Top Wireless Earbuds of 2025: Best Picks and Buying Guide

Explore the best wireless earbuds of 2025 combining superb sound, comfort, and advanced features for your everyday needs.

Why Choosing the Right Wireless Earbuds Matters

Picking the perfect wireless earbuds can totally change how you enjoy music, podcasts, phone calls, or even your daily commute. Whether you want to tune out distractions on a train or take work calls on the go, today’s earbuds pack impressive audio quality and handy features into a compact, pocket-friendly design. Many models now offer standout noise cancellation, smart ambient modes keeping you aware of your surroundings, and solid sound isolation to help you focus—all without tangled wires.

There’s a huge variety—from budget-friendly to premium—with cool extras like multi-device pairing, wireless charging cases, and multiple microphones for crystal-clear calls. No matter your budget, you’ll find earbuds delivering great sound, comfort, and functionality tailored to your lifestyle.

Best Wireless Earbuds of 2025

1. Sony WF-1000XM5

• Battery life: 8 hours (earbuds), up to 24 hours with charging case
• Water resistance: IPX4
• Noise cancellation: Yes
• Multi-device pairing: Yes
• Charging case included: Yes
• Driver size: 8.4 mm

Sony’s flagship WF-1000XM5 earbuds take an already impressive combo of excellent sound, powerful active noise cancellation (ANC), and handy features to the next level. They are the most comfortable in Sony’s 1000X lineup, solving one of their longstanding challenges. Packed with adaptive sound, Speak-to-Chat, updated drivers, new chips, and solid 8-hour battery life, these are Sony’s best earbuds yet—but also the priciest.

Pros:

• Outstanding sound quality
• Sleek, improved design
• More comfortable fit
• Feature-rich

Cons:

• Higher price tag
• Battery life unchanged from previous models
• Head tracking limited to Android
• Some features still need polish

2. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

• Battery life: 6 hours (earbuds), up to 30 hours with case
• Water resistance: IPX4
• Noise cancellation: Yes
• Multi-device pairing: Yes
• Charging case included: Yes
• Driver size: Not specified

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 bring notable improvements in sound and noise cancellation while keeping all the perks that make them the go-to for iPhone, iOS, and Mac users. The transparency mode sounds more natural than any other earbuds, making you feel like you’re not even wearing them during conversations. They also offer quick pairing, hands-free Siri, spatial audio, and now a USB-C charging case that also supports wireless charging.

Pros:

• Enhanced sound quality
• Stellar transparency mode
• Solid ANC
• Seamless switching between Apple devices

Cons:

• Same design as before
• New touch gestures take getting used to
• Moderate battery life
• Personalized spatial audio results may vary

3. Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

• Battery life: 8 hours (earbuds), up to 30 hours with charging case (ANC on)
• Water resistance: IP54
• Noise cancellation: Yes
• Multi-device pairing: Yes
• Charging case included: Yes
• Driver size: 11 mm

Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 are their priciest earbuds but arguably the best. Redesigned for a smaller, more comfortable fit, they feature the new Tensor chip for sound processing and ANC. Voice assistant support is smart and handy but not mandatory. The improved drivers deliver punchy bass and clear mids and highs. Features like speech recognition, hearing check, and "Find My Device" add convenience. Spatial audio is supported but only with compatible streaming apps.

Pros:

• Tiny, comfy design
• Powerful bass and detailed sound
• Slightly longer battery life

Cons:

• Price hikes again
• Spatial audio limited to video apps
• Smaller touch panel demands accuracy

4. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro

• Battery life: 6 hours, up to 26 hours with case
• Water resistance: IP57
• Noise cancellation: Yes
• Multi-device pairing: Yes
• Charging case included: Yes
• Driver size: Two drivers (bass and treble)

Resembling Apple’s AirPods Pro in design and function, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro improve on their predecessor with adaptive noise cancelling and voice commands. Some voice recognition features need refinement, but the overall package shines with deep, booming bass and detailed sound. Connect to a Samsung device and enjoy 24-bit HiFi streaming plus a natural-sounding transparency mode that helps you keep quiet during calls.

