Best wireless earbuds in 2025

Earbuds are an everyday essential for many of us. They carry us through the day by keeping us connected to music, podcasts, streaming services, gaming devices, Zoom calls, and more. Whether you're literally looking to cut ties from your wired buds or you're ready to upgrade your current set of wireless ones, there are seemingly an infinite number of models to choose from. Before buying, consider your top priorities for a brand-new set of earbuds. Do you need a water-resistant pair for working out? Are you ready to spend the big bucks on the best active noise cancelation (ANC)? Do you need fast pairing, extra stability, or extreme battery life? Whether you're looking for something cheap to supplement a prized pair of over-ears, or you’re just ready for something new, this guide will help you find the best wireless earbuds for your needs!

Our favorite wireless earbuds of 2024

Sony’s WF-1000XM5 earbuds are the newest model in the company's excellent line of earbuds, narrowly beating our previous top pick, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2. They are a great option if you want to go all out and purchase a premium pair of high-performing earbuds. ANC performance is pretty exceptional with bone conduction sensors and AI reduction technology for improved call quality. Adaptive Sound Control analyzes the world around you, using AI to offer tailored listening experiences. Plus, although they are 25% smaller than the previous model, they pack larger drivers for improved sound and clarity across frequency ranges.

Some listeners find that the bass is a bit aggressive out of the box with the default equalizer settings, but that can be changed and tuned to your tastes with the Sony Headphones Connect app. There, you can execute other functions like adjusting ANC, viewing remaining battery life, and turning on multipoint connection, which lets you connect to two devices simultaneously.

Build-wise, their memory foam tips seal out the bustle of the world around you, creating passive isolation that works in tandem with the top-of-the-line ANC. The smaller, low-profile design is a welcome upgrade; however, combined with the glossy finish, the buds can be a little hard to handle when taking them out or putting them in the case, but this shouldn't be a deal-breaker. The battery lasts for up to eight hours on a single charge, with an additional 16 hours stored in the charging case.

Bose's QuietComfort EarBuds 2, launched on the same day as the AirPods Pro 2 and iPhone 14 series, previously held the crown for best overall wireless earbuds, and they remain close to the top of this list. The earbuds offer pretty much all the features you could ask for, in addition to top-notch audio output, great active noise cancelation, and good battery life. So, if the Sonys aren't for you, but you're interested in premium features, this pair might satisfy your audio needs.

The QuietComfort EarBuds 2 can last six hours on a single charge, work well with either iOS or Android phones (along with other devices like Windows laptops or smart televisions, of course), and pump out great sound. In terms of pure audio fidelity, it may be debatable if these buds are the absolute best, but they're certainly in the running.

The QuietComfort EarBuds 2 also have amazing ANC. Using a quality silicon tip that seals off the ear canal, four microphones per bud, and smart software algorithms, these earbuds can block out more sound than many other true wireless earbuds on the market. If you are around loud environments often and would really like a break from the noise without something bulky like over-the-ear headphones, then these are the ones to get. Bose also has a strong transparency mode, which the company calls "Aware" mode, and a robust mobile app that offers granular control over the audio.

The only downside of these buds is they are relatively pricey at $299 MSRP. However, we've seen them listed for much less on sale. While that's still pretty pricey, the QuietComfort Earbuds 2 are hard to beat.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are an excellent pair of earbuds for all, but they are a particularly solid option for Android users of any variety. They feature a sleek design and elegant silver and white colorways alongside a return to a more AirPods-esque design. Of course, all the praises we just bestowed on Samsung's buds are subjective. What's objective is that these sound great with a 10mm dynamic driver and a Planar tweeter.

The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are also rated IPX7, which is more than the usual IPX4 you'll see in many buds. This means Samsung's buds can be immersed underwater for short periods of time. Samsung estimates you'll get up to six hours of battery life with ANC on and up to seven hours with it off, though your mileage may vary slightly, which puts it in line with competitors like the AirPods Pro.

