u/trawelek

Hi everyone,

​I'm on a hunt for the perfect work/daily drivers. I practically wear headphones all day at a computer (8+ hours), doing lots of MS Teams calls and listening to music.

​I've been testing several flagship TWS and hybrid models recently and keep running into issues:

• ​Pixel Buds Pro 2 (my current ones) & Sony WF-1000XM6: They just won't stay in my ears. The fit is terrible for me, and they keep slipping out no matter what tips I try.
• ​Technics EAH-AZ100: The fit was actually okay, but after wearing them for a while, I felt a huge sense of relief when taking them out—just too much ear fatigue/pressure for long sessions.
• ​Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5: Had terrible connectivity issues with both my Pixel 10 Pro and my Windows laptop.
• ​AKG N9 Hybrid: Tested these recently but my ears got way too sweaty. Also, the microphone quality didn't blow me away (expected much more) and there were a few minor annoyances with them.

​Because of this, I'm open to either wireless earbuds (if there are any that have a completely different fit than the ones above and don't cause fatigue) OR over-ear wireless headphones (as long as they don't make my ears sweat like the AKGs).

​Here is what I need:

• ​Use case: 8+ hours a day at the computer. Extreme comfort for long hours is absolutely critical.
• ​Microphone: Needs to be very good for calls/teams. I would like it to be better than my current one, doesn't need to be the best available, I would like to have at least a noticable difference (used mainly at home/in the office)
• ​Multipoint Connection: Essential. Must seamlessly switch between my phone (Pixel 10) and my Windows 11 work laptop.
• ​Audio Quality & Tech: Looking for great sound. Support for high-res codecs like LDAC or LE Audio is highly preferred.
• ​Battery: Ideally needs to last a whole working day on a single charge.
• ​Location/Buying: I'm in Europe. I prefer buying via Amazon (EU) so I can easily return them if the fit/comfort isn't right for me.
• ​Budget: Up to $400 if it's really worth the price. Open to premium/flagship models.

​Any recommendations for earbuds that fit differently, or extremely comfortable over-ears with good sound quality and good mics?

I know about Sony but I've heard a lot of problems with hinges so I'd rather stay away from that.

​Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,

​I'm on a hunt for the perfect work/daily drivers. I practically wear headphones all day at a computer (8+ hours), doing lots of MS Teams calls and listening to music.

​I've been testing several flagship TWS and hybrid models recently and keep running into issues:

• ​Pixel Buds Pro 2 (my current ones) & Sony WF-1000XM6: They just won't stay in my ears. The fit is terrible for me, and they keep slipping out no matter what tips I try.
• ​Technics EAH-AZ100: The fit was actually okay, but after wearing them for a while, I felt a huge sense of relief when taking them out—just too much ear fatigue/pressure for long sessions.
• ​Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5: Had terrible connectivity issues with both my Pixel 10 Pro and my Windows laptop.
• ​AKG N9 Hybrid: Tested these recently but my ears got way too sweaty. Also, the microphone quality didn't blow me away (expected much more) and there were a few minor annoyances with them.

​Because of this, I'm open to either wireless earbuds (if there are any that have a completely different fit than the ones above and don't cause fatigue) OR over-ear wireless headphones (as long as they don't make my ears sweat like the AKGs).

​Here is what I need:

• ​Use case: 8+ hours a day at the computer. Extreme comfort for long hours is absolutely critical.
• ​Microphone: Needs to be very good for calls/teams. I would like it to be better than my current one, doesn't need to be the best available, I would like to have at least a noticable difference (used mainly at home/in the office)
• ​Multipoint Connection: Essential. Must seamlessly switch between my phone (Pixel 10) and my Windows 11 work laptop.
• ​Audio Quality & Tech: Looking for great sound. Support for high-res codecs like LDAC or LE Audio is highly preferred.
• ​Battery: Ideally needs to last a whole working day on a single charge.
• ​Location/Buying: I'm in Europe. I prefer buying via Amazon (EU) so I can easily return them if the fit/comfort isn't right for me.
• ​Budget: Up to $400 if it's really worth the price. Open to premium/flagship models.

