The 9 Best Wireless Earbuds of 2025

Our Picks of Wireless Earbuds

Best Wireless Earbuds for iPhones

Apple AirPods Pro 2

Battery Life: 8.5 hrs | Active Noise Canceling: Yes

The AirPods Pro 2 are an easy choice for Apple users, with a polished app that integrates with your iPhone or MacBook. They offer excellent sound quality, with a natural, balanced profile that lets every instrument and vocalist shine. The immersive spatial audio feature surrounds you in music. They offer the clearest call quality of any wireless earbuds we tested, making them a reliable choice for staying in touch, even in noisy environments. We all found a comfortable fit, and they felt light enough to wear all day. With an IP54 rating for dust and sweat resistance, they stayed secure during workouts, even when sweaty. The transparency mode works well when you need to stay aware of your surroundings.

While the active noise cancellation (ANC) has improved, it still falls short of the top competition from Bose QuietComfort Ultra. As one tester noted, “It silences the highway noise by the office, but keyboard clacking is still audible.” The AirPods help turn down the noise of the surrounding world, rather than complete silence. The earbuds' most compelling features, like spatial audio, Find My earbud tracking, and effortless switching between devices, only work on Apple devices. These earbuds are ideal for Apple users who don't mind paying a premium for a comfortable fit and rich sound, especially if you have less need for noise cancellation.

Read more: AirPods Pro 2 review

Best Wireless Earbuds for Android

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

Battery Life: 10 hrs | Active Noise Canceling: Yes

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are our favorites for Android users, offering major improvements over the first-gen model. They're among the lightest and most consistently comfortable earbuds we've tested, making them great for long listening sessions at work or on a daily commute. Even sensitive ears can handle them for hours. They sound fantastic across genres, creating a sense of space, rich detail, and consistent clarity. The percussion has punch and power, and the synths are silky. “They create a really dynamic, fun sound that makes the most of hip hop, R&B, and soul music,” says our tester. Spatial audio with head tracking creates a 3D listening experience, making the impressive soundstage feel even more immersive. The app is stacked with useful features, including EQ presets, noise exposure tracking, and a performance boosting seal check.

The app isn't compatible with iOS, which limits its functionality on Apple devices and makes switching between devices a pain, making the Apple AirPods a better choice for iOS users. While the active noise cancellation (ANC) is improved for Pixel Pro 2, it still trails behind competitors like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro, and the transparency mode introduces a distracting hum. Treble clarity can suffer at higher volumes, and call quality takes a hit in noisy environments. Plus, the conversation detection feature can be more frustrating than its worth, turning down music every time you mutter to yourself. However, if Android is your wheelhouse and you care more about sound and comfort than ANC, the Pixel Buds Pro2 could be the perfect fit.

Read more: Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review

Best Comfortable Budget Buds

Nothing Ear Wireless

Battery Life: 7.7 hrs | Active Noise Canceling: Yes

The Nothing Ear Wireless offer an above-average performance for every metric we tested. Be it sound quality or call quality, the Nothing Ear is bringing the performance without the high-end price. We think these reasonably priced wireless buds are super comfortable, sweat-resistant, and provide a stable fit. They have punchy and powerful sound when you turn up the volume without becoming muddy. The highs can also shine, and they have a nice sparkle. The roomy soundstage seals the deal as one of the best sound quality choices in this price range. As our expert audio tester remarked, “There's something really fun and pleasing about the way this mix is designed.” They have a solid app with EQ customization.

The Nothing Ear Wireless aren't the best at active noise cancellation. If calling is one of your main goals, it might be best to look at the AirPods 2 or Google Pixel Pro 2, depending on your device. Also, they don't have true location tracking from the app, but they can emit a sound should you drop a bud, making it easier to find. If you are the type to lose things, something with true tracking, like the AirPods Pro 2's “Find My” feature, might be a better fit. As one teen tester put it, “I lose stuff all the time, being able to track my buds would be important.”Overall, we think most users will enjoy the Nothing Ear and won't be disappointed in the sound quality, even if they aren't blown away by it.

