Note from the editor: We have evaluated our current recommendations and remain certain that they are the best wireless earbuds available as of July 2022. Every month, we’ll review our list to make sure we’re providing you with the most recent products and market data. If you’re ready to add shopping right now, we recommend the JBL Live Pro 2 as the best stem earbuds and the Beats Studio Buds as the best small earphones. Two intriguing new sets worth taking into consideration are the Google Pixel Buds Pro and the beyerdynamic Free BYRD wireless earbuds. A decision on these products will-be made soon.
It goes without saying thats anyone who owns a smartphone should also have a good pair of wireless earbuds. We can all agree that although wireless earbuds are a vital accessory that enhances the use of your device, there are so many variations available that finding the right pair can be difficult. We found a pair that’s ideal for all of your demands, whether you’re searching for an inexpensive option, a pair that will offer you some extra incentive when you’re working out, or are just wanting to tune out your surroundings.
All of the products on our list are entirely wireless and provide excellent sound along with dependable device connectivity and long battery life. The wireless earbuds on our list also have noise cancellation, which is another useful feature that will not only keeps you entertained but also easily block out annoying background noise.
What to Think About
No matter what you want to use them for, wireless earbuds should generally be stylish, comfy, water-resistant, and capable of produce amusing sound. When shopping for an new pair of earbuds, you should consider your budget while looking for a pair that has a durable design, a secure fit, a trustworthy battery life, and good audio performance (including during calls).
Sound Performance
If we’re being fully honest with you, the sound quality and noise cancellation of most earbuds are usually closely correlated to their price, which means that investing more on a top-shelf product will certainly bring you better sound. With that stated, as long as you manage your expectations, these affordable options will also keep you occupied and entertained.
Durability
A good set of wireless earbuds have to be water resistant, with an IPX4 rating being the bare minimum for an product to be taken into consideration. The headset will be more durable the higher the grade. You should think about earbuds that can withstand exposure to dust and water if you enjoy working outside.
Battery performance and Charging Techniques
Since the battery life of true wireless earbuds has significantly increased over the years, even a cheap pair will keep you occupied for at least 6 hours (or more) between charges. No matter how expensive the buds are, a USB-C connector is now the industry standard for charging. On the other hand, you can anticipate a case that is wireless charging compatible while shopping high-end products.
Extraordinary Qualities
Another crucial factors to take into account is noise cancellation. Thankfully, both may be found in affordable wireless earbuds that cost considerably less than $100. To be completely honest with you, this is somewhat of a big deal because, until recently, this feature was only available as part of expensive packages.
Ways We Tested
I’ve been testing earbuds for the past six years on what seems like a daily basis. I spent several hours analysing over 30 wireless earbuds from today’s best brands before settling on my final selections for this guide. I set rigorous personal testing after reading through consumer reviews and investigating the products of industry consumers.
I used each option on this list regularly on my commute, at work, and even while working out for at least a week. I judged the earbuds according to the following standards:
- The ergonomics’ in-ear sensations
- Audio performance and sound quality in general
- Athletic during different activities
- Battery life
We are all aware that while shopping for wireless earbuds, sound is one of the most crucial considerations. I listened to a couple podcasts and my favourite playlists to test the earbuds’ sound qualities, paying special attention to their audible frequency range. The phrase describes how well your favourite songs’ treble (highs), midrange, and bass are reproduced by the headset.
The performance of the best wireless earbuds’ treble and midrange sets them apart from competitors. It will enable you to fully appreciate both the vocals and the subtleties of a song’s instrumentals. The mids and highs may suffer as a result of the bass, which is often the audio component that is simplest to reproduce, especially in headsets that are reasonably priced.
I also tested the audio quality and performance of each headset’s built-in microphone by testing both outgoing and incoming calls while wearing them (s).
Check out our reviews of the top wireless earbuds available right now, and be ready to start a new audio trip without wires now that you know what to look for in a pair.
Beats Studio Buds Wireless Earphones
Key Specs
- Specialized audio drivers
- Water-resistant IPX4
- Battery life of up to 8 hours
Our top pick for the majority of consumers is the Beats Studio Buds. They have all the features you could ask for in wireless earbuds, including a stylish design, exceptional comfort, great sound, reliable noise cancellation, a long battery life, and a price under $150. When testing the earbuds, I really enjoyed that I didn’t need to use an app to get the best sound quality or noise cancellation because both were well-balanced and excellent right out of the box.
I also give Apple credit for making it simple to pair the Studio Buds with both an iPhone and an Android phone; nevertheless, they are missing a wireless charging USB-C battery case.
The Beats Studio Buds come in the following colours: black, white, red, blue, and grey. The latter two are the newest additions to the palette. Consider the genuine wireless Beats Fit Pro if you can increase your budget by $50. The top-of-the-line Beats by Dre headphones include more wingtips for a more secure fit and support for richer spatial audio with dynamic head tracking thanks to the Apple H1 chip. The final portion provides a live performance-like listening experience using Apple Music compatible content.
