It’s increasingly difficult to purchase a subpar pair of wireless earbuds today. With frequent discounts and promotions, it’s an opportune moment to invest in the model you’ve been considering. The true wireless earbud market has advanced significantly from its early days, which were often characterized by mediocre sound and unreliable performance in exchange for cable-free convenience. The landscape is now vastly different. After several product generations, companies such as Sony, Apple, Bose, and others are releasing their most impressive earbuds to date.
Exceptional noise cancellation and sound quality are available in the premium earbud category for those willing to spend more. However, these aren’t always the primary considerations for everyone. Some may prioritize earbuds ideal for fitness activities, or a set that performs equally well for video calls and listening to music or podcasts.
Technology companies are increasingly optimizing their earbuds to function best within their own ecosystems, offering exclusive features and functionalities. This is another factor to consider when shopping. For instance, features like head-tracking spatial audio typically require using AirPods with an iPhone, Samsung buds with a Samsung phone, and so on.
Featured Products
Sony WF-1000XM5
Nothing Ear (a)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
AirPods Pro 3
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
$200 at Amazon$300 at Sennheiser
What to Consider When Choosing Earbuds
How Wireless Earbuds Are Tested
Whether earbuds are used for listening to new music, as motivation during workouts, or to minimize office distractions, they must excel in key areas like sound quality, noise cancellation, and voice call performance. Extensive testing is conducted on various models, including quiet listening sessions to evaluate detail, fidelity, and dynamics. Earbuds are also tested in real-world scenarios—such as busy commutes, city environments, and crowded cafes—to assess connection strength and noise reduction effectiveness. Performance during video calls and phone conversations is also evaluated, with feedback gathered on microphone clarity. Furthermore, since many earbud manufacturers offer exclusive software features for their specific ecosystems, their performance across multiple platforms is also examined.
Comfort
Regardless of sound quality, earbuds are only useful if they are comfortable to wear. Ear shapes and sizes vary greatly, making comfort highly subjective. Most recommended earbuds include multiple sizes of ear tips, typically silicone, though some use foam or both. The preference between silicone and foam is personal; silicone is more common, while foam can expand for a better seal. A key recommendation is to try different-sized tips for each ear, as one ear may require a larger or smaller tip than the other.
Good Sound
Similar to comfort, individual preferences dictate desired sound quality. Some users prioritize strong bass, while others seek dynamics, clarity, and definition in their music. The goal is for vocals to sound natural and instruments to be well-separated within the soundstage, revealing subtle details in favorite songs.
Active Noise Cancellation
Once a premium feature, active noise cancellation (ANC) is now standard. Many top picks include ANC to help quiet external distractions. Whether for focus in the office or relaxation during travel, ANC can be highly beneficial. However, some individuals dislike the “plugged-up” sensation of ANC earbuds and prefer open-style buds that allow for full environmental awareness.
Long Battery Life
Most modern earbuds offer between five and six hours of continuous battery life with ANC activated. Some models may exceed this, and over-ear headphones generally last much longer. However, the convenience of recharging earbuds simply by placing them back in their case often makes this tradeoff acceptable.
Water Resistance
Even if earbuds are not intended for fitness, there is always a possibility of encountering rain while wearing them. A minimum of IPX4 water resistance is recommended, which protects against splashes of water and sweat, making them suitable for everyday use.
In this article
- The best overall wireless earbuds
- The best budget earbuds under $100
- The best noise-canceling earbuds
- The best earbuds for sports and working out
- The best earbuds for iPhone owners
- The best earbuds for Samsung Galaxy phone owners
- The best earbuds for Google Pixel phone owners
- The best earbuds if you own both Apple and Android devices
- The best earbuds for sound quality
- The best earbuds for voice calls on iPhone
- The best earbuds for voice calls on Android
- What’s coming next
The best overall wireless earbuds
Sony WF-1000XM5
$328 at Amazon$290 at Walmart$328 at Best Buy
Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 8 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IPX4 / Bluetooth codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC / Multipoint: Yes / Works best with: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Foam (XS, S, M, L)
Sony’s WF-1000XM5 earbuds continue to be a top recommendation for overall best noise-canceling earbuds, following in the footsteps of their predecessors. With larger drivers, the audio quality is now more detailed and dynamic, while maintaining the warm and clear sound that made the WF-1000XM4 so appealing. Sony has also further enhanced its ANC, approaching the performance of Bose’s latest QC Ultra Earbuds. These earbuds effectively eliminate background noise. Battery life extends to eight hours of continuous listening with noise cancellation active.