Read more: Nothing Ear Wireless review

Best Earbuds on Budget

EarFun Air Pro 4

Battery Life: 7.8 hrs | Active Noise Canceling: Yes

Packed with premium features and priced below some competitors, the EarFun Air Pro 4 is a standout value. Wireless charging, multipoint pairing, customizable EQ settings, and a lost earbud chime would be impressive at any price. Add a natural-sounding transparency mode that lets you chat without removing the earbuds, and you have a winner. Plus, their surprisingly polished sound profile delivers rich, balanced frequencies, clear instrument separation, and lifelike vocals that don't muddy at higher volumes. While they lack an indulgent, playful nature, “You get a clear, detailed sound that's remarkably accurate,” says one audiophile. They have a similar design to the Apple AirPods Pro 2, with a hanging stem, and they feel lightweight and comfortable, staying secure.

Earbuds with higher sound quality make these sound disappointing in comparison, with notably less sparkle in the high notes. If you don't know what you're missing, though, these are great. Other trade-offs include lower call quality, basic ANC (though better than average), and a clunky app. We like the Nothing Ear Wireless buds for better call quality on a budget, but the Bose QuietComfort Ultra can't be beat for stronger ANC. While they're not ideal for frequent travelers or audiophiles chasing sparkling sound, they're a great option if you're mainly looking for background sound in calm environments like pleasant offices or cafés.

Read more: EarFun Air Pro 4 review

Best Wireless on the Tightest Budget

JLab Go Pop+

Battery Life: 7.8 hrs | Active Noise Canceling: No

Surprisingly capable at a delightfully cheap price, the JLab Go Pop+ earbuds are an excellent, low-commitment entry into the wireless world. They're ready for long days with 7.8 hours of battery life and a case that provides four extra charges and a built-in USB charging cable. The fairly neutral mix works decently across genres, with sound that neither offends nor dazzles. They're comfortable and secure, with a lightweight fit. They offer a rich feature set, including touch controls, a transparency mode, an IPX4 water resistance rating, and a functional app, which is nearly unheard of at this price point. “The fact that you get a working app with a couple of bonus features at this price really blows me away,” says one tester. A standout feature is the safe hearing mode that allows you to cap the volume, making them a compelling choice for parents with teens.

That said, these buds come with clear limitations. They don't offer active noise cancellation (ANC), location tracking, or the nuanced, transcendent sound that more expensive models can offer. While the JLab app is impressive for the price, it lacks the polish of premium alternatives. If you want more and have the budget for better, the EarFun and Nothing Ear Wireless offer more for reasonable prices compared to most competitors. Still, for anyone on a tight budget or those who are unsure if wireless earbuds are for them, the JLabs are a solid pick.

Read more: JLab Go Pop+ review

Best for Noise Cancelation

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Battery Life: 6.2 hrs | Active Noise Canceling: Yes

If you need to block office chatter or the drone of your commutes, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds delivers the best noise cancellation of any earbuds we have ever tested. Our test team was stunned by how well these earbuds neutralized distractions, earning the nickname “cone of silence.” This powerful ANC creates a cocoon of sound, immersing you in your music, game, or movie with cinematic clarity and spatial detail. “The soundstage is vast,” says our audiophile Bradshaw, “like a total sound bath.” Shimmering treble and soul-stirring basslines make these especially well-suited to hip-hop, pop, and classical genres. If you're looking for a transportive experience, you've found it.

But roses have thorns, and these buds are no exception. Consistent connectivity issues had some testers throwing in the towel despite their soaring sound profile. Their bulky size doesn't suit smaller ears and proved uncomfortable for some. Many felt they were better suited for sitting still than for active movement. Additionally, their shorter battery life, cheap-feeling case, and lack of location tracking feel borderline insulting at this price point. Unless you need top-tier ANC, most users will get more from the Apple AirPods Pro 2 or the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2. However, if your goal is quality sound paired with the absolute best ANC, the Bose steals the show every time.

Read more: Bose QuietComfort Ultra review

Best Wireless Earbuds for Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro

Battery Life: 8.1 hrs | Active Noise Canceling: Yes

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are an excellent Android alternative or a good choice for those who live in the Samsung ecosystem. These buds have a vibrant, bass and treble-forward mix and are a great choice for pop, hip-hop, and R&B. The Samsung are featherlight and super comfy for most; while they look larger, they have four ear tip sizes and feel lightweight once they are in. Their app is easy to use and includes impressive active noise cancellation, wireless charging, and adjustable EQ. They also offer above-average ANC. While not the best in the group, they perform better than the Google Pixel Buds Pro or Pro 2.

