Whether you have a phone with no audio jack or prefer the freedom of going wireless, picking the most suitable wireless earbuds is a matter of preference. 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 295 pairs of wireless earbuds and in-ear headphones, and below, you'll find our recommendations for the best wireless earbuds to buy. If you're curious about wireless headphones, consider our recommendations for the best Bluetooth headphones. And check out our learn article to figure out which type of headphones are best for you. For those of you on a budget, you'll also want to check our picks for the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds under $50 and $100, as well as our best budget earbuds.
Our How We Test Headphones article takes you behind the scenes in our lab. You'll learn how we choose and purchase products and dive into the details of our review philosophy, from testing and scoring to writing and editing.
You can also discover how we produce recommendations like this one so that you can find the best headphones (or earbuds!) for your needs.
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Best Wireless Earbuds
TravelOffice WorkSports And FitnessNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosBuild QualitySee all our test resultsRecording QualityThe best wireless earbuds we've tested are the Sony WF-1000XM6. These buds are the next generation of the Sony WF-1000XM5, bringing improvements in noise cancelling and microphone performance. They have a similarly warm sound to their predecessor, with a boosted bass-range that complements the balanced mid and treble presentation. There are plenty of sound customization options available in the companion app, so you can dial in your preferred sound via the graphic EQ and presets, or even simulate the soothing ambiance of a cafe using the new 'Background Music' feature.
The tweaks made to the ANC system, combined with the passive isolation from their memory foam tips, mean these buds have incredible noise isolation. They attenuate everything from rumbling plane engines to high-pitched electrical noise, letting you dial in your chosen level of ambient awareness. The improved mic captures your voice well and effectively separates it from all but the noisiest backgrounds. They can last upwards of eight hours on a single charge with the ANC enabled, which should get you through your workday without relying on the two charges in the case. Plus, they support high-res streaming codecs like LDAC and LC3, the latter of which can also be used for lower-latency playback.
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Best Upper Mid-Range Wireless Earbuds
TravelOffice WorkSports And FitnessNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosBuild QualitySee all our test resultsRecording QualityIf you're looking for strong all-rounders but don't need the absolute best ANC on the market, check out the Technics EAH-AZ100. These earbuds boast a new design and improved sound compared to the brand's previous flagship earbuds, the Technics EAH-AZ80. They have a smaller and more rounded shape and many internal improvements. Their excellent ANC attenuates noise from the din of airplane cabins to the rumble of car engines; while the buds' passive isolation isn't as strong as the Sony WF-1000XM6 and their foam tips, the Technics' over 12-hour battery life with ANC on will last you through most flights. They support Google Fast Pair, so they're a good choice for Android users, and you can pair these buds with up to three devices at a time, which is handy if you juggle multiple personal or work devices.
The similarly priced Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) go toe-to-toe with the Technics buds in most regards, including noise cancelling. The Bose are more comfortable and stable, plus they have a more mid-forward sound than the Technics, which means sounds like vocals are more present in the mix. But some may prefer the Technics' smoother sound. If you consume a lot of videos or play games on your phone, the Bose buds match the Technics' low-latency LC3 codec with their aptX Adaptive codec support, so you likely won't encounter audio-visual desync. That said, the Technics earbuds have a longer battery life and support Spatial Audio for more immersive listening.
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Best Mid-Range Wireless Earbuds
TravelOffice WorkSports And FitnessNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosBuild QualitySee all our test resultsRecording QualityIf you're interested in three-way multipoint but are happy to sacrifice a little battery life to keep costs down, the Technics EAH-AZ80 are the best Bluetooth earbuds in the mid-range price bracket. These buds have a comfortable, stable fit and an IPX4 rating that keeps them safe from the occasional splash of rain. While their ANC is a step down from the Technics EAH-AZ100, it still does an impressive job cutting down on noise across the frequency range. It's especially effective in office environments, where it effectively reduces chatter and keyboard clacking. The EAH-AZ80 have a warm default sound profile that suits most kinds of audio content. If you prefer a different sound, you can use the graphic EQ and presets in the app to tweak the profile to your liking.
