How We Test

Our methodology is built around a simple idea: fit unlocks everything. We evaluate earbuds through anatomy‑informed fit testing alongside sound, ANC, mic quality, battery life, durability, and usability. Every claim we make must be repeatable or clearly framed as experiential.

Fit-First Protocol

• Ear profiles: We test across a panel spanning canal diameters, concha depth, and tragus/anti‑tragus prominence. This helps us map which shells and tips suit which ears.
• Geometry capture: We measure shell width/height, nozzle length/angle, insertion depth, and center of mass using calipers and angle gauges.
• Tip matrix: We evaluate multiple tip styles (shallow/deep, single/double‑flange, foam/silicone/hybrid) and wings/fins to assess seal reliability and rotation resistance.

Comfort & Stability

• Long-wear sessions: 2–8 hour blocks to flag hotspots, pressure buildup, and occlusion effects.
• Motion tests: Running, HIIT, cycling, and head movement drills; we note rotation, loosening, and mic orientation drift.
• Seal repeatability: Multiple insertions per tester to gauge how consistently a good seal is achieved without “fuss.”

Sound, ANC, and Transparency

• Seal sensitivity: We document how bass and overall balance shift with small seal changes.
• ANC: Controlled pink‑noise environment plus real‑world transit; we score low‑frequency attenuation and mid/high comfort.
• Transparency: Speech naturalness and spatial cues measured in quiet office and street scenes.

Mic & Call Quality

• Voice recordings: Quiet room, café ambience, and outdoor wind scenarios (~5–10 mph).
• Intelligibility scoring: Clarity under noise, plosive handling, and beamforming stability during movement.

Battery & Charging

• Playback endurance at fixed volume; we log quick‑charge recovery and case efficiency.
• Degradation checks after extended cycling to spot early aging patterns.

Durability & Care

• Sweat and splash exposure consistent with stated IP ratings; salt‑sweat wipe tests.
• Debris/earwax cleaning drills and tip lifespan checks to ensure long‑term fit consistency.

Connectivity & Latency

• Multipoint stability, handoff speed, and ecosystem features (Fast Pair, Find My).
• Latency spot checks with high‑fps video and gaming modes where applicable.

The FitScore

We aggregate geometry, long-wear comfort, seal repeatability, and stability into a FitScore tailored by ear profiles and use cases (e.g., running vs. calls). Sound, ANC, mic, battery, and durability appear as companion scores so you see trade‑offs clearly.

Independence and Limits

We buy many products at retail and also accept samples with no guarantee of coverage or positivity. Results reflect our panel and methods; your ears and environments vary. We update findings when firmware, tips, or production changes impact fit or performance.

If you have a unique ear profile or use case we haven’t covered, email us at [email protected]—your feedback helps expand our test panel and guidance.