Wi-fi earbuds are now the default choice for on a regular basis listening, whether or not you’re heading out for a commute, becoming in a exercise or simply watching movies at dwelling. The perfect wi-fi earbuds mix dependable connectivity, comfy matches and sound high quality that holds up throughout music, calls and podcasts, all with out the problem of cables. Most are sufficiently small to disappear right into a pocket and pair shortly with telephones, tablets and laptops.
What units one pair aside from one other usually comes down to priorities. Some earbuds lean closely on energetic noise cancellation, whereas others focus on lengthy battery life, compact charging instances or decrease costs. Options like water resistance, customizable controls and app assist also can make an actual distinction day to day. This information breaks down the finest wi-fi earbuds out there now to assist you discover the proper match for a way you pay attention.
Greatest wi-fi earbuds of 2026
Billy Steele for Engadget
Max battery life: 6 hours | Water resistance: IPX4 | Noise cancellation: Sure | Multipoint: Sure | Included charging case: Sure | Waterproof: Sure (IPX4) | Driver measurement: Not specified
Learn our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd gen) review
Bose’s Immersive Audio characteristic could also be the headline grabber on its QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, however these additionally include the firm’s stellar noise-canceling talents. This mannequin is particularly adept at battling airplane noise throughout a flight, a job I usually rely on over-ear headphones for. The second-gen QC Extremely Earbuds are efficient with human voices too, blocking that distraction higher than a lot of the competitors. However with any sort of fixed roar, and plenty of irregular sounds, these earbuds will serve you properly. Plus, Bose’s CustomTune software analyzes the form of your ears and personalizes each sound and ANC. All of this mixed pushes the newest QC Extremely Earbuds to the prime of our record, unseating longtime champ Sony.
Whereas the QC Extremely Earbuds supply the finest pure noise-blocking efficiency on this record, the further audio options imply they’ve much less battery life than the remainder of our picks. It lasts six hours with ANC on and Immersive Audio off, however flip on the latter and that quantity dips to 4 hours. And though Bose’s take on spatial audio yields combined outcomes at instances, the inventory tuning is an enchancment over the firm’s final flagship mannequin. Thanks to small tuning tweaks, the total sound profile is extra balanced on the second-gen model as properly.
- Stronger ANC filters out extra distractions
- Enhanced name high quality
- Battery life isn’t improved
- Cumbersome design is unchanged
Billy Steele for Engadget
Learn our full Technics AZ100 review
Max battery life: 12 hours, up to 29 hours with charging case | Water resistance: IPX4 | Noise cancellation: Sure | Multipoint: Sure | Included charging case: Sure | Waterproof: Sure (IPX4) | Driver measurement: 10mm
For a protracted whereas Bowers & Wilkins was my decide for finest total sound high quality. However, as Dylan sang, “the instances they are a-changin’.”
Technics borrowed magnetic fluid driver tech from its in-ear screens (IEMs) to enhance the sound high quality on the AZ100. The end result is deeper, extra immersive bass that’s complemented by detailed highs and ample mid-range tone.
There are additionally a whole lot of options on the AZ100, together with multipoint Bluetooth for up to three gadgets. Sony’s LDAC codec is additionally supported, as are Dolby Atmos and Dolby’s dynamic head monitoring.
- Wonderful sound high quality
- Tons of choices in the app
- Small measurement means comfortable match
- Three-device multipoint Bluetooth
- ANC lags behind the finest
- None of at present’s “good” options
- Spatial audio doesn’t enhance default tuning
Billy Steele for Engadget
Learn our full Apple AirPods Pro 3 review
Max battery life: 8 hours, up to 24 hours with charging case | Water resistance: IP57 | Noise cancellation: Sure | Multipoint: Sure | Included charging case: Sure | Waterproof: Sure (IP57) | Driver measurement: Not specified
Apple’s newest AirPods Pro supply the firm’s most sturdy set of options ever. Reside Translation and hear-rate sensing get prime billing, however enhancements to ANC and sound high quality are vital as properly. Plus, Apple’s present listening to well being and different superior earbuds options are out there right here as properly. And the firm managed to do all of this with out elevating the worth.
