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, active noise cancelling 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 905 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 wireless 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 over 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 hi-res streaming codecs like LDAC and LC3, the latter of which can also be used for lower-latency playback.
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Best Mid-Range Wireless Earbuds
TravelOffice WorkSports And FitnessNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosBuild QualitySee all our test resultsRecording QualityDespite a rather large price drop compared to our top pick, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro are the best Bluetooth earbuds we've tested in the mid-range. They're all-rounder earbuds that come close to the Sony WF-1000XM6 in ANC, and in some respects, even exceed them. The headphones punch well above their price point in noise isolation performance, with the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro just barely underperforming the Sony in bass and treble attenuation. Regardless, they still do an exceptional job blocking noise from rumbling engines to cacophonous conversations. They have a bassier sound compared to the Sony, but you can adjust the Anker's tuning with the app's EQ and/or their HearID listening test.
Ergonomically, the Anker are amazingly comfortable thanks to their shallow in-ear fit and interchangeable stabilizers that draw inspiration from the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen). They're also stable and IP55-rated for dust and water exposure, making them an excellent gym companion. There's also three-way Bluetooth multipoint, meaning you can simultaneously connect to a work laptop and phone, along with a personal device for your productivity playlist. Still, the Anker don't have as long a continuous battery life, sitting at 6.9 hours compared to the Sony's 8.6. On the plus side, they have an extra three charges in their case.
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Best Lower Mid-Range Wireless Earbuds
TravelOffice WorkSports And FitnessNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosBuild QualitySee all our test resultsRecording QualityThe OnePlus Buds 4 are the best lower mid-range wireless earbuds we've tested. Their ANC is excellent and reduces everything from low train rumble to higher-pitched fan noise. They're also comfortable enough for long listening sessions and have a very stable fit, so they stay put with little adjustment during brisk walks or gym sessions. It's worth noting that their mic sounds better in practice than our score suggests, so they're a good option if you take a lot of calls. However, their battery life is just shy of five hours with ANC on, which is a couple short of the near-seven offered by the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro.
These earbuds have a warm sound profile that reproduces your audio with plenty of thump and rumble, while still keeping vocals and lead instruments clear and present. And you can adjust their sound with the companion app's six-band EQ and presets. Still, if you're a die-hard music lover and prioritize features like codec support above ANC performance, the EarFun Air Pro 4+ are a good alternative. They support a wider range of Bluetooth codecs, including LDAC, LC3, and aptX Adaptive, but their ANC isn't as strong overall, and their battery lasts even less.
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Best Budget Wireless Earbuds
TravelOffice WorkSports And FitnessNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosBuild QualitySee all our test resultsRecording QualityIf you don't want to spend more than $100, the Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless are the best budget Bluetooth earbuds that we've tested. The Anker Soundcore brand tends to offer the best price-to-performance ratio among the headphones we test, so their picks dominate our budget and cheap categories. These relatively affordable earbuds come with all the bells and whistles you'd expect from more expensive models, like ANC and app support. In fact, their noise isolation performance outperforms the previous pick. They handily reduce common office and commuting noises and come with 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. 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 the OnePlus Buds 4 have a more stable fit and better real-world call performance. The Anker also aren't the best option for workouts either, since they aren't very stable, so they may slip out of place if you move your head around a lot. If you're looking for picks for the gym, check out our recommendations for the best headphones and earbuds for running and working out.
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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 because they offer features that are still uncommon at this price, 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 care more about sound customization than ANC strength, consider the MOONDROP SPACE TRAVEL 2. Their app offers unusually deep tools for the price, including a parametric EQ, Auto EQ, and a database of user-shared DSP configurations. However, their ANC is only okay, their sub-five-hour battery life is shorter, and they don't have an IP rating.
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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's, but their Apple-exclusive features can limit their usefulness for non-Apple users. Their H2 chip allows you to easily pair and switch between Apple devices on the same iCloud account and access virtual surround sound via Apple Music for a more immersive listening experience. Depending on the region, iPhone model, 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. Plus, they can be used as hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss, though availability varies by region.
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. 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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Nothing Ear (3a):
The Nothing Ear (3a) are all-rounder stem earbuds that offer expanded sound customization compared to the Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless. Their noise isolation performance falls short of the Anker's, but they have a parametric EQ and support virtual surround features for immersive listening.
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 -
JBL Vibe Beam 2:
The JBL Vibe Beam 2 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's ANC isn't good, and their mic isn't as good at distinguishing your voice from noise around you.
See our review
Recent Updates
Aug 18, 2026:
We've added the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro as our new mid-range pick. We've also removed our upper mid-range pick since the Anker outperform products in that price category. Our remaining picks are still relevant and in stock.
Jul 13, 2026:
We've looked over this article to ensure all our picks are still relevant and up-to-date but have made no changes to our picks. We've added the JBL Vibe Beam 2 as a Notable Mention for those looking for a more balanced sound compared to the Anker Soundcore P31i.
May 27, 2026:
The OnePlus Buds 4 are our new lower mid-range pick for their amazing ANC and stable fit. The EarFun Air Pro 4+ are an alternative for music listeners who are happy to sacrifice ANC strength for codec choice. We've also added the MOONDROP SPACE TRAVEL 2 as an alternative to the Anker Soundcore P31i, while the Nothing Ear move to our Notable Mentions.
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.
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 cable, some of these buds will still have a connecting wire between each bud. '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 of over 10 hours with ANC enabled to be a good result. We're also seeing the release of new true wireless earbuds that support Bluetooth LE Audio, which allows for more energy-efficient wireless audio transmission, resulting in 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 better 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 that is a lower resolution at source, it'll 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 streaming service or playing FLAC files, your audio will already have undergone some degree of compression. Bluetooth audio codecs, like LDAC and aptX Lossless, narrow 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 and listening habits will matter more in your selection.