Update July 9, 2025: Amazon Prime Day 2025 is underway, and most wireless earbuds I tested for this guide are on sale. The recently launched Powerbeats Pro 2 earphones are 28% off, bringing their price well below $200. The budget-friendly Soundcore P30i earbuds are a straight-up impulse buy for less than $25 after a generous discount. Here is my additional selection of Prime Day 2025 deals on headphones and earbuds.
A great set of wireless earbuds is virtually a must-have for anyone with a smartphone. Phone manufacturers began shifting away from the standard audio jack years ago, with the iPhone 7 being the first big-name product to do away with the functionality. Today, save for a few niche offerings, most smartphones don’t have an audio jack.
Thankfully, the current market for wireless earbuds is brimming with options, ranging from cheap sets that cover the basics to feature-rich offerings for discerning audiophiles. However, the sheer number of wireless earbud options makes finding the right one a daunting task, which is why I'm here to help guide you through the process. Whether you’re in the market for an affordable set or are ready to spend big on the best, I've found a pair that should tick the boxes for your needs.
Best Wireless Earbuds
- Best Overall: Beats Studio Buds + Wireless Earbuds
- Best Budget: Soundcore P30i Wireless Earbuds
- Best AirPods: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds
- Best Budget for Exercising: Soundcore Sport X20 Wireless Earbuds
- Best Sony Earbuds: Sony WF-1000XM5 Wireless Earbuds
What to Consider
Generally speaking, wireless earbuds should be sleek, comfy, water-resistant, and capable of delivering entertaining sound, regardless of what you’ll be using them for. When you’re shopping for a new pair, look for a durable design, reliable fit, dependable battery life, and solid audio performance (for music, podcasts, and calls).
How We Test
To finalize my picks for this guide, I spent hundreds of hours researching dozens of wireless earbuds. After zeroing in on the most promising in various price tiers, I set out on extensive personal testing.
I spent at least a week with every pair of wireless earbuds on this list, using the earbuds daily on my commute, at work, and while exercising. I evaluated the earbuds on the following criteria:
- Audio performance and call quality
- Ergonomics during various activities
- Battery life
Sound Quality
To test the earbuds’ sound capabilities, I listened to my favorite playlists — along with a few podcasts — and paid close attention to their audible frequency range. The term relates to the ability to deliver the treble (highs), the midrange, and the bass in your favorite tracks.
I put the buds’ noise cancellation through its paces during outdoor walks, subway trips in Manhattan, and while working from home and at the office. I also made outgoing and incoming calls with each headset to evaluate the quality of its audio and the performance of its built-in microphone(s).
Ergonomics
Regarding ergonomics, I paid close attention to whether the earbuds I tested got uncomfortable after extended use and stayed in place while exercising. I only selected products that treated me to hours of comfortable wear. In addition, I gauged the quality and reliability of the earbuds’ controls.
Battery Life
When it comes to battery life, I kept an eye on whether the products I tested performed in line with their manufacturers’ claims. While testing, I used them at volume levels that hovered around 50 percent.
Now that you know what to look for in a pair of wireless earbuds, check out our reviews of the best, and get ready to begin a new sound journey without wires.
Best Wireless Earbuds Reviews
Beats Studio Buds + Wireless Earbuds
Pros
- Lightweight and comfy
- Top-tier sound and noise cancellation
- Transparent color looks incredibly cool
Cons
- Case lacks wireless charging
Key Specs
| Sound | Custom audio drivers |
|---|---|
| Durability | IPX4 water-resistant |
| Battery Life | Up to 9 hours |
The Beats Studio Buds+ wireless earbuds are still my top pick for most consumers. A sequel to a product I’ve been recommending for the past two years, the new iteration brings next-level sound and noise cancellation, a comfier fit, and longer battery life while retaining the same timelessly cool design and agreeable price category. The Studio Buds+ are available in black, ivory, cosmic silver, and a transparent finish, which I like quite a lot.
