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Earphones

Best Earphones in India - Reviews and Comparison 2021

We picked the best earphones in 2021 for your budget and use cases.

Earphones are no longer a luxury. They have become a necessity of this fast-growing world. The reason for this is that the modern world is always on the move, and we want devices that make our life easy. Earphones do just that! They let us operate our phones, help us with phone calls, and gives a break from the noise. 

Here is our list of the top 7 wired best earphones in India for year 2021 to make you go hands-free!

Bluetooth Headphones

Earbuds

UPDATED

10/21/2021

Model

Our Rating

Rating

Cable Material

Cable Length

Pro's & Con's

Mic

Bass

Noise Cancellation

Water-resistant

Headphones Form Factor

Extra Earbuds

Compatible With Voice Assistant

Mic Functions

Warranty Policy

Replacement Policy

C100SI

JBL

C100SI

JBLC100SIUBLK

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Our Rating

9.6 / 10

01/2021

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Rubber

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1.2 meter

JBL signature sound
One-button universal remote with mic
Quick launch access to Google Assistant / Siri
In-ear

Play/Pause

  

Receive/Reject Calls

  

Forward/Rewind

1 year
7 days

boAT

BassHeads

BassHeads 100

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Our Rating

9.5 / 10

01/2021

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PVC-tangle free

Not mentioned

Compatible with Android/iOS
Available in many colours
Stylish and compact design
In-ear
Not mentioned
1 year
7 days

Redmi

Earphones

YDJC02WM

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Our Rating

9.4 / 10

01/2021

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Rubber

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1.25 meter

Aluminum alloy sound chamber
Hi-res audio
Y shaped flexible cable with a 90° angle
In-ear

Play/pause music

  

Answer/end call

6 months
7 days

Boult

Bassbuds

X1

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Our Rating

9.3 / 10

01/2021

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Rubber

Not mentioned

Ear fins for Sport Fit
Siri/ Google assistant voice command
Natural Wood delivers a signature sound
IPX5 water and sweat resistant
In-ear

Answer/reject calls

  

play/pause

  

Voice command

1 year
7 days

Realme

Buds

RMA155-2

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Our Rating

9.2 / 10

01/2021

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TPU-tangle free

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1.40 metre

3-button remote with mic
Built-in magnets
Robust design
In-ear

Answer/reject calls

  

play/pause

  

Voice command

6 months
7 days

JBL

C200SI

C200SI

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Our Rating

9.1 / 10

01/2021

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Rubber

Not mentioned

JBL signature sound
One-button universal remote
Premium metallic finish
In-ear
Not mentioned
1 year
7 days

boAT

Bassheads 242

Bassheads 242 Black

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Our Rating

9.0 / 10

01/2021

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PVC-tangle free

Not mentioned

IPX4 rating
Compatible with Android/iOS
Ear fins for Sport Fit
In-ear
Not mentioned
1 year
7 days

JBL

C100SI


1

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Our Rating

9.6 / 10

01/2021

Pro's & Con's

JBL signature sound
One-button universal remote with mic
Quick launch access to Google Assistant / Siri

Features

Cable Material

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Rubber

Cable Length

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1.2 meter

Mic

Bass

Noise Cancellation

Water-resistant

Headphones Form Factor

In-ear

Extra Earbuds

Compatible With Voice Assistant

Mic Functions

Play/Pause

  

Receive/Reject Calls

  

Forward/Rewind

Warranty Policy

1 year

Replacement Policy

7 days

Your guides

Maitreyee Bapat

Maitreyee Bapat

Buyer’s Guide - Best Earphones in India 2021

For crystal clear hearing!

1

Features: Most important purchase criteria for earphones

Some criterion that makes up a fantastic system!

2

Use Cases: The best earphones for you

Pick one that feels right!

3

FAOs: Learn more about the details

We got you the answers!

4

How-To: Usage hints and care instructions for earphones

Know how to handle them for long-lasting use!

6

Our Picks: How we picked the best earphones

Connecting you to the best technology!

1. Features: Most important purchase criteria for earphones

1.1 Type

Earphones primarily come in one type i.e. in-ear.

