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Whether you have a phone with no audio jack or prefer the freedom of going wireless, finding the best earbuds with a wireless designcomes down to what matters most to you. If you're looking for earphones to use at the office, noise isolation and battery life might be your top priorities; if you need in-ears for the gym, you'll probably care more about fit and durability. There are specialized models to fit virtually every need; some are even versatile enough to keep up whether you're running a marathon or sitting on the bus. With so many different models to choose from, where do you start?
We've bought and tested over 265pairs of wireless earbuds and in-ear headphones, and below, you'll find our recommendations for the best earbuds with a wireless designto buy.If you're curious about wireless headphones,consider our recommendations for thebest Bluetooth headphones. You'll also want to check our picks for thebest wireless Bluetooth earbuds under $50and$100if you have a specific budget.
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Best Wireless Earbuds
Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless 97
Neutral Sound
7.1
Commute/Travel
8.2
Sports/Fitness
8.3
Office
7.5
Wireless Gaming
5.7
Wired Gaming
5.5
Phone Calls
6.7
Type In-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Truly Wireless
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling Yes
Mic Yes
See all our test results
Pros Cons - Excellent noise isolation performance.
- Well-built and stable fit.
- Supportmulti-device pairing.
- Not everyone will find their ear tips comfortable.
The best wirelessearbuds we've tested are the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless. These earbuds boast a new design and improved sound compared to their predecessor, the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless. They have a smaller and more rounded shape, along with memory foam ear tips that help passively block out background noise. There's also an ANC feature on hand, though you may not notice much difference with it on or off because these ear tips do such a good job passively isolating you from ambient sound.Either way, they're agreat way to focus on your tunes within noisy environments. You can also pair these buds with up to two devices at a time, which is handy if you want to stay connected to your PC and smartphone simultaneously.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 go toe-to-toe with the Sony buds regarding noise cancelling and most specs. If you consumea lot of videos, the Sennheiser buds have a lower latency using the aptX Adaptive (low latency) codec, so you'll encounter fewer lipsync issues. Their noise isolation is very similar, although the Sennheiser block noise without using memory foam ear tips, which some people find more comfortable, even if both sets have deep in-ear fits. Out of the two, only the Sony support a virtual surround sound function, however.
See our review
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Best Upper Mid-Range Bluetooth Earbuds
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless 35
Neutral Sound
7.4
Commute/Travel
8.2
Sports/Fitness
8.3
Office
7.2
Wireless Gaming
5.8
Wired Gaming
5.6
Type In-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Truly Wireless
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling Yes
Mic Yes
See all our test results
Pros Cons - Great noise isolation performance.
- Spatial Audio available.
- Comfortable and premium design.
- Limited sound customization features.
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Truly Wireless are, as the name states, the next generation of Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless. These earbuds have the same premium build and comfortable design as their predecessor. Plus, they come with many of the same Apple-exclusive features, like an H2 chip for easy pairing with iOS devices and virtual surround sound via Apple Music to help improve your soundstage experience. While their sound customization options are lacking compared to the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless, this might not be an issue thanks to their well-balanced sound right out of the box.
Their active noise cancelling (ANC) feature does a great job of blocking noise in the bass and mid-range. There's a 'Transparency' mode for when you want to hear your surroundings, but otherwise, you can't adjust the ANC. With ANC on, these earbuds last six hours off a single charge,and their case holds four extra charges, so you can always top it up.
If you're looking for a set of earbuds that can access all the same features regardless of the OS, try the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless. The good news is if you have an iOS device or an Android device, these get along fine with support for the AAC codec, and for Android users, there's aptX Adaptive codec, which can yieldlower latency when paired with Android devices. Plus, the app works for iOS and Android, supplying EQ, Immersive Audio (similar to the Apple Spatial Audiofunction), and listening mode controls. Both sets of buds have impressive ANC; while the Bose tacklelow-pitched noise slightly better, the Apple buds do a better job of filtering out mid-range sounds like ambient traffic, and they're usually a bit cheaper.
