It's pretty much a given that if you own a smartphone, you should also own solid pair of wireless earbuds. While they're a necessary accessory that helps you get the most out of your device, we can all agree that the sheer number of options out there makes shopping for wireless earbuds an overwhelming task. Whether you're in the market for an affordable option, are on the hunt for a pair that will give you some extra motivation while you're working out, or are simply looking to tune out your surroundings, we found a pair out there that's perfect for all of your needs.
All of the products on our list are completely wireless and deliver great sound with a reliable device connection and solid battery life — all without the clutter of wires. Noise cancellation is another convenient feature you'll find in the wireless earbuds on our list that will not only entertain you but will also effortlessly tune out unwanted background noise.
Best Wireless Earbuds
- Best Overall: Beats Studio Buds
- Runner-Up: Jabra Elite 4 Active
- Best AirPods: Apple AirPods Pro
- Best Budget: Soundcore Life P3
- Best Noise Cancellation: Sony WF-1000XM4
- Best for Exercising: Jaybird Vista 2
- Best AirPods Alternative: Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro
- Best Bose Earbuds: Bose QuietComfort
- Most Luxurious: Master & Dynamic MW08
- Most Affordable: JLab Go Air Pop
- Tailor-Made for Samsung: Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
What to Consider
Generally speaking, wireless earbuds should be sleek, comfy, water-resistant, and capable of delivering entertaining sound, regardless of what you’ll be using them for. When you’re shopping for a new pair of earbuds, you should look for a pair within your budget that has a durable design, reliable fit, dependable battery life, and solid audio performance (including during calls).
Sound Quality
If we're being completely honest with you, most earbuds' sound quality and noise cancellation are typically directly related to their price tag — which means that spending more on a top-shelf product will inevitably get you better sound. That said, our budget-friendly picks will also keep you focused and entertained, so long as you manage your expectations.
Durability
A good pair of wireless earbuds should have an official rating for water resistance, with an IPX4 rating being the minimum to make a product worth considering. The higher the rating, the more durable the headset will be. If you like working out outside, you should consider earphones that can survive exposure to water and dust.
Battery Performance and Charging Methods
Battery life in true wireless earbuds has improved a great deal over the years, which means even a budget-friendly pair will keep you entertained for at least 6 hours (or more) in between charges. When it comes to charging, a USB-C connector is now the standard for all buds out there, regardless of their price point. On the other hand, when shopping for high-end products, you can also expect a case that's compatible with wireless charging.
Additional Features
Noise cancellation and app-enabled extras are also important bits to consider. Thankfully, you can find both even in reasonably priced wireless earbuds that cost well below $100. To be honest with you, this is kind of a big deal — because only until recently this was a functionality strictly reserved for high-priced offerings.
How We Tested
For the past 6 years, I've been testing out earbuds on what feels like a daily basis. To finalize my picks for this guide, I spent countless hours researching over 30 wireless earbuds from today's top brands. After poring over reviews from consumers and researching what industry experts think of these products, I set out on extensive personal testing.
I spent at least a week with every pick on this list, using the earbuds daily on my commute, at work, and even while exercising. I evaluated the earbuds on the following criteria:
- Ergonomics and how they feel in the ear
- Audio performance and overall sound quality
- Fit during various activities
- Battery life
We all know that sound is one of the most important factors when shopping for wireless earbuds. To test the earbuds' sound capabilities, I listened to my favorite playlists — along with a few podcasts — and paid close attention to their audible frequency range. The term relates to the headset's ability to deliver the treble (highs), the midrange, and the bass in your favorite tracks.
The treble and the midrange performance sets the best wireless earbuds apart from their rivals. It will help you enjoy both the vocals and the finer details in a song's instrumentals to the fullest. Bass is typically the easiest audio feature to reproduce, but — especially in affordably priced headsets — it might come at the expense of the mids and the highs.
I also tested outgoing and incoming calls, using each headset to evaluate the quality of its audio and the performance of its built-in microphone(s).
