The Bluetooth earbuds market is hot, but with so many options, it’s overwhelming to choose the best noise-canceling earbuds for you. Many high-quality options offer active solid noise cancellation (ANC), great sound, and sleek designs, but the decision often comes down to the standout features that big brands like Sony, Bose, Apple, and Samsung offer.
Best Wireless Earbuds 2024
When it comes to wireless earbuds that sound amazing, a few stand out from the crowd, delivering an insane audio experience. Whether you’re an audiophile or just someone who loves high-fidelity sound, these top picks will blow your mind.
1. Best Overall Wireless Earbuds: Sony WF-1000XM5
The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are Sony’s latest flagship, the best of wireless audio. Building on the success of the previous 1000X models, these earbuds offer an amazing combination of great sound, active solid noise cancellation (ANC), and loads of user-friendly features. For audiophiles and casual listeners alike, they’re the best for a premium listening experience.
Sound and Performance
One of the biggest upgrades in the WF-1000XM5 is the sound. With the latest drivers and audio processing chips, these noise-canceling earbuds deliver full and immersive sound across the entire frequency range. Whether it’s the high notes of a violin concerto, the low notes of a bass-heavy track, or the subtle nuances of a podcast, the WF-1000XM5 brings every detail to life. Users will get dynamic sound further enhanced by Sony’s proprietary sound technologies.
Another big plus is the active noise cancellation. Using adaptive algorithms, these earbuds adapt to your environment, blocking unwanted noise without compromising sound quality. Whether you’re in a busy café or on a noisy subway, the WF-1000XM5 will let you get lost in your music or podcast without distraction.
Comfort and Design
Sony has improved comfort and design significantly with the WF-1000XM5. These earbuds have a sleek ergonomic design that comfortably fits the shape of your ear, perfect for long listening sessions. The fit is not only comfortable but also improves passive noise isolation, which contributes to the overall listening experience.
Plus, the earbuds come with multiple ear tips to fit different ear sizes so users can customize their listening experience. The improved design also reduces ear fatigue, which can be a problem with prolonged use, so these earbuds are perfect for long commutes or workdays.
Advanced Features
In addition to great sound and comfort, the WF-1000XM5 has advanced features. Adaptive sound control automatically adjusts the noise cancellation level based on your activity, whether you’re walking, sitting, or traveling. Speak-to-Chat is another feature that automatically pauses playback when you start talking and resumes when you stop. This seamless interaction lets you stay aware of your surroundings without having to fumble with controls.
Another big plus is multipoint connectivity, which allows the earbuds to connect to two devices simultaneously. This means you can switch between listening to music on a laptop and taking a call on your smartphone without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.
Battery Life and Charging
The WF-1000XM5’s battery life is 8 hours on a single charge, which is great for wireless earbuds with long battery life. With the charging case, you get up to 24 hours of total playback time. There’s no big improvement in battery life compared to previous models, but the charging case has quick charging, so you can get back to listening sooner.
Pros
Great sound: Full and detailed sound across all types of music.
Improved design: Ergonomic fit for long listening sessions.
Lots of features: Adaptive sound control and Speak-to-Chat.
Cons
Expensive: Most expensive in the Sony lineup, so it may not fit everyone’s budget.
No battery life improvement: Battery life is good but not better than previous models.
Head tracking only for Android: Only available for Android users, not for iOS.
Some features need work: Some features need software updates to work better.
2. Best Wireless Earbuds for iPhone: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) set the bar for wireless earbuds designed for iPhone users. They’re a big step up from the previous ones and seamlessly integrate with the Apple ecosystem while delivering great sound and features.
Sound Quality
The 2nd Generation AirPods Pro has upgraded drivers that give a fuller and more balanced sound. Music lovers will love clarity and detail, whether they’re listening to classical symphonies or modern pop tracks. Bass is punchy without overpowering mids and highs, so it’s enjoyable for all types of music.
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
One of the best features of the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) is the improved Active Noise Cancelling (ANC). This noise-canceling tech blocks out ambient noise so you can fully immerse yourself in your music or podcasts. Whether you’re commuting, exercising, or just relaxing at home, the ANC creates an audio bubble.
The transparency mode is also great. You can hear your surroundings while still listening to audio. This feature has been praised for its natural sound, so conversations feel effortless. You can talk to someone without having to remove your earbuds, which is a game-changer in social situations.
Apple Device Integration
One of the reasons for choosing AirPods Pro is its seamless integration with Apple devices. The fast pairing feature lets you easily connect your earbuds to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Multipoint connectivity means you can switch between devices without having to disconnect and reconnect, perfect for those who frequently switch between iPhone and MacBook.
Charging and Battery Life
The AirPods Pro’s battery life is 6 hours on a single charge, and the charging case gives you up to 30 hours of total playback time. The new USB-C charging case is convenient, offers faster charging options, and is more device-compatible. The case can also be wirelessly charged, which is a bonus.
