The 14 Best Wireless Earbuds, According to 500+ Hours of Testing
Editor’s Note: We reviewed our current picks and still believe they’re the best wireless earbuds on the market as of January 2023. We’ll be evaluating our list on a monthly basis to make sure we’re bringing you the most up-to-date products and industry information. If you’re ready to add to your shopping cart now, we recommend the as the best compact earphones, the for pairing with Apple gadgets, and the as the best with onboard noise cancellation.
It’s pretty much a given that if you own a smartphone, you should also own solid pair of wireless earbuds. While they’re a necessary accessory that helps you get the most out of your device, we can all agree that the sheer number of options out there makes shopping for wireless earbuds an overwhelming task. Whether you’re in the market for an affordable option, are on the hunt for a pair that will give you some extra motivation while you’re working out, or are simply looking to tune out your surroundings, we found a pair out there that’s perfect for all of your needs.
All of the products on our list are completely wireless and deliver great sound with a reliable device connection and solid battery life — all without the clutter of wires. Noise cancellation is another convenient feature you’ll find in the wireless earbuds on our list that will not only entertain you but will also effortlessly tune out unwanted background noise.
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Best Wireless Earbuds
What to Consider
Generally speaking, wireless earbuds should be sleek, comfy, water-resistant, and capable of delivering entertaining sound, regardless of what you’ll be using them for. When you’re shopping for a new pair of earbuds, you should look for a pair within your budget that has a durable design, reliable fit, dependable battery life, and solid audio performance (including during calls).
Sound Quality
If we’re being completely honest with you, most earbuds’ sound quality and noise cancellation are typically directly related to their price tag — which means that spending more on a top-shelf product will inevitably get you better sound. That said, our budget-friendly picks will also keep you focused and entertained, so long as you manage your expectations.
Durability
A good pair of wireless earbuds should have an , with an IPX4 rating being the minimum to make a product worth considering. The higher the rating, the more durable the headset will be. If you like working out outside, you should consider earphones that can survive exposure to water and dust.
Battery Performance and Charging Methods
Battery life in true wireless earbuds has improved a great deal over the years, which means even a budget-friendly pair will keep you entertained for at least 6 hours (or more) in between charges. When it comes to charging, a USB-C connector is now the standard for all buds out there, regardless of their price point. On the other hand, when shopping for high-end products, you can also expect a case that’s compatible with wireless charging.
Additional Features
Noise cancellation and app-enabled extras are also important bits to consider. Thankfully, you can find both even in reasonably priced wireless earbuds that cost well below $100. To be honest with you, this is kind of a big deal — because only until recently this was functionality strictly reserved for high-priced offerings.
How We Tested
For the past 6 years, I’ve been testing out earbuds on what feels like a daily basis. To finalize my picks for this guide, I spent countless hours researching over 30 wireless earbuds from today’s top brands. After poring over reviews from consumers and researching what industry experts think of these products, I set out on extensive personal testing.
I spent at least a week with every pick on this list, using the earbuds daily on my commute, at work, and even while exercising. I evaluated the earbuds on the following criteria:
- Ergonomics and how they feel in the ear
- Audio performance and overall sound quality
- Fit during various activities
- Battery life
We all know that sound is one of the most important factors when shopping for wireless earbuds. To test the earbuds’ sound capabilities, I listened to my favorite playlists — along with a few podcasts — and paid close attention to their audible frequency range. The term relates to the headset’s ability to deliver the treble (highs), the midrange, and the bass in your favorite tracks.
The treble and the midrange performance sets the best wireless earbuds apart from their rivals. It will help you enjoy both the vocals and the finer details in a song’s instrumentals to the fullest. Bass is typically the easiest audio feature to reproduce, but — especially in affordably priced headsets — it might come at the expense of the mids and the highs.
I also tested outgoing and incoming calls, using each headset to evaluate the quality of its audio and the performance of its built-in microphone(s).
Our Testing Process
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How We Test Products
Now that you know what to look for in a pair of wireless earbuds, check out our reviews of the best on the market today, and get ready to begin a new sound journey without wires.
