Wireless earbuds are the de facto choice for most buyers because of their comfortable and lightweight design, excellent battery life, and lack of pesky cords. The best wireless earbuds from brands like Sony and Jabra are ideal for indoor and outdoor use with at least some moisture resistance, and most include ANC to block unwanted background sounds.

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Best open-ear earbuds: Comfortable and safe listening
Stay aware of your surroundings, listen to quality audio, and enjoy comfortable listening with these top tested open-ear buds.

Our experts specialize in testing speakers and other audio equipment to see what they offer and whether they're worth recommending to buyers. This time, they used the best wireless earbuds for work and play in their daily lives and devised a list of ideal options for every budget.

Best wireless earbuds: Our favorite choices

Apple AirPods 2nd Gen
Apple AirPods 2nd Gen
1. Best overall wireless earbuds

Never lose your buds

$190 $250 Save $60

Apple's AirPods Pro 2nd Generation offer impressive sound and call quality for most scenarios and go a step further with premium features like an IP54-rated case with Precision Finding.

Pros
  • USB-C charging
  • Brilliant sound and voice quality
  • IP54 case
Cons
  • Aren't the best for Android
  • Only worth upgrading if you need USB-C charging

Apple's Airpods Pros were already one of the best buds around thanks to their excellent ANC, and the new 2nd Generation cements their place at the top by adding USB-C charging and other handy features. Their overall shape is the same as the previous iteration, with the iconic stems housing touch controls for adjusting volume, skipping tracks, and other functions. The hardware remains the same, too, with the H2 chip offering a wide soundstage with incredible detail that should appeal to most users.

Read our review
Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation (USB-C): Do you need to upgrade?
The AirPods Pro 2nd Generation now have a MagSafe and USB-C case, plus some other improvements, but should you buy them?

It's impossible to talk about the 2nd Generation AirPods Pros without mentioning the MagSafe compatible charging case upgraded with an IP54 rating for protection against dust and moisture and the Precision Finding feature, so you'll never lose them again. Battery life is decent, with six hours from the buds and another 30 from the case, and you can get them up to around an hour of listening time in just five minutes.

The AirPods Pro 2nd Generation are a must if you're already in the Apple ecosystem, but despite adding USB-C charging, they still aren't the best for Android. They get everything right, although it's only worth upgrading from the AirPods Pro 2nd Gen Lightning if you must have the new charging port.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
2. Best premium wireless earbuds

Spoil yourself with spatial sound

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer impressive audio with spatial sound and ANC, and it's easy to find the perfect fit with three sets of eartips and stability bands in the box.

Pros
  • ANC
  • Stylish design
  • Impressive audio quality
Cons
  • Pricey
  • IPX4 rating could be better

Bose is synonymous with fantastic audio performance, and the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds continue the tradition with a Snapdragon chipset providing spatial sound via the aptX Adaptive audio format. Few earbuds can rival its amazing ANC, and the ActiveSense Aware mode automatically adjusts to block car horns and other shrill sounds around you.

Read our review
These Bose QuietComfort Ultra give me the best ANC, but there's a catch
With incredible ANC, spatial audio smarts, and a comfortable fit, these buds almost deserve the $299 price tag, but miss on some key features.

Quality is second to none, and the QuietComfort Ultras have a lightweight and comfortable 0.017-pound design. They come with three pairs of stability bands and eartips for a snug fit, as well as touch controls to adjust the volume and other settings. Battery life is decent, considering its high performance, with six hours from the buds and another 24 from the case. You can also charge it in no time for around two hours of playback in just 20 minutes.

The QuietComfort Ultras might have a low IPX4 rating considering their hefty price, but they compensate for it with premium features like spatial audio and ANC. They are worth it if you're willing to pay for outstanding comfort and sound quality, but they're too much of an investment to risk in wet conditions.

Google Pixel Buds Pro
Google Pixel Buds Pro
3. Best value wireless earbuds

Best for Android

The Pixel Buds Pros offer impressive value with multipoint connectivity to switch between up to three devices, and Google Assistant is baked in for added convenience.

Pros
  • ANC
  • Multipoint connectivity
  • Google Assistant
Cons
  • Bulky

The Pixel Buds Pros from Google offer impressive value because they are often marked down on Amazon and include stellar all-around abilities, like multipoint connectivity and ANC. They switch automatically between Android devices and include Google Assistant to change settings or control your smart home devices.

Read our review
Google Pixel Buds Pro: Google goes premium
Google's flagship headphones offer great ANC - but can they compete with the best out there?

These earbuds have a bulky yet distinct look with rounded edges and are available in various two-tone color options, like Charcoal, Bay, and Coral, to appeal to everyone. The quality extends to the interior, with each earbud containing three microphones and an 11-inch driver for superb sound and voice quality. Battery life is decent at around 11 hours from a charge, which extends to 20 when you factor in the Qi wireless charging-compatible case.