- Spectacular ANC updates
- Improved sound high quality
- Reside Translation lastly arrives
- Prolonged battery life on a single cost
- New match takes some getting used to
- Complete battery life is really lower than before
- Reside Translation languages are restricted at launch
Picture by Billy Steele / Engadget
Learn our full Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review
Max battery life: 8 hours, up to 30 hours with charging case (ANC on) | Water resistance: IP54 | Noise cancellation: Sure | Multipoint: Sure | Included charging case: Sure | Waterproof: Sure (IPX4 for earbuds, IPX2 for case) | Driver measurement: 11mm
The Pixel Buds Professional 2 could also be Google’s priciest earbuds, however they’re additionally its finest. An entire redesign resulted in considerably smaller earbuds that match extra comfortably and securely. The corporate has additionally packed in a Tensor chip for the first time to deal with audio and ANC sign processing. As you may count on, these earbuds supply a hands-free channel to Gemini AI, though they’re not required to use 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 loads of useful options too, like Dialog Detection, Listening to Wellness and Discover My Machine. Spatial Audio is out there at launch this time, however you possibly can solely use it with appropriate video streaming apps.
- Tiny, comfortable design
- Punchy bass, full mids, crisp highs
- Barely longer battery life than predecessor
- Value went up once more
- Spatial audio is restricted to video apps
- Smaller contact panel requires precision
Samsung
Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro review
Max battery life: 6 hours, up to 26 hours with charging case | Water resistance: IP57 | Noise cancellation: Sure | Multipoint: Sure | Included charging case: Sure | Waterproof: Sure (IP68) | Driver measurement: Twin drivers (woofer and tweeter); particular sizes not disclosed
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro borrow closely from Apple’s AirPods Professional in each seems and options, and construct upon the basis of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Professional. Nevertheless, Samsung did properly to make issues like Adaptive ANC and voice instructions work properly. Some options like Voice Detect may nonetheless use some fantastic tuning, however there’s quite a bit to like right here past the primary performance.
The really stunning factor about the Galaxy Buds 3 Professional is the sound high quality. There is some thick, boomy bass whenever you want it with loads of crisp element to complement it. This mannequin actually shines whenever you pair it with a Samsung gadget to unlock 24-bit HiFi streaming. There’s additionally a natural-sounding transparency mode that retains you from feeling shouty throughout calls.
- Nice sound high quality
- A great deal of useful options
- Comfortable match
- Pure ambient sound
- Battery life is shorter than some rivals
- The perfect options require a current Samsung gadget
- Copycat design
- Blade lights are a gimmick
Picture by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
Max battery life: 10 hours, up to 50 hours with charging case | Water resistance: IPX4 | Noise cancellation: Sure | Multipoint: Sure | Included charging case: Sure | Waterproof: Not specified | Driver measurement: Not specified
The Anker Soundcore Space A40 supply the sort of options you’d count on 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 ten hours of battery life and LDAC assist. Once we examined them, we discovered their heat sound to be pleasing proper out of the field, however Anker’s companion app makes it simple to customise the EQ curve if wanted. And whereas their ANC isn’t fairly as efficient at lowering background noise as our prime picks, it’s nonetheless efficient for a loud workplace or lengthy flight. For $80 or so, this is an outstanding worth. – Jeff Dunn, Senior Commerce Author
- Reasonably priced
- Good battery life
- Multipoint connectivity
- Transparency Mode
- ANC is not as sturdy as rivals
Billy Steele for Engadget
Learn our full Noble Audio FoKus Rex5 review
Max battery life: 5 hours (ANC on), up to 45 hours with charging case | Water resistance: N/A | Noise cancellation: Sure | Multipoint: Sure | Included charging case: Sure | Waterproof: Not specified | Driver measurement: Not specified
If you’d like the finest sound high quality, you’ll have to pay for it. The FoKus Rex5 are an eyewatering $449, and simply the most costly wi-fi earbuds I’ve examined. Nevertheless, Noble Audio’s five-driver setup is extra sturdy than the competitors the place one or two drivers is usually the norm.
