The marketplace for true wi-fi earbuds has exploded, and whereas which means extra selections, it additionally means extra confusion on the subject of choosing one of the best wi-fi earbuds in your wants. From premium choices just like the AirPods Professional 2, which mix modern design with spectacular energetic noise cancellation, to fashions that prioritize distinctive sound high quality, there’s a pair of Bluetooth earbuds for everybody. These compact units additionally now supply options that rival conventional, over-ear headphones, which may make them the go-to alternative for music lovers, commuters, gym-goers and lots of in between.
I’ve examined and reviewed dozens of units of earbuds a yr for Engadget, continuously pitting new fashions towards the earlier greatest throughout all price ranges to maintain this listing of one of the best true wi-fi earbuds updated. This information explains why my present alternatives for one of the best wi-fi earbuds made the reduce, and provides some buying recommendation when it comes to all the pieces you might want to know earlier than selecting one of the best true wi-fi earbuds in your wants.
If earbuds aren’t your jam, nevertheless, you may take a look at our best headphones buying guide, protecting our favourite wi-fi, over-ear headphones, noise-canceling headphones and extra.
Desk of contents
Greatest wi-fi earbuds of 2025
What to search for in wi-fi earbuds
In terms of purchasing for earphones, the very first thing to contemplate is design or put on model. Do you like a semi-open match like AirPods or would you like one thing that utterly closes off your ears? If you happen to’re purchasing for earbuds with energetic noise cancellation, you will need the latter, however a case will be made for the previous if you wish to put on all of them day or frequent locations the place you might 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 dimensions and weight, so that you’ll need to take into account all that earlier than deciding. And bear in mind: audio corporations aren’t good, so regardless of a number of analysis, the earbud form they selected might not suit you nicely. Don’t be afraid to return ill-fitting earbuds for one thing that’s extra comfy.
As wi-fi earbuds have develop into the norm, they’re now extra dependable for basic items like constant Bluetooth connectivity. Corporations are nonetheless in a race to pack as a lot as they will into more and more smaller designs. This sometimes means an extended listing of options on the extra premium units of earbuds with fundamental performance on the most cost effective fashions. Fastidiously take into account what you may’t stay with out when choosing 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 amount and contact controls as you’ll typically must 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 within the Apple ecosystem, options like auto-pairing with units, particularly with AirPods Professional 2, will be an added benefit, whereas Android customers might need to search for fashions that provide related cross-device performance.
In terms of battery life, the common set of earbuds lasts about 5 hours on a single cost. Yow will discover units that last more, however that is possible sufficient to get you thru a piece day in case you’re docking the buds throughout lunch or the occasional assembly. You’ll need to test on what number of additional expenses can be found 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 number of guarantees, the truth 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 except critiques affirm the claims.
Sound will be subjective, so we suggest making an attempt before you purchase if in any respect doable. That is very true in case you’re an audiophile. We perceive this isn’t straightforward when most of us do plenty of buying on-line, however making an attempt 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 may allow you to take earbuds again you don’t like. After all, it’s important to be prepared to briefly half with funds to be able to do that.
We additionally suggest taking note of issues like Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, 360 Actuality Audio and different immersive codecs. Not all earbuds help them, so that you’ll need to be sure a perspective pair does if that type of factor excites you, particularly in case you plan to make use of them for playback of high-quality audio.
How we take a look at wi-fi Bluetooth earbuds
The first manner we take a look at earbuds is to put on them as a lot as doable. We desire to do that over a one- to two-week interval, however typically embargoes don’t permit it. Throughout this time, we hearken 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 amount set at a snug stage (often round 75 %).
To evaluate audio high quality, we hearken to a spread of genres, noting any variations within the sound profile throughout the types. We additionally take a look at at each high and low volumes to test for consistency within the tuning. To evaluate name high quality, we’ll document audio samples with the earbuds’ microphones in addition to have third events name us.
