Truly wireless earbuds are relatively new in the headphones market. While several models were made by lesser-known brands for a couple of years, they didn't become immensely popular until Apple released the first AirPods in late 2016. Since then, almost every company has thrown its hat in the ring. What used to be a relatively expensive product that lacked features is now available at every price point with impressive performance. While truly wireless headphones can't quite match the battery life of larger Bluetooth headphones, most popular options come with a charging case to extend their overall battery life while away from a charger, and some can juice up with convenient wireless charging pads.
We've tested over 235 pairs of truly wireless earbuds and in-ear headphones, and below are our recommendations for the best options. They tend to cost more than ordinary earbuds, so check out our picks for the best cheap earbuds if you're looking for something more budget-friendly. You can also look at the best in-ear headphones, the best earbuds for iPhone, and the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds for more options.
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 True Wireless Earbuds
TravelOffice WorkBatteryNoise Isolation - Full RangeNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosRecording QualitySee all our test resultsNoise HandlingThe Sony WF-1000XM6 are the best true wireless earbuds we've tested. These buds build on the Sony WF-1000XM5 with improved noise cancelling and better microphone performance, making them a great fit for travel, commuting, or daily office use. Their ANC is incredible, and the memory foam ear tips help passively block a huge amount of outside noise, from plane engine rumble to sharper high-pitched sounds. You can also adjust how much ambient sound you want to hear. The mic captures your voice well and separates it from background noise unless you're in a very noisy environment.
They have a warm sound profile with boosted bass and a balanced mid and treble range that works well with most audio content. If you'd rather tweak the default sound, the companion app includes a graphic EQ and presets, making it easy to dial in the sound you prefer. That said, their somewhat bulky fit isn't for everyone. If you'd prefer in-ears with a more secure fit, consider the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen). The Bose have stabilizer fins that help keep them in place during workouts, and are pretty comfortable for most people. That said, their six-hour battery life is a long way behind the Sony's eight hours. Still, the Bose do have three extra charges in the case compared to the Sony's two, which might be important if you tend to take long trips away from power outlets. The Sony's ANC is a slight step up from the Bose, though, which is one reason we think they're the best option for most people.
If noise isolation is particularly important to you, check out our best noise cancelling earbuds article.
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Best Upper Mid-Range True Wireless Earbuds
TravelOffice WorkBatteryNoise Isolation - Full RangeNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosRecording QualitySee all our test resultsNoise HandlingThe Technics EAH-AZ100 are a slightly more affordable route into the world of flagship earbuds than the Sony WF-1000XM6. They're the best earbuds in the upper mid-range price bracket, delivering a noticeable step up in noise isolation performance over the older Technics EAH-AZ80. While their ANC isn't quite on par with the Sony, it still does an excellent job cutting out noise across the frequency range, from low rumbles like airplane or car engine noise to sharper sounds like a nearby fan or street traffic. With ANC on, they last over 12 hours on a single charge, making them ideal for long flights or days at the office. They also support Google Fast Pair, can connect to up to three devices at once, and support LDAC and LC3 for high-quality wireless listening.
The AZ100 have a smooth, warm sound that flatters most types of audio content. Their default tuning has extended bass emphasis and a treble cut that gives them a warmer presentation, but you can always fine-tune their sound with the graphic EQ in the companion app. They're also stable and comfortable, though their deeper in-ear fit can feel a bit intrusive for some people. Still, that snug fit helps keep them secure, and their IPX4 rating means they'll survive light rain or sweaty workouts.
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Best Mid-Range True Wireless Earbuds
TravelOffice WorkBatteryNoise Isolation - Full RangeNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosRecording QualitySee all our test resultsNoise HandlingThe Nothing Ear (3)'s ANC isn't quite as strong as the Technics EAH-AZ100's, but their mic is a clear step ahead. That makes the Nothing a strong choice if you want good call quality in a portable package, especially in noisy environments. But these truly wireless earbuds aren't one-trick ponies. They offer many ways to tweak their sound, should you find their default response a little too bass-heavy. The Nothing X app offers a fully parametric EQ, bass enhancement, and a Personal Sound Profile that's customized for you based on a hearing test.
