Parker HallGearOct 14, 2025 9:00 AMLearn more.
Featured in this article
The Best Earbuds for Most PeopleNothing Ear (a)Read more$89
Amazon
A Close SecondSoundpeats Capsule3 Pro+Read more$100
Amazon
Best Earbuds for iPhonesApple AirPods Pro (Gen 3)Read more$249
Apple
Best Earbuds for AndroidGoogle Pixel Buds Pro 2Read more$229
Amazon
Wireless earbuds are one of those ideas that sounded like a dream at first. Pop a little headphone into each ear and listen to music or take calls untethered from everything. The first wireless buds were gigantic, died after a few hours, and had a bunch of other problems. Times have changed. There are now tons of new models that sound fabulous and work perfectly, including plenty for well under $100. After testing hundreds of pairs of wireless earbuds over several years, these are our favorites in a wide range of styles and prices.
For more top picks, check out our other audio guides, like the Best Wireless Headphones, Best Noise-Canceling Headphones, Best Cheap Headphones, Best Workout Headphones, and Best Wired Headphones.
Updated October 2025: We've added the AirPods Pro 3.
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The Best Earbuds for Most People
Nothing
Ear (a)
Amazon
Nothing
It has taken a lot for me to recommend a pair of ostensible AirPods Pro clones as the best earbuds for most people, but that speaks to just how much I actually like the Nothing Ear (a). These stylish little yellow earbuds come in a sleek clear charging case, and they have excellent sound and decent noise cancellation for under $100 retail. I liked how easily they paired with Android and iOS devices and that the lightweight, compact design helped them stay comfortable during longer listening sessions. The larger, more expensive Nothing Ear are also good, but they don't quite match the Ear (a)’s svelte figure.
Usability is excellent; these have some of the best touch controls I've used on a pair of earphones, and you'll get 5.5 hours of listening time with noise canceling blocking out the world around you. You can even dive into the app to customize the EQ if, for example, you want to hear dialogue better when streaming your favorite movies.
SpecsConnectivityBluetooth 5.3Battery life (ANC)5.5 hours, 24.5 with caseWater/dust resistanceIP54
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A Close Second
Soundpeats
Capsule3 Pro+
Amazon
Soundpeats
Soundpeats isn't a household name, but the company has been killing it lately when it comes to offering fantastic sound for the money. In his review, WIRED editor Parker Hall gave the Capsule3 Pro+ a rare 10/10, based largely on their astonishing sound performance. The secret is their mix of a traditional dynamic driver and a next-gen xMEMs driver that combine for vivid detail and rich bass. Android users can access Sony's LDAC high-resolution audio support for even better fidelity.
Their AirPods-clone design isn't exactly inspiring, but the buds finish the package with solid noise canceling, IPX4 water resistance, and a handy app for control and settings adjustments. If you're after the best sound you can buy for under $100, look no further. —Ryan Waniata
SpecsConnectivityBluetooth 5.3Battery life (ANC)6.5 hours, 43 with caseWater/dust resistanceIPX4
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Best Earbuds for iPhones
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Apple
AirPods Pro (Gen 3)
Apple
Walmart
Best Buy
Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) solidify their status as the best-selling headphones for good reason. They remain the easiest, most integrated buds for iOS users, now with crucial upgrades. The design is subtly refined for a more universal fit, aided by new foam-lined ear tips that improve comfort and passive noise isolation. Key improvements include a much-needed battery life boost to eight hours and an enhanced IP57 rating for greater durability.
New features like real-time translation and surprisingly accurate heart rate monitoring, powered by robust software support, are very nice to have. The bass-heavy sound profile favors pop music, but the active noise canceling is class-leading, effectively silencing even high-pitched distractions.
While competitors like Sony and Bose offer compelling alternatives, the AirPods Pro 3 provide an unmatched seamless experience for the Apple ecosystem. For iPhone owners, they are the definitive choice and a worthy upgrade, especially for those dealing with aging batteries from older models.
