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The Best Wireless Earbuds
Great sound, strong noise cancelling, and a secure fit, for iPhone and Android owners alike.
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Our picks at a glance
Sony WF-1000XM5
Excellent noise cancelling and rich, detailed sound in a small, comfortable design.
Check price →Apple AirPods Pro (latest generation)
The easiest choice for iPhone owners, with seamless pairing and a superb transparency mode.
Check price →Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC
Surprisingly good noise cancelling and long battery life at a much lower price.
Check price →Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
A small, light, comfortable option that is especially good with Android phones.
Check price →Wireless earbuds have become the headphones most people use most often: on the commute, at the gym, and on calls. The best pairs sound balanced, block out noise, stay put in your ears, and connect reliably every time you open the case.
Why you should trust us
Nivef guides are written to answer one question clearly: which one should you buy? We compare specifications and prices, read long-term owner reviews, check warranty and customer-support policies, and use products hands-on wherever possible. Manufacturers never pay for placement, and they don't see our guides before they're published. Read more about how we test.
Who this is for
These picks are for anyone who wants truly wireless earbuds for everyday listening and calls. If you mainly want to block out airplane noise for hours at a time, an over-ear model from our noise-cancelling headphones guide will be more comfortable.
How we picked
Here's what we looked for:
- Sound quality that is clear and balanced out of the box, with an EQ app for tweaks
- Effective active noise cancellation and a natural-sounding transparency mode
- A comfortable, secure fit with several ear-tip sizes
- Battery life of at least six hours per charge with ANC on
- Reliable Bluetooth connection and clear call quality
- Water resistance for workouts and rainy days
Our picks in detail
Sony WF-1000XM5
Excellent noise cancelling and rich, detailed sound in a small, comfortable design.
Sony's flagship earbuds pair some of the strongest noise cancelling you can get in an earbud with a full, detailed sound that works well across music genres. The companion app offers a useful EQ, and the earbuds work equally well with iPhone and Android phones.
What we like
- Top-tier noise cancelling
- Rich, detailed sound
- Works well with any phone
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- Expensive
- Glossy finish can feel slippery
Apple AirPods Pro (latest generation)
The easiest choice for iPhone owners, with seamless pairing and a superb transparency mode.
If you live in Apple's ecosystem, AirPods Pro switch automatically between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and Find My support makes a lost earbud easy to track down. The transparency mode sounds remarkably natural, and noise cancelling is very good.
What we like
- Effortless Apple pairing and switching
- Very natural transparency mode
- Comfortable for long sessions
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- Fewer features on Android
- Pricey to replace a lost bud
Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC
Surprisingly good noise cancelling and long battery life at a much lower price.
Anker's Soundcore line consistently delivers features from expensive earbuds for a fraction of the cost. The Liberty 4 NC offers solid noise cancelling, a customizable sound profile, and long battery life, making it an easy recommendation if you don't want to spend flagship money.
What we like
- Great value
- Long battery life
- Customizable EQ
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- Bass-heavy default sound
- Bulkier case
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
A small, light, comfortable option that is especially good with Android phones.
Google's earbuds are compact and light, which makes them a strong choice for smaller ears. They integrate nicely with Android, deliver balanced sound, and offer good noise cancelling for the size.
What we like
- Very small and light
- Smooth Android integration
- Balanced sound
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- Best features need an Android phone
What to look for
Fit comes first
Even the best-sounding earbuds will disappoint if they don't seal well. Try every included ear-tip size; a good seal improves bass and noise cancelling.
Check the codec support
AAC works best with iPhone. Many Android phones also support higher-bitrate codecs like LDAC or aptX, which can matter if you stream high-quality audio.
Look at the case, too
Wireless charging, a pocketable size, and a sturdy hinge are small details you notice every day.
Frequently asked questions
How long do wireless earbuds last?
Most earbuds last two to four years before battery capacity drops noticeably. Avoiding full drains and extreme heat helps them last longer.
Are expensive earbuds worth it?
If you value strong noise cancelling and polished apps, yes. If you mostly listen to podcasts at the gym, a budget pair is often all you need.