Pros:

• Superb sound quality
• Handy features galore
• Comfortable fit
• Natural ambient sound mode

Cons:

• Shorter battery life than some rivals
• Best features require latest Samsung devices
• Imitative design
• Blade lighting is more gimmick than useful

5. Anker Soundcore Space A40 (Budget Pick)

• Battery life: 10 hours, up to 50 hours with case
• Water resistance: IPX4
• Noise cancellation: Yes
• Multi-device pairing: Yes
• Charging case included: Yes
• Driver size: Not specified

Anker’s Soundcore Space A40 punches way above its weight with active noise cancellation, multi-point pairing, wireless charging, IPX4 water resistance, transparency mode, and LDAC support. Out of the box, they deliver warm, pleasant sound that you can tweak via the app. Though ANC isn’t quite as effective as top favorites, it works well in noisy offices or flights. All this value for roughly $80 makes these a steal.

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Long battery life
• Multi-device connection
• Transparency mode

Cons:

• ANC not best-in-class

6. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Earbuds

• Battery life: 6 hours, up to 24 hours with case
• Water resistance: IPX4
• Noise cancellation: Yes
• Multi-device pairing: Yes
• Charging case included: Yes

Bose has long led the ANC game, and their QC Ultra Earbuds raise the bar with even better noise cancellation. The real game-changer? New Immersive Audio tech delivers spatial sound to all users without special content. Instead of just surround sound, these earbuds create an acoustic “sweet spot” around you using virtualization. Other perks include a special volume control gesture, longer-than-stated battery life, and personalizable settings.

Pros:

• Immersive audio without special content
• Updates without price hikes

Cons:

• Bulky design
• Immersive audio drains battery
• Wireless charging costs extra

7. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024)

• Battery life: 8.5 hours, up to 31.5 hours with case
• Water resistance: IPX4
• Noise cancellation: Yes
• Multi-device pairing: Yes

These new Bose QuietComfort earbuds combine many top features at a friendlier price than before. Enjoy effective ANC, solid sound quality, voice control, and an IPX4 rating suitable for workouts. Smaller and comfier than previous Bose models, they last over eight hours with ANC on. Soon, Bose plans to add its signature Immersive Audio feature.

Pros:

• Great sound
• Efficient ANC
• Useful features
• Reliable battery life

Cons:

• Immersive audio not yet available
• Slightly less sound and ANC quality than QC Ultra
• No CustomTune feature
• Call quality could improve

8. Noble Audio FoKus Rex5 (Best Sound Quality)

• Battery life: 5 hours (with ANC), up to 45 hours with case
• Water resistance: Not specified
• Noise cancellation: Yes
• Multi-device pairing: Yes

If supreme sound is your priority, the FoKus Rex5 at $449 are the priciest but most sonically detailed earbuds out there. Five drivers inside deliver unparalleled clarity and separation, revealing subtle guitar playing nuances and creating a wider soundstage. Limited color options and modest ANC hold it back a bit, but the audio quality is unmatched.

Pros:

• Detailed, immersive sound
• Custom audio profiles stored in earbuds
• Comfortable fit

Cons:

• Very expensive
• One color option
• ANC performance modest

9. Technics AZ100

• Battery life: 12 hours, up to 29 hours with case
• Water resistance: IPX4
• Noise cancellation: Yes
• Multi-device pairing: Yes
• Driver size: 10 mm

Once a Bowers & Wilkins fan favorite, Technics now takes the crown with AZ100, using magnetic fluid drivers for deeper bass, crisp highs, and rich mids. Features include multi-point Bluetooth for up to 3 devices, Sony LDAC codec, Dolby Atmos, and dynamic Dolby head tracking. ANC isn’t top-tier, and smart features are sparse, but the sound quality and comfort are top-notch.

Pros:

• Superb sound
• Many app options
• Small, comfortable fit
• Multi-device Bluetooth

Cons:

• ANC lags behind leaders
• Lacks modern smart features
• Spatial audio doesn’t enhance default settings

10. Beats Fit Pro (Best for Workouts)

• Battery life: 6 hours, up to 24 hours with case
• Water resistance: IPX4
• Noise cancellation: Yes
• Multi-device pairing: Yes

Beats Fit Pro pack many AirPods best features into workout-ready earbuds. Powered by Apple’s H1 chip, they offer quick pairing, Siri voice control, and Find My support. Share audio with another Apple device, enjoy rich balanced bass, effective ANC, IPX4 water resistance, and comfy silicone tips. Android users also get great compatibility here.