Some users found the XM4 bulky and uncomfortable. In response, Sony has reduced the size of the XM5 by 25 percent. As before, foam-style tips are included, which expand in the ears to create an excellent seal, and now an extra-small size is also provided.
On Android phones, the 1000XM5 support Sony’s LDAC codec for higher-quality music playback. They are also capable of dynamic head-tracking spatial audio through compatible video apps like Netflix. Even without using LDAC or with an iPhone, these earbuds offer premium audio quality comparable to the best, including Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 4, but with significantly superior noise cancellation. They also feature multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, allowing simultaneous pairing with two devices.
It is worth noting that the 1000XM4 model had numerous reports of battery issues over time. Sony states that this problem has been addressed in the new model through adjustments to the charging algorithm.
Read the full WF-1000XM5 review.
The best budget earbuds under $100
Nothing Ear (a)
Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 5.5 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IP54 / Bluetooth codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC / Multipoint: Yes / Works best with: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (S, M, L)
The Nothing Ear (a) earbuds immediately draw attention with their striking yellow color and compact, fun carrying case. Despite their entry-level price of $99, these earbuds offer a wealth of features, including active noise cancellation, a low-latency mode for gaming, multipoint Bluetooth pairing, and a respectable IP54 dust and water resistance rating.
The sound quality provided by these earbuds exceeds typical expectations for this price point, especially considering they are often available for as low as $60. While not quite matching the performance of Nothing’s higher-end Ear 3, they deliver expressive and enjoyable audio, with further customization available through Nothing’s mobile app EQ.
Read Nothing Ear (a) hands-on impressions.
The best noise-canceling earbuds
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
$250 at Amazon$299 at Bose$250 at Best Buy
Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 6 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IPX4 / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC, aptX Adaptive / Multipoint: Yes / Works best with: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (S, M, L)
Bose has long been recognized for noise cancellation, and the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) reinforce this reputation. They offer the best noise-canceling performance available in earbuds, providing the quiet and isolation many desire throughout the day. The second-gen earbuds also feature significant improvements to call quality. While not matching the top performers like AirPods 4 or Samsung Galaxy Buds in call clarity, the Bose earbuds handle noisy environments much better, ensuring a natural voice during conversations.
Despite the addition of wireless charging and a small screen in the ear tips to prevent earwax buildup, there are no visual updates. The second-gen earbuds retain a bulky appearance, identical to the first-gen QC Ultra Earbuds, which were already very similar to 2022’s QC Earbuds II. They come with three ear tip sizes and three stabilizer sizes, offering various combinations for a secure fit across different ear shapes.
The sound profile of the QC Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) is almost identical to their first-gen counterpart. Bass and treble are boosted, delivering more bass than competitors and a vibrant high-end, though this can be excessive on some tracks. Bose continues to use its three-band EQ in the app, which offers limited meaningful adjustment, but most users will appreciate the default sound. Bose also maintains its Immersive Audio feature, introduced with the Ultra Earbuds, which is similar to Apple’s spatial audio.
Read the full QC Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) review.
The best earbuds for sports and working out
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
$200 at Amazon$200 at Walmart$200 at Best Buy
Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 8 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IPX4 / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No / Works best with: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (XS, S, M, L, XL)
After a considerable wait, Beats launched the Powerbeats Pro 2 in early 2025. These earbuds retain the distinctive ear hook design of previous Powerbeats models while significantly improving upon the original Powerbeats Pro. Beats has incorporated active noise cancellation and a natural-sounding transparency mode into the Pro 2, features absent in the first-generation. The earbuds themselves are also lighter, and the charging case is noticeably more compact.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 also include heart rate monitoring, thanks to built-in sensors in each earbud. While many users may already have a fitness tracker, chest strap, or smartwatch for this purpose, these earbuds can be used with compatible apps such as Nike Run Club, Runna, Ladder, Slopes, Open, Peloton, and YaoYao. A drawback is that they cannot simultaneously play music and broadcast heart rate data to gym equipment when paired with an iOS device, making the Pro 2 a more suitable heart rate monitoring option for Android users than iPhone users.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 maintain an IPX4 rating for water resistance. While not as robust as some other fitness-focused earbuds, this rating should be sufficient for sweat and outdoor runs in various conditions. The earbuds still feature easy-to-use physical buttons and a dedicated volume rocker, allowing for simple control during workouts.
