Hello all,
After hours of scouring this forum and Reddit, I'm actually confused about the compatibility and usability of wireless headphones with Fenix 6 series. Some posts mention that a set of earbuds works wonderfully while some posts mention that the same pair has issues with connectivity. I found a compatibility table created by the community as well as a post from Gramin about compatible devices. However, looks like these are 2 years old and are not updated to match the new Firmware updates (for both the buds and the watch). I am having a hard time figuring out the earbuds that actually work, specifically on Fenix 6s Sapphire (although I'm assuming that the compatibility applies equally to all Fenix 6 series watches).
I think after paying more than $600 for a performance watch and more than $100 on earbuds that are designed with the same Bluetooth standards and marketed to play music, it is absolutely reasonable to want to not go through this much pain and suffering just to find a pair. Since neither Garmin, nor the earbuds manufacturers have addressed the connectivity issue (e.g. Jaybird Vista 2's connectivity with Garmin watches, Jabra's insistence that they are "not designed" for smartwatches), I would love to see this community's recommendations based on experience.
The criteria are reasonable and basic. I think in 2022, these are not too much of an ask, given that there are many wireless earbuds in the market that surpass these criteria. All I'm looking for is a pair that works reasonably (I have the latest non-beta firmware, I think 20.00):
1. No drops even when the watch is worn on the left hand, outside.
2. No stuttering even when the watch is worn on the left hand and even when walking outside (not just running - seems like, for some buds, the straightened hand during walking increases the distance between the buds and the watch leading to poor connectivity).
3. Decent sound (this excludes Aftershokz as I'm looking for good bass for electronic/psytrance/ambient music - not just podcasts).
4. Decent quality - we can at least expect buds to last a year.
5. Comfortable and snug for trail runs, road runs, any runs!
6. Sweatproof.
7. Preferably with ANC.
8. At least a few hours of battery life.
9. Preferably detached earpieces.
10. Preferably no over-the-ear attachments so that they can be worn comfortably with sunglasses. Wing attachments are fine.
Please mention the Firmware you have, as well as the model for the earbuds. Thank you again for helping me and other folks!
If we have enough data points, I'll create a compatibility table here for Fenix 6 series!