These buds are not as stable in the ear as some competitors, and for some wearers, even a large smile could cause them to fall out. Options like the Bose Ultra Open or the Sony WF-1000XM5 are more likely to stay in place. While these are not the most expensive in the group, they aren't cheap either. Those on a tighter budget will likely be better off looking elsewhere, like the Ear Fun or the Nothing Ear Wireless, which have robust sound profiles and lower prices, though somewhat less comfortable. One tester said, “For the price of the Samsung, you might be able to get two of a different pair that are less likely to fall out and sound almost as good.” Overall, we think the Samsung are a solid choice if it meets your goals.

Read more: Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro review

Absolute Best Sound Quality Earbuds

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4

Battery Life: 7.5 hrs | Active Noise Canceling: Yes

The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 are sonic gold, with a rich, layered, and immersive sound across an expansive stage. If you are looking for sound that takes you to new planes and lets you hear things you didn't know were in your favorite songs, these are the buds for you. They offer better comfort than other versions, and the app is easy to navigate and is loaded with features. They have better active noise cancellation, and the call quality is good enough to get you by for occasional calls. The Active Noise Cancelation is better than most, with the Bose QuietComfort lineup and the Sony WF-1000XM performing better.

We struggled with pairing the buds and connectivity when using across multiple devices (especially iOS devices). Once paired with one device, getting a new device to find them was a struggle. We even had to tell the first device to forget the buds and delete the app to pair with a new phone. They also aren't the best for calls, so if you spend a lot of time chatting, they might not be your best choice. The Bose Ultra Open offer excellent call quality and are comfortable enough for hours of conversation, but it lacks ANC. Overall, we think the Momentum is the perfect choice for those who want to feel the music and enjoy every moment, and have fewer concerns with making calls to friends.

Read more: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 review

Best for All-day Comfort and Fit

Bose Ultra Open

Battery Life: 8.3 hrs | Active Noise Canceling: No

The Bose Ultra Open is a unique offering in this lineup with an ear cuff design that keeps music where you want it but allows for impressive transparency of the world around you. As our tester reports, “For those looking to not shut off their surroundings, it is hard to find a better choice.” These clip-on buds are uber comfortable, with many testers forgetting they even have them on. They are especially nice for those who dislike the pressure of traditional buds in their ear canals. They have a user-friendly app and better call quality than most competitors, with clear male and female voices.

These buds are stable for most activities, but struggle to stay in place if brushed by clothing going overhead or something swiping past them. Testers reports, “They are so comfortable, you might not even notice that you've lost them.” They also lack tracking, making it particularly difficult to find them should they fall. Thanks to the design that favors transparency and comfort, they also lack ANC, making the Bose QuietComfort Ultra the better pick for creating silent surroundings. Last, the Ultra Open do not have the best sound quality. While the treble range is well developed, the mids and bass are weaker than in-ear Bose options. Despite these hiccups, the Ultra Open succeeds in creating a transparent listening experience with unbeatable comfort and sound good enough for most listeners.

Read more: Bose Ultra Open review

How We Test Earbuds

We spent over 2,500 hours testing over 20 wireless earbuds in our audio lab and the real world. Our trained audio experts judged how each pair sounds, fits, and functions.

We rated each earbud across five key metrics:

• Sound Quality (30% of score) — We evaluate the clarity, balance, detail, and immersive qualities of each sound profile across a range of music genres, podcasts, and audiobooks. Working with the experts at Listen Inc., we used tools like the Brüel & Kjaer head simulator and SoundCheck software to measure performance.

• Comfort and Fit (25% of score) — We examine each pair's comfort and fit with an eye for hours of continued wear.

• Noise Cancellation (20% of Score) — We test how well each bud blocks external sound in real life and the lab with standardized recordings. We also test transparency modes to determine how easily you can hear your surroundings when desired.

• Ease of Use/App Features (15% of Score) — We test each pair's controls, related app, and general features to judge ease of use.

• Call Quality (10% of Score)-- We test how clearly female and male voices transmit on calls in various environments. We look for mics that clearly isolate voices from background noises with minimal distortion.