​Any recommendations for earbuds that fit differently, or extremely comfortable over-ears with good sound quality and good mics?

I know about Sony but I've heard a lot of problems with hinges so I'd rather stay away from that.

​Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,

​I'm using tws but due to fitting issues, I'm thinking about finally switching to over-ear wireless headphones. I've been testing several flagship (tws) models recently and keep running into issues:

• ​Pixel Buds Pro 2 (my current ones) & Sony WF-1000XM6: They just won't stay in my ears. The fit is terrible for me, and they keep slipping out.
• ​Technics (EAH-AZ100): The fit was actually okay, but after wearing them for a while, I felt a huge sense of relief when taking them out—just too much ear fatigue/pressure for long sessions.
• ​Huawei (FreeBuds Pro 5): Had terrible connectivity issues with both my Pixel 10 Pro and my Windows laptop.

​Because of all this, I've decided to switch to wireless over-ear headphones. I practically wear headphones all day, so here is what I need:

• ​Use case: I work at a computer all day. I have a lot of MS Teams calls, but I also listen to a lot of music while working. Extreme comfort for long hours (8+ hours a day) is critical.
• ​Microphone: Needs to be top-tier (definitely better than pixel buds pro 2) for calls (mostly used at home or in office).
• ​Multipoint Connection: Absolutely essential. I need it to seamlessly switch between my phone (Pixel 10 Pro) and my Windows 11 work laptop.
• ​Audio Quality & Tech: Looking for great sound (doesn't have to be the best, minimum requirement to be better than pixel buds pro 2, maybe at least close to technics/sony). Support for high-res codecs like LDAC or LE Audio is highly preferred.
• Battery: I would like them to last a whole day on battery (but I guess most of them would do so)
• ​Budget: Open to premium/flagship models, as long as the price is justified by the mic quality and all-day comfort.

​Any recommendations on which models handle mic quality, multi-device connectivity, and long-term comfort the best?

​Thanks in advance!

Hi,

I’m running into a frustrating issue with my Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 connected to a Windows 11 PC, and I’m hoping someone here might have a fix. It feels like the earbuds are constantly entering some sort of aggressive "sleep" or power-saving mode whenever audio stops playing. Here is exactly what’s happening:

1. Initial audio delay: Whenever I start playing any audio (e.g., opening a YouTube video or clicking play on a media player), there is a 1-2 second delay before any sound comes through. During this time, it's completely silent. Once the audio actually kicks in, it is perfectly synchronized with the video—there is no ongoing latency, just that initial 1-2 seconds of dead silence.

2. Micro-drops during MS Teams calls: I think a similar thing happens during voice calls. Quite often, the other person can't hear me for a brief moment at the start of their sentence, or I miss the first second of what they are saying because the audio stream seems to clip or go into standby.

What I’ve already tried:

• Updated all Bluetooth drivers to the latest available versions.

• Disabled power saving in Device Manager for the Bluetooth adapter (I unchecked the option "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power").

• The firmware on the FreeBuds Pro 5 is fully up to date via the AI Life app.

Has anyone experienced this specific "audio gating" or standby issue with these earbuds on Windows 11? Is there a registry tweak or a hidden Windows setting to force the Bluetooth audio stream to stay constantly active?

Thanks

Hi, I’m running into a frustrating issue with my Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 connected to a Windows 11 PC, and I’m hoping someone here might have a fix. It feels like the earbuds are constantly entering some sort of aggressive "sleep" or power-saving mode whenever audio stops playing. Here is exactly what’s happening:

1. Initial audio delay: Whenever I start playing any audio (e.g., opening a YouTube video or clicking play on a media player), there is a 1-2 second delay before any sound comes through. During this time, it's completely silent. Once the audio actually kicks in, it is perfectly synchronized with the video—there is no ongoing latency, just that initial 1-2 seconds of dead silence.
2. Micro-drops during MS Teams calls: I think a similar thing happens during voice calls. Quite often, the other person can't hear me for a brief moment at the start of their sentence, or I miss the first second of what they are saying because the audio stream seems to clip or go into standby.

