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The Best Wireless Earbuds for 2024 (So Far) – Which Is Right for You?

We’ve rounded up the best wireless earbuds for noise-cancellation, running and workout out, as well as the best options under $100.

collage of three earbud sets Sony, Amazon, Apple

By Tucker Bowe

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Updated

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

The first true wireless earbuds date back to 2014, but it was the release of Apple’s AirPods in 2016 that really fired them into the mainstream. True wireless means that there isn’t any kind of cord tethering the two earbuds together, as opposed to just wireless earphones like the Powerbeats or Beats Flex, and since those first AirPods, the market for true wireless earbuds has come a long way.

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These days, there are so many different types of wireless earbuds that you can basically buy the pair that perfectly fits your lifestyle, your budget and, most importantly, your ears. (Remember: if they don’t fit your ears, it doesn’t matter how good they sound.) Many of today’s wireless earbuds also offer new-age features, such as active and transparency modes, wireless charging, and even high-resolution audio.

Apple’s original AirPods set the benchmark for wireless earbuds back in 2016, but the market has moved far beyond them now. And there are a lot of wireless earbuds to choose from these days.

Note: Below you’ll find our picks for the best wireless earbuds of 2023 in four different categories: 1) noise-cancellation, 2) running and working out, 3) under $100 and 4) everything else.

Products in the Guide

What to Look for

Fit: The most important thing when it comes to wireless earbuds is fit. Period. Because if the earbuds don’t fit in your ears, it doesn’t matter how they sound or how many cool features they have — you’re not going to like them. These days, wireless earbuds come in a wide range of styles, from stem-like AirPods to the more conventional “bulb” like the Amazon Echo Buds, so we recommend knowing which fits your ears best before buying.

Type: Before buying any pair of wireless earbuds, you should ask yourself: “How do I plan on using them?” Different wireless earbuds are better at different things. Some are better for running and working out because of their superior grip and high IP rating. Some prioritize sound quality, while others are better at active noise-cancellation. There are some that are good at everything while others are, well, cheap but get the job done.

Sound quality: No wireless earbuds can play true lossless-quality audio because Bluetooth technology can’t support it — the bandwidth is too big. There are some wireless earbuds that can play higher-resolution tracks thanks to support for various formats, like Sony’s LDAC or Apple Music’s spatial audio, but it isn’t truly lossless. Also, these wireless earbuds tend to be more expensive.

Noise-cancellation: There are a lot of wireless earbuds that now support active noise-cancellation and they can range from less than $100 to more than $300. The reality is, however, that the higher-end wireless earbuds are likely going to have more processing power and better quality mics and therefore do a significant job of blocking out ambient noise. Not all active noise-canceling is the same. Far from it.

Charging: Most of today’s wireless earbuds have made the jump to USB-C, but not all. Apple’s line of AirPods still uses the Lightning connection and there are even some that still use micro-USB. The type of charging port your wireless earbuds use is important mainly because of convenience — if it charges using the same charging cable as your smartphone, headphones and laptop, it just makes your life easier.

Other features: The more “premium” wireless earbuds are also likely to come with even more advanced features, such as transparency modes, adjustable EQ and a case that supports wireless charging. The more features and support for advanced technologies the wireless earbuds have, the more expensive you can expect them to be.

How We Tested

earbuds on a deskTucker Bowe

We test a lot of different wireless earbuds — because there are a lot of them out there. We tend to test wireless earbuds in different situations based on their skill sets. For example, we test noise-canceling wireless earbuds in both noisy and quiet environments, the latter of which is best for sound quality. We test go running (and sweating) while wearing more workout-focused wireless earbuds to see how they stay in and stack up. As is the case with any wireless earbuds, the most important thing is fit; so even if we like a certain pair of wireless earbuds, it’s important for you to know what kinds of earbuds fit you best because everybody’s ears are a little different.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

The Best Wireless Earbuds for Active Noise-Cancellation

Sony WF-1000XM5

Pros

  • Excellent sound quality
  • One of the best noise-cancelling wireless earbuds you can buy
  • Earbuds are smaller, fit better
  • Features galore

Cons

  • At $300, they're one of the more expensive wireless earbuds out there
  • Touch controls aren't my favorite

Released: July 2023

The Sony WF-1000XM5 is the company’s newest flagship pair of noise-canceling wireless earbuds. They have most of the same features and abilities as their predecessors, the 2021-released Sony WF-1000XM4, but Sony decked them out with better noise cancellation, better sound quality and better call clarity. The real difference is that each XM5 earbud is about 25 percent smaller and therefore fit more comfortably in your ears.

