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Are wireless earbuds better than Bluetooth?
No, wireless earbuds use Bluetooth technology for wireless connectivity. Bluetooth is the standard that allows wireless earbuds to connect to devices without cables.
Why you should get wireless earbuds
We’re witnessing a wireless epoch. It’s no longer niche or novel to listen completely untethered on your way to work. Technological advancements have lowered the financial barrier to entry, and cheap wireless options are readily available to budget listeners.
Wireless earbuds can still be for you if you don’t commute, especially if you like to exercise. Nothing’s more convenient than listening completely wire-free. There are many great wireless workout earbuds for runners and gym rats alike. Numerous companies have gone the extra mile by getting products officially IP certified, but they also integrate useful athletic features (e.g., ear hook design, silicone wing tips, Ambient Aware mode).
While it’s true that battery depletion is a problem, resulting in a shortened lifetime of wireless earbuds compared to their on-ear or over-ear headphone alternatives, you’re paying a premium for convenience. For some of us, it’s easy to justify the cost. Others may be better off with wired earbuds or dealing with bulkier wireless headphones.
How do I choose the best wireless earbuds for me?
With the vast array of wireless earbuds available, choosing the right pair can be daunting. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting the best wireless earbuds for your needs:
- Fit and Comfort: A proper fit is crucial for achieving optimal sound quality and noise isolation. Look for earbuds that come with multiple ear tip sizes, especially for small ears, or offer a secure, customizable fit. Comfort is also essential, especially if you plan to wear them for extended periods.
- Sound Quality: Assess your audio preferences and prioritize earbuds with a sound signature that aligns with your taste. Review the frequency response and consider earbuds with customizable EQ settings if you prefer to fine-tune the sound.
- Noise Cancellation: If you plan to use your earbuds in noisy environments, active noise cancelation (ANC) can significantly improve your listening experience by reducing external sounds.
- Battery Life: Longer battery life means fewer interruptions and fewer charges. Look for earbuds with at least 6-8 hours of playback time per charge, and consider the additional charges provided by the charging case.
- Connectivity and Codecs: Ensure the earbuds are compatible with your devices and support the latest Bluetooth standards and codecs (e.g., AAC, aptX, LDAC) for higher audio quality and stable connectivity.
- Water/Sweat Resistance: If you plan to use your earbuds during workouts or in humid conditions, look for an IP rating (e.g., IPX4, IPX7) that indicates the level of water and sweat resistance.
- Additional Features: Consider other features that may be important to you, such as wireless charging, touch controls, transparency mode, or voice assistant integration.
By evaluating these factors based on your specific needs and preferences, you can narrow down your options and choose the best wireless earbuds that provide an optimal listening experience.
A while back, I came across a post ranking earbuds by price range, which was super helpful for a lot of people. Since that one’s hard to find now, I decided to remake it using newer models and what I’ve personally tested or researched. This list considers : sound quality, comfort, battery life, features and especially value for money.
Budget ($20–$50)
SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro– $42 Surprisingly good sound for under $50. Adaptive ANC works nicely, has app EQ, and LDAC support for Android. Battery lasts 7–8 hours.
JBL Wave Beam – $39 Punchy bass, typical JBL tuning. No ANC, but passive isolation is great. Compact case and comfortable fit.
1MORE PistonBuds Pro $49 Balanced V‑shaped sound with clean highs and decent ANC. App support and customizable touch controls push them pretty high up in this list.
Hoco EQ16 – $38 Excellent value with nice sound and strong ANC and ENC. They’re the ones I’m using specifically because of the ENC part, it’s hard to find headphones that have decent mic quality. Audio wise I’d say they’re close to Ankers but the price makes it feel like a bargain.
Mid‑range ($50–$100)
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC $79 Smart ANC, great fit, clear mids, and full‑bodied bass. Multipoint and LDAC make it future‑proof.
SoundPEATS Air4 Pro AN – $69 Lightweight fit with airy soundstage and responsive touch controls. Battery clocks in at 9 hours with ANC off. (I struggled with the name too)
High‑end ($100–$200)
Sony WF‑C700N $119 Lightweight version of the XM5, still with great ANC and comfort. Fantastic choice for travel or work.
Technics EAH‑AZ60M2. $179 Premium soundstage with natural mids and crisp treble. Multipoint works seamlessly, battery edges out Sony’s buds.
Jabra Elite 10 ANC. $179 One of the best in comfort and mic quality. Spatial sound support for both Android and iPhone users.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 $189 You guys know about those already
Boss level ($200+)
Once you’re above the $200 mark, it’s really about preference since they’re all pretty good, and keep in mind most of these I haven’t tried (sorry I’m broke)
Sony WF‑1000XM5 -$229
The benchmark for noise cancelling and sound quality(I see this one everywhere i think yall agree) Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds for 279 Best‑in‑class comfort and ANC transparency. Sound is nice and clear, especially good for people who don’t take their headphones off their head.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 with ANC for 250$ Audiophile‑grade clarity, robust build, and customizable EQ. A dream for anyone who values balanced sound over extra bass.
That’s my 2025 lineup!
Let me know which ones you’re rocking, or if I missed some underrated picks — I’ll updateo the post based on what everyone recommends
i thought earbuds were supposed to be simple. turns out picking a pair feels like choosing a mortgage now lol. so here’s how I figured out how to choose wireless earbuds, after returning like… 3 sets (yes i’m that person).
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figure out where you’ll actually use them. commute? calls? gym? lying in bed? the “best” pair changes completely.
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anc isn’t always better. some light ANC models sound way cleaner than the heavy-ANC ones. trade-offs everywhere.
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don’t trust battery numbers unless you enjoy disappointment. take off 20–30%.
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check the app before buying. one brand’s app literally required an account just to tweak EQ. no thanks.
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comfort over specs, always. if it hurts, you’ll never use it, no matter how many “premium drivers” they brag about.
idk, maybe I’m just picky, but earbuds feel like dating… looks great on paper, but vibes matter most.
any hidden gems I should try?
Looking for the best earbuds. I currently have the Sony WF-XM5, and I have to say I’m pretty disappointed. The ANC is average, and without perfect passive seal, background noise leaks in quite easily. Sound quality isn’t bad.
The worst part is that during many work calls—even in a quiet room—the other side says I sound muffled, like I’m in a tunnel or an aquarium.
I’m looking for earbuds that deliver top-tier sound quality with excellent noise canceling and call performance.
Budget isn’t an issue, but I honestly don’t know what to choose anymore.
I was considering the Technics AZ100 or the JBL Tour Pro 3.
Will I actually notice an improvement over the Sonys? Is there something else that’s more recommended? I’m totally confused at this point.
I am currently using Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds. I used to be, but I am no longer, a fan, because: 1) my ears hurt after a couple of hours, and 2) the battery now wears out very quickly - after about 1 hour of usage. On the plus side, at least my ears don't hurt anymore because they die quickly 😂
I am in the market for new ones. I checked out Sony's XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. I've read that Sony's still suffer from the same battery and comfort issues (WTF), and Bose's have connectivity issues (more WTF). These are deal breakers for me, especially when considering the price.
What would be considered the best earbuds pick in 2025? I don't care about the price if it's justified. My use case is open office work and cycling (so wind noise suppression matters). Oh also, I am rocking an Android phone, so AirPods won't work for me. I welcome your suggestions.
P.S. Sony and Bose seem to be considered top picks in general. Since I am not so keen on those for the reasons explained, I also checked out Soundcore A40 as a budget alternative and am curious to learn how you feel about those. Thanks y'all!