Shopping for wireless earbuds today can be an overwhelming experience because of the sheer amount of options you can choose from. Whether you're looking for an affordable option, a great workout companion, or earphones that'll help you tune out your surroundings, there's a pair out there today that can do everything you need.
All the products on our list are completely wireless. Once part of an expensive and imperfect sub-category of products, today’s best wireless earbuds have evolved to deliver great sound, a reliable device connection, and enough battery life to meet the demands of most users — all without wires.
Noise cancellation is another convenient feature that's now ubiquitous in high-quality wireless earbuds. Leading products from Apple, Bose, Soundcore, and Samsung, to name a few brands, will not only entertain you but also effortlessly tune out ambient noise.
Best Wireless Earbuds
- Best Overall: Beats Studio Buds Wireless Earphones
- Runner Up: Jabra Elite 75t Wireless Earbuds
- Tailor-Made for Apple: Apple AirPods Pro
- Best Budget: Soundcore Life P2 Wireless Earbuds by Anker
- Best Noise Cancellation: Sony WF-1000XM4 Wireless Earbuds
- Best AirPods Alternative: Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro Wireless Earbuds
- Best Bose Earbuds: Bose QuietComfort Wireless Earbuds
- Most Luxurious: Master & Dynamic MW08 Wireless Earbuds
- Best for Bass: Sony WF-XB700 Extra BASS
- Tailor-Made for Samsung: Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro Wireless Earbuds
- Best for the Planet: House of Marley Redemption ANC
- Best Under $100: 1More Comfobuds Pro Wireless Earbuds
- Built-In Tile Tracker: Skullcandy Indy Evo Wireless Earbuds
How We Tested
For the past 5 years, I've been testing out earbuds what feels like on a daily basis. To put together this guide, I spent more than 300 hours researching roughly 20 potential entries from today's top brands. After poring over reviews from consumers and reading the thoughts of other industry experts, 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 the vocals, as well as the finer details in a song's instrumental accompaniment, to the fullest. Bass is typically the easiest audio bit to reproduce. But — especially in affordably priced headsets — it might come at the expense of the mids and the highs.
I also made and took calls using each headset to evaluate the quality of its audio and the performance of its built-in microphone(s).
What to Consider
Before picking your new pair of earbuds, there are several important bits to look for: durable design, reliable fit, dependable battery life, and good audio performance (including during calls), all at a price that fits in your budget. Great wireless earbuds should be sleek, comfy, water-resistant, and capable of delivering entertaining sound, regardless of the content you play.
Additional features like noise cancellation and app-enabled extras are also important to consider. Thankfully, you can find both even in reasonably priced wireless earbuds. This is a big deal — because until not too long ago, such functionality was strictly reserved for high-priced offerings.
Battery life in true wireless earbuds has improved a great deal over the years, so even a budget-friendly pair will keep you entertained for plenty of hours between charges. When it comes to charging, a USB-C connector is now mandatory for all buds out there, regardless of their price point. On the other hand, when shopping for high-end products, you should expect a case that’s compatible with wireless charging.
Be mindful that the earbuds’ sound quality and noise cancellation are typically directly related to their price tag. Spending more on a top-shelf product will inevitably get you more detailed sound, as well as fewer distractions. That said, our budget-friendly picks will also keep you focused and entertained, so long as you manage your expectations.
Now that you know what to look for in a pair of buds, check out our reviews of the best wireless earbuds on the market today, and get ready to begin a new sound journey without wires.
Best Overall
The all-new Beats Studio Buds are the best wireless earbuds for most consumers. They have everything you'd want in wireless earbuds: cool design, superb comfort, quality sound, and noise cancellation, as well as solid battery life.
Best of all, the Studio Buds also rock an agreeable price tag below $150. I also tip my hat to Apple for making the Studio Buds equally effortless to pair with an iPhone and an Android phone. I only wish their USB-C battery case had wireless charging capabilities. The true wireless earbuds are available in black, white, and red.
Runner-Up
Almost 2 years after their launch, the Jabra Elite 75t earbuds are still one of our top picks in this product category. They're elegant, comfy, durable, and entertaining sound-wise. Thanks to a firmware update long after their launch, the buds also offer reliable noise cancellation.
The Elite 75t delivers a powerful sound, which you can adjust via Jabra’s mobile app. Thanks to four built-in microphones, phone calls sound excellent, too. Finally, the buds last up to 7.5 hours between charges, and their battery case holds a few additional ones.
Tailor-Made for Apple
The AirPods Pro pack more features than the iconic and ubiquitous regular variant, headlined by superb noise-canceling tech, better ergonomics (there’s even a test to ensure they fit perfectly), and an IPX4 rating for water resistance. Because of the H1 wireless chip, the AirPods Pro are incredibly easy to pair with Apple devices. They are hands-down the best option for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users.
The sound of the AirPods Pro is impressive as always. Regardless of your content preferences, the buds will deliver a sonic experience that’s balanced and entertaining in equal measure.
