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A profile shot of tester John Higgins wearing the Sony WF-1000XM5 in public. Credit: Reviewed / John Higgins

The Best Wireless Earbuds of 2024

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

A profile shot of tester John Higgins wearing the Sony WF-1000XM5 in public. Credit: Reviewed / John Higgins

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Editor's Choice Product image of Sony WF-1000XM5
Best Overall

Sony WF-1000XM5

Check Price at Amazon

The Sony WF-1000XM5 deliver class-leading noise-canceling performance with excellent sound quality and an app that offers a bunch of customizability. Read More

Pros

  • Class leading ANC
  • Excellent, balanced sound
  • Works for both Apple and Android

Cons

  • Fit takes fiddling
2
Editor's Choice Product image of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Best for iPhone

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

Check Price at Amazon

Apple’s updated AirPods Pro may look the same, but features like Adaptive Transparency and next-gen noise canceling make them the best buds around. Read More

Pros

  • Next-gen noise canceling
  • Adaptive Transparency mode
  • Sound and battery boost

Cons

  • No EQ or ANC adjustment
  • No separate app for Android
3
Editor's Choice Product image of Jabra Elite 7 Active
Best for Running

Jabra Elite 7 Active

Check Price at Amazon

Jabra's Elite 7 Active provide a stable fit, sporty performance, and great features, from solid ANC and multipoint pairing to rugged waterproofing. Read More

Pros

  • Snug and stable fit
  • Great battery and waterproofing
  • Loaded with features

Cons

  • So-so default sound
4
Editor's Choice Product image of Anker Soundcore Space A40
Best Value

Anker Soundcore Space A40

Check Price at Amazon

The Soundcore Space A40 set a new mark for earbuds under $100 thanks to great sound and noise canceling that outperforms many pricier options. Read More

Pros

  • Amazing ANC for the price
  • Customizable sound profiles
  • Great battery life

Cons

  • Little sizzly out of the box
  • Lows can cover vocals
5
Editor's Choice Product image of Sony WF-1000XM4

Sony WF-1000XM4

Check Price at Amazon

Sony's flagship wireless earbuds aren't cheap, but they offer gorgeous sound, incredible battery life, and excellent noise canceling. Read More

Pros

  • Fantastic noise canceling
  • Superb sound
  • Next-gen battery life

Cons

  • No good solution for volume control
  • Missing some features
  • Best Overall Sony WF-1000XM5
  • Best for iPhone Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
  • Best for Running Jabra Elite 7 Active
  • Best Value Anker Soundcore Space A40
  • Other Top Wireless Earbuds We Tested
  • How We Test Wireless Earbuds
  • How to Choose the Best Wireless Earbuds
  • More Articles You Might Enjoy

Great earbuds have never been more plentiful or more affordable. Right now, our top pick for the best earbuds of 2023 is Sony's WF-1000XM5 (available at Amazon for $278.00) . These buds offer the best noise canceling we’ve ever heard, great audio performance, and a killer app with loads of customizability.

If you're looking for more specialized earbuds to work within the Apple ecosystem or to wear to the gym, we've got you covered. We’ve evaluated plenty of other excellent in-ear wireless earbuds from Apple, Jabra, Bose, Samsung, Sennheiser, and more in both real-world scenarios and lab tests. No matter your needs, there’s a great pair of earbuds here for you.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 in their charing case being held in someone's fingers above green grass.
Credit: Reviewed / John Higgins

Not only do the Sony WF-1000XM5 deliver the best noise-canceling performance, they sound excellent, too.

Best Overall
Sony WF-1000XM5
  • Ambient sound modes: Noise canceling, adaptive transparency mode
  • Dust and water resistance: IPX4
  • Battery life: 8 hours with ANC; up to 24 hours with the case

Apple bumped Sony and its WF-1000XM4 from the top of our best earbuds list when the AirPods Pro 2 came out in September 2022. But Sony has now responded to reclaim the throne with the WF-1000XM5.