In-ear:When it comes to versatility, portability, and convenience, this is the type you must aim for. They are the most portable headphones out there in the market. They are also called canal phones.

If you are a studio artist by profession or a sound engineer, you can have them. They are the fastest-growing headphones types as they are much easy to use. As the technology grows, they give tough competition to the chunkier on-ear and over-ear headphones.

Unlike the earbuds, that reside on the outer part of your ear, these headphones go a little deep into your ear canal and can get closer to your eardrums. They provide much comfort, musical isolation, and a flawless musical experience. They are like the closed-back version of your usual portable headphones. They keep the sound to themselves; thus, very minimal sound leakage happens here. They contain a silicone ear tip for more comfort and protection.

It feels the canal and allows the sound to go directly inside while cutting out the external noise.

These headphones are most suitable for travellers, the gym guys, or those who prefer to enjoy music leisurely. Choose them depending on your use or the type of person you are. The sound quality they provide is outstanding. Some think of these types as harmful for ears as they pierce deep into your ear. With protection and less usage, you can have them, and they won’t be that harmful to you. If you keep the volume level reasonable, then you don't have to worry about hearing damage. AirPods come in the category of in-ear headphones. You can find some best in-ear headphones in the market, such as Sony WF-1000XM3, SoundMagic E11C, Bose SoundSport Wireless, Klipsch R6i II, Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, Beyerdynamic Soul Byrd, Sennheiser CX Sport and Shure SE425.

Earbuds are not a type of earphone per se, however, it is a great alternative of the same.

Earbuds: They are small speakers that reside on the outer part of the ear. Apple provides white earbuds. They don't have a slim design and don’t go deep inside your ear. They rest on the pinna and allow much external sound to enter.

As compared to the in-ear style headphones, they provide much sound leakage. They offer a balanced sound. They are very compact and portable. Some models have advanced technology that can provide you with high quality and much accurate sound. If you are a fitness conscious person, avoiding earbuds and choosing the in-ear types is the right choice. Earbuds can fall out many times while workout. When it comes to gripping, in-ear headphones have a sufficient grip over your ear than the earbuds.

Earbuds come in only a single size so they can be uncomfortable for specific ear shapes and sizes. Some brands provide you with various ear tip sizes to replace them for your excellent fit. This category can lag behind when compared to other types in terms of high-quality sound, but if you are looking for a compact piece to carry them everywhere with you, then this is your pick.

Earphones primarily come in one type i.e. in-ear.

In-ear:When it comes to versatility, portability, and convenience, this is the type you must aim for. They are the most portable headphones out there in the market. They are also called canal phones.

If you are a studio artist by profession or a sound engineer, you can have them. They are the fastest-growing headphones types as they are much easy to use. As the technology grows, they give tough competition to the chunkier on-ear and over-ear headphones.

Unlike the earbuds, that reside on the outer part of your ear, these headphones go a little deep into your ear canal and can get closer to your eardrums. They provide much comfort, musical isolation, and a flawless musical experience. They are like the closed-back version of your usual portable headphones. They keep the sound to themselves; thus, very minimal sound leakage happens here. They contain a silicone ear tip for more comfort and protection.

It feels the canal and allows the sound to go directly inside while cutting out the external noise.

These headphones are most suitable for travellers, the gym guys, or those who prefer to enjoy music leisurely. Choose them depending on your use or the type of person you are. The sound quality they provide is outstanding. Some think of these types as harmful for ears as they pierce deep into your ear. With protection and less usage, you can have them, and they won’t be that harmful to you. If you keep the volume level reasonable, then you don't have to worry about hearing damage. AirPods come in the category of in-ear headphones. You can find some best in-ear headphones in the market, such as Sony WF-1000XM3, SoundMagic E11C, Bose SoundSport Wireless, Klipsch R6i II, Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, Beyerdynamic Soul Byrd, Sennheiser CX Sport and Shure SE425.

Earbuds are not a type of earphone per se, however, it is a great alternative of the same.

Earbuds: They are small speakers that reside on the outer part of the ear. Apple provides white earbuds. They don't have a slim design and don’t go deep inside your ear. They rest on the pinna and allow much external sound to enter.

