How to choose wireless earbuds, speakers and streaming sticks

Everyday electronics disappoint for one reason more than any other: the thing you bought does not work with the thing you already own. Our Electronics category is deliberately practical rather than flagship, and compatibility is the first thing we read.

Start with the connector and the ecosystem

• Wired earphones: confirm the plug — USB-C, Lightning and 3.5 mm are not interchangeable.
• Wireless earbuds: confirm the charging-case connector, since it decides which cable lives in your bag.
• Streaming sticks: confirm the television has a free HDMI port and, for 4K models, that the panel is actually 4K.
• Replacement remotes: confirm the exact model range the listing names, not just the brand.

Battery and runtime claims

Runtime figures on a listing are manufacturer figures measured at a fixed volume. Treat them as a comparison between models rather than a promise. For earbuds, note whether the quoted hours include the charging case or only the buds themselves — the two numbers often differ by a factor of four.

Portable speakers

For a small Bluetooth speaker, the specification worth reading is the physical size and whether it has an integrated rechargeable battery. Loudness claims are rarely comparable across brands; size and battery are.

Streaming sticks

A streaming stick is only as good as the television it plugs into and the network behind it. Check the resolution the stick supports, what the remote can control, and whether the power is drawn from a wall adapter rather than a TV USB port — the latter is a frequent source of restarts.

Common questions

Are more expensive earbuds always better?

We do not publish prices or make value judgements. Match the connector, the fit style and the case size to how you actually carry them.

Will a 4K streaming stick improve a 1080p television?

It will not add resolution the panel cannot display. Read the television specification before paying for a 4K model.

Where can I see the current picks?

The Practical Tech Picks collection lists our current everyday electronics selections.