Best Budget
The Soundcore Life P2 completely wireless earbuds by Anker overdeliver for their price tag. The buds have a refined design, a comfy fit, and an entertaining sound with just the right amount of enhanced bass.
The matte-black finish with copper accents is particularly noteworthy since it gives them more of a luxury look. Their fully waterproof build with an IPX7 rating is also a great feature at this price point.
The buds’ battery endurance is also impressive. The same goes for their carrying case with fast charging capabilities.
Best Noise Cancellation
Sony’s latest WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds are today’s best with onboard noise cancellation. They tune out ambient noise better than any rival. The buds’ sound quality is just as amazing, making them the one to get if their $280 sticker fits in your budget.
A significant upgrade over the excellent Sony WF-1000XM3, the latest iteration also has a comfier fit, a water-resistant build, longer battery life, and a case that’s compatible with wireless charging. You can order the product in silver or black with elegant gold accents.
Best AirPods Alternative
Anker’s Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro wireless earbuds are a solid AirPods alternative with a lower price tag, tougher build, longer battery life, and wireless charging case, as well as onboard active noise cancellation.
The buds have an impressive sound, which can be tailor-made to your exact hearing. Their noise cancellation is just as solid, and so is their performance during calls. Remarkably, the product’s companion app offers a best-in-class set of audio customization tools.
Best Bose Earbuds
The Bose QuietComfort earbuds have noise-canceling capabilities, which allow them to tune out sound just as well as the range-topping Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. You can adjust the noise cancellation by choosing from 10 distinct levels in the Bose Music app.
Like all Bose products, the QuietComfort earbuds deliver a high-quality, well-balanced sound. Their performance during phone calls is also exceptional.
The buds have a comfy fit, a water-resistant build, and touch-sensitive controls. Up to 6 hours of battery life and a wireless charging case round up their noteworthy highlights.
Most Luxurious
If you care about style and craftsmanship above all else, these buds will be your newest obsession.
The Master & Dynamic MW08 wireless earbuds are luxurious, feature-packed, and totally worth their hefty price tag. Designed in New York City, they have gorgeous ceramic housings, which are available in several colors. The buds are also comfy and water-resistant.
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 charging case with stainless steel housing.
Best for Bass
Sony’s WF-XB700 Extra BASS wireless earbuds, as their name suggests, are a dream come true for those who like to enjoy tunes with a powerful low range. In addition to a wow-inducing sound, the buds have a pleasantly understated design, intuitive controls, and, best of all, a price tag that’s impossible to resist.
Thanks to a comfy fit with a secure tri-hold setup and an IPX4 rating for water resistance, the WF-XB70 earbuds are also perfect for exercising. You can order them in black or blue.
The earbuds can last up to a rather amazing 9 hours between battery charges. Equipped with a futureproof USB-C connector, their carrying case holds one additional full charge.
Tailor-Made for Samsung
The noise-canceling Galaxy Buds Pro are Samsung’s equivalent to the Apple AirPods Pro. They pair seamlessly with Galaxy smartphones, just like the AirPods do with an iPhone. You can even charge them wirelessly (their case is compatible) off the back of top-shelf Samsung Galaxy phones.
With a duo of audio drivers per earphone, the Galaxy Buds Pro delivers top-tier sound with support for multidimensional audio. Their call quality is also excellent.
The earbuds’ noise cancellation is reliable and smart. We like their ability to activate ambient mode by detecting the user’s voice. Their 5-hour battery life with noise cancellation on is similar to that of the AirPods Pro.
Best for the Planet
The House of Marley Redemption ANC are the most Earth-friendly wireless earbuds available today.
Like all of the brand’s products, the noise-canceling earbuds and their charging case are crafted using sustainably sourced materials, including recycled plastic and silicone, plus reclaimed wood, among others. They make the Redemption ANC not only eco-friendly accessories but also characterful ones with conversation-worthy design.
The sound of the Redemption ANC earbuds is headlined by powerful and entertaining bass, just as you’d expect from a House of Marley product. Their noise-canceling performance is not on par with the product category’s best offerings from Sony and Apple.
Best Under $100
The 1More Comfobuds Pro are our favorite wireless earphones under $100, thanks to cool and durable design, exceptional comfort (they are among the lightest out there), and good audio quality. The earbuds also offer a reliable noise cancellation that’s customizable via a companion app. However, their sound isn’t adjustable.
You can expect up to 8 hours of wireless tunes from the Comfobuds Pro, and their storage case holds several additional charges. The earbuds are available in black or white with a matching case.
Built-In Tile Tracker
The Skullcandy Indy Evo true wireless earbuds stand out in the crowded sub-$100 field with a built-in Tile tracker in each bud, as well as a lengthy 2-year warranty. They also have a durable design and a comfortable fit.
Equipped with 6-millimeter audio drivers, the earbuds deliver a bass-heavy sound in music mode. Thankfully, there are two additional EQ presets (for movies and podcasts) in case you find the lows too powerful. Skullcandy offers the Indy Evo in several colors.
