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 285 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.
Quick Look
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
Travel8.4Sports And Fitness8.0Office Work7.8Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios9.5Build Quality8.0See all our test resultsRecording Quality5.2The best wireless earbuds we've tested are 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 headphones' passive isolation isn't particularly strong with their silicone tips, their 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 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 headphones have a longer battery life and support Spatial Audio for more immersive listening.
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Best Upper Mid-Range Wireless Earbuds
Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios8.6Build Quality8.0See all our test resultsRecording Quality7.6If you're hunting for wireless earbuds for less cash than our top pick, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 are an excellent choice. Although their MSRP is similar to our top pick, the Technics EAH-AZ100, the Sennheiser frequently go on sale, landing in the upper mid-range price bracket. As a result, you can get these premium-built, IP54-rated earbuds with a smooth tuning as a deal. While their total battery life of 29.2 hours (including the charging case) is similar to the Technics' total 30.5 hours of battery life, their 7.3 hours of juice is respectable but less impressive. Their adaptive ANC and passive isolation perform amazingly, blocking a lot of sharp trebly sounds and mid-range chit-chat, but the ANC doesn't cut out as much rumbly bass noise as the Technics.
They feel decently comfortable, but a tad bulky for small ears. Even so, the optional silicone stabilizers add an extra layer of security for modifying their fit if you find that most true wireless buds fall out of your ears. Their companion provides plenty of leeway for custom EQ tuning the already warm and slightly bassy default sound profile, which works well for rock, pop, hip-hop, and jazz genres. Their Bluetooth codec suite includes aptX Adaptive, so you can access low-latency streaming videos or high-quality connectivity for listening to music. With compatible devices, they can also use Auracast and LE Audio to round out the package's benefits. That said, they don't include any virtual soundstage for spatial audio, as on the Technics. Still, their mic's recording quality is good, so if you need buds for calls, they're not a bad pick either, so long as it's not too noisy.
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Best Mid-Range Wireless Earbuds
Travel7.6Sports And Fitness8.0Office Work7.4Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios7.4Build Quality8.0See all our test resultsRecording Quality6.2The Nothing Ear are the best Bluetooth earbuds that we've tested at a mid-range price point. 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 Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4, it still does a decent job of reducing external noise to keep listeners isolated from the outside world.
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 allows you to access ChatGPT's conversation mode with earbud controls to receive 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 Lower Mid-Range Wireless Earbuds
Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios8.7Build Quality7.5See all our test resultsRecording Quality4.3If you're shopping in the lower mid-range market, the Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless are the best Bluetooth earbuds 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 to automatically adjust to the amount 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 support multi-device pairing, too.
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 Budget Wireless Earbuds
Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios4.9Build Quality7.5See all our test resultsRecording Quality7.4The JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless are the best Bluetooth earbuds in the budget category that we've tested. These earbuds are decently comfortable and have a good 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 won't cut out the deep rumble from bus and plane engines, though they do a better job at isolating you from higher-frequency noise, like background chit-chat or whiny A/C units.
They have a mildly bass-heavy sound, but their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets to help you tune their sound to your taste. That said, while their integrated mic has decent recording quality, it does a subpar 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 very good recording quality, which makes them a better fit for taking calls. While the Vibe Beam have a transparency function, their fit isn't as comfortable or stable as the Vibe Buds, and they have a slightly shorter continuous battery life.
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Best Cheap Wireless Earbuds
Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios5.1Build Quality7.5See all our test resultsRecording Quality7.3The Anker Soundcore P25i are the best cheap Bluetooth earbuds we've tested. Thanks to their good build quality and continuous battery life of nine hours, they're worth checking out. Their carrying case also holds two additional charges if you need them. They're a step up from the JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless in comfort and stability, but they're missing premium features found on the more expensive pick, like an auto-standby timer to conserve battery and a graphic EQ. While they don't have ANC, the Anker can passively block out a bit of ambient noise like office chatter; however, don't rely on these earbuds if you're looking to cut down noise like the rumble of bus engines; they're less effective at tackling bass-range noise.
Out of the box, they have a bass-rich sound profile that delivers a ton of extra punch and boom to mixes. Depending on your tastes, the extra boom might be too much; fortunately, their app has a whopping 22 EQ presets for customizing your sound. If multitasking on different devices is important to you, consider the Skullcandy Dime 3 True Wireless, which support multi-device pairing with up to two devices simultaneously. However, compared to the Anker, you'll sacrifice some comfort and mic recording quality.
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Best Earbuds For iPhone
Travel8.6Sports And Fitness8.1Office Work8.0Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios10Build Quality7.5See all our test resultsRecording Quality5.5The 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 better than the Technics EAH-AZ100, 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 and the iPhone generation and OS version, you can access unique features like Live Translation and use the buds' built-in heart monitors for tracking 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 deafness, too, 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 alongside an automatic loudness contour EQ, so your audio seems the same across 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 have similar features and also work seamlessly in the Apple ecosystem.
Notable Mentions
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless:
The first-gen Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless have somewhat comparable performance to the newer Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd) for noise cancelling performance, with a touch longer battery life. That said, the 2nd Gens have far superior microphone noise handling. Still, neither model outperforms the Technics EAH-AZ100's 12-hour battery life.
See our review -
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro:
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are flagship buds that rival the Technics EAH-AZ100. Alongside their remarkable noise isolation, the Samsung come packed with features like spatial audio and a nine-band graphic EQ. However, some features are exclusive to the Samsung ecosystem. Their battery life also doesn't last as long, clocking in at six hours compared to 12 hours on the Technics.
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 P25i. They typically come in at a lower price than the Anker. However, in exchange for the lower cost, you'll have only three EQ preset options to choose from compared to the Anker's 22. The JLab are also not as comfortable as the Anker, though they're just as stable in your ears.
See our review -
Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless:
The Sony WF-1000XM5 are premium ANC earbuds with foam ear tips to seal your ear canal from noise. However, their battery life falls short of the Technics EAH-AZ100, and their mic performance is a bit worse.
See our review -
Apple AirPods Pro 2:
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are a step down in most regards from the Apple AirPods Pro 3, but their noise cancelling continues to rank amongst the best, even if it doesn't beat the Pro 3. However, their continuous battery life is much shorter, and they lack heart monitors.
See our review
Recent Updates
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.
Jul 14, 2025:
We've changed our top pick to the Technics EAH-AZ100, which have a combination of a long battery life and superb noise isolation performance. This shifts the previous top pick, the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless, to the upper mid-range slot. We've also made adjustments throughout the article, including adding the CMF Buds Pro 2 to the Notable Mentions section.
Apr 02, 2025:
We've replaced the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 with the Technics EAH-AZ80 as our upper mid-range pick due to the Jabra's waning availability.
Jan 30, 2025:
We've updated our pick in the cheap category from the JLab Audio GO Air POP True Wireless to the Anker Soundcore P25i/P20i True Wireless for their more customizable sound and more comfortable fit. No other picks have changed, but we've refreshed some product mentions in the article.
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 earbuds without wires for most people. 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.