SpecsConnectivityBluetooth 5.3Battery life (ANC)8 hours, 24 with caseWater/dust resistanceIP57
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Best Earbuds for Android
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Google
Pixel Buds Pro 2
Amazon
Best Buy
Google
Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 are itty-bitty earbuds that pair perfectly with whatever Android phone you have. They're super comfortable, have excellent noise canceling, and boast much better battery life (eight hours) than the comparable AirPods Pro. You can choose between digital assistants and even open Google's Gemini Live conversational AI with the catchphrase “Hey Google, let's talk.” Sound quality is among the best in the category, with clear highs and a nice helping of punch in the bass without being overwhelming. They're also IP54-rated, which makes them a carefree addition to your gym bag.
SpecsConnectivityBluetooth 5.4Battery life (ANC)8 hours, 30 with caseWater/dust resistanceIP54
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Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds
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Bose
QuietComfort Ultra 2 Earbuds
Best Buy
Bose
Bose claims that its latest flagship headphones have the best noise reduction on the planet, and after a few weeks with the QuietComfort Ultra 2, I'm inclined to agree. The comfortable elephant trunk shape pairs with silky silicone eartips to provide excellent passive noise isolation—akin to a pair of earplugs—which combine with active noise canceling tech to provide true silence.
You'll have a hard time hearing anything but the highest-pitched noises with ANC on, and the built-in dynamic drivers do a great job putting music on top. The latest model comes with a wireless charging case and some new and exciting spatial audio features (particularly great when watching movies on flights), which make these some of the best earbuds for business travelers. Call and Zoom quality, likewise, is excellent.
SpecsConnectivityBluetooth 5.4Battery life (ANC)7 hours, 24 with caseWater/dust resistanceIP55
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Best Earbuds for Travel
Sony
WF-1000XM5
Amazon
Best Buy
Walmart
Sony's fifth-generation WF-1000XM5 earbuds are again the best it has ever made, with a more sculpted and ergonomic case, as well as some of the best noise reduction I've ever heard from a pair of regular-sized wireless earbuds (read: everything other than the bulky Bose models). They cost a bit more than the outgoing XM4 model, but these new headphones boast some of the most advanced functionality in terms of EQ, touch controls, and adaptive noise canceling available on the market. They even sound decent on calls.
You get eight hours of battery life with noise canceling on, 12 with it off, and two additional full charges in the wireless charging case (which happens to be one of the sleeker cases on the market). Compared to the Bose pair above, these have better sound quality but worse noise canceling, so it's a close call which you'll prefer.
SpecsConnectivityBluetooth 5.4Battery life (ANC)8 hours, 24 with caseWater/dust resistanceIPX4
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Best Open Earbuds
Soundcore by Anker
Aeroclip
Amazon
Soundcore
Open earbuds are a great option when you want to stay constantly aware of the world around you, but to borrow a football analogy, these aren’t “every down” buds. That’s why Soundcore’s reasonably priced Aeroclip are my top pick. They employ a titanium connector loop for a light and stable fit, along with responsive controls, and detailed yet warm sound with more bass than you’d expect from an open pair. Their case is tough and compact, and they pack solid battery life, adding up to the best open earbuds for most budgets. —Ryan Waniata
★ Open upgrade: If finances aren’t a concern, Bose's aptly named Ultra Open Earbuds are a solid upgrade. They offer keener and more polished sound than our top pick in a unique, roll-tight design that clips to your ears and stays there. Their polished look is almost akin to high-tech jewelry, while advanced features like spatial audio and push-button controls ensure a pleasant experience, albeit at a premium price.
SpecsConnectivityBluetooth 5.4Battery life (ANC)8 hours, 32 with caseWater/dust resistanceIPX4
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Earbuds With Excellent Bass
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Status Audio
Pro X
Status
The multi-driver array inside these cool-looking earbuds from little-known brand Status Audio helps them rise above the rest when it comes to audio quality. A dynamic driver down low pairs with a set of Knowles balanced armatures for upper mids and highs, providing a ton of musical separation between instruments, and offering some of the best detail down low that we've heard in a pair of buds so far.
The warm EQ works well with pop music and acoustic music alike, and the Pro X support Sony's LDAC Bluetooth codec for near-lossless streaming quality. We compared them with the best from Sony, Bose, Sennheiser, and Technics, and found that the Pro X hold their own valiantly, with only the call quality coming in a touch below what others have to offer.
