Best Wireless Earbuds We’d Buy Right Now (2026): Apple, Sony, Bose, and More
Wired · LC · trust 46/100
Courtesy of Google Comment Loader Save Story Save this story Comment Loader Save Story Save this story I use Wireless earbuds constantly. I use them for work, running, working out, relaxing, traveling—whatever I am doing, chances are I have a pair of wireless earbuds on me, just in case. While some of the earliest models were huge and inconvenient, earbuds nowadays are slim, comfortable, and often affordable.
The WIRED Reviews team doesn't just use earbuds—we test them. Hundreds of them, actually. And after weeks of music, calls, commutes, and rogue earbuds flying out of our ears, we've chosen these favorites that are the best for most people.
For more top picks, check out our other audio guides, like the Best Open Earbuds , Best Wireless Headphones , Best Noise-Canceling Headphones , Best Cheap Headphones, Best Workout Headphones , and Best Wired Headphones .
Love WIRED? Add us as a preferred source on Google to see more of us.
Honorable Mentions Earbuds to Avoid How We Define Wireless Earbuds How We Test Headphones Updated August 2026: I've updated product recommendations and honorable mentions. Specs, prices, and links were also updated.
WIRED Great sound with punchy bass Convenient Android features Compact and waterproof design TIRED No volume controls No wireless charging The Pixel Buds 2a aren't the flashiest earbuds around, but they hit just the right balance of sound quality, useful features, comfortable fit, and low price, making them a great option for just about anyone.
The smooth, pebblelike case has a replaceable battery, and the buds are very small and ergonomic, with ear loops that really help them stay in most ears. An IP54 rating, noise canceling, and seven hours of battery life make these fantastic for everyday wear. Reliable software support and excellent touch controls (though no volume controls directly on the earbuds) make these especially nice while working out, at the desk, or gardening. And instant pairing with Android phones and near-instant pairing with iPhones means both teams can enjoy these buds easily.
The biggest miss here is no wireless charging. If that's a deal-breaker, you'll want to upgrade to something like the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2. Otherwise, these are great overall earbuds, but not the best at any one thing. Some of the pricier options on this list have better sound quality, battery life, and ANC.
WIRED Great noise canceling, natural transparency More ear tips, more features Clear treble and rich bass TIRED Bass-heavy without app-based tuning Best for iOS Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 solidify their status as the best-selling headphones for good reason. They remain the easiest, most integrated buds for iOS users, now with crucial upgrades. The design is subtly refined for a more universal fit, aided by new foam-lined ear tips that improve comfort and passive noise isolation. Key improvements include a much-needed battery life boost to eight hours and an enhanced IP57 rating for greater durability.
New features like real-time translation and surprisingly accurate heart rate monitoring, powered by robust software support, are very nice to have. The bass-heavy sound profile favors pop music, but the active noise canceling is class-leading, effectively silencing even high-pitched distractions.
While competitors like Sony and Bose offer compelling alternatives, the AirPods Pro 3 provide an unmatched seamless experience for the Apple ecosystem. For iPhone owners, they are the definitive choice and a worthy upgrade, especially for those dealing with aging batteries from older models. —Parker Hall
WIRED Bold and detailed sound Slick, polished, and comfy Loads of features, especially for Samsung phones TIRED Apple-derivative design Battery life is just OK No multipoint pairing The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro are the best earbuds for anyone who already owns and uses a Samsung phone or Samsung smartwatch, similar to AirPods for Apple users. That comparison isn't just surface level: These are the most AirPods-like Samsung earbuds yet; the size, shape, fit, and feel are very AirPods Pro 3.
These are fun, comfortable, and convenient earbuds for anyone with a Samsung phone. The noise-canceling works admirably, canceling out most low drones like plane and AC noise and lowering café and office chatter well. The Ambient Sound (aka transparency mode) is a real standout—it's clear and natural-sounding, so much so that we used it in place of open earbuds for walks and hikes on occasion. Paired with a Samsung phone, there are features galore: a customizable nine-band equalizer (with presets), earbud fit tests, high-resolution audio support, voice control settings (Google Assistant or Bixby), Find My Earbuds (think Apple Find My), and more. But, importantly, they sound great straight out of the box.
The only downside is battery life: Six hours of playback with ANC on puts it behind most other earbuds on this list. And controls, while simple and intuitive, misfired semi-often over several days of testing.
WIRED Long battery life Solid sound quality TIRED Some features are only for Pixel phones Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 are itty-bitty earbuds that pair perfectly with whatever Android phone you have. They're super comfortable, have excellent noise canceling, and boast an eight-hour battery life that puts many competitors to shame. You can choose between digital assistants and even open Google's Gemini Live conversational AI straight from the earbuds. Sound quality is among the best in the category, with clear highs and a nice helping of punch in the bass without being overwhelming. They're also IP54-rated, which makes them a carefree addition to your gym bag. —Parker Hall
WIRED Class-leading noise canceling Improved sound quality Cool spatial audio and hear-through features TIRED Still on the bulky side Bose claims that its latest flagship headphones have the best noise reduction on the planet, and after a few weeks with the QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) , I'm…
Read the original at Wired →
Open in TruthVane →