As mentioned, these earbuds also support three-way Bluetooth multipoint, which is useful if you often switch between multiple devices. They last a little over seven hours on a single charge with ANC on, which is decent, but you get noticeably less runtime than with the more premium Technics EAH-AZ100. Still, the AZ80's mic performs very similarly to their more expensive cousins, so if you're looking for strong all-rounders that won't break the bank, they're a good pick.
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Best Lower Mid-Range Wireless Earbuds
TravelOffice WorkSports And FitnessNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosBuild QualitySee all our test resultsRecording QualityIf microphone performance is more important to you than ANC strength, the Nothing Ear are a great pick. Out of the box, they have a well-balanced sound profile that suits a variety of audio, and you can use the Nothing X app to tweak their eight-band EQ to suit your tastes. These buds have a solid 7.5-hour battery life with another 3.7 charges in their case. Though their ANC isn't as effective as that of the Technics EAH-AZ80, it's still decent at reducing external noise to keep listeners isolated from the outside world. And the Nothing's mic does a better job separating your voice from any noise around you, making it more useful in a busy office.
These earbuds have excellent connectivity, supporting multi-device pairing and Google Fast Pair. They also work with LDAC and LHDC to provide high-quality, nearly lossless audio streaming. They also bring their own flair, with ChatGPT integration and a Find My Earbuds function; the Nothing X app lets you access ChatGPT's conversation mode via earbud controls to get answers to your questions on the fly. If you want a similar sound profile with better noise cancelling and access to spatial audio, the Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless are a viable option. However, their microphone performs worse, and they cost a bit more.
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Best Budget Wireless Earbuds
TravelOffice WorkSports And FitnessNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosBuild QualitySee all our test resultsRecording QualityThe Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless are the best Bluetooth earbuds in the budget category that we've tested. They're a relatively affordable option with numerous features like ANC and app support. Their noise isolation performance punches above their price, 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 that automatically adjusts to the level of noise in your environment. With ANC on, they last for about eight hours of continuous use, and their case stores four extra charges. Like the previous pick, they also support multi-device pairing.
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 Nothing Ear, they don't come with extra features like ChatGPT integration. They also 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. If you want similarly performing buds with a slightly different shape, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Truly Wireless are a good choice. Compared to the Space A40's rounded look, the Liberty 4 NC have a more traditional stem design that some may find preferable with a bassier sound. The Liberty 4 NC also have a longer nine-hour battery life, though they don't cancel noise as well as the Space A40.
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Best Cheap Wireless Earbuds
TravelOffice WorkSports And FitnessNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosBuild QualitySee all our test resultsRecording QualityThe Anker Soundcore P31i are the best cheap Bluetooth earbuds we've tested. These buds stand out for the price because they offer features that are still uncommon at this level, including adaptive ANC, LDAC support, and multi-device pairing. While they can't match the performance of the more expensive Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless, the P31i's ANC still does a decent job cutting down noise like passing cars, plane engine rumble, and background chatter. They're also very comfortable and lightweight, with a stable fit that works well for day-to-day use, and their built-in mic does a good job keeping your voice understandable in noisy places.
They last a little over seven hours on a single charge, and the case holds four extra charges, so they're easy to keep going through long days on the move. Their default sound profile is warm and bass-heavy, which suits modern pop well, but the treble roll-off means voices can lack sparkle and shimmer. Fortunately, their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets, so it's easy to tweak the sound to your liking. If you're looking for even more affordable buds, consider the Anker Soundcore P25i. These solid performers are just about the cheapest earbuds we'd be happy to recommend. But unlike the P31i, the P25i don't have ANC, and their mic isn't as useful in noisy environments.