There’s a degree of pristine element and sonic separation I haven’t heard on different earbuds. For instance, traits of the guitars, together with the particular person nuances of a number of gamers on a observe, contribute to a wider soundstage and extra immersion than you’ll encounter elsewhere. These are far from a whole package deal by way of options, however the audio prowess is unmatched.
- Detailed, immersive sound
- Customized audio profiles are saved on the buds
- Comfy match
- Very costly
- Only one colour and it’s not for everybody
- Subpar ANC efficiency
Beats
Learn our full Beats Powerbeats Fit review
Max battery life: 6 hours, up to 24 hours with charging case | Water resistance: IPX4 | Noise cancellation: Sure | Multipoint: Sure | Included charging case: Sure | Waterproof: Sure (IPX4) | Driver measurement: Not specified
With a couple of key tweaks, Beats make a extra polished model of the Match Professional earbuds in the Powerbeats Match. The corporate did not reinvent the wheel right here, however this is one in all the uncommon cases the place that was for the finest. The brand new buds have 20 % extra versatile wingtips and the charging case is 17 % extra compact than that of the Beats Match Professional. Each of these changes make for a extra comfy, extra transportable pair of buds. When you decide from the 4 eartips included in the field, you possibly can just about pop the Powerbeats Slot in your ears and get going — no fixed readjustments wanted. And, blessedly, the charging case extra simply slips right into a again pocket now (it was a little bit of a chonkster before).
Sound high quality and energetic noise cancellation (ANC) are simply pretty much as good as they had been on the Beats Match Professional. You may get that signature, bass-heavy sound you count on from a pair of Beats earbuds, and ANC that is sturdy sufficient to block out most ambient noise. Transparency mode stays a spotlight right here, and can be particularly helpful for those who use these buds all day lengthy and wish to soar out and in of conversations whereas carrying them. Whereas an IPX4-rated design is not the most sturdy, it is a lot to stand up to sweaty exercises and even an unintentional splash in water. Battery life is simply common, however the charging case gives up to a complete of 30 hours of use before you may want to recharge. That is a lot if these buds are solely your exercise companions, and greater than sufficient to get you thru a few days of fixed use.
- Improved design with extra versatile wingtips
- Smaller charging case
- IPX4 sturdiness might be higher
- Six-hour battery with ANC might be improved
Bose
Learn our full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) review
Max battery life: 8.5 hours, up to 31.5 hours with charging case | Water resistance: IPX4 | Noise cancellation: Sure | Multipoint: Sure | Included charging case: Sure | Waterproof: Sure (IPX4) | Driver measurement: Not specified
Prior to now, you had to pay round $300 for those who wished Bose-quality ANC on a set of earbuds. With the new QuietComfort Earbuds, the firm packs in a whole lot of its finest 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 suggests they’re extra comfy and match higher. You’ll additionally get pleasure from properly over eight hours of battery life with ANC on and an IPX4 score that can be adequate for exercises. And if the product web page is to be trusted, you too can look ahead to Bose’s distinctive spatial audio (Immersive Audio) coming quickly.
