Sony WF-1000XM5 are the best wireless earbuds for most people

The best wireless earbuds for most people

Our top overall pick for wireless earbuds is the Sony WF-1000XM5. Despite the arrival of the newer WF-1000XM6, the previous generation remains the best balance of performance and value.

Sony shrank the XM5 by 25 percent compared to the XM4, making them more comfortable. They deliver detailed, dynamic audio and fantastic active noise cancellation. Battery life reaches eight hours with ANC on.

They support high-quality LDAC playback on Android and feature multipoint Bluetooth connectivity. While the newer XM6 offer improvements, the XM5 are often found on sale for around $250, making them the smarter buy.

• Noise cancellation: Yes
• Battery life: 8 hours (ANC on)
• Water resistance: IPX4
• Bluetooth codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC
• Multipoint: Yes

Our favorite budget earbuds

The Nothing Ear (a) are the best budget earbuds you can buy. They often sell for as low as $60, far below their $99 MSRP.

For the price, they pack in active noise cancellation, multipoint Bluetooth, a low-latency gaming mode, and an IP54 rating. Their sound quality is expressive and enjoyable, outperforming most competitors in this price range.

The standout yellow color and super compact case are just bonuses. Their main appeal is delivering premium features without the premium cost.

The best noise-canceling earbuds

For the absolute best noise cancellation, get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen). Bose's legacy in noise-canceling tech is evident here; these earbuds provide unparalleled peace and isolation.

The second-generation model improves call quality and adds a wireless charging case. The fit is secure, thanks to three ear tip and three stabilizer wing sizes.

Sound quality is lively with boosted bass and treble. They also feature Bose's Immersive Audio, a spatial audio competitor. If silencing the world is your top priority, these are the earbuds to buy.

The best earbuds for iPhone users

For iPhone owners, the AirPods Pro 3 are the obvious choice. They offer the deepest integration with the Apple ecosystem.

Key upgrades include improved noise cancellation, new foam-infused ear tips with an XXS size, heart rate sensing for workouts, and longer battery life. A new acoustic architecture delivers richer bass.

The flashiest feature is Live Translation, though it's still developing. For seamless switching, Find My integration, and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, no other earbuds work better with your iPhone.

The best earbuds for Android users

Android users should look at the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. They offer terrific sound quality that rivals audiophile brands and excellent call clarity.

Their best feature is hands-free voice commands. You can say "volume up" or "next song" without a wake phrase. The new stemmed design is more comfortable and stable than previous Samsung buds.

The main drawback is the lack of true multipoint Bluetooth. Like Apple, Samsung prefers automatic switching between its own devices. If you're deep in the Samsung ecosystem, this is a minor trade-off.

The best earbuds for working out

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are the top pick for fitness. The secure ear-hook design ensures they stay put during intense activity.

This generation adds active noise cancellation, a transparency mode, and heart rate monitoring. The earbuds are lighter and the case is smaller than the original model.

They carry an IPX4 rating for sweat resistance. For iPhone users, they support Apple's spatial audio and Find My network. Android users get a dedicated app with a subset of features.

Other excellent earbuds to consider

Several other models stand out for specific strengths. The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a major refinement, offering a smaller design, great transparency mode, and deep Gemini AI integration for Pixel owners.

The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 deliver arguably the best sound quality of any earbuds here, with detailed, lush audio, though their noise cancellation isn't class-leading.

For a unique dual-ecosystem pick, the Beats Studio Buds Plus work natively with both iOS and Android, supporting Find My and Google's Find Hub. They're tiny, comfortable, and now offer better ANC.

If you prioritize call quality above all, the standard AirPods 4 feature a superb "voice isolation" mode that uses on-device machine learning to make your voice crystal clear on calls.

How we test wireless earbuds

We evaluate earbuds across several key categories. Sound quality is assessed in quiet listening sessions to judge detail, fidelity, and dynamics. We test noise cancellation in real-world environments like subways and busy streets.

Call quality is tested on video platforms like Zoom and through calls with friends and family for blunt feedback. We also check ecosystem-specific features by using the earbuds across multiple devices and platforms.

Comfort is subjective, but we note the types of ear tips included—silicone or foam—and how secure the fit feels. Battery life is measured with ANC enabled, and we verify water resistance ratings.

Updated February 19th, 2026 to reflect current pricing and mention the Sony WF-1000XM6.