Best Overall
Best Overall
Beats by Dr. Dre Studio Buds Wireless Earphones
Best Overall
Beats by Dr. Dre Studio Buds Wireless Earphones
$150 at Amazon
Key Specs
SoundCustom audio driversDurabilityIPX4 water-resistantBattery LifeUp to 8 hours
The Beats Studio Buds are our top pick for most consumers. They have everything you’d want in wireless earbuds: cool design, superb comfort, quality sound, dependable noise cancellation, solid battery life, and an agreeable sub-$150 price tag. While testing the earbuds, I particularly enjoyed not having to use an app to achieve optimal sound and noise cancellation — both were well-balanced and excellent out of the box.
I also tip my hat to Apple for making the Studio Buds equally effortless to pair with an iPhone and an Android phone — however, they, unfortunately, lack a USB-C battery case with wireless charging capabilities.
The Beats Studio Buds are available in black, white, red, blue, and gray, with the last two being the latest colors to join the lineup. If you can up your budget by $50, consider the instead. The range-topping Beats by Dre earphones have a more secure fit with additional wingtips and, thanks to the Apple H1 chip, support for . The last bit delivers a live performance-like listening experience with compatible Apple Music content.
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Reviewed: Beats Studio Buds Wireless Earphones
Runner-Up
Runner-Up
Jabra Elite 4 Active Wireless Earbuds
Runner-Up
Jabra Elite 4 Active Wireless Earbuds
$120 at Amazon
Key Specs
Sound6-millimeter audio driversDurabilityIP55 water- and dust-resistantBattery LifeUp to 7 hours
Jabra’s Elite 4 Active true wireless earbuds are a solid alternative to our top pick from Beats by Dre with a more understated design, a tougher build with a higher rating for water resistance, customizable sound via an app, and a lower price tag, all while being just as lightweight and comfortable. The earbuds’ excellent fit also impressed me by blocking noise exceptionally well — I didn’t need to use noise cancellation on many occasions while testing the product.
Acoustically, the Jabra Elite 4 earbuds perform superbly for a product in their price range. The product’s noise cancellation is also stellar, as is its call quality. However, the Studio Buds offers support for more immersive Dolby Atmos spatial audio, self-adjustable noise cancellation, and seamless Apple connectivity.
If noise cancellation is not a must for you, I recommend considering the more affordable . The sub-$100 pair has a similar design and sound quality but a slightly lower rating for water resistance. The earbuds have a 2-year warranty against damage from water and sweat.
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Reviewed: Jabra Elite 4 Active Wireless Earbuds
Best AirPods
Best AirPods
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Best AirPods
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Now 20% Off
$200 at Amazon
Key Specs
SoundCustom audio driversDurabilityIPX4 water-resistantBattery LifeUp to 6 hours
Apple’s second-generation AirPods Pro earphones are hands-down the best for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch users. Fresh off an upgrade to the H2 wireless chip, the earbuds deliver better sound, superior noise cancellation, and longer battery life than the iconic first-generation. Of course, the earbuds will also link to all Apple devices that use the same iCloud account.
The audio quality of the AirPods Pro is balanced, enjoyable, and among the best in the product’s price range. If you’re looking for Apple earbuds sans noise cancellation, consider the .
Remarkably, the charging case of the latest AirPods Pro got a ton of upgrades, too. The accessory packs the Apple U1 chip, so you can track it like an AirTag. To top things off, the essential gadget has an onboard speaker and an IPX4 rating for water resistance like the earphones.
You can customize and protect your AirPods by browsing a vast selection of protective cases. I enjoyed this because it allowed me to add a personal touch to a rightfully ubiquitous product.
Best Budget Earbuds
Best Budget Earbuds
Soundcore Life P3 Wireless Earbuds
Best Budget Earbuds
Soundcore Life P3 Wireless Earbuds
Now 13% Off
$70 at Amazon
Key Specs
Sound11-millimeter audio driversDurabilityIPX5 water-resistantBattery LifeUp to 7 hours
The Soundcore Life P3 wireless earbuds by Anker are our favorite for budget-minded buyers and a worthy follow-up to the brand’s insanely popular Life P2. For less than $80, the buds offer an amalgam of well-balanced sound, robust noise cancellation, and a best-in-class companion app to customize them. I always enjoyed interacting with the app while testing the earbuds.
The stem-toting buds are also comfy, durable, and excellent for making calls. To top things off, the Life P3 offers solid battery life and a case that’s compatible with wireless charging. You can order Anker’s product in black, white, coral, navy, or sky blue.
