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The 7 Best Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds - Winter 2024 Reviews

Updated
Best Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds

Whether you have a phone with no audio jack or prefer the freedom of going wireless, finding the best earbuds with a wireless design comes down to what matters most to you. 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 250 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. You'll also want to check our picks for the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds under $50 and $100 if you have a specific budget.


  1. Best Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds

    The best wireless Bluetooth earbuds we've tested are the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless. The next generation of the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless boast an improved sound and a new design. They have a smaller and more rounded shape, along with memory foam ear tips that help passively block out background noise. There's also an ANC feature on hand, though you may not notice much difference with it on or off because these ear tips do such a good job passively isolating you from sounds. Either way, it's a great way to focus on your tunes within noisy environments.

    These ear tips won't be comfortable for everyone, so you can always check out the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds if you want a more cozy fit. These earbuds don't sit as deep in your ear, which is nice. They have a less neutral, more bassy default sound profile, which isn't ideal for everyone, but you might prefer genres like EDM with a lot of rumble and punch. Both come with a graphic EQ to switch up their sound, but only the Sony have 360 Reality Audio, which creates a unique sound profile based on the shape of your ear.

    See our review

  2. Best Upper Mid-Range Bluetooth Earbuds

    The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Truly Wireless are, as the name states, the next generation of Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless. These earbuds have the same premium build and comfortable design as their predecessor. Plus, they come with many of the same Apple-exclusive features, like an H2 chip for easy pairing with iOS devices and virtual surround sound via Apple Music. While their sound customization options are lacking compared to the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless, this might not be an issue thanks to their well-balanced sound right out of the box.

    Their active noise cancelling (ANC) feature does a great job of blocking noise in the bass and mid-range. There's a 'Transparency' mode for when you want to hear your surroundings, but otherwise, you can't adjust the ANC. With ANC on, these earbuds last six hours off a single charge, and their case holds four extra charges, so you can always top it up. If you're looking for premium earbuds with a longer-lasting battery, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 last almost nine hours on a single charge. However, they aren't as comfortable, and their ANC doesn't perform quite as well.

    See our review

  3. Best Mid-Range Bluetooth Earbuds

    The Google Pixel Buds Pro Truly Wireless are the best Bluetooth earbuds in the mid-range. These earbuds don't have the same premium feel as the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless, but they're packed with plenty of features you might not expect, considering their lower price. Their ANC has a similarly excellent performance, so it can help reduce noise like rumbling engines or background conversations when you're on the go. They have a continuous battery life of about eight hours and come with a portable charging case that stores extra charges. They even support multi-device pairing, meaning you can stay connected with your phone and computer simultaneously.

    While they have a comfortable fit for most people, they can pop out of your ears over time. This can affect how the earbuds deliver bass, so getting a good fit is important to ensure consistent sound delivery. If you want earbuds with a more comfortable fit overall, the Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless are another great mid-range option. They have a more stable fit but a weaker ANC performance, though this may be better suited for runs where you want to stay aware of your surroundings.

    See our review

  4. Best Lower Mid-Range Bluetooth Earbuds

    Current Deal: The Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless has dropped in price by $40 at Amazon.com. Get Deal

    The Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless are the best earbuds with Bluetooth in the lower mid-range. They're a relatively affordable option with numerous features like ANC and app support. Their noise isolation performance rivals the Google Pixel Buds Pro Truly Wireless', 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 to adjust automatically to the amount of noise in your environment. With ANC on, they last about eight hours of continuous use, and their case stores four extra charges. Like the previous pick, they support multi-device pairing, too.

    They have a warm default sound profile, with cozy-sounding vocals and lead instruments. The companion app includes a graphic EQ and presets if you prefer a different sound, but unlike the Google earbuds, they don't come with any virtual surround sound features. They aren't the best option for workouts since they don't have stability fins or a very stable fit and may slip out of place if you move your head around a lot. The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Truly Wireless are a good alternative if you want similarly-performing buds with a slightly different shape. Compared to the Space A40's rounded look, the Liberty 4 have a more traditional stem design that some users may find preferable. The Liberty 4 also bring a touch more bass, though this muddies their reproduction of vocals and instruments a bit.

    See our review

  5. Best Budget Wireless Earbuds

    The JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless are the best wireless earbuds in the budget range that we've tested. These earbuds are decently comfortable and have a durable build quality. With a battery life of just over eight hours, they'll last the workday without needing a top-up, and their IP54 rating against dust and water exposure makes them well-suited for weekends on the go. Unlike the Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless, they don't have an ANC system and can't cut out the deep rumble from bus and plane engines, though they do a better job at isolating you from office-type noise, like background chit-chat or whiny AC units.