If you use a Samsung device, there are some special features too, such as intelligent switching between a Samsung phone to a tablet and vice versa or the option to stream 24-bit audio. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro also offers Spatial Audio support when paired with a compatible Samsung phone, allowing you to experience immersive audio when watching content or listening to music on supported apps.

While the AirPods Pro 2 look similar to the first generation of AirPods Pro, there are some noticeable improvements. The audio drivers have been redesigned, which, along with Apple's H2 chip, pump out noticeably fuller and more immersive audio. The ANC has also improved, though still not at Bose or Sony's level, and Apple's transparency mode is one of the most natural-sounding ones we've tested. But perhaps most importantly, these earbuds are designed to work with Apple products, particularly the iPhone, and they offer a seamless experience that you won't get with most other wireless earbuds on this list.

To be clear, you can use other brands' earbuds with iPhones, and they'll play audio perfectly fine. But the AirPods Pro 2 bring extra features such as Spatial Audio with head tracking and the ability to respond to text messages directly via the earbuds without touching them or the phone. You can also access Siri easily via voice gestures or a long press of the stem. The AirPods Pro will also seamlessly switch between MacBooks, iPads, and iPhones, depending on which device you're using.

They're also pretty good when used as regular Bluetooth earbuds with technology from other brands. You lose out on most of the aforementioned features for iPhone users, but the AirPods Pro 2 will still pump out excellent audio, and ANC/transparency mode works well. Battery life is fine, at five hours on a single charge, but shorter than some other buds listed here. The case adds roughly another 19 hours of playtime. If you're an iPhone user, the AirPods Pro 2 should be leading the pack in consideration.

If you're not a fan of in-ear style silicon tips and want something that just rests a bit more gently inside your ear — or if you want something with a lower price tag — then the affordable AirPods 3 are for you. The earbuds come with an open-ear style design, meaning the buds aren't meant to completely close off your ear canal like the AirPods Pro (or most other earbuds on this list).

Of course, you also get the goodness of seamless connectivity with Apple devices thanks to the H1 chip. In addition, there's multi-device support if you're using an iPhone, Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch with seamless switching. Apple has improved the sound quality of the AirPods 3 considerably compared to prior-gen AirPods.

There's support for Spatial Audio this time, so you can enjoy the same surround sound effect as the AirPods Pro on these. The major difference between the AirPods Pro and the third-generation AirPods is the absence of ANC. The AirPods Pro have active noise cancelation, which a lot of people will appreciate, especially while commuting or flying, but you won't get that experience with the cheaper earbuds.

The AirPods 3 come in a case that has support for MagSafe charging, but you'll have to pay $10 extra for the MagSafe-compatible case. If you're not big on wireless charging, you can save that money and get the regular case that features a Lightning connector for charging. The usual features like Siri integration and force sensors for play/pause and skipping tracks are present. If you feel that in-ear earbuds aren't comfortable, skip the AirPods Pro 2 and get the AirPods 3 instead.

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Like its smartphones, OnePlus' flagship earbuds offer most of the premium features you get with top-of-the-line wireless earbuds at a more reasonable price. Its latest earbuds, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3, have a stylish design that's comfortable for long-term use. These earbuds sound great, competing well with more premium earbuds like the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro or Apple AirPods Pro 2, but they do so at a more affordable price.

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 are pretty feature-rich for the price and support active noise cancelation with a transparency mode, spatial audio support with OnePlus phones, Google Fast Pair, and multi-device pairing. Sadly, ANC and transparency mode performance is not up to par with some of the more premium earbuds on this list. However, this won't be relevant to everyone. As far as battery life is concerned, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 last up to 10 hours without ANC enabled.

If you're fine with making the aforementioned compromises, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 are great for the asking price. The earbuds are especially ideal for those who own OnePlus smartphones, as they pair seamlessly with devices from the company and offer a couple of additional features. While OnePlus' HeyMelody app is available for download on devices from other OEMs, it loses out on a couple of features like Spatial Audio.