What I’ve already tried:

• Updated all Bluetooth drivers to the latest available versions.
• Disabled power saving in Device Manager for the Bluetooth adapter (I unchecked the option "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power").
• The firmware on the FreeBuds Pro 5 is fully up to date via the AI Life app.

Has anyone experienced this specific "audio gating" or standby issue with these earbuds on Windows 11? Is there a registry tweak or a hidden Windows setting to force the Bluetooth audio stream to stay constantly active?

Thanks

Hi,

I'm using pixel buds pro 2 but I was thinking about changing to something newer/better.

Most important, I would like sound quality and microphones (especially microphones) to be preferably better than currently. A secure fit is, of course, important. It would also be good if the battery life was decent, as I use them for office work and have had situations where the battery was running low during a call and I had to recharge them.

In general, I use the earbuds with an Android phone and a Windows laptop. Mostly for music, videos, and probably most often for calls. I do not use them very often outdoors.

As for alternative earbuds, on one hand I would like something at least as good (rather better) than my current ones, but on the other hand, in my case, that might be overkill.

In any case, I am open to suggestions and would greatly appreciate any advice.

BTW, I've tried two earbuds: Technics az100 and Huawei Freebuds Pro 5. First ones were better in terms of microphone, sound quality and battery but my ears felt a little bit of discomfort after longer period (maybe just matter of getting used to them). Freebuds, I was having high expectations but I was very disappointed - microphone and sound quality was very nice but unfortunately using it with my android phone - I had issues during calls (some cracking/jittering after like 40s of call, probably some issues with compatibility with that phone/software) and with my windows PC unfortunately also I have issues (it takes 1-2s for sound to kick in, though it's not delayed, just like earphones would sleep each time when there is no sound and it took those 1-2 seconds to wake them; also during calls, though quality is the best comparing to other earbuds, I was told that there are some interruptions, I'm sometimes inaudible - checked the drivers, different settings but couldn't solve those issues).

Hi,

I'm using pixel buds pro 2 but I was thinking about changing to something newer/better.

Most important, I would like sound quality and microphones (especially microphones) to be preferably better than currently. A secure fit is, of course, important. It would also be good if the battery life was decent, as I use them for office work and have had situations where the battery was running low during a call and I had to recharge them.

In general, I use the earbuds with an Android phone and a Windows laptop. Mostly for music, videos, and probably most often for calls. I do not use them very often outdoors.

As for alternative earbuds, on one hand I would like something at least as good (rather better) than my current ones, but on the other hand, in my case, that might be overkill.

In any case, I am open to suggestions and would greatly appreciate any advice.

BTW, I've tried two earbuds: Technics az100 and Huawei Freebuds Pro 5. First ones were better in terms of microphone, sound quality and battery but my ears felt a little bit of discomfort after longer period (maybe just matter of getting used to them). Freebuds, I was having high expectations but I was very disappointed - microphone and sound quality was very nice but unfortunately using it with my android phone - I had issues during calls (some cracking/jittering after like 40s of call, probably some issues with compatibility with that phone/software) and with my windows PC unfortunately also I have issues (it takes 1-2s for sound to kick in, though it's not delayed, just like earphones would sleep each time when there is no sound and it took those 1-2 seconds to wake them; also during calls, though quality is the best comparing to other earbuds, I was told that there are some interruptions, I'm sometimes inaudible - checked the drivers, different settings but couldn't solve those issues).

Hi,

I've just received Huawei freebuds pro 5 and using them with my pixel 10. Unfortunately, I've noticed that when in a call, after 20-30 seconds, sound starts cracking/jittering both on my end and on other end. I've tried changing to AAC instead of ldac but with no success.

Other earphones don't have this issue and at the same time, when I used freebuds with different phone, there was no issue.

Do you know what might be the cause and how to fix that?

If there's no fix (which would work without sacrificing quality or something), I will have to return them.