The WF-1000XM5's noise-canceling performance might be incremental rather than a leap in performance, but they still slightly exceed both the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II. While the XM5 let in a little more of a low-frequency airplane drone, they don’t have the added high-end hiss found on the Bose and Apple. Plus, they do a better job attenuating troublesome midrange frequencies like coffeehouse chatter.

The WF-1000XM5 do beat the QCEII and AirPods Pro 2 in two important ways. Sound quality for both music and calls far exceeds the performance of the Bose, and unlike the AirPods, the XM5 function just as well with Apple products as they do with Android. Getting a solid fit can take some effort, but overall there isn’t a better pair of wireless earbuds available.

Read our full Sony WF-1000XM5 review.

Pros

  • Class leading ANC

  • Excellent, balanced sound

  • Works for both Apple and Android

Cons

  • Fit takes fiddling

$278.00 from Amazon

$279.99 from Best Buy

$279.99 from Target

$238.00 from Walmart
An image of the Apple AirPods Pro in a case on grass.
Credit: Reviewed / Ryan Waniata

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) deliver significant upgrades to noise canceling, transparency mode, and sound.

Best for iPhone
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
  • Ambient sound modes: Noise canceling, Adaptive Transparency mode
  • Dust and water resistance: IPX4
  • Battery life: 6 hours with ANC (up to 7 without), up to 31 hours with the case

The AirPods Pro 2 represent a huge upgrade over the groundbreaking Airpods Pro. They may not look much different, but the battery life, sound, and noise canceling have all vastly improved.

The new noise canceling is the second-best we’ve seen in a pair of earbuds, beat only by Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II. Both of them beat out even high-end over-ear options like Sony’s WH-1000XM5.

Apple’s Adaptive Transparency mode is also a huge benefit. Clear and natural-sounding, it can also help block out loud noises nearby, reducing them to 85dB in real time. (Please note that they’re no substitute for proper ear protection in loud environments.)

On top of that, you get better call quality and better audio (particularly the bass) in the same tiny package. The wireless charging case now also boasts a speaker. If you lose your earbuds, the Find My app can make them emit a sound so you can find them. Apple recently released an updated case that includes USB-C instead of Lightning (both are still available, so be sure to buy the one that you want).

Every set of earbuds has its downsides. We wish Apple equipped these with better battery life. We’d love more control over audio features like EQ and ANC. We’d also love it if non-Apple platforms had any kind of app or settings menu.

Still, most of those complaints are minor in the face of the features on offer. As long as you’re in Apple’s ecosystem (and can afford it), the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) retain their predecessors’ title as the best earbuds you can buy.

Read our full AirPods Pro (2nd generation) review.

Pros

  • Next-gen noise canceling

  • Adaptive Transparency mode

  • Sound and battery boost

Cons

  • No EQ or ANC adjustment

  • No separate app for Android

$199.00 from Amazon

$269.00 from Walmart
A pair of blue earbuds sits on a wooden plank with their case open.
Credit: Reviewed/Ryan Waniata

The Jabra Elite 7 Active are great for working out, and so much more.

Best for Running
Jabra Elite 7 Active
  • Ambient sound modes: Noise canceling, transparency mode
  • Dust and water resistance: IP57
  • Battery life: Up to 8 hours with ANC, 35 hours with the case

The Jabra Elite 7 Active are great wireless earphones for just about anyone. But their nimble design and stable fit make them particularly great for earbuds for working out. Their hearty, IP57-rated dust and water resistance even lets you safely rinse them off after a workout.

In addition to rugged portability, they’re loaded with features. A finder function makes sure you won't lose track of them. Transparency mode lets you hear the world around you, and mid-level noise canceling lets you block it out. They even have multipoint pairing, a rarity at this price, giving them some versatility.