As compared to the in-ear style headphones, they provide much sound leakage. They offer a balanced sound. They are very compact and portable. Some models have advanced technology that can provide you with high quality and much accurate sound. If you are a fitness conscious person, avoiding earbuds and choosing the in-ear types is the right choice. Earbuds can fall out many times while workout. When it comes to gripping, in-ear headphones have a sufficient grip over your ear than the earbuds.

Earbuds come in only a single size so they can be uncomfortable for specific ear shapes and sizes. Some brands provide you with various ear tip sizes to replace them for your excellent fit. This category can lag behind when compared to other types in terms of high-quality sound, but if you are looking for a compact piece to carry them everywhere with you, then this is your pick.

1.2 Wire Length and Material

Many people struggle with the issues of tangling. This makes the cable appear messy and can damage it over time. The headphones with thicker lines have less chance of tangling. If the type has its outer layer wrapped in a piece of fabric, then this is the kind you look for to avoid the tangling issue.

Nowadays, the market has a flat cable to avoid tangling. Thanks to these flat cables as they are naturally resistant to tangles. If your thread keeps on straightening out, then tying up these kinds of headphones can be tricky. Balanced headphones can deal with tangling effectively, but they are challenging to hide after use. One must get the headphones that have extra fabric wraps.

Many people struggle with the issues of tangling. This makes the cable appear messy and can damage it over time. The headphones with thicker lines have less chance of tangling. If the type has its outer layer wrapped in a piece of fabric, then this is the kind you look for to avoid the tangling issue.

Nowadays, the market has a flat cable to avoid tangling. Thanks to these flat cables as they are naturally resistant to tangles. If your thread keeps on straightening out, then tying up these kinds of headphones can be tricky. Balanced headphones can deal with tangling effectively, but they are challenging to hide after use. One must get the headphones that have extra fabric wraps.

1.3 Noise Cancellation

Earphones with noise cancellation feature have superior technology in them, which reduces the surrounding’s external noise. It provides you with the quietness one requires for the enhanced musical experience.

The integral engine measures the lower frequencies of the external environment and produces an equal and opposite frequency. This newly created frequency cancels out the sound picked by a little microphone. The sound gets cancelled before reaching your audio. Most models have a soundproofing feature which keeps many of the higher frequencies out.

These headphones are famous for air travel as they block out the external noise from surrounding passengers. They also block the higher frequencies sound of the engine.

If you want to seek isolation amidst noisy places, this is the type one must look for. By getting away from the external noises, you can have the thrilling musical experience. With the touch of this technology, over-ear, closed-back headphones can be magical. It can be of much help to zone in and get lost in the musical world.

Earphones with noise cancellation feature have superior technology in them, which reduces the surrounding’s external noise. It provides you with the quietness one requires for the enhanced musical experience.

The integral engine measures the lower frequencies of the external environment and produces an equal and opposite frequency. This newly created frequency cancels out the sound picked by a little microphone. The sound gets cancelled before reaching your audio. Most models have a soundproofing feature which keeps many of the higher frequencies out.

These headphones are famous for air travel as they block out the external noise from surrounding passengers. They also block the higher frequencies sound of the engine.

If you want to seek isolation amidst noisy places, this is the type one must look for. By getting away from the external noises, you can have the thrilling musical experience. With the touch of this technology, over-ear, closed-back headphones can be magical. It can be of much help to zone in and get lost in the musical world.

1.4 Audio Polarity

Audio polarity is all about left and Right balancing. If you don’t want to feel like you hear more from one ear and less from the other, audio polarity is extremely important.

Audio polarity is all about left and Right balancing. If you don’t want to feel like you hear more from one ear and less from the other, audio polarity is extremely important.

1.5 Design

Clippers - Additional clips to fix the earphones to your ears are an additional blessing. 

Driver design - Earbuds that sit comfortably in your ear are hard to find. If they are too large, they will hurt your ears. If they are too small, they will fall out. This is where driver design holds a high value. Pick the ones that will fit you properly. 

