Best wireless earbuds in 2026 reviewed and rated

Once upon a time, tangled cables were the norm. Now, Bluetooth rules the roost. If you’re after a truly wireless setup, this is the list to check out – from wallet-friendly in-ears to high-end models that go toe-to-toe with the best. Whether your phone’s ditched the headphone jack or you’re just done fighting with knots of wire, there’s something here for every ear and every budget.

These earbuds don’t just sound good for their size – many of them rival wired headphones for clarity and punch. Most also come with handy extras like app-based controls and active noise cancellation, so you can fine-tune your sound or block out the world around you.

Every pair here has been properly tested by our audio experts. We’ve used them on commutes, workouts, and long listening sessions, across everything from acoustic playlists to heavy bass tracks. Only the ones that impressed us with real-world performance made the cut.

Why you can trust Stuff: Our team of experts rigorously test each product and provide honest, unbiased reviews to help you make informed decisions. For more details, read how we test and rate products.

Quick list: What are the best wireless earbuds?

The best wireless earbuds you can buy today:

1. Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel with the WF-1000XM6. It just needs to stay ahead. After a week of daily use – commuting, flights, gym sessions, working from cafés – we’re convinced it has.

The changes look subtle on paper. In the ear, they’re obvious. The buds are around 11% narrower than the XM5 and sit more snugly, with a reshaped inner shell that properly locks in. With the hybrid foam-and-silicone tips (four sizes in the box), we got a tight seal and wore them for hours without fatigue. They didn’t budge on walks or while training. The case is flatter up top but still pocket-friendly. Small tweak, big difference.

Noise cancelling remains the headline act. Sony has crammed in eight mics and a new QN3e processor that reacts faster and with more precision. On trains and planes, chatter and engine rumble faded into near silence. There’s virtually no ANC hiss, even at low volume, and wind noise during calls is handled brilliantly. We took calls outdoors and in busy stations; voices came through clean and natural every time. Bose is still strong here, but we’d give Sony the edge.

Sound quality is classic Sony – punchy, detailed and balanced without turning clinical. The new 8.4mm driver delivers bass with weight but control. MJ Cole had snap and rhythm; Kneecap hit hard when it needed to; Burial’s sharper edges never became harsh. There’s space, clarity and just enough low-end lift with ANC on to keep things lively. Most people won’t feel short-changed compared to pricier rivals.

Battery life holds steady at about eight hours with ANC on, which we consistently hit. The case gives two extra charges, and five minutes plugged in delivered roughly an hour of playback in our testing. No gains over the XM5, but no compromises either.

The app is packed – maybe too packed – though the new 10-band EQ is welcome. Some features feel gimmicky, but ignore those and you’re left with superb earbuds.

They’re not a huge leap forward. They don’t need to be. The WF-1000XM6 remains the all-rounder to beat.

2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

We’ve always counted on Bose to lead the pack when it comes to noise cancellation, and the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds don’t disappoint. In fact, during testing, we found they still block out more ambient noise than pretty much anything else out there, including droning plane engines and the chatter of a packed café.

The new “Immersive Audio” feature adds a sense of space that genuinely surprised us. It’s not quite Dolby Atmos levels of cinematic, but it does widen the soundstage in a way that makes your music feel more layered and alive. Listening to Radiohead’s Everything In Its Right Place, the synths floated around us with eerie precision. The bass is satisfyingly punchy too – enough to give hip-hop and electronic tracks some proper thump, without overwhelming the mids or highs.

Design-wise, it’s mostly familiar territory. Side by side with the QuietComfort Earbuds II, they look nearly identical. That said, the new metallic accents give them a more premium feel, and the updated stability bands are a genuine improvement – during a 30-minute jog, they didn’t budge once. Comfort is still top-notch, even after a couple of hours of continuous use.

But let’s talk trade-offs. Battery life isn’t great. With Immersive Audio on, we managed just under four hours per charge, which puts them well behind rivals like the Sony WF-1000XM5. If you forget to toggle off the extra spatial features, you’ll be reaching for the case a lot sooner than you’d like. And while the sound and ANC are excellent, we found it hard to justify the higher price when the performance leap over previous models – or the competition – isn’t huge.

If you’re already using the QC Earbuds II, the upgrade here feels incremental at best. We don’t think it’s worth switching unless Immersive Audio is a must-have for you. But for first-timers? Especially if noise cancellation is your top priority? These still earn a place at the top of the true wireless pile. Just go in knowing you’re paying for refinement, not reinvention.

3. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4

The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 don’t look dramatically different from the previous version – and that’s not a bad thing. We tested the new black copper finish, and it looks smart without trying too hard. The build still feels reassuringly premium, with that sturdy metal case and the same soft-touch buds that slot into your ears like they were moulded just for you.

We wore them on a couple of long train journeys and a few gym sessions – and they stayed comfortable throughout. The fit is snug but not fatiguing, and the generous range of ear tip options helped us get a good seal straight away.

Under the hood, there’s been a proper refresh. Bluetooth 5.4 support and aptX Lossless mean you’re getting genuinely high-fidelity sound – provided your source device supports it. We streamed a few FLAC tracks over Tidal and the clarity was excellent, with crisp vocals and instrument separation that felt more spacious than most earbuds in this price range. That said, compared to the Sony XM5s or even the Technics AZ80, they didn’t quite deliver the same low-end punch or dynamic range. The sound here leans towards neutral and refined – great for acoustic, classical, or jazz, maybe less so if you’re all about big bass drops.

We were impressed by the battery life during testing – easily over seven hours on a single charge, with the case topping things up to around 30. It’s great to see both USB-C and wireless Qi charging supported, and Sennheiser’s battery care mode (which caps charging to preserve long-term health) is a thoughtful touch.

ANC is… fine. It cuts out consistent noise well – we barely noticed the air con on the train – but don’t expect Bose-level silence. If you’re regularly using them in very noisy places, that could be a dealbreaker.

The Smart Control app is one of the better companion apps out there. We appreciated the fully customisable EQ – we actually nudged up the bass a bit to add some warmth – and the touch control tweaks worked as expected.

All in, the Momentum True Wireless 4 offer a very polished experience. They’re not the flashiest or most bass-heavy buds on the market, but they’re brilliantly built, sound detailed, and deliver solid battery life. If you value audio fidelity and premium materials over headline-grabbing features, they’re absolutely worth considering.

4. Beats Fit Pro

We’ve tested loads of earbuds for workouts, and the Beats Fit Pro are some of the most dependable we’ve used. They tick all the right boxes for fitness – secure fit, bass-heavy sound, solid battery life – and don’t fall short when it comes to real-world use.

During testing, we took them out for runs, HIIT sessions, and even a sweaty indoor cycling class. The wingtip design works brilliantly – these buds stayed locked in place no matter how much we moved. That said, after about an hour and a half, we started to feel a bit of pressure from the wings, especially with tighter-fitting tips. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to note if you’re planning marathon sessions.

Sound-wise, these absolutely deliver the kind of punchy bass you want mid-workout. Tracks with deep low-end thump – think Kendrick Lamar, Calvin Harris – sound especially good. The volume ceiling isn’t the highest we’ve tested, but it’s loud enough to block out most gym noise. Active Noise Cancelling is decent – not quite Bose or Sony level – but good enough to mute the background hum of treadmills or weight machines. Transparency mode, though, is excellent. We could hear trainers or gym announcements clearly without taking the buds out.

Battery life lives up to the claims. We got just over six hours on a single charge, and the case stretches that to around 30. Fast Fuel charging came in handy more than once – five minutes plugged in gave us enough juice for a full workout.

The Fit Pro really shines if you’re in Apple’s ecosystem. Pairing is instant, audio switching between iPhone and Mac just works, and we made good use of the audio sharing feature when watching Netflix on a flight. But Android users miss out on some of the slick integration, and there’s still no proper EQ customisation – something we found a bit frustrating. We’d have liked more control over the tuning, and being able to remap the controls would’ve been a nice touch.

The charging case is the least sporty part of the whole package. It’s chunky, doesn’t support wireless charging, and isn’t water-resistant – not ideal if it lives in your gym bag next to a leaky bottle. Also, if you lose it, tough luck – the Find My feature only tracks the buds, not the case itself.

Still, for pure workout performance, the Beats Fit Pro hit hard. They stay put, sound great, and go the distance. If you want gym-ready earbuds that play nice with your iPhone, these should be right at the top of your list.

5. AirPods Pro (2nd gen)

We’ve been using the second-gen AirPods Pro for months now, and they still feel like the most polished earbuds Apple’s made. Comfortable, lightweight and packed with clever features, they’re a no-brainer for iPhone users – even if they’re not the best value for everyone.

The fit is excellent. We used Apple’s built-in fit test to get the right seal, and once in, they rarely needed adjusting – even on a long-haul flight or a 5K run. The Adaptive EQ does its thing subtly in the background, fine-tuning the sound to your ear shape. The result? Rich, clear and surprisingly punchy audio that doesn’t fatigue over time. We found the sound signature more balanced than the bassier Beats Fit Pro, with a bit more sparkle in the treble too.

ANC has had a serious upgrade here. It’s genuinely impressive – during testing, we wore them on the Tube and the roar of the carriage almost completely disappeared. It’s not quite as total as Bose’s latest, but it’s remarkably close. Transparency mode is even better. We had full conversations with them in, and it never felt artificial or overly boosted.

Spatial Audio, with personalised head-tracking, is a fun extra. It makes movies and live albums more immersive, though we didn’t use it daily. What we did use constantly was the seamless automatic switching between Apple devices. One minute you’re on a FaceTime call on your MacBook, the next you’re watching TikToks on your iPhone – and the AirPods just keep up.

Battery life is solid: around six hours per charge with ANC on, and 30 total with the case. We also liked that the case now has Find My tracking, a speaker for alerts, and MagSafe charging – we’ve stuck it to the back of an iPhone stand more than once.

Now, the downsides. They’re still pricey, and most of the smart stuff is locked into the Apple ecosystem. We tried them briefly on an Android phone, they work, but they lose their magic.

If you’re an iPhone user though, the AirPods Pro 2 are hard to beat. Fantastic sound, top-tier ANC, and integration that just makes life easier – even if you’re paying a premium for it.

6. Denon PerL Pro

The Denon PerL might just be the best-sounding wireless earbuds we’ve tested – and it’s not just because of the hardware. What really sets them apart is their personalised audio tech. Setup takes just a few minutes: the buds play a series of chirps and tones into your ears, and some clever machine learning builds a custom sound profile based on how your ears respond. We were genuinely impressed by the difference it made – music sounded fuller, vocals felt more present, and subtle details in tracks we thought we knew suddenly popped out.

Even without the personalised magic, the 10mm dynamic drivers pack plenty of punch. We tested them across everything from Billie Eilish to Haim, and the PerL handled it all with warmth, clarity and real dynamic range. The frequency response stretches all the way to 40kHz, and while that’s beyond what human ears can technically hear, the sense of space and detail is still noticeable.

Battery life is solid: we squeezed around eight hours from the buds with ANC on, and the case brings the total to 32 hours. Fast charging also worked well in testing – we got just over an hour of playback from a 10-minute top-up.

They’re IPX4-rated, which means light rain and sweat aren’t an issue, but we wouldn’t recommend them for intense workouts. Mainly because they’re… well, big. They’re surprisingly comfortable given their size, but they’re definitely more home-listening than gym-friendly. The ANC is decent – it muffled background office noise and passing traffic – but it’s not quite at the level of the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra. If total silence is what you’re after, there are better options.

The PerL Pro variant adds a few extra perks. We tested both versions and liked the Pro’s support for aptX Lossless and aptX Voice – audio did sound a touch cleaner on high-res tracks – plus the app’s ability to remap the touch controls was a nice bonus. Bluetooth 5.3 also meant rock-solid connections throughout.

In short, the Denon PerL are built for people who care deeply about how their music sounds – and they deliver. If comfort, personalisation and audio fidelity matter more to you than size or gym-readiness, these are a seriously compelling choice.

7. Technics EAH-AZ80

The Technics AZ80 aim to be the only earbuds you’ll ever need – and after testing them across commutes, workouts, and lazy evenings on the sofa, we think they nearly pull it off.

Straight out of the case (which is compact, sturdy, and has a premium brushed-metal feel), the AZ80s look the part. The subtle gold accents and smart design make them feel more high-end than most rivals. But it’s the fit that really won us over. Technics includes seven pairs of ear tips, and after a bit of trial and error, we found a combo that felt secure yet comfy enough to wear for hours. We even took them for a 5K run – they didn’t budge once.

Sound quality is where these buds really shine. The AZ80s deliver balanced, detailed audio with enough low-end to bring energy to bass-heavy tracks, but without drowning out vocals or finer details. We tested everything from lo-fi jazz to industrial techno, and they handled it all with impressive clarity. They’re not quite as dynamically expressive as the Denon PerL or Sony XM5, but they’re not far off either – and they’re arguably more versatile across genres.

The ANC is solid too. During a packed train journey, the low rumbles and general hubbub faded into the background, letting us focus on podcasts and playlists without cranking the volume. Voice call quality is also a strong suit – callers came through crisp and clear, even with wind and traffic noise around us.

Battery life depends on how you use them. With LDAC enabled, we managed just under four hours per charge. That’s the trade-off for higher-res audio. Flip back to standard Bluetooth and you’ll get closer to seven hours – switching between the two was simple via the Technics Audio Connect app, which also offers EQ tweaks and customisable touch controls.