If you’re shopping for affordable wireless earbuds with a stemless design, consider the instead. The compact earphones are slightly cheaper than the Life P3 without skimping on audio performance and additional features.
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Reviewed: Soundcore Life P3 True Wireless Earbuds
Best Sound Quality
Best Sound Quality
Sony WF-1000XM4 Wireless Earbuds
Best Sound Quality
Sony WF-1000XM4 Wireless Earbuds
Now 29% Off
$198 at Amazon
Key Specs
Sound6-millimeter audio driversDurabilityIPX4 water-resistantBattery LifeUp to 8 hours
Sony’s WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds are today’s best in terms of sheer acoustic capabilities. Thanks to cutting-edge audio hardware and support for lossless audio codecs, the buds can deliver sound with higher audio fidelity than any rival. Their noise cancellation is also excellent, though I’d give the latest Bose earbuds a slight edge in this department.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds are a significant upgrade over the third generation with a comfier fit, a water-resistant build, longer battery life, and a storage case that’s compatible with wireless charging. The last two bits also set them apart from their Bose rival.
These are the true wireless earbuds to get if sound quality is your utmost priority and their sticker fits your budget. I’m constantly testing such products, and the WF-1000XM4 is frequently my go-to. You can order the buds in silver or black with elegant gold accents.
Best Noise Cancellation
Best Noise Cancellation
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Best Noise Cancellation
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
$299 at Amazon
Key Specs
SoundCustom audio driversDurabilityIPX4 water-resistantBattery LifeUp to 6 hours
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II have noise-canceling tech, which allows them to tune out ambient distractions more proficiently than any rival. The earbuds’ aware mode for keeping tabs on your surroundings is just as incredible and, together with the noise cancellation, worth splurging on.
Compared to the first-generation Bose QuietComfort earbuds, the sequel offers a sleeker, more compact design and a comfier fit. The buds’ battery life has remained unchanged despite their size reduction, but, oddly, their case lacks wireless charging. If you don’t want to drop $300 on your next set of wireless earbuds, keep in mind that the original’s after the launch of the second generation.
Like all Bose products, the QuietComfort Earbuds II deliver a high-quality, well-balanced sound that’s customizable via their companion app. Their performance during calls is also exceptional, making them a great option for remote work. This is the set of earbuds that I reached for most frequently before making calls and stepping into online work sessions.
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Reviewed: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Best for Exercising
Best for Exercising
Jaybird Vista 2 Wireless Earbuds
Best for Exercising
Jaybird Vista 2 Wireless Earbuds
Now 23% Off
$115 at Amazon
Key Specs
Sound6-millimeter audio driversDurabilityIP68 waterproofBattery LifeUp to 8 hours
If you plan to exercise on a daily basis with your next pair of wireless earbuds, you need the Jaybird’s Vista 2 in your life. Designed to comply with military standards for durability, the buds have a secure fit and the highest rating for water resistance on this list — they can easily survive exposure to water and dust.
Crafted from stylish and rugged fabric, the buds’ covers (in black or gray) are nice to interact with, too. And believe it or not, their wireless charging compatible case with a matching finish is also super tough and IP54 waterproof. Being able to gently rinse the accessory with water after dropping it during a Central Park outing was very convenient.
The Vista 2 can also deliver high-quality sound, adjustable noise cancellation, and great battery life. Their companion app stands out by offering plenty of tools to customize your experience, dressed in an intuitive user interface. There’s even an option to discover the preferred sound presets of professional athletes and workout warriors.
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Reviewed: Jaybird Vista 2 Wireless Earbuds
Best for Samsung Galaxy
SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds Pro 2
SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds Pro 2
$169 at Amazon
Credit: Amazon
The all-new Galaxy Buds2 Pro earbuds are Samsung’s answer to the Apple AirPods Pro, offering outstanding comfort and seamless integration with the tech giant’s Android smartphones. When paired with a Galaxy phone, the earbuds can stream hi-fi sound that’s a contender for best-in-class. Plus, you can charge them wirelessly off the back of the top-shelf Samsung Galaxy phones.
Thanks to a duo of audio drivers per earphone, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro earphones deliver phenomenal sound, stellar noise cancellation, and excellent call quality. The buds can activate ambient mode by detecting your voice like the previous generation. This bit reminded me of the much pricier Sony WF-1000XM4 while testing Samsung’s earbuds. The product’s call quality is also excellent.
