This guide to the best wireless earbuds brings together all the top-performers we’ve tested across a range of different price points for all kinds wearers. Whether you're looking for the best-sounding wireless earbuds for listening to your favorite music, or the most effective way to block out the sound of noisy fellow commuters, this list has it covered. You'll find our top choices listed here based on our testing.
While this buying guide also brings together great advice on what to consider when looking for the best wireless earbuds, don't forget you'll find lots more info in our in-depth standalone test reviews. There we cover design and comfort, features, ANC performance (where applicable), real-world battery life, sound quality across all kinds of media, as well as how well each model performs when taking and making calls.
Just follow the link at the end of each product summary or tap the product name next to the star rating to discover everything you need to know about the best wireless earbuds available to buy today. With prices starting below $60 up to $300, there's something for everyone.
Recent updates
Update: Apple is reportedly launching new AirPods at its Apple Event on September 12 with USB-C connectivity. And Jabra has unveiled its new Elite 10 noise-canceling earbuds.
Lee covers all things audio for Tom's Guide, including headphones, wireless speakers and soundbars and loves to connect and share the mindfulness benefits that listening to music in the very best quality can bring. As a former editor of the U.K.'s Hi-Fi Choice magazine, Lee is passionate about all kinds of audio tech and has been providing sound advice to enable consumers to make informed buying decisions since he joined Which? magazine as a product tester in the 1990s.
The Quick List
Best overall
Sony's next-gen WH-1000XM5 wireless earbuds build on the strengths of their predecessor with strong ANC, outstanding sound, and one of the best user experiences around.
Best value
The Sony WF-C700N may be an entry-level set of ANC wireless earbuds, but they have many similar features and a brand experience as you get with the company's flagship WF-1000XM4.
Best for iOS
Apple's AirPods Pro 2 take performance to the next level for iOS users with a raft of personalized audio enhancements and battery life has been improved, too.
Read more below
Best for ANC
Bose brings its world-class noise canceling capabilities to these second-gen earbuds. They may be pricey, but they offer unrivaled ANC performance, better sound, and great call quality.
Best cheap ANC
Noise canceling is one of the CX Plus’ biggest selling points, but you also get Sennheiser's flagship sound in a mid-range pair of earbuds, making them an attractive all-rounder at a great price.
Best for Galaxy phones
Samsung’s ANC holds its own against the category best and blocks out close to 90% of ambient noise. The updated design also provides improved comfort and noise isolation.
The best wireless earbuds to buy right now
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Best wireless earbuds overall
Sony's XM-series earbuds go from strength to strength with each new generation. As the latest flagship, the WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds are smaller and lighter, yet they're equipped with some of the strongest features and performance we've ever seen from a pair of 'buds. They have some of the most dynamic and engaging sound we've heard, and their noise-canceling performance easily matches that of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 or Apple AirPods Pro 2 (both listed below).
Battery life hasn't been stepped up over the outgoing XM4 predecessor. But at 8 hours with ANC enabled, these top-tier Sony wireless earbuds still outperform close rivals and have some of the highest battery life of any set of more recently launched earbuds. There's LDAC support for higher-quality music, adaptive listening mode, Google and Alexa digital assistant support, and full EQ customization. Call quality is greatly improved, thanks to a new noise reduction engine with AI that's able to make voices clear even in noisy surroundings. Wind noise was kept to a minimum too, thanks to the mesh on the feed forward microphone helping to reduce its influence during calls. Ultimately, these are Sony's best ever and the best wireless earbuds package around right now.
Read the full Sony WF-1000XM5 review.
Best wireless earbuds for value
Regarded as a budget alternative to the Sony WF-1000XM4, the WF-C700N has an MSRP priced of $119 / £99 / AU$199. They build on the entry-level WF-C500, one of the best cheap wireless earbuds out there by integrating robust active noise cancellation (ANC). The aesthetic upgrades to the buds and charging case give them a luxe appearance, and the boost to battery life make them a sweet pickup for brand enthusiasts. Sound quality is powerful with Sony’s bass-heavy sound signature at the forefront, alongside proprietary technologies like 360 Reality Audio and DSEE Extreme.
The adaptive ANC technology built in to the WF-C700N is remarkable at the price. It learns your behavior and tweaks noise neutralization to your environment, and low- and mid-frequency sounds went unnoticed around the house and out and about. Call quality was high and the mics silenced most background interference for clear-sounding phone conversations, making these a versatile option that have few rivals even as the most affordable model in this roundup.
Read our full Sony WF-C700N review.
Best wireless earbuds for iPhone owners
We were blown away by the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) when Apple launched them in September 2022, and there are plenty of reasons why they continue to beat all other wireless earbuds. They are without doubt the best ANC earbuds for iPhone users, and the most versatile model for all kinds of lifestyles. This next-gen model brings significant upgrades to the popular original AirPods Pro to take performance to the next level. Externally, they look pretty similar to the first generation, but battery life has been increased to offer 6 hours on a single charge from the earbuds and a further 30 hours from the wireless charging case.
