It can be a bit difficult at times to find a compact headset that you can easily carry around on your person and that also work with all your Android devices. Most headphones cater a bit more to iOS since they have a more uniform lineup of phones and devices but some either work equally well across platforms or are specifically made for Android, in which case, they typically come with a wealth of customization options and features. 

We've tested 283 headphones and below are our recommendations for the best wireless earbuds for Android to purchase in 2018. See also our recommendations for the best sounding wireless earbuds, the best cheap earbuds and the best truly wireless earbuds.

1. Best Wireless Earbuds for Android: Samsung Gear IconX

   

   Samsung Gear IconX

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.2

   Test Benches:

   • 1.2: Winter 2018
   • 1.1: Summer 2017
   • 1.0: Winter 2017
   • 0.9: Winter 2016

   See changelog and how ratings work

   7.1

   Mixed Usage

   What it is: This is the combination of the different use cases to evaluate how versatile the headphones are. Therefore an everyday headphone should be well-rounded enough to adapt to most situations and environments without significant losses in sound quality, design ergonomics or isolation.

   Score components:

   • 25% Critical Listening
   • 25% Office
   • 25% Commute/Travel
   • 10% Sports/Fitness
   • 9% Gaming
   • 6% TV

   Score distribution:

   7.3

   Critical Listening

   What it is: The level of audio fidelity a headphone can reproduce. Therefore a balanced and true representation of bass, mids, treble, soundstage and imaging, as well as a comfortable listening experience, is essential for critical listening.

   Score components:

   • 80% Sound
   • 10% Build Quality
   • 7% Comfort
   • 3% Breathability

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.5

   Commute/Travel

   What it is: How well the headphones handle the loud environments involved in commuting or traveling. Therefore your listening experience should be comfortable, hassle-free and as isolated from noise as possible.

   Score components:

   • 24% Noise Isolation
   • 14% Sound
   • 11% Portability
   • 10% Comfort
   • 9% Build Quality
   • 9% Battery
   • 6% Wireless Range
   • 4% Controls
   • 4% Breathability
   • 4% Leakage
   • 3% Microphone
   • 1% Multi-Device Pairing
   • 1% NFC

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   8.2

   Sports/Fitness

   What it is: How well-adapted the headphones are, to use while doing sports or strenuous exercise. Therefore the headphones should not be too cumbersome and deliver a stable and comfortable listening experience.

   Score components:

   • 24% Stability
   • 23% Portability
   • 11% Sound
   • 10% Breathability
   • 8% Comfort
   • 6% Wireless Range
   • 5% Controls
   • 5% Battery
   • 4% Noise Isolation
   • 4% Leakage

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.3

   Office

   What it is: How well the headphones can deliver a comfortable and isolated listening experience in an office-like environment. They should not leak much and should block the noise of a busy office.

   Score components:

   • 24% Comfort
   • 21% Sound
   • 16% Noise Isolation
   • 8% Leakage
   • 7% Battery
   • 7% Wireless Range
   • 5% Breathability
   • 4% Build Quality
   • 4% Microphone
   • 2% Controls
   • <1% Multi-Device Pairing
   • <1% USB
   • <1% PC Compatible
   • <1% Latency
   • <1% Analog
   • <1% Line In
   • <1% USB Input
   • <1% PC Compatible
   • <1% Power Supply
   • <1% Dock Charging

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   5.5

   TV

   Score components:

   • 22% Sound
   • 17% Comfort
   • 15% Default Latency
   • 10% Wireless Range
   • 5% Breathability
   • 5% Build Quality
   • 4% Optical Input
   • 3% Battery
   • 3% Analog
   • 3% Leakage
   • 2% Noise Isolation
   • 2% RCA Input
   • 2% Multi-Device Pairing
   • 2% Line In
   • 2% Line Out
   • 2% Power Supply
   • 1% Dock Charging

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   4.9

   Gaming

   Score components:

   • 20% Sound
   • 20% Default Latency
   • 15% Comfort
   • 12% Microphone
   • 5% Breathability
   • 5% Battery
   • 5% Base/Dock
   • 3% Build Quality
   • 3% Wireless Range
   • 3% Microphone Control
   • 2% Channel Mixing
   • 2% Wired
   • 2% Volume Control
   • 2% App Support
   • 1% Bluetooth

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations
   Type : In-ear
   Enclosure : Closed-Back
   Wireless : Truly Wireless
   Noise-Cancelling : No
   Mic : Yes
   Transducer : Dynamic

   The best wireless earbuds for Android that we've tested so far are the Samsung Gear IconX. They're a truly wireless headphone, packed with features that make them a great choice for most use cases. They're compact enough to fit in your pockets, and their charging case feels well-made, portable, and provides an additional charge for about 10 hours of battery life in total when paired to a Bluetooth source. 

