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Oct 30, 2024

Best wireless earbuds 2024 — tested and rated | Tom's Guide

These are the best wireless earbuds you can buy today When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Earbuds have become some of the most

These are the best wireless earbuds you can buy today

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Earbuds have become some of the most popular kinds of earbuds in recent years, with a massive range of different models available. That can make working out which are the best wireless earbuds for you a daunting task. After all, there's little worst than searching around hundreds of product pages without a clue of what you're looking at.

That's why we make these guides — so that you have a much easier time finding the pair of earbuds for your needs. We've decades of experience testing and using earbuds, and we put our expertise to use reviewing and ranking them. This year we've tested all the biggest earbud releases, and scored them against our criteria so that we can work out what they're best for.

Our pick for the best wireless headphones are the Sony WH-1000XM5. They sound better than almost every other pair of headphones on the list, feature some stellar noise canceling, and have a very good battery life. If you're looking to pay a little less then you should consider the also top-notch and budget-friendly Sony WF-C700N. They feature some excellent noise canceling and solid sound quality for a great price.

I've put this guide together to be as helpful and easy to use as possible. There's the quick grid at the top which gives you the headline features of each pair of buds, so you can see what they're like at a glance. Not enough information? Check out the longer reviews at the bottom to see more details about the earbuds that you're interested in. If that's still not enough, you can go and read our in-depth reviews to get the full low-down on the earbuds.

There are loads of options here, each best for a certain use case. So, if you're looking for the best wireless earbuds, you're in the right place.

Best overall

Price ★★★★☆Sound ★★★★☆Battery ★★★★★

Sony's noise-canceling earbuds are, for all intents and purposes, one of the best pairs of wireless buds you can buy. The ANC is top-tier, the sound quality excellent, and the battery life is brilliant.

Read more below

Best value

Price ★★★★★Sound ★★★☆☆Battery ★★★★☆

The Sony WF-C700N are an excellent pair of buds, for an incredible, sub-$100 price. The ANC is surprisingly effective, the sound quality pleasing, and the battery life plenty for any commute.

Read more below

Best cheap earbuds

Price ★★★★★ Sound ★★★☆☆ Battery ★★★★☆

If you want some solid noise-canceling earbuds at a great, budget price, then the OnePlus Buds 3 are the way to go. For frequently reduced, sub $90 prices, there really isn't anything better.

Read more below

Best audio quality

Price ★★★☆☆ Sound ★★★★★Battery ★★★☆☆

Sennheiser's excellent Momentum True Wireless 4 might not top the table with the best ANC or the best fit, but they are easily some of the best-sounding buds you'll find on this side of a wired pair.

Read more below

Best noise canceling

Price ★★★★☆ Sound ★★★★★Battery ★★★★☆

Bose's QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are the best option if you're looking to block out as much sound as possible. Bose's noise canceling is the best around, and the Ultra Earbuds combine it with some stellar sound and a comfortable fit.

Read more below

Best for working out

Price ★★★★☆ Sound ★★★★☆Battery ★★★☆☆

The Beats Fit Pro aren't the best sounding nor the best noise canceling buds, but they more than make up for it thanks to their Impeccable fit for exercise fanatics. No matter how much your head might move around, these puppies aren't coming loose.

Read more below

All the models ranked here have been extensively reviewed by experts with more than 30 years of experience testing all kinds of audio products. Read on to discover the best wireless earbuds.

I oversee the audio content that goes up on Tom’s Guide, and maintain the site's buying guides for headphones, wireless earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, soundbars, and more. I have spent more than 20 years testing audio equipment for my own enjoyment, and was previously the audio editor for iMore. There's nothing more I love than jamming out to my favorite tunes on audio equipment of different prices and sizes.

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

Our expert review:

✅ Top notch sound quality. The WH-1000XM5 are some of the best sounding earbuds that money can buy.✅ Excellent noise canceling. They block out loads of noise for a more comfortable commute.✅ A comfortable fit. The WH-1000XM5 feel great in the ear, with loads of different fitting options in the box.

❌ They're expensive. The WH-1000XM5 cost almost $300.❌ There might be a new pair soon. They're coming to end of their life cycle now, and there might be a new version on the horizon.

