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The best wireless earbuds of 2026: Lab-tested by experts
We tested hundreds of wireless earbuds in our lab to determine which models provide the best value for your money.
True wireless earbuds have transformed personal audio since they first arrived. In 2026, the market provides an unmatched variety of high-quality options, ranging from industry giants like Apple, Sony, and Bose to innovative new brands. With sophisticated features such as active noise canceling (ANC) and seamless device pairing, modern wireless earbuds are more than just audio gear—they are smart wearables that integrate into our daily routines. Whether you are an audiophile, a fitness fan, or a busy professional, our guide to the best wireless earbuds will help you discover the ideal pair for your needs and budget.
We have evaluated over 300 pairs of wireless earbuds in our lab over the years. Below, you can explore how each recommendation is backed by objective data gathered in standardized, controlled tests, which measure frequency response, adherence to our preference curve, noise attenuation, and battery life. We also provide sound quality scores, generated by a virtual panel of listeners modeled using the MDAQS algorithm, as well as microphone tests across various simulated environments.
All objective testing is carried out using our B&K5128 acoustic test head.
We perform this testing to provide data you can use to make an informed decision about the best wireless earbuds for your requirements. Whether you are searching for earbuds for exercise, music listening, or blocking out ambient noise, we have you covered. With this data-driven approach, the selections below reflect the best wireless earbuds based on real-world usage rather than just marketing promises.
For a quick guide to the best wireless earbuds that fit your needs and budget, check out our top picks below. Each includes a link to our full review.
$328.00 at Amazon Sony WF-1000XM6 Sound quality • ANC • Microphone performance
$234.00 at Amazon Apple AirPods Pro 3 Excellent ANC • Live Translation • Heart rate sensor
“What nobody tells you before buying how good the ANC really is.”
$299.95 at Amazon Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 Sound quality • Noise cancelation • User-replaceable battery • Shareable EQ presets
$249.99 at Amazon Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro Head gesture support • Improved ANC • Distinctive design
“These are great out of the box, but some good foam tips make a noticeable difference in audio quality (especially bass) and ANC. The bass on the Buds4 pro is truly the bass that keeps on giving.”
$249.00 at Amazon Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Good noise canceling • Heart-rate monitor • H2 chip • Secure fit
$59.00 at Amazon CMF Buds 2 Plus Sound quality • ANC • Battery life
$99.99 at Amazon EarFun Air Pro 4+ Lots of features • Bluetooth 6.0 • aptX Lossless • Good app
“I’m absolutely satisfied with the sound quality and the comfort.”
$599.00 at Amazon Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Premium design • Transmitter case • ANC
$129.99 at Amazon Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro Case with display • Comprehensive app
The Sony WF-1000XM6 offer superb active noise cancelation, high-quality audio, and impressive microphone performance thanks to AI-driven beamforming. The updated fit is secure and comfortable, though the larger housing might not be ideal for smaller ears. With over 9 hours of battery life, LDAC support for high-resolution audio on Android, IPX4 water resistance, and a feature-rich app including a 10-band EQ, these provide flagship-level performance across the board.
If you want the most comprehensive wireless earbud package currently available, the WF-1000XM6 is the choice. Sony’s latest flagship provides 88% average noise reduction across all frequencies, a 4.8/5 MDAQS sound quality score, and a significantly upgraded mic system with AI-powered beamforming trained on 500 million voice samples. The redesigned oval shape fits into the natural anatomy of your ear, making it easier to achieve a proper seal than with most other earbuds.
The Sony Sound Connect app provides access to a 10-band equalizer, Adaptive Sound Control that modifies ANC based on your environment, and multipoint connection for two devices. Battery life reached 9 hours and 41 minutes during our testing, with wireless charging and fast charging that provides 45 minutes of playback from just 3 minutes of charging. If you are upgrading from the XM4 or older models — or switching from a different brand — these are the easiest recommendation we can offer.
Adaptive audio and enhanced ANC. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are a strong update to the Apple wireless earbud lineup. They feature improved ANC, IP57 ratings, and integrated heart rate sensors and fitness tracking. There is even a hearing aid mode and upgraded spatial audio.
No other earbuds integrate as seamlessly with the iPhone as the AirPods Pro 3, and the hardware performance confirms this. Apple’s flagship offers the best ANC we have ever measured, with an average noise reduction of 90%, plus a range of features no other earbuds provide — such as built-in heart rate tracking, clinical-grade hearing aid functionality, and real-time Live Translation. Battery life improved to 8 hours and 42 minutes in our testing, a significant jump over the previous generation.