To learn more, read our review of the Sony WF-1000XM5.

sony m5 earbudsTucker Bowe

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

Pros

  • Exceptional active noise-cancellation
  • Improved sound quality
  • Charging case is more compact and pocketable than before

Cons

  • Each earbud is still rather large
  • Bose increased the price quite

Released: September 2022

Bose’s second-generation QuietComfort Earbuds are quite the improvement. Each earbud is roughly 30 percent smaller than its predecessors (although each earbud is still rather large). More importantly, they have drastically improved noise cancellation and noticeably better sound quality, too. They boast an improved mic array for better call quality, too. The QuietComfort Earbuds are undoubtedly one of the best noise-canceling wireless earbuds you can buy, even if they are quite a bit more expensive than their previous models.

To learn more, read our review of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II.

bose quietcomfort earbuds ii
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II have the most powerful active noise-cancellation we’ve ever tested in a pair of wireless earbuds.
Tucker Bowe

AirPods Pro 2

Pros

  • Excellent sound quality
  • Drastically improved noise-cancellation and transparency modes
  • On-ear controls for volume

Cons

  • Still pretty expensive
  • Still don't support lossless streaming
  • Best features won't work when paired with non-Apple devices

Released: September 2022

The second-generation AirPods Pro look and fit almost identically to their 2019-released predecessor, but Apple made them better in just about every way. Thanks to a new H2 chip and a new driver, they sound significantly better and have much-improved noise-cancellation and transparency modes. The charging case has a built-in speaker and works just like AirTag, so you can have it play a noise and track it down using the Find My app; you can even wirelessly charge it with an Apple Watch puck. And maybe most notably, they are the first AirPods with volume controls right on the earbuds.

Read our full review of the AirPods Pro 2, here.

Note: As of September 2023, Apple has released updated AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging case.

earbuds on a desk
The newest AirPods Pro sound better and have better noise-cancellation than their predecessors. The biggest difference, however, might be the fact that you can adjust the volume right just by swiping the stem of each earbud.
Tucker Bowe

Sennheiser Momentum TW 3

Pros

  • Super sound quality
  • Great noise-cancellation
  • Unique look

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Fit won't be for everybody

Released: May 2022

Sennheiser’s third-generation wireless earbuds are some of the best you can buy. They build on the truly excellent sound quality of their predecessors, the Momentum TW 2, but deliver even better active noise-cancellation and now come in a case that supports wireless charging. The design of the earbud has also been revamped and shrunk down (albeit slightly) so that they are more comfortable to wear for longer listening sessions. They also work with a companion app that gives you the ability to tweak EQ settings and customize the on-earbud controls.

To learn more, read our review of the Sennheiser Momentum TW 3.

earbuds on a desk
These are Sennheiser’s third-generation wireless earbuds. Compared to the TW2, they deliver improved sound and more powerful noise-cancellation — plus they are cheaper by $50.
Tucker Bowe

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 S2

Pros

  • One of the best-sounding wireless earbuds you can buy
  • Solid build and premium design
  • Charging case doubles as a Bluetooth receiver

Cons

  • Very steep price tag
  • Active noise-cancellation isn't as effective as other flagship options

Released: January 2023

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 S2 are the follow-up to the company’s original PI7. The main difference is the “S2” models have improved battery life and Bluetooth range, but otherwise they are very similar to their predecessors. Like before, they are capable of playing high-resolution audio files up to 24-bit/48 kHz (although you need to stream from a device that supports aptX Adaptive). They have pretty good active noise-cancellation and a charging case that supports for wireless charging. Maybe their coolest feature is that their charging case doubles as a Bluetooth receiver, so you can connect to an in-flight entertainment system and listen to your wireless earbuds as you fly.

