Do the cords of your headphones look like the knotted center of a rat king after spending just a few minutes inside a pocket or purse? Turns out there’s a scientific explanation for that.
In 2007, two researchers at the University of California, San Diego decided to study the likelihood of knot formation by tumbling a piece of string inside a plastic box. They performed no less than 3,415 trials of this experiment and analyzed the resulting knots using mathematical knot theory. (That’s a thing, apparently.)
The pair published their findings in a paper, titled “Spontaneous knotting of an agitated string,” concluding that one end of a string has to cross another part of the string just twice for a spontaneous knot to begin forming. That means as soon as you stash away your headphones, they can be well on their way to Tangle City in a matter of seconds. Read more…
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BEST OVERALL CHOICE
Jabra Elite Active 65t
They may not enjoy mainstream brand recognition, but Jabra’s good-sounding, long-lasting earbuds are super solid.
- Playtime: 5 hours (+10 hours with charging case)
- Style: True wireless
- Built-in mic: Yes
- Charging case included: Yes
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BEST FOR NOISE CANCELLATION
Apple AirPods Pro
Apple’s infamous in-ear buds have gotten even better with the addition of active noise cancelation technology.
- Playtime: 4.5 hours of listening time and 3.5 hours of talk time (+24 and +18 hours, respectively, with charging case); listening time can be extended to up to 5 hours with Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency off
- Style: True wireless
- Built-in mic: Yes
- Charging case included: Yes
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BEST BUDGET PICK
Anker Soundcore Liberty Neo
Offering decent sound for the money, Anker’s buds are a worthy upgrade from the junky earbuds you impulse-bought at the airport.
- Playtime: 3.5 hours (+9 hours with charging case)
- Style: True wireless
- Built-in mic: Yes
- Charging case included: Yes
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BEST PREMIUM BUDS
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless
If you can justify their borderline ridiculous price tag, you’ll be the proud owner of the best-sounding buds on your block.
- Playtime: 4 hours (+12 with charging case)
- Style: True wireless
- Built-in mic: Yes
- Charging case included: Yes
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BEST FOR DEEP BASS
Bose SoundSport Free
These bulbous little buds offer some serious oomph — just don’t expect much from them when it comes to video syncing.
- Playtime: 5 hours (+10 hours with charging case)
- Style: True wireless
- Built-in mic: Yes
- Charging case included: Yes
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BEST FOR FLEXIBILITY
Samsung Galaxy Buds
These durable and highly customizable earbuds offer the sort of convenient functionality that even Apple devotees can get behind.
- Playtime: 6 hours (+7 hours with charging case)
- Style: True wireless
- Built-in mic: Yes
- Charging case included: Yes
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MOST AFFORDABLE
Anker SoundBuds Slim
For such an affordable price, this is an impressive pair of wireless earbuds.
- Playtime: 10 hours
- Style: Wireless
- Built-in mic: Yes
- Charging case included: No
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BEST FOR ALEXA INTEGRATION
Echo Buds
With Alexa skills and Bose Active Noise Reduction, Echo Buds are a decent option.
- Playtime: 5 hours (+15 hours with charging case)
- Style: True wireless
- Built-in mic: Yes
- Charging case included: Yes
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BEST FOR WORKING OUT
LifeBEAM Vi Sense Wireless Headphones
These AI-enabled earbuds have the potential to replace your Fitbit *and* your IRL personal trainer.
- Playtime: 8 hours
- Style: Wireless
- Built-in mic: Yes
- Charging case included: No
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BEST FOR ALL-DAY WEAR
Beats Powerbeats Pro Totally Wireless Earphones
Love Apple, but hate AirPods? The Beats Powerbeats Pro are a sporty alternative comfy enough for all-day wear with an all-day battery life to match.
- Playtime: 9 hours (+24 hours with charging case)
- Style: True wireless with earhooks
- Built-in mic: Yes
- Charging case included: Yes
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BEST AIRPODS PRO ALTERNATIVE
Sony WF-1000XM3
With noise cancellation and ambient sound mode, these Sony buds give Apple a run for its money.
- Playtime: 6 hours (+24 hours with charging case)
- Style: True wireless
- Built-in mic: Yes
- Charging case included: Yes
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BEST FOR SAMSUNG PHONE USERS
Samsung Galaxy Buds+
A step up from their predecessor, Galaxy Buds+ shine on battery life.
- Playtime: 11 hours (+11 hours with charging case)
- Style: True wireless
- Built-in mic: Yes
- Charging case included: Yes
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MASHABLE OFFICE FAVORITE
Apple AirPods
Though they aren’t the newest from Apple, we still love the classic AirPods.
- Playtime: 5 hours of play, 3 hours of talk (+24 hours play and +18 hours talk with charging case)
- Style: True wireless
- Built-in mic: Yes
- Charging case included: Yes
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