The limitation is that most of these features are restricted to Apple devices, leaving Android users with basic Bluetooth functionality. The sound also shifts noticeably based on your listening volume due to Apple’s LDEQ tuning. The positive news is that Apple is finally introducing a custom EQ with iOS 27, launching September 14, which allows you to adjust the lows, mids, and highs to your preference. With only three bands, it is more restricted than the 8- and 10-band EQs found on most other picks here, but it resolves one of our primary complaints about these earbuds. If you are an iPhone user who wants earbuds that do more than just play music, nothing else compares at $249.
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 are the company’s latest premium earbuds, now featuring a user-replaceable battery.
Most wireless earbuds have a limited lifespan. Once the internal batteries degrade, the device usually ends up in a drawer or the trash. The MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 are the first flagship earbuds from a major brand to address this, featuring swappable batteries in both the earbuds and the case. The rest of the hardware is equally impressive. ANC reduces ambient noise by just under 85% on average, the sound profile is close to our preference curve out of the box, and the microphones effectively filter out background noise during calls. Android users also gain access to aptX Lossless, a Bluetooth format that transmits higher-quality audio to compatible devices, along with multipoint for staying connected to your phone and laptop simultaneously.
Battery life reached 6 hours and 17 minutes with ANC enabled in our testing, which is slightly below average for this price point. Replacing the batteries requires a small 00 screwdriver that is not included, and the replacement cells are proprietary, meaning you must purchase them from Sennheiser. There is no LDAC support (the high-quality format most Android phones use), and Auracast will not be available until a future firmware update. However, at $299.95, no other flagship earbuds offer a practical way to keep them functional for years.
Samsung’s top Galaxy Buds get a welcome refresh. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro features a new design, along with better ANC, head gesture support, and more seamless AI integration.
Samsung Galaxy phone owners receive significant exclusive value from the Buds4 Pro that others do not: ultra-wideband microphones, Ultra High-Quality audio, and seamless device switching. For those with a compatible Samsung device, the hardware delivers an 84% average noise reduction, IP57 water resistance, and a 4.8 out of 5 MDAQS Overall score.
The default tuning is dark and bass-heavy, so you will want to spend a few minutes adjusting the EQ — the Clear preset is a good starting point. Battery life reached 6 hours in our testing, which is below average for this price. Without true multipoint, non-Samsung users lose much of what makes these worth $249. But for Samsung phone owners, they are an easy upgrade over any previous generation of Buds.
Advanced sports earbuds with heart rate monitoring. The Powerbeats Pro 2 are premium wireless earbuds designed for athletes, offering features like heart rate monitoring, active noise cancellation, and a secure, comfortable fit. With up to 45 hours of total battery life and a 33% smaller wireless charging case, they are built to improve your workout experience.
For athletes who need earbuds that stay in place, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are the easiest recommendation on this list. The ear hook design prevents slippage during even the most rigorous workouts, and the integrated heart rate monitor — using the same optical sensor technology as the Apple Watch — makes them a legitimate fitness tool rather than just earbuds with a gimmick. ANC reduces external noise by an average of 83%, and battery life lasts up to 10 hours on a single charge with 45 hours total from the case.
The trade-offs are significant: there is no multipoint, no custom EQ, and the sound quality noticeably drops when ANC is turned off. They also perform best with an iPhone — Android users lose most of the smarter features. At $249.99, you are paying a premium, but no other workout earbud currently matches this combination of secure fit, ANC, and heart rate tracking.
Better sound quality, personalized audio, and extended battery life at a budget price. The CMF Buds 2 Plus delivers impressive audio performance with personalized sound profiles, adaptive noise cancelation, and exceptional battery life in a refined, comfortable design.
At $69, the CMF Buds 2 Plus provides sound quality and ANC performance that genuinely competes with earbuds costing twice as much. The MDAQS Overall score of 4.8 out of 5 matches the Sony WF-1000XM6, an extraordinary result for the price. ANC reduces outside noise by an average of 83%, LDAC is availableminutes in our testing, with a full 60 hours provided by the case
The one notable step back from its predecessor, the CMF Buds Pro 2, is the absence of a Smart Dial. The tactile case control that allowed you to adjust volume and skip tracks without touching the earbuds has been replaced by a non-functional decorative accent. It is a frustrating omission on an otherwise impressive package. But if you are buying these without that expectation, the CMF Buds 2 Plus is the easiest budget recommendation we can make.