• Battery Life (informational only) — We record how long each pair will play before running out of battery.

Why Trust GearLab

We assembled an A-team of audio professionals and enthusiasts to evaluate wireless earbuds. Clark Tate, is our Senior Audio Editor, documentary audio producer, and enthusiastic guitar player who loves to dance. She studied audio production at the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies and has spent years capturing sound for documentary films and producing podcasts.

Clark is joined by Senior Review Analysts Rachael Lamore, Genaveve Bradshaw, and Dave Berkman. Rachael led our audio lab testing, using professional-grade audio software and hardware to measure frequency response, call clarity, and noise cancellation. Genaveve is a skilled singer and musician driven by an academic dedication to music theory and a deep passion for music. She holds a degree in Music from the University of New Mexico with a foundation in classical vocal performance. With more than two decades of experience in audio recording and production, Dave Berkman specializes in location sound recording. His versatile skills include DJing, recording, and composing music, and his work has attracted an impressive client roster, including Apple, the History Channel, and the Food Network.

Analysis and Test Results

We tested the earbuds for sound quality, comfort and fit, noise cancellation, ease of use, and call quality to help you find the right pair to meet your goals and budget.

What's the Best Value in Wireless Earbuds?

Wireless earbuds range in price from the ultra-spendy to the wallet-loving. While in some regards you get what you pay for, we think some gems in this lineup offer more than you'd expect for relatively reasonable prices, depending on your goals. However, if your goals are high-end, versatile earbuds with all the bells and whistles and the best sound, you'll need to shell out more to get them.

Our favorite value earbuds are the EarFun Air Pro 4. These buds offer rich, balanced sound for a reasonable price. They have chime tracking, custom EQ, and wireless charging, but they aren't the best at ANC or chatting on the phone. The Nothing Ear Wireless is also a compelling budget pick. These offer better sound quality, impressive comfort, and good ANC and call quality. With above-average performance in every metric, it is hard not to love them. If your budget is tighter, we also like the JLab Go Pop+. This pair offers a neutral sound mix, impressive features, and a useful app. However, it doesn't have ANC or the best sound for those with a more discerning ear.

Sound Quality

The first consideration for impressive sound quality is how well the buds transmit the different ranges from treble, mids, to bass. Our expert ears considered each pair across various genres of music, assessing the mix of highs, lows, and everything in between.

Sound Quality Ratings

Product	Bass	Mid-Range	Treble
Sennheiser Momentum TW4	8.7	9.0	8.7
Bose QuietComfort Ultra	8.5	8.5	8.9
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro	7.5	9.0	8.5
Nothing Ear Wireless	9.0	8.5	7.5
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2	8.6	8.1	7.9
Bose QuietComfort	8.3	7.7	8.1
EarFun Air Pro 4	8.0	8.0	8.0
Apple AirPods Pro 2	7.8	7.5	7.5
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2	9.0	7.5	6.0
JLab Go Air Pop+	7.0	8.0	7.0
Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2	6.5	7.3	7.5
TOZO T10	6.5	7.5	7.0
Apple Airpods 4 ANC	5.3	7.9	7.5
Sony WF-1000XM5	5.8	6.8	7.3
Bose Ultra Open	4.0	7.8	6.8
Google Pixel Buds A-Series	6.3	5.5	6.5
Beats by Dre Powerbeats Pro	6.8	6.5	5.0
Beats Studio Buds +	6.0	5.3	5.0
Amazon Echo Buds 2023	5.0	5.5	4.0
JBL Vibe Beam	2.0	3.5	3.0

In our tests, the most impressive sound quality came from the Sennheiser Momentum TW4, which has a balanced mix that isn't heavy in any one area. Those who prefer a neutral profile will love these buds, while those who enjoy heavy bass might find them somewhat lacking. Close on their heels are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. These earbuds are incredible with bass, mids, and highs that offer outstanding quality. Rounding out the top four are the Bose QuietComfort and Google Pixel Buds Pro 2.

The lowest performers in our sound quality tests are the JBL Vibe Beam. These budget buds fall short in every measure with a very thin, hollow, and tinny sound. They were so unimpressive that some testers were surprised JBL would claim them. Other disappointing contenders for worst sound quality include the Amazon Echo Buds 2023 and the Beats Studio Buds +. All of these options scored far below the average in the group.