Thanks

Hello,
I am currently using Pixel Buds Pro 2. The problem is that they do not stay securely in my ears. I have tried different ear tip sizes, but it did not make a difference. I also tried other tips (SpinFit Omni), and in the long run, they did not help either (they are slightly better than the stock ones, but I still do not feel like they fit securely). Another issue is that when putting them on, I often have to struggle for a while to adjust them properly so they feel like they are sitting correctly (although even then, they loosen after some time).

So my question is — what solutions would you recommend? I would prefer something that works once and for all, without needing constant readjustment. It is also frustrating when I have to reposition the earbuds multiple times while putting them in just to get a decent fit.

There are probably other ear tips available, but the question is whether they will actually work long-term. At the same time, I am not keen on spending more money on something that might only help temporarily or might not work at all.

I have also been considering different earbuds, but I am not sure which ones. On one hand, I would like sound quality and microphones (especially microphones) to be at least as good as in the Pixel Buds (preferably better). A secure fit is, of course, important. It would also be good if the battery life was decent, as I use them for office work and have had situations where the battery was running low during a call and I had to recharge them.

In general, I use the earbuds with an Android phone (pixel) and a Windows laptop. Mostly for music, videos, and probably most often for calls. I do not use them very often outdoors.

As for alternative earbuds, on one hand I would like something at least as good (or better) than my current ones, but on the other hand, in my case, that might be overkill.

In any case, I am open to suggestions and would greatly appreciate any advice.

Hello,
I am currently using Pixel Buds Pro 2. The problem is that they do not stay securely in my ears. I have tried different ear tip sizes, but it did not make a difference. I also tried other tips (SpinFit Omni), and in the long run, they did not help either (they are slightly better than the stock ones, but I still do not feel like they fit securely). Another issue is that when putting them on, I often have to struggle for a while to adjust them properly so they feel like they are sitting correctly (although even then, they loosen after some time).

So my question is — what solutions would you recommend? I would prefer something that works once and for all, without needing constant readjustment. It is also frustrating when I have to reposition the earbuds multiple times while putting them in just to get a decent fit.

There are probably other ear tips available, but the question is whether they will actually work long-term. At the same time, I am not keen on spending more money on something that might only help temporarily or might not work at all.

I have also been considering different earbuds, but I am not sure which ones. On one hand, I would like sound quality and microphones (especially microphones) to be at least as good as in the Pixel Buds (preferably better). A secure fit is, of course, important. It would also be good if the battery life was decent, as I use them for office work and have had situations where the battery was running low during a call and I had to recharge them.

In general, I use the earbuds with an Android phone and a Windows laptop. Mostly for music, videos, and probably most often for calls. I do not use them very often outdoors.

As for alternative earbuds, on one hand I would like something at least as good (or better) than my current ones, but on the other hand, in my case, that might be overkill.

In any case, I am open to suggestions and would greatly appreciate any advice.

Hello,
I am currently using Pixel Buds Pro 2. The problem is that they do not stay securely in my ears. I have tried different ear tip sizes, but it did not make a difference. I also tried other tips (SpinFit Omni), and in the long run, they did not help either (they are slightly better than the stock ones, but I still do not feel like they fit securely). Another issue is that when putting them on, I often have to struggle for a while to adjust them properly so they feel like they are sitting correctly (although even then, they loosen after some time).

So my question is — what solutions would you recommend? I would prefer something that works once and for all, without needing constant readjustment. It is also frustrating when I have to reposition the earbuds multiple times while putting them in just to get a decent fit.

There are probably other ear tips available, but the question is whether they will actually work long-term. At the same time, I am not keen on spending more money on something that might only help temporarily or might not work at all.

I have also been considering different earbuds, but I am not sure which ones. On one hand, I would like sound quality and microphones (especially microphones) to be at least as good as in the Pixel Buds (preferably better). A secure fit is, of course, important. It would also be good if the battery life was decent, as I use them for office work and have had situations where the battery was running low during a call and I had to recharge them.

