True wireless earbuds are the most popular type of headphones these days and it’s easy to see why. They’re compact, convenient and still packed with great features and able to offer top-notch sound quality.
However, the market is extremely saturated with even one brand having many models to choose from so which are the best ones? Of course, it depends what kind of thing you are looking for and how much you have to spend but we have rounded up the 10 best pairs of wireless earbuds we’ve tested to date, each with their own charms.
As well as the AirPods, there are great wireless earbuds from the likes of Sony, Bose and Samsung as well as brands you might not know so well like Denon, Huawei and JBL.
We’re focusing on what are known as ‘true wireless’ earbuds here – ie not ones that are attached to each other with a cable that hangs on your neck like the Google Pixel Buds or Huawei FreeLace Pro – aka ‘neckbuds’. You might see wireless earbuds referred to as ‘TWS’ which stands for true wireless stereo.
If you’re looking for general headphones then we have a dedicated chart for that which includes on- and over-ear headphones, too.
Best true wireless earbuds 2023
1. Sony WF-1000XM5 – Best Overall
Pros
- The best sounding earbuds ever
- Incredible noise cancelling
- Clever smart features
- Hi-Res support
Cons
- Fiddly on-bud volume controls
- Occasionally come loose
- Some connection issues
Price When Reviewed:
$299.99
Sony has done it yet again and the WF-1000XM5s are the best wireless earbuds you can buy, although it does mean you might be tempted by the now cheaper XM4 model.
If you want the latest and greatest, though, then these are them with a winning combination of sound quality, top-notch active noise cancelling, great battery life, and truly clever and useful smart features.
Each time we wonder how Sony can improve but somehow it does and we’re particularly impressed with how the XM5s sound for music with “deep booming bass with clear mids and crisp highs no matter the genre”.
They’re also great for video and phone calls thanks to three mics on each bud and clever software. Sony has also added a smaller ear tip size to cater for more users, although our tester had the odd issue with them coming loose. There’s very little to dislike here if you can afford them and will use the plethora of smart features such as Speak to Chat and Adaptive Sound Control.
2. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II – Best ANC Performance
![Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II - Best ANC Performance](https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bose-QuietComfort-Earbuds-2_review_9.jpg?quality=50&strip=all)
Pros
- Superb sound quality
- Astonishing noise cancelling
- Clever ‘Aware’ mode
- Secure fit
Cons
- No Hi-Res audio support
- No Bluetooth Multipoint
- No wireless charging
Price When Reviewed:
$299.00
Bose has really stepped up its game with the QC Earbuds 2 with a more compact and modern design that still have wingtips for extra security, excellent touch controls and a better case design.
The already excellent ANC is even better with unbelievable pure performance as well as a clever aware mode. Paird with top-notch sound quality and you’ve got yourself a very decent pair of wireless earbuds.
As previously, Sony is the thorn in Bose’s side here with – if it bothers you – better battery life, a better range of smart features and Hi-Res Audio.
Read our full
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II review
3. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro – Best for Samsung Users
![Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro - Best for Samsung Users](https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Galaxy-Buds-2-Pro_hands-on20220805_0003.jpg?quality=50&strip=all)
Pros
- Samsung’s best-sounding buds yet
- Comfortable and lightweight
- IPX7 water-resistance
Cons
- Fiddly touch controls
- 24-bit audio requires a Samsung phone
- Middling battery life
Price When Reviewed:
$229
Samsung has followed up its original Pro wireless earbuds with another solid effort. As well as improved sound quality, they are compact, comfortable and available in a trio of colour options.
As you’d expect from Pro level earbuds, there are features like active noise cancelling, wireless charging and 24-bit audio support – although the latter requires a Samsung phone.
That combined with limited iOS support means these are best for Samsung users and if you don’t need the high-end features then the Galaxy Buds 2 make for a better value purchase.
Read our full
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro review
4. Apple AirPods Pro 2 – Best for iPhone
![Apple AirPods Pro 2 - Best for iPhone](https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/AirPods-Pro-2022-review-2.jpg?quality=50&strip=all)
Pros
- Comfortable & compact
- Industry-leading transparency mode
- Impressive ANC performance
- Enhanced Find My functionality
Cons
- Many smart features are exclusive to Apple devices
- No lossless audio support
- Only IPX4
Price When Reviewed:
$249
The AirPods Pro 2 represent the pinnacle of true wireless earbud performance for iPhone users, with not only impressive audio performance with improved ANC and transparency mode capabilities, but a swathe of smart features that push the AirPods Pro 2 above other third-party options.
