True Wireless Stereo (TWS) Earbuds 101: Everything You Need to Know

Sales of true wireless stereo earbuds continue breaking records, with over 68 million pairs sold in the first quarter of 2022. These numbers aren’t stopping anytime soon since TWS earbuds continue to evolve with every new release.

True wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds offer uniquely satisfying listening experiences. Besides their aesthetic appeal, they provide consumers with unmatched freedom of movement. You can use them while running errands, doing chores, or even working out with ease.

If you want to jump into the trend and buy TWS earbuds, this article covers it all. It explains the TWS technology and recommends top TWS earbuds. Let's get right into the details.

What Does TWS Stand For?

TWS is an abbreviation of True Wireless Stereo. It is the dual connection that allows a pair of earbuds to function independently, just like stereo speakers. As the name suggests, the earbuds have no cables or wires.

True Wireless Stereo devices rely on Bluetooth signals to facilitate the sound transfer. They differ from wireless sports devices connected by a wire wrapping around the user's neck. The difference here is that TWS accessories don't require physical connections for their parts to function together.

Bluetooth chips included in a TWS accessory establish the wireless connection. They can scan for nearby Bluetooth-enabled devices and pair with them to transfer sound.

What Is TWS Technology?

The TWS technology is an innovative technology that makes it easy to deliver sound wirelessly. Devices equipped with this technology come with a tiny Bluetooth chip. The chips on each device enable wireless communications between them.

To understand the TWS technology further, we have to explain the "true wireless" and "stereo" concepts separately. In a TWS connection, A2DP audio flows between TWS devices. The audio plays in sync on both devices. As a Bluetooth profile, A2DP (advanced audio distribution profile) facilitates multimedia audio communication between a Bluetooth-supported device and a headset.

A TWS Master is a device receiving the A2DP audio from an A2DP source. Its role is to forward the audio to another TWS device. Consequently, a TWS Slave device receives the forwarded audio from the TWS Master.

So, if you have a pair of earbuds connected to a phone, the first earbud is the TWS Master, while the second one is a TWS Slave. Audio will flow from the phone to the TWS Master, which then forwards it to the TWS Slave.

Stereo sound, or stereophonic sound, is one of the most common sounds. As a method of sound reproduction, it recreates a 3-D audible perspective. In other words, it refers to sound recorded on two channels blended or mixed back together in playback.

Unlike mono signals that rely on a single audio channel, stereo sounds use two audio channels. They produce the perception of width, whereas mono sounds can't.

TWS Meaning: What Does TWS Mean in Earbuds?

TWS, when applied to earbuds, is the connection of two earbuds without a wire. The two devices are equally wireless when connected to an audio source.

True Wireless earbuds are usually lightweight and easy to use. They are also portable and rechargeable. You can use the headphones to listen to music when working out, driving, walking, or even doing chores.

There are certain similarities and differences between regular wireless earbuds and TWS earbuds. In particular, both lack wires that connect them to an audio source. They come with a Bluetooth chip to maintain the connection.

The main difference is that TWS earbuds don’t have any wire connecting the two earpieces. They are also more convenient in terms of mobility and portability.

TWS earbuds come in all sizes and shapes to suit consumers’ needs. You can also find them with different battery capacities lasting between 12 and 15 hours. The difference in features depends on the quality and price.

You can use TWS earpieces alone or as a system with similar devices paired together. And thanks to their portability and build quality, they can function indoors and outdoors.

Is True Wireless the Same as Bluetooth?

The True Wireless Stereo technology uses Bluetooth to transfer sound. It is not a signal on its own, unlike the impression that the name gives. When it connects to an audio source, audio flows through the Bluetooth signal from the source to the receiving device.

As a short-range wireless technology standard, Bluetooth helps exchange data between mobile and fixed devices. It only works on short distances and personal area networks. The exact range of a Bluetooth signal is up to 10 meters.

Bluetooth signals replace the need for a wire on earpieces. This way, you can connect them to an audio source for wire-free or hassle-free listening experiences.