Wire - Tangling and untangling wires are also an essential part of the design. Pick one that you find the most comfortable.

Colour - Take your pick! There are various colours available.

Clippers - Additional clips to fix the earphones to your ears are an additional blessing. 

Driver design - Earbuds that sit comfortably in your ear are hard to find. If they are too large, they will hurt your ears. If they are too small, they will fall out. This is where driver design holds a high value. Pick the ones that will fit you properly. 

Wire - Tangling and untangling wires are also an essential part of the design. Pick one that you find the most comfortable.

Colour - Take your pick! There are various colours available.

2. Use Cases: The best earphones for you

2.1 Which earphone do I choose if I get a lot of calls?

Chatter-boxes: If you are a person who loves to talk away while doing your daily work, an earphone with a mic is your best option. This will enable you to continue your work and still control the calls, music and volume with the mic! 

Such earphones will also be helpful if you use them for video conferencing while using the computer!

Chatter-boxes: If you are a person who loves to talk away while doing your daily work, an earphone with a mic is your best option. This will enable you to continue your work and still control the calls, music and volume with the mic! 

Such earphones will also be helpful if you use them for video conferencing while using the computer!

2.2 Which earphone is the best for me if I love to listen more and talk less?

The silent listeners: If you fit in the category of being in your own space with music plugged in, then headphones that have good drivers and are soft on the ears would be your best pick. The mic should not be the top priority consideration in this, but it does have its perks. 

Select the ones that have reasonable treble and bass settings.

The silent listeners: If you fit in the category of being in your own space with music plugged in, then headphones that have good drivers and are soft on the ears would be your best pick. The mic should not be the top priority consideration in this, but it does have its perks. 

Select the ones that have reasonable treble and bass settings.

3. FAOs: Learn more about the details

3.1 Are earphones bad for your ears?

If you expose yourself to loud music, any earphones can damage your ears. This risk is equal for earphones that are on-ear as well. We recommend that you tune your music up to a good sound and not just blast them off!

If you expose yourself to loud music, any earphones can damage your ears. This risk is equal for earphones that are on-ear as well. We recommend that you tune your music up to a good sound and not just blast them off!

3.2 Are earphones better or headphones?

Both of these have their pros and cons. Your selection will solely depend upon your preference and liking!

Both of these have their pros and cons. Your selection will solely depend upon your preference and liking!

3.3 Are earphones waterproof?

Not all earphones are waterproof. You will have to check this specification separately to know if the earphones are waterproof or not.

Not all earphones are waterproof. You will have to check this specification separately to know if the earphones are waterproof or not.

3.4 Can earphones be repaired?

It depends upon the type of damage. If there are manufacturing defects, you can get a replacement. But if a wire is cut, sadly you need to shell out your pocket to buy a new one.

It depends upon the type of damage. If there are manufacturing defects, you can get a replacement. But if a wire is cut, sadly you need to shell out your pocket to buy a new one.

3.5 Can earphones be connected to the laptop?

Yes, earphones having a 3.5 mm jack can easily be connected to laptops.

Yes, earphones having a 3.5 mm jack can easily be connected to laptops.

3.6 What earphones should I buy?

Check out the product reviews to select the one for you.

Check out the product reviews to select the one for you.

3.7 Which earphones are the best?

We have formulated a list of the top 7 wired earphones. Head over to product reviews and check them out.

We have formulated a list of the top 7 wired earphones. Head over to product reviews and check them out.

3.8 Which earphones are best-wired or wireless?

This will solely depend upon your needs and comfort. Both have their own up and downsides!

This will solely depend upon your needs and comfort. Both have their own up and downsides!

4. How-To: Usage hints and care instructions for earphones

4.1 How to store a wired earphone?

Easy tricks to stay tangle-free!

  • Keep the wires rounded up.

  • You can buy earphones sorters from Amazon.

  • Hang the earphones. (Not ideal if you have a pet).

  • If you consider yourself a messy individual, buy earphones that have non-tangle wires.

Easy tricks to stay tangle-free!

  • Keep the wires rounded up.

  • You can buy earphones sorters from Amazon.