While testing the earbuds, I once again liked not having to use an app to achieve optimal sound and noise cancellation — both were well-balanced and excellent out of the box. I also tip my hat to Apple for making the new Beats earbuds effortless to integrate with Android and Chrome OS devices as with its own. I only wish the new earphones had a case with wireless charging capabilities.
If you can up your budget by $30, consider the true wireless Beats Fit Pro instead. I go more in-depth below, but the range-topping Beats by Dre earphones have a more secure fit with additional wingtips and, thanks to the Apple H1 chip, support for fancier spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. The last bit delivers a live performance-like listening experience with compatible Apple Music content.
Soundcore P30i Wireless Earbuds
Pros
- Comfy and impressively rugged
- Powerful, easy-to-customize sound
- Charging case doubles as a viewing stand
Cons
- Case lacks wireless charging
Key Specs
| Sound | 10-millimeter audio drivers |
|---|---|
| Durability | IP54 water- and dust-resistant |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours |
Anker’s Soundcore P30i true wireless earbuds are hands-down the best for upgraders on a tight budget. With a starting price that’s a penny below $50 before additional deals and discounts, the buds offer customizable sound, reliable noise cancellation, a characterful design, a comfy fit, and uncompromising durability. Providing such an array of desirable features at an impulse-buy price sets a new standard for cheap wireless earbuds.
Soundcore offerings have always delivered in terms of audio quality for the money, and the P30i wireless earbuds are no exception. I enjoyed the buds’ powerful sound and was impressed by the wide array of tools for customizing it via their companion app. The noise cancellation with adjustable modes I experienced is also commendable for a set of earbuds that cost below $40 when on sale.
With their lightweight build and IP54 rating for water and dust resistance, the P30i earbuds are dependable for workouts of all intensities. Their customizable touch controls have a slight learning curve, but that’s acceptable in this price category.
The P30i is available in black, white, blue, green, and pink. Each color option comes with a matching charging case that doubles as a convenient viewing stand. The last feature is yet another reason to consider the product.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) with USB-C Case
Pros
- Excellent audio quality
- Adaptive audio is super convenient
- Case has a built-in tracker
Cons
- So-so battery life
Key Specs
| Sound | Custom audio drivers |
|---|---|
| Durability | IPX54 water-resistant |
| Battery Life | Up to 6 hours |
Apple’s second-generation AirPods Pro earphones with a USB-C case are hands-down the best for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch users. Thanks to the H2 wireless chip, the earbuds deliver better sound, including immersive spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, superior noise cancellation, and longer battery life than the iconic first-generation. Of course, they will also link to all Apple devices that use the same iCloud account.
The AirPods Pro's sound is balanced, enjoyable, and among the best in the price range. Thanks to a handy new feature called Adaptive Audio, the earphones can automatically switch between noise cancellation and transparency mode and even adjust the volume depending on your surroundings.
Remarkably, the AirPods Pro's charging case packs the Apple U1 chip and an onboard speaker, so you can track it like an AirTag. Like the earphones, the essential gadget also has an official IP54 rating for water and dust resistance.
As usual, you can customize and protect your AirPods by browsing a vast selection of protective cases. I enjoyed this because it allowed me to add a personal touch.
If you’re looking for Apple earbuds sans silicon ear tips that don't skimp on essential features like noise cancellation and spatial audio, consider the all-new AirPods 4 NC. The open-fit earphones cost less than the Pro model.
Soundcore Sport X20 Wireless Earbuds
Pros
- Comfy and tough
- Customizable sound and noise cancellation
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Case could use wireless charging
Key Specs
| Sound | 11-millimeter audio drivers |
|---|---|
| Durability | IP68 water- and dust-resistance |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours |
Anker’s all-new Soundcore Sport X20 wireless earbuds are the best for workout warriors on a tight budget by a mile. The earbuds deliver a mixture of elegant design, uncompromising durability, top-notch ergonomics, excellent audio performance, and excellent battery life. Combined, these features make the Sport X20 not only the best under $100 but also a formidable rival to costlier Jabra, JBL, and other big-name offerings.