Now that you know what to look for in a pair of wireless earbuds, check out our reviews of the best on the market today, and get ready to begin a new sound journey without wires.
Best Overall
Key Specs
- Custom audio drivers
- IPX4 water-resistant
- Up to 8 hours of battery life
The Beats Studio Buds are our top pick for most consumers. They have everything you'd want in wireless earbuds: cool design, superb comfort, quality sound, dependable noise cancellation, solid battery life, and an agreeable sub-$150 price tag. While testing the earbuds, I particularly enjoyed not having to use an app to achieve optimal sound and noise cancellation — both were well-balanced and excellent out of the box.
I also tip my hat to Apple for making the Studio Buds equally effortless to pair with an iPhone and an Android phone — however, they, unfortunately, lack a USB-C battery case with wireless charging capabilities.
The Beats Studio Buds are available in black, white, and red. If you can up your budget by $50, consider the true wireless Beats Fit Pro instead. The range-topping Beats by Dre earphones have a more secure fit with additional wingtips and, thanks to the Apple H1 chip, support for fancier spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. The last bit delivers a live performance-like listening experience with compatible Apple Music content.
Runner-Up
Key Specs
- 6-millimeter audio drivers
- IP55 water- and dust-resistant
- Up to 7 hours of battery life
Jabra's Elite 4 Active true wireless earbuds are a solid alternative to our top pick from Beats by Dre with a more understated design, a tougher build with a higher rating for water resistance, customizable sound via an app, and a lower price tag, all while being just as lightweight and comfortable. The earbuds' excellent fit also impressed me by blocking noise exceptionally well — I didn't need to use noise cancellation on many occasions while testing the product.
Acoustically, the Jabra Elite 4 earbuds perform superbly for a product in their price range. The product's noise cancellation is also stellar, as is its call quality. However, the Studio Buds offers support for more immersive Dolby Atmos spatial audio, self-adjustable noise cancellation, and seamless Apple connectivity.
If noise cancellation is not a must for you, I recommend considering the more affordable Jabra Elite 3 wireless earbuds. The sub-$100 pair has a similar design and sound quality but a slightly lower rating for water resistance. The earbuds have a 2-year warranty against damage from water and sweat.
Best AirPods
Key Specs
- Custom audio drivers
- IPX4 water-resistant
- Up to 4.5 hours of battery life
The AirPods Pro earphones are hands-down the best option for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users. Because of the Apple H1 wireless chip, the earbuds are incredibly easy to pair with Apple devices that are linked to the same iCloud account.
Of course, the AirPods Pro are more feature-packed than the iconic and ubiquitous first and second generation. They offer superb noise-canceling tech, better ergonomics (there's even a test to ensure they fit perfectly), and an IPX4 rating for water resistance. A recent charging case refresh also made the earphones compatible with MagSafe chargers.
The sound of the AirPods Pro is balanced and entertaining in equal measure. If you're looking for Apple earbuds sans noise cancellation, consider the third generation AirPods. You'll get similar audio quality and longer battery life for less.
You can customize and protect your AirPods by browsing a vast selection of protective cases. I enjoyed this because it allowed me to add a personal touch to a rightfully ubiquitous product.
Best Budget
Key Specs
- 11-millimeter audio drivers
- IPX5 water-resistant
- Up to 7 hours of battery life
The Soundcore Life P3 wireless earbuds by Anker are our favorite for budget-minded buyers and a worthy follow-up to the brand's insanely popular Life P2. For less than $80, the buds offer an amalgam of well-balanced sound, robust noise cancellation, and a best-in-class companion app to customize them. I always enjoyed interacting with the app while testing the earbuds.
The stem-toting buds are also comfy, durable, and excellent for making calls. To top things off, the Life P3 offers solid battery life and a case that's compatible with wireless charging. You can order Anker's product in black, white, coral, navy, or sky blue.
