk genres. For genres with heavy bass content, the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro's default tuning handles the low end more cleanly at high volume.

Romanian retail availability

All six models were verifiably in stock at eMAG Romania during the April 2025 testing period. The Sony WF-C700N is also available through Altex and MediaMarkt. The EarFun Air Pro 4 and Anker Liberty 4 NC are primarily available online; physical store availability in Romania is limited to select eMAG pickup locations.

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