They’re not perfect. The buds are slightly chunky, so not ideal for lying on your side or sleeping with them in. And while they don’t quite edge out Sony or Bose in raw ANC performance, they’re close enough that we didn’t feel we were missing out.

What makes the AZ80s stand out is their balance. They sound great, fit brilliantly, and can handle pretty much anything you throw at them – gym, commute, video calls, or downtime. If you’re tired of swapping between multiple earbuds for different tasks, the AZ80s could easily become your all-rounders.

8. Bowers & Wilkins Pi8

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 are, hands down, some of the best-sounding wireless earbuds we’ve tested. If you’re serious about music and care more about rich, detailed audio than fancy extras, these absolutely deliver.

We used them across a week of listening – at home, on the train, and in the office – and the sonic clarity is stunning. The new carbon cone drivers give everything a crisp, controlled feel. Vocals sit perfectly in the mix, highs shimmer without harshness, and the bass is tight and textured rather than boomy. Compared to the Pi7 S2, the step up is noticeable. There’s more refinement, more space in the soundstage, and it just feels like you’re getting closer to the original recording.

Fit has also improved. The Pi8s felt more secure and comfortable than their predecessors during testing, and we didn’t get the usual ear fatigue after a couple of hours. The charging case is now smaller and more pocketable too, and we loved the clever rebroadcast feature – which let us plug into the in-flight entertainment system and still use the buds. No more relying on rubbish airline headphones.

Connectivity was rock solid throughout, something we couldn’t always say about the Pi7 S2. Pairing was quick, and switching between devices wasn’t a chore.

Now, to be clear – the noise cancelling here is good, but it’s not quite Bose-good. It handled steady background hum well, but we still heard more sudden sounds and voices than with the QC Ultra or Sony XM5s. But honestly, once the music starts, we didn’t really care. The sound quality is that good. If ANC is your top priority, look elsewhere. But if your top priority is hearing your music at its absolute best, this is the one.

The Pi8 isn’t cheap, but it earns its price with precision and polish. Bowers & Wilkins has finally nailed the true wireless formula – and audiophiles will be thrilled.

9. Jabra Elite 8 Active

The Jabra Elite 8 Active earbuds offer a robust solution for those of us who enjoy working out in challenging outdoor conditions. Their IP68 rating and military-grade durability make them a reliable choice for runners and athletes who need earphones that can withstand rain, dust, and mud. We appreciate the all-weather resilience, which sets these buds apart from typical gym-focused options. The fact that they can handle harsh environments without sacrificing comfort is a big win.

However, achieving a secure fit might be hit or miss depending on your ear shape. While the ShakeGrip silicone design is clever, we found that during intense workouts, some movement in one ear was noticeable. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something we wish Jabra had fine-tuned further, perhaps with more customizable fit options.

The sound quality is punchy and energetic, ideal for powering through exercise, though it’s not the most refined in this price range. We think the bass could be more defined, and the high-end is a bit too forward in the mix. Still, for most of us focused on staying in the zone during workouts, these minor issues are forgivable. The ANC is effective enough, especially for low-frequency noise, but doesn’t completely silence sharp background sounds.

Battery life is another strong point, with up to eight hours of use with ANC on, which comfortably outlasts many competitors. However, the lack of high-res audio support out of the box is a bit of a letdown, though Jabra promises a future update.

10. CMF Buds Pro 2

The CMF Buds Pro 2 manage to punch well above their price. They deliver lively sound, solid active noise cancellation, and a cleverly designed case – all without costing a fortune. Nothing’s CMF brand has built a reputation for making affordable gear that feels more premium than it should, and these buds keep that streak going. There’s a small bump in price over the originals, but they’re still cheaper than most noise-cancelling rivals.

The move from a round to a square case works nicely. It’s compact, fits easily in a pocket, and introduces a smart dial that lets you adjust volume or skip tracks right from the case. It’s a nice touch, even if it’s not exactly a must-have. The earbuds themselves feel sturdy, fit well, and block outside noise naturally. They’re also splash-resistant (IP55), so they’ll handle gym sessions or light rain without fuss.

Sound-wise, they’re bold and bassy. Some might find the low end a bit heavy, but you can tweak the balance using the companion app’s EQ controls. Noise cancellation is stronger than expected at this price, easily cutting down the hum of traffic or public transport, though top-tier brands like Bose and Sony still have the edge. Battery life holds up well, and you also get useful extras such as multipoint connectivity and low-latency mode for gaming.

Overall, the CMF Buds Pro 2 hit a sweet spot – great features, good sound, and a smart design at a price that makes sense.