While the Sony WF-1000XM4 was a top-ranking model in this best wireless earbuds for several years and continues to be on sale via Sony's store and online retailers, the popular model has been outperformed by the new Sony WF-1000XM5 flagship. The latest model arrived in July 2023 and demonstrates how Sony's XM-series earbuds go from strength to strength with each new generation.

As the latest flagship, the WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds are smaller and lighter, yet they're equipped with some of the strongest features and performance I've ever seen from a pair of 'buds. They have some of the most dynamic and engaging sound we've heard, and their noise-canceling performance easily matches that of the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and get close to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (both listed below).

Battery life hasn't been stepped up over their XM4 predecessor. But at 8 hours with ANC enabled, these top-tier Sony wireless earbuds still outperform close rivals and have some of the highest battery life of any set of more recently launched earbuds. There's LDAC support for high-quality music streams over Bluetooth, adaptive listening mode that applies ANC or Transparency mode depending on your activity or the environment, Google and Alexa digital assistant support, and full EQ customization. Call quality is greatly improved, thanks to a new noise reduction engine with AI that's able to make voices clear even in noisy surroundings. Ultimately, these are Sony's best-ever buds and the best wireless earbuds overall right now.

Read the full Sony WF-1000XM5 review

Our expert review:

✅ Great noise canceling. For the price, there's not much better at blocking noise.✅ A solid price. They come in under $200 for the noise-canceling earbuds deal of the century.✅ Good design. For something so cheap, the WF-C700N look a lot more expensive than they are.

❌ No support for certain codecs. There's very little support for hi-res codecs, apart from DSEE.❌ Annoying touch controls. The touch controls on the sides of the buds are annoying to activate, and can make for some annoying experiences.

Sony's WF-C700N integrates robust ANC and come with decent battery life for a great value price. Sound quality is powerful with Sony’s impressive sound signature at the forefront, alongside proprietary technologies like 360 Reality Audio immersive spatial audio, and DSEE Extreme upscaling that uses AI to bring a sound quality boost to low-quality audio files.

The adaptive ANC technology built in to the WF-C700N is remarkable at the entry-level price. As with the flagship WF-1000XM5, it learns your behavior and tweaks noise neutralization to your environment. During our testing, low- and mid-frequency sounds went unnoticed around the house and out and about, reducing background sounds to silence. Call quality was also high and the mics silenced most background interference for clear-sounding phone conversations, making the WF-C700N a versatile option with few rivals at the price.

Read the full Sony WF-C700N review

Our expert review:

✅ Great materials. With their aluminum stems and waterproofing, the Buds 3 feel a whole lot more expensive than they are.✅ Excellent call quality. They've amongst some of the best microphones and call noise canceling around.✅ Solid adaptive ANC. They block out loads of noise in a range of different environments very well.

❌ Battery life isn't great. The battery life could be improved, and battery management isn't very good.❌ Spatial Audio could be better. There are better options out there for 360 degree audio.

The OnePlus Buds 3 are a bargain at $99. They have strong active noise cancelation, connectivity, call quality, sound performance, and touch controls. Despite the price, the design is premium and they have sturdy protection with an IP55 rating on the buds and an IPX4-rated charging case.

Not everything hits its mark, especially battery life and spatial audio, which are disappointing compared to other models. However, the buds’ excellent wireless features (Bluetooth 5.3, Google/OnePlus Fast Pair) combined with intuitive ANC and stellar hi-res audio support (LHDC) make for a dynamic and distraction-free music streaming experience that’s enjoyable on the best Android smartphones.

Read the full OnePlus Buds 3 review

Our expert review:

✅ Brilliant battery life. The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless sport nearly 8 hours in the buds alone.✅ Excellent sound quality. These are some of the best sounding earbuds we've ever tested.✅ Solid ANC. The noise canceling is very good, blocking out plenty of noise.

❌ They're quite large. While it doesn't make them uncomfortable, they're quite a large pair of buds.❌ They're expensive. At $300, they're some of the more expensive buds on the list.