The audio performance is solid, though you may want some EQ to smooth out the relatively bright sound signature. Jabra’s personalization sound test will spin up an audio profile tailored to your ears, giving you a stronger default sound profile. Jabra's signature playback controls are intuitive and customizable, offering one of the best user experiences in the true wireless game.

The Jabra Elite 7 Active are a great pick for your workout. But their superb durability, strong performance, and well-rounded user experience make them great for so much more. If you prefer slightly improved call quality, the Elite 7 Pro are nearly identical, but lose the grippy exterior in exchange for a better phone experience.

Either way, you'll be getting a great pair of durable earbuds, armed for virtually any scenario you can throw at them.

Read our full Jabra Elite 7 Active review.

Pros

  • Snug and stable fit

  • Great battery and waterproofing

  • Loaded with features

Cons

  • So-so default sound

Buy now at Amazon

$104.99 from Walmart
A man wearing the Anker Soundcore Space A40 earbuds while standing outside in front of a tree.`
Credit: Reviewed / John Higgins

The Anker Soundcore Space A40 earbuds deliver the best ANC performance you can get for under $100.

Best Value
Anker Soundcore Space A40
  • Battery life: 10 hours, up to 50 with the case
  • Ambient sound modes: Adaptive ANC, Transparency mode
  • Dust/water resistance: IPX4 rating

Anker has been leading the charge with phenomenal, inexpensive noise-canceling headphones for the past few years. The Soundcore Space A40 is its best offering yet. The ANC is at least as good as earbuds well above their price point.

The noise canceling here dispatches constant drones and hums as well as you’d expect. However, it punches well above its weight when dealing with more complicated sounds like crowd chatter. It may not wipe the noise out completely, but you won’t have to turn the music up very high to finish the job.

As a little bonus, there are also two transparency modes. One lets voices through if you need to talk to people around you but want to remain otherwise unbothered. The other, full-range option lets everything through.

The sound profile is solid overall, but not exceptional. The good news is that tweaking it is easy. An 8-band EQ lets you tailor the sound to your liking, and the HearID Sound feature will profile your ears and generate a custom EQ curve that’s typically much better. The Anker Soundcore Space A40 also support hi-res audio and LDAC.

Controls like voice assistant activation, ambient sound mode tweaks, volume, and track controls are all fully customizable. You can assign them to taps and swipes of the earbuds, or leave them off entirely.

Throw wireless case charging on top of the features pile, and the Anker Space A40 set a new standard for earbuds performance at their low price point.

Pros

  • Amazing ANC for the price

  • Customizable sound profiles

  • Great battery life

Cons

  • Little sizzly out of the box

  • Lows can cover vocals

Buy now at Amazon

$74.99 from Walmart

Other Top Wireless Earbuds We Tested

Product image of Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony WF-1000XM4
  • Ambient sound modes: Noise canceling, transparency mode
  • Dust and water resistance: IPX4
  • Battery life: 8 hours with ANC (12 without), up to 36 hours with the case

Sony's WF-1000XM4 are the in-ear cousin of their WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones. They offer similarly powerful noise-canceling, sound quality, and design. They’re serious players in the earbud world—with a serious price, to match.

It’s hard to find earbuds with better sound, at once smooth and rich with detail. That sweet sound is boosted further by the powerful noise canceling, giving you plenty of clarity in your audio.

In Sony’s Headphones Connect app, you can adjust the 5-band EQ and several other settings. There’s even a feature to automatically switch between noise canceling and ambient audio based on your routines and locations. The touch controls are minimal—swapping in a fresh feature means losing volume control—but you do have some adjustability.

Even after a couple years, the WF-1000XM4 are still among the best earbuds you can buy.

Read our full WF-1000XM4 review.