Unlike similarly priced rivals that are only splash- and sweat-resistant, the IP68-rated Soundcore Sport X20 can survive complete submersion in water and exposure to dust. Such toughness ensures that the earbuds can survive even the world's toughest races, like a strenuous ultramarathon. Their secure fit with comfy around-ear hooks and clicky button controls will also appeal to outdoor workout aficionados.
The audio performance and noise cancellation quality of the Sport X20 are great for an under-$100 set. The default earbuds' sound setting has enhanced bass, and when it comes to sound customization in the Soundcore app, I was particularly impressed by the rich selection of tools for customizing both core features.
Sony WF-1000XM5 Wireless Earbuds
Pros
- Outstanding sound and noise cancellation
- Sleek, compact, and comfy
- Long battery life
Cons
- Could use Dolby Atmos support
Key Specs
| Sound | 8.4-millimeter audio drivers |
|---|---|
| Durability | IPX4 water-resistant |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours |
The WF-1000XM5 true wireless earbuds are Sony's finest and, unsurprisingly, among today's best in terms of sheer acoustic capabilities. Thanks to well-tuned audio hardware and support for lossless audio codecs, the buds deliver sound with higher audio fidelity than most rivals. Their noise cancellation is also excellent, though I’d give the Bose earbuds a slight edge for offering multiple modes and customization options of the essential feature.
Regarding sound and noise cancellation, the WF-1000XM5 earbuds are a significant upgrade over the previous generation, thanks to larger audio drivers and upgraded processing tech. Plus, the buds are sleeker, smaller, and comfier without cutting corners in durability and battery life.
The earbuds' battery endurance and storage case with wireless charging set them apart from their Bose rival, too.
Beats by Dr. Dre Fit Pro Wireless Earbuds
Pros
- Excellent audio quality
- Spatial audio is immersive
- Comfy fit and convenient controls
Cons
- Spatial audio is an Apple-only feature
Key Specs
| Sound | 9.5-millimeter audio drivers |
|---|---|
| Durability | IPX4 water-resistant |
| Battery Life | Up to 6 hours |
The Beats Fit Pro earphones are the brand’s best true wireless offering and, hands down, a great option for Apple users. Thanks to the tech giant’s H1 chip, they deliver spatial audio sound with dynamic head tracking. The experience is incredibly lifelike with enhanced content, though you should know it’s only available on Apple hardware.
Powered by a custom audio driver, the Beats Fit Pro earphones deliver a balanced sonic experience. Apple’s H1 chip mentioned above also allows the buds to respond to hands-free Siri voice commands and to seamlessly switch between all devices that use the same iCloud account.
Compared to the cheaper Studio Buds from the same maker, the Beats Fit Pro has a more secure fit with integrated wingtips. The setup makes the earbuds a great option for exercising. You can order the product in a multitude of colors.
Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro Wireless Earbuds
Pros
- Price-defying audio performance
- Convenient controls
- Stellar battery life
Cons
- The charging case of the black and blue color options is prone to smudges
Key Specs
| Sound | 10.5-millimeter driver, titanium-coated tweeter |
|---|---|
| Durability | IPX5 water- and sweat-resistant |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours |
Priced well below $150 and frequently on sale, the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro wireless earbuds by Anker are among the most feature-rich, value-packed options for the money, and a formidable AirPods alternative. The stem earbuds exceeded my expectations across the board by providing a mixture of high-quality sound and noise cancellation, considerable comfort with squeezable stem controls, and solid battery life. If you are looking for the best performance and most features for the least money, the Liberty 4 Pro should be on your shortlist.
During my testing, the Liberty Pro 4 produced detail-rich sound and an immersive spatial audio experience. The earbuds' noise cancellation is far from the levels of Apple, Bose, and Sony rivals that cost twice as much, but it is handily the best in this price range. Their companion app has a solid selection of tools for customizing the sonic experience.
