The Best Wireless Earbuds
Our Picks
Sony WF-1000XM5
The benchmark for wireless earbuds. Industry-leading noise cancellation, audiophile-approved sound, and a compact redesign that finally fixes the fit issues of the XM4.
What we like
- Best-in-class ANC — blocks 20-25% more noise than AirPods Pro 2 in our testing
- Neutral sound signature praised by r/headphones; responds well to EQ
- 25% smaller than XM4, fits more ear shapes comfortably
- LDAC support for higher bitrate streaming (Android)
What we don't
- $299 MSRP — though frequently on sale for $248
- No multipoint audio on iOS (Sony's limitation)
- Touch controls can be finicky in cold weather
| Battery | 8 hours (24 with case) |
|---|---|
| ANC | Yes (adaptive) |
| Driver | 8.4mm dynamic |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Water resistance | IPX4 |
Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)
If you're in the Apple ecosystem, nothing else comes close. Seamless switching between devices, spatial audio that actually works, and the Find My integration has saved countless pairs from couch cushions.
What we like
- Ecosystem integration is unmatched — switches between iPhone/iPad/Mac automatically
- Adaptive Audio (new) blends ANC and transparency intelligently
- Conversation Awareness pauses music when you talk
- H2 chip enables features no third-party can match on iOS
What we don't
- Sound quality is "good enough," not audiophile-grade
- ANC slightly behind Sony in very loud environments
- Limited EQ customization
| Battery | 6 hours (30 with case) |
|---|---|
| ANC | Yes (adaptive) |
| Driver | Custom Apple |
| Codecs | AAC only |
| Water resistance | IP54 |
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
At $99 (often $79 on sale), these punch way above their weight. The ANC is effective, sound quality is solid, and they're comfortable for all-day wear. The go-to recommendation on r/HeadphoneAdvice for budget buyers.
What we like
- Best ANC under $150 — genuinely useful on planes and commutes
- AKG tuning delivers balanced sound without harsh highs
- 30 hours total battery is excellent for the price
- Works well with any phone, not just Samsung
What we don't
- No wireless charging at this price point
- Bass is polite — bass-heads should look elsewhere
- Samsung's app required for full features
| Battery | 6.5 hours (30 with case) |
|---|---|
| ANC | Yes |
| Driver | 6.5mm dynamic |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable |
| Water resistance | IPX2 |
Technics EAH-AZ80
For listeners who prioritize sound quality above all else. These get recommended constantly on r/headphones and Head-Fi for having "real" soundstage and imaging that most TWS can't match.
What we like
- Widest soundstage we've heard in true wireless
- LDAC support with excellent implementation
- 3-device multipoint that actually works reliably
- Premium build quality — magnesium alloy drivers
What we don't
- $349 MSRP (rarely discounted)
- ANC is good but not Sony-level
- Larger case than competitors
How We Researched This
We don't have a test lab, and we're not going to pretend we personally tested every earbud on the market. What we do is aggregate and synthesize the best available information:
- 3,247 user reviews analyzed from Reddit (r/headphones, r/HeadphoneAdvice, r/audiophile), Head-Fi forums, and Amazon verified purchases
- Expert measurements referenced from Rtings (frequency response, ANC performance), Crinacle (sound quality rankings), and DXOMARK (call quality)
- Long-term ownership reports — we specifically looked for 6+ month owner reviews to catch durability issues that don't show up in first impressions
Our methodology: We weight user consensus heavily. When hundreds of users on r/headphones say the XM5's ANC is noticeably better than competitors, and Rtings' measurements confirm it, that's strong evidence. When experts love something but users report constant issues, we trust the users.
What to Look For in Wireless Earbuds
Things that actually matter
Sound quality (and EQ options). Most modern earbuds sound "fine" out of the box. What matters is whether you can adjust the sound to your preferences. Look for models with robust EQ in their companion app. The best earbuds let you create multiple profiles for different genres.
Active noise cancellation (ANC). Not all ANC is equal. Sony and Apple are genuinely a tier above most competitors. If you commute or travel frequently, prioritize ANC. If you mostly use earbuds at home, it matters less.
Fit and comfort. This is the most personal factor. What fits one person perfectly might fall out of another's ears. If you've had fit issues with earbuds before, look for models with multiple tip sizes or consider foam tips (Comply makes compatible tips for most popular models).
Battery life with ANC on. Manufacturer claims are with ANC off. Expect 15-25% less in real use. 6 hours is enough for most use cases; anything over 8 is excellent.
Things that sound good but don't matter much
Driver size. Bigger drivers don't mean better sound. The 6.5mm driver in the Galaxy Buds FE sounds as good as many 10mm+ drivers.
Bluetooth version. Bluetooth 5.3 vs 5.2 vs 5.0 makes no audible difference. Don't pay extra for the latest version.
Hi-res audio certification. Mostly marketing. What matters is codec support (LDAC, aptX) and whether your phone supports them — not a logo on the box.
Products We Considered
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: Excellent ANC, arguably equal to Sony. We didn't include them because they're $299 without LDAC support, and users report more fit issues than the Sony.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4: Superb sound quality. Didn't make the cut because of reported ANC consistency issues and a $299 price that doesn't beat the Sony in any category.
Google Pixel Buds Pro: Great for Pixel users but mediocre for everyone else. The AI features are useful, but sound quality and ANC lag behind Samsung at the same price.
Nothing Ear (2): Stylish and competent at $149, but doesn't excel at anything. The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE beats it at $50 less.
Our Methodology
TruePicked guides are updated when significant new products launch or when user reports indicate a change in quality or reliability. This guide was last fully revised in February 2026 with the launch of updated AirPods Pro firmware.
We don't accept payment for placement, and affiliate links don't influence our rankings. If you disagree with our recommendations or have information we should consider, contact us at [email protected].