SpecsConnectivityBluetooth 5.4Battery life (ANC)8 hours, 24 with caseWater/dust resistanceIP55
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Most Secure Fit
Beats
Powerbeats Pro 2
Amazon
Walmart
Apple
Staples
From workouts to handstands, the Powerbeats Pro 2 stay in place thanks to their iconic ear hooks, now with a comfier curl that's 50 percent smaller. That's just the tip of the update iceberg in a full Powerbeats revamp that adds previously omitted standards like noise canceling and transparency mode and fancy new options like spatial audio and a heart rate monitor built from Apple Watch tech. They utilize the H2 chip for Apple-friendly options like iCloud device switching, Find My, and hands-free Siri, while Androidians get a dedicated app, one-touch pairing, and basic customization. New drivers and amplifiers add some extra hi-fi to that brash Beats sound, and battery life of up to 10 hours per charge ranks toward the top of their class. —Ryan Waniata
★ A cheaper alternative: If the Powerbeats Pro 2 are too pricey or you're not fond of ear hooks, the Beats Fit Pro are a great alternative. You'll get similar Apple-friendly features, Android usability, and options like noise-canceling and transparency mode in a still-stable fit via bendy ear fins that keep the buds in place.
SpecsConnectivityBluetooth 5.3 (Apple H2 Chip)Battery life (ANC)10 hours, 45 with caseWater/dust resistanceIPX4
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Best Under $30
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JLab Audio
Go Pop ANC
Amazon
JLab Audio
Target
JLab continues its budget-buy dominance with the Go Pop ANC, a shockingly loaded pair for less than a takeout dinner for two. The big headline at this price is noise canceling that's strong enough to significantly relieve low rumbles like HVACs and even high-register noises with music playing. I was even more impressed with the transparency mode, which does a great job balancing music and podcasts with environmental sounds.
You’re also getting surprisingly clear sound, IP55 water and dust resistance, and loads of features, from an adjustable EQ and programmable controls via the JLab app to strong battery life and even multipoint pairing. I noticed some minor connection hiccups (oddly confined to one area of my neighborhood), and the case’s tiny USB-C cable is more hindrance than help. But did I mention these cost just under $30? Whether you’re on a tight budget or just looking to dip a toe into the wireless waters, you simply won’t find more for less. —Ryan Waniata
SpecsConnectivityBluetooth 5.1Battery life (ANC)8 hours, 32 with caseWater/dust resistanceIPX4
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Best Battery Life
Audio-Technica
ATH-CKS50TW2
Amazon
Audio Technica
These buds from Audio Technica boast 15 hours of battery life with noise canceling on, which is the longest we've tested in a pair of earbuds. Despite a somewhat bulky appearance, they actually remain very ergonomic, with multiple pairs of included eartips to guarantee a good fit. A cool magnetic feature allows you to clip the buds together when they're not in their wireless charging case to engage standby mode.
These aren't the best-sounding buds for the money, nor do the have the best noise reduction, but if you want a pair that will last you throughout multiple workdays (or one really long one), these are a great option. (Note: These have been in and out of stock on Amazon.)
SpecsConnectivityBluetooth 5.3Battery life (ANC)25 hours, 65 with caseWater/dust resistanceIP55
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Best Premium Travel Earbuds
Technics
EAH-AZ100
Crutchfield
Amazon
Technics
Technics’ follow-up to the fantastic EAH-AZ80 provides trickle-down driver technology from the brand’s hi-fi in-ears, the EAH-TZ700. The result for the AZ100 is even richer and more detailed sound that digs deep into instrumental textures to reveal new dimensions in old songs. The buds add new features like Dolby-powered Spatial Audio and Bluetooth LE Audio support for futureproofing, along with old favorites like three-device multipoint pairing and mildly improved noise canceling. The slimmer design isn’t as ergonomic as the AZ80 to my ears, but they’re still comfy, and battery life of up to 10 hours per charge with ANC lets you listen long past Bose and Apple buds. —Ryan Waniata
★ A peppier alternative: Sound is subjective, and Sennheiser’s Momentum TW 4 are a great change-up. Their sound is similarly skilled, but with a slightly brighter touch packed in a bulkier design. I prefer the AZ100’s slimmer package and deeper instrumental textures, but Sennheiser’s pair is also an excellent performer.
