Best wireless earbuds 2023: Our top picks for every budget
This guide to the best wireless earbuds covers all the top-performing models we have tested at different price points for every kind of music lover and wearer. Whether you’re looking for the best wireless earbuds for listening to music, movies, or podcasts, the best noise cancelling earbuds to block out the sound of noisy surroundings on your travels, or a secure pair of earbuds with effective water resistance for running or working out at the gym, we list the best models we’ve tested.
Read on to discover which are the best models to undergo our rigorous review process, ranked and rated by audio experts. Don’t forget, you’ll find lots more info in our in-depth standalone reviews, where we cover design and comfort, features, ANC performance (where applicable), battery life, and sound quality across all kinds of media, as well as how well each model handles calls.
Just follow the link at the end of each product summary or tap the product name next to the star rating to discover everything you need to know about the best wireless earbuds available to buy today.
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The best wireless earbuds to buy right now
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We have been blown away by the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) since Apple launched them in September 2022. They are without doubt the best ANC earbuds for iPhone users, and the most versatile model for all kinds of lifestyles. This next-gen model brings significant upgrades to the popular original AirPods Pro to take performance to the next level. Externally, they look pretty similar to the first generation, but battery life has been increased to offer 6 hours on a single charge from the earbuds and a further 30 hours from the wireless charging case.
Designed for iPhone owners looking for a more tailored listening experience, we think the AirPods Pro 2 are the pinnacle of Apple technology. While testing them out for all kinds of active lifestyle activities, we found that the fit had been improved to the point where they’re a viable option for the best sports headphones, and suitable for runners and gym workouts alike. Not only are the earbuds IPX4-rated for protection from sweat and light showers, but now too is the case itself.
On the audio front, Apple has included a new H2 chip with custom amp and driver that delivers better lower and higher frequencies, and you can use the iPhone’s TrueDepth camera to create a personalized spatial audio sound to listen to some of the best Dolby Atmos sound in any pair of earbuds. Noise cancellation is double what the original AirPods Pro offered, and is among the best we’ve yet to experience.
Read our full Apple AirPods Pro 2 review.
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If you’re looking for a bargain pair of wireless earbuds with ANC, then these are the best value we’ve heard. During our testing, we were impressed by the performance of Sennheiser CX Plus at $180. But they can regularly be found discounted to $99 or less, making them an even greater bargain.
Often overlooked for more costly models, our reviewer recently regarded them as one of the most underrated earbuds. In our original review, we highlighted the Sennheiser’s articulate, high-quality sound combined with normal playtimes, effective ANC, aptX Adaptive support, and dependable connectivity via Bluetooth 5.2 make them an enticing package. During our listening test, we felt that music lovers would swoon over the sound quality that delivered clarity and depth to feed our ears a well-balanced dose of deep lows, rich mids, and detailed highs, and our review recently
There may be compromises in terms of fit and lack of features compared to some rivals, but even at the full MSRP, we felt there was plenty of value in these ANC buds and a great entry into Sennheiser’s signature sound.
Read our full Sennheiser CX Plus review.
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As the market’s best noise-cancelling earbuds overall, Bose’s newest flagship introduced several upgrades such as adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC), Bluetooth 5.3, and sound calibration technology for improved sound quality. In our review, we loved the fact that Bose has made the new version one-third smaller than the original QuietComfort Earbuds, while also developing new ear-tips to help achieve optimal wear for more users.
The next-gen buds build on traditional Bose hallmarks, but we feel battery life, special features, and touch controls could be bettered at the price. Despite these shortcomings, though, we found their ANC and sound quality performance carry the QuietComfort Earbuds 2 to the top echelon of our best wireless earbuds list. This next-gen flagship model are highly recommended for anyone seeking the ultimate ANC experience from a pair of earbuds.
Read our full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 review.
