True-wireless earbuds, from noise-cancelling models to everyday pairs.
The Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova are gaming earbuds retailing for S$349. They offer dual Bluetooth 5.3 and low-latency 2.4 GHz connectivity, 10mm drivers, bone-conduction mics, and adaptive active noise cancellation.
During Shopee's 10/10 flash sale, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) went for S$319 at an authorised reseller, with S$31.90 in coin cashback. Paying via OCBC Frank added another 6% back, making it a great deal.
The Sudio Nio is the brand's first product of 2021, available in four colours. It retails for S$119, or S$101.15 with the code LESTER15, and offers Bluetooth 5.0, IPX4 rating, touch controls, and 20 hours' battery.
iCentral Mobile, Aukey's official Singapore distributor, sent me the Aukey EP-N5 for a short review. These active noise-cancelling wireless earbuds aim to offer ANC at an affordable price, competing in Aukey's growing audio lineup.
iShopChangi's People's Choice Deals advertised the AirPods Pro at S$295, well below the S$379 RRP. Catching it was frustrating, though: the sale didn't drop at midnight, but at noon the next day, requiring constant refreshing.
Sudio finally entered the ANC earbuds space with the Sudio Ett. At S$239, just S$20 above the Sudio Fem, it becomes Sudio's priciest earbuds, justified by added active noise cancellation.
The Sudio Fem is Sudio's third wireless earbuds, after the Niva and Tolv, and its most expensive yet at S$219, in four colours. The code LESTERCHANFEM takes 15% off, down to S$186.15.
My last gadget bought in Japan, the Sony WF-1000XM3 earbuds, picked up at Bic Camera Odaiba. Japan sells two versions: a cheaper domestic one with Japan-only warranty at around S$313, and an international version at S$325.
Apple refreshed the AirPods in March 2019, offering two versions: with Wireless Charging Case at S$299 or standard Charging Case at S$239, a S$60 premium for Qi wireless. I got the wireless version during Lazada's mid-year festival.
The Sudio Tolv wireless earbuds retail for S$189 with free DHL shipping, or S$160.65 using the code lesterchantolv. An upgrade of last June's Sudio Niva, the Tolv steps Bluetooth up from 4.2 to 5.0.
The Sudio Niva is Sudio's first foray into true wireless earbuds, retailing for S$165 in black or white, with a complimentary tote bag. Shipping to Singapore is free via DHL, and the code lesterchan15 takes 15% off.
Soul Electronics began with the Soul by Ludacris headphone line before evolving into a broader audio company. The Soul ST-XS is its second true wireless earbud product, after the Soul X-Shock, bringing compact wireless audio to Singapore.
Bragi arguably made the first truly wireless earbuds with The Dash, a 2014 Kickstarter that raised US$3.4 million but shipped over a year late. This review covers its successor, The Dash Pro.
The Liberty+ is a true wireless earbud from Zolo Audio, an Anker brand. It came from a hugely successful Kickstarter, raising US$2.8 million from 25,412 backers, helped by Anker's mentorship, before launching on 21st June 2017.
Apple AirPods launched in Singapore and 100+ countries on 13th December 2016 at S$238, with a six-week wait. I ordered the moment a friend's post showed stock, receiving mine on the 20th. Each replacement earbud costs S$98.