SpecsConnectivityBluetooth 5.3Battery life (ANC)10 hours, 28 with caseWater/dust resistanceIPX4
Other Earbuds We Like
Every month seems to bring new sets of earbuds with longer battery life, new features, and more compact designs. As such, we can't list everything we like. But if you're still hunting, here are some other recommendations.
Beyerdynamic Amiron 300 for $180: These premium earbuds from Beyerdynamic look nondescript and sound fantastic, but they lack any of the superlative qualities of the buds on the list above. If you're after a clean-looking pair of headphones with fantastic vocal definition, they're worth considering.
Soundcore Space A40 for $45: While they're no longer on our main list, the Space A40 are still some of my favorite buds for the money, providing good features, clear sound, and excellent noise canceling for their price class. They also look polished, with only their lack of auto-pause sensors betraying their low price.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro for $100–$200: The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are getting older, but they're still among the best buds to pair with a Samsung phone. They don't have the multi-device connectivity of our top pick for Android users, and their five-hour battery is looking pretty short these days, but they provide excellent sound quality, IPX7 waterproofing, and a distinctive design that doesn't just ape the AirPods Pro. That makes them well worth considering on sale.
Soundpeats Air4 for $90: Soundpeats’ Air4 may be obvious AirPods Pro knockoffs, but they're very good knockoffs for the money. You won't get top-flight performance, let alone Apple exclusives like Find My support or iCloud sharing, but you will get good sound and features, including decent noise canceling, at a massive discount. While these aren't a top choice, they're a great budget buy, especially on sale.
Sony Linkbuds Fit for $175: Sony’s Linkbuds Fit offer rich and punchy sound, naturalistic transparency mode, and a light and comfy fit, helping them live up to their intent as a “wear anywhere” solution. They provide some solid features, but skimp on battery life with just 5.5 hours per charge, and their noise canceling is just OK. Their oddly unresponsive touch controls and reliance on flimsy silicone sleeves further diminish their value, but they're still Sony buds and could be worth nabbing on a good sale.
Montblanc MTB 03 for $395: These earbuds are priced out of reach for most buyers, but if you've got the cash, you'll be rewarded with a luxury experience worthy of the brand. Montblanc has called in some heavy hitters from the audio industry to design and voice these buds. The result is a small, comfortable, and quite flashy-looking pair of wireless earbuds that sound really impressive.
Raycon Everyday Earbuds for $80: These YouTuber-beloved earbuds are actually a decent cheap pair. They are small and light, and they come with an IPX6 rating, which makes them great for workouts.
Master & Dynamic MW08 Sport for $399: The Sport are a great option that come with active noise canceling and a striking design, but the high price keeps them out of the reach of most people.
Earbuds to Avoid
As a general rule, you should avoid earbuds that don't support the Bluetooth 5.0 standard (or higher) or don't offer at least five hours of battery life, and more like six these days. Batteries in wireless headphones degrade over time, so the better your battery life is at first, the more tolerable it will be in two to three years.
Apple AirPods (Previous or Current Gen) for $119-$170: These headphones do some things well, we just don't like them all that much. (Read our latest review.) They get OK battery life, come in a compact case, and work well for calls, but they don't fit all ears well, and since they don't have ear tips or wings, you're out of luck if they're loose. The priciest model adds noise canceling which works about as well as you'd expect for a pair that doesn't offer a proper seal. Want clear music, good noise canceling, and advanced features made for iPhones for less than the AirPods Pro 3? Get the AirPods Pro Gen 2, which sometimes cost more (and sometimes less) but are legitimately great.
Beats Solo Buds for $70: These are lackluster in virtually every possible way, especially when it comes to features for the money. Their best traits are their micro-size and big battery, but that's about it. It's odd, because we like other headphones from the brand, but these just don't keep pace. The best we can say is they are cheap.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 for $155: A Cybertrucked pair of AirPods clones, the headphones in the new Galaxy Buds line work worse than they already look. With no eartips, these are uncomfortable to wear for long periods, and the noise canceling is all but useless.