If you're shopping for affordable wireless earbuds with a stemless design, consider the Soundcore Life A2 NC instead. The compact earphones are slightly cheaper than the Life P3 without skimping on audio performance and additional features.
Best Noise Cancellation
Key Specs
- 6-millimeter audio drivers
- IPX4 water-resistant
- Up to 8 hours of battery life
Sony's latest WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds are today's best earbuds with onboard noise cancellation. They tune out ambient noise more efficiently than any other rival and their best-in-class sound quality is just as amazing, making them the one to get if their $280 sticker fits in your budget. I'm constantly testing earbuds, and if I had to pick just one pair, this would be it.
A significant upgrade over the excellent third generation, the range-topping Sony WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds bring a comfier fit, a water-resistant build, longer battery life, and a storage case that's compatible with wireless charging. You can order the product in silver or black with elegant gold accents.
If you're looking for cheaper true wireless earbuds that can reliably tune out ambient noise, the Sony WF-1000XM3 is still a strong option. The 2019 iteration has shorter battery life and no official rating for water resistance, but it still delivers quality sound and powerful noise cancellation.
Best for Exercising
Key Specs
- 6-millimeter audio drivers
- IP68 waterproof
- Up to 8 hours of battery life
If you plan to exercise on a daily basis with your next pair of wireless earbuds, you need the Jaybird's Vista 2 in your life. Designed to comply with military standards for durability, the buds have a secure fit and the highest rating for water resistance on this list — they can easily survive exposure to water and dust.
Crafted from stylish and rugged fabric, the buds’ covers (in black or gray) are nice to interact with, too. And believe it or not, their wireless charging compatible case with a matching finish is also super tough and IP54 waterproof. Being able to gently rinse the accessory with water after dropping it during a Central Park outing was very convenient.
The Vista 2 can also deliver high-quality sound, adjustable noise cancellation, and great battery life. Their companion app stands out by offering plenty of tools to customize your experience, dressed in an intuitive user interface. There's even an option to discover the preferred sound presets of professional athletes and workout warriors.
Best AirPods Alternative
Key Specs
- 11-millimeter audio drivers
- IPX4 water resistant
- Up to 7 hours of battery life
Anker's Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro wireless earbuds are a great alternative to the entry-level Apple AirPods with a wired charging case. Sporting a similar (or lower) sticker, the buds bring a tougher build, longer battery life with a wireless charging case, and noise cancellation.
The buds offer an impressive sound, which can be tailor-made to your exact hearing — all you need is to complete a short test via their companion app. Their noise cancellation is just as solid, and so is their performance during calls. Soundcore has equipped the buds with a total of six microphones, and I often relied on them during virtual meetings.
Remarkably, the product's companion app offers a best-in-class set of tools for customizing its sonic experience and noise cancellation. You can order the Liberty Air 2 Pro earbuds in several colors that will match nicely with your iPhone: black, white, blue, and pink.
Best Bose Earbuds
Key Specs
- Custom audio drivers
- IPX4 water resistant
- Up to 6 hours of battery life
The Bose QuietComfort earbuds have noise-canceling capabilities, which allow them to tune out ambient distractions just as proficiently as the over-ear Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. You can adjust the noise cancellation by choosing from 10 distinct levels (more than any rival) in the easy-to-use Bose Music app. The earbuds are available in three colors: black, soapstone, and stone blue.
Like all Bose products, the QuietComfort earbuds deliver a high-quality, well-balanced sound. Their performance during calls is also exceptional, making them a great option for remote work. This is the set of earbuds that I reached for most frequently before making calls and stepping into online work sessions.
The buds have a comfy fit despite their considerably sized housings, a water-resistant build, and touch-sensitive controls that work well. Given the product’s price tag, it’s no surprise that the bundled battery case is compatible with wireless chargers. However, given how bulky the bundled accessory is, I wish it held more than two additional charges.