Designed for iPhone owners looking for a more tailored listening experience, we think the AirPods Pro 2 are the pinnacle of Apple technology. While testing them out for all kinds of active lifestyle activities, we found that the fit had been improved to the point where they're a viable option for the best sports headphones, and suitable for runners and gym workouts alike. Not only are the earbuds IPX4-rated for protection from sweat and light showers, but now too is the case itself.
On the audio front, Apple has included a new H2 chip with custom amp and driver that delivers better lower and higher frequencies, and you can use the iPhone's TrueDepth camera to create a personalized spatial audio sound to listen to some of the best Dolby Atmos sound in any pair of earbuds. Noise cancellation is double what the original AirPods Pro offered, and is among the best we’ve yet to experience.
Read our full Apple AirPods Pro 2 review.
Best wireless earbuds for noise cancelation
As the market’s best noise-cancelling earbuds overall, Bose’s newest flagship introduced several upgrades such as adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC), Bluetooth 5.3, and sound calibration technology for improved sound quality. In our review, we loved the fact that Bose has made the new version one-third smaller than the original QuietComfort Earbuds, while also developing new ear-tips to help achieve optimal wear for more users.
The next-gen buds build on traditional Bose hallmarks, but we feel battery life, special features, and touch controls could be bettered at the price. Despite these shortcomings, though, we found their ANC and sound quality performance carry the QuietComfort Earbuds 2 to the top echelon of our best wireless earbuds list. This next-gen flagship model are highly recommended for anyone seeking the ultimate ANC experience from a pair of earbuds.
Read our full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 review.
Best cheap noise-canceling wireless earbuds
If you're looking for a bargain pair of wireless earbuds with ANC, then these are the best value we've heard. During our testing, we were impressed by the performance of Sennheiser CX Plus at $180. But they can regularly be found discounted to $99 or less, making them an even greater bargain.
Often overlooked for more costly models, our reviewer recently regarded them as one of the most underrated earbuds. In our original review, we highlighted the Sennheiser's articulate, high-quality sound combined with normal playtimes, effective ANC, aptX Adaptive support, and dependable connectivity via Bluetooth 5.2 make them an enticing package. During our listening test, we felt that music lovers would swoon over the sound quality that delivered clarity and depth to feed our ears a well-balanced dose of deep lows, rich mids, and detailed highs, and our review recently
There may be compromises in terms of fit and lack of features compared to some rivals, but even at the full MSRP, we felt there was plenty of value in these ANC buds and a great entry into Sennheiser's signature sound.
Read our full Sennheiser CX Plus review.
Best wireless earbuds for Galaxy phones
Samsung's Galaxy Buds 2 Pro set out to rival the AirPods Pro 2, at least for Galaxy owners. During our testing we found the sound alone makes the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro worth the investment, giving listeners a high quality audio experience and compelling 3D sound with precise head tracking. Samsung’s ANC holds its own against the category leaders and blocks out close to 90% of ambient noise. The updated design also provides improved comfort and noise isolation.
We found these buds operated well across all Bluetooth-enabled devices, but Galaxy smartphone owners get to enjoy cool features like Easy Pairing and compatibility with Samsung's Scalable Codec. It’s upsetting that Bixby (Samsung's voice assistant) doesn’t perform up to its potential, though the mediocre battery life with ANC on is a greater disappointment. Since our review, Galaxy smartphone and Buds 2 Pro owners now get 360-degree audio recording, too.
Take a look at our Samsung promo codes for the latest discounts from Samsung.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro review.
Best for active lifestyles
The Beats Fit Pro are the best for iOS users with active lifestyles, and also rank #1 in our best sports headphones. They're a culmination of Apple and Beats’ greatest triumphs, packaging AirPods Pro-like performance into an updated Studio Beats design.
When we tested the Beats Fit Pro, our reviewer was impressed by the amazing sound quality, which was backed by a proprietary transducer that keeps bass punchy, while also balancing frequencies to hear crisp mids and detailed highs. Spatial Audio for immersive 3D sound has also been added, making this the first Beats product to feature the technology. Popular features tied to Apple's H1 processor are available, including automatic switching between Apple devices and FindMy to help locate misplaced buds. We also appreciate the integrated wingtips, which keep the buds secure during runs and intense workouts.
Android users do get to bask in the sonic upgrades, though all other iOS-related features remain exclusive to iPhone and iPad users. The lack of features available on the Android app also means limits to what the Fit Pro can perform on Google’s mobile platform.
Read our full Beats Fit Pro review.
Best entry-level
The PistonBuds Pro are a win for budget-conscious consumers who desire outstanding ANC and sound in a stylish, affordable package. Are they going to replace your AirPods Pro? No, but they are easily one of the best AirPods alternatives that can be had for a third of the price.
Okay, battery life isn’t anything to write home about, nor is call quality. But these shortcomings are forgivable when factoring in the audio and noise cancellation these buds deliver, and are enough to satisfy (especially at the $69 price) and give the Piston Buds Pro mass appeal.