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a solid upgrade over the original, bringing a more balanced overall sound profile to the table as compared to the warmer, bassier feel of the originals. They might still require a little tuning, but you're getting an absolute top-notch experience on a Pixel phone in exchange, even when compared to other Android-focused buds like the OnePlus Buds Pro 3.

Like the original Pixel Buds Pro, the second-generation offers up to around 8 hours of battery with ANC enabled and up to around 12 hours without, which is quite impressive in the world of wireless earbuds. But ultimately, these are earbuds you get because you use an Android phone and want to access Google Assistant easily. Being able just to say "Hey, Google" and then follow up with a question is better than needing to fiddle with the earbuds. This feature alone makes the Pixel Buds Pro 2 the best option for those who own a Pixel phone.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 aren't bad by any means if you use a phone from another OEM, but there are better options out there. In such a case, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 would be a great alternative, and it'll even save you a few bucks.

Having a good pair of earbuds is essential if you're the kind of person who gets pumped up by a nice playlist on Spotify while working out, and the Beats Fit Pro is a pair of earbuds specifically engineered for this use case. They feature a stem-free design and added wingtips, ensuring a comfortable fit that's great for running and hitting the gym. They come with active noise cancelation, so you never miss a beat, and they're protected from sweat and water thanks to an IPX4 rating, so they'll keep up with you no matter how harsh the environment is.

Apple's H1 chip integration means the Beats Fit Pro offer AirPods-like seamless connectivity with Apple devices, but they're also compatible with Android phones. However, with the latter, you will miss out on a couple of features, like Spatial Audio and hands-free assistant support. If that isn't a dealbreaker for you, the Beats Fit Pro won't disappoint. The earbuds offer top-notch audio output, up to 6 hours of battery life with ANC and an additional 18 hours with the charging case, plus intuitive gesture controls.

Note that the unique design with the extended wingtips might not be comfortable for some users, so we recommend you try the Beats Fit Pro at a retail store near you before making a purchase. The charging case is also a bit on the bulky side, which may not be ideal for carrying around in your pocket at the gym or on a run.

If you're an Android user or find the Beats Fit Pro's wingtips uncomfortable, the Jabra Elite 7 Active is a great alternative. The earbuds don't offer any additional features for iOS users, so you get the same experience no matter which platform you're on, and they're pretty great for the price. The Elite 7 Active sound just as great, if not better, than the Beats Fit Pro. They offer ANC support and a transparency mode, and even come with wireless charging support.

The Jabra Elite 7 Active feature an IP57 rating, which means they offer a decent level of dust resistance, alongside water resistance, unlike the Beats Fit Pro. Thanks to this, they're a better pick for those who chalk up while climbing or lifting weights at the gym. The earbuds also offer a higher degree of ingress protection, so you can rest assured they won't malfunction due to water damage.

Using the Jabra Sound+ companion app, you can adjust a variety of settings on the Elite 7 Active, including ANC levels, an equalizer, a voice assistant, and a personalized audio mode tailored to your hearing. As far as the battery life is concerned, you get up to 7 hours of playback with ANC and almost three full charges with the charging case. The earbuds also offer fast charging and wireless charging support, so you don't have to worry about running out of juice during a workout.

The Jabra Elite 7 Active are great workout earbuds, and, for some, they might even be better than the Beats Fit Pro. Given that they're also a bit cheaper than the Beats earbuds, you'd probably want to go with these if you're not an iPhone user.

Sennheiser has a long history of releasing superb audio products, and the Momentum True Wireless 3 buds live up to the brand's reputation. Released in mid-2022, this third-generation model is a relatively iterative update over the already excellent second-generation model, with improvements coming mostly in the ANC and support for more codecs, including AAC, SBC, aptX, and aptX Adaptive. Chances are, many won't know what all those acronyms and alphabets mean, and it's okay. They're just various audio encoding/decoding programs, and only audiophiles really care about them.

This means you can expect high-fidelity audio from these buds regardless of the audio source, and the improved ANC sees the earbuds actively listening to the ambient noise around the wearer and adjusting accordingly. The 7mm drivers are fine-tuned to pump out dynamic yet balanced audio without overbearing bass. You can tweak the sound yourself with Sennheiser's "Sound Personalization" feature available in the companion app.

