Overview
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![AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)]()
AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Best for iPhone Users - Jump To Details
![Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds]()
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Best for Noise Cancellation Overall - Jump To Details
![Sony WF-1000XM5]()
Sony WF-1000XM5
Best for Audiophiles - Jump To Details
![Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC]()
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Best Noise Cancellation Under $100 - Jump To Details
![JBL Endurance Peak 3]()
JBL Endurance Peak 3
Most Durable - Jump To Details
![Shure Aonic 215 (Gen 2)]()
Shure Aonic 215 (Gen 2)
Best for Adjustable EQ - Jump To Details
![Nothing Ear (stick)]()
Nothing Ear (stick)
Best Open-Ear Design - Jump To Details
![Jabra Elite 10]()
Jabra Elite 10
Best Noise Cancellation for Runners - Jump To Details
![Nothing Ear (2)]()
Nothing Ear (2)
Most Stylish
If you think the term "true wireless" sounds like sales jargon, we're with you. Regardless of whether you call them "true wireless," "cable-free," or "wire-free" models, the important distinction between these and typical earphones is the lack of a connecting cable between the earpieces. With wired Bluetooth in-ear models becoming less popular, cable-free is now the norm.
Apple's AirPods are a ubiquitous tech status symbol and loom large over the category, but this list has several options that might work better for you. Whether you’re looking for the best active noise cancellation (ANC), the most rugged build for exercise, or simply the best sound, we’ve got you covered. And yes, there are quality options that cost far less than even the cheapest AirPods.
Below, check out our top true wireless picks, and be sure to read on for relevant buying advice.
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
![AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)]()
AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Best for iPhone UsersWhy We Picked It
Apple’s flagship noise-cancelling true wireless earphones come close to besting Bose in the active noise cancellation (ANC) department and offer a much more sophisticated Adaptive Audio (transparency) mode that lets you better hear your surroundings. In addition, the second-gen AirPods Pro sound as good as ever and come with a more advanced charging case with a built-in speaker and a USB-C charging port.
Who It’s For
The AirPods Pro seamlessly integrate with Apple products, making them easier to use with your iPhone, iPad, or Mac than any other Bluetooth headphones. So although the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds hold a slight lead in noise cancellation, the second-gen AirPods Pro are still our top recommendation for Apple device users.
Pros
- Rich, well-balanced audio performance
- Excellent active noise cancellation
- Conversation Aware feature adjusts your music volume when you speak
- Charging case has a built-in speaker, USB-C port
- Seamless integration with Apple devices
Cons
- No hi-res codec support
- EQ presets aren't adjustable
Learn MoreAirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Review![Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds]()
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Best for Noise Cancellation OverallWhy We Picked It
Bose has sat near the head of the class when it comes to in-ear active noise cancellation (ANC), though Apple and Sony have given it a run for its money and many more affordable competitors from brands like Anker, Jabra, JBL, and Sennheiser aren't nearly as far behind as they once were. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, however, set a new standard. Simply put, they deliver astoundingly effective noise cancellation against both powerful low-frequency sounds as well as higher-frequency noise. AptX Adaptive support also means that Android users have a better choice than the default SBC codec for streaming.
Who It’s For
We award products for being the best at what they do, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds deliver the best in-ear noise cancellation we've experienced. The Bose audio signature remains as sculpted as ever, but it should appeal to anyone who enjoys rich bass and bright highs.
Pros
- Best-in-class noise cancellation
- Crisp, full-bodied audio
- Active Aware feature blends noise cancellation and transparency modes
- Spatial audio support with head tracking
- Good Bluetooth codec support
Cons
- Case doesn’t support wireless charging
- No multipoint connectivity
Learn MoreBose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Review![Sony WF-1000XM5]()
Sony WF-1000XM5
Best for AudiophilesWhy We Picked It
Sony's WF-1000XM5 earphones produce superb audio and offer excellent active noise cancellation, so they sit right at the top of our list next to the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds and the AirPods Pro. What distinguishes them is a full-featured companion app with a customizable EQ, support for the high-end LDAC codec, and hybrid eartips for an edge in passive isolation. The mic array is also among the best we've ever tested.