In terms of 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
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3
The Galaxy Buds 3 mix ANC with an open-type design, which renders the noise-blocking talents of the earbuds largely ineffective. Nonetheless, there’s nice low-end tone with ample bass when a observe calls for it. There are additionally a number of helpful 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 general 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 price sensors work nicely, sending these stats to quite a lot of apps. Nevertheless, that sport-tracking characteristic works greatest with Polar’s app and units, so there’s that consideration. Additionally, the audio high quality and ANC efficiency isn’t nearly as good because the MTW4, and these earbuds are expensive.
Beats Solo Buds
There’s so much to love in regards to the Solo Buds for $80. For me, the first perk is that they’re very comfy to put on for lengthy intervals of time because of some considerate design issues. You solely get the fundamentals right here when it comes to options and, as anticipated, the general sound high quality isn’t nearly as good because the pricier fashions within the Beats lineup. You’ll get 18 hours of battery life although, because the firm nixed the battery within the case and beefed up the listening time within the buds themselves.
Bose Extremely Open Earbuds
Bose created one thing very distinctive for this set of earbuds that means that you can keep in-tune with the world whereas listening to audio content material. The clip-on design could be very comfy, however sound high quality suffers because of the open-type match, particularly on the subject of bass and spatial audio.
Audio-Technica ATH-TWX7
These stick buds have a compact design that’s comfy to put on and the nice and cozy sound profile is nice at occasions. 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 one of the best issues the MW09 has to supply. They’re costly although, and yow will discover higher ANC efficiency elsewhere.
Beats Studio Buds +
Updates to sound, ANC and battery life high the spec sheet here, and the brand new clear colour possibility has some throwback power I really like. However there are some fundamental options lacking, and Beats doesn’t come near Apple’s pure audio high quality in transparency mode.
JBL Tour Professional 2
These earbuds are feature-packed, together with a touchscreen “good case.” They aren’t probably the most constant when it comes to total efficiency although, and I’m not satisfied that case gives plenty of utility simply but.
Wi-fi earbud FAQs
What is taken into account good battery life for true wi-fi earbuds?
Most wi-fi earbuds will final 5 hours on a single cost, as a minimum. Yow will discover some pairs which have even higher battery life, lasting between six and eight hours earlier than they want extra juice. The entire greatest wi-fi earbuds include a charging case, which is able to present further hours of battery life — however you will must return every bud to the case to be able 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 plenty of variables to contemplate and the variations in elements make a direct comparability tough. Personally, I desire the audio high quality from over-ear headphones, however I can let you know the sound from earbuds like Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 3 can be excellent.
Which wi-fi earbuds have the longest battery life?
With new fashions popping out on a regular basis, monitoring the hours of battery life for every this may be tough to maintain 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 checks. The one draw back is these earbuds debuted in 2019 and each know-how 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 many choices lately on the subject of elevated water resistance. To find out the extent of safety, you’ll need to search for an IP (ingress safety) ranking. The primary quantity signifies intrusion safety from issues like mud. The second quantity is the extent of moisture safety and also you’ll need to make it possible for determine is 7 or larger. At this water-resistance ranking, earbuds can face up to full immersion for as much as half-hour in depths as much as one meter (3.28 toes). If both of the IP numbers is an X, which means it doesn’t have any particular safety. For instance, a pair of wi-fi earbuds which are IPX7 wouldn’t be constructed to keep away from mud intrusion, however they might be okay in case you dropped them in shallow water.
Which earbuds keep in ears one of the best?
A safe match can fluctuate wildly from individual to individual. All of our ears are totally different, so audio corporations are designing their merchandise to suit the most individuals they will with a single form. This is the reason AirPods will simply fall out for some however keep put for others. Design touches like wing ideas or fins sometimes come on health fashions and people components might help hold issues in place. You’ll possible simply must strive earbuds on, and in the event that they don’t match nicely return them.
What wi-fi earbuds work with PS5?
PlayStation 5 doesn’t help 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 will let you use any headphones, headset or earbuds with a PS5. After you have one, plug it right into a USB port on the console and pair your earbuds with it.
Current updates
January 2025: Up to date the highest decide for “greatest sounding wi-fi earbuds.”
July 2024: Up to date our listing to incorporate the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Professional.
This text initially appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/best-wireless-earbuds-120058222.html?src=rss
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