    They have an excited, V-shaped sound profile but their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets to help you fine-tune their sound. That said, while the integrated mic's recording quality is decent, it does a sub-par job of separating your voice from background noise. The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless do a better job in this regard, and their integrated mic has a very good recording quality, which makes them a better fit for taking calls. While they also have a more balanced bass and better controls, their fit isn't as comfortable or stable as the Vibe Buds, and they have a slightly shorter continuous battery life.

    See our review

  6. Best Cheap Wireless Earbuds

    The JLab Audio GO Air POP True Wireless are the best Bluetooth earbuds for a cheap price. Thanks to their good build quality and surprisingly long continuous battery life of around nine hours, they're worth checking out. Their carrying case also holds three additional charges if you need it. They can passively block out a satisfactory amount of ambient noise like office chatter; however, only rely on them if you're looking to cut down sounds like the rumble of bus engines, as they're less effective at tackling bass-range noise.

    Using the 'JLab Signature' EQ, they have a bass-rich sound profile that delivers a bump of extra punch and boom to mixes. The extra bass doesn't overwhelm vocals and lead instruments, so they're still versatile enough for most types of audio content. They also don't come with a companion app, meaning that the only EQ options you have are the three EQ presets built into the earbuds, which gives you significantly less control over the audio than the JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless. However, they last longer than the JBL on a single charge.

    See our review

  7. Best Bluetooth Earbuds For Sound Quality

    The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE Truly Wireless are the best wireless earbuds for sound quality that we've tested. These headphones are a great choice for listening to all sorts of genres, thanks to their neutral and balanced sound. Whether you're listening to bass-heavy genres like EDM or vocal-centric content like folk music, these buds reproduce voices and lead instruments with great clarity and accuracy. If you want to switch up their sound, their app has a couple of different EQ presets. These lightweight, comfortable earbuds have a stable fit that's great for listening on the go. They have a continuous battery life of just over six hours, so they'll need a recharge to get you through long workdays.

    While they have an ANC system that helps block out ambient noise, it doesn't provide as much attenuation as the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro True Wireless, especially in the bass range. They're also more premium and have features like spatial audio and a higher IP rating for water resistance. However, they're less comfortable than the Galaxy Buds FE, have a shorter continuous battery life, and their sound profile isn't as balanced. We'll also be testing the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 True Wireless soon. They feature Bluetooth LE Audio and AptX Lossless support, courtesy of their Snapdragon Sound chip, making them an exciting prospect for those who want audiophile-quality sound in wireless earbuds.

    See our review

Notable Mentions

  • Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3: The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 have great active noise cancellation, eight hours of continuous battery, and a customizable sound profile. However, they're less comfortable than other premium earbuds, like the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless. They also don't block out as much noise as the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless. See our review
  • Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless: The Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless have a customizable sound profile and a great noise isolation performance. They have a recessed treble range compared to the next-generation Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless. Their noise isolation isn't as impressive as the next-gen, either. See our review
  • Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless: The Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless are the predecessor to the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless. While both earbuds have the same premium build quality, the original model doesn't have as good an ANC performance as their successor. They don't have as long-lasting a battery as the second-gen model and can't reproduce as much low bass. However, the first generation have a more neutral sound profile out of the box, which some users may prefer since you can't adjust the EQ settings. See our review
  • Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Truly Wireless: The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Truly Wireless have a great noise isolation performance, a comfortable in-ear fit, and some features only available on Samsung devices. However, they have a shorter continuous battery life than the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless and aren't as well-built. See our review
  • Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Truly Wireless: The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Truly Wireless are the predecessor of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and are very similar overall. They're cheaper but lack the Ultra's quick-pairing feature with Android and spatial audio. See our review
  • Skullcandy Dime 3 True Wireless: The Skullcandy Dime 3 True Wireless aren't as comfortable as the JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless, but they have a more balanced sound profile and feature built-in EQ presets in case you prefer a different sound. See our review

Recent Updates

  1. Mar 01, 2024: We've checked to ensure all our picks remain in stock and added a new FAQ section to answer common questions concerning wireless Bluetooth earbuds.

  2. Feb 02, 2024: We've checked this article to ensure all our picks are still in stock and added a mention about the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 True Wireless, which we'll be testing soon.

  3. Jan 05, 2024: We've replaced the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless with the JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless as our budget pick but kept the Vibe Beam as a comparison. The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE have replaced the Samsung Galaxy Buds+ Truly Wireless as our pick for best sound quality. We've added the Skullcandy Dime 3 True Wireless as a Notable Mention.

  4. Nov 22, 2023: Replaced the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Truly Wireless with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds as the more comfortable alternative to the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless.

  5. Oct 25, 2023: No changes in product picks after checking to ensure they're the best for each category.

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 (3rd Generation) Truly Wireless, 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 earbuds with a wireless design according to their needs. 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 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.