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Best wireless earbuds for 2025: Our top picks from Sony, Bose, and more

Sony WF-1000XM5 in charging case with lid open, held between a finger and thumb.
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

It is widely recognized that smartphones and wireless earbuds have become essential items in our daily lives. Thanks to technological advancements, earbuds have gained immense popularity. They offer numerous benefits, including high-quality sound, dust and water resistance for the most intense workouts, and the ability to connect to multiple devices for work and play. Whether commuting, exercising at the gym, or simply relaxing at home, wireless earbuds and easy to take with you anywhere and allow you to enjoy your favorite music or podcasts without disturbing others.

However, navigating the wide range of wireless earbuds on the market has become increasingly challenging as more brands emerge. Additionally, features like active noise cancellation (ANC), transparency mode, and hi-res audio capabilities complicate our decisions about what we truly need and want and are willing to pay.

That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best wireless earbuds. We thoroughly test various models, and the ones that consistently stand out in value, performance, and features are included here. Currently, it’s hard to find a better pair of wireless earbuds that meets our criteria for features-to-price ratio than Sony's latest model, the WF-1000XM5. Sony has consistently excelled in this product line, which has topped our list for years. Our best budget choice, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, is also worth considering, although with many others. Check them out below and several other options that might better suit your preferences.

Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony WF-1000XM5
Best overall wireless earbuds
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Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
The best budget wireless earbuds
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Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony WF-1000XM4
Best overall wireless earbuds, runner-up
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Best noise-canceling wireless earbuds
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Master & Dynamic MW09
Master & Dynamic MW09
Best high-end wireless earbuds
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AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C)
Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C
The best wireless earbuds for Apple users
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Jabra Elite 8 Active Earbuds
Jabra Elite 8 Active
Best wireless earbuds for sports and athletics
Jump to details
Technics Reference Class Hi-Fi Wireless Earbuds, Dolby Atmos with Head Tracking, Adaptive Noise Cancelling, 3 Device Multipoint, 10-hr Battery, Wireless Charging, Improved Fit - EAH-AZ100-K (Black)
Technics EAH-AZ100
Best wireless earbuds for comfort
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Apple AirPods 4 with ANC
Apple AirPods (4th gen) with ANC
Best budget wireless earbuds for Apple users
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Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Best wireless earbuds for Android or Google Pixel users
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Sony LinkBuds Open
Sony LinkBuds Open
Best open-ear wireless earbuds
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Ozlo Sleepbuds
Ozlo Sleepbuds
Best wireless sleepbuds
Jump to details
Editors' Choice sony wf 1000xm5 review 00037
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Sony WF-1000XM5

Pros
  • Small and comfortable
  • Top-notch sound
  • Excellent noise canceling
  • Superb call quality
  • Bluetooth multipoint with LDAC
Cons
  • Fit isn't super secure
Specification:
Weight 5.9 grams per earbud, 39 grams for case
Type Closed
Ambient Sound Modes Adaptive ANC, ANC, and transparency
Battery life 8 hours with ANC (12 without), 36 additional hours with case
Hi-res Audio Support Y

Sony's industry-leading flagship wireless earbuds have delivered consistently great sound, are super comfortable, have fantastic battery life, and deliver some of the world's best ANC. The latest model, the XM5, are smaller and 20% lighter than the previous gen, and Sony has addressed some of the key concerns users had with the predecessor right out of the gate.

The XM5s are also more streamlined and elegant, making it less intrusive and sleeker. Fit-wise, the XM5s have redesigned foam eartips and come with a new extra small size, bringing the total to four options to fit ears of even more shapes and sizes.

New accelerometers in the XM5s open the door for some neat head-movement gestures (nod to accept a call, shake your head to decline), and Sony has switched to a dual processor system that, combined with resigned microphones and drivers, allow for a dedicated chip to specifically handle noise cancellation. Active noise cancelation is slightly better on the XM5s than the XM4s, and the model has a decent voice-targeting mode that helps you better hear conversations. But if ANC is a high priority for you, they still don't match the Apple AirPods Pro 2 for that.

