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True Wireless Stereo (TWS) Explained
Demystifying True Wireless Stereo (TWS) Technology
True Wireless Stereo, or TWS, is a technology that enables two wireless earphones or speakers to communicate with each other and a Bluetooth device without any cables. All wireless devices offer more freedom and comfort to the user, but the difference with TWS earphones is they deliver stereo sound quality. More expensive earbuds are most likely to have this feature, but you can never be sure. When buying especially more economical headphones look for this feature. TWS earphones have a small chip that allows them to pair with each other and the Bluetooth device. TWS earphones are popular among music lovers, sports enthusiasts, and people who want to enjoy wireless audio without hassle.
TWS – True Wireless Headphones refers to earbuds that can offer stereo sound with no wire joining the left and right headphone
Why should my headphones include TWS?
Before you purchase a set of wireless headphones, you should consider the features. Also, see our BLOG on choosing the right headphones. In the modern age, all music has been recorded and mostly broadcast in stereo, which is a left and a right channel, meaning you get a distinct sound in each ear. Only wireless headphones which support TWS can pay back a true stereo sound without cables.
TWS headphones have other advantages, such as:
- Wireless convenience: You do not have to deal with cords or wires that can cause trouble, damage, or inconvenience. You also have the option to use only one earbud if you want to extend the battery life or be more alert to your environment.
- Wireless flexibility: You can use TWS headphones for different purposes, such as enjoying music, watching videos, making calls, exercising, traveling, etc. You can also connect them with various Bluetooth devices quickly and smoothly.
- Wireless quality: You can experience stereo sound quality with TWS headphones. Each earbud has its own Bluetooth chip and antenna that enables them to communicate with each other and the source device. Some TWS headphones also have noise cancellation features that filter out unwanted ambient noise and improve your listening experience.
There are wireless headphones without TWS capable of stereo reproduction. Still, they require a wire between the left and right earbud or speaker but no wire back to your smartphone.
What are the different types of TWS products?
True wireless devices can work independently or in a system of two matching devices that are connected to each other. They are easy to carry and can be used in different places in your home or outside if durable.
True wireless earbuds/headphones
TWS earbuds are small, light, and simple-to-use types of headphones that can be found at very reasonable prices. TWS headphones have rechargeable batteries and can be used in pairs or only one of them while doing different activities such as cleaning, walking, running, or even driving. True wireless earbuds/headphones give you more freedom of movement because they don't have wires.
True wireless speakers
True wireless speakers are speakers that have built-in rechargeable batteries as their only power source, which means that you can use them anywhere in the house or outside without having to deal with any cables. They can be paired with smartphones, computers and even TVs, and they still sound good.
True wireless devices can work as single devices or in pairs. When used in pairs, one device will play the right channel while the other will play the left channel creating a nice stereo sound experience. For example, suppose you have two Bluetooth speakers of the same kind that support pairing. In that case, you can link them together, pair them with the sound source and use them as a stereo speaker system. Of course, this usually requires using an app that will let you control the music, play, pause or skip tracks.
How does TWS work?
TWS allows A2DP to be transmitted between your two earphones/speakers, so the audio is played in sync on both devices. A2DP, or Advanced Audio Distribution Profile, is a standard for quality audio to be distributed by Bluetooth. The Master device receives the A2DP audio and forwards it to the other TWS device (slave).
You may need to do the following steps to set up a true wireless stereo system with a pair of TWS earbuds or a pair of true wireless speakers. Alternatively, an App may do the set up for you.
- Turn on the Bluetooth and pair one of these devices (the user manual usually tells you which one to use first) that can be called the primary device to the chosen audio source (smartphone, player, PC, TV, etc.).
- Pair the second (secondary) device to the primary device, not the source. This way, you'll have your stereo system, which plays different left and right channels, making the music more enjoyable and realistic to your ears.
The technology is based on chips. Every Bluetooth device has a built-in chip that can wirelessly send and receive audio signals. The main speaker gets them from the source device, which stays mono if the connection ends there. Suppose the main speaker is linked with another speaker, in that case, it starts sending the signals to its secondary speaker and the signal is divided into two channels - left and right.
HINTS
When buying headphones, you do not need to buy a famous brand to get a wonderful experience. Laser offers a range of value-for-money quality earbuds/headphones that will meet your needs without an expensive price tag.
Laser also offers a range of affordable portable Bluetooth speakers, some of which are TWS capable.
SUMMARY – TWS
TWS or True Wireless Stereo is a technology that allows two separate audio devices, like a wireless earbud or wireless speaker, to work together in tandem to replay music or audio in stereo. Without TWS, you would need a cable connecting the speakers or listening in mono.
Put simply, it works, and when buying, for example, a set of wireless earbuds, ensure TWS is incorporated for the best audio results.