Samsung offers the Buds2 Pro in black, white, and purple. If you’re shopping for Samsung-ready earbuds on a tighter budget, consider the Galaxy Buds2. The cheaper earbuds’ sound, noise cancellation, and call quality are top-notch, but their IPX2 rating for water resistance is not as robust as the Pro’s IPX7.
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Reviewed: Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro Earbuds
Best Android Integration
Best Android Integration
Google Pixel Buds Pro Wireless Earbuds
Best Android Integration
Google Pixel Buds Pro Wireless Earbuds
$192 at Amazon
Key Specs
Sound11-millimeter custom audio driverDurabilityIPX4 water-resistantBattery LifeUp to 11 hours
The Pixel Buds Pro — Google’s best wireless earbuds yet — are excellent for Android users. In addition to a comfy fit, incredible battery life, and super easy Android smartphone pairing, the colorful earbuds offer seamless Google Assistant integration. You can manage audio playback, take calls, send messages, control connected appliances, and open apps, among many other things, with voice commands.
Google equipped the Pixel Buds Pro with custom audio drivers whose audio quality is worthy of the product’s price range. The same goes for the earbuds’ noise cancellation and call quality. Unlike most rivals that cost around $200, the Pixel Buds Pro earbuds don’t offer audio customization tools, but Google will address this shortcoming via an upcoming update.
You can order the Google Pixel Buds Pro in several colors: charcoal, coral, fog, and lemongrass. The are another excellent option by Google, especially if you don’t want to drop $200 on new earbuds and noise cancellation is not a must. For less than $100, the earphones offer top-tier comfort and hands-free Google Assistant access but shorter battery life.
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Reviewed: Google Pixel Buds Pro Wireless Earbuds
Best Ambient Mode
Best Ambient Mode
Sony LinkBuds S Wireless Earbuds
Best Ambient Mode
Sony LinkBuds S Wireless Earbuds
Now 26% Off
$148 at Amazon
Key Specs
Sound5-millimeter audio driversDurabilityIPX4 water-resistantBattery LifeUp to 6 hours of battery life
The LinkBuds S — Sony’s latest true wireless earbuds — deserve your attention for delivering supreme comfort and unrivaled ambient sound capabilities. The latter will allow you to remain aware of your surroundings anytime, anywhere, without the need to remove the lightweight buds. While testing the earbuds, I wore them for hours without them during at-home work sessions and outdoor walks without missing an important delivery or track of the NYC traffic around me.
Best of all, unlike the first-ever Sony LinkBuds that required donut-shaped audio drivers to accomplish the above feat, the S iteration also offers more immersive sound and onboard noise cancellation. Sony accomplished this feat by treating the buds to a traditional design with silicone tips but larger air vents to let in more ambient noise. Thanks to well-tuned audio drivers and the same audio processor as the pricier mentioned above, the LinkBuds S produce excellent and easily customizable sound.
Given their price tag, the LinkBuds S could use a wireless charging-compatible case. Sony offers the product in black or white.
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Reviewed: Sony LinkBuds S Wireless Earphones
Best AirPods Alternative
JBL Live Pro 2
JBL Live Pro 2
Shop at Amazon
Key Specs
Sound11mm dynamic driversDurabilityIPX5 water resistantBattery Lifeup to 10 hours
JBL’s Live Pro 2 wireless earbuds are today’s best alternative to the and the , offering longer battery life and more durable construction with a higher rating for water resistance for similar (or less) money. The stem-toting wireless earbuds are available in black, blue, pink, and silver.
The earbuds’ sound quality and noise cancellation are among the best in their price range, and you can customize them via an app. Their call quality is solid, too, and you can simultaneously connect the product to a pair of devices. However, the AirPods support fancier spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. Apple’s earphones will also easily connect to all devices that use the same iCloud account.
If you are shopping on a tighter budget a don’t mind a more bass-forward sound, consider the much cheaper earbuds instead. Available in black, white, and blue, the sub-$100 buds offer long battery life but a lower rating for water resistance.