There's a difference between Bluetooth and wireless earpieces. Wireless earpieces use infrared or radio waves to transmit audio signals. Bluetooth-supported ones rely on short-range radio waves (Bluetooth) to do the same.

All wireless audio signals, Bluetooth included, have latency. In this context, latency refers to the time delay of the signal as it travels between two devices. The time delay may span a few milliseconds depending on the Bluetooth version of the communication chip.

The space between the two earpieces may increase latency. While you won’t notice it, it takes a few milliseconds for the signal to travel from your phone to the primary earbud. The same applies when the signal moves from the primary earbud to the secondary one.

How to Connect True Wireless Earbuds

The first step is to remove your wireless earbuds from the wireless charging case. Ensure that they have adequate power to last you a few hours.

If the TWS earpieces come with version 5.0 and above Bluetooth chip, they will automatically pair with each other. You'll notice that the pairing is successful when the earpieces stop flashing. Also, the light of the primary earbud will flash to indicate it's looking for a device to pair with.

Before you pair the earbuds with an audio source, ensure that the sound levels of the source are good. You may not hear any sound if the sound is on mute or too low.

You should also keep the earbuds and audio source not more than three feet from each other. The closer the devices are, the stronger the connection.

The next step is to open the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone, PC, or Mac. Turn the Bluetooth functionality on, then look for the "Add Bluetooth device" option.

Select the name of your earbuds from the list of Bluetooth devices given. Once you finish pairing, you can listen to any audio file from your device on the earpieces.

But if your earbuds come with Bluetooth 4.2, you need to prepare them for pairing first. Take them out of the charging case and turn them on. Hold the power button gently for three seconds to pair them and repeat the steps discussed above.

Best True Wireless Earbuds

Besides price, sound quality, battery life, noise cancellation, and controls matter on TWS earbuds. Are you looking to get a pair of earpieces? Here are our three picks for the best ones:

Baseus WM02 Plus Wireless Earphones TWS Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones

Key features of Baseus WM02 Plus Wireless Earphones include 25-hour battery life and a transparent capsule-like design. The device also comes powered by Bluetooth 5.3 and boasts a seamless fit.

At only 3.8 grams per earpiece, Baseus WM02 Plus is quite lightweight. Its ring indicator lights add a futuristic feel to the entire design.

The device also features Baseus Rapid Charge technology, which lets you enjoy 10-minute charging and 2-hour playtime. Other features include a built-in Hi-fi loudspeaker unit for powerful sound and sensitive touch control on the app.

Baseus AirNora 2 TWS Bluetooth Earbuds

Thanks to its noise-canceling features, Baseus Airnora TWS Bluetooth Earbuds can deliver clear voices through a phone call. You can activate the ANC mode on the headphone to filter out ambient noise when speaking.

The wireless earbuds also come with a Bluetooth 5.3 chip for flawless listening. They can pair to your audio source in seconds. You can also use them to play a game or watch a video without video and audio synchronization issues.

The headphones can charge in one hour with a fast charging cable and wireless charger. And on a full charge, they offer 30-hour playtime.

Baseus Bowie MA10 TWS Wireless Earbuds

Standout features of Baseus Bowie MA10 TWS Wireless Earbuds include immersive -48dB Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds and Bluetooth 5.3 connection. The earbuds also boast 0.038s low latency, 1.5H fast charging, and 140H playtime.

On a full charge, they can offer 140 hours of playtime. Other features of the wireless headphone include IPX6 waterproof and multipoint connection.

Buy Baseus True Wireless Stereo Earbuds Today

As discussed above, True Wireless Stereo earbuds offer greater value than wired headphones. They are portable and boast a higher aesthetic appeal. You can also find them at different prices depending on the build quality and features you prefer.

Choose Baseus for minimalist consumer electronics for your day-to-day life. The electronics include chargers, lighting appliances, hubs/docks, audio devices, and car accessories, among others. Check out our great selection of TWS earbuds today.