See our review
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Best Mid-Range Bluetooth Earbuds
Google Pixel Buds Pro Truly Wireless 18
Neutral Sound
7.5
Commute/Travel
7.9
Sports/Fitness
8.0
Office
7.2
Wireless Gaming
5.5
Wired Gaming
5.4
Phone Calls
6.0
Type In-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Truly Wireless
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling Yes
Mic Yes
See all our test results
Pros Cons - Excellent noise isolation performance.
- Supports multi-device pairing.
- Over sevenhours of continuous playback.
- Depending on your ear shape, buds can pop out of your ear.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro Truly Wireless are the bestBluetooth earbuds found in the mid-range tier, though they can hop around in price. These earbuds don't have the same premium feel as the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless, but they're packed with plenty of features you might not expect, considering their lower price. Their ANC has a similarly excellent performance, so it can help reduce noise like rumbling engines or background conversations when you're on the go. They have a continuous battery life of about eight hours and come with a portable charging case that stores extra charges. They even support multi-device pairing, meaning you can stay connected with your phone and computer simultaneously.
While they feelcomfortable for most people, they can pop out of your ears over time, and they're looser fitting than the deep in-ear fit of our top pick. This can affect how the earbuds deliver bass, so getting a good fit is important to ensure consistent sound delivery. If you want earbuds with a more secure fit overall, the Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless are another great mid-range option. They have a more stable fit but a weaker ANC performance, though you might not mind if you want to stay aware of your surroundings, like during an outdoor run.
See our review
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Best Lower Mid-Range Bluetooth Earbuds
Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless 27
Neutral Sound
6.8
Commute/Travel
8.1
Sports/Fitness
8.0
Office
7.5
Wireless Gaming
5.5
Phone Calls
6.3
Type In-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Truly Wireless
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling Yes
Mic Yes
See all our test results
Pros Cons - Outstanding noise isolation performance.
- Comfortable and well-built design.
- Supportmulti-device pairing.
- Lack stability fins and can pop out of your ear.
If you're shopping in the low mid-range market, the Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless are the best Bluetooth earbuds we've tested. They're a relatively affordable option with numerous features like ANC and app support. Their noise isolation performance rivals that of Google Pixel Buds Pro Truly Wireless, so they can help reduce noise during your commute or at the office. You can also choose different modes to suit different situations, including an adaptive setting to automatically adjust to the amount of noise in your environment. With ANC on, they last about eight hours of continuous use, and their case stores four extra charges. Like the previous pick, they support multi-device pairing, too.
They have a warm default sound profile, with cozy-sounding vocals and lead instruments. Their companion app includes a graphic EQ and presets if you prefer a different sound, but unlike the Google earbuds, they don't come with any virtual surround sound features. They aren't the best option for workouts since they don't have stability fins and aren't very stable, so they may slip out of place if you move your head around a lot. The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Truly Wireless are a good alternative if you want similarly performing buds with a slightly different shape. Compared to the Space A40's rounded look, the Liberty 4 have a more traditional stem design that some users may find preferable. The Liberty 4 also bring a touch more bass, though this muddies their reproduction of vocals and instruments a bit.
See our review
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Best Budget Wireless Earbuds
JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless 7
Neutral Sound
7.2
Commute/Travel
7.7
Sports/Fitness
8.1
Office
7.1
Wireless Gaming
5.8
Wired Gaming
5.6
Phone Calls
6.6
Type In-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Truly Wireless
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling No
Mic Yes
See all our test results
Pros Cons - Decently comfortable and well-built.
- Graphic EQ and presets are available via the companion app.
- Can reduce mid- to treble-range noise well.
- IP54 rating for water resistance.
- Really struggles to block out the low rumble of bus and plane engines.
- No multi-device pairing.
The JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless are the best budget-friendly wireless earbudswe've tested. These earbuds are decently comfortable and have a good build quality. With a battery life of just over eight hours, they'll last the workday without needing a top-up, and their IP54 rating against dust and water exposure makes them well-suited for weekends on the go. Unlike the Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless, they don't have an ANC system and won't cut out the deep rumble from bus and plane engines, though they do a better job at isolating you from office-type noise, like background chit-chat or whiny A/C units.
They have an excited, V-shaped sound profile, but their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets to help you fine-tune their sound. That said, while the integrated mic's recording quality is decent, it does a sub-par job of separating your voice from background noise. The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless do a better job in this regard, and their integrated mic has a very good recording quality, which makes them a better fit for taking calls. While they also have a more balanced bass and better controls, their fit isn't as comfortable or stable as the Vibe Buds, and they have a slightly shorter continuous battery life.
See our review
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Best Cheap Wireless Earbuds
JLab Audio GO Air POP True Wireless 6
Neutral Sound
7.0
Commute/Travel
7.6
Sports/Fitness
8.2
Office
7.1
Wireless Gaming
5.4
Wired Gaming
5.3
Phone Calls
6.9
Type In-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Truly Wireless
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling No
Mic Yes
See all our test results
Pros Cons - Passively block out ambient chatter.
- Onboard EQ presets are available.
- 30-hour total battery life.
- No ANC system.
- No companion app.
The JLab Audio GO Air POP True Wireless are the best cheapBluetooth earbuds we've tested. Thanks to their good build quality and surprisingly long continuous battery life of around nine hours, they're worth checking out. Their carrying case also holds three additional charges if you need it. They can passively block out a satisfactory amount of ambient noise like office chatter; however, only rely on them if you're looking to cut down sounds like the rumble of bus engines, as they're less effective at tackling bass-range noise.
Using the 'JLab Signature' EQ, they have a bass-rich sound profile that delivers a bump of extra punch and boom to mixes. The extra bass doesn't overwhelm vocals and lead instruments, so they're still versatile enough for most types of audio content. They also don't come with a companion app, meaning that the only EQ options you have are the three EQ presets built into the earbuds, which gives you significantly less control over the audio than the JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless. However, they last longer than the JBL on a single charge.
See our review
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Best Bluetooth Earbuds For Sound Quality
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE Truly Wireless 37
Neutral Sound
7.6
Commute/Travel
8.1
Sports/Fitness
8.1
Office
7.7
Wireless Gaming
5.9
Wired Gaming
5.8
Phone Calls
7.6
Type In-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Truly Wireless
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling Yes
Mic Yes
See all our test results
Pros Cons - EQ presets are available via the companion app.
- Very good noise isolation performance.
- Stable in-ear fit and very comfortable.
- No volume controls by default.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE Truly Wireless are the best wireless earbuds for sound quality thatwe've tested. These headphones are a great choice for listening to all sorts of genres, thanks to their neutral and balanced sound. Whether you're listening to bass-heavy genres like EDM or vocal-centric content like folk music, these buds reproduce voices and lead instruments with great clarity and accuracy. If you want to switch up their sound, their app has a couple of different EQ presets to choose from. They're lightweight and comfortableand have a stable fit for listening on the go. However, their battery only lasts for just over six hours, so they'll need a recharge to get you through long workdays.
Unfortunately, if you want volume controls, you'll need to remap them in the app. While they have an ANC system that helps block out ambient noise, it doesn't provide as much attenuation as the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro True Wireless, especially in the bass range. The Buds2 Pro aremore premium and have features like spatial audio, the Samsung Seamless codec (as opposed to the Samsung Scalable codec),and a higher IP rating for water resistance. However, they're less comfortable than the Galaxy Buds FE and have a shorter continuous battery life, and their sound profile isn't as balanced.
See our review
Recent Updates
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May 28, 2024: This article has been updated to compare the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 to the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless to the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation). Minor text edits were made, and the Technics EAH-AZ80 True Wireless have been added to the Notable Mentions.
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Apr 29, 2024: We've removed the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 from the Notable Mentions as they're already mentioned in the 'Best Mid-Range Bluetooth Earbuds' section. We've also added a note about the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 in that same section.
