We like Apple's AirPods just as much as the next person, but they aren't the only wireless earbuds worth considering. After putting hundreds of pairs through their paces, we've compiled this list of favorites that spans a wide range of prices and capabilities. Among our Editors' Choice winners are the AirPods Pro 3 for iPhone users, the second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds for top-notch noise cancellation on any platform, the Sony WF-1000XM6 for audiophile-friendly sound quality, and the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 so you can hear your environment while exercising. However, these aren't the only earphones we recommend, so be sure to browse all of our top picks to find the best wireless earbuds for you.
Overview
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![Apple AirPods Pro 3]()
Best OverallApple AirPods Pro 3
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![Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)]()
Best Cross-Platform Noise CancellationBose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
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![EarFun Air Pro 4+]()
Best Noise Cancellation Around $100EarFun Air Pro 4+
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![Shokz OpenRun Pro 2]()
Best Bone Conduction EarphonesShokz OpenRun Pro 2
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![Sony WF-1000XM6]()
Best for High-Quality StreamingSony WF-1000XM6
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![Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro]()
Best for Samsung Galaxy UsersSamsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro
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![Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024)]()
Best Affordable Noise Cancellation from BoseBose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024)
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![Beats Powerbeats Pro 2]()
Best for Workouts OverallBeats Powerbeats Pro 2
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![Sony LinkBuds Open]()
Best Open Design OverallSony LinkBuds Open
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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Credit: Eric Zeman
![Apple AirPods Pro 3]()
Best OverallApple AirPods Pro 3
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The third-generation AirPods Pro deliver top-quality noise cancellation, wiping out deep, low-frequency rumble and more complex, higher-frequency sounds. Beyond the improved ANC, Apple's Adaptive Audio mode gives you a more natural way to monitor your surroundings without letting loud noises harm your hearing. The re-tuned audio is still rich but more balanced than before, providing a first-class listening experience. In addition, they include advanced features such as live language translation, heart rate monitoring, workout tracking, and a range of hearing health tools—all for the same price as the previous model.
Who It’s For
iPhone owners: The AirPods Pro 3 are ideal if you're invested in the Apple ecosystem and use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
People who want peace and quiet: The AirPods Pro 3 offer some of the best in-ear active noise cancellation we've experienced.
Fitness fanatics: Paired with advanced features like heart rate monitoring and fitness tracking, the AirPods Pro 3 let you track workouts without a smartwatch.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Battery Life Up to 8 hours for earbuds, and 24 hours with case Charging Support Lightning, MagSafe, Qi Wireless, USB-C Chip H3 headphone chip; U2 chip for case Connection Type Bluetooth Hands-Free Siri In-Canal Seal On-Ear Controls Volume swipes; press and press-and-hold gestures (ANC/Transparency selection, calls, playback, Siri, track navigation) Spatial Audio Personalized Spatial audio with Head tracking Transparency Mode Standard and Apdative Transparency True Wireless Type In-Canal Water Resistance IP57 Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Apple AirPods Pro 3 Review -
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![Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)]()
Best Cross-Platform Noise CancellationBose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The second-gen Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds produce impressive results through a combination of calibration tests and subtle adaptive noise-cancelling tweaks. They're even more effective against low and high frequencies than the first generation, representing some of the best ANC you can get from earbuds, along with the AirPods Pro 3. The Bose earbuds have an Active Aware mode that tamps down louder environmental noises while still allowing you to hear your surroundings. Support for the AptX Adaptive codec adds value, as does the new charging case, which can now recharge wirelessly.
Who It’s For
Android phone users: If you want the most effective noise cancellation and have non-Apple devices, consider the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds for their impressive ability to silence nearly everything.
Bose fans: If you're into the Bose sound, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds have a finely tuned audio profile that's sure to make you happy.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Canal Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless -
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Credit: EarFun
![EarFun Air Pro 4+]()
Best Noise Cancellation Around $100EarFun Air Pro 4+
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The EarFun Air Pro 4+ earphones offer the full package for a surprisingly reasonable price. They offer strong active noise cancellation, excellent sound, deep bass, and support for a wide range of Bluetooth codecs. We also like the low price and the wide range of extra features.
Who It's For
Budget-minded listeners: The EarFun Air Pro 4+ earphones are for anyone looking for great sound and active noise cancellation without spending a lot of money.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Ear Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More EarFun Air Pro 4+ Review -
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![Shokz OpenRun Pro 2]()
Best Bone Conduction EarphonesShokz OpenRun Pro 2
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 fit securely, let you hear your surroundings while exercising, and have much better audio quality than their predecessors. They blend bone conduction and conventional speaker technology into a hybrid earphone that produces cleaner, louder audio. They also offer great battery life.
Who It's For
Runners who prioritize safety: Fitness enthusiasts who need to stay aware of their surroundings during a workout will appreciate the OpenRun Pro 2's open design, clear sound, and secure fit.
