Finding the best wireless earbuds can transform how you listen to music, take calls, and get through your day. With so many options, from budget-friendly to premium, there is a perfect pair for everyone. Modern earbuds offer impressive noise cancellation, crystal-clear call quality, and long battery life, all in a compact design.
What to look for in wireless earbuds
The first thing to consider is design. Do you prefer earbuds that seal your ear for noise cancellation or a semi-open fit to stay aware of your surroundings? Comfort is key, so the shape and weight matter. If they do not fit well, do not hesitate to return them.
Bluetooth connectivity is now very reliable. Premium models offer advanced features like multi-device pairing, wireless charging, and custom sound profiles through companion apps. For Apple users, AirPods Pro offer seamless integration with other devices. Android users should look for similar cross-device features.
Battery life is another major factor. Most earbuds last around five hours on a single charge, with the case providing several additional charges. Check if the case supports wireless charging for added convenience.
Be cautious of claims about call quality. While many promise excellent performance, most earbuds still make you sound like you are on a speakerphone. It is best to read reviews to confirm these claims.
Sound is subjective. If possible, try before you buy. Pay attention to support for immersive audio formats like Spatial Audio or Dolby Atmos if you enjoy high-quality music.
How we test wireless earbuds
We test earbuds by wearing them constantly for one to two weeks. We listen to a variety of music and podcasts and use them for calls. To test battery life, we play music at 75 percent volume until the battery dies.
We judge sound quality by listening to different music genres at low and high volumes. For call quality, we record samples and have others call us. We also thoroughly test all features in the companion app and compare new models to their predecessors and top competitors.
Other wireless earbuds we tested
Sony WF-C710N are compact and comfortable with good noise cancellation for their price, but sound quality and call performance are not the best.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 have a comfortable design, balanced sound, and a heart rate sensor, but the health features work best with Apple devices.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 have an open design that limits noise cancellation effectiveness, but they offer good bass and many features for Samsung phone users.
Sennheiser Momentum Sport earbuds are comfortable and have accurate heart rate and body temperature sensors, but they are expensive and their audio quality is not as good as other models.
Beats Solo Buds are very comfortable and offer a long 18-hour battery life from the earbuds themselves, but they lack a charging case battery and advanced features.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds have a unique clip-on design that lets you hear your surroundings, but the open fit compromises bass and overall sound quality.
Audio-Technica ATH-TWX7 are comfortable stick buds with a warm sound profile, but their audio performance is inconsistent and they lack automatic pausing.
Master and Dynamic MW09 offer retooled audio and reliable connectivity, but they are expensive and their noise cancellation is not class-leading.
Wireless earbud FAQs
Good battery life for true wireless earbuds is at least five hours on a single charge, with the case providing extra charges. Some models last six to eight hours.
Sound quality comparison between headphones and earbuds is difficult due to different components. Many prefer over-ear headphones, but high-end earbuds can also deliver excellent sound.
The wireless earbuds with the longest battery life we have tested are the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS5TW, which can last over 15 hours. For current models, Master and Dynamic MW08 offer up to 12 hours.
To find waterproof earbuds, look for an IP rating. A second digit of 7 or higher means they can be submerged in one meter of water for 30 minutes.
The earbuds that stay in your ears best depend on your unique ear shape. Models with wing tips or fins are designed for a more secure fit, especially during exercise.
Wireless earbuds do not natively work with a PS5, which lacks Bluetooth audio support. You will need a USB Bluetooth adapter to connect them to the console.
Recent updates
This guide was updated in May 2025 to ensure all recommendations and advice are accurate.