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4. NuraTrue Pro
The ultimate earbuds for personalized sound
Our expert review:
Specifications
Size:
1 x 1 x 1 inches
Weight:
0.3 ounces
Battery life (rated):
8 hours (ANC on); 32 hours (charging case with ANC on)
Bluetooth range:
> 10 feet
ANC:
Yes
Water resistant:
Yes (IPX4)
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Reasons to buy
+
Outstanding personalized sound
+
AptX Lossless audio codec support
+
Battery life better than AirPods Pro 2
Reasons to avoid
–
Mediocre ANC performance compared to rivals
–
High price compared to ANC rivals
The NuraTrue Pro earbuds are easily the best-sounding earbuds for personalized sound that we’ve heard. Our reviewer ranked them as their favorite wireless earbuds of 2022, although they do fall short in a few areas. On the one hand they have the best feature set of any pair of earbuds right now — think multipoint connectivity and support for Bluetooth Lossless audio from compatible devices — and deliver the most immersive listening experience we’ve heard from a pair of earbuds, period.
On the other, if you’re not into the Lossless audio codec capabilities and just a want great-sounding pair of ANC earbuds, there are plenty of alternative options to consider that have better noise-canceling and cost considerably less. If the best sound that makes you feel connected to your music is your goal though, the Nura’s Personalized sound tech is the best we’ve experienced, it’s just a shame that this flagship model feels overpriced compared to ANC rivals.
Read our full NuraTrue Pro review.
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5. Sony WF-1000XM4
Great balance of useful features and top sound
Our expert review:
Average Amazon review:
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Specifications
Size:
1 x 0.8 x 0.8 inches
Weight:
0.2 ounces
Battery life (rated):
8 hours (ANC on), 12 hours (ANC off), 24 hours (with charging case), 35 hours (with charging case and ANC off)
Bluetooth range:
30 feet
ANC:
Yes
Water resistant:
Yes (IPX4 rated)
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Reasons to buy
+
Balanced and enjoyable sound
+
Excellent ANC
+
Decent battery life
Reasons to avoid
–
Fit may not be good for all
–
Weak call quality
The Sony WF-1000XM4 aren’t as elegant as some models higher up the list, but they have an exceptional, full-bodied sound signature with a frequency balance that we love. When the XM4 launched, they introduced a reworked design with an enhanced ANC that all came at a higher price. But several years on and the WF-1000XM4 still have some of the highest battery life of any set of more recently launched earbuds, and their sound is still a match for any recent rival.
These are also a particularly well-featured set of wireless earbuds. There’s LDAC support for higher-quality music, a highly customizable ambient listening mode, support for all three of the big digital assistants and full EQ customization. Ultimately, the elite sound and features make them a prime alternative to heavy hitters ranked higher up the list. If you’re wondering why we’ve not ranked them higher, it’s because the weak call quality, slightly bulky design, and higher price stack up against them compared to recent rivals.
Read our full Sony WF-1000XM4 review.
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In a field full of excellent AirPods alternatives, the Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 Plus still manage to stand out, and they can regularly be found for under $60. While they lack ANC there’s still plenty about these sleek pair of wireless earbuds we love. Not least the superb sound quality, which gets a boost when you engage the High Performance modem and uses the same amplification tech that Cambridge Audio uses in its CX hi-fi stereo amplifiers.
There’s also water resistance, full EQ customization and some very reliable voice assistant support, all for less than you’d pay for a set of the most basic AirPods. Battery life deserves a mention too: with High Performance mode on you can expect between 6 and 7 hours of uptime, which jumps to 7 to 8 hours with the Low Power profile.
Read our full Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 Plus review.
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7. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Best ANC earbuds for Galaxy smartphone users
Our expert review:
Specifications
Size:
0.7 x 0.85 x 0.7 inches (per bud)
Weight:
0.19 (per bud)
Battery life (rated):
5 hours (ANC on); 8 hours (ANC off); 18 hours (charging case with ANC on); 29 hours (charging case with ANC off)
Bluetooth range:
30 feet (9 meters)
ANC:
Yes
Water resistant:
Yes (IPX7 rated)
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Reasons to buy
+
Wide soundstage
+
Effective ANC
+
Compact and practical design
+
Easy to use features
+
Excellent connectivity
Reasons to avoid
–
Bixby assistant unreliable
–
Most coveted features are exclusive to Galaxy devices
Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 Pro set out to rival the AirPods Pro 2, at least for Galaxy owners. During our testing we found the sound alone makes the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro worth the investment, giving listeners a high quality audio experience and compelling 3D sound with precise head tracking. Samsung’s ANC holds its own against the category leaders and blocks out close to 90% of ambient noise. The updated design also provides improved comfort and noise isolation.