Specs & Configurations
Connection Type Bluetooth Type Bone conduction Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Review -
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Credit: Christian de Looper
![Sony WF-1000XM6]()
Best for High-Quality StreamingSony WF-1000XM6
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Sony's WF-1000XM6 earphones deliver superb audio and excellent active noise cancellation, ranking them at the top of our list alongside the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds and the AirPods Pro. What distinguishes them is a full-featured companion app with a customizable EQ, support for the high-end LDAC codec, and hybrid eartips for enhanced passive isolation. The mic array is also among the best we've ever tested.
Who It’s For
Audiophiles: The WF-1000XM6 earbuds are ideal if you want the best-in-class audio quality, noise cancellation, and mic clarity.
High-resolution audio fans: Because they work with the LDAC codec, the XM6s are particularly attractive for Android users who prioritize high-bit-rate streaming audio.
EQ lovers: If you like to customize your sound, the XM6s feature a 10-band EQ for fine-tuning, which is superior to most competing earphones.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Ear Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Sony WF-1000XM6 Review -
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![Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro]()
Best for Samsung Galaxy UsersSamsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro earphones improve upon their predecessors in almost every way. New driver technology boosts audio quality by improving accuracy and warmth. They also feature better tuning that helps the mics cancel more environmental sound, taking them near the pinnacle of noise reduction. We also like the customizable touch controls, high-quality Samsung codec support, and long battery life.
Who It’s For
Galaxy phone owners: The Buds 4 Pro primarily benefit those who rely on Samsung's Galaxy phones and tablets. Not only do they support exclusive high-resolution audio, but they also pack a number of features just for Samsung users.
People who like good sound: Even if you don't own a Galaxy phone, the Buds 4 Pro deliver outstanding audio quality and effective noise cancellation.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Canal Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Review -
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![Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024)]()
Best Affordable Noise Cancellation from BoseBose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds dial back the intensity of the noise cancellation to a degree when compared with Bose's top-of-the-line product, but they still deliver the Bose signature sound in a compelling package with long battery life at a much lower price point.
Who It’s For
Budget-minded Bose fans: People who want the Bose sound but don't necessarily need the absolute best noise cancellation will appreciate this affordable pair of earbuds.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Canal Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) Review -
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![Beats Powerbeats Pro 2]()
Best for Workouts OverallBeats Powerbeats Pro 2
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earphones are designed for fitness enthusiasts, offering a well-rounded set of features that include noise cancellation, wireless charging, and heart rate monitoring. They can withstand sweaty workouts and deliver punchy bass to keep you motivated. Moreover, their over-ear hooks keep them stable whether you're jogging or cycling. Other highlights include up to 10 hours of battery life and native integration with Apple's iPhone.
Who It’s For
Fitness enthusiasts: Runners and other exercise enthusiasts should feel confident using these earbuds, thanks to their over-ear hooks and ability to withstand sweaty or rainy workouts. They also sound good enough that you won't mind using them for more casual listening.
iPhone owners: Like the AirPods, the Powerbeats Pro 2 feature system-level integration with iPhones, giving you broad control over their settings.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Canal Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review -
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![Sony LinkBuds Open]()
Best Open Design OverallSony LinkBuds Open
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Sony LinkBuds Open feature an open design that allows you to stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying your favorite tunes. They are compact, fit securely, and deliver surprisingly rich audio. Moreover, they support a good mix of Bluetooth codecs and work with an adjustable EQ.
Who It's For
Safety-minded listeners: The LinkBuds Open are a great fit when you need to hear your surroundings for safety concerns or other reasons, while still enjoying your music.
People who prioritize comfort: These earbuds are more comfortable and sound better than much of the open-design competition, thanks to their unique circular ear canal fit.
Specs & Configurations
Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type Open-style earbuds Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Sony LinkBuds Open Review -
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5.0 Exemplary |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
5.0 Exemplary |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
Best For | Best Overall | Best Cross-Platform Noise Cancellation | Best Noise Cancellation Around $100 | Best Bone Conduction Earphones | Best for High-Quality Streaming | Best for Samsung Galaxy Users | Best Affordable Noise Cancellation from Bose | Best for Workouts Overall | Best Open Design Overall | Best Overall | Best Cross-Platform Noise Cancellation | Best Noise Cancellation Around $100 |
Type | In-Canal | In-Canal | In-Ear | Bone conduction | In-Ear | In-Canal | In-Canal | In-Canal | Open-style earbuds | In-Canal | In-Canal | In-Ear |
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True Wireless | ||||||||||||
Connection Type | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
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Active Noise Cancellation |
Buying Guide: The Best Wireless Earbuds for 2026
What Should You Know About Bluetooth Earphones?
Wireless earphones have largely replaced tethered earphones, and you can now find a good pair for under $100. Of course, performance improves drastically with our higher-priced recommendations. The very best models here cost $300 and up.