It’s not so clear-cut if you’re an Android user, losing out on many of the smarts that make the AirPods Pro 2 what they are, but if you’ve got an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac, the AirPods Pro are the ideal high-end performers.
While there’s still a basic splash-resistant rating, there’s still one glaring thing missing from Apple’s earbuds and that’s a lossless codec.
Read our full
Apple AirPods Pro (second-generation) review
5. Google Pixel Buds Pro – Best Touch Controls
![Google Pixel Buds Pro - Best Touch Controls](https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Google-Pixel-Buds-Pro_review_7.jpg?quality=50&strip=all)
Pros
- Superb, rounded sound
- Great fit
- Solid ANC
- Wireless charging
Cons
- No EQ options
- No Hi-Res/aptX support
- No iOS Pixel Buds app
Price When Reviewed:
$199
The Pixel Buds have finally gone Pro and they offer a very well-rounded experience for less money than a lot of rivals.
as well as all the things you’d expect from a flagship pair of earbuds like great sound quality, noise cancelling and good battery life, the Pixel Buds Pro have better touch controls than most along with Google Assistant integration to boot.
It’s not all plain sailing as that lower price does mean you miss out on things like proper waterproofing and Hi-Res Audio.
Read our full
Google Pixel Buds Pro review
6. JBL Tour Pro 2 – Most Innovative Case
![JBL Tour Pro 2 - Most Innovative Case](https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/JBL-Tour-Pro-2-review_4.jpg?quality=50&strip=all)
Pros
- Good case display functionality
- Impressive personalised sound
- Great ANC
- Good battery life
Cons
- No Hi-Res audio support
- Not the best fit
- Can’t see what’s playing from case
Price When Reviewed:
$249.95
It’s hard to stand out in a saturated market but JBL has done it with the Tour Pro 2 thanks to an ‘I wish I’d thought of that’ case.
A charging case with a built-in display has got us wondering why all wireless earbuds don’t have this feature. It’s genuinely useful, providing contol over playback, ANC while giving you information such as battery life and the time. It means you can avoid using your phone, earbud touch controls or otherwise which is easier and safer while out and about.
It’s an oversight that you can’t see what’s playing but the Tour Pro 2 have other tricks up their sleeve such as personalised sound, excellent noise cancelling and solid battery life (despite the screen). Some rivals are more comfortable and you’ll need to look elsewhere if you want Hi-Res Audio.
Read our full
JBL Tour Pro 2 review
7. Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 – Best Dual Drivers
![Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 - Best Dual Drivers](https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Huawei-FreeBuds-Pro-2-3.jpg?quality=50&strip=all)
Pros
- Dual-drivers sound amazing
- Solid ANC performance
- Useful smart features
- Wireless charging case
Cons
- Irritating software setup
- New colour is a fingerprint magnet
- Slightly awkward swipe gesture
Price When Reviewed:
Unavailable in the US
Huawei’s follow-up to its original Pro level earbuds are phenomenally good apart from some small annoyances, which can largely be avoided or forgotten about.
At a much lower price than some rivals, you get incredible sound from the dual-driver setup which unusually features planar drivers. They also fit really well and the active noise cancelling and call quality are nothing short of excellent, even if you need the app to select specific ANC modes beyond on and ambient.
There is a selection of useful smart features such as wear detection, fit test, custom EQ and more. Most markets will get wireless charging, but it’s a shame battery life isn’t any better and the new Silver Blue colour attracts fingerprints.
Read our full
Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 review
8. Denon PerL Pro – Best Personalised Sound
![Denon PerL Pro - Best Personalised Sound](https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_7496.jpg?quality=50&strip=all)
Pros
- Effective noise cancelling
- Unrivalled sound quality
- Extensive customisation options
Cons
- Expensive
- Only IPX4 rated
- Wings almost impossible to get in place
Price When Reviewed:
$349
If sound quality is your number one request from earbuds, and why shouldn’t it, then the Denon PerL Pro are insanely good. The stand-out feature here is Masimo AAT (Adaptive Acoustic Technology) which can customise the sound to your personal hearing.
The process takes a few minutes but it well worth it as hearing the nuances of music in wireless earbuds is a rare thing. The PerL Pro also have very good noise cancelling with different modes, good call quality, various options in the app and handy touch controls.
It’s just a shame they are so expensive and only come splash-proof. We also found the wing tips incredibly hard to install, though the fit was good even without them.