  • Hang the earphones. (Not ideal if you have a pet).

  • If you consider yourself a messy individual, buy earphones that have non-tangle wires.

5. Did you know: Interesting facts, figures, and things to know about the earphones

5.1  During the 1880s, the telephone operators, used a simplified version of the modern headphones, consisting of a single earpiece. One had to connect it to a contraption with a mouthpiece for communication.

5.2 The first modern headphone was created by Nathaniel Baldwin with his hands. The Navy purchased it later and used it as a piece of radio equipment. As they were being made in his kitchen, it came with a low production rate(ten pieces at a time).

5.3 Earlier, they used 'Cans' as slang for anything that produces sounds. It was used for earpieces too. They had to be put very close to the ear to hear the sound.

5.4 John C Koss was the father of stereo headphones. He was an excellent inventor and also a genius in the field of marketing.

He did the celebrity endorsement of his headphones. He had taken over the market from the 1960s to the 1970s.

5.5 The next momentum shift happened in the headphone industry when Sony released the Walkman. The demand for headphones suddenly rose.

5.6 In 2000, Bose brought noise-cancelling headphones to the market. This gave birth to the QuietComfort series. Since then, Bose has become the best brand for noise-cancellation headphones.

5.1  During the 1880s, the telephone operators, used a simplified version of the modern headphones, consisting of a single earpiece. One had to connect it to a contraption with a mouthpiece for communication.

5.2 The first modern headphone was created by Nathaniel Baldwin with his hands. The Navy purchased it later and used it as a piece of radio equipment. As they were being made in his kitchen, it came with a low production rate(ten pieces at a time).

5.3 Earlier, they used 'Cans' as slang for anything that produces sounds. It was used for earpieces too. They had to be put very close to the ear to hear the sound.

5.4 John C Koss was the father of stereo headphones. He was an excellent inventor and also a genius in the field of marketing.

He did the celebrity endorsement of his headphones. He had taken over the market from the 1960s to the 1970s.

5.5 The next momentum shift happened in the headphone industry when Sony released the Walkman. The demand for headphones suddenly rose.

5.6 In 2000, Bose brought noise-cancelling headphones to the market. This gave birth to the QuietComfort series. Since then, Bose has become the best brand for noise-cancellation headphones.

6. Our Picks: How we picked the best earphones

Choosing the best earphone can indeed be a taxing task because there is a lot of variety in the market. The sheer availability of information can be extremely tough to sort through and arrive at an appropriate decision, which is why we have formulated quick and crisp product reviews to get through that task quite quickly!

Choosing the best earphone can indeed be a taxing task because there is a lot of variety in the market. The sheer availability of information can be extremely tough to sort through and arrive at an appropriate decision, which is why we have formulated quick and crisp product reviews to get through that task quite quickly!

6.1 JBL C100SI: The winner!

  • Why?

    • Signature sound by the best in the market.

    • Ability to give out an extra deep bass.

    • You will be immersed in the sound with a noise-cancelling microphone.

    • There is a single button that lets you control the mic.

    • Long press the button for direct access to Google Assistant and Siri.

    • The design is very snuggly, and you get three ear tips.

    • 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.

  • Why?

    • Signature sound by the best in the market.

    • Ability to give out an extra deep bass.

    • You will be immersed in the sound with a noise-cancelling microphone.

    • There is a single button that lets you control the mic.

    • Long press the button for direct access to Google Assistant and Siri.

    • The design is very snuggly, and you get three ear tips.

    • 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.

6.2 boAT Bassheads 100: Second in the line!

  • Why?

    • It is made of PVC cable which makes it tangle-free.

    • The design is amiable to use.

    • It works with both Android and iOS.

  • Why?

    • It is made of PVC cable which makes it tangle-free.

    • The design is amiable to use.

    • It works with both Android and iOS.

6.3 Redmi Hi-Resolution: Third in line!

  • Why?

    • The very accurate sound quality lets you hear crystal-clear audio. Your music will be alive around you!

    • 10 mm dynamic drivers that have strong vocals and good treble.

    • Wire-controlled microphone for a hands-free experience.