   The Gear IconX also have a 4GBs of onboard storage, so you do not need to use your Android device if you do not want to, and they last a bit longer in this mode than with a Bluetooth source. They also come with a customizable app that is only available on Android devices, which makes them a lot more versatile than when paired to an iPhone or an iPad. This is even more important if you do a lot of sports since the app gives you workout data and even an in-app coach to keep tracks of your exercises.

   Unfortunately, the IconX do not have the best sweat resistance for sports. They also do not have the longest battery life when compared to other truly wireless designs. But on the upside, if you're looking for a good headset to use with your Android phone, then the unique features offered by the IconX when paired to an Android device is well worth the investment.

   See our review

2. More comfortable alternative: Jabra Elite Active 65t

   

   Jabra Elite Active 65t

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com

   Type : In-ear

   Enclosure : Closed-Back

   Wireless : Truly Wireless

   Noise-Cancelling : No

   Mic : Yes

   Transducer : Dynamic

   If you like the truly wireless design of the Samsung Gear IconX but want a proper EQ to better customize the sound profile to your liking, then get the Jabra Elite Active 65t. They are not strictly Android headphones since their app will also work on iOS. They're also not the most comfortable since they have larger than average earbuds that will not fit as well for all users.

   On the upside, the Elite Active 65t deliver a solid experience on both platforms, which make them a good choice for all users. They also have a longer battery life than the Gear IconX and have a bit more control over their sound profile thanks to the great 5-Band EQ. They have a slightly more durable build quality, thanks to their sweat resistance, and they have a good control scheme once you get used to it. They also block a decent amount of noise for commute and travel and are compact enough to easily fit in your pockets. 

   Overall, if you just want a good compact headset that will work with your phone, then the Jabra Elite Active 65t are a great option that won't be limited by your OS of choice. 

   See our review

3. Noise cancelling alternative: Jabra Elite 65e

   

   Jabra Elite 65e

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com

   Type : Earbuds

   Enclosure : Closed-Back

   Wireless : Yes

   Noise-Cancelling : Yes

   Mic : Yes

   Transducer : Dynamic

   If you find earbud design a bit more comfortable than typical in-ears, then get the Jabra Elite 65e. They have a neckband design which will not be as suitable for all listeners. They're also noise-canceling headphones but struggle at times to properly attenuate your environment if they do not get the right fit.

   On the upside, their earbud design is a bit more comfortable than most of the recommendations on this list. They also have a durable and well-made neckband that's almost as flexible as the Samsung U Flex and easier to carry around in your pocket than other around-the-neck style headphones.

   They have a dedicated microphone that is a lot better for making calls than most Bluetooth in-ears and earbuds, and they have a decently well-balanced sound that you can further EQ thanks to the great app available on both Android and iOS. There’s also the Jabra Elite 45e, which is a more affordable model of the 65e, who will perform slightly worse but have good battery life and an even more flexible design, similar to the BeatsX.

   See our review

4. Best Budget Wireless Earbuds for Samsung Users: Samsung U Flex

   

   Samsung U Flex

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.2

   Test Benches:

   • 1.2: Winter 2018
   • 1.1: Summer 2017
   • 1.0: Winter 2017
   • 0.9: Winter 2016

   See changelog and how ratings work

   6.8

   Mixed Usage

   What it is: This is the combination of the different use cases to evaluate how versatile the headphones are. Therefore an everyday headphone should be well-rounded enough to adapt to most situations and environments without significant losses in sound quality, design ergonomics or isolation.

   Score components:

   • 25% Critical Listening
   • 25% Office
   • 25% Commute/Travel
   • 10% Sports/Fitness
   • 9% Gaming
   • 6% TV

   Score distribution:

   6.7

   Critical Listening

   What it is: The level of audio fidelity a headphone can reproduce. Therefore a balanced and true representation of bass, mids, treble, soundstage and imaging, as well as a comfortable listening experience, is essential for critical listening.

   Score components:

   • 80% Sound
   • 10% Build Quality
   • 7% Comfort
   • 3% Breathability

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   6.9

   Commute/Travel

   What it is: How well the headphones handle the loud environments involved in commuting or traveling. Therefore your listening experience should be comfortable, hassle-free and as isolated from noise as possible.

   Score components:

   • 24% Noise Isolation
   • 14% Sound
   • 11% Portability
   • 10% Comfort
   • 9% Build Quality
   • 9% Battery
   • 6% Wireless Range
   • 4% Controls
   • 4% Breathability
   • 4% Leakage
   • 3% Microphone
   • 1% Multi-Device Pairing
   • 1% NFC

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.6

   Sports/Fitness

   What it is: How well-adapted the headphones are, to use while doing sports or strenuous exercise. Therefore the headphones should not be too cumbersome and deliver a stable and comfortable listening experience.

