The Microsoft Surface Earbuds are disappointing truly wireless headphones for most uses. While some people may prefer their earbud design that doesn't enter the ear canal as deeply as most traditional in-ear headphones, they're still only decently comfortable and block almost no background noise. Their 5.8-hour battery is a lot less than the 8 advertised by Microsoft, but luckily the case fully charges the headphones in just over half an hour, which is great. Their sound profile is versatile enough for most genres but lacks a lot of bass and brightness. On the upside, their companion app allows you to customize the way they sound with a graphic EQ and presets.
Our Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Earbuds are disappointing truly wireless earbuds for mixed usage. Due to their open fit, they block almost no background noise, and their mic's recording quality is poor. People who don't like the plunger-like fit of in-ears may find them decently comfortable, though they tend to cause fatigue during long listening sessions. Their sound profile isn't very balanced and they lack a fair amount of bass, though luckily, their companion app gives access to a graphic EQ so you can customize the way they sound.
- Earbud design doesn't create 'plunger'-like feeling.
- Dedicated companion app gives access to graphic EQ and presets.
- Less than advertised battery life.
- Open fit blocks no background noise.
- Touch-sensitive controls can be finicky and dislodge headphones.
The Microsoft Surface Earbuds aren't recommended for neutral sound listening. While their mid-range is very even and well-balanced, they're very recessed in both their bass and treble ranges. It's worth noting that their earbud design makes them very inconsistent among users, so you may experience their sound reproduction differently. Luckily, their companion app gives access to a graphic EQ, so you can customize them to better suit your taste.
- Dedicated companion app gives access to graphic EQ and presets.
- Earbud design gives more open-sounding soundstage than typical in-ears.
- Inaccurate sound profile out-of-the-box.
- Touch-sensitive controls can be finicky and dislodge headphones.
The Microsoft Surface Earbuds aren't a good choice for commuting or travel. Due to their earbud design, they block out almost no background noise, and won't do anything to block the engine noises from a bus or plane, or the chatty person sitting next to you. While they're decently comfortable, they may cause some discomfort during long flights, and their 5.8-hour battery means you'll likely need to take a break to charge them. On the bright side, they charge in just over half an hour, which is excellent.
- Earbud design doesn't create 'plunger'-like feeling.
- Dedicated companion app gives access to graphic EQ and presets.
- Less than advertised battery life.
- Open fit blocks no background noise.
- Touch-sensitive controls can be finicky and dislodge headphones.
The Microsoft Surface Earbuds are good headphones for sports. Depending on the fit you're able to achieve, they're decently stable and shouldn't fall out during most runs or light exercise. Unfortunately, they'll likely slide around or come out during intense workouts. Their touch-sensitive controls are also a bit finicky, and it can be difficult to activate commands without moving the headphones in your ears. On the bright side, they're rated IPX4 for basic water resistance, though this isn't something we test for.
- Earbud design doesn't create 'plunger'-like feeling.
- Dedicated companion app gives access to graphic EQ and presets.
- Decently stable fit.
- Touch-sensitive controls can be finicky and dislodge headphones.
The Microsoft Surface Earbuds are disappointing for office use. They aren't the most comfortable for long periods, and their 5.8-hour battery life means you'll likely have to charge them up part way through your work day. They block almost no background noise, but luckily they leak very little audio, so you can turn them up without bothering your coworkers. They also integrate with Microsoft 365, giving you features such as the ability to control PowerPoint presentations with their touch-sensitive controls, which may be useful for some people.
- Earbud design doesn't create 'plunger'-like feeling.
- Dedicated companion app gives access to graphic EQ and presets.
- Less than advertised battery life.
- Open fit blocks no background noise.
- Touch-sensitive controls can be finicky and dislodge headphones.
The Microsoft Surface Earbuds are Bluetooth-only headphones that aren't compatible with Xbox One or PS4. While they work with Bluetooth-enabled PCs, their disappointing microphone recording quality and high PC latency make them a less-than-ideal choice.
The Microsoft Surface Earbuds are Bluetooth-only headphones that can't be used wired.
The Microsoft Surface Earbuds aren't recommended for phone calls. While they block very little background noise, which helps you hear yourself while on a phone call, their microphone's recording quality is disappointing. Your voice sounds thin, muffled, and lacking in detail. On the bright side, it does a decent job of separating your voice from background noises, so your voice shouldn't get drowned out in moderately noisy environments.
- Earbud design doesn't create 'plunger'-like feeling.
- Microphone has decent noise handling.
- Disappointing microphone recording quality.
- Touch-sensitive controls can be finicky and dislodge headphones.
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Popular Headphones Comparisons
The Microsoft Surface Earbuds are truly wireless earbuds that don't enter the ear nearly as deep as traditional in-ear headphones. They have a similar fit and feel as the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Truly Wireless, and have a unique large, circular touch-sensitive surface for controlling your music as well as Microsoft 365 software. Check out our recommendations for the best truly wireless earbuds, the best Bluetooth earbuds, and the best wireless headphones.
The Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless are much better truly wireless headphones than the Microsoft Surface Earbuds Truly Wireless. The Google are more comfortable and have a better control scheme that's much easier to use. They also feel more stable in the ear and have a much better-balanced sound profile that's much more consistent between different users. They also last longer off a single charge, and their case holds a lot more full charges. On the other hand, some people may prefer the fit of the Microsoft as they don't enter the ear canal nearly as deeply. Their companion app also gives access to a graphic EQ and presets
The Apple AirPods (2nd generation) are better truly wireless headphones than the Microsoft Surface Earbuds Truly Wireless. The Apple look and feel more premium and better built, have a better-balanced sound profile, and have a better microphone. On the other hand, while both headphones lack a lot of bass, the Microsoft have a graphic EQ in their companion app, so you can customize how they sound. They also last longer off a single charge, though their case doesn't hold nearly as many full charges.
The Apple AirPods Pro are significantly better truly wireless headphones than the Microsoft Surface Earbuds Truly Wireless. The Apple headphones are much more comfortable, look and feel more premium, and hold way more charges in their case. They block out drastically more background noise than the Microsoft thanks to their great ANC feature, and their sound profile is also much better balanced. On the other hand, the Microsoft don't have an in-ear fit that enters deep into the ear canal, which some people may prefer. Their companion app also allows you to customize how the headphones sound via a graphic EQ or presets, which the Apple in-ears lack.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds+ are much better truly wireless headphones than the Microsoft Surface Earbuds Truly Wireless. The Samsung are more comfortable, feel much more stable in the ear, and have a much better-balanced and more accurate default sound profile. Their excellent 13.3-hour battery last more than twice as long, and they block a lot more background noise. On the other hand, the Microsoft don't enter the ear canal as deeply, which some people may prefer. Their companion app also gives you access to a graphic EQ, while the Samsung app only gives you EQ presets.
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