Read our full
Denon PerL Pro review
9. Technics EAH-AZ80 – Best Connectivity
![Technics EAH-AZ80 - Best Connectivity](https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Technics-EAH-AZ80_review_2.jpg?quality=50&strip=all)
Pros
- Excellent audio quality
- Connect to 3 devices simultaneously
- Lengthy battery life
- Loads of customisability
Cons
- No automated tuning options
- Chunky case
Price When Reviewed:
$299.99
From a brand like Technics you would expect the EAH-AZ80 to be some of the best sounding wireless earbuds money can buy and that is certainly the case with sublime performance. This is largely thanks to 10mm aluminium drivers, an acoustic control chamber and a harmoniser giving them “one of the most open, expansive soundscapes I’ve heard yet from earbuds, with a clarity to the sound that’s hard to find elsewhere” for our tester.
It’s just a shame there isn’t any automatic personalised sound like the Denon PerL Pro, and the case is bigger than most rivals.
However, there are lots of things to like elsewhere with Hi-Res support, good ANC and smart features like customisable controls and Alexa support. We’re also impressed with battery life but the fact you can connect the earbuds to three devices at the same time makes them unique on the market. If you juggle devices daily then these are the buds to get.
Read our full
Technics EAH-AZ80 review
10. Apple AirPods (2021) – Best Open Fit
![Apple AirPods (2021) - Best Open Fit](https://images.techadvisor.com/cmsdata/slideshow/3673682/apple_airpods3_review_13.jpg)
Pros
- Comfortable design
- Improved smarts
- Wireless charging
- Spatial Audio
Cons
- No Active Noise Cancellation
- Limited noise isolation
- Slightly more expensive
Price When Reviewed:
$179
The regular AirPods – now third-generation – remain the obvious default purchase for Apple users if you can’t afford the Pro model.
A number of improvements have been made including a more comfortable design, Spatial Audio support, improved Find My support and wireless charging as standard – both Qi and MagSafe.
Still, there are downsides such as the lack of noise cancelling and the open-fit design means no ear canal seal for proper noise isolation like the AirPods Pro and most rivals.
Great earbuds, but not quite a no brainer at the increased price.
Read our full
Apple AirPods (3rd gen, 2021, MagSafe) review
Your buying guide to the best true wireless earbuds in 2023
Earbuds might be small and unassuming but there’s plenty to think about when choosing the right pair. If you’re not sure, then below we have buying advice to help you find the right ones.
FAQ
Wireless vs True Wireless: What’s the difference?
Let’s start by clarifying a common confusion. Wireless headphones have been around for a long time and simply means they connect to a device (often your phone) without any physical wires.
They are typically on- or over-ear headphones with a headband but also could be earbuds connected by a wire/chord which normally goes around your neck.
Ture wireless earbuds on the other hand are two separate in-ear headphones that are not connected to each other or your source device with any wires.
Which brand of wireless earbuds is best?
It doesn’t mean they are necessarily the best for you, but Sony often sets the standard for true wireless earbuds with its WF-1000XM range.
However, there’s plenty of competition out there and just having 10 pairs in this chart means it’s very hotly contested and you can check out the latest reviews in our audio section.
Over the years we’ve found the following brands to make recommendable earbuds: Apple, Samsung, Cambridge Audio, Jabra, Huawei, Bose, Nura, Google and more.
What should I look for in true wireless earbuds?
Generally speaking, the earbuds from different manufacturers are very similar. The headphones connect to your phone (or other devices) and each other over Bluetooth and tend to have playback controls on at least one earbud.
Active noise cancelling (ANC) digitally cuts out the noise around you. Some of the buds here have it, but we also have a dedicated noise cancelling headphones chart which includes other styles.
Battery life varies for the earbuds but the carry case will handily charge them up, normally a few times over.
Apart from things like longer battery life, it’s additional features that tend to set different sets of earbuds apart. That might be a wireless charging case, support for Google/Alexa digital assistants or exclusive smart features like Sony’s Speak-to-Chat.
You might not be able to get everything you want in the same device so deciding what’s most important to you may be critical. Find out how we test audio.
how much should I spend on true wireless earbuds?
In terms of cost, you’re going to have to spend a fair amount to get a decent pair. This is because there’s a lot of technology packed into tiny headphones. Since the category is still quite new, prices won’t come down for a while – the average price for a well-known brand is around $150/£150.
If your budget is tight, take a look at our recommendations for the best cheap true wireless earbuds although we may include the occasional pair under $100/£100 here.