Who It’s For
The WF-1000XM5 earbuds are for those who want best-in-class noise cancellation, audio quality, and mic clarity. Because they work with the LDAC codec, they are particularly attractive to Android users who care about streaming at a high bit rate.
Pros
- Rich bass response and crisp, detailed highs
- Adjustable in-app EQ
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Top-tier mic clarity
- Case supports wireless charging
- Hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons
- Expensive
- Some bloat in companion app
Learn MoreSony WF-1000XM5 Review![Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC]()
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Best Noise Cancellation Under $100Why We Picked It
Anker’s full-featured Soundcore app is part of the reason the Liberty 4 NC earbuds make this list; we like the in-app EQ, in particular. Otherwise, these earphones deliver detailed audio and excellent active noise cancellation for the price. Android users even get support for the high-end LDAC codec.
Who It’s For
If you like the features of Sony's WF-1000XM5 earphones or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds but can't justify the expense, these earbuds are a worthwhile, budget-friendly alternative with robust audio. Their companion app includes lots of controls that let you tailor the noise cancellation and ambient modes to your preference.
Pros
- Potent bass depth with bright highs
- Commendable noise cancellation for the price
- LDAC support for Android users
- Capable companion app includes EQ
Cons
- Default sound signature has noticeable sculpting
- Average water-resistance rating
Learn MoreAnker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Review![JBL Endurance Peak 3]()
JBL Endurance Peak 3
Most DurableWhy We Picked It
The IP68-rated JBL Endurance Peak 3 earphones are tough enough to withstand even the most intense workouts and deliver punchy bass to keep you motivated. Moreover, their wraparound fit keeps them stable in all situations. Other highlights include up to 10 hours of battery life and a slick companion app with an adjustable EQ. We just wish the massive case was easier to open.
Who It’s For
Runners and others who exercise in inclement conditions should feel safe using these earbuds without worry. They also sound good enough that you won't mind using them for more casual listening.
Pros
- Powerful, bass-forward sound signature
- Fully waterproof, dust-tight design
- Highly adjustable and effective in-app EQ
- Strong battery life
Cons
- Massive, hard-to-open charging case
- Annoying auto-off function
Learn MoreJBL Endurance Peak 3 Review![Shure Aonic 215 (Gen 2)]()
Shure Aonic 215 (Gen 2)
Best for Adjustable EQWhy We Picked It
The Shure Aonic 215 earbuds are chunky and perhaps not the most stylish, but we can't deny the versatility of their drivers. The Shure app provides a fantastic, adjustable EQ and you can easily hear how changes affect the sound—something that's not always a guarantee with competitors. Another cool feature is that you can use a cable accessory to turn the Aonic 215s into wired earphones. That makes them one of the most innovative options on our list.
Who It’s For
If you like to fine-tune your audio experience, the Shure Aonic 215 earphones are an ideal option because of the aforementioned in-app EQ. It lets you adjust specific frequencies, then tweak the bandwidth and gain with a high degree of precision. No other companion app we’ve tested offers anything close to this level of granularity. The high-quality drivers are receptive to changes and produce excellent sound, in turn.
Pros
- Accurate audio performance with rich lows and clear highs
- Class-leading EQ
- Customizable controls
- Water-resistant design
Cons
- Expensive
- Bulky build and case
Learn MoreShure Aonic 215 (Gen 2) Review![Nothing Ear (stick)]()
Nothing Ear (stick)
Best Open-Ear DesignWhy We Picked It
We usually prefer earphones with eartips that create an in-canal seal because they tend to produce more consistent sound and more powerful bass than AirPod-style earbuds. That's why the Nothing Ear (stick) surprised us: These earbuds have an open design that rests against your ear without forming a seal, but they still sound excellent. They're affordable, too.
Who It's For
If you like the idea of true wireless earbuds, but don't want to wedge eartips inside your ears, these are worth considering.