Pros

  • Fantastic noise canceling

  • Superb sound

  • Next-gen battery life

Cons

  • No good solution for volume control

  • Missing some features

Buy now at Amazon

$279.99 from Walmart
Product image of Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
  • Ambient sound modes: Noise canceling, Adaptive Transparency mode
  • Dust and water resistance: IPX4
  • Battery life: 6 hours with ANC, up to 24 hours with the case

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II sit closely alongside the Sony WF-1000XM5 and AirPods Pro 2 at top of the list for pure ANC performance. Like many noise-canceling headphones, they’re great at wiping out airplane noise, air conditioning, and other drones. But they’re also effective at more complicated, midrange sounds like crowd chatter.

The sound performance is solid, and bolstered by a 3-band EQ in the app. There are more fine-tuned EQs out there, but it’s helpful in taming some of the harsher frequencies. The app also lets you customize the touch controls. You can cycle through track navigation, volume, ANC mode switching, and voice assistant activation.

Our biggest frustration here is phone call quality. Background noises like traffic, or even a light breeze, can become mighty roars that drown out your voice on the other end of the phone. We’d also love to see a stronger active transparency mode, like the AirPods Pro 2, and a few more customization options.

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II review.

Pros

  • Incredible noise canceling

  • Clear sound

  • Secure and light fit

Cons

  • Lackluster call performance

  • Missing some standard features

$199.00 from Amazon

$199.00 from Best Buy

$279.00 from Walmart
Product image of Jabra Elite 85t True Wireless
Jabra Elite 85t True Wireless
  • Ambient sound modes: Noise canceling, transparency mode
  • Dust and water resistance: IPX4
  • Battery life: 5.5 hours with ANC (7 without), up to 25 hours with the case

Jabra’s Elite 85t have been around our list for some time now, and while the competition's gotten stiffer, their price keeps getting lower.

These buds are brilliantly balanced. Their great sound is bolstered by strong active noise canceling, easy tap controls, and plenty of other features. They work well with Android and iPhone alike.

The 85t are exceptionally comfortable for in-ear headphones. even over long stretches of time. They may not fit as securely as more streamlined pairs, but with the right size tips, you can still get a secure seal without plugging up your ears.

Jabra’s excellent Sound+ app lets you customize the controls, the noise canceling, and the incredibly natural-sounding transparency mode. The physical controls are buttons that are easy to press with gloves on. You also get auto-pause, multipoint connection, and a wireless charging case.

The 85t’s 7 hours of battery life are decent, but not exactly cutting-edge. Additionally, only the right earbud can be used on its own. If you want mono sound due to hearing loss in one ear, that could be a serious limitation.

That said, they still sound great after all these years, have excellent noise canceling, and potent usability in most other respects. This is still a solid set of earbuds.

Read our full Jabra Elite 85t review.

Pros

  • Outstanding features and design

  • Rich, balanced sound

  • Impressive noise canceling

Cons

  • Not as sport-friendly as other Jabra buds

Buy now at Jabra

$176.37 from Amazon

$88.99 from Walmart
Product image of Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
  • Ambient sound modes: Active noise canceling, Transparency mode
  • Water resistance: IPX7
  • Battery life: Up to 5 hours with ANC (8 without), up to 30 hours with charging case

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are the natural complement to Android devices, particularly Samsung Galaxy phones. The audio presets are all strong, and the ANC has been improved over earlier Galaxy Buds. It’s better-equipped to deal with low drone sounds and modestly improved with midrange sounds like keyboard clicks or nearby conversations.

The design is smaller than the Galaxy Buds Pro by 15 percent, giving them a slimmer profile when worn. Their fit is solid, and with IPX7 water resistance they’re a good workout solution. Samsung has also changed to a matte finish over the gloss over previous iterations, which is a look we prefer.

There are plenty of compelling features, but most of them are exclusive to Android devices. Apple users will miss out on Auto Switch, Easy Pair, Bixby voice control 360 spatial audio, and 24-bit high-res audio. They have an underwhelming 5-hour battery life, but fortunately they can give you another hour of listening with just a five-minute charge in their case.