To learn more, read our review of the B&W PI7 S2.

ear buds
The PI7 S2 are high-end noise-canceling wireless earbuds. They also have a unique feature: the case doubles as a Bluetooth receiver which allows you to use the PI7 with any device with a headphone jack, such an in-flight entertainment system.
Tucker Bowe

Master & Dynamic MW08

Pros

  • Great sound quality
  • Feature packed
  • Unique design makes them standout

Cons

  • Expensive
  • No wireless charging

Released: April 2021

The Master & Dynamic MW08 is the true successor to the company’s MW07 Plus. They’re about 15 percent smaller yet have slightly larger drivers, so they’re able to deliver a slightly more vibrant and punchier sound. They also work with a companion app (called M&D Connect), unlike any of the company’s previous wireless earbuds, that lets you toggle between various noise-cancellation and transparency modes. The new models are made of a combo of ceramic (rather than acetate) and stainless steel.

To learn more, read our review of the Master & Dynamic MW08.

earbuds on a desk
Master & Dynamic has two different versions of its Mw08 wireless earbuds. The Mw08 “Sport” (right) is exactly the same as the regular MW08 (left), but they have a fancier Kevlar case that supports wireless charging. And they cost $50 more.
Tucker Bowe

Beats Studio Buds +

Pros

  • Hella cool transparent design
  • Improved sound quality, noise-cancellation and call quality
  • Pretty excellent battery life

Cons

  • Noise-cancellation isn't on pair with more expensive noise-canceling wireless earbuds
  • No wireless charging
  • No multi-point Bluetooth for iPhone

Released: May 2023

The Beats Studio Buds + are new and improved versions of Beats’ 2021-released Studio Buds. The “Plus” models look almost identical to those earbuds but have improved sound, better active noise-cancellation and transparency modes, better mics for call quality, and longer battery life. Maybe the coolest feature is that it also come in a wicked cool transparent finish (although you can buy them in black or ivory, too). Like their predecessors, the Studio Buds + are essentially AirPods Pro alternatives. They work very similarly — as Apple owns Beats and has been able to integrate them with similar technologies — but they also have features that make them good fits for Android (like fast pairing and support for Google’s Find My Device).

To learn more, read our review of the Beats Studio Buds +.

beats studio buds plus
The Beats Studio Buds + are very similar to the company’s 2021-released Studio Buds, but the Plus models have big internal upgrades and come in a new transparent design.
Tucker Bowe

The Best Wireless Earbuds for Running and Working Out

Beats Fit Pro

Pros

  • Rugged design
  • Earhook-design easily stays in your ears
  • Similar feature set as AirPods Pro

Cons

  • No wireless charging
  • Aren't as elite sounding as AirPods Pro

Released: October 2021

The Beats Fit Pro is the next evolution of the company’s Powerbeats Pro and one of the best wireless earbuds for runners and athletes. They have a lot in common with Apple’s AirPods Pro since they are powered by the same H1 chip (so they can fast pair to any iPhone); they have the same active-noise-cancellation and transparency modes and support spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. And they sound almost as good. The big difference from AirPods Pro is that the Fit Pro has an all-new flexible earwing tip design to help them better stay in your ears. The only real downside is that they don’t have a case that wirelessly charges.

earbuds on a desk
The Beats Fit Pro are essentially sport-focused AirPods Pro. They have many of the same features (although not the same sound quality or noise-cancellation), but are better suited to stay in your ears during workouts.
Tucker Bowe

Jaybird Vista 2

jaybird vista 2Jaybird

Most Rugged Wireless Earbuds for Running

Jaybird Vista 2

Pros

  • Extremely lightweight and comfortable
  • One of the most rugged wireless earbuds
  • Supports wireless charging