Read our full 1More PistonBuds Pro review.
FAQ
What are the top wireless earbuds right now?
1. Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony's XM-series earbuds go from strength to strength with each new generation. As the latest flagship, the WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds are smaller and lighter, yet they're equipped with some of the strongest features and performance we've ever seen from a pair of wireless earbuds. They have some of the most dynamic and engaging sound we've heard, and their noise-canceling performance easily matches that of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 or Apple AirPods Pro 2
2. Sony WF-C700N
The Sony WF-C700N are the best value noise-canceling earbuds at just $119. They build on the entry-level WF-C500, one of the best cheap wireless earbuds out there, and there adaptive ANC technology is remarkable at the price. It learns your behavior and tweaks noise neutralization to your environment, while overall sound quality is powerful with Sony’s pleasingly bass-heavy sound signature at the forefront.
3. Apple AirPods Pro 2
The AirPods Pro 2 are the the ultimate earbuds for iPhone users. We have been blown away by the 2nd generation model since Apple launched them in September 2022. They bring significant upgrades to the popular original AirPods Pro to take performance to the next level.
4. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2
If ANC is a top priority, then the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 are without question the best noise-cancelling earbuds overall. The new flagship introduced several upgrades over the original such as adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC), Bluetooth 5.3, and sound calibration technology for improved sound quality.
5. Sennheiser CX Plus
Sennheiser's CX Plus are the best value wireless earbuds with ANC. In our original review, we highlighted the Sennheiser's articulate, high-quality sound combined with normal playtimes, effective ANC, aptX Adaptive support, and dependable connectivity via Bluetooth 5.2 make them an enticing package.
How to choose
With so many wireless earbud options to choose from, you may find it difficult to settle on one. There are several factors to weigh up, and which one is most important depends on personal preference. Follow out list of considerations to factor in when choosing the best wireless earbuds for you.
1. Design: When buying a new pair of wireless earbuds, it can be helpful to think about where you want to wear them. If you're going to use them on a run, for example, you may want a pair that offers the most secure fit and a high water resistance rating like all the models in our best sports headphones.
Whatever type you choose, make sure the earbuds are well built and comfy to wear for about 1 to 2 hours daily.
2. Sound quality: Different models offer different sound, and since you’re buying a pair to enjoy music individually, it’s important to find headphones that match your sound preference, be it heavy bass or distinctively clear to where you can hear the littlest nuances in recordings. Some models like the NuraTrue Pro (top) offer personalized sound via companion app, which allows the user to create their own profiles and tweak EQ levels to their hearing.
3. Battery life: Battery life is also key in choosing the best wireless earbuds. Wireless earbuds can last about 5 to 10 hours and offer extended playtime with their bundled charging cases — always make sure one is included.
4. Accessories: It's disappointing spending money on a new pair of wireless earbuds only to find that you need to buy the accessories separately. Any models that come with a carrying case, charging cable, user guide, and extra ear cups or tips are solid purchases.
5. Pricing considerations: Obviously, price is a big consideration when looking for the best headphones. Although there are always exceptions, big-name brands will typically command a bit extra, but generally speaking, the less you spend on a pair of headphones the greater the chance that sound and features will be compromised. Going for a budget option isn't always the best choice, as any money you save on your purchase won't do you much good if you're constantly needing to recharge your audio gear, or the sound quality is poor.
As the saying goes: timing is everything; and right now many of our favorite models are discounted at online retailers, meaning you can bag a bargain for even less. Bookmark our headphone deals pages to keep track of the latest discounts.
How we test the best wireless earbuds
The best reviews criteria carried out by audio experts
With more than 30 years experience in testing and reviewing consumer audio products for all kinds of media outlets and big-name brands around the world, the Tom's Guide audio team follows a rigorous test regime when it comes to determining the best products for recommendation in our buying guides.
In determining the best wireless earbuds, we consider fit, battery life, sound quality, design and value (are they worth the price?). We also factor in features like how well the controls work and how easily the earbuds pair with our playback devices.
In terms of sound quality, we listen to many sample tracks that span a number of genres, including hip-hop, rock, jazz, classical and R&B, while evaluating volume, clarity and fullness. We also make phone calls to assess both call quality and microphone performance.
To discover more information on what we listen for during our testing and reviewing process, take a look at our companion page on how to get the best headphone sound for you.
During the testing phase, our reviewers wear each pair of headphones for several hours at a time throughout the course of a week. Reviewers will make a note of the battery life performance in real world use, and assess how well this matches the rated battery life provided by earbud makers.
Star ratings explained: We evaluate earbuds based on a five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). If a product hits nearly every mark, it’s awarded a coveted Recommended badge, while our Best Value award speaks for itself. Only products with truly exceptional performance across the board are awarded an Editor's Choice badge.
For more information, check out our how we test page for Tom's Guide.
Contributions from: Alex Bracetti, Simon Lucas, Nick Pino