I like that the Liberty Pro 4's charging case has a customizable touch bar and a handy digital display for monitoring the earbuds’ battery status. While testing the earbuds, I used the functionality to toggle between spatial audio modes.
Anker offers the Liberty Pro 4 in black, white, and blue. Each set comes with a matching case.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Earbuds
Pros
- The best noise cancellation in the business
- Great sound with immersive spatial audio
- Sleek and comfy
Cons
- Case lacks wireless charging
Key Specs
| Sound | Custom audio drivers, Bose Immersive Audio |
|---|---|
| Durability | IPX4 water- and sweat-resistant |
| Battery Life | Up to 6 hours |
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds can tune out ambient distractions more proficiently than any rival. What’s more, the top-shelf earbuds are also capable of delivering an immersive spatial audio experience with or without dynamic head tracking. Labeled Bose Immersive Audio, the functionality utilizes sophisticated onboard tech, allowing the buds to treat you or the gift recipient to multi-dimensional listening with any content, not just Dolby Atmos-enhanced recordings.
The earbuds’ noise cancellation intensity is fully customizable via the Bose companion app. Impressively, the noise cancellation intensity and sound delivery will adjust based on the user’s unique ear properties. The product’s aware mode for keeping tabs on your surroundings is as incredible as its noise cancellation and totally worth splurging on.
Spatial Audio aside, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds deliver well-balanced sound that’s customizable via their companion app. Their performance during calls is also exceptional, making them a great option for remote work. I frequently reached for this set before making calls and stepping into online work sessions.
Compared to the second-generation Bose QuietComfort earbuds, the Ultra offers a sleeker design and a more entertaining spatial audio experience. The buds’ battery life has remained unchanged, but oddly, their case still lacks wireless charging. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II cost a bit less while delivering similar sound and noise cancellation. However, I recommend spending a bit more on the Ultra for the spatial audio capabilities.
Pros
- Phenomenal sound quality
- Can simultaneously connect to three devices
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Similarly priced rivals have stronger noise cancellation
Key Specs
| Sound | 10-millimeter magnetic fluid audio drivers |
|---|---|
| Durability | IPX4 water-resistant |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours |
The Technics EAH-AZ100 wireless earbuds are a high-tech tour de force, whose acoustic capabilities are the best on this list. Equipped with sophisticated magnetic fluid audio drivers, the earphones produce a highly detailed sound across the audible spectrum. In a manner befitting their price category, the earbuds are also capable of outputting lossless audio and Dolby Atmos-enhanced content.
I was genuinely impressed by the vibrant treble, lively mid-range, and powerful yet distortion-free bass of the earbuds the moment I set them up and began streaming music. Playing Dolby Atmos content on the EAH-AZ100 made it sound truly lifelike, especially when I enabled dynamic head tracking. The latter is superbly implemented in the earbuds and, like the audio fidelity, ahead of the competition.
The product’s noise cancellation is also excellent, but not quite on par with the AirPods Pro and identically priced Bose and Sony rivals. The Technics EAH-AZ100 are the earbuds to get in this group if sound quality is your utmost priority.
In addition to being acoustically gifted, the EAH-AZ100 earbuds are sleek, comfy, and capable of delivering 10 hours of audio playback with noise cancellation switched on. You can order a set in black or silver with gold accents and a matching compact case with wireless charging.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds
Pros
- Best-in-class fit and button controls
- Excellent audio performance all around
- Great battery life and (finally) wireless charging
- Built-in heart rate sensor
Cons
- Bulky storage case
Key Specs
| Sound | Custom audio drivers |
|---|---|
| Durability | IPX4 water-resistant |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours |
A long-awaited sequel to an iconic product, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 wireless earbuds are today’s best for exercising. The earphones offer an instantly recognizable design that’s noticeably sleeker than the previous generation’s, a secure fit with best-in-class button controls, top-notch audio performance all around, and excellent battery life with a first-for-the-brand wireless charging-compatible case. What’s more, the Powerbeats Pro 2 buds have built-in heart rate sensors for reliable activity tracking, should you decide to work out without a smartwatch.