Google's Pixel Buds earn their Pro moniker with up-to-date features like wireless charging and multipoint connectivity and a robust feature set. They might not be the best in any one area, but they offer consistent performance across the board for buyers wanting simplicity and practicality.

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
4. Best open-ear wireless earbuds

True innovation

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are perfect for riders and pedestrians because they have a comfortable fit and an open-ear design to hear the world around you.

Pros
  • Comfortable fit
  • Safe, open-ear design
  • Superb clarity
Cons
  • No ANC
  • Open-ear design isn't for everyone

Anyone looking for a safe experience when walking in the streets or riding in traffic can try the Bose Ultra Opens, which, as their name suggests, have an open-ear design, allowing you to enjoy calls and music while being able to hear the world around you. Sound quality is as good as expected for open-ear buds, with the Qualcomm aptX Adaptive codec providing clear and detailed sound with little leakage despite its unique design.

8:10
Read our review
Bose's new Ultra Open earbuds are the fashion and function success I can't stop wearing
They may not be part of Bose's QuietComfort lineup, but my ears don't want any other buds. Think transparency mode -- but better.

Speaking of design, the unique yet comfortable shape clips over the outside of the ear with the driver facing inwards and is perfect for all-day wear. Durability is decent with IPX splash resistance, but the battery life is average, with around 7.5 hours of playtime and an additional 19.5 from the charging case.

The Bose Ultra Opens are more than just a fashion statement. They are a viable alternative to conventional rivals thanks to their functional design, which makes them safer and more convenient for walking in crowded places and interacting with people. No earbuds are perfect, and it's easy to forgive their eye-watering price and average battery life, considering their immense comfort and practicality.

Jabra Elite 8 Active
Jabra Elite 8 Active
5. Best wireless earbuds for sports

When the tough get going

$160 $200 Save $40

The Jabra Elite 8 Actives are fantastic for outdoor activities because they meet US military MIL-STD-810h durability standards and are IP68 dust and water-resistant.

Pros
  • IP68 rating
  • Grippy feel
  • Snug fit
Cons
  • Average call quality

The Jabra Elite 8 Actives are the best earbuds for sports and outdoor activities because they meet US military MIL-STD-810h standards and have an IP68 rating, meaning they can withstand dust and be fully submerged in water. They're coated with Jabra's rubbery ShakeGrip surface for a firmer grip in wet conditions and come in various stylish colors, like Navy, Dark Grey, and Caramel, to appeal to everyone.

Read our review
Jabra Elite 8 Active: Made of tougher stuff
Jabra's solid-sounding truly wireless sports earbuds toughen up.

There's no compromise on performance, and you get multipoint connectivity between Apple and Android devices, ANC, and Dolby Audio spatial sound from the 6mm drivers. Battery life is decent for hikes and long trips, with up to 8 hours of playtime with ANC on and 14 when it's off. The case supports wireless and USB-C fast charging, and it only takes five minutes to get the Elite 8 Actives up to one hour of playtime.

Not many rivals can compete with the Elite 8 Actives when it comes to durability, and they are the best option if you want rugged earbuds for any environment. They still include upmarket comfort features like wireless charging and ANC, and the average call quality is an insignificant drawback, considering their overall quality.

Technics EAH-AZ80-1
Technics EAH-AZ80
6. Best comfort wireless earbuds

The perfect fit

$244 $300 Save $56

The Technics EAH-AZ80 earbuds offer excellent audio quality. They have a concha shape and seven sizes of eartips to ensure a comfortable fit without sound leakage.

Pros
  • Stylish looks
  • Comfortable
  • Multipoint connectivity
Cons
  • Weak treble

Anyone looking for a comfortable design can try the Technics EAH-AZ80 earbuds, which have a concha shape and seven sizes of eartips for a tight fit in the ear canal. They look great, too, with a classy shiny surface and circular rings hiding the touch controls.

Read our review
Technics EAH-AZ80: A confident, refined pair of earbuds
The Technics AZ80 enter the noise-cancelling true wireless market at a price with a lot of competition - can they rise to it?

Technics is known for its fantastic audio performance, and the EAH-AZ80 earbuds include four microphones per bud and 10mm drivers with LDAC technology for quality hi-res sound. Multipoint allows you to connect to up to three devices simultaneously, and calls are clear in noisy environments with the company's Just My Voice technology. You'll get around 4.5 hours of playback with ANC on and up to 7.5 hours with it off. The case offers another 24 or 25 and only requires 15 minutes of charge for 70 minutes of playback.

While not the most obvious choice, the EAH-AZ80 earbuds make a case against the big hitters from Sony and Jabra with an elegant premium design and precise and detailed sound. They justify their price tag with excellent quality and comfort and are worth trying despite their weak treble.

Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds
Sony WF-1000XM5
7. Best sound wireless earbuds

Audio bliss

Sony's WF-1000XM5 earbuds set the standard for sound quality, and the multipoint feature allows you to connect all your devices simultaneously.

Pros
  • Class-leading sound
  • Excellent customization options
  • Quality design
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Generic case

Sony's WF-1000XM5s have a well-earned reputation for sound quality thanks to the LDAC and DSEE Extreme-compatible Dynamic Driver X offering hi-res audio. They include Sony 360 Reality Audio with head-tracking and countless customization settings for the ANC in the Sony app.

Read our review
Sony WF-1000XM5: Still great, but the competition looms large
Sony's popular noise-cancelling buds are back for round number five, but can they still land the knock out blow to the competition?

Available in black or white, the XM5s have a rounded, minimalist design that's lightweight and comfortable with IPX4 splash protection and four sizes of ear tips to choose from. Adjusting the volume, skipping tracks is easy with customizable touch controls, and there's multipoint to connect your PC and smartphone simultaneously. Battery life is decent at around eight hours of playback from the buds, and it goes up to 24 when you factor in the case.

The XM5s are the best earbuds for music lovers who want the best sound quality. They still offer formidable performance and can justify their premium pricing with fantastic all-around quality and innovative features, despite losing their ANC to the Apple AirPods,

Beats Studio Buds +-1
Beats Studio Buds+
8. Best practical wireless earbuds

Best of both worlds

The Beats Studio Buds+ are a fun, energetic listen that offer improved noise cancellation and better battery life. You'll find a touch more refinement in pricier buds but the total package on offer here is fantastic for the price.

Pros
  • Works equally well with Apple and Android
  • Great ANC for the price
  • Attractive colors
Cons
  • No spatial audio
  • No wireless charging

The Beats Studio Buds + earbuds offer the best of both worlds, with seamless iOS integration for Apple users and Google Fast Pair compatibility for Android phones and tablets. Multipoint and ANC are standard, and they include a handy Find My feature, so there's no worry about misplacing them. When it comes to audio quality, you can expect the familiar energetic Beats signature that will please brand loyalists with its confident sound, but might be too bass-heavy for casual listeners.

Read our review
Beats Studio Buds+: The best Beats buds for most people
The Beats Studio Buds+ are promising a better fit, better sound and better noise cancellation. Should you buy them?

Everyone appreciates standout design, and the Studio Buds + come in exciting Cosmic Silver and Transparent if you want something different, or Ivory and Black/Gold if you prefer to keep things simple. They are durable enough for everyday wear with IPX4 sweat resistance and include three sizes of ear tips for a snug fit. Battery life is about standard, with up to eight hours of playback and another 16 from the case. You won't worry when they die because it only takes five minutes of fast charging to get them up to an hour of runtime.

One of the best things about the Beats Studio + is that they provide similar performance to pricier rivals while undercutting their price. They are the best pick if you have devices from different brands, although they lack certain comfort features like wireless charging and spatial audio.

The bottom line: which are the best wireless earbuds in 2024?

The 2nd Generation AirPods Pros are the best because they offer the best ANC and a tracking feature and have tough IP54 durability to handle daily use. Anyone looking for a premium experience can try the Bose QuietComfort Ultras, which offer spatial audio in a lightweight and stylish package. Google's Pixel Buds Pros offer excellent value with premium features like multipoint connectivity and Google Assistant for a lower price than their competitors.

Apple AirPods 2nd Gen
Apple AirPods 2nd Gen
Editor's Choice
$190 $250 Save $60

How did we choose the best wireless earbuds in 2024?

Our Pocket-lint team tests all the gadgets they can and has hands-on experience with the earbuds on this list. They spent days listening to music or podcasts and making calls to get in-depth insights into what they offer, then ranked their choices based on audio performance, extra features, and value.

Related
Open-ear vs open-back earbuds: Key differences explained
With comfortable designs suited for safe exercise, both open-ear and open-back earbuds have their advantages, but which are for you?

FAQ

Q: What are thought to be the best wireless earbuds in the world?

Many excellent earbuds are currently available, and the 2nd Generation AirPods Pros, Bose QuietComfort Ultras, and Sony WF-1000XM5s are some of the best in the world.

Q: Can I use wireless earbuds for sports?

Yes, most wireless earbuds are ideal for sports and other strenuous activities because they have a snug fit and at least some form of water resistance. It's worth checking before you buy because some models have basic IPX4 splash resistance against small amounts of moisture, and others have higher ratings that can withstand rain and spills.

Q: What battery life should I expect from wireless earbuds?

It depends on the make and model, but you can expect anywhere between 4 and 15 hours of playtime on a single charge, with the charging case usually doubling or tripling it at the very least.