Even if you subscribe to a high-resolution streaming service, the quality of the stream depends on your playback device and earphones. All wireless earphones connect over Bluetooth, which is fundamentally a lossy standard that can't support all of the data in a high-res or lossless stream. Thus, the signal undergoes compression during the transmission process.
Bluetooth codecs determine exactly how that happens. The most basic and universal Bluetooth codec is SBC. It's nearly everywhere, but it's also of the lowest quality. Depending on your device, look for earphones that support AptX, AAC, L3C, LDAC, or other high-end codecs. We list codec support in each of our reviews, and our guide to Bluetooth codecs helps clarify the distinctions.
It's also a good idea to stick with models that support Bluetooth 5.3, 5.4, or 6.0 to take advantage of the latest stability and efficiency advances.
Nothing is easier for Bluetooth pairing than connecting AirPods with an iOS device. All of Apple's models (as well as some from Beats) have a special H2 (or older H1 or W1) chip that enables seamless, instantaneous pairing. Other wireless earphones can be relatively simple to connect through your phone's Bluetooth settings menu or the device maker's associated app.
Which Brand Is Best for Wireless Earbuds?
No single brand makes the best (or worst) wireless earbuds overall, but if there's one area many models share, it's the on-ear control department. You might often find it's too easy to accidentally pause music, skip a track, or summon a voice assistant when you merely mean to take out or adjust an earpiece slightly. There's not a lot of real estate on most of the earpieces we test, so the outer panel area is often touch-sensitive.
Newer models manage to strike a balance between operability and layout. Some use physical buttons to control playback, call management, track navigation, and volume. Others cleverly divide controls between the two earpieces via touch panels—tapping the left earpiece, for instance, skips a track backward, whereas tapping the right one skips forward. Despite needing to do a little more thinking before you tap, eventually, the division of controls between the two earpieces should become intuitive. Look for earphones that let you customize the on-ear controls to your preference.
Do Wireless Earbuds Have Good Battery Life?
Battery life is the Achilles' heel of the wireless category. It's a miracle that these tiny in-ear devices can contain a battery at all, let alone one large enough to provide hours of entertainment. Typical battery life estimates (and keep in mind that your results may vary based on typical volume levels) typically top out between eight and 10 hours, although many are limited to six. Such minuscule devices can't provide unending playback time, particularly with power-sapping features such as ANC.
The necessary solution that (nearly) all of these designs share is a charging case. The cases protect the earpieces, keep the earbuds together when not in use, and charge their batteries. Most cases come with at least two extra full charges, allowing you to recharge your earphones on the go. Therefore, you can expect approximately 20 to 30 hours of battery life without needing an outlet. We expect battery life to become less of an issue in the future.
What Should You Do If You Lose an Earbud?
Understandably, many potential wireless users are concerned about this. Allow us to allay your fears—we can say that after many years of testing, you have to try pretty hard to lose one earpiece. First, almost every model we've tested offers a secure in-ear fit without compromising comfort. Most of the earpieces are larger than typical in-ear monitors (IEMs) and are unlikely to fall out, even during exercise.
As for simply misplacing an earpiece when it's not in use, this also seems unlikely. The charging case is intrinsically tied to the experience, like hanging up the phone or turning off the TV when you're finished watching—you automatically reach for the case to stow and charge the earphones when you are done using them. You're far more likely to misplace the whole thing—the case with both earpieces inside—than you are to misplace one earpiece.
If you somehow lose only one earpiece, however, plenty of companies like Apple will gladly sell you an extra one à la carte for less than the price of a new full set. If losing an earpiece still seems like a possibility you can imagine happening to you, it's worth researching whether the model you're interested in offers this option. If you lose the entire case, several manufacturers build in location-based or audio-based detection features to help you locate it.
What Are the Best Wireless Earbuds for Working Out?
Surprisingly, many of these wire-free models are durable enough for the gym and can get wet, even though each earpiece has an exposed charging contact. The IP rating tells us what to expect. Some workout-friendly earphones have only an IPX4 rating, which means they can withstand sweat but not exposure to faucet pressure for cleaning. Others have an IPX7 (or higher) rating, which means you can rinse or dunk them with no real consequence.
If durability and a true waterproof design are your top priorities, you may have had to sacrifice some user-friendly features or opt for a traditional neckband-style wireless design in the past, but that's no longer the case. Fully waterproof entries from JBL, for instance, even have ANC.
For more information, see our selection of the best wireless earbuds for running.
Which Wireless Earbuds Have the Best App and Noise Cancellation?
Many of the models we test come with companion apps that smooth out the setup process and unlock additional settings. For example, some models allow you to set auto-off timers, turn off voice prompts, and control playback. Others feature an adjustable EQ and let you toggle ambient listening modes that reveal the world around you.
ANC is an increasingly popular feature. The best noise-cancelling models from Apple, Bose, and Sony tend to cost more than others, though they are still relatively affordable compared with top-notch, over-ear ANC headphones.