From TWS with a touchscreen case to audio glasses: 8 unique headphones and earbuds for all budgets

8 unique headphones and earbuds for all budgets that don't mimic Apple AirPods.

Wireless earphones come in all shapes and sizes (Express Photo)

5 min readBengaluruApr 22, 2024 08:16 AM IST First published on: Apr 21, 2024 at 01:00 PM IST

For many, Apple’s AirPods are the gold standard in wireless earbuds, and to some extent that’s also true. However, the headphones and earbuds market is well beyond AirPods and similar cookie-cutter truly wireless earbuds. In fact, upon research, we found that there’s something for everyone, like a pair of Bluetooth audio glasses, or TWS having a case with a touchscreen. Here are eight different headphones and earbuds across all budgets.

Portronics Harmonics Klip 5

A unique looking clip-on wireless earphone (Image credit: Portronics)

At Rs 1,749, these wireless earphones are perfect for travel enthusiasts, especially cyclists who prefer using a single earbud. Compatible with both Android and iOS devices, they can be clipped to clothing or a collar. Although they lack active noise cancellation, they feature Plosive Technology to cancel ambient noise. With a 13-inch retractable wire, they can pair with up to two devices and offer up to 15 hours of battery life on a single charge. Klip 5 is also IPX5-rated for splash resistance.

Syn Sons Smart Sunglasses

These sunglasses also double as a wireless earphone (Image credit: Amazon)

This is not an entirely earphone, but a smart glass that comes at Rs 799. The device comes with polarised lenses and stereo sound support and offers up to six hours of battery life. It works with both Android and iOS devices. However, audiophiles may find the audio quality lacking. These can also be a great pair of Bluetooth earphones for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money and want two gadgets for the price of one.

Hammer Screen TWS

A budget TWS with a screen (Image credit: Hammer)

Mimicking AirPods with an integrated iPod, these wireless earphones are priced at Rs 2,999. Featuring a display and charging cradle for music and ANC control, the device allows users to receive or reject calls. Inspired by the JBL Tour Pro 2, they offer similar features at a lower price point. The Hammer Screen TWS offers up to 13 hours of playback time and can cancel noise with up to 32 dB. The case also has a nifty find my earbud capability and will help you find if you ever misplace an earbud.

Sony LinkBuds WF-L900

Sony LinkBuds review, Sony LinkBuds review price, Sony LinkBuds sale

Sony LinkBuds review: These latest earbuds from Sony come with a unique design. Here’s how they perform. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/Indian Express)

Combining the compactness of TWS with an open-ear concept derived from studio headphones, these earphones don’t block external noise even at full volume. With exceptional audio quality and microphone performance expected from Sony products, they are suitable for everyday use. The Sony LinkBuds WF-L900 (review) is priced at Rs 12,990. The buds themselves can offer up to 5.5 hours of playback time, and including the case, they can deliver up to 17.5 hours of battery life, and there is also fast charging support.

Jabra Talk 45

If you are someone who takes a lot of calls, then the Jabra Talk 45 is the perfect wireless audio solution, also known as a mono headset. Available for Rs 4,199, this single earbud with a long stem-like design might remind you of earlier Nokia days when wireless earphones like these were more prevalent. This earphone can support up to 6 hours of calls per charge along with 8 days of standby time with up to 30 meters of range.

While these are some of the most unique Bluetooth earphones readily available in India, here are some additional choices, which one might have to import from outside.

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

While the concept of Bose Ultra Open Earbuds is similar to that of the Sony LinkBuds WF-L900, Bose’s offering looks entirely different and comes in an unconventional design for a wireless earbud. Priced at $299 (Rs 25,000), these are slightly on the expensive side, and when worn, they look like pieces of jewelry rather than wireless earbuds. With the case, they offer up to 48 hours of battery life and can be used with both Android and iOS devices.

UE Fits

These are dubbed as the world’s most comfortable earbuds that mold to the unique shape of the user’s ear, which uses patented light form technology and costs $199 (Rs 17,000). Thanks to their secure fit, they can fully block ambient noise, and on a single charge, these earbuds can offer up to 8 hours of playback time. Other prominent features of these earbuds include a sweat-resistant rating, and they also support APT-X codec for high-resolution audio output.

The Gravastar Sirius Pro

Gamers will love how the case of the Sirus Pro looks. And these are also the most expensive earphones that we have featured and they cost Rs 43,065 in India. Available in multiple colour options, the Gravastar Sirius Pro offers deep bass 3D stereo technology and offers gaming mode, music mode, and movie mode, all tuned for unique experiences. Thanks to their case design, it can also be used like a keychain.