The price tag may have increased by $50 for the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 compared to their predecessor, but you get an up tick in performance and the strongest Bluetooth and audio codec support of any pair of earbuds around at the moment. Sound quality is outstanding, and I loved Sennheiser's tweaked sound signature that delivered even more detail across the entire frequency range. They rival the top-ranking Sony — check out my Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 face-off — with a sound balance that gives vocals an extra sense of presence, but not in an overly forward way. Everything sounds perfectly balanced and just right.

Although not quite up to the standards to rival the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds in terms of their ANC performance, the Sennheiser's block out sounds effectively enough and have a useful transparency mode. Features like ear fit test and sound personalization mode are reliable tools to help your get the best fit and sound that's just right for you, and Sennheiser's mic array makes them a practical calling headset.

Ultimately, these are a strong contender for the best wireless earbuds overall, but despite the slightly increased battery life over the TW3 they still fall short on playback time compared to rivals at the price.

Read the full Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 review

Our expert review:

✅ The best noise canceling. There is nothing that comes close to the noise canceling the QuietComfort Ultra are capable of.✅ A very comfortable fit. The QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are incredinly comfortable, with loads of fitting options.✅ Useful companion app. The Bose app works well, and allows for loads of customization.

❌ No multipoint connection. You can only connect the earbuds to one device at a time.❌ There's no wireless charging. Unlike many for the same price, there is no wireless charging in the case.

Bose's Noise-canceling headphones remain some of the best around, and the QuietComfort Ultra are the top of the earbuds tree. And what noise canceling it is — I've found it an extremely impressive ANC experience, that outperforms almost everything else out there when it comes to keeping you cocooned in your own world. It works well across the spectrum of different frequencies that you might find outside. I've found them perfect for traveling as a result.

They sound good as well, although some may find the immersive audio better than others. The core sound is warm, and welcoming, but energetic and engaging. I've come to love the way that they sound, given their richer sound than the usually high-end weighted in-ear format. Immersive audio, however, I found to be a mixed bag. I thins out the sound to an alarming degree in some cases, and when it does work, it's not all that impressive. Some really enjoy the effect, however, so your mileage may vary.

There's something here for everyone to enjoy, but there are a couple of weaknesses to keep in mind. The call quality could be improved, with wind noise being an issue for recipients. There's also the lack of a multipoint connection, which some might find annoying.

Read the full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review

Our expert review:

✅ Secure fit. Thanks to their little wing, the Fit Pro stay securely in your ear not matter how much you move around.✅ Solid sound. Thanks to some AirPods internals, they sound better than other fitness buds.✅ Decent ANC. Perfect for blocking out the noise at the gym.

❌ Apple-exclusive features. Some things are only available to iPhone users and Apple devices.❌ No multipoint connection. They can only be connected to one device at a time.

The Beats Fit Pro wireless earbuds rank #1 in our best sports headphones for iPhone users with active lifestyles. They're a culmination of Apple and Beats’ greatest triumphs, packaging AirPods Pro-like performance into an updated Studio Beats design.

When we tested the Beats Fit Pro, our reviewer was impressed by the amazing sound quality, which was backed by a proprietary transducer that keeps bass punchy, while also balancing frequencies to hear crisp mids and detailed highs. Spatial Audio for immersive 3D sound has also been added, making this the first Beats product to feature the technology. Popular features tied to Apple's H1 processor are available, including automatic switching between Apple devices and FindMy to help locate misplaced buds. We also appreciate the integrated wingtips, which keep the buds secure during runs and intense workouts.

Android users do get to bask in the sonic upgrades, though all other iOS-related features remain exclusive to iPhone and iPad users. The lack of features available on the Android app also means limits to what the Fit Pro can perform on Google’s mobile platform.

Read the full Beats Fit Pro review

Our expert review:

Jabra’s flagship Elite 10 are a more affordable option compared to rival wireless earbud flagships from the likes of Bose and Sony. In fact, when it comes to sound quality and ANC performance, these Jabra earbuds stood up well in our Sony WF-1000XM5 face-off. They sport upscale features in a luxe design that’s comfortable to wear for longer listening periods, and although not quite everything hits the flagship mark in terms of battery life and a lack of extensive special features compared to the top ranking models, the Elite 10 deserve a place in the best wireless earbuds.