For anyone entrenched in the Samsung (or Android) ecosystem, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro deliver a package that’s hard to beat.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro review.

Pros

  • Small, lightweight, comfortable

  • Excellent audio performance

  • Solid ANC

Cons

  • No multipoint pairing

  • Samsung-only features

$229.00 from Samsung

$179.99 from Amazon

$189.99 from Best Buy

$189.99 from Target
Product image of Jabra Elite 4 Active
Jabra Elite 4 Active
  • Ambient sound modes: Noise canceling, transparency mode
  • Water resistance: IP57
  • Battery life: 6-7 hours with ANC, 28 hours with the case

A strong contender in the value space, the Jabra Elite 4 earbuds offer a little bit of everything. They blend good sound, good features, and sporty design at one of the lowest price points available for a pair this feature-rich.

Jabra’s added their typical thoughtfulness for workout features. You get a snug fit, transparency mode for jogging safety, and strong water and dust resistance. Of course, if you want to just wear them while gardening, you can do that, too. They may not compete against the top tier, but they’re phenomenal for their price class.

In that price class, you lose some features. There’s no auto-pause when you remove the earbuds, and no wireless charging case. Android users at least get extras like Google Fast Pair and one-tap Spotify access. Everyone gets a 5-band EQ, customizable controls, an earbuds finder, and more.

Jabra’s Elite 4 offers great all-around performance for a good value. They’re a great all-around set for a reasonable price, and they’re especially effective as a workout companion.

Read our full Jabra Elite 4 review.

Pros

  • Snug, weatherproof design

  • Active noise canceling

  • Great features and battery

Cons

  • No auto-pause

  • Sluggish app connection

Buy now at Jabra

$89.99 from Amazon

$89.99 from Walmart
Product image of Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
  • Ambient sound modes: Noise canceling, transparency mode
  • Water resistance: IPX4
  • Battery life: ~5.5 hours with ANC (7 without), up to 28 hours with the case

Sennheiser’s Momentum TW 3 earbuds deliver awe-inspiring Sennheiser sound with a reworked noise cancellation that’s responsive and powerful enough to hold its own.

The TW3’s soundstage is brighter, clever, and with more definition. A three-band EQ allows a little room for adjustment, as well. The controls can be customized, the case charges wirelessly, and you get features like auto-pause and the ability to use one earbud at a time. They also support advanced audio codecs like aptX Adaptive and AAC for improved sound for Android or iPhone respectively.

Sporty, comfy, and with a wide range of ear tips and fins, they offer a great fit. They may not be the greatest to run with, but they’ll work in a pinch for most activities. They’re also reasonably priced, Their new design makes them sportier and comfier thanks to multiple ear tips and fins to keep them tight in your ear. They may not be your go-to running buds, but they’ll work in a pinch for most any activity.

Downsides include a slightly bulky charging case, and a lack of features like an earbuds finder or multipoint connection. They’re also not as comfortable for us as semi-open pairs like Jabra’s Elite 85t.

Still, in all, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 earbuds combine top-notch audio quality, impressive noise cancellation, and good features for a strong listening experience.

Read our full Momentum TW 3 review.

Pros

  • Fantastic sound quality

  • Much improved ANC

  • Smaller footprint

Cons

  • Bulky, heavy case

  • No multipoint pairing

$187.11 from Amazon

$279.99 from Best Buy

$199.95 from Walmart
Product image of Beats Fit Pro
Beats Fit Pro
  • Ambient sound modes: Noise canceling, transparency mode
  • Water resistance: IPX4
  • Battery life: 6 hours with ANC (7 without), up to 27 hours with the case

When the Beats Fit Pro originally released, they represented a chance to get some big improvements on the AirPods Pro at a lower price. Since the release of the 2nd-Gen AirPods Pro, though, the choice between the two has become a little more complicated.

Starting at $200, the Fit Pro still have the price edge on the AirPods Pro 2’s list price, and their rubbery fins help them offer a more secure fit. The fact that the Beats app is available on Android devices gives them some important platform versatility, too.

