Everyone loves their earbuds — whether they cost the earth or under $100, they're easily one of our most used devices. Finding the best for you can be a struggle, however, which is why I've put this guide together.
I've been testing headphones for years at this point, and with the help of the Tom's Guide reviews team, we've decades of experience between us. We spend hundreds, if not thousands of hours every year testing earbuds with our strict criteria to see how they match up, and then rank them according to use case so that you can find out which are best for you.
The best at the moment are the Sony WF-1000XM5. I love the way that they sound, with a detailed, layered soundscape on offer. I also love the way that they block out noise, for an easier, less chaotic listen when I'm on the train. If you don't want to stretch to those, however, you should also check out the much cheaper Sony WF-C700N. They still have loads of great features, but come in at a fraction of the cost.
Quick list
Sony's noise-canceling earbuds are, for all intents and purposes, one of the best pairs of wireless buds you can buy. The ANC is top-tier, the sound quality is excellent, and the battery life is brilliant.
The Sony WF-C700N are an excellent pair of buds, for an incredible, sub-$100 price. The ANC is surprisingly effective, the sound quality pleasing, and the battery life plenty for any commute.
If you want some solid noise-canceling earbuds at a great, budget price, then the OnePlus Buds 3 are the way to go. For frequently reduced, sub $90 prices, there really isn't anything better.
Sennheiser's excellent Momentum True Wireless 4 might not top the table with the best ANC or the best fit, but they are easily some of the best-sounding buds you'll find on this side of a wired pair.
Bose's QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are the best option if you're looking to block out as much sound as possible. Bose's noise canceling is the best around, and the Ultra Earbuds combine it with some stellar sound and a comfortable fit.
The Beats Fit Pro aren't the best sounding nor the best noise canceling buds, but they more than make up for it thanks to their Impeccable fit for exercise fanatics. No matter how much your head might move around, these puppies aren't coming loose.
All the models ranked here have been extensively reviewed by experts with more than 30 years of experience testing all kinds of audio products. Read on to discover the best wireless earbuds.
About the author
I oversee the audio content that goes up on Tom’s Guide, and maintain the site's buying guides for headphones, wireless earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, soundbars, and more. I have spent more than 20 years testing audio equipment for my own enjoyment, and was previously the audio editor for iMore. There's nothing more I love than jamming out to my favorite tunes on audio equipment of different prices and sizes.
Our top pick
✅ Top notch sound quality. The WH-1000XM5 are some of the best sounding earbuds that money can buy.
✅ Excellent noise canceling. They block out loads of noise for a more comfortable commute.
✅ A comfortable fit. The WH-1000XM5 feel great in the ear, with loads of different fitting options in the box.
❌ They're expensive. The WH-1000XM5 cost almost $300.
❌ There might be a new pair soon. They're coming to end of their life cycle now, and there might be a new version on the horizon.
While the Sony WF-1000XM4 was a top-ranking model in this best wireless earbuds for several years and continues to be on sale via Sony's store and online retailers, the popular model has been outperformed by the new Sony WF-1000XM5 flagship. The latest model arrived in July 2023 and demonstrates how Sony's XM-series earbuds go from strength to strength with each new generation.
As the latest flagship, the WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds are smaller and lighter, yet they're equipped with some of the strongest features and performance I've ever seen from a pair of 'buds. They have some of the most dynamic and engaging sound we've heard, and their noise-canceling performance easily matches that of the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and get close to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (both listed below).
Battery life hasn't been stepped up over their XM4 predecessor. But at 8 hours with ANC enabled, these top-tier Sony wireless earbuds still outperform close rivals and have some of the highest battery life of any set of more recently launched earbuds. There's LDAC support for high-quality music streams over Bluetooth, adaptive listening mode that applies ANC or Transparency mode depending on your activity or the environment, Google and Alexa digital assistant support, and full EQ customization. Call quality is greatly improved, thanks to a new noise reduction engine with AI that's able to make voices clear even in noisy surroundings. Ultimately, these are Sony's best-ever buds and the best wireless earbuds overall right now.
Read the full Sony WF-1000XM5 review
Test | How it stacks up |
|---|---|
Audio quality | ★★★★★ |
ANC | ★★★★☆ |
Design | ★★★★★ |
Battery life | ★★★★☆ |
Price | ★★★★☆ |
Best value
✅ Great noise canceling. For the price, there's not much better at blocking noise.
✅ A solid price. They come in under $200 for the noise-canceling earbuds deal of the century.
✅ Good design. For something so cheap, the WF-C700N look a lot more expensive than they are.
❌ No support for certain codecs. There's very little support for hi-res codecs, apart from DSEE.
❌ Annoying touch controls. The touch controls on the sides of the buds are annoying to activate, and can make for some annoying experiences.