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Reviewed: JBL Live Pro 2 True Wireless Earbuds
Most Luxurious
Most Luxurious
Master & Dynamic MW08 Wireless Earphones
Most Luxurious
Master & Dynamic MW08 Wireless Earphones
$299 at Amazon
Key Specs
Sound11-millimeter audio driversDurabilityIPX5 water-resistantBattery LifeUp to 12 hours
The Master & Dynamic MW08 wireless earbuds are pair to get If you care about style and craftsmanship above all else. Designed in New York City, the buds are luxurious, feature-packed, and worth their hefty price tag. Available in several colors, their gorgeous ceramic housings make rivals look generic and cheaper in comparison.
Like all M&D products, the MW08 buds sound exceptional, thanks to finely tuned audio drivers, and their noise-canceling tech is adjustable via a mobile app. They have epic battery life, too, and a beautiful storage case with stainless steel housing. I felt a sense of special occasion every time I interacted with the accessory. However, despite the MW08’s high price, its case doesn’t support wireless charging.
If wireless charging is important for you, consider the instead. For $50 more, they have just-as-luxurious housings with sapphire glass covers and a kevlar fiber storage case with the essential functionality.
Best Earbuds Under $25
JLab Go Air Pop True Wireless Earbuds
JLab Go Air Pop True Wireless Earbuds
$25 at Amazon
Key Specs
Sound6-millimeter audio driversDurabilityIPX4 water-resistantBattery LifeUp to 8 hours
JLab’s Go Air Pop are the most affordable true wireless earbuds worth your attention today. Priced as a legitimate impulse buy, these sub-$20 buds are incredibly comfortable, plenty durable, and capable of delivering entertaining sound. You can order the earbuds in black, lilac, rose, slate, and teal finishes.
You can tune the buds’ sound by choosing from a trio of custom modes. They include a balanced one, an option with boosted bass, and a JLab signature setting that enhances the treble and the low range. The call quality of the Go Air Pop is also adequate, so long as you manage your expectations.
The 8-hour maximum battery life of the Go Air Pop can compete with much pricier offerings, though I really wish that their case had an integrated cable with a more up-to-date USB-C connector instead of the old-school USB-A it packs. I had to look for a USB-C hub to power the earbuds up from a MacBook Pro and a Microsoft Surface Studio.
Most Versatile
Beats Fit Pro
Beats Fit Pro
$200 at Amazon
Key Specs
Sound9.5-millimeter audio driversDurabilityIPX4 water-resistantBattery LifeUp to 6 hours
The Beats Fit Pro are a great pick for quality noise-cancelling listening. Offering six hours of listening time and enhanced by the Apple H1 chip, these headphones provide ultimate spatial audio with dynamic head traffic to create an immersive listening experience.
The wingtip-structure provide a flexible, yet snug fit in the ear for secure listening while on-the-go. The three different listening modes — Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, and Adaptive EQ — give the user a customizable acoustic experience to deliver immersive and balanced sound.
Offered in an array of colors including black, white, purple, and gray, these bluetooth earbuds provide a powerful, customizable listening experience and high quality-call performance with built-in microphones and voice assistant interaction. The Beats Fit Pros are an excellent option in terms of versatility, balanced sound, and comfort.
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Reviewed: JLab Go Air Pop True Wireless Earbuds
More Wireless Earbuds We’ve Tested
Below is an additional selection of wireless earbuds I tested at various price points. The products offered a high-quality overall experience but didn’t meet our exact criteria for performance, durability, and available features for the money. That said, each entry left me with good impressions on more than one occasion during the testing process.
- : These wireless earbuds offer well-balanced sound and outstanding battery life at an incredible sub-$100 price point. However, rivals offer noise cancellation and wireless charging for even less.
- These wireless earbuds by Sony have a futuristic design, which will allow you to always be aware of your surroundings. That said, the high-tech buds’ battery life and overall durability leave a bit to be desired.
- : Developed by a legendary audio brand, these true wireless earbuds bring outstanding audio performance and a high-tech charging case that doubles as an in-flight adapter. But underwhelming battery life and thunderous price make the PI7 a niche product.
Stefan Vazharov
Senior Technology Editor
Stefan is the senior technology editor for BestProducts.com, where he’s been covering the tech industry and testing the latest gadgets since 2015. He has more than a decade of experience covering consumer tech products, especially smartphones, tablets, laptops, and audio gear. He was previously the US editor for GSMArena.com; his work can also be found on Popular Mechanics and other Hearst publications.In the rare moments when he’s not playing with a new gadget, Stefan likes to watch live Premier League games or hang out with his cat and rabbit. He’s also an espresso snob.