Feature-packed wireless earbuds for only $100. The EarFun Air Pro 4+ are packed full of features, including dual drivers, ANC, Bluetooth 6.0, and aptX Lossless.
The EarFun Air Pro 4+ do something most budget earbuds fail to do: they nail the basics without obvious compromises. The dual-driver system provides good treble clarity, and the default sound signature tracks closely to our preference curve out of the box. Furthermore, you get Bluetooth 6.0, aptX Lossless, LDAC, Auracast, a 10-band EQ, and multipoint — a connectivity spec sheet that outperforms earbuds costing twice as much.
The one area where they do not lead the pack is ANC, which reduces outside noise by 80% on average — solid but not class-leading. Battery life reached 6 hours and 17 minutes with ANC on during our testing, below the rated 12 hours. But at $99.99, those are easy trade-offs to accept for everything else you are getting.
Luxury wireless earbuds. If you want wireless earbuds that look and feel premium, the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 are worth checking out.
If you want the best-sounding wireless earbuds money can buy, the Pi8 are a serious contender. The Carbon Cone drivers and 32-bit DSP deliver a 4.9 out of 5 MDAQS Overall score — the highest we have measured on any earbud. The standout feature is the transmitter case, which lets you pipe audio from any 3.5mm or USB-C a TV to an airplane seat
The $399 price is difficult to fully justify, and a few details reflect the cost-cutting that happens even at this tier: the case scratches easily, battery life reached just 5 hours and 10 minutes in our testing, and the 5-band EQ does not label its frequency bands. The bass tuning also leans heavier than “reference” earbuds probably should. But if you want luxury design, excellent ANC, and the transmitter case functionality, nothing else on this list offers the same package.
Feature-packed earbuds that don’t break the bank. The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro are packed full of features, including a unique charging case with a display and touch bar.
When it comes to features and performance at a price that is affordable, it is hard to beat the Liberty 4 Pro. At $149.99, you get LDAC, multipoint, an 8-band custom EQ, 22 EQ presets, a HearID personalized sound profile, volume swipe controls, and a unique case with a built-in display for quick adjustments — a spec sheet that competes with earbuds costing three times as much. The MDAQS Overall score of 4.8 out of 5 confirms what the price does not suggest: most people will genuinely enjoy how these sound.
Battery life reached 5 hours and 42 minutes with ANC on in our testing, which is below average for flagships but reasonable at this price. The case display is more of a novelty than a daily driver feature, and the spatial audio implementation is underwhelming. But for anyone who wants flagship-adjacent performance without the flagship price, the Liberty 4 Pro is the pick.
There is a never-ending sea of wireless earbuds out there.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC ($99.99 at Amazon): These are definitely a contender for some of the best affordable noise canceling earbuds based on performance and value. With an IPX4 rating, long battery life, and good ANC, these are worth a look. You might not want to go for a run with them, but otherwise, they are decent.
Apple Airpods 4 with ANC ($179.99 at Amazon): The Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation is a great effort to bring ANC to unsealed AirPods — though it is still not everyone’s cup of tea. AirPods fans will love the new earbuds, though newcomers might not understand the hype.
Beats Studio Buds Plus ($169 at Amazon): The Beats Studio Buds Plus are a competent, if slightly understated, true wireless option for those who do not want the AirPods Pro. Additionally, this Apple-owned product offers an alternative to the lollipop design of the AirPods earphones.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 ($279 at Amazon): A step up from the regular Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the latest Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds have a few extra features, such as immersive audio, wireless charging, and improved connectivity tech for Android users.
CMF Buds Pro 2 ($59 at Amazon): The CMF Buds Pro 2 punch well above their price point, offering solid sound quality and impressive ANC, with the innovative Smart Dial being the unexpected star of the show.
Creative Aurvana Ace 3 ($149.99 at Manufacturer site): These earbuds house xMEMS drivers with Mimi Sound Personalization to deliver some of the best-sounding earbuds you will find at $150. Support for both aptX Lossless and LDAC also gives Android users Hi-Res audio.
EarFun Air Pro 4 ($89.99 at Amazon): If you are looking for the best wireless earbuds under $100, the EarFun Air Pro 4 are certainly a contender.
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 ($229 at Amazon): These are an excellent Pixel phone companion, offering a slew of useful improvements and features that the original Pixel Buds Pro do not. Though the new tuning might not satisfy bassheads, the EQ presets are good enough to handle just about any preference. Many people will love these earbuds.