Sony's WF-C700N integrates robust ANC and come with decent battery life for a great value price. Sound quality is powerful with Sony’s impressive sound signature at the forefront, alongside proprietary technologies like 360 Reality Audio immersive spatial audio, and DSEE Extreme upscaling that uses AI to bring a sound quality boost to low-quality audio files.
For something so inexpensive, the feature list of the WF-C700N is nothing to be sniffed at. For something that costs less than $200, they match up with earbuds that are a whole lot more expensive. In fact, they undercut the AirPods 4 with ANC, making for a better deal than the Apple alternative.
The adaptive ANC technology built in to the WF-C700N is remarkable at the entry-level price. As with the flagship WF-1000XM5, it learns your behavior and tweaks noise neutralization to your environment. During our testing, low- and mid-frequency sounds went unnoticed around the house and out and about, reducing background sounds to silence. Call quality was also high and the mics silenced most background interference for clear-sounding phone conversations, making the WF-C700N a versatile option with few rivals at the price.
Read the full Sony WF-C700N review
Test | How it stacks up |
|---|---|
Audio quality | ★★★★☆ |
ANC | ★★★★★ |
Design | ★★★★★ |
Battery life | ★★★★☆ |
Price | ★★★★★ |
Best under $100
✅ Great materials. With their aluminum stems and waterproofing, the Buds 3 feel a whole lot more expensive than they are.
✅ Excellent call quality. They've amongst some of the best microphones and call noise canceling around.
✅ Solid adaptive ANC. They block out loads of noise in a range of different environments very well.
❌ Battery life isn't great. The battery life could be improved, and battery management isn't very good.
❌ Spatial Audio could be better. There are better options out there for 360 degree audio.
.OnePlus's budget entry into the wireless earbuds category managed to end up being one of the very best. They look great, for one, with their shiny aluminum stalks, and attractive color options — particularly their extremely fetching blue shade. The tech packed in is also more premium than budget, as we found out in our in-depth testing.
We loved the way that they sounded, with plenty of detail coming from the little buds. No, they don't quite match up to the sound quality of far more expensive options, but they get close enough that you'll think twice about spending more money where you perhaps don't really need to. There's some great bass, for example, for a rich and layered soundscape.
Battery life was a slight weakness, with the buds not quite reaching the proclaimed hours from OnePlus's website, but it was serviceable enough. Spatial Audio is a nice addition as well, although we have heard better performances. It was the ANC that really impressed though, blocking out loads of noise from our commutes and from the office. For the price, they're one of the best wireless earbud options you can pick up right now.
Read the full OnePlus Buds 3 review
Test | How it stacks up |
|---|---|
Audio quality | ★★★★☆ |
ANC | ★★★★★ |
Design | ★★★★★ |
Battery life | ★★★★☆ |
Price | ★★★★★ |
Best audio quality
✅ Brilliant battery life. The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless sport nearly 8 hours in the buds alone.
✅ Excellent sound quality. These are some of the best sounding earbuds we've ever tested.
✅ Solid ANC. The noise canceling is very good, blocking out plenty of noise.
❌ They're quite large. While it doesn't make them uncomfortable, they're quite a large pair of buds.
❌ They're expensive. At $300, they're some of the more expensive buds on the list.
The price tag may have increased by $50 for the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 compared to their predecessor, but you get an up tick in performance and the strongest Bluetooth and audio codec support of any pair of earbuds around at the moment. Sound quality is outstanding, and I loved Sennheiser's tweaked sound signature that delivered even more detail across the entire frequency range. They rival the top-ranking Sony — check out my Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 face-off — with a sound balance that gives vocals an extra sense of presence, but not in an overly forward way. Everything sounds perfectly balanced and just right.
Although not quite up to the standards to rival the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds in terms of their ANC performance, the Sennheiser's block out sounds effectively enough and have a useful transparency mode. Features like ear fit test and sound personalization mode are reliable tools to help your get the best fit and sound that's just right for you, and Sennheiser's mic array makes them a practical calling headset.
Ultimately, these are a strong contender for the best wireless earbuds overall, but despite the slightly increased battery life over the TW3 they still fall short on playback time compared to rivals at the price.
Read the full Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 review
Test | How it stacks up |
|---|---|
Audio quality | ★★★★★ |
ANC | ★★★★☆ |
Design | ★★★★☆ |
Battery life | ★★★★☆ |
Price | ★★★★☆ |
Best noise canceling
✅ The best noise canceling. There is nothing that comes close to the noise canceling the QuietComfort Ultra are capable of.
✅ A very comfortable fit. The QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are incredinly comfortable, with loads of fitting options.
✅ Useful companion app. The Bose app works well, and allows for loads of customization.
❌ No multipoint connection. You can only connect the earbuds to one device at a time.
❌ There's no wireless charging. Unlike many for the same price, there is no wireless charging in the case.