Cons

  • Noise-cancellation isn't elite

Released: May 2021

The Vista 2 are the next-generation versions of Jaybird’s original Vista, which were some of the favorite wireless earbuds for running and working out. The Vista 2 look and fit exactly the same as their predecessors, and they’re designed for the same people: endurance and extreme athletes, such as long-distance runners, trail runners and mountain bikers. Jaybird gave these new wireless earbuds a few meaningful upgrades, however, such as an improved IP68 rating, making them some of the most rugged wireless earbuds you can buy. They also have active noise-cancellation and transparency modes, making them great for runners and bikers who want to block out all the noise — or hear all of it. (Note: if you don’t care about the extra ruggedness or noise-cancellation, you can still buy the original Vista for $50 less.)

earbuds on a desk
The Jaybird Vista 2 are some of our favorite wireless earbuds for running. They have a super high IP68 rating, plus their case is water-resistant as well.
Tucker Bowe

Ultimate Ears Fits

Pros

  • Custom fit is excellent and truly unique
  • Rugged design

Cons

  • Aside from custom fit, they lack a lot of premium features
  • Expensive

Released: October 2020

The UE Fits are different from all other wireless earbuds because they give you a completely custom fit. You place the earbuds in your ears and then, through the companion app, you trigger a 60-second custom molding process that shapes the gel in each ear tip so that it perfectly fits your ears. The UE Fits don’t have a ton of other features —there’s no noise-cancellation or transparency modes, for example — but if you’ve had trouble with wireless earbuds staying in your ears, these are the ones to get.

To learn more, read our review of the UE Fits.

earbuds on a desk
The UE Fits are unique because before wearing them you have to initiate a custom molding process — it’s all done via the app — so that the earbuds perfectly fit your ears.
Tucker Bowe

Beats Powerbeats Pro

Pros

  • Unique design and fit
  • Work very well with iPhone and Apple devices

Cons

  • Expensive design being older
  • Charging case is huge

Released: May 2019

The Powerbeats Pro combines the design, sweat-resistance and sound of Beats’s wireless sport earbuds, the Powerbeats3 Wireless, with the true wireless-ness and functionality of Apple’s second-generation AirPods. They are still a solid option for iPhone owners who can’t wear AirPods, however now that Beats launched the Fits Pro (above), which are essentially a newer (albeit in-ear) version of these wireless earbuds, they do feel a bit dated.

To learn more, read our review of the Powerbeats Pro.

earbuds on a desk
The Powerbeats Pro have been around for several years, but they still one of the few wireless earbuds with an over-ear hook design, which helps them better stay in your ears while running or working out.
Tucker Bowe

The Best Wireless Earbuds Under $100

Amazon Echo Buds (3rd Generation)

Pros

  • One of the cheapest wireless earbuds you can buy
  • Familiar fit and design
  • Good sound for the price

Cons

  • You need to download an app to set up
  • You might want to turn off Alexa
  • IPX2 rating is not fit for working out

Release date: June 2023

Amazon’s newest Echo Buds are a big rethink for the company. Instead of the bulbous design of previous generations, they’ve opted for a stem design similar to Apple’s entry-level AirPods. And they’ve also stripped away a lot “premium” features like active noise-cancellation and wireless charging. The good news is that these wireless earbuds are very cheap, fit very well and work pretty well. The only real catch is that in order to use them you have to download Amazon’s Alexa app; they work with Alexa, too, but you can disable it in the app if you don’t want an always-on voice assistant.

To learn more, read our review of the Amazon Echo Buds (3rd-Generation).

echo buds 2023
Amazon’s cheapest Echo Buds are a great option for those looking for AirPod knockoffs.
Tucker Bowe

Nothing Ear (Stick)

Pros

  • Fantastic and pocketable charging case
  • Cool design with a little retro flair
  • Relatively affordable price

Cons

  • No noise-cancellation or wireless charging
  • Don't sound quite as good as the Nothing Ear (1), which cost $50 more

Released: October 2022

The Nothing Ear (Stick) are the company’s second pair of wireless earbuds and, at $99, they’re positioned as a more budget-friendly version of the Nothing Ear (2), which cost $149. The Ear (Stick) earbuds sacrifice some of the sound quality and the active noise-cancellation of the Ear (2), but they keep the transparent design and have arguably the coolest charging case in all of wireless earbuds. It’s shaped like a lipstick tube and twists open and close, magnetically snapping into place, and it’s just fun (and a little addicting to play with).