Active noise canceling is double that of its predecessor, and the Elite 10 carries Jabra’s own spatial sound tech with Dolby head tracking to deliver strong sound with great bass and detailed highs straight out of the box. There’s a multi-band EQ control, and although there’s no aptX or LDAC support for faster data transfers over Bluetooth, they're competitively priced and their overall performance makes them a strong option at the price.

Read the full Jabra Elite 10 review

Our expert review:

Samsung's Galaxy Buds 2 Pro set out to rival the AirPods Pro 2, at least for Galaxy owners. During our testing we found the sound alone makes the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro worth the investment, giving listeners a high quality audio experience and compelling 3D sound with precise head tracking. Samsung’s ANC holds its own against the category leaders and blocks out close to 90% of ambient noise. The updated design also provides improved comfort and noise isolation.

We found these buds operated well across all Bluetooth-enabled devices, but Galaxy smartphone owners get to enjoy cool features like Easy Pairing and compatibility with Samsung's Scalable Codec. It’s upsetting that Bixby (Samsung's voice assistant) doesn’t perform up to its potential, though the mediocre battery life with ANC on is a greater disappointment. Since our review, Galaxy smartphone and Buds 2 Pro owners now get 360-degree audio recording, too.

Take a look at our Samsung promo codes for the latest discounts from Samsung.

Read the full Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro review

Our expert review:

Not everyone enjoys the more invasive fit that comes with silicon ear tips, and for those people, the AirPods 4 are almost perfect. Rather than the buds that the AirPods Pro 2 come with, the AirPods 4 have a more open design that some find more comfortable.

They're also a big update on the AirPods 3 that came before. The design updates are the lightest part of the new model here, although there are some key differences. They are small (the smallest in fact, according to Apple), and super comfortable. The stems are short, but easily accessible, and, perhaps even more importantly, feature force sensors. That means you squeeze them for control input rather than touch them, making them far more useable than some of the touch-controlled alternatives.

There are actually two different versions of the AirPods 4. The first is a cheaper version that features Spatial Audio, which costs $129. Then, the more expensive option comes with ANC for $179. The ANC on board is, surprisingly, quite good — of course, it doesn't come close to that which you'll find in the AirPods Pro 2, but it's still good enough to block out the sound of a busy office of noisy train.

Sound-wise, you're looking at a pair of decent sonic companions. They're fairly neutral, so bass-heads might be left wanting, but in the long run, most people are going to be pleased if they pick up a pair of AirPods 4.

Read the full AirPods 4 review

As Tom's Guide's audio experts, we test a lot of wireless earbuds but some models don't make it into a buying guide. That's not to say that they're not great performers, just that they're beaten by rival models with a stronger set of features or performance. The picks in this guide are the very best we've tested and have all been given full reviews. But with more models to choose from than ever, we want to make sure that you consider these also tested options. These alternatives have all been through our rigorous testing processes but didn't quite make the grade to rank among the best of the best.

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 (★★★★1/2)These wireless earbuds rank among the best in terms of sound and their mid-market price makes them a strong alternative to many of the models ranked above, but they're out performed in terms of noise canceling and adaptive audio features. Battery life lives up to expectations: up to 10 hours with ANC activated, making them longer lasting than several more expensive models.

Read the full Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 review

Creative Aurvana Ace 2: (★★★★☆)It’s hard to complain about sound-first earbuds equipped with the latest audio technologies and noise cancelation, even if the latter doesn’t perform at an elite level. However, there are other buds with similar audio specs, as well as more battery life and functionality at similar or lower price points.Read the full Creative Aurvana Ace 2 review

Nothing Ear: (★★★★☆)Despite being a significant step up over the Nothing Ear (2) predecessor, the latest iteration of Nothing's flagship earbuds don't quite make the grade to rank among the best wireless earbuds. In my tests listening to them in different environments connected to different devices, I noticed subtle changes to the sound signature with ANC on and off. Plus, ANC performance wasn't sufficient to block out external sounds on my visits to the gym, and are beaten by the $99 OnePlus Buds 3.

Read the full Nothing Ear review

IP-ratings refer to the level of Ingress Protection (IP) from liquids and dirt that a device is protected from. This is part of a device's durability.