Pros
- Clear, detailed sound
- Unique, attractive design
- Better fit than most on-ear earbuds
Cons
- Sensitive control panel easy to toggle
- Mediocre mic
Learn MoreNothing Ear (stick) Review![Jabra Elite 10]()
Jabra Elite 10
Best Noise Cancellation for RunnersWhy We Picked It
Jabra's Elite 10 earphones offer top-tier ANC for the price, an excellent app with EQ and ANC controls, and top-notch mics. Additionally, we're fans of their bass-forward sound signature. All that would be enough to secure the Jabras a spot on our list, but they also sport an IP57 rating, meaning they are well-sealed against dust and fully waterproof. Most competing ANC models are merely somewhat water-resistant. As such, we can overlook the lack of high-quality Bluetooth codecs for Android users.
Who It’s For
The Elite 10 are a great combination of solid ANC, fine sound reproduction, and protection from the elements, making them a great option for runners and other fitness folks who want high-quality performance when in the zone.
Pros
- Powerful bass and bright highs
- Competitive noise cancellation
- Support for Dolby Atmos with head tracking, adjustable EQ
- High-quality build
- Case supports wireless charging
Cons
- Easy to accidentally activate on-ear buttons
- Slight masking hiss in noise cancellation mode
Learn MoreJabra Elite 10 Review![Nothing Ear (2)]()
Nothing Ear (2)
Most StylishWhy We Picked It
With a transparent design, the Nothing Ear (2) earphones look classy and produce accurate sound. They also offer competitive active noise cancellation, a quality array of Bluetooth codecs, and decent mics. Finally, we're big fans of the slick companion app with adjustable EQ and the transparent charging case that matches the earpieces.
Who It’s For
If you use a Nothing Phone, the Ear (2) earbuds have a complementary design that really ties things together. And even if you don't have a Nothing Phone, they simply look cool, sound articulate, and cancel noise effectively for the price.
Pros
- Excellent audio performance with robust lows and detailed highs
- Solid noise cancellation for the price
- App offers customizable EQ
- Dust- and water-resistant build
- Case supports wireless charging
- Cool see-through design
Cons
- Below-average battery life
- Case seems prone to scratches
Learn MoreNothing Ear (2) Review
Buying Guide: AirPod Alternatives: The Best True Wireless Earbuds for 2024
What Should You Know About Bluetooth Earphones?
True wireless earphones have overcome their shaky beginnings, which were marred by dropped connections, poor audio quality, and short battery life. In fact, many of today's options sound quite good.
Just keep in mind that even if you subscribe to a high-res streaming service, your playback device and earphones determine the quality of that stream. All true wireless earphones connect over Bluetooth, which is fundamentally a lossy standard that can't support all of the data in a high-res or lossless stream. Thus, the signal undergoes compression during the transmission process.
Bluetooth codecs determine exactly how that happens. The most basic and universal Bluetooth codec is SBC. It's nearly everywhere, but it's also the lowest quality. Depending on your device, look for earphones that support AptX, AAC, LDAC, or other high-end codecs. We list codec support in each of our reviews and our guide to Bluetooth codecs helps make the distinctions clearer.
It's also a good idea to stick with models that support Bluetooth 5.2, 5.3, or 5.4 so you can take advantage of all the latest stability and efficiency advances.
As for Bluetooth pairing, nothing is easier than connecting AirPods with an iOS device. All of the models in Apple's lineup (as well as many from Beats) have a special H2 (or older H1 or W1) chip that enables seamless, instantaneous pairing. Other wireless earphones can be relatively simple to connect through your phone's Bluetooth settings menu or the device maker's associated app.
Which Brand Is Best for True Wireless Earbuds?
No one specific brand makes the best (or worst) true wireless earbuds overall, but if there's one complication many models share, it's the on-ear control department. You might often find that it's too easy to accidentally pause music, skip a track, or summon a voice assistant when you merely mean to take an earpiece out or adjust it slightly. There's not a lot of real estate on most of the earpieces we test, so the outer panel area is often touch-sensitive.