To learn more, read our review of the Nothing Ear (Stick).

nothing earstick headphones
The Nothing Ear (Stick) have a cool transparent design and an arguably even cooler charging case that’s shaped like a tube of lipstick and twists open and close.
Tucker Bowe

Jabra Elite 4

Pros

  • Great value for money
  • Sound quality is better than you might expect
  • Comfortable fit and design
  • Supports Bluetooth multi-point

Cons

  • Noise-cancellation isn't all that great

Released: March 2023

The Jabra Elite 4 are the company’s midrange pair of wireless earbuds. They have a similar design as the company’s higher-end offerings, like the Elite 5 ($150) and Elite 7 Pro ($200), and even boast active noise-cancellation and transparency modes — although they’re nothing to write home about (which you’d expect from affordable earbuds). They have a high water-resistance rating, IP55, so they’re more than capable for working out with. And they’re available in several different color options.

jabra elite 4
The Elite 4 have a similar fit and design as Jabra’s higher-end earbuds, but they are significantly more affordable.
Tucker Bowe

Google Pixel Buds A-Series

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Excellent fit
  • Water-resistant design

Cons

  • Works best with Android smartphone
  • No wireless charging

Released: June 2021

The Pixel Buds A-Series is a more affordable alternative to the company’s now antiquated Pixel Buds 2. They are exactly the same in almost every way, but Google has cut some of the “luxury” features, like wireless charging and swipe controls, in order to keep the cost down. That said, these are some of the best wireless earbuds you can buy for less than $100.

earbuds on a desk
Google’s Pixel Buds A-Series are the company’s budget-friendly wireless earbuds. They cost less than $100.
Tucker Bowe

Anker Soundcore Life P3

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Really rugged design
  • Fit similar to AirPods Pro

Cons

  • Lack high-end features

Released: April 2021

The Soundcore Life P3 are excellent wireless earbuds for runners that are shopping on a budget. They have a familiar AirPods Pro-esque fit and charge via USB-C. Aside from the price, the standout feature of the Life P3 is its IPX5 rating, which is as higher than a lot of fitness-focused wireless earbuds.

earbuds on a desk
Anker’s Soundcore Life P3 have a similar long-stem design as Apple’s original AirPods, but they are more affordable and come in several different colors (in addition to white).
Tucker Bowe

Best Wireless Earbuds for Everything Else

Apple AirPods (3rd-Generation)

Pros

  • Work mostly like Apple's AirPods Pro
  • Supports spacial audio and Dolby Atmos
  • Wireless charging

Cons

  • No active noise-cancellation
  • Fairly expensive

Released: October 2021

Apple’s 3rd-generation AirPods are the mid-tier wireless earbuds between the company’s high-end AirPods Pro and entry-level AirPods. They share a similar design and sound to the AirPods Pro aside from the silicon ear tips (so they don’t fit in your ears quite as well), and they support spatial audio (with Dolby Atmos) and have a wireless charging case. The big tradeoff is that they lack active noise-cancellation and transparency modes. Unlike the entry-level AirPods, these new models are safe working out thanks to their IPX4 water- and sweat-resistant rating.

To learn more, read our review of the AirPods 3.

earbuds on a desk
The AirPods 3 are Apple’s mid-range wireless earbuds. They lack noise-cancellation or transparency but have the best battery life of any AirPods.
Tucker Bowe

Nothing Ear (2)

Pros

  • Still one of the coolest looking wireless earbuds
  • Lots of new customization options for sound
  • A bunch of welcome new features like Bluetooth multipoint and squeeze controls on the stems

Cons

  • The ANC doesn't compete with other premium wireless earbuds
  • Some of its coolest features aren't available to most people
  • $150 isn't that cheap

Released: March 2023

Nothing’s first pair of wireless earbuds were pretty excellent, and the second-generation models build on that same foundation. The Ear (2) have improved sound that’s significantly more customizable; the app lets you adjust the EQ in myriad ways and even create a custom sound profile for yourself. They have improved new on-stem playback controls, support for Bluetooth multi-point (so you can simultaneously connect two devices), better battery life and a slightly more rugged design. As for design, they have the exact same translucent design (thanks to a collaboration with Teenage Engineering) that makes them look completely different from most other wireless earbuds. The only real catch is that, at $150, their noise-canceling and transparency modes, as well as their sound quality, aren’t as good as more premium options out there.

