The true wireless earbud market is evolving at a breakneck pace, and brands are racing to deliver smarter, faster, and more immersive experiences. As smartphone makers expand into personal audio, one name that continues to surprise with its performance-driven design is iQOO. Known primarily for its gaming-centric smartphones, iQOO has gradually built a strong presence in the audio segment too.
Now, the brand is ready to unveil its next big audio innovation — the iQOO TWS 5, set to launch alongside the iQOO 15, iQOO Pad 5e, and iQOO Watch GT 2 on October 20, 2025. Early teasers suggest that iQOO’s latest earbuds are not just an incremental upgrade, but a full-fledged reimagining of what TWS (True Wireless Stereo) earbuds can offer for gamers, music lovers, and multitaskers alike.
The Promise of Extreme Low Latency
One of the most exciting features confirmed by iQOO is 42 ms ultra-low latency. In simpler terms, latency refers to the delay between the audio signal being produced and when you actually hear it in your earbuds.
For gamers, low latency is everything. Even a slight lag can make the difference between hitting your target or missing it entirely. With latency reduced to just 42 milliseconds, iQOO TWS 5 ensures that in-game sound effects like footsteps, gunshots, or voice cues sync perfectly with the action on screen.
This feature alone positions the iQOO TWS 5 among the fastest wireless earbuds available, rivaling even high-end gaming TWS options from brands like Razer and JBL. It clearly shows that iQOO is doubling down on its gaming DNA — extending the same performance philosophy from its smartphones to its accessories.
Check out the iQOO Neo 10 to see how iQOO delivers flagship performance in smartphones.
A Noise-Cancelling Powerhouse: 60 dB ANC
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has become a staple feature in premium wireless earbuds, but iQOO seems intent on pushing that boundary even further. The iQOO TWS 5 will reportedly feature 60 dB of Active Noise Cancellation — an impressive figure that promises near-total silence even in noisy environments.
To put that into perspective, most high-end earbuds, including the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) or Sony WF-1000XM5, typically hover around 40-45 dB of noise cancellation. Achieving 60 dB could mean a significantly quieter and more focused listening experience, especially useful during flights, commutes, or intense gaming sessions.
If iQOO manages to deliver on this number, the TWS 5 could easily become one of the most powerful ANC earbuds in its price segment, setting a new benchmark for rivals.
Design That Marries Style and Comfort
While official images are still under wraps, leaks and teaser posters suggest a sleek, stem-based in-ear design similar to iQOO’s earlier TWS models. The case is likely compact and ergonomically designed, possibly with a metallic or matte finish that matches iQOO’s high-performance aesthetic.
Comfort has always been a focus for iQOO’s audio lineup, and the TWS 5 is expected to come with silicone ear tips for better passive noise isolation. Given iQOO’s focus on gaming, the earbuds will probably be lightweight, ensuring minimal ear fatigue during long sessions.
Moreover, we can expect touch-based gesture controls for playback, calls, and ANC modes, maintaining the convenience factor users expect from modern TWS earbuds.
Powerful Audio Performance
Though iQOO hasn’t revealed the exact driver specifications yet, past products in the TWS lineup featured large dynamic drivers, usually between 10 mm to 12 mm, tuned by Vivo’s “Golden Ear” acoustic team.
The TWS 5 will likely follow the same tuning philosophy, focusing on rich bass, clear mids, and detailed highs. The soundstage could be optimized for both immersive music playback and positional audio — a crucial factor for competitive gaming.
Additionally, iQOO might integrate AI-powered call noise reduction, using dual microphones to isolate your voice from background noise during calls or voice chats. Combined with 60 dB ANC, this will make the TWS 5 a solid companion for both work and entertainment.
Next-Gen Connectivity
Connectivity often makes or breaks the TWS experience, and iQOO knows this well. While the brand hasn’t confirmed the Bluetooth version, the TWS 5 is expected to feature Bluetooth 5.4 or higher, ensuring a more stable connection, faster pairing, and better energy efficiency.
Codec support will likely include SBC, AAC, and possibly aptX Adaptive or LC3, offering higher bitrate audio for improved sound quality. If iQOO integrates dual-device pairing (multipoint connection), users will be able to switch seamlessly between their smartphone and laptop — a feature that’s increasingly becoming a must-have in 2025.
Battery Life & Fast Charging
Battery performance is one area where iQOO’s previous TWS models have shined. We can expect the TWS 5 to deliver around 6–8 hours of playback per charge, with the charging case extending total playtime to 30–35 hours.
Fast charging is almost certain — a quick 10-minute charge may provide several hours of playback, making it a practical choice for daily users. Wireless charging support could also be included, aligning it with other premium earbuds.
Smart Features and Water Resistance
Given iQOO’s integration with the Vivo ecosystem, features like smart wear detection (auto-pause when you remove an earbud) and customizable EQ profiles through the iQOO or Vivo app are expected.
For active users, an IP54 or IPX5 rating for water and sweat resistance would make the TWS 5 suitable for workouts and outdoor use.
Additionally, iQOO might introduce Find My Earbuds functionality, touch-sensitivity customization, and firmware updates through its companion app — creating a smarter, more integrated user experience.
Expected Pricing and Launch
The iQOO TWS 5 will debut alongside a full lineup of new products on October 20, 2025. While official pricing hasn’t been announced yet, it’s expected to be competitively positioned — possibly in the ₹4,999 to ₹6,999 range in India (or roughly $60–$80 globally).
This would place it directly against mid-range offerings from Realme, OnePlus, and Nothing, while potentially outperforming them in latency and ANC.
Verdict: A Bold Step Forward for iQOO Audio
With the iQOO TWS 5, the brand appears to be targeting both audiophiles and gamers — a rare combination in the TWS market. The promise of 42 ms ultra-low latency and 60 dB ANC alone make it an exciting proposition. Combine that with iQOO’s proven performance-oriented approach, and we could be looking at one of the most capable — and affordable — wireless earbuds of 2025.
If iQOO executes well on build quality, battery life, and sound tuning, the TWS 5 could easily become the go-to recommendation for anyone seeking a balance of immersive sound, futuristic design, and budget-friendly performance.
As launch day approaches, all eyes will be on iQOO to see if it can once again redefine what “value for performance” means — this time, not in a smartphone, but in the palm of your hand, tucked neatly into a pocket-sized charging case.
Explore the powerful performance and features of the iQOO Neo 10 for a complete iQOO experience.