Pros
Better Sound: Balanced sound across all frequencies.
Great Transparency Mode: Natural-sounding transparency, so conversations feel effortless without removing the earbuds.
Good Active Noise Cancellation: Blocks out noise for immersive listening.
Seamless Device Switching: Easy switching between Apple devices.
Cons
Same Design: Same design as the previous model, not for everyone.
New Touch Gesture Takes Time: New controls need some getting used to.
Battery Life: Decent but not the best among high-end competitors.
Personalized Spatial Audio Results Vary: Results may vary between users.
3. Best Wireless Earbuds for Google Phones: Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 is the best of Google’s audio offerings, combining sleek design with technology. For users who want both comfort and functionality, these are the perfect earbuds for Google phone users.
Design and Comfort
One of the best features of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is its compact and comfortable design. The redesign has made the earbuds smaller, so you can wear them for hours without discomfort. The secure fit keeps them in place whether you’re working out or taking a shower, so you have convenience and peace of mind.
Great Sound
With enhanced acoustics and bigger drivers, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 delivers great sound. The earbuds produce good low end, so bass-heavy tracks sound deep and powerful. Mids are full and clear, and highs are crisp, so it’s a well-rounded sound. Whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or calls, the sound is top-notch and covers all audio types.
Features
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 has many features that make it one of the best true wireless earbuds out there. The Tensor chip is a game changer, enabling advanced audio processing and good Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Conversation Detection is also a nice feature that adjusts audio playback during conversations, so you don’t have to remove the earbuds.
Hearing Wellness monitors your listening habits to promote healthy audio practices. “Find My Device” is also a useful feature for locating lost earbuds. Spatial Audio is available at launch but currently only for compatible video streaming apps.
Multipoint
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 has multipoint connectivity so that you can connect to multiple devices at the same time. This is useful for those who switch between devices often, like a smartphone and a laptop, so you don’t have to disconnect and reconnect.
Battery Life and Charging
With up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge and 30 hours with ANC on with the charging case, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 has enough battery life for daily use. The charging case is small and portable, so you can keep your earbuds powered up on the go.
Pros
Small, Comfortable Design: The new design is comfortable and secure, so you can wear them for hours.
Punchy Bass, Full Mids, Crisp Highs: Well-rounded sound for all audio types.
Slightly Longer Battery Life: Better than the previous one, you get more playtime.
Cons
Price Increased Again: The price of these premium earbuds has gone up, so it is not good for budget users.
Spatial Audio is Limited to Video Apps: While a welcome feature, its limitation reduces its overall utility.
Smaller Touch Panel Requires Finesse: The smaller touch control panel may require more finesse, so you might get frustrated sometimes.
4. Best Wireless Earbuds for Samsung Phones: Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is a solid contender in the wireless earbuds market. It is designed for Samsung phone users and features a sleek design, new features, and great sound. It’s for music lovers and casual users.
Design and Comfort
Inspired by the AirPods Pro, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro has a sleek and modern design that will appeal to a wide range of users. It is lightweight and ergonomically designed, so it’s comfortable to wear for hours. The silicone ear tips come in different sizes, so you can customize the fit for comfort and better passive noise isolation.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is one of the best features of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. The earbuds have deep bass and crisp highs. When paired with Samsung devices, the combination of advanced acoustic engineering and 24-bit HiFi streaming takes the listening experience to a whole new level. Whether you’re listening to bass-heavy tracks or delicate instrumentals, the earbuds deliver a balanced and immersive sound.
Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation
Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) works well in reducing ambient noise, so the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is one of the best true wireless earphones for immersive listening. This technology adjusts to the environment, so whether you’re in a busy café or a library, the noise cancellation is optimal. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro also has a natural-sounding transparency mode, so you can hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds. This is useful for taking calls, so conversations sound clear and natural without shouting.
Smart Features and Functionality
Samsung has loaded the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro with many useful features. Voice Detect automatically switches between noise cancellation and transparency mode when it detects voice, so it’s a great feature but may need some fine-tuning for optimal performance.
The earbuds also have multipoint connectivity, so you can switch between multiple devices without the hassle of disconnecting and reconnecting. This is useful for those who frequently switch between phones, tablets, and laptops.
Battery Life and Charging
With six hours of battery life on a single charge and 20 hours with the charging case, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro has decent battery life for daily use. Battery life is short compared to some, but the earbuds charge fast, so you can get back to listening without downtime.
Pros
Great Sound: Deep bass and crisp detail.
Lots of Features: Adaptive ANC, Voice Detect, multipoint connectivity.
Comfortable Fit: Lightweight and multiple ear tip sizes for a secure fit.
Natural Ambient Sound: Transparency mode is clear and natural for calls.
Cons
Battery Life is Shorter than Others: Decent but could be better than others.
Best Features Requires Recent Samsung Device: Some features are only available on newer Samsung devices, so they are not fully usable for non-Samsung users.
Copycat Design: Looks like AirPods Pro.
Blade Lights are a Gimmick: While nice to look at, they serve no purpose and may annoy some.
5. Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: Anker Soundcore Space A40
The Anker Soundcore Space A40 earbuds are the best in the budget category. They have features found on more expensive earbuds priced around $80. High-quality audio doesn’t have to be expensive. These earbuds offer lots of features and great value for those who want to upgrade their listening experience without burning a hole in their pocket.
While the Anker Soundcore Space A40 has many features for the price, if you want top-notch noise cancellation, you may want to consider the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.
Design and Comfort
The Soundcore Space A40 design is stylish and functional, so it’s comfortable for long wear. It’s lightweight and ergonomic, and there are multiple ear tip sizes to find the perfect fit. The snug fit helps with passive noise isolation, which is good for immersive listening.
Sound
From the moment you unbox the Soundcore Space A40, it sounds warm and balanced. It sounds good across all genres, so it’s good for casual listeners and audiophiles. The Anker app allows you to customize the EQ curve so you can fine-tune the sound to your liking. This level of customization is hard to find at this price and makes the listening experience better.
Active Noise Cancellation
The Soundcore Space A40 has Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which is a nice addition at this price. It’s not as good as the high-end ones, but it does reduce background noise, so it’s good for use in noisy offices or long flights. The earbuds also have a transparency mode, so you can be aware of your surroundings without removing them, which is useful when you’re out and about.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the Soundcore Space A40’s best features is its battery life. It can last through long days without recharging, with ten hours of playtime on a single charge and 50 hours with the charging case. The charging case also supports wireless charging, which is more convenient for those who prefer a cable-free experience.
Multipoint Connectivity
Another good feature of the Soundcore Space A40 is the multipoint connectivity. You can connect to multiple devices at the same time, switch between phone, tablet, or laptop without disconnecting and reconnecting, and take a call on the phone or resume a podcast on the tablet. This feature is more convenient.
Pros
Affordable: $80
Good Battery Life: Up to 50 hours of total playtime
Multipoint Connectivity: Switch between devices
Transparency Mode: Be aware of your surroundings while listening. More safe and convenient
Cons
ANC is not as good as competitors: While it works, it’s not as good as the high-end ones, so it’s not good for noisy environments.
What to look for in Wireless Earbuds?
When buying wireless earbuds, there are several key things to look for. Knowing these will help you make an informed decision and find earbuds that are comfortable and functional.
Design and Fit
The design or wear style of earbuds is the first thing to consider. Do you prefer a semi-open fit like the Apple AirPods, which allows ambient sound, or a fully closed design for better noise isolation? If active noise cancellation (ANC) is a must, a fully closed design is generally better at blocking out external noise. But if you plan to wear them for long periods or need to be aware of your surroundings often, a semi-open design might be better.
Comfort is key, and the shape, size, and weight of the earbuds play a big role in the fit. Not all earbud designs will fit everyone, so don’t be afraid to return them if they don’t fit well.
Connectivity and Features
As wireless earbuds become more common, Bluetooth connectivity has improved greatly. However, brands still compete to pack as many features as possible into their designs. Higher-end models have more features, while budget ones lack some essential features.
When choosing earbuds, what features do you need? Look for:
Automatic Pausing: Earbuds that pause when you remove them from your ears are a big plus for user experience.
Multipoint Connectivity: This feature allows you to connect to multiple devices simultaneously, so you can switch between phone and tablet without disconnecting.
Volume Controls: Many earbuds require you to tap or swipe on the earbuds to control the volume, which can sometimes compromise other controls. Check how these controls are implemented and whether they suit you.
Battery Life
Battery life is another important factor to consider. Wireless earbuds usually last around five hours on a single charge. Some models have longer battery life, but this is usually enough for a day at work if you can dock the earbuds during breaks.
Also, check how many extra charges are available in the charging case and if it supports wireless charging, which is a big plus for convenience.
Call Quality
Companies always brag about call quality, but the reality is that many earbuds still make you sound like you’re on speakerphone. While there are models that excel in this area, it’s wise to manage your expectations. Always check the reviews to see if a particular model meets its call quality claims.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is very subjective, so it’s best to try it before you buy, if possible. Listening to earbuds in-store can save you from buyer’s remorse. If in-store trials aren’t available, check the return policy of online retailers so you can return earbuds that don’t meet your expectations.
Immersive Audio Features
In recent years, immersive audio technologies like Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, and 360-degree Reality Audio have become popular. However, not all earbuds support these formats, so if these features excite you, make sure the earbuds you’re considering support them.