Of course, they’re still best on iOS, where you get iCloud/Music Sharing, Hands-Free Siri, Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking, and "Find My" tracking so you won’t lose them.

They do show their age in some ways. They’re not the greatest when voice calling in windy environments, and they can be finicky on Android devices. They’re also missing some features you’d expect at this price. Shelling out an extra $50 for the AirPods Pro 2 gets you a wireless charging case, stronger noise cancellation, and a few more modern features.

Still, if you don’t want to shell out for the newer AirPods Pro but do want something tailored for Apple devices, the Beats Fit Pro are a solid wireless earbuds option for iPhone.

Read our full Beats Fit Pro review.

Pros

  • Clear, balanced sound

  • Good noise canceling

  • Ample feature set

Cons

  • Can be finicky on Android

  • No EQ modes

  • Case lacks wireless charging

$199.99 from Best Buy

$199.99 from Target

$199.95 from Abt

$199.95 from Walmart
Product image of Google Pixel Buds Pro
Google Pixel Buds Pro
  • Ambient sound modes: Noise canceling, transparency mode
  • Dust and water resistance: IPX4
  • Battery life: 7 hours with ANC (up to 11 without), up to 31 hours with the case

With the Pixel Buds Pro, Google’s finally delivered a solid set of earbuds. With better sound and battery life, and solid ANC and transparency mode, this is the mega-brand’s best headset.

The big draw here is the addition of ambient sound modes (noise canceling and transparency). They won’t compete with top-tier Apple or Bose earbuds, but they hold their own in their class and price point.

The sound signature is stylized rather than neutral, and could use more presence in the midrange. However, there’s clear treble and a rich, thunderous bass. The call quality is solid, and the mic is good at blocking out some environmental noise.

One of the standouts is the physical design. The Pixel Buds Pro feel hefty but not burdensome, with a comfortable fit. The controls are responsive and easy to use. Android users get great features like “Hey, Google” support, Google Fast Pair, and multipoint pairing.

While not stellar for iPhone users, Android fans and particularly Pixel phone users may find them worth a look. With excellent style, good usability, and solid features, they’re a good entry into the earbuds space.

Read our full Pixel Buds Pro review.

Pros

  • Solid audio and ANC

  • Excellent battery life

  • Stylish and comfortable

Cons

  • Lacking audio adjustments

  • Some features still buggy

$139.00 from Amazon

$139.99 from Best Buy

$139.99 from Abt

$139.00 from Walmart

How We Test Wireless Earbuds

True wireless earbuds all come with two individual buds—no wires between them—and a charging case.
Credit: Reviewed.com / TJ Donegan

True wireless earbuds all come with two individual buds—no wires between them—and a charging case.

We test a wide variety of earbud factors and features, in both real-world and laboratory settings. Some of the things we examine include sound quality, battery life, fit and comfort, controls and ease of use, wireless range, and sound isolation.

We collect data and perform A/B testing on max volume, passive and active noise attenuation (including active noise cancellation), and how well each earbud blocked outside and background noise. We use all the earbuds extensively, testing tracks in genres as varied as classical hip-hop, rock, jazz, and more.

We also test them in real life situations, both in deliberate tests and in day to day use. We consider their sweat-proofing, and how comfortable they are to wear over short and long periods. We consider the battery life, the microphone quality, and the strength of the Bluetooth connection. (How far does it reach, and how well can it handle obstacles like doors and walls?)

If there’s one thing you can’t do when testing a new product, it’s assess the durability. However, we circle back to many of these headphones over time. As firmware updates offer new features or as time tests our favorite pairs, we update our reviews accordingly.

We also look at customer reviews for any durability issues, but while we may note those in reviews, we don’t factor them into our scoring without experiencing them firsthand.

