Best Wireless Earbuds (2026): Apple, Sony, Bose, And More

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Wireless earbuds are one of those ideas that sounded a dream at first: Pop a little headphone into each ear and listen to music or take calls untethered from everything, often with noise canceling and waterproofing to boot.

While the first wireless buds were gigantic, died after a few hours, and had a bunch of other problems, times have changed significantly. 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 the past decade, the WIRED Reviews team has chosen these as favorites in a wide range of styles and prices.

For more top picks, check out our other audio guides, the Best Open Earbuds, Best Wireless Headphones, Best Noise-Canceling Headphones, Best Cheap Headphones,Best Workout Headphones, and Best Wired Headphones.

Updated February 2026: We’ve reorganized this guide and added the Google Pixel Buds 2a and Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE.

• The Best Earbuds for Most People

  • 

    Photograph: Parker Hall

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    Photograph: Parker Hall

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    Photograph: Parker Hall

  Google

  Pixel Buds 2a

  $129

  Amazon

  $129

  Best Buy

  $129

  Google Store

  Instant pairing with Android phones (and near-instant with iOS) plus a comfortable compact fit make the latest version of the Pixel Buds our favorite wireless headphones for most people. These aren’t necessarily the flashiest buds around, but what they lack in features (most notably wireless charging), they make up for with a more-affordable price.

  The Pixel Buds 2a are not lacking when it comes to design: The smooth pebble-case has a replaceable battery, and the buds are very small and ergonomic, with ear loops that really help them stay in most ears. An IP54 rating, noise canceling, and seven hours of battery life make these fantastic for everyday wear. Reliable software support and excellent touch controls (though no volume controls directly on the earbuds) make these especially nice while working out, at the desk, or gardening. —Parker Hall

  Specs
  Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.4
  Battery life (ANC)	7 hours, 20 with case
  Water/dust resistance	IP54

• Best Earbuds for iPhones

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    Photograph: Parker Hall

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    Review: Apple AirPods Pro 3

  • 

    Review: Apple AirPods Pro 3

  Apple

  AirPods Pro 3

  $249 $230 (8% off)

  Amazon

  $250 $220 (12% off)

  Best Buy

  $249

  Apple

  Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 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 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 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. —Parker Hall

  Specs
  Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.3
  Battery life (ANC)	8 hours, 24 with case
  Water/dust resistance	IP57

• The Best for Samsung Phones

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    Photograph: Simon Cohen

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    Photograph: Simon Cohen

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    Photograph: Simon Cohen

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    Photograph: Simon Cohen

  Samsung

  Galaxy Buds3 FE

  $150 $127 (15% off)

  Amazon

  $150

  Samsung

  We’ve come away impressed with Samsung’s new entry-level buds, the Galaxy Buds3 FE. For $150, you sacrifice the Pro’s LED blades, head tracking, and wireless charging, but Samsung kept what truly matters: a supremely comfortable fit, outstanding sound quality, and surprisingly effective ANC and transparency modes. They nail the fundamentals, in an “AirPods for Galaxy Devices” way.

  These are a Samsung-first product: Many of their best features, including a crucial loudness normalization setting and the superior Samsung Seamless streaming codec, are exclusive to Galaxy phones. For Android users outside that ecosystem, alternatives offer wider compatibility, but if you’re a Samsung loyalist on a budget, the Buds3 FE deliver excellent core performance where it counts. —Parker Hall

  Specs
  Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.3
  Battery life (ANC)	5.5 hours, 24.5 with case
  Water/dust resistance	IP54

• Best Earbuds for Android

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    Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

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    Photograph: Parker Hall

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    Photograph: Parker Hall

  Google

  Pixel Buds Pro 2

  $229 $179 (22% off)

  Amazon

  $229 $179 (22% off)

  Best Buy

  $229 $179 (22% off)

  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. —Parker Hall

  Specs
  Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.4
  Battery life (ANC)	8 hours, 30 with case
  Water/dust resistance	IP54

• Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds

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    Photograph: Parker Hall

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    Photograph: Parker Hall

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    Photograph: Parker Hall

  Bose

  QuietComfort Ultra 2 Earbuds

  $299

  Amazon

  $299 $249 (17% off)

  Best Buy

  $299 $249 (17% off)

  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, wise, is excellent. —Parker Hall

  Specs
  Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.4
  Battery life (ANC)	7 hours, 24 with case
  Water/dust resistance	IP55

• Best Open Earbuds

  

  Photograph: Ryan Waniata

  Soundcore by Anker

  Aeroclip

  $170 $110 (35% off)

  Amazon

  $170

  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 spatial audio and push-button controls ensure a pleasant experience, albeit at a premium price.

  Specs
  Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.4
  Battery life (ANC)	8 hours, 32 with case
  Water/dust resistance	IPX4

• Most Secure Fit

  

  Photograph: Ryan Waniata

  Beats

  Powerbeats Pro 2

  $250 $200 (20% off)

  Amazon

  $249

  Walmart

  $250

  Apple

  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 noise canceling and transparency mode and fancy new options spatial audio and a heart rate monitor built from Apple Watch tech. They utilize the H2 chip for Apple-friendly options 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 noise-canceling and transparency mode in a still-stable fit via bendy ear fins that keep the buds in place.

  Specs
  Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.3 (Apple H2 Chip)
  Battery life (ANC)	10 hours, 45 with case
  Water/dust resistance	IPX4

• Best Budget Earbuds

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    Photograph: Ryan Waniata

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    Photograph: Ryan Waniata

  JLab Audio

  Go Pop ANC

  $30 $19 (37% off)

  Amazon

  $30

  JLab Audio

  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 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

  Specs
  Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.1
  Battery life (ANC)	8 hours, 32 with case
  Water/dust resistance	IPX4

Other Earbuds We

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 . But if you’re still hunting, here are some other recommendations.

Nothing Ear (a) for $59: 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 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 d 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.

Status Audio Pro X for $239: 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 a, 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.

Technics EAH-AZ80 for $165: Technics’ -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 Dolby-powered Spatial Audio and Bluetooth LE Audio support for futureproofing, along with old favorites 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

Beyerdynamic Amiron 300 for $150: 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.

Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 for $159: 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 they 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.)

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.

Sony Linkbuds Fit for $200: 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.

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—more 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 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 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 $170: 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 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 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 and test cables, charging times, and battery life, and we 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 More

Writer and Reviewer

Ryan Waniata is a staff writer, editor, video host, and product reviewer for WIRED with over 10 years of experience in A/V. He has previously published at sites including Digital Trends, Reviewed, Business Insider, Review Geek, and others. He’s evaluated everything from TVs and soundbars to smart gadgets and wearables, … Read More

TopicsShoppingbuying guideswireless earbudsearbudsHeadphonesaudio

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