Pros:

• Comfortable design
• H1 chip enables fast pairing and Apple device switching
• Broad Android support

Cons:

• Call quality could be better

Honorable Mention: Sony LinkBuds S

• Battery life: 6 hours, up to 20 hours with case
• Water resistance: IPX4
• Noise cancellation: Yes
• Multi-device pairing: Yes

Sony surprised with the original open-design LinkBuds, and the LinkBuds S offer a more traditional, smaller, and lighter fit. They deliver good sound quality, high-res LDAC support, and solid ANC. Features like chat-babble mode and adaptive sound control adjust settings based on your location or activity, offering premium perks at a mid-range price.

Pros:

• Comfortable design
• Good sound quality
• Chat mode for conversations
• Adaptive sound control

Cons:

• Average battery life

What to Look for When Choosing Wireless Earbuds

When buying earbuds, the first thing to consider is the design and fit. Do you prefer semi-open like AirPods or full in-ear isolation? Full coverage suits active noise cancellation best, but open designs work for all-day wear or when you want to hear your surroundings. Comfort depends on shape, size, and weight, so try before you buy or rely on return policies if shopping online.

Bluetooth reliability is now a given, but features vary. Pricier models usually pack more bells and whistles like auto-pause, multi-point pairing, and app customization. Controls can be touch or buttons, but they may limit access to other functions. For Apple users, seamless pairing is a big plus; Android users should look for similar multi-device features.

Battery life averages around five hours per charge, with extra charges from the case extending playback through the day. Wireless charging support is a bonus. Call quality varies widely—you might sound like you're on speakerphone with cheaper sets.

Sound preferences are personal. Testing earbuds if possible helps avoid buyer’s remorse. Spatial audio, Dolby Atmos, and immersive formats add depth but check compatibility with your content apps.

How We Test Wireless Earbuds

We use earbuds extensively for at least one to two weeks, listening to diverse music genres, podcasts, and making calls. Battery life is measured by continuous playback at moderate volume. We also examine call clarity with recordings and external feedback.

We evaluate app support and new features, comparing with previous versions and competitors to see improvements or declines. Updated models get fresh testing, ensuring the latest experience is accurately reflected.

Other Wireless Earbuds We've Reviewed

Sony WF-C710N

WF-C710N are compact and comfortable earbuds with some of Sony’s best features. Though ANC is better than average for $120, the sound quality doesn’t match pricier Sony models. Battery life falls short of claims, and call quality is poor for work use.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

The latest Powerbeats Pro 2 feature improved design, balanced bass, new H2 chips, and a heart rate sensor (limited iOS support currently). These features might also appear in future AirPods Pro models.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3

Galaxy Buds 3 combine ANC and open design, rendering noise cancelling almost ineffective. Still, when the track demands, they deliver deep bass. Many features require Samsung phones, but better options exist for the price.

Sennheiser Momentum Sport

I really like the form factor of Momentum Sport. They’re comfier and fit better than Momentum True Wireless 4. Body temperature and heart rate sensors function well and integrate with Polar apps. Sound quality and ANC are not as good as MTW4, and they come with a high price tag.

Beats Solo Buds

At $80, Solo Buds offer lots to like. Their standout feature is long-term comfort thanks to a smart design. The sound and features are basic, and battery life extends to 18 hours by removing the case battery and increasing earbud playback time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wireless Earbuds

• What is good battery life for true wireless earbuds?
  Most earbuds last at least five hours per charge, with some reaching six to eight hours. Cases add extra charges for all-day use.
• Which sounds better, earbuds or over-ear headphones?
  Comparing earbuds and over-ear headphones is like apples and oranges—both have pros and cons. Over-ears usually deliver fuller sound, but some earbuds like Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 impress with clarity.
• Which earbuds have the longest battery life?
  Audio-Technica ATH-CKS5TW claims 15 hours, but it's an older model from 2019. Modern long-lasting choices include Master & Dynamic MW08 (12 hours ANC off) and various JBL models with 10-hour batteries.
• Are there waterproof wireless earbuds?
  Check the IP rating. IPX7 means water submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. IP codes with "X" indicate no dust protection. Many earbuds have IPX4, good for sweat and splashes.
• Which earbuds fit best in ears?
  Fit varies due to ear shape. Sports earbuds often have fins or hooks for stability. Testing and returns help find your perfect fit.
• Do wireless earbuds work with PS5?
  PS5 doesn't support Bluetooth audio natively without adapters. Official Sony gaming headsets or USB dongles enable wireless audio with the console.

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