How to Choose the Best Wireless Earbuds

There are plenty of high-quality pairs of wireless earbuds available on the market today, and also some duds out there. Figuring out which features you care about most before you buy can increase your chances of buying a pair that you feel great about.

Battery Life

In our testing, the average battery life (without enabling the noise canceling feature) seemed to be around 9 hours. However, some earbuds, like the AirPods Pro 2, only last up to 6 hours. If you use your headphones for extended periods of time, then battery life will be important consideration. Finding a wireless charging case can add convenience for quick, easy charging on the go.

Dust and Water Resistance

All of the headphones featured here are water resistant or waterproof earbuds to varying degrees. The “IP” rating tells you how much protection they offer.

When you see “IP” followed by two numbers, the first number communicates dust resistance, while the second is for water resistance. Dust resistance in earbuds ranges from X (none) to a high of 5 or 6.

Water resistance varies, too. A water resistance score of 4 means the headphones can withstand splashes from any direction. A score of 7 means they can be fully submerged in one meter of freshwater for 30 minutes.

IPX4 has no dust resistance and splash resistance, while IP67 is about the most robust protection from the elements you can find in a set of earbuds.

Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode

Active noise canceling is an increasingly common feature for drowning out background noise. It’s great for transit, the gym, the office, and more. Most of our favorite wireless earbuds include ANC, and we even have a specific guide to the best noise-canceling headphones we've tested.

Transparency mode help keep you aware of your surroundings by letting environmental sound pass through. The two features together make modern earbuds very versatile.

Price

Budget is always a major consideration when shopping for a new set of earbuds. The price for each pair here typically ranges between $100 to $250. If you’re looking for a set of quality wireless earbuds on a budget, we recommend checking out our guide to the Best True Wireless Earbuds Under $100.


Meet the testers

Lee Neikirk

Lee Neikirk

Former Editor, Home Theater

@Koanshark

Lee was Reviewed's point person for most television and home theater products from 2012 until early 2022. Lee received Level II certification in TV calibration from the Imaging Science Foundation in 2013. As Editor of the Home Theater vertical, Lee oversaw reviews of TVs, monitors, soundbars, and Bluetooth speakers. He also reviewed headphones, and has a background in music performance.

See all of Lee Neikirk's reviews
John Higgins

John Higgins

Managing Editor, Tech

@johntmhiggins

John is Reviewed's Managing Editor of Tech. He is an ISF Level III-certified calibrator with bylines at ProjectorCentral, Wirecutter, IGN, Home Theater Review, T3, Sound & Vision, and Home Theater Magazine. When away from the Reviewed office, he is a sound editor for film, a musician, and loves to play games with his son.

See all of John Higgins's reviews
Michael Garrett Steele

Michael Garrett Steele

Contributor

@MGarrettSteele

Michael Garrett Steele has been writing and editing professionally since 2013, and has been a part of Reviewed since 2020. An MFA in music composition, Garrett has lent audio expertise to everyone from Independence Community College to Bethesda Softworks, informing reviews of audio equipment and services. Garrett also covers tech, drawing on experience working everywhere from IT helpdesks to enterprise architecture sales. Steele has also become a go-to reviewer for minor plumbing fixtures since covering bidets for Reviewed in early 2020.

See all of Michael Garrett Steele's reviews
Ryan Waniata

Ryan Waniata

Former Managing Editor - Electronics

@ryanwaniata

Hailing originally from Montana, Ryan parlayed his time working as a musician and audio engineer into a career in digital media in 2012. Since then he's had extensive experience as a writer and editor, including everything from op-eds and features to reviews on TVs, audio gear, smart home devices, and more.

See all of Ryan Waniata's reviews
Nick Woodard

Nick Woodard

Contributor

@nwoodard25

Nick Woodard is a tech journalist specializing in all things related to home theater and A/V. His background includes a solid foundation as a sports writer for multiple daily newspapers, and he enjoys hiking and mountain biking in his spare time.

See all of Nick Woodard's reviews

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