For iPhone owners, the Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds offer Apple-exclusive features like dynamic head tracking for spatial audio, automatic device switching, Find My integration, and more. Android users can access a subset of these functions through the Beats app.
Read the full Powerbeats Pro 2 review.
The best earbuds for iPhone owners
AirPods Pro 3
$200 at Amazon$200 at Walmart$249 at Best Buy
Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 8 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IP57 / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No / Works best with: iOS, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (XXS, XS, S, M, L)
Apple consistently enhances the features of its AirPods Pro line, whether through new product releases like the second-gen AirPods Pro or software updates, such as the hearing health features introduced in late 2024. The AirPods Pro 3 continue this trend with further improved noise-canceling performance, heart rate sensing, newly designed ear tips including an extra XXS size, and extended battery life. The most notable update, Live Translation, still requires further development for a more seamless user experience.
The new foam-infused ear tips enhance passive isolation, and combined with improved ANC, deliver the best overall noise cancellation yet in Apple earbuds. ANC performance is nearly on par with the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2), though the AirPods may exhibit a slight high-end hiss, which some users might not notice. A redesigned acoustic architecture provides the AirPods Pro 3 with improved bass performance compared to the second-gen model, and its spatial audio offers a broader, richer listening experience.
Crucially for many Apple users, the AirPods Pro 3 integrate seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem. A new heart sensor, first seen in the Powerbeats Pro 2, enables heart rate tracking for 50 workout types directly within the iOS Fitness app. Unlike the Powerbeats Pro 2, the AirPods can function alongside the Apple Watch, providing a secondary heart rate stream for maximum data accuracy.
Read the full AirPods Pro 3 review.
The best earbuds for Samsung Galaxy phone owners
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
$180 at Amazon$170 at Walmart$170 at Target
Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 6 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IP57 / Bluetooth codecs: Samsung seamless, AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No / Works best with: Android, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (S, M, L)
Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro depart from the company’s previous discreet designs, adopting a stemmed style similar to AirPods and many other wireless earbuds. While perhaps less unique, this change has resulted in improved comfort and stability compared to the Buds 2 Pro. The sound quality is even better than before, building on an already excellent foundation, and rivals the audio fidelity of Sennheiser and Technics.
The Buds 3 Pro also excel in call quality. A particularly convenient feature is the hands-free voice commands, which do not require a specific wake phrase. Users can simply say “volume up” or “next song” for immediate action.
However, these earbuds are not without flaws. The Buds 3 Pro lack multipoint connectivity, meaning they cannot connect to two devices simultaneously. Like Apple, Samsung prioritizes automatic switching between products within its own ecosystem. While some may find this a dealbreaker, the earbuds still offer a highly enjoyable experience.
Read the full Galaxy Buds 3 Pro review.
The best earbuds for Google Pixel phone owners
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
$165 at Amazon$179 at Google Store$179 at Best Buy
Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 8 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IP54 / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC / Multipoint: Yes / Works best with: Android, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (XS, S, M, L)
With the Pixel Buds Pro 2, Google has addressed most of the shortcomings of the original model. They are significantly smaller and lighter than the bulky first-gen Pixel Buds Pro. A small nub on the buds helps secure them during various activities, including running and other intense exercises.
Google’s active noise cancellation still does not quite match Bose’s performance, but the transparency mode on the Buds Pro 2 is among the best available, offering a clear, natural passthrough of external sounds when needed. Multipoint support is included, and Google’s latest premium earbuds deliver impressive battery life that surpasses most competitors.
For Pixel phone owners, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 allow for extended conversations with Google’s Gemini AI while the phone remains in a pocket. Features such as head-tracking spatial audio and Clear Calling are also exclusive to the Pixel ecosystem. For those within this ecosystem, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 represent a substantial upgrade from previous models in a much more compact design.
Read the full Pixel Buds Pro 2 review.
The best earbuds if you own both Apple and Android devices
Beats Studio Buds Plus
$150 at Amazon$150 at Walmart$150 at Best Buy
Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 6 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IPX4 / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No / Works best with: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (XS, S, M, L)
Beats’ Studio Buds Plus are an enhanced, higher-performing update to the Studio Buds released in 2021. This iteration features more powerful noise cancellation, improved transparency mode quality, and extended battery life. For those prioritizing style, the translucent color option offers a distinctive look. These earbuds are remarkably small and rank among the most comfortable overall.