The Nothing's ANC also does a very good job blocking low hums and sharper high-pitched sounds, though it's not on par with the more expensive earbuds on this list. Still, these earbuds come with an IP54 rating for both the earbuds and the case, so they'll be protected from rain. The main downside here is the 5.3-hour continuous battery life. It's on the shorter side for wireless earbuds, and means you won't make it through a full workday or long trip without recharging them. Still, there are three extra charges in the case, so if you don't tend to wear earbuds for long uninterrupted stretches, these are more than fine.
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Best Lower Mid-Range True Wireless Earbuds
TravelOffice WorkBatteryNoise Isolation - Full RangeNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosRecording QualitySee all our test resultsNoise HandlingIf you like the sound of the Nothing Ear (3) but are happy to compromise a little on mic quality or ANC performance to keep costs down, check out the Nothing Ear. These lower mid-range earbuds may not excel in any one category, but they also don't have any glaring weaknesses. Out of the box, they have a warm sound profile that suits most kinds of audio, and they come with Nothing's useful companion app that lets you customize their sound to your preferences.
To help you focus, the noise isolation and ANC do a decent job of cutting out environmental sounds throughout the range, though it can't match the stronger performance of the more expensive buds on this list. If you're looking for lower mid-range buds with better ANC, consider the Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless, which do an excellent job blocking out noise. That said, the Sony's mic isn't as good as the Nothing's. While the Nothing don't have a virtual surround sound feature, they do support high-resolution Bluetooth codecs like LDAC and LHDC. A rating of IP54 for the buds and IP55 for the case rounds things off nicely. These buds will withstand a rainy or dusty day at the park or get you through an average workout.
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Best Budget True Wireless Earbuds
TravelOffice WorkBatteryNoise Isolation - Full RangeNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosRecording QualitySee all our test resultsNoise HandlingIf you're looking for affordable earbuds, the budget-friendly Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless are a great place to start. These earbuds don't have as good a microphone as the Nothing Ear, but their warm sound profile is similar-ish to the Nothing's and suits a wide variety of genres. They do lack a little detail in the low-treble region, so those of you who like vocals to sound very up-front will want to use the app's graphic EQ and presets to customize their sound to your liking. Like the Nothing, the Anker support LDAC for high-resolution audio via Bluetooth.
These earbuds have an adaptive ANC system that adjusts to the noise around you. It does a fantastic job of effectively blocking out ambient sound while filtering out low-pitched noise, like rumbling engines. The earbuds last more than eight hours of continuous use with ANC on and have a case that holds an additional four charges.
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC True Wireless offer a similar performance but feature a stem design that protrudes from your ear, providing more stability. They have a bassier sound profile than the Space A40, which will suit fans of EDM and hip-hop, but the Space A40 provide greater attenuation against bass range noise, and it's easier to achieve a consistent sound delivery with them.
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Best Cheap Wireless Earbuds
TravelOffice WorkBatteryNoise Isolation - Full RangeNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosRecording QualitySee all our test resultsNoise HandlingIf you want cheap Bluetooth earbuds, get the Anker Soundcore P31i. They stand out at this price thanks to features that are still uncommon in the category, including adaptive ANC, LDAC support, and multi-device pairing. They're also very comfortable and lightweight, with a stable fit that works well for daily use, and their mic does a good job keeping your voice understandable in noisy places. Their ANC can't match the more expensive Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless, but it still does a decent job cutting down passing cars, plane engine rumble, and background chatter.
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 is warm and bass-heavy, which suits modern pop well, though the rolled-off treble means voices can lack sparkle. Fortunately, the companion app includes a graphic EQ and presets, so it's easy to tweak their sound to your liking. If you want something even more affordable, the Anker Soundcore P25i are also worth a look, but they don't have ANC, and their mic isn't as useful in noisy environments.
