Everyone is making the move toward true wireless earbuds, and rightfully so. Not only are they great for traveling, but exercising, commuting, and relaxing at home are simplified because there are no wires to worry about. Since they’ve exploded in popularity there are quite a lot of options on the market, however they are not all created equal.
Following is a list of the best true wireless earbuds to help you navigate through all of the choices and find a high-quality pair perfect for you.
Quick Answer: The Best True Wireless Earbuds
- Best Sound: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2
- Best Noise-Cancelling: Sony WF-1000XM3
- Best Bass: Beats PowerBeats Pro
- Best for iOS: Apple AirPods Pro
- Best for Android: Samsung Galaxy Buds+
- Best for Running: Jaybird Vista
- Best Budget: Taotronics SoundLiberty 79
What to Look for in Good True Wireless Earbuds
Here are the most important things to consider before buying a pair of true wireless earbuds.
1. Fit / Adjustability
You could buy earbuds with incredible sound quality, but if they aren’t comfortable or don’t fit well in your ears you’ll be wasting your money. One thing that could be helpful is to buy earbuds with different sized tips so you can choose the one that fits best in your ears.
Not only do they need to fit well when you’re relaxing and listening to your favorite podcast, but make sure they’re comfortable when you’re walking or exercising with them.
2. Sound Quality
Because you likely won’t be able to try them before you buy them, check out the reviews to make sure you’ll get high quality sound during phone calls, while listening to music, and when using the microphone.
While the sound quality isn’t linearly related to driver size, a larger driver means a greater sound capacity. In earbuds you’ll likely see drivers up to 15mm.
3. Noise Cancellation
Earbuds with a noise-cancellation feature let you listen to your music without being disrupted by noise around you. Typically they also have a “transparency” feature that allows you to control the level of noise cancellation. This feature is convenient when you need to hear what someone is saying, for example – airport announcements. It’s also a safety feature so you’re not oblivious to things going on around you if you’re hiking, exploring a new city, etc.
4. Battery Life
Be sure to check the battery life rating before purchasing earbuds. Consider how long you’ll want to be able to use them before recharging. Some true wireless earbuds only offer a few hours of listening time before you need to recharge them, while others can offer more than 10 hours of playtime before needing another charge. It’s also recommended that you choose earbuds with a carrying case that provides extra power.
5. Range
The distance between your earbuds and the audio source can dramatically impact the sound quality, so be sure you check the Bluetooth range on the earbuds before you purchase them. Also consider how far away from the audio source you anticipate being. Some might have a range of less than 30 feet while others may reach around 100 feet. If you mainly plan to use your earbuds on flights or train rides then range isn’t a huge deal because your phone, tablet, or laptop is likely to be nearby. If you want to be able to leave your phone in your bedroom while you clean the basement or work outside and still want to be able to hear your music, then you should pay more attention to the range.
6. Resistance to Water & Sweat
This is especially important if you’re going to be working out in your earbuds. An IP rating or waterproofing is what you want to look for if you plan to work out in your earbuds or you’ll be wearing them near water.
Wireless vs. True Wireless: What’s the Difference?
Whether you get wireless or true wireless earbuds is a matter of personal preference, but there is a distinct difference. Wireless earbuds have a wire connecting the earbuds to each other while true wireless earbuds don’t have that wire. Neither option has a wire connecting the earbuds with the audio source.
Typically the volume control, battery, and microphone are located on the cable itself on wireless earbuds. True wireless earbuds usually have touch sensors on the earbuds which allow you to answer phone calls, control your music, etc.
Best True Wireless Earbuds Reviews
Now that you know what to look for, here are the best bluetooth earbuds on the market today.
Sony WF-1000XM3
These industry-leading headphones offer impressive noise cancellation, a solid battery life, and great sound quality. The 24bit audio signal processing significantly improves the sound quality and can provide up to six hours of incredible sound on one charge. With the carrying case, the battery life can be extended up to 24 hours. These earbuds are Alexa-enabled with one-touch activation. A proprietary noise-cancellation technology means the noise in your environment doesn’t impact your music, and the microphones isolate sound so you’ll have improved phone call quality. If you need the best noise cancelling true wireless earbuds, definitely go with the Sony WF-1000XM3 True Wireless Earbuds.
Apple AirPods Pro
The best wireless earbuds for iPhones are definitely the Apple AirPods Pro. They’re super simple to set up with all Apple devices like your Macbook Pro, and the wireless charging case offers more than 24 hours of battery life. You’ll get 4.5 hours of listening time from a single charge, and they’re resistant to water and sweat so you can workout in them. The fit can be customized thanks to the three sizes of silicone tips included with the earbuds. They’re equipped with active noise cancellation to give you an immersive sound, and the adaptive EQ automatically tunes music to the shape of your ears. To hear what’s going on around you, simply switch to transparency mode. If you’re already an Apple fan, the Apple AirPods Pro will make you love them even more.