A handful of reasonably priced options performed well in our sound quality tests. The Nothing Ear Wireless and the EarFun Air Pro 4 were not the best in the group, but for the price, we think they punch above their class with a respectable range and a pleasing overall mix. The JLab Go Pop+ comes in slightly below the average for the group, but we suspect the average listener who enjoys podcasts and music will be more than happy, given the savings. We think they offer a warm and rich midrange with powerful enough bass, even if the instruments get slightly crowded at higher volumes.

Soundstage

Having a great soundstage is the earbuds' ability to place the instrument, singer, or elements around you in space and time, as opposed to feeling like they emit from a single speaker pointed at your ear.

Soundstage Ratings

Product	Soundstage Rating
Bose QuietComfort Ultra	9.5
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2	9.4
Apple AirPods Pro 2	9.0
Sony WF-1000XM5	9.0
Sennheiser Momentum TW4	9.0
Bose QuietComfort	8.7
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro	8.5
Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2	8.5
Beats by Dre Powerbeats Pro	8.0
Nothing Ear Wireless	8.0
Apple Airpods 4 ANC	8.0
Bose Ultra Open	7.5
EarFun Air Pro 4	7.5
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2	7.0
Google Pixel Buds A-Series	7.0
TOZO T10	6.5
Beats Studio Buds +	6.5
JLab Go Air Pop+	6.0
Apple AirPods 3	5.0
JBL Vibe Beam	5.0
Amazon Echo Buds 2023	4.0

While not the easiest thing for a wireless earbud to attain, technology continues to improve, and some of the options in this lineup have the ability to truly immerse you in sound, like being center stage at Red Rocks surrounded by instruments. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are the top performers for soundstage, providing an experience akin to being there with the band. Bose in particular, provides an impressive sound bath listening experience, drenching you in the moment. Sennheiser Momentum TW4, Sony WF-1000XM5, Apple AirPods Pro 2, round out the top options for soundstage.

Overall Sound Quality

How rich, full, and immersive your earbuds sound depends on two main factors: how well they balance their low, mid, and high frequencies, and how big and spacious the music sounds. Do they wrap you in music, like you're right in the room with the band, or sound like a single speaker blaring a dubbed cassette tape?

The Sennheiser Momentum TW4 brings all the sound factors together in a complete listening package. They have the most impressive performance across the ranges, including the best soundstage. These buds sound so good that you might forget where you are and be forced to dance. Close on their heels are the Bose brothers, both QuietComfort and QuietComfort Ultra. If saving some dough is your jam, the Nothing Ear Wireless offers above-average performance, balancing a smaller price tag with sound that feels high-dollar.

Comfort & Fit

Earbud comfort is a personal experience and varies from person to person. Ear shape, anatomy, and size of your ear canal can all influence how comfortable your earbuds are and how long you might be willing to wear them.

Features that influence comfort are the ear tip material, shape, and size, the ability to customize, and the overall weight and size. Designs that help increase a secure fit also impact comfort and can help or hinder the overall experience, especially if you plan to use them while being active. Finding the most comfortable and secure pair for you is essential, and we recommend that you immediately assess them for comfort and fit when you still have time to return them.

In our tests, the most comfortable earbuds were the Bose Ultra Open. These earbuds have a unique design that sits outside the ear canal, preventing any issues with pressure or size inhibiting comfort. However, this very feature means they don't have great passive or active noise cancellation. They do, however, offer greater transparency, so you have a better awareness of your surroundings. They are featherweight and don't get that “wet” slipperiness when sweating. These buds are also secure when moving at speed, working out, or having fun. There is a learning curve, however, and putting them on isn't intuitive.

The most comfortable in-ear buds are the Sony WF-1000XM5, with foam tips and a lightweight design. The foam tips are more comfortable than silicone, but they don't last as long. They are super secure and survived our running, headstands, and headbanging tests without dislodging. Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are also a comfortable pair; they are smaller and lighter than previous versions, and the shape fits better in most ears than the traditional oval. These passed our headstand and running tests, but one bud flew out during serious headbanging.