With redesigned drivers that are 40% bigger than on the XM4s, it's no surprise that the XM5s sound better. Bass response is great, vocals are clear and defined, the soundstage is wide for a set of earbuds, and there's even new head-tracked spatial audio support that works well, as long as the phone you're using supports it.

The XM5s feature Bluetooth Multipoint connectivity, allowing you to connect to two devices at once.

All-important battery life is unchanged in the XM5s, giving you up to eight hours of playtime with ANC on and 12 when it's off, along with two full charges from the case, for a total of up to 35 hours. A quick three-minute charge nets a whopping hour of playtime.

Of course, if it wasn't already evident here, the Sony WF-1000XM4s are still a top-notch set of earbuds that you should definitely consider as well, especially as they start to drop in price as the new kid in town takes over.

Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony WF-1000XM5
Best overall wireless earbuds
Editors' Choice anker soundcore liberty 4 nc review 00020
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC

Pros
  • Thoughtful design
  • Great sound
  • Impressive noise-canceling
  • Very good call quality
  • Superb battery life
  • Bluetooth Multipoint
Cons
  • Mediocre transparency mode
Specification:
Weight 5.4 grams per earbud, about 56 grams for case
Type Closed
Ambient Sound Modes Adaptive ANC, Transparency mode
Battery life Up to 10 hours with ANC, up to 50 hours total with the charging case.
Hi-res Audio Support Yes

Every so often, a pair of budget earbuds comes along that are so good for the price and have so many features that they leave us impressed and scratching our heads. Anker's latest Soundcore Liberty 4 NC are $100, but are arguably better than most of what you can get for twice that price.

The Liberty 4 NC are comfortable, fit well and snugly, and have an IPX4 rating that workout folks will appreciate as they can stand up to sweat and can be rinsed off. They sound robust and balanced, have excellent bass response, and keep things free of distortion at reasonable volumes. There's also an app (HearID) that gives you some good personalization options for your perfect sound. For the audio nerds out there, the Liberty 4 NCs also support the hi-res LDAC audio codec (Android only, sorry), which is rare for a budget pair of earbuds.

The Liberty 4 NCs shine when it comes to ANC and transparency mode, though, with our reviewer gushing that the ANC stood up to even the $250 AirPods Pro 2. And the features! For your hundred clams, the Liberty 4 NCs feature excellent adaptive noise canceling, presets for things like planes and busses, and a manual slider for you to pick yourself. Transparency mode, our reviewer found, sounds natural, like you're not wearing earbuds, and does a good job of letting in just the right amount of outside noise. Call quality on the Liberty 4 NCs is good too, with solid compression of environmental noise.

But how's the all-important battery? The Liberty 4 NC will last up to eight hours on a charge with ANC turned on, and a total of 40 hours when you include the charging case. They best the AirPods Pro (5.5/24 hours), and their next-step-up sibling, the $150 Soundcore Liberty 4 (7/24). Just buy them already.

Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
The best budget wireless earbuds
Editors' Choice sony wf 1000xm4 review featured
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Sony WF-1000XM4

Pros
  • Great sound quality
  • Good battery life
  • Excellent noise cancellation
  • Wireless charging
Cons
  • May not fit small ears
  • Slightly lacking in high-end detail
Specification:
Weight 41 grams per earbud
Type Closed
Ambient Sound Modes Adaptive ANC, ANC, and transparency
Battery life 10 hours with ANC (12 without), 36 additional hours with case
Hi-res Audio Support Yes

Even with the new kid in town, the latest Sony WF-1000XM5s, it's still hard to beat Sony's WF-1000XM4 earbuds for an overall superb listening experience. Sony threw the kitchen sink at these buds, adding proper water resistance for workouts, wireless charging, and Sony's own LDAC Bluetooth codec for wireless hi-res audio performance, they're the whole package.

Sound quality has always been a Sony strength, and the XM4s maintained this tradition with even richer bass. There's a warmth and resonance to the low end on these buds that benefits a variety of music genres, especially with string instrument- and drum-centric styles like jazz, classical, and even EDM. Sony made the decision to equip the XM4 with foam eartips as opposed to the usual silicone style. This increases comfort and provides an excellent and secure seal, but it also has a slight tendency to rob the high frequencies of precision.