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Mar 28, 2024: Added the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 True Wireless to the Notable Mentions since they have a unique design but don't have a very neutral default sound, and our unit suffers from quite a bit of distortion.
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Mar 01, 2024: We've checked to ensure all our picks remain in stock and added a new FAQ section to answer common questions concerning wireless Bluetooth earbuds.
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Feb 02, 2024: We've checked this article to ensure all our picks are still in stock and added a mention about the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 True Wireless, which we'll be testing soon.
FAQ
Wireless vs. true wireless: Are they different?
Yes. While wireless headphones have been around for some time, 'true wireless' or 'truly wireless' is a more recent term to describe earbuds. Whereas the term 'wireless' describes earbuds that connect to your device without a cord or cable, some of these buds will still have a connecting wire between them. 'True wireless' buds stand out because they don't have this connecting wire, opting for a cable-free design that gives you unparalleled portability and mobility. Each earbud has its own battery and Bluetooth chip, so they can connect to each other without the need for a wire.
How do I keep true wireless earbuds from falling out of my ears?
When faced with this issue, it's important to consider what purpose you're using your buds for. True wireless designs are a natural choice for exercising, but some are better suited to staying put during intense activity, thanks to features like stability fins or hooks. It's also important to get the right fit. Traditional earbuds, like theApple AirPods (3rd Generation) Truly Wireless, have a one-size-fits-all design that nestles loosely into your outer ear, and you can easily dislodge them during exercise. In-ear designs are instead inserted directly into the ear canal and usually come with a range of ear tip sizes to ensure a solid, stable fit that's unlikely to come loose. Finally, it's worth considering the form factor of your buds. Bulkier, heavier designs are more susceptible to falling out than light, ergonomic designs.
What is considered good battery life for true wireless earbuds?
Battery life for true wireless earbuds will vary quite a bit depending on the buds themselves, your usage, and whether you're using battery-draining features, like active noise cancelling (ANC) or lossless, high-quality audio streaming. That said, we usually consider a continuous battery life (without any extra charges from the case) of over ten hours to be a good value with ANC enabled. We're also seeing the release of new true wireless earbuds that support Bluetooth LE Audio. These buds use new LC3 codecs to allow for more energy-efficient wireless audio transmission, resulting in even longer continuous battery life.
Are premium wireless earbuds worth it?
While the extra expenditure on a pair of premium wireless earbuds doesn't guarantee they'll sound amazing, it usually ensures a higher build quality and more investment in design. Manufacturers that have been producing premium headphones for some time might also have established a reputation for excellence in certain aspects; for example, Bose is well-known for earbuds with high external noise isolation. Premium earbuds will also often come with features that aren't available in budget alternatives, like compatibility with high-quality codecs or spatial audio support. So, it's often a question of whether you value these kinds of features and would use them enough to justify the increased price tag.
Do wireless earbuds have better sound quality?
Wired headphones and earbuds can provide better sound quality than their wireless counterparts, but if you're listening to music at a lower resolution at source, it will be difficult to perceive any difference in sound quality. Bluetooth codecs compress audio so it can be more easily transmitted, resulting in lower-quality audio playback. However, unless you're subscribed to a lossless audio music streaming service or playing FLAC files, your audio will already have undergone some degree of compression. Bluetooth audio codecs, like LDAC and aptX (Lossless), are narrowing this divide, enabling audiophiles to play high-quality audio files over a Bluetooth connection. Ultimately, sound quality is subjective; however, applying an EQ to tailor the sound profile to your preferences is usually possible.
All Reviews
Our recommendations aboveare what we think are currently the best earbuds for most people. We factor in the price (cheaper headphones win over pricier ones if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no headphones that are difficult to findor almostout of stock in the U.S.).
If you would like to choose foryourself, here's the list of all our reviews for wireless earbuds and in-ears. Be careful not togetcaught up in the details. There are no perfect headphones. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection.