To learn more, read our review of the Nothing Ear (2).

nothing ear 2 on a table
The Nothing Ear (2) look identical to their predecessors, the Ear (1), but boast key upgrades to sound quality, noise-cancellation and other features.
Tucker Bowe

Sony LinkBuds S

Pros

  • Solid noise-cancellation and sound quality
  • Feature packed
  • Comfortable design

Cons

  • Not as good as the Sony WF-1000XM4
  • $200 feels expensive

Released: May 2022

The LinkBuds S are essentially more affordable versions of Sony’s flagship WF-1000XM4. They have most of the same features, including noise-cancellation and transparency modes and support for LDAC (Sony’s codec for streaming high-resolution audio tracks over Bluetooth) — just don’t expect them to deliver these features at quite the same level as Sony’s more expensive earbuds.

To learn more, read our review of the Sony LinkBuds S.

sony linkbuds s
The LinkBuds S are the most affordable noise-canceling wireless earbuds that Sony makes.
Tucker Bowe

Sony LinkBuds

Pros

  • Innovative and tiny design
  • Natural transparency mode
  • Often can be found discounted

Cons

  • Lack premium features
  • Fit won't be for everybody

Released: February 2022

The Sony LinkBuds are unique wireless earbuds because of their size (tiny) and their innovative design — there’s a physical hole in the middle of each wireless earbud. The idea is that it’s like an always-on transparency mode, so you can hear your music while also the world around you. They lack the noise-cancellation or premium sound quality of Sony’s other more expensive wireless earbuds, but they do work with the same companion app and have a lot of customizable settings. They’re available now in either white or black.

To learn more, read our review of the Sony LinkBuds.

earbuds on a desk
The LinkBuds S (left) and LinkBuds (right) are Sony’s more affordable alternatives to its flagship WF-1000XM4.
Tucker Bowe

Poly Voyager Free 60+ UC

Pros

  • Touchscreen display feels really novel and future-facing
  • One of the most versatile and feature-packed wireless earbuds
  • Excellent microphone quality for calls

Cons

  • Wish the touchscreen display showed more
  • ANC isn't as elite as the latest offerings by Sony, Bose and Apple
  • $330 makes them one of the more expensive wireless earbuds out there

Released: March 2023

The Poly Voyager Free 60+ UC are high-end noise-canceling wireless earbuds with a built-in touchscreen that can be used for various things, including playback and volume controls. They come with some pretty unique features that few other wireless earbuds have. For example, the charging case comes with a removable USB Bluetooth transmitter that you can use to quickly connect the wireless earbuds to your computer. The case also doubles as a Bluetooth transmitter, so when used with the included USB-C-to-3.5mm cable, you can use the wireless earbuds with an in-flight entertainment system or another analog source. They are certified for video conferencing apps like Microsoft Teams and Zoom — and at $330, they’re on the pricier end of the spectrum.

To learn more, read our review of the Poly Voyager Free 60+ UC.

poly voyager 60 earbuds
The Poly Voyager Free 60+ UC are high-end noise-canceling wireless earbuds with a touchscreen built right into their charging case.
Tucker Bowe

Amazon Echo Buds (2nd-Gen)

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Wireless charging
  • Above average noise-cancellation

Cons

  • Fit isn't for everybody
  • Feel kind of cheap

Released: May 2021

Amazon’s second-generation wireless earbuds improve on the first-gen models in basically every way. Amazon made them smaller and lighter so that they’re significantly more comfortable to wear; plus they come with silicone earbuds and wing tips, in case you want to wear them while running. They deliver significantly better sound quality and noise cancellation. And they also charge via USB-C instead of micro-USB. For the price, you can’t really beat them. The only decision you’ll have to make, other than if you want them in white or black, is if you want to spend an extra $20 for a charging case that wireless charges.