The most uncomfortable options, in our opinion, are the Bose QuietComfort and the QuietComfort Ultra. While not truly uncomfortable per se, they are on the large side and caused trouble for your testers with smaller ears. While they felt pretty secure, they were less secure than others when active, and some testers felt uncomfortable taking them outside where they might get lost. Other uncomfortable options include Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 and the TOZO T10. They were relatively comfortable at first with the Powerbeats' hard plastic making them less desirable than the TOZO, but both grew more uncomfortable the longer we wore them. Both felt very secure, but the discomfort level negates any security.

Noise Cancellation

Wireless earbuds are easy to wear in noisy offices, rumbling buses, and busy sidewalks. That's where noise cancellation features get a chance to shine, separating the earbuds that simply reduce distractions from those that create true calm amid the chaos.

Passive noise isolation occurs when earbuds physically block noise from entering your ear by sealing your ear canal. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) takes this a step further with technology designed to block low, consistent tones (like an air conditioner) as well as higher-pitched street noises or a hopping cafe. ANC actively attempts to neutralize sound waves by creating destructive frequencies using opposing sound waves.

Active Noise Cancelling Reduction

Product	Bass	Mid	Treble
Bose QuietComfort Ultra	30.1	29	23
Bose QuietComfort	21.7	25.4	31
Sony WF-1000XM5	18.9	24.3	33.2
Apple AirPods Pro 2	24.1	26.2	25.4
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2	21	24	30.1
Sennheiser Momentum TW4	18.7	23.9	31.6
EarFun Air Pro 4	17.7	23.7	29
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro	21.4	23	24.9
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2	24.8	22.9	20.3
Nothing Ear Wireless	17.6	21.7	24
Beats Studio Buds +	12.6	18.5	29.1
Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2	5.7	13	28.9
Apple Airpods 4 ANC	6.6	7.5	10.6

The best buds for noise cancellation are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and the Bose QuietComfort. Bose has the noise cancellation dialed in with the best test results by our expert ear panel and our lab testing. Both work well and decrease noise from each range, with the Ultra having an edge at the mid-range where many everyday sounds originate. As one tester put it, “These are the cone of silence!” While neither can compete with an over-ear ANC headphone, these are the best of the bunch. The Apple AirPods Pro 2, Sony WF-1000XM5, Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, and the Sennheiser Momentum TW4 round out the top ANC competitors.

Several contenders in our lineup do not include ANC capabilities and rely solely on passive noise cancellation, which means they will likely disappoint if noise cancellation is your goal. For those that offer ANC, the lowest scorer was the Apple AirPods 4 ANC they are slightly better than the non-ANC version, but not by much. The Bose Ultra Open also scores low for noise cancellation, but in fairness, they offer neither ANC nor passive isolation by design to bring you more transparency.

App Features

Theoretically, you can plug wireless earbuds into your ear and be good to go, but in practice, many require more customization or involvement to set them up and get going. Some earbuds need manual pairing, and others allow for customization of features, so they are more involved than your typical pair of wired earbuds. We tested features from head nods and finger taps to downloaded apps to find the easiest options to use.

The easiest earbuds to pair, set up, and use are the Nothing Ear Wireless, Sennheiser Momentum TW4, followed closely by the Sony WF-1000XM5 and the EarFun Air Pro 4. The Nothing Ear app is simplistic but has everything you need on the main page, making it a tester favorite. The Momentum pair is easy to pair, but we had trouble with connectivity when paired with multiple devices, as they often cut out. The EarFun also pairs easily and has features like adjustable EQ, and the buds can make a sound if you drop one, making it easier to find. The Sony buds require you to have the case for pairing, which is nice for security.

The most disappointing option in the group was the Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2. The app is basic and doesn't allow for much adjustment. It doesn't have an ear fit test or location tracking, and for the price, it feels like you should get more.

Battery Life

A battery life of 8 to 10 hours is the sweet spot for most people, easily covering a workday and a workout, but if your commute extends your day closer to 12 hours or beyond, you'll wish you had buds that live longer. Our battery life test is done without active noise cancelation on, and that feature typically drains batteries faster.

In our tests, the Sony WF1000XM5 stands apart, with a mindblowing 14 hours of runtime (no ANC) without recharging. The case can hold an additional two charges, giving you up to 42 hours. Plus, a quick 3 minutes on the charger provides an extra hour of playtime. The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 aren't far behind, with nearly 13 hours of play, 4.5 charges in the case, and a 5-minute quick charge feature. That is 58.5 hours total, but there will be more downtime as they recharge.