Jabra Elite 4 Active Wireless Earbuds
Key Specs
- Audio drivers measuring 6 mm
- IP55 is resistant to dust and water.
- Battery life of up to 7 hours
With a more subtle look, a harder construction with higher water resistance, adjustable sound via an app, and a lower price tag while being just as lightweight and comfy, Jabra’s Elite 4 Active true wireless earbuds are a strong rival to our top pick from Beats by Dre. I was also quite delighted by how well the earbuds blocked noise thanks to their excellent fit; during my testing of the product, I rarely needed to utilise noise cancellation.
For a product in their price range, the Jabra Elite 4 earbuds deliver excellent acoustics. Both the call quality and noise cancellation of the product are stellar. The Studio Buds, on the other hand, provide self-adjustable noise cancellation, smooth Apple connectivity, and support for more lifelike Dolby Atmos spatial audio.
If you don’t need noise cancellation, I recommend taking a look at the more reasonably priced Jabra Elite 3 wireless earbuds. Although the sub-$100 pair has a slightly lower certification for water resistance, it has a similar design and sound quality. The earbuds are covered by an 2-year warranty against water and perspiration damage.
Apple AirPods Pro
Key Specs
- Specialized audio drivers
- Water-resistant IPX4
- Battery life of 4.5 hours or more
The best option for iPhone, iPad, & Mac users is without a doubt the AirPods Pro earbuds. The earbuds are exceptionally simple to pair with Apple devices that are associated with the same iCloud account thanks to the Apple H1 wireless chip.
The AirPods Pro, of course, have additional features than the recognisable and widely used first and second generation. They have better ergonomics (there is even a test to make sure they fit exactly), excellent noise-canceling technology, and an IPX4 designation for water resistance. The earphones are now compatible with MagSafe chargers thanks to a recent update to the charging case.
The AirPods Pro’s sound is both well-balanced and exciting. Consider the third generation AirPods if you’re seeking for Apple earbuds without noise cancellation. For less, you’ll get more battery life and comparable audio quality.
Browse a wide range of protective cases to customise and shield your AirPods. This is why I enjoyed it so much—it gave me a chance to add a distinctive spin to a product that ought to be commonplace.
Soundcore Life P3 Wireless Earbuds
Key Specs
- Audio drivers measuring 11 mm
- Water-resistant IPX5
- Battery life of up to 7 hours
We recommend Anker’s Soundcore Life P3 wireless earbuds above its wildly successful Life P2 model for consumers on a tight budget. The buds combine well-balanced sound with effective noise cancellation for less than $80, and they come with a top-notch companion app that allows you to customise them. I always enjoyed using the app to interact while testing the earbuds.
The stem-making buds are also comfy, durable, and excellent for phone calls. The Life P3 completes the package by providing compatible battery life and a case that supports wireless charging. Anker’s product is available in black, white, coral, navy, or sky blue.
Instead, think about the Soundcore Life A2 NC if you’re shopping for inexpensive wireless earbuds with a stemless design. The little earbuds are a little less expensive than the Life P3, but they don’t sacrifice audio performance or other features.
Sony WF-1000XM4 Wireless Earbuds
Key Specs
- Audio drivers measuring 6 mm
- Water-resistant IPX4
- Battery life of up to 8 hours
The best inbuilt noise cancelling earbuds available now are Sony’s most recent WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds. If their $280 price tag works within your budget, they are the one to purchase because they cancel out background noise more effectively than any competitor and have the best sound quality in their class. I test earbuds frequently, and if I had to choose just one pair, this would be it.
The top-tier Sony WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds represent a considerable improvement over the excellent third generation, including a more compatible fit, a water-resistant design, a longer battery life, and a storage case that supports wireless charging. The product is available in silver or black with tasteful gold accents.
The Sony WF-1000XM3 is still a good choice if you’re searching for less expensive true wireless earbuds that can successfully cancel out background noise. The 2019 model still offers high-quality sound and effective noise cancellation despite having a reduced battery life and no official water resistance rating.
Jaybird Vista 2 Wireless Earbuds
Key Specs
- Audio drivers measuring 6 mm
- Waterproof to IP68
- Battery life of up to 8 hours
You require the Jaybird Vista 2 in your life if you intend to regularly exercise while using your next pair of wireless earbuds. The buds have a snug fit and the highest rating for water resistance on our list; they can easily withstand exposure to water and dust. They were made to meet military standards for durability.
The coverings for the buds (available in black or grey) are attractive to interact with and made of fashionable yet durable fabric. Unbelievably, their wireless charging-compatible case has a matching finish and is IP54 waterproof in addition to being extremely durable. It was quite useful to be able to gently rinse the accessory with water after dropping it while visiting Central Park.