Most Luxurious
Key Specs
- 11-millimeter audio drivers
- IPX5 water-resistant
- Up to 12 hours of battery life
The Master & Dynamic MW08 wireless earbuds are pair to get If you care about style and craftsmanship above all else. Designed in New York City, the buds are decidedly luxurious, feature-packed, and worth their hefty price tag. Available in several colors, the earphones' gorgeous ceramic housings make their rivals look generic and rightfully cheaper in comparison.
Like all M&D products, the MW08 buds sound exceptional, thanks to finely tuned audio drivers, and their noise-canceling tech is adjustable via a mobile app. They have epic battery life, too, and a beautiful storage case with stainless steel housing. I felt a sense of special occasion every time I interacted with the accessory. However, despite the MW08's high price, its case doesn't support wireless charging.
If wireless charging is important for you, consider the Master & Dynamic MW08 Sport earbuds instead. For $50 more, they have just-as-luxurious housings with sapphire glass covers and a kevlar fiber storage case with the essential functionality.
Most Affordable
Key Specs
- 6-millimeter audio drivers
- IPX4 water-resistant
- Up to 8 hours of battery life
JLab's Go Air Pop are the most affordable true wireless earbuds worth your attention today. Priced as a legitimate impulse buy, these sub-$20 buds are incredibly comfortable, plenty durable, and capable of delivering entertaining sound. You can order the earbuds in black, lilac, rose, slate, and teal finishes.
You can tune the buds' sound by choosing from a trio of custom modes. They include a balanced one, an option with boosted bass, and a JLab signature setting which enhances the treble and the low range. The call quality of the Go Air Pop is also adequate, so long as you manage your expectations.
The 8-hour maximum battery life of the Go Air Pop can compete with much pricier offerings, though I really wish that their case had an integrated cable with a more up-to-date USB-C connector instead of the old-school USB-A it packs. I had to look for a USB-C hub to power the earbuds up from a MacBook Pro and a Microsoft Surface Studio.
Tailor-Made for Samsung
Key Specs
- Dual audio drivers
- IPX7 water-resistant
- Up to 8 hours of battery life
The noise-canceling Galaxy Buds Pro are Samsung's equivalent to the Apple AirPods Pro. They pair seamlessly with Galaxy smartphones, just like the AirPods do with an iPhone. You can even charge them wirelessly (their case is compatible) off the back of top-shelf Samsung Galaxy phones.
With a duo of audio drivers per earphone, the Galaxy Buds Pro delivers top-tier sound with support for multidimensional audio. The earbuds' noise cancellation is reliable and smart, and we like their ability to activate ambient mode by detecting your voice. The last-mentioned bit reminded me of the much pricier Sony WF-1000XM4 while testing Samsung's earbuds. The product's call quality is also excellent.
If you're shopping for Samsung-ready earbuds on a tighter budget, you should consider the stellar and more affordable Galaxy Buds 2. The colorful earphones deliver good sound, noise cancellation, and call quality. However, their IPX2 rating for water resistance is not as robust as the Pro model's IPX7.
More Wireless Earbuds Worth Considering
Below is an additional selection of wireless earbuds I tested at various price points. The products offered a high-quality overall experience but didn't meet our exact criteria for performance, durability, and available features for the money. That said, each entry left me with good impressions on more than one occasion during the testing process.
Sony WF-C500: These wireless earbuds offer well-balanced sound and outstanding battery life at an incredible sub-$100 price point. However, rivals offer noise cancellation and wireless charging for even less.
JBL Live Pro+: A solid AirPods Pro rival with customizable sound and effortless Android pairing. However, you can get a tougher build and better call quality without skimping on audio performance for the same money.
Sony LinkBuds: The latest wireless earbuds by Sony have a futuristic design, which will allow you to always be aware of your surroundings. That said, the high-tech buds' battery life and overall durability leave a bit to be desired.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7: Developed by a legendary audio brand, these true wireless earbuds bring outstanding audio performance and a high-tech charging case that doubles as an in-flight adapter. But underwhelming battery life and thunderous price make the PI7 a niche product.