For those looking for a more affordable option, Amazon makes new Echo Buds (2nd-Generation) with a new stem design and no active noise-cancellation.

earbuds on a desk
The second-generation Echo Buds can be purchased with or without a wireless charging case. Depends if you want to spend the extra $20.
Tucker Bowe

Sony WF-C700N

Pros

  • One of the more affordable noise-canceling wireless earbuds
  • Support for Sony's Headphones Connect app
  • Support for 360 Reality Audio tracks

Cons

  • Noise-cancellation isn't nearly as elite as Sony's more expensive options
  • Lack support for LDAC audio files

Released: April 2023

The Sony WF-C700N is the company’s most affordable pair of noise-canceling wireless earbuds. They have a similar fit (albeit are slightly smaller) as the more entry-level WF-C500N. They are compatible with Sony’s Headphones Connect app, which allows you to tweak various audio settings and controls. However, they’ve been upgraded with decent noise-canceling abilities and support for 360 Reality Audio tracks. They lack support for LDAC audio files like Sony’s higher-end wireless earbuds and, obviously, can’t deliver the same level of audio quality and noise cancellation. Additionally, they charge via USB-C. Think of these as a great budget alternative to Apple’s AirPods.

To learn more, read our guide to Sony headphones and wireless earbuds.

Apple AirPods (2nd-Generation)

apple airpodsApple

Most Affordable AirPods

Apple AirPods (2nd-Gen)

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Work excellently with any iPhone or Apple device

Cons

  • Have to pay extra for a wireless charging case
  • No noise-cancellation

Released: March 2019

The second-generation AirPods look identically to the ones that were released in 2016, and they work almost exactly the same way — but they up the ante in quite a few ways. With the new H1 chip, they pair faster, have better battery life and better mics. And they support “Hey Siri” voice commands, so you don’t need to push any button to activate the voice assistant. Apple now offers the option of a wireless charging case, as long as you’re willing to pay a little extra. Unlike AirPods Pro, these entry-level AirPods lack noise-canceling and transparency modes; they also lack support for spatial audio and Dolby Atmos. That said, if you have an iPhone these are by-far-and-away the best true wireless earbuds you can buy.

To learn more, read our review of the AirPods 2.

earbuds on a desk
If you’re on a tight budget or just like the long-stem fit and design, you can often find these AirPods for less than $100.
Tucker Bowe

New and Upcoming Releases

Our recommendations are based on real-world testing. Here’s a snapshot of new and unreleased earbuds our testers are considering for future updates to this guide.

Astell&Kern UW100 MK II: The hi-fi company’s second-generation wireless earbuds, the UW100 MK II, look almost identical and cost the same as their 2022-released processors. The difference is that they have improved sound and battery life, and they come in a significantly smaller charging case. They cost $299.

Denon PerL Pro: These are Denon’s first wireless earbuds not under the Nura name. They support active noise-cancellation higher-res streaming. They cost $349, which is a lot; Denon has more affordable “non-Pro” models that cost $199.
JBL Tour Pro 2: Announced at CES 2023, these are unique wireless earbuds because they have a 1.45-inch touchscreen integrated in its charging case. This display will allow you to adjust the volume of your music, switch between tracks and switch between listening modes; it’ll also show you push notifications from your smartphone. The earbuds themselves have active noise-cancellation and support spatial audio. Expected to be released in Spring 2023.

Beyerdynamic Free Byrd: The German hi-fi brand recently announced its first-ever pair of wireless earbuds. The Free Byrd promise excellent sound quality and, uniquely, will be able to optimize sound specifically for your ears (thanks to an in-app administered hearing test. The Free Byrd supports other premium features such as active noise-cancellation and transparency modes, as well as a case that supports wireless charging. They cost $249.

UE Drops: As of late July 2022, Ultimate Ears announced a new high-end pair of wireless earbuds called the UE Drops. They are unique because they are custom-molded to your ears — and thus are designed to create the perfect fit — plus they promise far superior sound quality and more features compared to the company’s 2020-released UE Fits. They cost $449.

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