Among 17 Wireless Earphones, 10 Have Shorter Playback Time Than Indicated

Consumer Citizens' Coalition Conducts Performance Tests on 17 Wireless Earphones
Playback Time Measurement Methods Vary by Company... Difficult to Recognize
In-Ear Models Block External Noise Better Than Open-Type

Difference Between Wireless Earphone Playback Time Display and Test Results (Data Provided by Consumer Citizens' Coalition)

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] The performance standards for wireless earphones vary widely, and in some cases, the actual playback time is significantly shorter than what is indicated.

On the 30th, the Consumer Citizens' Coalition conducted performance tests on 17 wireless earphone products and found differences among products in noise cancellation ability, latency, sound pressure sensitivity (volume for the same sound), and more. They particularly pointed out that playback time varies depending on the measurement method used by each company, emphasizing the need for standardized criteria and testing methods.

Wireless Earphone Playback Time: Up to 3 Hours Difference from Indicated Time

Among the 17 wireless earphone products tested, 10 products had actual playback times shorter than the indicated times. The differences were as follows: ▲Bluecom (Decibel BCS-T90) -3 hours 41 minutes ▲Arkon (Free buds X Open) -3 hours 41 minutes ▲Penton (TSX Diapot) -3 hours 30 minutes ▲LG Electronics (Tone Plus Free) -2 hours 17 minutes ▲Lifertec (Tavi) -1 hour 56 minutes ▲iRiver (IBE-H7) -1 hour 44 minutes ▲MG Tech (IRON V60) -1 hour 37 minutes ▲Britz (AcousticTWS5) -1 hour 20 minutes ▲QCY (T5) -51 minutes ▲Xiaomi (Redmi AirDots) -9 minutes, in that order.

Regarding playback time, Penton stated that under factory test conditions at minimum volume, usage is possible for up to 8 hours, and Arkon said usage is possible for up to 8 hours and 30 minutes at 50% volume. Britz explained that when measured with an iPhone 8, the first test showed 10 hours 4 minutes, and the second test showed 10 hours 2 minutes. MG Tech (IRON V60) submitted that their own standard measurement was approximately 11 to 12 hours. LG Electronics’ Tone Plus Free stated that based on playback at 50% volume on an iPhone, actual measurement showed usage up to 6 hours.

In response, the Consumer Citizens' Coalition said, "There is no domestic standard for wireless earphone playback time, so we conducted playback time tests considering the communication environment identical to the wireless earphone usage environment through expert consultation." They added, "Playback time may vary depending on measurement methods or criteria, but since there is no guidance on this, it is necessary to establish standardized quality that allows comparison."

Noise Cancellation Ability: In-ear Type > Open Type

The noise cancellation ability of in-ear types was superior to that of open types. Products equipped with active noise canceling functions, such as Sony WF-1000XM3 and AirPods Pro, showed the highest noise reduction rates at low frequencies (250Hz), with 94.57% and 92.71%, respectively. Among products without noise canceling functions, the JBL TUNE120TWS had the highest noise reduction rate at 87.55%. Arkon (Freebuds X Open) and LG Tone Plus Free, both open-type designs, showed almost no noise cancellation due to their design, resulting in lower noise reduction rates compared to in-ear types.

Regarding the test on the point at which sound distortion begins as volume increases, 5 out of the 17 products showed distortion of the original sound. These products were ▲Penton TSX Diapot ▲Arkon Freebuds X Open ▲Abko BEATONIC E30 ▲iRiver IBE-H7 ▲Sudio Tolv.

In the latency test measuring the time taken for the signal transmitted from the device to be converted into sound by the wireless earphones, Apple’s AirPods Pro was the fastest at 0.16 seconds among the 17 products. The only product with a game mode function, QCY’s T5, showed a latency of 0.26 seconds in normal mode and 0.12 seconds in game mode, which is more than 50% faster than in normal mode.

The Consumer Citizens' Coalition explained, "Although wireless earphones have become widely popular, there is a lack of standardized experimental methods and criteria to verify their quality, so standards need to be established." They added, "Only when experimental methods and suitability criteria are established can consumers trust the quality and labeling of products."

They continued, "Wireless earphone manufacturers display playback time and quality-related information based on their own test results, but all products are not measured by the same standards; they should disclose that the information is based on their own testing criteria and strive to provide accurate information." They emphasized, "Consumers should also check product quality information, testing standards, and methods when selecting products."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.