Newer models manage to strike a balance between operability and layout. Some use physical buttons to control playback, call management, track navigation, and volume. Others cleverly divide controls between the two earpieces via touch panels—tapping the left earpiece, for instance, skips a track backward, whereas tapping the right one skips forward. Despite needing to do a little more thinking before you tap, eventually, the division of controls between the two earpieces should become intuitive. Look for earphones that let you customize the on-ear controls to your preference.
Do Wireless Earbuds Have Good Battery Life?
Battery life is the Achilles' heel of the true wireless category. It's a miracle that these tiny in-ear devices can contain a battery at all, let alone one large enough to provide hours of entertainment. Typical battery life estimates (and keep in mind your results vary based on typical volume levels) top out around six hours. Such minuscule devices can't provide unending playback time, particularly with power-sapping features such as active noise cancellation.
The necessary solution that (nearly) all of these designs share is a charging case. The cases protect the earpieces, keep the earbuds together when you aren't using them, and charge their batteries. Most cases carry at least two extra full charges, so you can recharge your earphones on the go. Therefore, you can get roughly between 20 and 30 hours of battery life without an outlet. We expect battery life to become less of an issue in the future.
What Should You Do If You Lose an Earbud?
This is, understandably, a concern of many potential true wireless users. Allow us to allay your fears—we can say that after several years of testing, you have to try pretty hard to lose one earpiece. First off, just about every model we've tested offers a secure in-ear fit without sacrificing comfort. Most of the earpieces are larger than typical in-ear monitors (IEMs) and aren't likely to fall out even during exercise.
As for simply misplacing an earpiece when it's not in use, this also seems unlikely. The charging case is intrinsically tied to the experience—like hanging up the phone or turning off the TV when you're finished watching—you automatically reach for the case to stow and charge the earphones when you are done using them. To put it another way: You're far more likely to misplace the whole thing—the case with both earpieces inside—than you are to misplace one earpiece.
If you do somehow lose one earpiece only, however, plenty of companies like Apple will gladly sell you an extra one à la carte for less than the price of a new full set. If losing an earpiece still seems like something you can imagine happening to you, it's worth researching whether the model you're interested in offers this option.
And if you do lose the entire case, several manufacturers build in either location- or audio-based detection features to help you locate it.
What Are the Best True Wireless Earbuds for Working Out?
Surprisingly, many of these wire-free models are durable enough for the gym—and can get wet—even though each earpiece has an exposed charging contact. The IP rating tells us what to expect. Some workout-friendly earphones have only an IPX4 rating, which means they can withstand sweat but not exposure to faucet pressure for cleaning. Others have an IPX7 (or higher) rating, which means you can rinse or dunk them with no real consequence.
If durability and a true waterproof design are your main priorities, you might have needed to sacrifice some user-friendly features or opt for a traditional neckband-style wireless design in the past, but that's no longer the case. Fully waterproof entries from Jabra and JBL, for instance, even offer active noise cancellation.
For more, see the best true wireless earbuds for running.
True Wireless Apps and Noise Cancellation
Many of the models we test come with companion apps that smooth out the setup process and unlock additional settings. For example, some let you set auto-off timers, disable voice prompts, and control playback. Others feature an adjustable EQ and let you toggle ambient listening modes that reveal the world around you.
In addition to companion apps, ANC is an increasingly popular feature. The best noise-cancelling models from Apple, Bose, and Sony tend to cost more than others, though they are still relatively affordable compared with top-notch, over-ear ANC headphones.
What Are the Best Cheap True Wireless Earbuds?
True wireless earphones have all but completely replaced tethered wireless earphones and you can now find a good pair for less than $50 or under $100, though performance, of course, improves drastically with our higher-priced recommendations. The very best models cost as much as $300 for the most accurate audio and the most effective ANC.
For more, check out five easy tips to extend the life of your headphones and eight ways you're using your headphones wrong.
