The most effective wi-fi earbuds for 2024

Whilst you may say the Bluetooth earbuds house is prospering, you could possibly additionally say the quantity of selection available in the market could make it complicated to determine which pair would be the greatest Bluetooth earbuds for you. There are many high-quality choices on the market, with strong lively noise cancellation (ANC) just like the AirPods Professional 2, sound high quality and designs, so for a lot of, the choice will come right down to distinctive options that huge firms like Sony, Bose, Apple and Samsung put of their merchandise.

I’ve examined and reviewed dozens of units of earbuds a 12 months for Engadget, always pitting new fashions towards the earlier greatest throughout all price ranges to maintain this listing of the most effective true wi-fi earbuds updated. This information explains why my present choices for the most effective wi-fi earbuds made the lower, and provides some procuring recommendation by way of all the pieces it’s good to know earlier than selecting the most effective true wi-fi earbuds on your wants.

If earbuds aren’t your jam, nonetheless, you possibly can take a look at our best headphones buying guide, protecting our favourite wi-fi, over-ear headphones, noise-canceling headphones and extra.

Desk of contents

Greatest wi-fi earbuds

Photograph by Billy Steele / Engadget

Learn our full Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) review

Battery life: 6 hours, as much as 30 hours with charging case | Water resistance: IPX4 | Noise cancellation: Sure | Multipoint: Sure

Apple’s second-generation AirPods Pro are an enormous enchancment over the earlier fashions. These buds have improved sound high quality and lively noise cancellation, whereas sustaining the entire conveniences that make AirPods the most effective earbud choice for iPhone, iOS and Mac. Once we reviewed them, we discovered essentially the most spectacular function to be transparency mode, which is extra pure sounding than every other earbuds by a mile. You’ll be able to go away these in throughout a dialog and it’s such as you’re not even sporting them. After all, quick pairing, hands-free Siri, spatial audio, good battery life, and now, a USB-C charging case that may additionally energy up wirelessly will even come in useful.

Professionals

• Improved sound
• Stellar transparency mode
• Stable ANC
• Seamless switching between Apple units

Cons

• Similar design
• New contact gesture takes observe
• Common battery life
• Customized Spatial Audio outcomes differ

$154 at Amazon

Photograph by Billy Steele / Engadget

Learn our full Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review

Battery life: 8 hours, as much as 30 hours with charging case (ANC on) | Water resistance: IP54 | Noise cancellation: Sure | Multipoint: Sure

The Pixel Buds Professional 2 could also be Google’s priciest earbuds, however they’re additionally its greatest. A whole redesign resulted in considerably smaller earbuds that match extra comfortably and securely. The corporate has additionally packed in a Tensor chip for the primary time to deal with audio and ANC sign processing. As you would possibly anticipate, these earbuds supply a hands-free channel to Gemini AI, though they’re not required to make use of the voice assistant.

Google additionally revised the acoustics and drivers on the Pixel Buds Professional 2, delivering ample low-end tone when it’s wanted. There are many helpful options too, like Dialog Detection, Listening to Wellness and Discover My Machine. Spatial Audio is on the market at launch this time, however you possibly can solely use it with appropriate video streaming apps.

Professionals

• Tiny, comfortable design
• Punchy bass, full mids, crisp highs
• Barely longer battery life than predecessor

Cons

• Value went up once more
• Spatial audio is proscribed to video apps
• Smaller contact panel requires precision

$229 at Amazon

Samsung

Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro review

Battery life: 6 hours, as much as 26 hours with charging case | Water resistance: IP57 | Noise cancellation: Sure | Multipoint: Sure

The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro borrow closely from Apple’s AirPods Professional in each appears to be like and options, and construct upon the muse of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Professional. Nonetheless, Samsung did effectively to make issues like Adaptive ANC and voice instructions work effectively. Some options like Voice Detect may nonetheless use some high-quality tuning, however there’s rather a lot to love right here past the fundamental performance.

The really shocking factor in regards to the Galaxy Buds 3 Professional is the sound high quality. There may be some thick, boomy bass whenever you want it with loads of crisp element to enhance it. This mannequin actually shines whenever you pair it with a Samsung machine to unlock 24-bit HiFi streaming. There’s additionally a natural-sounding transparency mode that retains you from feeling shouty throughout calls.

Professionals

• Nice sound high quality
• A great deal of helpful options
• Comfortable match
• Pure ambient sound

Cons

• Battery life is shorter than some rivals
• The most effective options require a latest Samsung machine
• Copycat design
• Blade lights are a gimmick

$250 at Amazon

Photograph by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

Battery life: 10 hours, as much as 50 hours with charging case | Water resistance: IPX4 | Noise cancellation: Sure | Multipoint: Sure

The Anker Soundcore Space A40 supply the sort of options you’d anticipate from wi-fi earbuds that value twice as a lot: ANC, multi-device pairing, wi-fi charging, IPX4 water resistance, a transparency mode, eight to 10 hours of battery life and LDAC help. Once we examined them, we discovered their heat sound to be pleasing proper out of the field, however Anker’s companion app makes it straightforward to customise the EQ curve if wanted. And whereas their ANC isn’t fairly as efficient at decreasing background noise as our prime picks, it’s nonetheless efficient for a loud workplace or lengthy flight. For $80 or so, it is a excellent worth. – Jeff Dunn, Senior Commerce Author

Professionals

• Inexpensive
• Good battery life
• Multipoint connectivity
• Transparency Mode

Cons

• ANC is not as sturdy as rivals

$45 at Amazon

Photograph by Billy Steele / Engadget

Learn our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds review

Battery life: 6 hours, as much as 24 hours with charging case | Water resistance: IPX4 | Noise cancellation: Sure | Multipoint: Sure

For the reason that firm launched the primary mannequin, Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds have persistently supplied the most effective noise cancellation out of all of the wi-fi buds we have examined. It’s not shocking that its most-recent model, the QC Extremely Earbuds, solely improved in ANC efficiency. Nonetheless, the larger story right here is that Bose lastly has the audio chops to compete with the most effective earbuds because of its new Immersive Audio tech. The function brings spatial audio to all by not requiring specially-made content material to make use of it. Moderately than make use of music and films the place the sound is coming from all instructions, QC Extremely Earbuds put you in the course of the acoustic “candy spot” by relying closely on virtualization. A devoted gesture for quantity controls, better-than-advertised battery life and customization settings spherical out the spec sheet.

Professionals

• Stellar ANC
• Spatial audio does not require particular content material
• Upgrades with no value enhance

Cons

• Earbuds are nonetheless huge
• Immersive Audio considerably impacts battery life
• Wi-fi charging prices further

$229 at Adorama

Bose

Learn our full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) review

Battery life: 8.5 hours, as much as 31.5 hours with charging case | Water resistance: IPX4 | Noise cancellation: Sure | Multipoint: Sure

Prior to now, you needed to pay round $300 for those who needed Bose-quality ANC on a set of earbuds. With the brand new QuietComfort Earbuds, the corporate packs in plenty of its greatest options for much less cash. You’ll get efficient ANC, good sound high quality, and options like voice controls.

The earbuds are smaller than typical Bose fare, which implies they’re extra comfy and match higher. You’ll additionally get pleasure from effectively over eight hours of battery life with ANC on and an IPX4 score that will probably be adequate for exercises. And if the product web page is to be trusted, you can even stay up for Bose’s distinctive spatial audio (Immersive Audio) coming quickly.

Professionals

• Nice sound high quality
• Efficient ANC
• Numerous helpful options
• Reliable battery life

Cons

• No Immersive Audio (but)
• Audio and ANC sacrifices in comparison with the QC Extremely Earbuds
• No CustomTune function
• Poor name high quality

$149 at Adorama

Photograph by Billy Steele / Engadget

Learn our full Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 review

Battery life: 7 hours, as much as 30 hours with charging case | Water resistance: IP54 | Noise cancellation: Sure | Multipoint: Sure

As soon as once more, Sennheiser has retained the highest spot on this listing by way of pure sound high quality. Certain, you’ll discover higher ANC efficiency from Bose and an extended listing of options from Sony. However the Momentum True Wireless 4 has nice element and readability. It delivers heat, inviting sound that’s pleasant to hearken to for hours on finish and although the bass is boomy when it must be, it by no means overpowers. These pairing to Android units can get pleasure from high-res audio because of compatibility with Snapdragon Sound, whereas the iPhone devoted will get the most effective expertise with Apple Music – particularly on Dolby Atmos tracks.

Professionals

• Glorious sound high quality
• Assist for higher-resolution audio on Android
• Good battery life
• Customization choices

Cons

• $50 greater than earlier mannequin
• No design refresh
• No spatial audio

$200 at Amazon

Photograph by Billy Steele / Engadget

Learn our full Beats Fit Pro review

Battery life: 6 hours, as much as 24 hours with charging case | Water resistance: IPX4 | Noise cancellation: Sure | Multipoint: Sure

Many of the greatest AirPods options in a set of workout earbuds? That’s the Beats Fit Pro. Due to Apple’s H1 chip, these buds supply one-touch fast pairing, hands-free Siri and Discover My instruments. They’ll additionally let you use Audio Sharing with an Apple machine and one other set of AirPods or Beats wi-fi headphones for tandem listening or viewing. Balanced and punchy bass will preserve the vitality up throughout exercises whereas good noise cancellation, an IPX4 score and comfortable silicone ear suggestions make these a strong choice outdoors of the health club too. And there’s loads of help for Android units, so these aren’t only a good purchase for iOS customers both.

Professionals

• Comfy design
• Good ANC
• H1 chip provides fast pairing and switching between Apple units
• Loads of Android help

Cons

• Name high quality might be higher

$190 at Macy’s

Sony

Battery life: 6 hours, as much as 20 hours with charging case | Water resistance: IPX4 | Noise cancellation: Sure | Multipoint: Sure

One of many largest surprises this 12 months wasn’t Sony’s distinctive open-wear LinkBuds, it was the extra mainstream follow-up. With the LinkBuds S, the corporate debuted a extra historically designed pair of earbuds akin to its premium WF-1000XM4, solely this mannequin is way smaller and lighter which results in a way more comfortable match. These tiny wi-fi earbuds muster some punch in relation to sound high quality too and help for high-res listening (LDAC and DSEE Excessive) are each onboard. Succesful ANC lends a hand with environmental noise and transparency mode can preserve you tuned in when wanted. What’s extra, helpful Converse-to-Chat is right here and Adaptive Sound Management can robotically change settings primarily based on exercise or location. That’s plenty of premium options at a mid-range value.

Professionals

• Comfy design
• Good sound high quality
• Converse-to-Chat
• Adaptive Sound Management

$128 at Adorama

What to search for in wi-fi earbuds

In relation to purchasing for earphones, the very first thing to contemplate is design or put on type. Do you favor a semi-open match like AirPods or would you like one thing that fully closes off your ears? If you happen to’re purchasing for earbuds with lively noise cancellation, you may need the latter, however a case could be made for the previous if you wish to put on all of them day or frequent locations the place it’s good to be tuned in to the ambient sounds. The general form of earbuds can decide whether or not you get a cushty match, so can the dimensions and weight, so that you’ll wish to contemplate all that earlier than deciding. And keep in mind: audio firms aren’t excellent, so regardless of plenty of analysis, the earbud form they selected could not fit your needs effectively. Don’t be afraid to return ill-fitting earbuds for one thing that’s extra comfy.

As wi-fi earbuds have turn into the norm, they’re now extra dependable for staple items like constant Bluetooth connectivity. Firms are nonetheless in a race to pack as a lot as they’ll into more and more smaller designs. This sometimes means an extended listing of options on the extra premium units of earbuds with primary performance on the most cost effective fashions. Fastidiously contemplate what you possibly can’t reside with out when choosing your subsequent earbuds, and ensure key gadgets like computerized pausing and multipoint connectivity are on the spec sheet. You’ll additionally wish to examine the quantity and contact controls as you’ll usually should sacrifice entry to one thing else to make that adjustment by way of on-board faucets or swipes. Some earbuds even supply app settings to tweak the audio profiles or firmware updates to enhance efficiency over time.

For these within the Apple ecosystem, options like auto-pairing with units, particularly with AirPods Professional 2, could be an added benefit, whereas Android customers could wish to search for fashions that supply related cross-device performance.

In relation to battery life, the common set of earbuds lasts about 5 hours on a single cost. Yow will discover units that last more, however that is doubtless sufficient to get you thru a piece day for those who’re docking the buds throughout lunch or the occasional assembly. You’ll wish to test on what number of further costs can be found by way of the case and if it helps wi-fi charging.

Firms will even make lofty claims about name high quality on wi-fi earbuds. Regardless of plenty of guarantees, the truth is most earbuds nonetheless go away you sounding such as you’re on speakerphone. There are some units that ship, however don’t get your hopes up except opinions affirm the claims.

Sound could be subjective, so we suggest making an attempt before you purchase if in any respect potential. That is very true for those who’re an audiophile. We perceive this isn’t straightforward when most of us do plenty of procuring on-line, however making an attempt on a set of earbuds and listening to them for a couple of minutes can prevent from an costly case of purchaser’s regret. If a retailer doesn’t enable a fast demo, most retailers have return insurance policies that can allow you to take earbuds again you don’t like. After all, it’s a must to be keen to briefly half with funds with a view to do that.

We additionally suggest taking note of issues like Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, 360 Actuality Audio and different immersive codecs. Not all earbuds help them, so that you’ll wish to be sure a perspective pair does if that type of factor excites you, particularly for those who plan to make use of them for playback of high-quality audio.

How we take a look at wi-fi Bluetooth earbuds

The first approach we take a look at earbuds is to put on them as a lot as potential. We desire to do that over a one- to two-week interval, however generally embargoes don’t enable it. Throughout this time, we hearken to a mixture of music and podcasts, whereas additionally utilizing the earbuds to take each voice and video calls. Since battery life for earbuds is usually lower than a full day, we drain the battery with looping music and the quantity set at a cushty stage (normally round 75 p.c).

To evaluate audio high quality, we hearken to a spread of genres, noting any variations within the sound profile throughout the kinds. We additionally take a look at at each high and low volumes to test for consistency within the tuning. To evaluate name high quality, we’ll file audio samples with the earbuds’ microphones in addition to have third events name us.

In relation to options, we do an intensive overview of companion apps, testing every function as we work by way of the software program. Any holdovers from earlier fashions are double checked for enhancements or regression. If the earbuds we’re testing are an up to date model of a earlier mannequin, we’ll spend time getting reacquainted with the older buds. Ditto for the closest competitors for every new set of earbuds that we overview.

Different wi-fi Bluetooth earbuds we examined

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3

The Galaxy Buds 3 mix ANC with an open-type design, which renders the noise-blocking talents of the earbuds largely ineffective. Nonetheless, there’s nice low-end tone with ample bass when a observe calls for it. There are additionally plenty of helpful options, most of which require a Samsung telephone. However at this value, there are higher choices from Google, Beats and Sony

Sennheiser Momentum Sport

I actually like the general form of the Momentum Sport earbuds. They’re extra comfy than the Momentum True Wi-fi 4 and slot in my ears higher. What’s extra, the physique temperature and coronary heart fee sensors work effectively, sending these stats to a wide range of apps. Nonetheless, that sport-tracking function works greatest with Polar’s app and units, so there’s that consideration. Additionally, the audio high quality and ANC efficiency isn’t nearly as good because the MTW4, and these earbuds are expensive.

Beats Solo Buds

There’s rather a lot to love in regards to the Solo Buds for $80. For me, the first perk is that they’re very comfy to put on for lengthy intervals of time because of some considerate design issues. You solely get the fundamentals right here by way of options and, as anticipated, the general sound high quality isn’t nearly as good because the pricier fashions within the Beats lineup. You’ll get 18 hours of battery life although, for the reason that firm nixed the battery within the case and beefed up the listening time within the buds themselves.

Bose Extremely Open Earbuds

Bose created one thing very distinctive for this set of earbuds that permits you to keep in-tune with the world whereas listening to audio content material. The clip-on design could be very comfy, however sound high quality suffers because of the open-type match, particularly in relation to bass and spatial audio.

Audio-Technica ATH-TWX7

These stick buds have a compact design that’s comfy to put on and the nice and cozy sound profile is nice at occasions. Nonetheless, total audio efficiency is inconsistent and there’s no computerized pausing.

Grasp & Dynamic MW09

Retooled audio, higher ambient sound mode and dependable multipoint Bluetooth are the most effective issues the MW09 has to supply. They’re costly although, and you’ll find higher ANC efficiency elsewhere.

Beats Studio Buds +

Updates to sound, ANC and battery life prime the spec sheet here, and the brand new clear shade choice has some throwback vitality I like. However there are some primary options lacking, and Beats doesn’t come near Apple’s pure audio high quality in transparency mode.

JBL Tour Professional 2

These earbuds are feature-packed, together with a touchscreen “good case.” They aren’t essentially the most constant by way of total efficiency although, and I’m not satisfied that case gives plenty of utility simply but.

Wi-fi earbud FAQs

What is taken into account good battery life for true wi-fi earbuds?

Most wi-fi earbuds will final 5 hours on a single cost, as a minimum. Yow will discover some pairs which have even higher battery life, lasting between six and eight hours earlier than they want extra juice. The entire greatest wi-fi earbuds include a charging case, which can present extra hours of battery life — however you may should return every bud to the case with a view to cost them up.

Is sound high quality higher on headphones or earbuds?

Evaluating sound high quality on earbuds and headphones is a bit like evaluating apples and oranges. There are plenty of variables to contemplate and the variations in parts make a direct comparability tough. Personally, I desire the audio high quality from over-ear headphones, however I can inform you the sound from earbuds like Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 3 can also be excellent.

Which wi-fi earbuds have the longest battery life?

With new fashions popping out on a regular basis, monitoring the hours of battery life for every this may be tough to maintain tabs on. The longest-lasting earbuds we’ve reviewed are Audio-Technica’s ATH-CKS5TW. The corporate states they final 15 hours, however the app was nonetheless displaying 40 p.c at that mark throughout our checks. The one draw back is these earbuds debuted in 2019 and each know-how and options have improved since. When it comes to present fashions, Master & Dynamic’s MW08 provides 12 hours of use on a cost with ANC off (10 with ANC on) and JBL has a number of choices with 10-hour batteries.

What wi-fi earbuds are waterproof?

There are many choices today in relation to elevated water resistance. To find out the extent of safety, you’ll wish to search for an IP (ingress safety) score. The primary quantity signifies intrusion safety from issues like mud. The second quantity is the extent of moisture safety and also you’ll wish to guarantee that determine is 7 or larger. At this water-resistance score, earbuds can face up to full immersion for as much as half-hour in depths as much as one meter (3.28 toes). If both of the IP numbers is an X, meaning it doesn’t have any particular safety. For instance, a pair of wi-fi earbuds which might be IPX7 wouldn’t be constructed to keep away from mud intrusion, however they might be okay for those who dropped them in shallow water.

Which earbuds keep in ears the most effective?

A safe match can differ wildly from individual to individual. All of our ears are totally different, so audio firms are designing their merchandise to suit the most individuals they’ll with a single form. This is the reason AirPods will simply fall out for some however keep put for others. Design touches like wing suggestions or fins sometimes come on health fashions and people parts can assist preserve issues in place. You’ll doubtless simply should attempt earbuds on, and in the event that they don’t match effectively return them.

What wi-fi earbuds work with PS5?

PlayStation 5 doesn’t help Bluetooth audio with out an adapter or dongle. Even Sony’s own gaming headsets include a transmitter that connects to the console. There are common choices that let you use any headphones, headset or earbuds with a PS5. After getting one, plug it right into a USB port on the console and pair your earbuds with it.

Current updates

July 2024: Up to date our listing to incorporate the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Professional.