Not long ago, a budget of Rs 5,000 to 10,000 for a pair of TWS Bluetooth earbuds didn’t always guarantee premium features. That’s changed with the explosion of this category and a trickling down of features across price points. For instance, it’s not unusual to find earbuds with effective ANC (active noise cancellation) under Rs 3,000 today.
We’ve seen price drops and new launches that have shaken up the Rs 5,000-10,000 earbuds segment in 2024. Nothing launched a new set of earbuds with ChatGPT integration while Motorola made its first foray into the segment with a cool pair of earbuds co-developed with Bose. This is the first time you will find a Bose logo emblazoned on a TWS earbuds priced under Rs 10K at launch in the Indian market. It all makes it a great time to snag a deal and elevate your music and call experience.
Moto Buds+
One of our favourite new launches in this price band, these buds feature a ‘Sound by Bose’ logo aside from the Moto logo that signals Motorola’s collaboration with Bose to enhance the EQ tuning and the ANC of Buds+. We dig the unique sandstone finish of the Beach Sand colour variant that also makes the case less prone to drops. These buds are kitted with 11mm Bass drivers backed by 6mm Planar Tweeters for an enhanced soundstage. These buds are a great example of premium features – like wireless charging, that have begun to play out in this segment. They also boast of top-of-the-line features like Dolby Head Tracking plus Dolby Atmos.
Price: Rs 9,999
Nothing Ear (a)
The big story in these new earbuds is ChatGPT integration. You will need a Nothing Phone though. You can ‘pinch to speak’ to the wildly popular consumer AI tool (Chat GPT) thanks to this deep integration. The Ear (a) becomes the first Nothing audio product to launch in a funky yellow and features a new smart ANC algorithm for improved noise cancellation. Nothing claims that a new design tweak delivers deeper bass and pegs the battery life at an impressive 42.5 hours.
Price: Rs 7,999
Sennheiser CX Plus
It’s been a while since these earbuds were launched but they make it to our list after a massive price cut that makes it one of the best buys in this segment for audiophiles. You get a premium build but it’s the 7mm drivers that are the headline feature. They combine with Sennheiser’s True Response transducer to deliver high-fidelity stereo sound with deep bass, natural mids and clear, detailed treble. These buds are comfortable to wear for long hours and deliver 24 hours of battery life with ANC.
Price: Rs 7,490
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
AI was a big part of Samsung’s pitch when it launched its flagship Samsung Galaxy S24 series earlier this year. AI is also the talking point of the Galaxy Buds FE that landed in the sub-Rs 10K segment. One of the unique features is what Samsung calls a translator in your ear. You can use the Interpreter App and it will translate right in your ears. Then Galaxy Buds FE will catch your words and Samsung Galaxy smartphone’s speaker will translate to your new friend. Other highlights include a deep bass and ANC that works really well even in loud external environments.
Price: Rs 7,999
OnePlus Buds 3
We approve of the lightweight and ergonomic design that play out particularly well in the Splendid Blue colour variant. One of the highlights is the 49dB Adaptive Noise cancellation, among the best at this price. Audio quality is a win thanks to Hi-Res Audio with LHDC 5.0 backed by Dual Dynamic Drivers and OnePlus’ proprietary Basswave Enhancement. Battery life – pegged at 44 hours by OnePlus, adds to its value for money proposition.
Price: Rs 5,499
JBL Live Pro 2 TWS
Another pair of buds that have been around for a while and make it to our list after a significant price drop. These buds score with JBL’s True Adaptive Noise Cancelling that adjust to different scenarios. The other highlight is JBL Signature Sound backed by 11mm dynamic drivers. These buds offer wireless charging and deliver 40 hours of battery life.
Price: Rs 9,999