Bose's Noise-canceling headphones remain some of the best around, and the QuietComfort Ultra are the top of the earbuds tree. And what noise canceling it is — I've found it an extremely impressive ANC experience, that outperforms almost everything else out there when it comes to keeping you cocooned in your own world. It works well across the spectrum of different frequencies that you might find outside. I've found them perfect for traveling as a result.
They sound good as well, although some may find the immersive audio better than others. The core sound is warm, and welcoming, but energetic and engaging. I've come to love the way that they sound, given their richer sound than the usually high-end weighted in-ear format. Immersive audio, however, I found to be a mixed bag. I thins out the sound to an alarming degree in some cases, and when it does work, it's not all that impressive. Some really enjoy the effect, however, so your mileage may vary.
There's something here for everyone to enjoy, but there are a couple of weaknesses to keep in mind. The call quality could be improved, with wind noise being an issue for recipients. There's also the lack of a multipoint connection, which some might find annoying.
Read the full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review
Test | How it stacks up |
|---|---|
Audio quality | ★★★★☆ |
ANC | ★★★★★ |
Design | ★★★★★ |
Battery life | ★★★★☆ |
Price | ★★★★☆ |
Best for working out
✅ Secure fit. Thanks to their little wing, the Fit Pro stay securely in your ear not matter how much you move around.
✅ Solid sound. Thanks to some AirPods internals, they sound better than other fitness buds.
✅ Decent ANC. Perfect for blocking out the noise at the gym.
❌ Apple-exclusive features. Some things are only available to iPhone users and Apple devices.
❌ No multipoint connection. They can only be connected to one device at a time.
The Beats Fit Pro wireless earbuds rank #1 in our best sports headphones for iPhone users with active lifestyles. They're a culmination of Apple and Beats’ greatest triumphs, packaging AirPods Pro-like performance into an updated Studio Beats design.
When we tested the Beats Fit Pro, our reviewer was impressed by the amazing sound quality, which was backed by a proprietary transducer that keeps bass punchy, while also balancing frequencies to hear crisp mids and detailed highs. Spatial Audio for immersive 3D sound has also been added, making this the first Beats product to feature the technology. Popular features tied to Apple's H1 processor are available, including automatic switching between Apple devices and FindMy to help locate misplaced buds. We also appreciate the integrated wingtips, which keep the buds secure during runs and intense workouts.
Android users do get to bask in the sonic upgrades, though all other iOS-related features remain exclusive to iPhone and iPad users. The lack of features available on the Android app also means limits to what the Fit Pro can perform on Google’s mobile platform.
Read the full Beats Fit Pro review
Test | How it stacks up |
|---|---|
Audio quality | ★★★★☆ |
ANC | ★★★★☆ |
Design | ★★★★★ |
Battery life | ★★★★☆ |
Price | ★★★★☆ |
Best wireless earbuds specs compared
Model | Battery life (rated) | Connectivity | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
Sony WF-1000XM5 | 8 hours (ANC on), 24 hours (charging case) | Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC, LDAC | IPX4 (earbuds) |
Sony WF-C700N | 7.5 hours (ANC on); 24 hours (charging case) | Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, AAC | IPX5 (earbuds) |
Apple AirPods Pro 2 USB-C | 6 hours; 30 hours (charging case) | Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC | IP54 (earbuds and charging case) |
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds | 6 hours; 24 hours (charging case) | Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | IPX4 (earbuds) |
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 | 7.5 hours (ANC off); 30 hours (charging case with ANC off) | Bluetooth 5.4 with SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LE Audio, Auracast | IP54 (earbuds) |
Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 | 10 hours (ANC on); 16 hours (ANC off); 36 hours (charging case with ANC off) | Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive Audio, Bluetooth LE Audio, LC3 | IPX4 (earbuds) |
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro | 5 hours (ANC on); 18 hours (charging case) | Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC, SSC | IPX7 (earbuds) |
AirPods 4 | 5 hours (ANC on); 30 hours (charging case) | Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC | IP54 (earbuds) |
Beats Fit Pro | 6 hours (ANC on); 27 hours (charging case) | Bluetooth 5.0 with SBS, AAC | IPX4 (earbuds) |
OnePlus Buds 3 | 10 hours; 44 hours total (charging case) | Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC, SBC, LHDC 5.0 | IP55 (earbuds); IPX4 (charging case) |
Also tested...
As Tom's Guide's audio experts, we test a lot of wireless earbuds but some models don't make it into a buying guide. That's not to say that they're not great performers, just that they're beaten by rival models with a stronger set of features or performance. The picks in this guide are the very best we've tested and have all been given full reviews. But with more models to choose from than ever, we want to make sure that you consider these also tested options. These alternatives have all been through our rigorous testing processes but didn't quite make the grade to rank among the best of the best.
FAQ
What do IP ratings mean?
Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
IP-ratings refer to the level of Ingress Protection (IP) from liquids and dirt that a device is protected from. This is part of a device's durability.
IP-ratings explained: The first digit refers to the level of protection from solid particles, such as dust and sand. The scale ranges from 0 (no protection) to 6 (dust-tight) for full protection. For example, an IP6X rating ensures that the device is completely dust-tight, making it ideal for harsh outdoor conditions or industrial settings where fine dust particles are common.
The second digit refers to a devices resistance to moisture, and the scale ranges from 0 (no protection) to 8 for the highest level of protection. For example, with an IPX4 rating, earbuds are protected from water splashes from any direction, while an IPX7 rating ensures that the device can be submerged in water up to 1 meter (around 3 feet) for 30 minutes without any damage.
Rating | Level of protection |
|---|---|
IPX4 | This rating shows that the device has been tested and offers protection against splashes of water, making them suitable for workouts or light rain. |
IPX6 | This rating indicates that the device can withstands power jets of water from any direction. |
IPX8 | The device is waterproof and fully submersible up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 mins. |
Which wireless earbuds should I pick?
With so many wireless earbuds to choose from, you may find it difficult to settle on one. There are several factors to weigh up, and which ones are most important will depend on personal preference. Follow our list of considerations to factor in when choosing the best wireless earbuds for you.
Design
When buying a new pair of wireless earbuds, it can be helpful to think about where you want to wear them. If you're going to use them on a run, for example, you may want a pair that offers the most secure fit and a high IP rating for durability with strong moisture protection like the models in our best sports headphones.
Whatever type you choose, make sure the earbuds are well-built and comfy to wear for about 1 to 2 hours daily.
Sound quality
All wireless earbuds have their own unique sound signature. Since you’re buying a pair of wireless earbuds to enjoy music individually, it’s important to find a pair of buds that match your sound taste, be it heavy bass or distinctively clear midrange frequencies to allow you to hear vocals and nuances in recordings.
Some models like the Sennheiser's Momentum True Wireless 4 offer personalized sound via the companion app, which allows the user to create their own sound profiles and tweak EQ levels to a sound that is best for their taste and hearing.
Battery life
Battery life is also key in choosing the best wireless earbuds. Wireless earbuds can last about 5 to 10 hours and offer extended playtime with their bundled charging cases — always make sure one is included.
Accessories
It's disappointing spending money on a new pair of wireless earbuds only to find that you need to buy the accessories separately. Any models that come with a carrying case, charging cable, user guide, and extra ear cups or tips are solid purchases.
Price
Price is a big consideration when looking for the best headphones. Although there are always exceptions, big-name brands will typically command a bit extra, but generally speaking, the less you spend on a pair of headphones the greater the chance that sound and features will be compromised. Going for a budget option isn't always the best choice, as any money you save on your purchase won't do you much good if you constantly need to recharge your audio gear, or the sound quality is poor.
Wireless earbuds repairability
Repairability is becoming ever more important, as we try to find new ways to lengthen the life of our devices, but also look after the planet that we call home. Repairing products is great for both, and it's important to consider it when buying new tech.
Unfortunately, earbuds are one of those products that are extremely rarely user-repairable. Thanks to their size and the amount of tech that companies have to pack into their buds, it's generally impossible to make the insides accessible to you or I.
Not all is lost, however — some manufacturers do offer some form of repair service, so you don't have to worry if your buds stop working. It's worth checking before you buy — and if you're still not sure, don't hesitate to get in contact with one of the Tom's Guide Audio team!
- Bookmark our headphone deals pages to keep track of the latest discounts
How we test the best wireless earbuds
With more than 30 years experience in testing and reviewing consumer audio products for all kinds of media outlets and big-name brands around the world, the Tom's Guide audio team follows a rigorous test regime when it comes to determining the best products for recommendation in our buying guides.
In determining the best wireless earbuds, we consider fit, battery life, sound quality, design and value (are they worth the price?). We also factor in features like how well the controls work and how easily the earbuds pair with our playback devices.
In terms of sound quality, we listen to many sample tracks that span a number of genres, including hip-hop, rock, jazz, classical and R&B, while evaluating volume, clarity and fullness. We also make phone calls to assess both call quality and microphone performance.
To discover more information on what we listen for during our testing and reviewing process, take a look at our companion page on how to get the best headphone sound for you.
During the testing phase, our reviewers wear each pair of headphones for several hours at a time throughout the course of a week. Reviewers will make a note of the battery life performance in real world use, and assess how well this matches the rated battery life provided by earbud makers.
Star ratings explained: We evaluate earbuds based on a five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). If a product hits nearly every mark, it’s awarded a coveted Recommended badge, while our Best Value award speaks for itself. Only products with truly exceptional performance across the board are awarded an Editor's Choice badge.
For more information, check out our how we test page for Tom's Guide.
Wireless earbud deals