11. Sony LinkBuds S

The Sony LinkBuds S feel like a proper step up from the quirky original LinkBuds, swapping that open-ring look for a more familiar in-ear design. This time you get proper ear tips, which help with both comfort and fit. They’re impressively light at just 4.8g each, so you can easily wear them all day without fatigue.

Sony’s added plenty of smart touches too. The adaptive noise cancellation adjusts automatically depending on your surroundings, and the ambient mode kicks in when needed, keeping you aware without manual toggling. They’re not quite in the same league as the pricier WF-1000XM4s, though – those still lead on both sound and ANC. It’s also a bit of a letdown that wireless charging didn’t make the cut, especially considering how common it’s become elsewhere.

The LinkBuds S use simple tap controls and work seamlessly with Sony’s Headphones app, where you can fine-tune the sound, tweak adaptive settings, or use Speak-to-Chat to pause your music mid-conversation. Sound quality is solid overall – crisp enough for podcasts and calls, though it doesn’t reach the same depth or detail as Sony’s flagship buds. Battery life lands around six hours per charge, with the case offering roughly two more cycles.

All told, the LinkBuds S are comfortable, clever, and easy to live with. They’re not the best-sounding pair Sony makes, but for daily use and long listening sessions, they strike a nice balance between performance and practicality.

12. SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

SteelSeries’ Arctis GameBuds shrink the brand’s award-winning headset sound into something you can slip in your pocket – and they really deliver. I tested them on Nintendo Switch playing Fortnite, where the 2.4GHz wireless dongle kept latency nonexistent and directional audio impressively accurate, helping me pick out footsteps and gunfire with ease. On mobile, switching to Bluetooth 5.3 for music or calls was seamless, with the Quick-Switch system handling transitions instantly.

The trademark Arctis sound is here; they’re rich, punchy, and surprisingly spacious for buds this small. The companion app’s 100+ EQ presets make a real difference too; tweaking Fortnite’s preset added a satisfying depth to explosions without muddying the highs.

Comfort is another win: the ergonomic shape feels secure after hours of gaming, and the build quality is as solid as any full-sized Arctis headset.

Qi wireless charging and a 40-hour total battery life are handy perks, while the controls are intuitive once you get used to the slightly stiff touchpads.

What to look for when buying wireless earbuds

When buying the best wireless earbuds, there are several important factors you need to consider to ensure you make the right choice.

The most important aspect of choosing earbuds is sound quality. We’ve chosen wireless earbuds that deliver excellent sound quality with a balanced range of highs, mids, and lows.

Closely behind sound quality is comfort and fit. This is crucial for an enjoyable listening experience so you’ll want earbuds that come with multiple sizes of ear tips. This allows you to customise the fit to ensure your wireless earbuds are secure and comfortable. This is especially important if you’re going to be using your wireless earbuds to work out with, as you don’t want them falling out when you’re running/moving vigorously around.

One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is between noise-cancelling and non-noise-cancelling buds. Noise-cancelling wireless earbuds will offer you greater ability to block the outside world, but often have shorter battery life and don’t sound quite as good. Non-noise-cancelling buds will offer longer battery life and improved sound quality. This decision all comes down to how you plan on using your buds.

Another key feature to look out for when you’re working out is water and sweat resistance. Getting some earbuds with an IPX4 or higher rating ensures durability and protection against moisture damage.

Now, there isn’t too much room in true wireless earbuds for a large battery, so battery life can often be an issue when shopping (especially if you’re buying for a long-haul flight). We’ve selected buds which offer decent battery life so there’s no need to worry there. If you do need to use your earbuds for a long period of time, then opt for some buds with the best battery life.

Perhaps more important than bud battery life is the capacity of the charging case. These are an essential accessory for wireless earbuds as they ensure your buds are always topped up and ready to use. The size and weight of the case are important, too. You’ll want it to be portable enough to carry with you at all times, and one key feature to look for is quick charging.

Finally, a few extra features to consider are touch controls, EQ customisation, virtual assistants and transparency mode which, although not necessary, are nice to have.

If you’re looking for Apple-rivalling wireless earphones, check out the best AirPods alternatives, or, if you’re looking specifically for gym buds, check out our dedicated list of the best wireless in-ears for sport.

Frequently asked questions

Recent updates

• 21st April 2026: Updated product specs.
• 13th March 2026: Restructured the FAQ section.
• 12th February 2026: We replaced the Sony WF-1000XM5 with the newer WF-1000XM6.
• 8th December 2025: Added details about AirPods in the FAQs, and updated the headline.
• 5th November 2025: We’ve added the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds as the best earbuds for gaming.