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Best Truly Wireless Earbuds For iPhone
TravelOffice WorkBatteryNoise Isolation - Full RangeNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosRecording QualitySee all our test resultsNoise HandlingThe Apple AirPods Pro 3 are a great option if you're looking for premium buds that will integrate well with your Apple ecosystem. While they don't have cross-platform sound customization features like the Sony WF-1000XM6, they offer a few features for iOS that you might appreciate if you're an iPhone or MacBook user. Their H2 chip helps with easy pairing to Apple devices, and they support Spatial Audio, a surround sound feature meant to create a more immersive listening experience with compatible content.
Their adaptive EQ produces a sound that varies with the device they're paired to and how loud you listen. In general, the sound is versatile, with a fairly flat mid-range ensuring voices and instruments sound true to life, while kick drums and basslines have just a touch of extra boom. They're even better than the Sony at blocking out noise around you, doing an outstanding job isolating you from the rumble of plane engines and office chatter alike. Their nine-hour battery life is good, and they also have a comfortable fit for most people, but you might find they wiggle out of your ears after a while and require repositioning. On the plus side, the Pro 3 come with nice-to-haves such as a heart rate monitor and hearing aid functionality, although the latter's availability varies with your region, so check before buying.
Notable Mentions
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Beats Powerbeats Pro 2:
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are a great choice for anyone looking for workout-focused earbuds that have secure and malleable over-ear hooks, so you don't have to worry about them falling out. They perform fairly similarly to the Sony WF-1000XM6, but their bulky design is less versatile than the Sony's and their battery doesn't last as long.
See our review -
Devialet Gemini II True Wireless:
The Devialet Gemini II True Wireless are premium in-ears with an outstanding noise isolation performance. While they have a much shorter battery life than the Technics EAH-AZ100, their mic has a better recording quality and very good noise handling, making them a great choice for taking phone calls.
See our review -
JLab Audio GO Air POP True Wireless:
The JLab Audio GO Air POP True Wireless are affordable in-ears that offer a bass-rich sound profile with built-in EQ presets. While they don't have any ANC features, they passively block out a decent amount of ambient sound. They don't have a companion app to tweak their sound like the Anker Soundcore P31i, but their stable and comfortable fit makes them a good choice for the gym.
See our review -
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation:
The Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are earbuds with an adaptive EQ feature, which adjusts their sound to how they fit your ears. They're a good alternative for iPhone users who don't like the in-ear fit of the Apple AirPods Pro 3. Still, that design means they can't block out anywhere near as much noise as the Pro 3.
See our review
Recent Updates
Apr 24, 2026:
The Sony WF-1000XM6 are our new top pick for their impressive all-around performance. That means the Technics EAH-AZ100 are now our upper mid-range pick. The Nothing Ear 3 are our new mid-range pick, pushing the cheaper Nothing Ear down to the lower mid-range price bracket, and the Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless to the Budget price range. The Anker Soundcore P31i replace the JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless as our cheap pick. Finally, we removed the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro from our Notable Mentions.
Jan 28, 2026:
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 replace the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless as our upper mid-range pick because they offer comparable performance at a lower price.
Oct 14, 2025:
The Technics EAH-AZ100 are our new top pick for their impressive all-around performance, with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) as an alternative with a more mid-forward default sound. The Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless are now our upper mid-range pick, and the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are our new 'Best For iPhone' pick. Finally, we removed the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds Truly Wireless from our Notable Mentions, and the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 replace the Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless in the same section.
Apr 25, 2025:
We've replaced the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 with the Technics EAH-AZ80 as our pick for the upper-mid range category due to the Jabra's dwindling availability.
Jan 27, 2025:
We've replaced the Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless with the Nothing Ear Truly Wireless because the Nothing have a better-performing microphone. We've kept the Sony as an option for those looking for better noise isolation performance. We've also updated our Notable Mentions with the latest models of Samsung and Apple buds.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best earbuds to buy for most people in each price range. We factor in the price (cheaper headphones win over pricier ones if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no headphones that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you'd like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our reviews for truly wireless earbuds. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There are no perfect earbuds. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection.