The best wireless earbuds make it simple to listen to music, movies, podcasts, and other media. There are more models competing for our attention than ever before, and while Apple’s AirPods have become associated with the category, there are lots of great-sounding alternatives to pick from.
Some of the premium models on this list are loaded with useful audio tech and also make the cut as one of the top models on our list of the best noise-canceling earbuds that isolate you from noisy surroundings and easily connect your smartphones, but we’ve also included our favorite mid-range and low-cost earbuds models that are often less well specified in terms of features.
The recently announced Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, which will be on sale for $229 on August 26 and is presently not available, is one to keep an eye on. We’ll get them in quickly for evaluation, and if they pass muster, they’ll be on our list below by the end of the month.
The Best Wireless Earbuds to Buy Right Now
1. Grado GT220
The Grado GT220 are excellent wireless earbuds that justify the price—a very uncommon achievement in a market overrun with alternatives. Any earphone that I use as a fair-weather cross-country runner must be durable and unable to come unplugged. I’m happy to report that, when the running circumstances permit, the tight fit keeps the GT220 in place.
Additionally, Grado buds have the ideal pitch for showcasing high-quality music, and when an ear tip of the right size is used to create the optimum acoustical seal, the 8mm full-range driver delivers music with a degree of participation that is absolutely amazing.
Grado advertises up to 6 hours of moderate volume listening. Based on completely charged earbuds (6 hours) and a fully charged case, which can recharge the headphones five times, the total battery life is 36 hours. It just takes two hours to recharge.
It’s nearly difficult to find a set of wireless earbuds better than the Grado GT220 if you’re an audiophile hoping to experience Grado’s renowned sound in a genuine wireless device with the highest audio quality as a priority over anything else.
2. Sony WF-1000XM4
The Sony WF-1000XM4 significantly outperforms the previous WF-1000XM3, including redesigning the look, increasing ANC, and adjusting the sound characteristic for improved frequency balance. The WF-1000XM4 sounds excellent enough to merit the additional cost despite all of that.
Additionally, these wireless earphones are incredibly feature-rich. All three of the major digital assistants are supported, there is comprehensive EQ modification, LDAC compatibility for higher-quality music, and a fully configurable ambient listening mode. Would you like to restore the WF-1000XM3’s powerful bass sound? It’s no issue.
3. Apple AirPods Pro
It’s quite impressive how Apple keeps improving the noise-canceling earphones’ performance with software updates, and if the company keeps up the excellent work, the AirPods Pro may reclaim the top spot on our list of the best wireless earbuds. The inclusion of spatial audio is amazing since it produces a 3D-like soundscape that makes watching movies and playing video games much more enjoyable. Even little but useful additions like auto-switching, which enables users to quickly switch between iDevices linked to the same iCloud account, make a notable difference in functioning.
The good news is that the AirPods Pro still performs at a high level even without the most recent iOS upgrades, owing to enhanced sound, potent ANC, a more ergonomic design for greater comfort and fit, and all of the advantages provided by the H1 processor. If there is a criticism, it is the same one that every Apple supporter has expressed since the first generation of AirPods was released: the poor battery life.
Also take note that Apple recently debuted the AirPods 3. They combine the shorter stem and sweat/water resistance of the AirPods Pro with the second-generation Apple AirPods while also adding support for spatial audio and longer 6-hour battery life. Although they cost $179 less than the AirPods Pro, they lack ANC.
4. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3’s third generation earphones are smaller and cleaner than their bulkier predecessors while maintaining a pricing that is competitive with most realistic rivals. Good battery life. The app is excellent, with many dependable control choices. Competition exists in noise cancellation, particularly when it comes to wind. Additionally, the sound combines a meticulous attention to detail with a realistic approach to rhythms and tempos as well as a highly calming unity of tonality.
5. Sennheiser CX Plus
The Sennheiser CX Plus are up against tough competition at $180, but for $130, they represent a great deal and are among the best versions available. They make for an alluring combination when you mix articulate, high-quality sound with typical playtimes, efficient ANC, and trustworthy connection.
Music fans will marvel over the clear, rich, and detailed sound that provides a well-balanced dosage of low, rich mids, and high frequencies. Even though other competitors have sacrifices in terms of fit and lack of functionality, these earbuds are nonetheless quite affordable.