In general, I use the earbuds with an Android phone and a Windows laptop. Mostly for music, videos, and probably most often for calls. I do not use them very often outdoors.

As for alternative earbuds, on one hand I would like something at least as good (or better) than my current ones, but on the other hand, in my case, that might be overkill.

In any case, I am open to suggestions and would greatly appreciate any advice.

Hello,
I am currently using Pixel Buds Pro 2. The problem is that they do not stay securely in my ears. I have tried different ear tip sizes, but it did not make a difference. I also tried other tips (SpinFit Omni), and in the long run, they did not help either (they are slightly better than the stock ones, but I still do not feel like they fit securely). Another issue is that when putting them on, I often have to struggle for a while to adjust them properly so they feel like they are sitting correctly (although even then, they loosen after some time).

So my question is — what solutions would you recommend? I would prefer something that works once and for all, without needing constant readjustment. It is also frustrating when I have to reposition the earbuds multiple times while putting them in just to get a decent fit.

There are probably other ear tips available, but the question is whether they will actually work long-term. At the same time, I am not keen on spending more money on something that might only help temporarily or might not work at all.

I have also been considering different earbuds, but I am not sure which ones. On one hand, I would like sound quality and microphones (especially microphones) to be at least as good as in the Pixel Buds (preferably better). A secure fit is, of course, important. It would also be good if the battery life was decent, as I use them for office work and have had situations where the battery was running low during a call and I had to recharge them.

In general, I use the earbuds with an Android phone (pixel) and a Windows laptop. Mostly for music, videos, and probably most often for calls. I do not use them very often outdoors.

As for alternative earbuds, on one hand I would like something at least as good (or better) than my current ones, but on the other hand, in my case, that might be overkill.

In any case, I am open to suggestions and would greatly appreciate any advice.

Hello,
I am currently using Pixel Buds Pro 2. The problem is that they do not stay securely in my ears. I have tried different ear tip sizes, but it did not make a difference. I also tried other tips (SpinFit Omni), and in the long run, they did not help either (they are slightly better than the stock ones, but I still do not feel like they fit securely). Another issue is that when putting them on, I often have to struggle for a while to adjust them properly so they feel like they are sitting correctly (although even then, they loosen after some time).

So my question is — what solutions would you recommend? I would prefer something that works once and for all, without needing constant readjustment. It is also frustrating when I have to reposition the earbuds multiple times while putting them in just to get a decent fit.

There are probably other ear tips available, but the question is whether they will actually work long-term. At the same time, I am not keen on spending more money on something that might only help temporarily or might not work at all.

I have also been considering different earbuds, but I am not sure which ones. On one hand, I would like sound quality and microphones (especially microphones) to be at least as good as in the Pixel Buds (preferably better). A secure fit is, of course, important. It would also be good if the battery life was decent, as I use them for office work and have had situations where the battery was running low during a call and I had to recharge them.

In general, I use the earbuds with an Android phone (pixel) and a Windows laptop. Mostly for music, videos, and probably most often for calls. I do not use them very often outdoors.

As for alternative earbuds, on one hand I would like something at least as good (or better) than my current ones, but on the other hand, in my case, that might be overkill.

In any case, I am open to suggestions and would greatly appreciate any advice.

Hi,

what options do you recommend (preferably free) for Gmail on MacOS? Currently, I'm using browser extension but I'm not sure if that is the best option.

One more thing. I'm used to having a touchpad gesture to middle click (to open link in new tab, close specific tab). I know that for opening in new tab, there is CMD+click but sometimes I have to tap multiple times to open in a new tab. Is it possible to have that also on macos without interfering with other gestures (like 3-fingers to move window, select, etc)?

Thanks

Hi, what options do you recommend (preferably free) for Gmail on MacOS? Currently, I'm using browser extension but I'm not sure if that is the best option. One more thing. On my phone (android) I'm using Google keep for notes - is it possible to sync it somehow with MacOS? I've added my Google account in settings, enabled notes sync but I don't see any notes from Google keep in notes app on MacBook. Thanks