    • Y-shaped cable that is 1.25m long.

    • The button on the mic lets you control music, attend calls.

    • The music jack is 90° angle, which makes it easy to use. Plus, it increases the durability of the earphones.

  • Why?

    • The very accurate sound quality lets you hear crystal-clear audio. Your music will be alive around you!

    • 10 mm dynamic drivers that have strong vocals and good treble.

    • Wire-controlled microphone for a hands-free experience.

    • Y-shaped cable that is 1.25m long.

    • The button on the mic lets you control music, attend calls.

    • The music jack is 90° angle, which makes it easy to use. Plus, it increases the durability of the earphones.

6.4 Boult Audio BassBuds: Fourth on the list!

  • Why?

    • The mic can control functions like calls, music playback and provides easy voice access to your assistant.

    • Best acoustics sounds are delivered through specially designed drivers.

    • The earphones have fins to hold the buds on your ears without much effort. This lets you a free hand to hike, bike or run!

    • Micro-woofers give out a crystal clear HD sound.

    • It is IPX5 water and sweat resistant.

    • The earphones have a crisp bass response and bright tones.

  • Why?

    • The mic can control functions like calls, music playback and provides easy voice access to your assistant.

    • Best acoustics sounds are delivered through specially designed drivers.

    • The earphones have fins to hold the buds on your ears without much effort. This lets you a free hand to hike, bike or run!

    • Micro-woofers give out a crystal clear HD sound.

    • It is IPX5 water and sweat resistant.

    • The earphones have a crisp bass response and bright tones.

6.5 Realme Buds 2: Fifth in the line!

  • Why?

    • The 11.2 mm drivers boost bass and have a multi-layer diaphragm. This gets you an accurate bass response.

    • The mic remote features 3 buttons and a mic, which allow you to control music, videos and incoming calls. It also lets you summon the voice assistant just at a touch.

    • A high quality braided jacket and 2 well designed TPU cables make for a robust and durable design.

    • There are 2 in-built magnets as well along with a cable strap. This gives a long-lasting solution for proper storage.

    • The look and a streamlined design is an unavoidable package.

  • Why?

    • The 11.2 mm drivers boost bass and have a multi-layer diaphragm. This gets you an accurate bass response.

    • The mic remote features 3 buttons and a mic, which allow you to control music, videos and incoming calls. It also lets you summon the voice assistant just at a touch.

    • A high quality braided jacket and 2 well designed TPU cables make for a robust and durable design.

    • There are 2 in-built magnets as well along with a cable strap. This gives a long-lasting solution for proper storage.

    • The look and a streamlined design is an unavoidable package.

6.6 JBL C200SI: Second to the last!

  • Why?

    • It has the JBL signature sound.

    • The earphones come with true powerful bass.

    • Premium metallic finish is worth paying for.

    • These earphones have a noise-cancelling mic.

    • You get one-touch access to Google and Siri.

    • Features like universal remote and mic are also there.

    • 3 sizes of ear tips are provided. 

    • What’s in the box: 1 pair JBL C200SI headphone, 3 sets of ear tips 

  • Why?

    • It has the JBL signature sound.

    • The earphones come with true powerful bass.

    • Premium metallic finish is worth paying for.

    • These earphones have a noise-cancelling mic.

    • You get one-touch access to Google and Siri.

    • Features like universal remote and mic are also there.

    • 3 sizes of ear tips are provided. 

    • What’s in the box: 1 pair JBL C200SI headphone, 3 sets of ear tips 

6.7 boAT Bassheads 242: Last, yet not least!

  • Why?

    • A rigid PVC cable that is tangle-free and durable.

    • It works well with Android and iOS via a 3.5mm AUX.

    • It is IPX4 water and sweat resistant.

    • In line mic is there. Checkout reviews and comparison of best Bluetooth headphones, best sports headphones in India.

  • Why?

    • A rigid PVC cable that is tangle-free and durable.

    • It works well with Android and iOS via a 3.5mm AUX.

    • It is IPX4 water and sweat resistant.

    • In line mic is there. Checkout reviews and comparison of best Bluetooth headphones, best sports headphones in India.