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 has the lowest battery life at just 3 hours. The case provides a full three charges, with an 8-minute quick charge that adds an hour. While you might be able to make them work in a pinch, they wouldn't be our first choice for longer periods away from home, and you have to consider the downtime while they recharge into your equation. The sweet spot for most users is likely buds that last over 7 hours, but your sweet spot will depend on your goals and how you plan to use them.

Call Quality

If you plan to use your earbuds for making calls, it's nice to have a pair with a microphone that can isolate your voice from background noise, making it easier to carry on a conversation. In our tests, we placed calls in a quiet room, a moderate office environment, and an incredibly loud subway station to compare each model.

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro earned top marks, picking up both male and female voices clearly even in chaotic environments. If placing calls is a top priority and you make them frequently while wearing buds, these are two impressive contenders. Rounding out our top 6 are the Bose Ultra Open, Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2, and the Bose QuietComfort.

The worst for call quality by far is the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2. These buds have excessive static and grainy quality to all voices in a quiet room. When we amp up the ambient sound to a subway platform, you can't hear anything, and the words are garbled. The Sony WF-1000XM5 and EarFun Air Pro 4 also offer disappointing call quality test results, making them poor choices if you plan to use your buds for phone calls.

How to Choose the Best Wireless Earbuds for You

Finding the best earbuds to suit your needs and goals is as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4.

1. Set your budget — Finding a price range can narrow the field right away, and most folks don't have a significant amount of wiggle room on budget. If you can't afford $400 earbuds, why even consider them? If you know your limit, stick to it. Buying the best you can afford can make your wallet and your ears happy.

2. Comfort is Essential — Choosing the best pair for your ear shape, size, and the duration you'll be wearing them is important. It doesn't matter how great the sound is or how easy the app is to use, if they are uncomfortable at first or become so over time.

3. Sound Quality — Finding the best sound quality within your budget helps ensure you will be pleased listening to all your favorite songs. Our tests provide the information you need to find the best sound profile within your budget, so you have confidence that you're getting the best experience possible.

4. Features — Which features are essential depend on your goals, but some to consider would be noise cancellation, call quality, or ease of use. If you make lots of calls, finding buds with clear sound and a quality microphone is important. Impressive noise cancellation could be key if you want a peaceful experience, immersed in whatever you are listening to, that blocks out the ambient noise around you.

Looking for more in-depth advice? Take a look at our How to Choose Earbuds and Headphones article.

Other Notable Wireless Earbuds

Although our award winners aim to capture the best earbuds for most people, we tested more than 20. Some of them offer impressive functionality or features, but they didn't quite meet the criteria for inclusion.

Apple AirPods 3 and the Apple AirPods 4-- The Apple AirPods Pro 2 outperformed the 3 and 4 in most metrics, with one of the highest overall scores in the group. The 2 offers better sound quality and comfort, making it our pick out of the three AirPods.

Beats Solo Buds — This set of buds really didn't do anything well. Despite the lower price, we weren't impressed with the sound quality and think there are better potential buds at lower and slightly higher price points.

Bose QuietComfort II — We've included the Bose QuietComfort and Bose QuietComfort Ultra in our main review. The Ultra earned an award for top noise cancelation, and the original QuietComfort has an impressively low price and better sound quality than the II. While it couldn't match the call quality or app features, we think it is the more compelling choice between the two.

Google Pixel Buds Pro — The award-winning Pixel Buds Pro2 performed better in every test metric than the originals. Whether your goal is comfort or sound quality, we'd pick 2 over 1. With a slight price bump, we think it is worth spending the extra to get significantly more.

Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro — We gave the Galaxy Bud3 an award for best for Samsung users. It offers better sound quality and improved comfort over the Buds2. However, the Buds2 have the edge for call quality, and they might be a consideration that can save you money if placing clear calls is your top priority.

Conclusion

In a market bursting with wireless earbuds, choosing the right one can feel daunting. It comes down to balancing cost, comfort, and sound quality with the features that best suit your needs. Whether you're taking calls at the office, blocking out distracting sounds at the coffee shop, or chasing the ultimate immersive audio experience, our picks can help you find the right option to meet your goals.