The WIRED Reviews team doesn't just use earbuds, we test them. After weeks of music, calls, commutes, and rogue earbuds flying out of our ears, we've chosen these favorites that are the best for most people. For more top picks, check out our other audio guides, like the Best Open Earbuds, Best Wireless Headphones, Best Noise-Canceling Headphones, Best Cheap Headphones, Best Workout Headphones, and Best Wired Headphones.
Google Pixel Buds 2a: The Best All-Around Choice
The Pixel Buds 2a aren't the flashiest earbuds around, but they hit just the right balance of sound quality, useful features, comfortable fit, and low price, making them a great option for just about anyone. The smooth, pebblelike case has a replaceable battery, and the buds are very small and ergonomic, with ear loops that really help them stay in most ears. An IP54 rating, noise canceling, and seven hours of battery life make these fantastic for everyday wear. Reliable software support and excellent touch controls (though no volume controls directly on the earbuds) make these especially nice while working out, at the desk, or gardening. And instant pairing with Android phones and near-instant pairing with iPhones means both teams can enjoy these buds easily. The biggest miss here is no wireless charging. If that's a deal-breaker, you'll want to upgrade to something like the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2. Otherwise, these are great overall earbuds, but not the best at any one thing.
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Apple AirPods Pro 3: The Definitive Choice for iPhone Users
Apple's AirPods Pro 3 solidify their status as the best-selling headphones for good reason. They remain the easiest, most integrated buds for iOS users, now with crucial upgrades. The design is subtly refined for a more universal fit, aided by new foam-lined ear tips that improve comfort and passive noise isolation. Key improvements include a much-needed battery life boost to eight hours and an enhanced IP57 rating for greater durability. New features like real-time translation and surprisingly accurate heart rate monitoring, powered by robust software support, are very nice to have. The bass-heavy sound profile favors pop music, but the active noise canceling is class-leading, effectively silencing even high-pitched distractions. While competitors like Sony and Bose offer compelling alternatives, the AirPods Pro 3 provide an unmatched seamless experience for the Apple ecosystem. For iPhone owners, they are the definitive choice and a worthy upgrade.
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Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro: An Excellent Choice for Samsung Fans
The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro are the best earbuds for anyone who already owns and uses a Samsung phone or Samsung smartwatch, similar to AirPods for Apple users. That comparison isn't just surface level: These are the most AirPods-like Samsung earbuds yet; the size, shape, fit, and feel are very AirPods Pro 3. These are fun, comfortable, and convenient earbuds for anyone with a Samsung phone. The noise-canceling works admirably, canceling out most low drones like plane and AC noise and lowering café and office chatter well. The Ambient Sound (aka transparency mode) is a real standout—it's clear and natural-sounding, so much so that we used it in place of open earbuds for walks and hikes on occasion. Paired with a Samsung phone, there are features galore: a customizable nine-band equalizer (with presets), earbud fit tests, high-resolution audio support, voice control settings (Google Assistant or Bixby), Find My Earbuds (think Apple Find My), and more. But, importantly, they sound great straight out of the box. The only downside is battery life: Six hours of playback with ANC on puts it behind most other earbuds on this list. And controls, while simple and intuitive, misfired semi-often over several days of testing.
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Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: Tiny but Powerful
Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 are itty-bitty earbuds that pair perfectly with whatever Android phone you have. They're super comfortable, have excellent noise canceling, and boast an eight-hour battery life that puts many competitors to shame. You can choose between digital assistants and even open Google's Gemini Live conversational AI straight from the earbuds. Sound quality is among the best in the category, with clear highs and a nice helping of punch in the bass without being overwhelming. They're also IP54-rated, which makes them a carefree addition to your gym bag.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen): Top-Tier Noise Canceling
Bose claims that its latest flagship headphones have the best noise reduction on the planet, and after a few weeks with the QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen), I'm inclined to agree. The comfortable elephant trunk shape pairs with silky silicone ear tips to provide excellent passive noise isolation—akin to a pair of earplugs—which combine with active noise-canceling tech to provide true silence. You'll have a hard time hearing anything but the highest-pitched noises with ANC on, and the built-in dynamic drivers do a great job putting music on top. The latest model comes with a wireless charging case and some new and exciting spatial audio features (particularly great when watching movies on flights), which make these some of the best earbuds for business travelers. Call and Zoom quality, likewise, is excellent.
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JLab Go Pop ANC: The Best Budget Option
JLab is my go-to brand for budget earbuds, and the Go Pop ANC are a prime example of why. These buds are shockingly full-featured for $30: ANC and transparency modes that actually work, stable Bluetooth connectivity, a robust app with adjustable EQ and programmable controls, and a respectable IP55 dust- and water-resistance rating. I can think of many earbuds over $100 that mess up the basics more than these ones do. Sure, I found the tiny built-in USB-C cable more annoying than helpful, but at this price, it's hard to nitpick.
Shokz OpenDots: The Freedom of Open Earbuds
Open earbuds rest on or wrap around the outside of your ears, leaving them open to hear the world around you. They're an excellent choice when you want to be aware of your surroundings—think walking, running, biking, or hiking outdoors. After testing dozens, I almost always come back to Shokz OpenDots. They have been my constant, consistent companion for walks, runs, bike rides, and just living life. It's the combination of comfort, ease of use, and battery life that puts them ahead of competitors for me. I've worn these earbuds for hours at a time and completely forgotten I was wearing them. Which is especially easy to do because the buds get up to 10 hours of battery life, way more than most of my recommendations on this list. Open earbuds as a whole don't sound nearly as good as in-ear earbuds, but the OpenDots 2 do a fine job of conveying detailed instrumentation in such a small form factor. The controls have been consistent and responsive in my testing, though part of me wishes Shokz opted for real buttons (like the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds) instead of touch-sensitive areas around the barrel/battery cell.
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