Additionally, the Vista 2 offers exceptional battery life, customizable noise reduction, and high-quality sound. Their companion app distinguishes itself by providing a wealth of tools to customise your experience and a simple user interface. There is even an option to find the favourite sound settings of elite athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
LinkBuds S Wireless Earbuds
Key Specs
- Audio drivers measuring 5 mm
- Water-resistant IPX4
- Battery life of up to 6 hours
The LinkBuds S, Sony’s newest true wireless earbuds, are deserving of your attention since they provide unmatched ambient sound capabilities and the highest level of comfort. The latter will enable you to stay conscious of your surroundings whenever and wherever you are without having to take off the small buds. Without them, I used the earbuds for hours while working from home and going for walks outside throughout the testing work, and I never missed a delivery that was crucial or lost track of the busy traffic in New York City.
Best of all, the S iteration also provides more immersive sound and inbuilt noise suppression, in contrast to the original Sony LinkBuds, which used donut-shaped audio drivers to achieve the aforementioned feat. By giving the earbuds a conventional design with silicone tips and wider air vents to let in more background noise, Sony was able to achieve this. The LinkBuds S produce excellent and easily configurable sound thanks to fine-tuned audio drivers and the same audio processor as the more expensive Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds previously discussed.
The LinkBuds S may benefit from a case that supports wireless charging given their high pricing. Sony provides the product in either white or black.
Live Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds
Key Specs
- Audio drivers measuring 11 mm
- Water-resistant to IPX5
- Battery life of 10 hours or more
The best alternative to the third-generation AirPods and the AirPods Pro currently available offers a longer battery life, a more durable design, and a higher grade for water resistance for the same (or less) price. These are JBL’s Live Pro 2 wireless earbuds. The wireless earbuds with a stem come in black, blue, pink, and silver colours.
The earbuds provide some of the best sound and noise cancellation in their price range, and an app lets you customise adjustments to them. They also have good call quality, and you may connect the product to two devices at once. The AirPods, on the other hand, support more upscale spatial audio and dynamic head tracking. The headphones made by Apple are also simple to link to any other devices that share the same iCloud account.
The significantly less expensive JBL Tune 230NC earbuds might be a better option if you’re on a tighter budget and don’t mind a bassier sound. The less expensive buds, which come in black, white, and blue, have a long battery life but a lower water resistance rating.
Bose QuietComfort Wireless Earbuds
Key Specs
- Specialized audio drivers
- Water-resistant IPX4
- Battery life of up to 6 hours
The Bose QuietComfort earbuds can block out background noise just as effectively as the over-ear Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 because they contain noise-canceling technology. In the user-friendly Bose Music app, you may customise the noise cancellation by choosing from 10 different levels (more than any competitor). There are three colour options for the earbuds: black, soapstone, and stone blue.
The QuietComfort earbuds produce high-quality, well-balanced sound, much like all other Bose products. They function superbly during calls and are a fantastic choice for distant work. I used to use these earbuds the most of the set before making calls and entering online work sessions.
The earbuds’ large housings, water-resistant construction, and reliable touch controls all contribute to their comfortable fit. It comes as no surprise that the included battery case is wireless charger compatible given the product’s high pricing. I did wish the provided accessory could hold more than two more charges, though, given how large it is.
Master & Dynamic MW08 True Wireless Earphones
Key Specs
- Audio drivers measuring 11 mm
- Water-resistant IPX5
- Battery life of 12 hours or more
The wireless MW08 earbuds from Master & Dynamic are sold in pairs. if style and craftsmanship are your top priorities. The beautiful, feature-rich buds, which were created in New York City, are well worth their high price. Their exquisite ceramic housings, which come in a variety of colours, make competitors’ models seem generic and less expensive in comparison.
The MW08 earbuds, like other M&D products, sound fantastic thanks to precisely calibrated audio drivers, and their noise-canceling technology is programmable via a mobile app. Additionally, they offer a stunning storage case with stainless steel shell and an amazing battery life. Every time I used the accessory, I had a feeling of a special occasion. Despite being expensive, the MW08’s case does not support wireless charging.
Instead, have a look at the Master & Dynamic MW08 Sport earbuds if wireless charging is crucial to you. They may upgrade to just as opulent housings with sapphire glass coverings and a storage case made of kevlar fibre for $50 extra.
JLab Go Air Pop Wireless Earbuds
Key Specs
- Audio drivers measuring 6 mm
- Water-resistant IPX4
- Battery life of up to 8 hours
The most affordable real wireless earbuds worth your attention right now are JLab’s Go Air Pop. These under $20 earbuds are really comfy, strong, and able to provide fun sound. They are priced at a reasonable impulse buy. The earbuds are available in teal, lilac, rose, slate, and black finishes.
By choosing one of three unique settings, you can tune the sound of the earbuds. A balanced setting, a bass-boost option, and a JLab-exclusive setting that amplifies the treble and low range are among them. As long as you manages your expectations in check, the Go Air Pop’s call quality is likewise acceptable.
The Go Air Pop’s 8-hour maximum battery life can compete with much more expensive options, but I truly wish their case had an incorporated connection with a more modern USB-C connector instead of the dated USB-A it has. To charge the earbuds from a MacBook Pro and a Microsoft Surface Studio, I had to find a USB-C hub.