- Nice sound high quality
- Efficient ANC
- Plenty of useful options
- Reliable battery life
- No Immersive Audio (but)
- Audio and ANC sacrifices in contrast to the QC Extremely Earbuds
- No CustomTune characteristic
- Poor name high quality
What to search for in the finest wi-fi earbuds
When it comes to purchasing for earphones, the very first thing to think about is design or put on model. Do you like 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 energetic noise cancellation, you may need the latter, however a case may be made for the former in order for you to put on them all day or frequent locations the place you want to be tuned in to the ambient sounds. The general form of earbuds can decide whether or not you get a snug match, so can the measurement and weight, so that you’ll need to think about all that before deciding. And keep in mind: audio firms aren’t good, so regardless of a lot of analysis, the earbud form they determined on could not fit your needs properly. 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. Corporations are nonetheless in a race to pack as a lot as they’ll into more and more smaller designs. This usually means an extended record of options on the extra premium units of earbuds with primary performance on the most cost-effective fashions. Fastidiously think about what you possibly can’t stay with out when deciding on your subsequent earbuds, and ensure key gadgets like computerized pausing and multipoint connectivity are on the spec sheet. You’ll additionally need to examine the quantity and contact controls as you’ll usually have to sacrifice entry to one thing else to make that adjustment through 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 in the Apple ecosystem, options like auto-pairing with gadgets, particularly with AirPods Professional 3, may be an added benefit, whereas Android customers might want to search for fashions that provide comparable cross-device performance.
When it comes to battery life, the common set of earbuds lasts about 5 hours on a single cost. Yow will discover units that last more, however this 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 need to verify on what number of further expenses are out there through the case and if it helps wi-fi charging.
Corporations may also make lofty claims about name high quality on wi-fi earbuds. Regardless of a lot of guarantees, the actuality is most earbuds nonetheless depart you sounding such as you’re on speakerphone. There are some units that ship, however don’t get your hopes up until evaluations affirm the claims.
Sound may be subjective, so we suggest attempting before you purchase if in any respect attainable. This is very true for those who’re an audiophile. We perceive this isn’t simple when most of us do a whole lot of buying on-line, however attempting 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 permit a fast demo, most retailers have return insurance policies that can allow you to take earbuds again you don’t like. After all, you’ve to be keen to quickly half with funds so as to do that.
We additionally suggest paying consideration to issues like Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, 360 Actuality Audio and different immersive codecs. Not all earbuds assist them, so that you’ll need to ensure that a perspective pair does if that kind of factor excites you, particularly for those who plan to use them for playback of high-quality audio.
How we take a look at wi-fi earbuds
The first method we take a look at earbuds is to put on them as a lot as attainable. We desire to do that over a one- to two-week interval, however typically embargoes don’t permit it. Throughout this time, we pay attention 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 snug degree (often round 75 %).
To evaluate audio high quality, we pay attention to a variety of genres, noting any variations in the sound profile throughout the types. We additionally take a look at at each high and low volumes to verify for consistency in the tuning. To evaluate name high quality, we’ll report audio samples with the earbuds’ microphones in addition to have third events name us.
When it comes to options, we do an intensive assessment of companion apps, testing every characteristic as we work via 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 assessment.
Different wi-fi Bluetooth earbuds we examined
Sony WF-1000XM6
Since we established this finest wi-fi earbuds information, Sony’s present 1000X mannequin has persistently been the prime decide. Nevertheless, with the WF-1000XM6, there are two key areas the place the firm’s newest flagship set doesn’t measure up properly versus the competitors. Total ANC efficiency lags behind Bose, and even Sony’s personal WF-1000XM5. Talking of the M5, the firm did properly there to deal with the points I had with match when it switched to foam ear suggestions on the WF-1000XM4, nevertheless it regressed in that space on the M6. There’s nonetheless a lot to like by way of options and sound high quality, however there are additionally caveats to think about now that might be dealbreakers.
Sony WF-C710N
The WF-C710N is a set of compact and cozy earbuds that provide a number of of Sony’s finest options. Whereas the ANC efficiency is above common for this worth ($120), sound high quality isn’t pretty much as good as the firm’s barely costlier choices. Battery life fell beneath said figures and name efficiency isn’t adequate to use these buds for work.