How We Define Wireless Earbuds
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We've seen this category go by many names: true wireless earbuds, truly wireless earbuds, completely wireless earbuds, fully wireless earbuds, wirefree earbuds, etc. These days, if a pair of earbuds connects to your phone/computer via Bluetooth and has no cord that connects the left bud to the right, we just call them wireless. Wireless sets typically come with two popcorn-sized buds, each with a battery inside, and a charging cradle that carries extra battery power and keeps them safe when you're not wearing ’em. Some wireless earbuds have a cable or neckband that connects the two buds together, usually found on workout buds from brands like Shokz.
Ridding yourself of all cords can feel liberating, but these do come with issues, such as limited battery life (don't buy any with less than five hours), confusing controls, and reliance on a charging case. They're also easier to lose than traditional earbuds, and replacing one bud can be expensive. That said, this is one of the most innovative categories in tech, offering a flurry of new features from heart rate monitors to OTC hearing aid functionality, with more added in each new generation. These days features like noise canceling and transparency mode are standard, while the burgeoning open-ear category offers a more natural way to keep aware of your surrounding.
How We Test Headphones
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We test headphones and earbuds the way that we live. We take them to the gym, wear them around offices, travel with them, and generally try to use them as we anticipate potential buyers will use them. If a pair advertises dust or water resistance, we test that. We drop test cases, test cables, charging times, and battery life, and note everything we find exceptional to our readers.
While we do not typically use a set playlist of music to test each pair, we aim to test acoustic, rock, hip-hop, pop, country, and a variety of other genres with every pair of headphones, ensuring offer a good perspective on sound signature across genres and volumes. For noise reduction, we test the headphones in real-world environments and note our findings. When possible, we attempt to have headphones worn by a variety of people with different head and ear shapes, to ensure we're thinking about the widest audience possible.
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Parker Hall is a senior editor of product reviews at WIRED. He focuses on audiovisual and entertainment products. Hall is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he studied jazz percussion. After hours, he remains a professional musician in his hometown of Portland, Oregon. … Read MoreWriter and ReviewerTopicsShoppingbuying guideswireless earbudsearbudsHeadphonesaudioRead MoreThe Best Noise-Canceling Headphones to Escape RealityTune out (or rock out) with our favorite over-ears and earbuds.These Are the Best Wireless Headphones in 2025From workout-ready earbuds to gaming over-ears, these WIRED-tested picks sound like a million bucks.Our Favorite Qi2 and MagSafe Accessories for Your PhoneThe weird, wonderful world of MagSafe accessories (Qi2 included) can make your phone feel modular. These are our favorites.Need a New Laptop? These Are the Very BestOur expert team of laptop testers stand behind these Windows laptops, MacBooks, Chromebooks, and Linux portables.The Best Wi-Fi Routers to Reach Every Corner of Your HomeDon’t suffer the buffer. These WIRED-tested home routers will deliver reliable internet across your home, whatever your needs or budget.The Best Stand Mixers for Cakes, Cookies, and All the CarbsTasty bakes are easy to make with the help of the latest statement stand mixers—as are homemade pretzels, tender pasta, and artisan breads.Breathe Easy—We Found the Best Air PurifiersProtect your home against dust, pets, allergies, and more with air purifiers tested firsthand by WIRED.The Best 11 Coffee Subscriptions to Keep You WiredThese services deliver freshly roasted, delicious coffee picks right to your door—each with its own twist.The Best 3-in-1 Apple Wireless ChargersKeep your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods topped up with these WIRED-tested docking systems.The Best Cheap Laptops to Get Your Money's WorthFrom surprisingly good $300 Chromebooks to excellent $650 Windows laptops, these are the best budget laptops we’ve tested.The Best USB-C Cables for Your Phone, Tablet, or LaptopUnravel the tangled world of cords and find the ones you need to charge your gadgets and transfer data.The Best Humidifiers for Every Kind of RoomFrom models for traveling to humidifiers that double as planters or air purifiers, we've tested a dozen of them.
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