The secure fit with around-ear hooks of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is second to none in this product category. Over weeks of testing, I couldn’t find an activity or exercise type that made me worry about the earphones falling off. Having playback, noise cancellation, and volume controls on each bud was also super convenient.
Sound-wise, the Powerbeats Pro 2 buds produce their maker's signature sound. The latter impressed me with a discernible balance between powerful bass, detail-rich mid-range, and vibrant treble. Of course, the earphones are also capable of delivering immersive spatial audio with optional head-tracking. Their noise cancellation is predictably stellar, too.
You can order the Powerbeats Pro 2 in several colors. Every set comes with a matching case.
Bose Ultra Open Wireless Earbuds
Pros
- Standout design and comfy fit
- Top-tier sound with immersive spatial audio
- Convenient button controls
Cons
- Case lacks wireless charging
Key Specs
| Sound | Custom audio drivers, Bose Immersive Audio |
|---|---|
| Durability | IPX4 water- and sweat-resistant |
| Battery Life | Up to 7.5 hours |
As their name suggests, the Bose Ultra Open wireless earbuds have an open-ear design without silicone ear tips. Unlike other noise-canceling options, their unique form factor allows you or the loved one you're shopping for to be constantly aware of your surroundings.
The unique ear fit and lack of silicone tips also make the Ultra Open more comfortable than its standard counterparts. The clip-on buds also look like fashion accessories, not a run-of-the-mill set of earphones.
The Ultra Open earbuds produce Bose's signature high-quality sound that’s easily customizable via the Bose Music app. Despite their open-ear design, the buds pump out impressive bass that’s noticeably stronger than the low-range output of their rivals.
Best of all, the Ultra earphones are capable of delivering the same immersive spatial audio experience as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds. The feature includes the option to activate dynamic head tracking. It utilizes sophisticated onboard processing, so you don’t need Dolby Atmos content to enjoy it.
Denon PerL Pro Wireless Earbuds
Pros
- Solid battery life
- Personalized sound makes a huge difference
- Surprisingly comfy for their size
- Feature-packed companion app
Cons
- Spatial audio lacks dynamic head tracking
Key Specs
| Sound | 10-millimeter audio drivers |
|---|---|
| Durability | IPX4 water-resistant |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 hours |
The PerL Pro wireless earbuds by Denon deserve your close attention not only for their amazing sound with immersive spatial audio and powerful noise cancellation — those are a given in this price category — but also for their ability to deliver a sonic experience that’s precisely tailored to your or the person your shopping for's hearing. The last-mention bit utilizes Massimo Adaptive Acoustic Technology to measure the frequency sensitivity of your ears precisely.
Massimo is well-known for offering consumer gadgets with medical-grade accuracy, so it’s no surprise that its tech is miles ahead of any competitor. Setting up personalized listening on the PerL Pro requires a short hearing test in a quiet place using the buds’ companion app. Once complete, the personalized profile is available on any content you stream on the earbuds.
Metaphorically speaking, I can best describe experiencing personalized sound on the PerL Pro as “ear-opening.” Songs and albums I’m deeply familiar with from my audio gear testing routine and decades-long obsession with music sounded more detail-rich than before. An equalizer for tweaking the experience is also available, though I didn’t find a need for it over months of testing.
In a manner befitting their price tag, the Denon PerL Pro earbuds performed exceptionally well during calls. And despite their hefty build, they fit comfortably in my ears. Denon also offers lower-priced PerL earbuds sans a Pro moniker if you are looking for next-level sound personalization on a tighter budget.
Stefan is an award-winning consumer technology editor with over a decade of experience in reviewing gadgets, particularly smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, desktop and laptop computers across multiple form factors and platforms, as well as accessories for them. He also covers televisions and audio equipment, including headphones, earbuds, wireless speakers, and soundbars. Since joining Hearst in 2015, Stefan has contributed to BestProducts, Popular Mechanics, and numerous other publications. Prior to his current role, he served as the US Editor for GSMArena.com.