JLab Epic Lab Edition ($199.99 at Amazon): The JLab Epic Lab Edition are the testbed for the latest generation of Knowles balanced armature drivers, and they make a compelling case. Great sound quality paired with most of the top-flight features we expect from high-end earbuds make this one of the best buys in the category.
JBL Tour Pro 3 ($249.95 at Amazon): The headline feature is the Smart Charging Case, which packs a touchscreen display for controlling ANC, EQ, and even acting as an audio transmitter for wiredriendly with LDAC and LC3 support, and the 10-band EQ handles the slight bass emphasis well. Just note the earbuds run large, so fit may vary
Moondrop Space Travel ($24.99 at Amazon): If you are looking for bang for your buck, it is hard to do better than these earbuds. Though they do not have much in the way of software features, the Moondrop Space Travel offers excellent audio quality and ANC for under $30.
Master & Dynamic MW09 ($349 at Amazon): Exceptional battery life and premium materials mean the Master & Dynamic MW09 is built to last a long time. You have to pay a pretty penny for these earbuds, but you will turn a few heads with the eye-catching design.
Nothing Ear (3) ($179 at Amazon): A stylish mid-range pick with strong ANC, one of the best companion apps in class, and a genuinely novel Super Mic built into the case.
Nothing Ear (3a) ($99 at Nothing): These do not feel like budget earbuds, with LDAC, multipoint, solid noise canceling, and mics that handle wind better than most at this price. The Nothing X app also includes an advanced EQ that lets you fine-tune specific frequencies, which you will want to use: the stock tuning pushes bass very loud, but it is easy to rein in with a few adjustments.
OnePlus Buds 4 ($99.99 at Amazon): If you are looking for solid, all-around mid-range earbuds, the OnePlus Buds 4 are a great option. They work even better if you have a OnePlus phone.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE ($149.99 at Amazon): A more affordable way into Samsung’s ecosystem than the Galaxy Buds4 Pro. You still get noise canceling and seamless switching between your Galaxy devices, making these a smart pick for Samsung phone owners who do not need the Pro model’s extras.
Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 ($269.95 at Amazon): The previous generation of our Android pick is still a strong option if you do not need user-replaceable batteries. You get noise canceling, Bluetooth 5.4, and aptX Lossless for high-quality audio on compatible Android phones, and they are likely to see bigger discounts now that their successor is out.
Sony WF-C710N ($119.99 at Amazon): The Sony WF-C710N are great mid-range wireless earbuds that cost half as much as premium wireless earbuds with comparable ANC and sound quality.
Sony WF-1000XM5 ($298 at Amazon): Taking notes from the success of its predecessor, the XM5 earbuds feature a more comfortable design, outstanding ANC performance, and fantastic battery life, but you will have to spend extra for Sony’s extensive app customization.
SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ ($89.99 at Amazon): The SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ have xMEMS drivers that deliver exceptional sound quality, at a price that does not break the bank.
Technics EAH-AZ100 ($299.99 at Amazon): Our former pick for Android users is still a great choice, especially if your phone supports LDAC. You get strong noise canceling, 3-way multipoint for staying connected to three devices at once, and 10 hours and 40 minutes of battery life in our testing. The stock tuning leans heavy on bass, but a few minutes with the in-app EQ fixes that.
Technics EAH-AZ80 ($167.99 at Amazon): Though they are quite large earbuds, the Technics EAH-AZ80 are very solid performers, with a rock-solid array of features to boot. Although the sound may not be for everyone, we believe most people will really like these earbuds.
It is a lot.
Spending more does not always mean better noise cancelation. Our measurements show the Apple AirPods Pro 3 leads the market at 90% average noise reduction, while the $69 CMF Buds 2 Plus hits 83% — the same as the $249.99 Powerbeats Pro 2. What actually determines ANC performance is the quality of the microphone array and the processing chip, not the price tag. What to look for: average attenuation percentage across all frequencies, not just peak dB claims, which manufacturers often measure at a single favorable frequency.
Every earbud we test gets measured against our validated preference curve. Most consumer earbuds boost bass — that is not automatically bad, but the degree matters. A 5–7dB bass lift sounds full and engaging. A 12–15dB lift sounds boomy and muddy on anything with complex low-end content. We also report MDAQS Overall scores, which simulate how a panel of hundreds of listeners would rate the sound from 1–5. Anything above 4.5 is genuinely crowd-pleasing. Do not trust subjective descriptions like “punchy” or “detailed” without data behind them.
Manufacturers test battery life at low volumes without ANC. We test at 75dBSPL with ANC enabled — closer to real-world use. The gap is often significant: the EarFun Air Pro 4+ is rated for 12 hours, but measured 6 hours and 17 minutes in our test. When comparing battery life across products, make sure you are comparing like-for-like conditions. Fast charging is increasingly worth prioritizing — most flagship earbuds can deliver an hour of playback from 5–10 minutes in the case.
A poor seal undermines ANC performance, bass response, and passive isolation simultaneously. Most earbuds include multiple ear tip sizes — try all of them before concluding a product does not work for your ears. Foam tips generally seal better than silicone. If you consistently struggle with earbud fit, look for products with shorter or wider nozzles, secondary anchor points like ear wings or hooks, or lighter earbud bodies.
Apple earbuds work best with iPhones. Samsung earbuds unlock their best features on Galaxy phones. Sony and Technics work well across platforms. If you are considering a switch, check which features require a specific device — ANC depth, EQ access, automatic device switching, and firmware updates can all be locked to one ecosystem. Android users should also check codec support: LDAC and aptX deliver meaningfully better wireless audio quality than SBC on compatible devices.
Every earbud on this list is tested using the same standardized methodology, regardless of price. Frequency response and noise attenuation are measured on our B&K 5128 head simulator — the same equipment used by professional audio engineers and hearing aid manufacturers. We run MDAQS sound quality scoring to generate simulated mean opinion scores from a modeled panel of listeners, giving us a consistent, objective benchmark for sound quality across products.
Battery life is tested with real music peaking at 75dBSPL with ANC enabled — not at the low volumes manufacturers use for their rated figures. Microphone performance is recorded across five simulated environments: ideal conditions, office, street, wind, and reverberant space.
Beyond the lab, every pick is used day-to-day for at least one week to assess connection reliability, control responsiveness, comfort over extended wear, and app usability. You can read more about our full methodology on how we test and why we test the way we do.
Start with your phone, since it determines which features you will actually get. Apple earbuds work best with iPhones, Samsung earbuds unlock extra features on Galaxy phones, and brands like Sony, Sennheiser, and Technics work well with any phone.
Next, think about where you will use them most. If you commute or travel, prioritize strong noise canceling. If you will wear them at the gym, look for a secure fit (ear hooks or wings help) and water resistance, marked by an IP rating like IP54 or higher. If you take a lot of calls, check our microphone samples in each review.
Then consider fit and comfort. Earbuds that do not seal well in your ears will sound worse and block less noise, no matter how good they are on paper. Try every ear tip size included in the box before deciding a pair does not work for you.
Finally, set a budget. You do not need to spend a lot to get great earbuds, as our budget and under $100 picks show.
In our testing, most wireless earbuds last between 5 and 10 hours on a single charge with noise canceling on, and the charging case adds several more full charges on top of that. You will usually get more if you turn noise canceling off.
As for how many years they will last, the battery is usually what gives out first. After a few years of daily charging, the tiny batteries inside most earbuds wear down to the point where they cannot get through a full day. With most earbuds, that means buying a new pair, but some models now let you replace the batteries yourself. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5, for example, has swappable batteries in both the earbuds and the charging case.
To help your earbuds last longer, avoid leaving them in extreme heat or cold, and try not to run the battery all the way down to zero.
It depends on whether you mean battery life per charge or how many years they will last.
For battery life per charge, the CMF Buds 2 Plus and Technics EAH-AZ100 lasted over 10 hours with noise canceling on in our testing, among the longest of any earbuds we have measured.
For long-term use, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 are the best option we have tested. You can replace the batteries in both the earbuds and the case, so a worn-out battery does not mean replacing the whole product. You will need a small screwdriver, and replacement batteries have to be bought from Sennheiser, but it is still far cheaper than buying new earbuds.
A Bluetooth codec is the format your phone uses to compress and send audio to your earbuds. Your phone and earbuds both need to support the same codec to use it, so check both before buying.
SBC: The basic codec every Bluetooth device supports. It works fine, but offers the lowest quality.
AAC: The codec iPhones use. It sounds great on Apple devices, but performance on Android phones varies.
aptX and aptX Adaptive: Common on Android phones with Qualcomm Snapdragon chips. aptX Adaptive adjusts audio quality on the fly to keep your connection stable.
aptX Lossless: Can send CD-quality audio in good conditions, but only works with a limited number of Android phones, so check your phone’s specs.
LDAC: A high-quality codec supported by most Android phones. It can deliver excellent audio quality, but performance depends on your phone and connection strength.
LC3: The codec behind Bluetooth LE Audio. It delivers good quality using less data, which can help battery life, and supports Auracast, which lets multiple people listen to the same audio stream.
If you have an iPhone, AAC is all you need. If you have an Android phone, look for earbuds that support LDAC or aptX, depending on what your phone supports.
Bluetooth Multipoint lets compatible earbuds stay connected to two devices at once (e.g., phone and laptop) and switch audio.
It is convenient for people who juggle work calls and music, but quality can dip when streaming from two
Most good wireless earbuds sit between $100 and $400, balancing sound quality, ANC, battery life, and durability.
Below $100, you often sacrifice ANC, build quality, or codec support; above $400, you mainly pay for premium materials, top-tier ANC, or extra features.
For most users, a $150—$250 pair that aligns with your listening style and ecosystem is the sweet spot.
Sometimes, but not always for the reasons you would expect. Spending more does not guarantee better sound or noise canceling. In our testing, the CMF Buds 2 Plus earned the same sound quality score as the Sony WF-1000XM6 for a fraction of the price, and they block outside noise just as well as the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, which cost more than three times as much.
What you usually get for more money is polish and extras: better microphones for calls, more reliable connections, premium materials, deeper integration with your phone, and features like heart rate tracking or wireless charging. Some expensive earbuds even fall behind in key areas. Our premium pick, the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8, earned the highest sound quality score we have measured, but its battery lasted just over 5 hours in our testing, about half as long as the CMF Buds 2 Plus.
If you want the best noise canceling or specific features tied to your phone, a flagship pair can be worth it. If you mainly want earbuds that sound good and block noise on your commute, a budget pair will likely serve you just as well.
Wireless earbuds use Bluetooth technology to connect to your devices, so they are not “better than Bluetooth”—they rely on it.
Compared with wired earbuds, wireless models trade a bit of consistency and battery-free use for convenience and mobility. Modern wireless earbuds can match or approach the sound quality of wired headphones, but they require charging and may introduce slight latency.
AirPods are wireless earbuds, so the real question is whether Apple’s earbuds are the right fit for you or whether another brand makes more sense. The answer mostly comes down to which phone you use.
If you have an iPhone, AirPods are hard to beat. The AirPods Pro 3 have the best noise canceling we have ever measured, pair instantly with your iPhone, and switch automatically between your Apple devices. They also offer extras like heart rate tracking, a hearing aid feature, and Live Translation that other earbuds cannot match on iPhone.
If you use Android, AirPods lose most of what makes them special. You get basic playback and little else. Earbuds like the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 or Sony WF-1000XM6 work well with any phone, support higher-quality Bluetooth formats that Android phones can use, and let you fine-tune the sound in a companion app. Many other brands also offer similar performance for less money, so it is worth comparing before defaulting to AirPods.
Here is a log of the latest changes we made to this article:
September 11, 2026: We replaced the Technics EAH-AZ100 with the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 as our top pick for Android users, moved the Technics EAH-AZ100 to notable mentions, and added the Nothing Ear (3a) to notable mentions. We also updated the AirPods Pro 3 section to reflect the custom EQ arriving with iOS 27, refreshed the FAQ on choosing wireless earbuds, and added new FAQs comparing wireless earbuds vs AirPods and on whether expensive earbuds are worth it.
March 31, 2026: We restructured the page to make the picks easier to scan, consolidating our methodology into a single section and trimming the introduction for clarity. We added new top picks and refreshed our notable mentions. We also updated the FAQ section to focus on key buyer questions.
March 6, 2026: We added the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro as the best earbuds for Samsung users and moved the JBL Tour Pro 3 to the notable mentions.
February 12, 2026: We replaced the Technics EAH-AZ100 with the Sony WF-1000XM6 as our top pick for Android users, moved the Technics EAH-AZ100 to notable mentions, and added price tracking widgets with 365-day pricing history for each top pick.
November 18, 2025: We replaced the Creative Aurvana Ace Mimi with the Creative Aurvana Ace 3 as the top pick for best sound quality on a budget.
November 12, 2025: We updated the featured image and adjusted some text for brevity.
November 3, 2025: We replaced the Sony WF-1000XM5 with the Technics EAH-AZ100 as our top pick for Android users, and added new picks to our notable mentions.
September 24, 2025: We replaced the AirPods Pro 2 with the AirPods Pro 3, removed an obsolete video, and moved the Sony WF-1000XM5 from ‘Best Overall’ to ‘Best for Android’.
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