   Score components:

   • 24% Stability
   • 23% Portability
   • 11% Sound
   • 10% Breathability
   • 8% Comfort
   • 6% Wireless Range
   • 5% Controls
   • 5% Battery
   • 4% Noise Isolation
   • 4% Leakage

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   6.9

   Office

   What it is: How well the headphones can deliver a comfortable and isolated listening experience in an office-like environment. They should not leak much and should block the noise of a busy office.

   Score components:

   • 24% Comfort
   • 21% Sound
   • 16% Noise Isolation
   • 8% Leakage
   • 7% Battery
   • 7% Wireless Range
   • 5% Breathability
   • 4% Build Quality
   • 4% Microphone
   • 2% Controls
   • <1% Multi-Device Pairing
   • <1% USB
   • <1% PC Compatible
   • <1% Latency
   • <1% Analog
   • <1% Line In
   • <1% USB Input
   • <1% PC Compatible
   • <1% Power Supply
   • <1% Dock Charging

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   5.7

   TV

   Score components:

   • 22% Sound
   • 17% Comfort
   • 15% Default Latency
   • 10% Wireless Range
   • 5% Breathability
   • 5% Build Quality
   • 4% Optical Input
   • 3% Battery
   • 3% Analog
   • 3% Leakage
   • 2% Noise Isolation
   • 2% RCA Input
   • 2% Multi-Device Pairing
   • 2% Line In
   • 2% Line Out
   • 2% Power Supply
   • 1% Dock Charging

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   5.7

   Gaming

   Score components:

   • 20% Sound
   • 20% Default Latency
   • 15% Comfort
   • 12% Microphone
   • 5% Breathability
   • 5% Battery
   • 5% Base/Dock
   • 3% Build Quality
   • 3% Wireless Range
   • 3% Microphone Control
   • 2% Channel Mixing
   • 2% Wired
   • 2% Volume Control
   • 2% App Support
   • 1% Bluetooth

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations
   Type : In-ear
   Enclosure : Closed-Back
   Wireless : Yes
   Noise-Cancelling : No
   Mic : Yes
   Transducer : Dynamic

   If you specifically have a Samsung device and not just a regular Android phone, then the best budget wireless earbuds you can get are the Samsung U Flex. They won't be as customizable as the Level U Pro with typical Android devices, and they also have an around-the-neck design, which won't be ideal for all.

   On the upside, they have a surprisingly good build quality for their price range, with a flexible neckband that will more easily fit into your pockets than similarly designed headphones. They also have a wealth of customization options including room effects, presets, and 5-Band EQ, but these features are only accessible if you have a Samsung device, which is a bit limiting.

   If you have a Samsung phone and prefer neckband headsets for their portability, then the Samsung U Flex are a great choice. However, if you have an Android device from a different manufacturer, go for the Level U Pro Instead.

   See our review

5. Alternative for typical Android Devices: Jaybird Freedom

   

   Jaybird Freedom

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com

   Type : In-ear

   Enclosure : Closed-Back

   Wireless : Yes

   Noise-Cancelling : No

   Mic : Yes

   Transducer : Balanced Armature

   If you're looking for budget wireless earbuds with customization options that will work on your Android device, then consider the Jaybird Freedom. They are not strictly Android headphones since their app will also work on iOS and they do not have the comfortable semi-earbud fit of the Jaybird Freedom 2.

   On the upside, they are at a cheaper price range than the Freedom 2, which makes them a better value for your money. They also have a well-balanced sound that you can EQ to your liking and a decently durable build quality that feels a lot more premium than most headphones around the same price. Unfortunately, the cumbersome propriety charging clip is somewhat limiting. If you forget it at home or misplace it, then you won't be able to charge the Freedoms. 

   Overall, they're a good choice for most listeners, especially if you like EQing your music. However, if you have the budget, consider the slightly more comfortable Freedom 2s.

   See our review

6. More Budget Alternative: Anker SoundBuds Curve

   

   Anker SoundBuds Curve

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com

   Type : In-ear

   Enclosure : Closed-Back

   Wireless : Yes

   Noise-Cancelling : No

   Mic : Yes

   Transducer : Dynamic

   If you’re looking for an even cheaper earbuds, get the Anker SoundBuds Curve. They won’t have customization options like the Samsung U Flex or the Jaybird Freedom, but they offer great performance for their low price. They have an ear-hook design which is stable for most sports and come with multiple fit options for optimal comfort. They also support the aptX codec support for slightly better latency and audio compression performance, which is only widely spread on Android devices (with the Oreo update ) but not on iOS which uses AAC.

   Unfortunately, they don’t isolate much noise and don’t have the best build quality due to their thin cables. Nevertheless, most people should be satisfied with the performance of the SoundBuds Curve, especially at such a low price point.

   See our review