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Best Earbuds For iPhone
TravelOffice WorkSports And FitnessNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosBuild QualitySee all our test resultsRecording QualityThe Apple AirPods Pro 3 are the best earbuds for iPhone users. These top-of-the-line earbuds have a fantastic noise isolation performance that's on par with the Sony WF-1000XM6, but their many Apple-exclusive features can limit their usefulness for everyone. Their H2 chip allows you to easily pair and switch between Apple devices (on the same iCloud account) and virtual surround sound via Apple Music to help improve your audio's immersiveness. Depending on the region, iPhone generation, and OS version, you can access unique features like Live Translation and use the buds' built-in heart rate monitors to track your fitness across different apps. Their fantastic ANC means they can act as hearing protection. Plus, they can be used as hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss, which is rather unusual but region-dependent.
Their durable IP57 rating means they can handle dust and water exposure. Plus, nine hours of continuous playback with ANC on will get you through most workdays or flights. These use Adaptive EQ to adjust their sound to fit your unique hearing and anatomy, along with an automatic loudness-contour EQ, so your audio sounds the same at different volume levels. However, unlike the top couple of picks, there's no manual equalizer to alter the bassy and slightly peaky treble response. Still, if you find the in-ear fit of these buds uncomfortable, the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation offer similar features and work seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem.
Notable Mentions
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Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4:
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 are premium ANC earbuds with a great build quality and a good built-in mic. While their battery life and ANC performance fall short of the Sony WF-1000XM6, they offer support for a variety of aptX codecs and have a more stable fit than the Sony.
See our review -
CMF Buds Pro 2:
The CMF Buds Pro 2 are less comfortable but more stable earbuds than the Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless. Both are ANC-enabled, though the Anker performs slightly better at attenuating noise on average. That said, the CMF have a better-sounding mic and virtual surround features that can enhance your immersion.
See our review -
JLab Audio GO Air POP True Wireless:
The JLab Audio GO Air POP True Wireless are value-oriented earbuds like the Anker Soundcore P31i. They typically come in at a lower price than the Anker. However, in exchange for the lower cost, you'll miss out on ANC and companion app support.
See our review -
JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless:
The JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless have a longer continuous battery life than the Anker Soundcore P31i, and also offer a more balanced sound out of the box. However, the JBL don't have ANC, and their mic isn't as good at distinguishing your voice from noise around you.
See our review
Recent Updates
Apr 15, 2026:
The Technics EAH-AZ80 are our new 'Best Mid-Range' pick, bumping the Nothing Ear down to lower mid-range. That makes the Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless our 'Best Budget' pick, with the Anker Soundcore P31i replacing the JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless as our 'Best Cheap' pick. The JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless are now a Notable Mention, with the Anker Soundcore P25i a cheaper alternative to the Anker Soundcore P31i. Finally, we removed the Apple AirPods Pro 2 from our Notable Mentions.
Mar 18, 2026:
We've updated this article by adding the Sony WF-1000XM6 as the new top pick, thanks to their noise isolation performance and improved mic. The Technics EAH-AZ100 have been moved to the upper mid-range pick, with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd gen) mentioned as an alternative. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 are now a Notable Mention.
Jan 27, 2026:
We removed the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless and Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro from our Notable Mentions.
Oct 31, 2025:
This article was updated to move the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Pro 3 to Notable Mentions, and to add the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 as the upper mid-range pick, and the Apple AirPods Pro 3 as the iPhone pick.
Sep 10, 2025:
We added the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) as an alternative to our top pick. The cheaper Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless move to our Notable Mentions because they remain a good purchase, especially if you can find them on a clearance sale. We've removed the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Truly Wireless from our Notable Mentions as they're getting harder to find.
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 the Apple AirPods 4, 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 above are what we think are currently the best wireless earbuds for most people. We factor in the price (cheaper earbuds win over pricier ones if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no earbuds that are difficult to find or almost out of stock in the U.S.).
If you would like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our reviews for wireless earbuds and in-ears. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There are no perfect headphones. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection.