Best Wireless Earbuds in 2026
We tested the top wireless earbuds for sound quality, comfort, battery life, and noise cancellation. Here are our picks for every budget.
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Sony WF-1000XM5
$279.99
Pros
- +Best-in-class ANC
- +Excellent sound quality
- +Comfortable fit
- +8hr battery
Cons
- −Premium price
- −No multipoint on LDAC
Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)
$249.00
Pros
- +Seamless Apple integration
- +Adaptive audio
- +Great ANC
- +Find My support
Cons
- −Best with Apple devices only
- −No lossless Bluetooth
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
$249.99
Pros
- +360 Audio
- +Blade design
- +Strong ANC
- +Samsung ecosystem perks
Cons
- −Fit may not suit all ears
- −Best with Samsung devices
Wireless earbuds have come a long way. The latest models deliver sound quality and noise cancellation that would have required over-ear headphones just a few years ago. But with dozens of options at every price point, picking the right pair can be overwhelming.
We tested over 15 pairs across price ranges to find the best options for different needs.
What We Look For
We evaluate wireless earbuds on sound quality, active noise cancellation (ANC), comfort and fit, battery life, and value for money. Call quality and app features also factor in.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony's flagship earbuds set the standard. The noise cancellation is the best we've tested — it practically erases airplane cabin noise and office chatter. Sound quality is rich and detailed with deep bass that doesn't overpower mids and highs.
The foam tips create an excellent seal, and at 4.8g per earbud, they're remarkably light for the tech packed inside. Battery life hits 8 hours with ANC on, 12 without.
Best for iPhone Users: AirPods Pro 2
If you're in the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Pro 2 are hard to beat. Adaptive Audio intelligently blends transparency and noise cancellation based on your environment. Personalized Spatial Audio is impressive for movies and music.
The seamless switching between Apple devices and Find My integration for the case are genuine advantages you won't get elsewhere. Sound quality is excellent — not quite Sony-level, but very close.
Best for Android: Galaxy Buds3 Pro
Samsung's latest earbuds feature a new blade-style design that's polarizing in looks but comfortable in practice. ANC performance is strong, and 360 Audio adds a spatial dimension to compatible content.
The earbuds shine brightest with Samsung phones, where you get the full suite of features including seamless device switching and enhanced codec support.
Budget Pick
If you want great sound without the premium price, the Nothing Ear (2) at around $99 delivers surprisingly capable ANC and balanced sound. It's the best value in the category.
Bottom Line
For most people, the Sony WF-1000XM5 is the earbuds to beat. iPhone users should go AirPods Pro 2. Samsung users will love the Galaxy Buds3 Pro. And budget shoppers can't go wrong with Nothing Ear (2).