Whether you prefer wired or to go wireless – from headphones and earbuds to Bluetooth speakers – we help you figure out which option suits you and the features to consider before you buy.
Work and play: when is wireless best?
Wireless earbuds and earphones are ideal for an active lifestyle and for work.
They’re compact, light, and perfect for gym workouts and commuting. Look for active noise cancellation (ANC) to block background noise in the office, sweat and water resistance for exercise, and a charging case that tops them up on the go.
For work, ANC earbuds like Apple AirPods Pro excel in open-plan offices, blocking out chatter and air-conditioning hums while offering transparency modes when you need to hear colleagues.
Vodacom stocks wireless earbuds for every budget. Premium picks from Apple, Samsung, and HONOR offer ANC, transparency mode, wireless charging, and custom EQ (equalisation) via companion apps. On the budget side, you can still get options with Bluetooth 5.0, built-in microphones, voice assistant support, and up to six hours of playback.
Should I still use wired devices?
Wired earbuds and earphones are making a comeback as a fashion statement, but they offer real practical benefits too. There’s no battery to charge, no pairing glitches, and zero audio delay so they’re ideal for gaming and video.
Unlike Bluetooth buds, you also don’t have to worry about them falling out of your ears, and they never die mid-use.
Several budget smartphones currently available from Vodacom still feature a 3.5mm headphone jack, including the new Samsung Galaxy A07.
When are over-ear headphones the best choice?
Over-ear headphones are your pick when you want maximum comfort for long sessions, rich sound with deep bass, and strong noise isolation. The cushioned ear cups rest around your ears rather than pressing on them, which is particularly useful if you wear glasses or earrings.
They’re ideal for focused work, long-haul travel, gaming, or audio editing.
What do I look for in a Bluetooth speaker?
When choosing a Bluetooth speaker, prioritise sound quality, battery life, durability, and size. Larger speakers generally deliver deeper bass and louder volume, while smaller models are more portable.
Look for balanced sound with clear vocals and minimal distortion at high volumes, and a companion app with EQ (equaliser) settings if you like to customise your sound.
For outdoor use, check the IP rating – IP67 means full dust protection and water resistance. You’ll want at least 10-12 hours of battery life for regular use, or 20+ hours for camping and travel.
Bluetooth 5.0 or higher ensures faster pairing and a stable connection, while multipoint pairing lets you connect two devices at once.
For the home, smart speakers offer built-in Google Assistant and Chromecast for voice-controlled music and smart home integration.
Ready to find your perfect audio option? Browse the latest earphones, headphones, and Bluetooth speakers on Vodacom.
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