Beats Powerbeats Professional 2
The most recent model of the Powerbeats Pro have an improved, comfy design, balanced bass and new H2 chips and a coronary heart charge sensor inside. However coronary heart charge assist is presently restricted on iOS.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3
The Galaxy Buds 3 mix ANC with an open-type design, which renders the noise-blocking talents of the earbuds principally ineffective. Nonetheless, there’s nice low-end tone with ample bass when a observe calls for it. There are additionally a lot of useful options, most of which require a Samsung cellphone. However at this worth, there are higher choices from Google, Beats and Sony
Sennheiser Momentum Sport
I actually like the total 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 charge sensors work properly, sending these stats to a wide range of apps. Nevertheless, that sport-tracking characteristic works finest with Polar’s app and gadgets, so there’s that consideration. Additionally, the audio high quality and ANC efficiency isn’t pretty much as good as the MTW4, and these earbuds are expensive.
Beats Solo Buds
There’s quite a bit to like about the Solo Buds for $80. For me, the major perk is they’re very comfy to put on for lengthy intervals of time thanks to some considerate design concerns. You solely get the fundamentals right here by way of options and, as anticipated, the total sound high quality isn’t pretty much as good as the pricier fashions in the Beats lineup. You’re going to get 18 hours of battery life although, since the firm nixed the battery in the case and beefed up the listening time in the buds themselves.
Bose Extremely Open Earbuds
Bose created one thing very distinctive for this set of earbuds that enables you to keep in-tune with the world whereas listening to audio content material. The clip-on design is very comfy, however sound high quality suffers due to the open-type match, particularly when it comes to bass and spatial audio.
Audio-Technica ATH-TWX7
These stick buds have a compact design that’s comfy to put on and the heat sound profile is nice at instances. Nevertheless, 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 finest issues the MW09 has to supply. They’re costly although, and you’ll find higher ANC efficiency elsewhere.
Wi-fi earbud FAQs
What is thought of good battery life for true wi-fi earbuds?
Most wi-fi earbuds will final 5 hours on a single cost, at the least. Yow will discover some pairs which have even higher battery life, lasting between six and eight hours before they want extra juice. All of the finest wi-fi earbuds include a charging case, which is able to present further hours of battery life — however you may have to return every bud to the case so as 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 a whole lot of variables to think about and the variations in parts make a direct comparability troublesome. 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 is additionally excellent.
Which wi-fi earbuds have the longest battery life?
With new fashions popping out all the time, monitoring the hours of battery life for every this may be troublesome to preserve 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 exhibiting 40 % at that mark throughout our exams. The one draw back is these earbuds debuted in 2019 and each expertise and options have improved since. By way of 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 loads of choices nowadays when it comes to elevated water resistance. To find out the degree of safety, you’ll need to search for an IP (ingress safety) score. The primary quantity signifies intrusion safety from issues like mud. The second quantity is the degree of moisture safety and also you’ll need to make it possible for determine is 7 or larger. At this water-resistance score, earbuds can stand up to full immersion for up to half-hour in depths up to one meter (3.28 ft). 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 that are IPX7 wouldn’t be constructed to keep away from mud intrusion, however they’d be okay for those who dropped them in shallow water.
Which earbuds keep in ears the finest?
A safe match can range wildly from individual to individual. All of our ears are totally different, so audio firms are designing their merchandise to match the most individuals they’ll with a single form. This is why AirPods will simply fall out for some however keep put for others. Design touches like wing suggestions or fins usually come on health fashions and people components can assist preserve issues in place. You’ll doubtless simply have to attempt earbuds on, and in the event that they don’t match properly return them.
What wi-fi earbuds work with PS5?
PlayStation 5 doesn’t assist 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 permit you to 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.
Latest updates
February 2026: Up to date to embody new prime picks.
January 2026: Up to date to guarantee our prime picks have remained the similar.
September 2025: Up to date to add AirPods Professional 3 to our prime picks.
Could 2025: Up to date to guarantee prime picks and shopping for recommendation stay correct.
March 2025: Up to date the prime decide for the finest sounding wi-fi earbuds – runner up.
January 2025: Up to date the prime decide for finest sounding wi-fi earbuds.
Disclaimer: This article is sourced from external platforms. OverBeta has not independently verified the information. Readers are advised to verify details before relying on them.
