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We’re introducing a new testing methodology for reviewing earbuds here on TechRadar.
Our process combines repeated tests with more broader subjective testing from our reviewers.
All our tests are carried out by reviewers with extensive experience of testing earbuds to ensure consistency.
You’ll also see these scores added to our reviews of earbuds.
We choose these based on which are best for bass, mid-range or treble.
We also choose tracks for how they challenge the spatial imaging or expansiveness of earbuds.
guide for more on this).
Listening to these tracks, from the same source, provides a baseline for comparison.
We score the sound quality (ANC off) out of five stars for each pair of earbuds.
Obviously, this can be done well, or it can be done badly.
It can also affect the sound balance, and can rob some detail from the track.
Or the difference may be subtle.
Again, this score is expressed out of five stars.
Listen for vibrations in the lower sax notes, and the impact on the reed itself.
It should be short, but not instant.
When the sax is hitting high notes, does it sound harsh, or like it lacks elevation?
Cheaper buds could get it wrong in either direction it should be pretty piercing, but not overblown.
When the mix builds, how many different layers of synths can you hear?
Clair de Lune, Kamasi WashingtonAnother piano showpiece at its start and end.
Whatever expansiveness a pair of headphones has to offer, this tracks guitar and vocals will fill it.
We provide the amount of time that they lasted in hours and minutes.
Here’s what else we consider in our reviews.
We check that to test with those features on and off to see what effect they have.
They also test how the earbuds work with movies,YouTubeand podcasts.
And the case of true wireless earbuds is important as well, of course.
Our value judgment helps to balance these factors out.