We found these buds operated well across all Bluetooth-enabled devices, but Galaxy smartphone owners get to enjoy cool features like Easy Pairing and compatibility with Samsung’s Scalable Codec. It’s upsetting that Bixby (Samsung’s voice assistant) doesn’t perform up to its potential, though the mediocre battery life with ANC on is a greater disappointment. Since our review, Galaxy smartphone and Buds 2 Pro owners now get 360-degree audio recording, too.
Take a look at our Samsung promo codes for the latest discounts from Samsung.
See our full Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro review.
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Apple’s third-gen AirPods are the best value for iPhone users. Minus the eartips and noise cancellation, these buds are a near replica of the AirPods Pro, sharing many of the same features, while introducing new ones to the series. These include MagSafe wireless charging and skin-detect sensors that accurately discern when the buds are in your ears to enable auto-pause/play.
During our tests, we found music and movies are a delight to hear with Apple’s proprietary technologies like Adaptive EQ and Spatial Audio at the helm. We love that the popular Force Sensor was added for seamless operation. Best of all, Apple increased battery life to 6 hours, giving you 1 hour more than previous AirPods model, along with 30 hours in total via charging case. Simply put, the AirPods 3 are a great buy for iPhone users, at least those not interested in the AirPods Pro models.
Read our full AirPods 3 review.
(Image credit: Regan Coule/Future)
9. Beats Fit Pro
Best for iOS users with active lifestyles
Our expert review:
Specifications
Size:
0.75 x 1.18 x 0.94 inches
Weight:
0.2 ounces
Battery life (rated):
6 hours (ANC on), 7 hours (ANC Off), 27 hours (ANC on with charging case), 30 hours (ANC off with charging case)
Bluetooth range:
40 feet
ANC:
Yes
Water resistant:
Yes (IPX4 rated)
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Reasons to buy
+
Powerful ANC and Transparency modes
+
Dynamic sound and Spatial Audio support
+
Respectable battery life
+
Comfy, secure fit
Reasons to avoid
–
Some features exclusive to Apple devices
–
Limited Android app
The Beats Fit Pro are the best for iOS users with active lifestyles, and also rank #1 in our best sports headphones. They’re a culmination of Apple and Beats’ greatest triumphs, packaging AirPods Pro-like performance into an updated Studio Beats design.
When we tested the Beats Fit Pro, our reviewer was impressed by the amazing sound quality, which was backed by a proprietary transducer that keeps bass punchy, while also balancing frequencies to hear crisp mids and detailed highs. Spatial Audio for immersive 3D sound has also been added, making this the first Beats product to feature the technology. Popular features tied to Apple’s H1 processor are available, including automatic switching between Apple devices and FindMy to help locate misplaced buds. We also appreciate the integrated wingtips, which keep the buds secure during runs and intense workouts.
Android users do get to bask in the sonic upgrades, though all other iOS-related features remain exclusive to iPhone and iPad users. The lack of features available on the Android app also means limits to what the Fit Pro can perform on Google’s mobile platform.
Read our full Beats Fit Pro review.
What are the top 5 wireless earbuds right now?
1. Apple AirPods Pro 2
The AirPods Pro 2 are the the ultimate earbuds for iPhone users. We have been blown away by the 2nd generation model since Apple launched them in September 2022. They bring significant upgrades to the popular original AirPods Pro to take performance to the next level.
2. Sennheiser CX Plus
Sennheiser’s CX Plus are the best value wireless earbuds with ANC. In our original review, we highlighted the Sennheiser’s articulate, high-quality sound combined with normal playtimes, effective ANC, aptX Adaptive support, and dependable connectivity via Bluetooth 5.2 make them an enticing package.
3. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2
If ANC is a top priority, then the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 are without question the best noise-cancelling earbuds overall. The new flagship introduced several upgrades over the original such as adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC), Bluetooth 5.3, and sound calibration technology for improved sound quality.
4. NuraTrue Pro
The NuraTrue Pro earbuds are easily the best-sounding earbuds for personalized sound that we’ve heard, and our reviewer ranked them as their favorite wireless earbuds of 2022.
5. Sony WF-1000XM4
Although the Sony WF-1000XM4 aren’t as elegant as some models higher up the list, they have an exceptional, full-bodied sound signature with a frequency balance that we love. They’ve been around for a while but are one of the most robust models with full Sony Headphones Connect app support, and remain one of the best Apple AirPods alternatives.
How to choose
5 things to consider when deciding on the best pair of wireless earbuds for you
With so many wireless earbud options to choose from, you may find it difficult to settle on one. There are several factors to weigh up, and which one is most important depends on personal preference. Follow out list of considerations to factor in when choosing the best wireless earbuds for you.
1. Design: When buying a new pair of wireless earbuds, it can be helpful to think about where you want to wear them. If you’re going to use them on a run, for example, you may want a pair that offers the most secure fit and a high water resistance rating like all the models in our best sports headphones.
Whatever type you choose, make sure the earbuds are well built and comfy to wear for about 1 to 2 hours daily.
2. Sound quality: Different models offer different sound, and since you’re buying a pair to enjoy music individually, it’s important to find headphones that match your sound preference, be it heavy bass or distinctively clear to where you can hear the littlest nuances in recordings. Some models like the NuraTrue Pro (top) offer personalized sound via companion app, which allows the user to create their own profiles and tweak EQ levels to their hearing.
3. Battery life: Battery life is also key in choosing the best wireless earbuds. Wireless earbuds can last about 5 to 10 hours and offer extended playtime with their bundled charging cases — always make sure one is included.
4. Accessories: It’s disappointing spending money on a new pair of wireless earbuds only to find that you need to buy the accessories separately. Any models that come with a carrying case, charging cable, user guide, and extra ear cups or tips are solid purchases.
5. Pricing considerations: Obviously, price is a big consideration when looking for the best headphones. Although there are always exceptions, big-name brands will typically command a bit extra, but generally speaking, the less you spend on a pair of headphones the greater the chance that sound and features will be compromised. Going for a budget option isn’t always the best choice, as any money you save on your purchase won’t do you much good if you’re constantly needing to recharge your audio gear, or the sound quality is poor.
As the saying goes: timing is everything; and right now many of our favorite models are discounted at online retailers, meaning you can bag a bargain for even less. Bookmark our headphone deals pages to keep track of the latest discounts.
How we test the best wireless earbuds
The best reviews criteria carried out by audio experts
With more than 30 years experience in testing and reviewing consumer audio products for all kinds of media outlets and big-name brands around the world, the Tom’s Guide audio team follows a rigorous test regime when it comes to determining the best products for recommendation in our buying guides.
In determining the best wireless earbuds, we consider fit, battery life, sound quality, design and value (are they worth the price?). We also factor in features like how well the controls work and how easily the earbuds pair with our playback devices.
In terms of sound quality, we listen to many sample tracks that span a number of genres, including hip-hop, rock, jazz, classical and R&B, while evaluating volume, clarity and fullness. We also make phone calls to assess both call quality and microphone performance.
To discover more information on what we listen for during our testing and reviewing process, take a look at our companion page on how to get the best headphone sound for you.
During the testing phase, our reviewers wear each pair of headphones for several hours at a time throughout the course of a week. Reviewers will make a note of the battery life performance in real world use, and assess how well this matches the rated battery life provided by earbud makers.
Star ratings explained:
We evaluate earbuds based on a five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). If a product hits nearly every mark, it’s awarded a coveted Recommended badge, while our Best Value award speaks for itself. Only products with truly exceptional performance across the board are awarded an Editor’s Choice badge.
For more information, check out our how we test page for Tom’s Guide.
Contributions from: Alex Bracetti, Simon Lucas, Nick Pino
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