Battery life is also a plus, with 7 hours of listening and a total of 28 hours with the charging case. There's also an app available on both Android and iOS that allows you to use the earbuds' built-in equalizer and tweak some of their other settings. The Momentum True Wireless 3 are definitely worth a look if you're looking for the best-sounding true wireless earbuds, especially if you can get the earbuds at a discount. At full price, you might be better off with one of the other premium earbuds, like the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro or the Apple AirPods Pro 2.

If endurance is your priority, you can't go wrong with the Anker Soundcore Space A40. These are among our favorite pairs of affordable earbuds, offering impressive battery life, lasting up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge, with an additional 40 hours of backup in the charging case.

The audio quality is decent for most users, and those who prefer thumping bass might appreciate it more than the other premium earbuds on this list. But if you consider yourself an audiophile, these earbuds aren't for you. Despite the affordable price tag, the Space A40 also feature a couple of premium extras like active noise cancelation. However, the ANC performance won't impress you if you've tried more expensive earbuds. Anker's companion app is quite feature-rich, offering a wide range of EQ presets and sound modes for personalization.

It's hard to find earbuds in the sub-$100 price range that will perform better than the Space A40 in the audio output, call quality, ANC, or other departments, plus they're the best you can get if you want a long-lasting pair of earbuds. They're even better than the much more expensive AirPods Pro 2 on that front, and you should get these if longevity is one of your top priorities.

The human ear comes in all shapes and sizes, and not every ear canal can stand the in-ear silicon tip type earbuds, which are included on most of the buds on this list. For those who prefer something less intrusive, consider the Nothing Ear Stick. These are so-called "half in-ear," or "outer ear" buds, meaning they sit outside the ear canal with nothing actually being stuck inside. This fit is almost certainly more comfortable, but the downside is they do not block out any sound at all.

If you're in a quiet environment, however, these buds pump out great sound thanks to Nothing's custom-built drivers. It also helps that the buds are housed in this unique and stylish semi-transparent charging case that zigs where all other buds zag. The Nothing Ear Stick can play audio for seven hours on a single charge, and they are rated IP54 for sweat resistance. The stems offer volume and music controls and access to digital voice assistants. At $89, they are also one of the more affordable buds on this list.

You should pick up the Nothing Ear Stick if you don't like in-ear earbuds or are looking for great audio output for less than $100.

The OnePlus Nord Buds 2, are currently available for less than $60 and feature 12.4mm drivers that pump out respectable audio quality and active noise cancelation (ANC) that actually works.

Don't expect the ANC here to completely drown out outside noise the way Sony's WF-1000XM5 or Bose's QC Earbuds 2 can, but at this price range, the ANC does enough to be impressive: you can hear it eliminate the low-frequency hums of air conditioners and occasional chatter and keyboard clicks.

The earbuds have a minimalist design, but otherwise fit in the ear very comfortably, and with two more sizes of silicon tips, you should be able to find the right fit for your ear canal. There are two microphones on each bud that can handle phone calls decently. The five hours of playtime per charge is on the low side, but considering how small and light these earbuds are, we think it's okay.

We think these earbuds are the best option for those on a budget. If you don't mind spending a little more, the Soundcore Space A40 have better ANC performance, while the Nothing Ear Stick buds will sound much better and offer a more comfortable fit.

Best wireless earbuds 2024: Final thoughts

If money is no issue, the Sony WF-1000XM5 are the best overall earbuds. They have best-in-class ANC with impressive audio quality and new features like bone conduction sensors for improved call quality. These earbuds play pretty nice with both iOS and Android, making them the no-brainer best overall earbuds if you can stomach the high price.

If you're a dedicated Apple user with an iPhone, iPad, and MacBook, you may be better off buying the AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 3. Or, if you're trying to save a bit of money, then the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 and Jabra Elite 7 Active are less expensive options that still do a very good job.