IP-ratings explained: The first digit refers to the level of protection from solid particles, such as dust and sand. The scale ranges from 0 (no protection) to 6 (dust-tight) for full protection. For example, an IP6X rating ensures that the device is completely dust-tight, making it ideal for harsh outdoor conditions or industrial settings where fine dust particles are common.

The second digit refers to a devices resistance to moisture, and the scale ranges from 0 (no protection) to 8 for the highest level of protection. For example, with an IPX4 rating, earbuds are protected from water splashes from any direction, while an IPX7 rating ensures that the device can be submerged in water up to 1 meter (around 3 feet) for 30 minutes without any damage.

With so many wireless earbuds to choose from, you may find it difficult to settle on one. There are several factors to weigh up, and which ones are most important will depend on personal preference. Follow our list of considerations to factor in when choosing the best wireless earbuds for you.

Design

When buying a new pair of wireless earbuds, it can be helpful to think about where you want to wear them. If you're going to use them on a run, for example, you may want a pair that offers the most secure fit and a high IP rating for durability with strong moisture protection like the models in our best sports headphones.

Whatever type you choose, make sure the earbuds are well-built and comfy to wear for about 1 to 2 hours daily.

Sound quality

All wireless earbuds have their own unique sound signature. Since you’re buying a pair of wireless earbuds to enjoy music individually, it’s important to find a pair of buds that match your sound taste, be it heavy bass or distinctively clear midrange frequencies to allow you to hear vocals and nuances in recordings.

Some models like the Sennheiser's Momentum True Wireless 4 offer personalized sound via the companion app, which allows the user to create their own sound profiles and tweak EQ levels to a sound that is best for their taste and hearing.

Battery life

Battery life is also key in choosing the best wireless earbuds. Wireless earbuds can last about 5 to 10 hours and offer extended playtime with their bundled charging cases — always make sure one is included.

Accessories

It's disappointing spending money on a new pair of wireless earbuds only to find that you need to buy the accessories separately. Any models that come with a carrying case, charging cable, user guide, and extra ear cups or tips are solid purchases.

Price

Price is a big consideration when looking for the best headphones. Although there are always exceptions, big-name brands will typically command a bit extra, but generally speaking, the less you spend on a pair of headphones the greater the chance that sound and features will be compromised. Going for a budget option isn't always the best choice, as any money you save on your purchase won't do you much good if you constantly need to recharge your audio gear, or the sound quality is poor.

With more than 30 years experience in testing and reviewing consumer audio products for all kinds of media outlets and big-name brands around the world, the Tom's Guide audio team follows a rigorous test regime when it comes to determining the best products for recommendation in our buying guides.

In determining the best wireless earbuds, we consider fit, battery life, sound quality, design and value (are they worth the price?). We also factor in features like how well the controls work and how easily the earbuds pair with our playback devices.

In terms of sound quality, we listen to many sample tracks that span a number of genres, including hip-hop, rock, jazz, classical and R&B, while evaluating volume, clarity and fullness. We also make phone calls to assess both call quality and microphone performance.

To discover more information on what we listen for during our testing and reviewing process, take a look at our companion page on how to get the best headphone sound for you.

During the testing phase, our reviewers wear each pair of headphones for several hours at a time throughout the course of a week. Reviewers will make a note of the battery life performance in real world use, and assess how well this matches the rated battery life provided by earbud makers.

Star ratings explained: We evaluate earbuds based on a five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). If a product hits nearly every mark, it’s awarded a coveted Recommended badge, while our Best Value award speaks for itself. Only products with truly exceptional performance across the board are awarded an Editor's Choice badge.

For more information, check out our how we test page for Tom's Guide.

Here at Tom’s Guide our expert editors are committed to bringing you the best news, reviews and guides to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve!

Tammy and her generous collection of headphones have found a new home — Tom's Guide! After a two-and-a-half-year stint as iMore's resident audiophile, Tammy's reviews and buying guide expertise have more focus than ever on Tom's Guide, helping buyers find the audio gear that works best for them. Tammy has worked with some of the most desirable audio brands on the planet in her time writing about headphones, speakers, and more, bringing a consumer focussed approach to critique and buying advice. Away from her desk, you'll probably find her in the countryside writing (extremely bad) poetry, or putting her screenwriting Masters to good use creating screenplays that'll never see the light of day.

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