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Since I launched BTTR back in December 2022, I've reviewed 17 pairs of wireless earbuds. That's a small drop in the ocean of products that are actually available, I know, but it's still more than a most people.
Over that time, there has been one pair that I have consistently returned to thanks to the combination of comfort, security, audio quality and, surprisingly, noise cancellation.
There have been many other pairs of earbuds I have loved for different reasons, which I break down in the members section below.
But if I had to buy a pair of true wireless earbuds today, it would be these ones:
The best wireless earbuds I've tested:
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Apple loudly proclaims that the AirPods Pro 3 have the best noise cancellation of any wireless earbuds on the market, and you know what? It may just be true.
The latest version of Apple's "Pro" grade earbuds offers twice the noise cancellation of the 2nd generation, and up to four times the original AirPods Pro.
One of the ways that Apple managed to achieve this was by upgrading the ear tips to use foam and silicone. This acts to minimise external sounds, but also helps give the earbuds a much more secure fit, so they don't feel like they will fall out as you walk or run.
There are a couple of other flagship features here, too, which help the AirPods Pro 3 stand apart from the competition.
The first is a heart rate sensor that lets you accurately track your heart rate when doing a workout. If you already use an Apple Watch, this is somewhat redundant, though.
The second is the Live Translation feature, which is available when paired to a phone capable of running Apple Intelligence. When activated, the earbuds will lower the audio of someone talking to you in another language and pipe a translated version into your ears. When you talk back, it will show a translated version on your phone screen so you can have a conversation in real time.
Again, this is cool, though not useful unless you plan on talking to someone who doesn't speak your native language.
Fortunately, it doesn't matter because these features are, in my mind at least, just a nice bonus you get with the best-sounding pair of in-ear AirPods yet.
Nick Broughall
Other wireless earbuds you could consider
A more affordable option: Apple AirPods 4 with ANC
It has been a bit of a recurring theme in my earbud reviews over the past few years that I struggle to get a good fit with wireless earbuds, particularly with my right ear. For whatever reason, a medium silicon tip is too small, but a large is too big, and at even the slightest bit of exercise, the earbud pops out.
So I had low expectations that the open-ear design of the AirPods 4 would solve the problem. But to my surprise, these earbuds offer one of the most secure fits I've experienced outside of the clip-on earring style of the Shokz OpenDots One.
Also impressive is the noise cancellation. Open-ear designs typically don't lend themselves to good quality noise cancellation, but Apple has really delivered here. It's not as impressive as full over-ear noise cancelling headphones like the AirPods Max, but its impact on blocking out external noise is really impressive.
Of course, it's an Apple product, which means it really works best if you use other Apple products, like an iPhone 16 or a MacBook Air. If you actively avoid Apple, then these probably aren't for you.
But that's your loss, because these are great.
Nick Broughall
For fitness: Shokz OpenFit Pro
In many ways, I still can't understand how Shokz created a pair of open-eared earbuds with noise isolation.
The OpenFit Pro build on the excellent OpenFit and its successor OpenFit 2+, which was an impressive pair of earbuds in itself.
But the Pro has drastically improved audio quality, while adding noise isolation. It's not true noise-cancelling, but that's by design. Shokz' whole thing is about having an open design, so you can hear the outside world.
The OpenFit Pro just limits some of the background noise you don't want to hear. So where the OpenFit 2+ were impossible to hear while I walked next to a main road, the Pro nullifies some of that noise, so you can still listen to your music.
Combined with a solid Dolby Atmos integration complete with head tracking, and massive battery life, these earbuds are a perfect partner for anyone looking for a pair of earbuds to keep them company while they work out.
Nick Broughall
For all-day comfort and security: Shokz OpenDots One
I really like the OpenDots One's design. Instead of getting jammed into your ear holes, the OpenDots "clip" around your ear, and use a small, directed speaker to pump the sounds into your brain without blocking out the rest of the world.
The clip design here is the key. It's really, really secure, for a start, but in a way that doesn't feel uncomfortable even after a full day's wear. Plus, the fact it doesn't wrap around your ears like the OpenFit means you can wear them with glasses without any issues at all.
Sound quality is surprisingly good, but the battery life is incredible. You'll get 10 hours from a single charge, which is mind-blowing when you look at the size of these things.
The catch is that they can be hard to hear in noisy environments. Even cranked to full volume, I struggled to hear my music when I was walking along a main road during peak hour.
But if I'm doing any real strenuous activity, the security of these as they attach to my ear makes them a really solid option.
Nick Broughall
Best for the budget: Sony WF-C710N
I don't love the fit of the WF-C710N, if I'm honest. I was constantly adjusting the right earbud to make sure it didn't fall from my ear while I was reviewing them.
What I do love about these wireless earbuds is the price. Not the RRP – at $189.95, they're not expensive, but they aren't overly cheap.
But I haven't seen them at full RRP since they launched. Looking now, they are under $150. When I wrote my review, they were under $130. When you read this, they could be even cheaper.
For that price, what you get is exceptional value. You get incredible noise cancellation, fantastic audio (once you've tweaked the EQ – read the review for more on that) and really solid battery life.
If I compare these to something like the Enco Buds2 Pro, which launched at $99, then the extra $30 (or $50, if you have to) is worth every single cent.
But if your budget stretches beyond the $200 mark, then I'm going to recommend the AirPods 4, or at least a more premium pair of Sonys.
Nick Broughall
How I chose the best wireless earbuds
I've been reviewing headphones since about 2004, and since I kicked off BTTR in late 2022 I've tested and reviewed over 20 pairs of headphones, including wireless earbuds.
To test headphones, I listen to a lot of music and watch a bunch of videos over at least a two week period, though often longer. My musical taste tends to stick in the rock arena, though delves a bit into pop, folk and alternative.
For this guide, I've only spoken about the models I've tested that I would happily recommend based on my own experience. That's not to say that other products I've reviewed aren't good, but in most cases there are models I prefer.
But I fully acknowledge I haven't tested everything available, so if there's something you want to see me review, let me know and I'll do my best to make it happen.
Wireless earbuds I've reviewed at BTTR
- Apple AirPods Pro 1
- Google Pixel Buds Pro
- Belkin SOUNDFORM Immerse Noise Cancelling Earbuds
- LG Tone Free T90 earbuds
- OPPO Enco Buds 2
- Shokz Openfit
- Anker Soundcore Aerofit Pro
- Shokz Openrun Pro
- Jabra Elite 10
- Shokz Openfit Air
- Shokz Openrun Pro 2
- Apple AirPods 4 (with/without ANC)
- Skullcandy Method360 ANC
- Sony WF-C710N
- Shokz OpenDots One
- Shokz OpenFit 2+
- Apple AirPods Pro 3
- Shokz OpenFit Pro
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What to look for when choosing wireless earphones
Whether you're after one of the models listed above or something completely different, the decision factors you need to consider when buying wireless earbuds is the same.
Comfort
The earbuds need to fit. Adjustable tips on some models will help with this, but even then sometimes it is hard to fit the earbud perfectly. The last thing you want is to lose an earbud because it falls out randomly.
Sound quality
You want your earbuds to sound good. There's no point spending the money to get a pair that makes it hard to hear on a call.
Battery life
There's not a lot of space within those teeny-tiny earbuds, so even the best models are going to have limited battery life. Do your research and make sure it's enough for your needs. It's important to consider the additional battery life supplied in the case as well.
Features and functions
This depends entirely on your wants and desires. Do you want noise cancellation in your headphones? Maybe a sweat proof design? Do you want customisable audio through an app? Think about what you want before you make your choice.
Price
This is one of the most important factors there is. Product quality obviously increases the higher the cost, but quite often the right choice for you is not the most expensive model on the market. Consider your budget before buying.
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