Beats PowerBeats Pro
These are the best true wireless earbuds for working out and can easily fit into your active lifestyle. The secure-fit, adjustable ear hooks provide a stable, comfortable, and lightweight fit. The Beats PowerBeats Pro earbuds have a reinforced design so they can stay in place during runs and tough workouts, and they’re resistant to water and sweat. Perfect for all-day workouts, you’ll get up to nine hours of listening time on a single charge with these earbuds. Plus, the charging case gives you more than an additional 24 hours of battery life. The earbuds have voice control, Auto Play, and both give you track and volume control. Compatible with Apple and Android products, they also have an audio sharing feature so you can pair two sets of earbuds to one iPhone. If you need earbuds that will keep up with you when you’re on the go, check out these wireless earbuds by Beats.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2
In terms of audio quality, these are the best sounding true wireless earbuds. The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 earbuds boast an unrivaled stereo sound created by the seven-millimeter dynamic audio drivers. You can control this amazing sound quality with the customizable touchpad technology built into both earbuds. These earbuds have a seven-hour battery life and the charging case can extend that up to 28 hours. Along with active noise cancellation, they also have a transparent hearing feature. The IPX4 splash resistance rating means sweat and rain won’t damage them. For amazing sound quality and a comfortable all-day listening experience, go with the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 earbuds.
Jabra Elite 75t
All of the best Bluetooth earbuds have a combination of high-quality sound, a comfortable fit, and a long-lasting battery. The Jabra Elite 75t earbuds have all of that and more. These earbuds have a four-microphone call technology which filters out noise and wind. You’ll get up to 7.5 hours of use on one charge and the charging case offers up to 28 hours of battery. They’re equipped with one-touch voice assistant access and have an operating range of more than 32 feet. The Jabra Sound+ App accompanies these earbuds and lets you customize your sound just the way you want. They have an IP55 rating, which makes them resistant to water and dust. For crystal clear calls and no audio dropouts, the Jabra Elite 75t earbuds are a great option.
Samsung Galaxy Buds+
Compatible with Android and Apple products, the Samsung Galaxy Buds+ offer a premium sound thanks to the tweeter and woofer inside each earbud. Each earbud has two outer mics and one inner mic so you can be heard clearly and won’t be drowned out by outside noises. The Ambient Aware feature lets you control the amount of outside noise you want to hear for when you need to hear your order being called at a restaurant or flight announcements. The 11 hours of nonstop music you get in one charge make these a perfect option for long-haul flights or spending the day exploring a new city. The charging case gives the earbuds 11 more hours of power so you can have a total of 22 hours of music time. When it comes to wireless earbuds with Bluetooth, the Samsung Galaxy Buds+ are hard to beat.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro
It should come as no surprise that Anker makes some of the best true wireless and wireless headphones on the market. These true wireless headphones have a state-of-the-art design with an 11mm dynamic driver. The Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro earbuds are recommended by 10 Grammy Award-winning producers because they eliminate interference well and produce incredible sound. They offer a seamless hands-free experience and the four microphones isolate your voice for high-clarity calls. The HearID technology analyzes your hearing profile and creates a tailor-made sound just for you. You’ll get eight hours of listening time and the charging case gives you three more full charges for a total playtime of 32 hours. They also include additional features like IPX4 waterproofing and single-ear listening. For a deeper bass and intricate treble, give the Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro earbuds a try.
Taotronics SoundLiberty 79
Hands down, the Taotronics SoundLiberty 79 are the best cheap true wireless earbuds available. They’re great whether you’re relaxing at home, traveling, or exercising. The ergonomic design helps maximize comfort, stability, and fit, so you can wear them all day. The sound quality is clear and the bass is powerful. A single charge gives you up to eight hours of playtime and the charging case gives you 22 extra hours. Their Bluetooth range stretches to almost 66 feet for added convenience. They have smart-touch controls so you can easily change your music and answer phone calls, and the IPX8 waterproof rating protects them against sweat, rain, water, and dust. If you’re in the market for the best true wireless earbuds under 50 dollars, you’ll absolutely love the Taotronics SoundLiberty 79 earbuds.
Amazon Echo Buds
Amazon Echo Buds offer a customizable fit with three ear tip options and have premium speaker drivers. These earbuds work with the Alexa app to play audiobooks, stream music, make calls, get directions, and more. They also work with other integrations like Google Assistant and Siri. You can get five hours of music on one charge and up to 20 hours with the charging case. These earbuds were designed to protect your privacy and were built with multiple layers of protections and controls; like the ability to mute the mics with the Alexa app. They’re equipped with active noise reduction technology as well as three microphones per earbud so you’ll be heard clearly. The Amazon Echo Buds are high-quality earbuds that won’t break your budget.
Jaybird Vista
Built to last, the Jaybird Vista earbuds are waterproof, crush-proof, drop-proof, and sweat-proof. A charge gives you six hours of audio while the charging case gives you an extra 10 hours. This makes them the best true wireless earbuds for running and for active travelers. The Bluetooth technology offers a reliable connection and provides zero-lag stereo sound for calls and music. Included are three sizes of ear gels to ensure a comfortable fit. These are some of the smallest premium earbuds on the market so they won’t bother your ears. If you’re concerned about losing them, the app has a “find my buds” feature to help you keep track of them. With impressive sound quality thanks to the six-millimeter drivers, the Jaybird Vista earbuds are ready to go whenever you are.
True wireless earbuds are soon to become your new favorite travel accessory. Whether you’re exploring the streets of Sydney, working out at your hotel in Paris, or anything in between, you’ll love the convenience and high-quality sound they offer.
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