A notable aspect of the Studio Buds Plus is their proprietary chip, which enables native software features on both iOS and Android. While many earbuds offer companion apps for both platforms, Beats’ approach allows for integration with both Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find Hub. Users also benefit from simple one-tap pairing, regardless of the operating system.
The compromise for this dual-ecosystem compatibility is that Apple users do not receive all the typical features found in AirPods or even the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, such as audio sharing and head-tracking spatial audio. Wireless charging and an ear detection sensor (for automatic pausing when an earbud is removed) are also absent, which may be a drawback given the price point.
Read the full Beats Studio Buds Plus review.
The best earbuds for sound quality
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
$200 at Amazon$300 at Sennheiser$211 at Best Buy
Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 7.5 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IP54 / Bluetooth codecs: AptX Adaptive, AptX, AAC, SBC / Multipoint: Yes / Works best with: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (XS, S, M, L)
Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless earbuds have consistently delivered fantastic sound quality. However, previous models in the series were often affected by bugs, inconsistent performance, and battery reliability issues. The fourth-generation finally resolves these concerns while maintaining the superb, detailed sound quality that surpasses almost all competitors. They offer a truly enjoyable listening experience. While the active noise cancellation may not rival that of Apple, Sony, or Bose, those who prioritize rich, intricate sound will find the MTW4 highly satisfying.
These earbuds include optional wing tips for a secure fit, which can be beneficial for activities like running or gym workouts. Sennheiser’s mobile app allows for extensive EQ customization, and the Momentum True Wireless 4 support a wide range of Bluetooth codecs, including AAC, SBC, AptX, and AptX Adaptive. They are also LE Audio and Auracast-ready for future compatibility as these features become more widespread.
Read the full Momentum True Wireless 4 review.
The best earbuds for voice calls on iPhone
Apple AirPods 4
$100 at Amazon$100 at Best Buy$149 at Amazon (with ANC)
Noise cancellation: Optional / Battery life: 5 hours / Water resistance: IP54 / Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No / Works best with: iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: None
Apple’s AirPods 4 are available in two versions, with a higher-priced option that includes active noise cancellation and wireless charging. However, both sets offer identical sound quality and, importantly for this category, the same voice call clarity.
The AirPods 4 feature a new “voice isolation” function, enabled by default, which uses machine learning on both the earbuds and the iPhone to eliminate distracting background noise from the user’s end, ensuring clear communication for the person on the other end of the call.
Overall call quality with the AirPods 4 is excellent. Beyond that, compared to the third-gen model, users can expect upgraded audio quality with richer bass, new ways to interact with Siri via head movements, and a USB-C connector on the included charging case, replacing the Lightning port.
The AirPods retain their one-size-fits-most hard plastic design, so trying them before purchase is recommended. However, Apple states that it utilized over 50 million data points to further refine the contours and overall stability of its latest earbuds. Therefore, if previous models were comfortable, these should be a safe choice. The only decision remaining is whether to spend more for ANC, transparency mode, wireless charging, and a built-in speaker for Find My location tracking.
Read the full AirPods 4 review.
The best earbuds for voice calls on Android
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
$180 at Amazon$170 at Walmart$170 at Target
Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 6 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IP57 / Bluetooth codecs: Samsung seamless, AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No / Works best with: Android, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (S, M, L)
Sony’s unconventional LinkBuds were previously a top choice for clear voice calls on Android, but their successors have not yet been reviewed. Currently, the aforementioned Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are a highly recommended option. Their integrated “voice pickup unit” detects mouth movements to help isolate the user’s voice from background noise, ensuring clear conversations.
The Buds 3 Pro have proven reliable for video chats on Google Meet and Zoom, with clear audio even when taking quick calls on a busy street.
Read the full Galaxy Buds 3 Pro review.
What’s coming next
Several companies, including JBL, Anker, and Shokz, announced open-style earbuds at CES 2025. The $179.99 Anker AeroFit 2 Pro stands out with an adjustable ear hook design, offering multiple wearing options to utilize active noise cancellation or allow ambient sound. The $249.95 Shokz OpenFit Pro features noise reduction, which, while not as effective as true ANC in testing, is still impressive for earbuds designed to sit outside the ears.
These models are not expected to surpass the current top picks, but full impressions will be available in the coming weeks.
Update, January 8th: Updated to reflect current pricing / availability, as well as several related links. A “What’s coming next” section was also added to highlight several forthcoming models.