The Sony Headphones app gives you deep control over all settings, like EQ, ANC, transparency, and touch controls, and includes an option to customize both the earbuds and your music apps (like Tidal, Deezer, and Amazon Music) for use with Sony's 360 Reality Audio (360RA) immersive music format.

Active noise cancellation is superb, as is transparency mode, but Sony throws in a cool new feature: Voice sensing. Simply start talking and the XM4 will automatically shift into transparency while dropping the volume of your tunes. Speaking of, well, speaking, the WF-1000XM4 are some of the few true wireless earbuds that give you hands-free voice access to your choice of Google Assistant (Android only) or Amazon Alexa (iOS and Android).

Battery life, at eight hours of playtime with ANC turned on and 12 hours when it’s off, is excellent, although total playtime — at 24 hours — is pretty standard. A fast charge will get you an additional hour for just five minutes of charging.

Sony added Bluetooth multipoint connectivity to the XM4s, so, huzzah! Our only critiques of the WF-1000XM4 are small: Their size and shape might simply be too big to fit some ears, something that has been remedied in the XM5s.

Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony WF-1000XM4
Best overall wireless earbuds, runner-up
Recommended Product bose quietcomfort ultra earbuds review 00007
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Pros
  • Very comfortable
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Top-notch noise canceling
  • Hi-res and lossless audio
  • Excellent spatial audio
Cons
  • No wireless charging
  • Outdoor call quality could be better
Specification:
Weight 6.24 grams per earbud, 59.8 grams for case
Type Closed
Ambient Sound Modes Adaptive ANC, ANC, and transparency
Battery life 6 hours with ANC, 24 hours with the case
Hi-res Audio Support Yes

If you know anything about Bose, you know that noise cancellation is kind of the company's calling card. Bose was the first to debut the technology in a set of headphones and has been refining the science of silence ever since.

And while it's only been about a year since Bose dropped the second-gen QuietComfort Earbuds II (QCE II) on us, rest assured, its latest version is still a marvel when it comes to keeping the outside world at bay with some of the best ANC on the planet and adaptive "Aware Mode" transparency mode that sounds natural.

So why a new set of QCEs so soon then? And should you upgrade? Design-wise, they still fit comfortably and are almost identical save for a new metallic paint job. Sound-wise our reviewer didn't notice much of a difference either — they're still clear, rich, and extra sparkly in the mids and upper high frequencies.

What is different is that, first, the QC Ultra Earbuds now supports higher resolution audio through Qualcomm's Snapdragon Sound platform that incudes its aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless Bluetooth codecs for hi-res audio, and second, Bose's own take at spatial audio with head tracking it calls Immersive Audio.

Battery life is, sadly, one area that hasn't changed from the QCE II, and it remains on the lower end: Six hours per charge, with an additional 18 hours in the charging case. With immersive audio on, though, you only get 4/16, and you can quick-charge the earbuds, which earns an extra two hours after 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, there's still no wireless charging or Bluetooth multipoint pairing, which is a bit of a bummer.

These caveats aside, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are easily some of the best true wireless buds you can buy, and a must-have for those who crave quiet.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Best noise-canceling wireless earbuds
Editors' Choice master and dynamic mw09 review 00018
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Master & Dynamic MW09

Pros
  • Beautiful design and materials
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Capable noise-canceling
  • Huge amounts of battery life
  • Bluetooth Multipoint
  • Wireless charging
Cons
  • A bit heavy for workouts
  • Long delay between ANC modes
Specification:
Weight 9 grams per earbud, up to 62.5 grams for case
Type Closed
Ambient Sound Modes ANC and two ambient sound modes
Battery life 12 hours with ANC (16 without ANC), 32 additional hours with the case
Hi-res Audio Support Yes

Master & Dynamic, a New York-based brand known for producing high-quality wireless earbuds, has taken things a step further with the MW09. An upgrade to its predecessor, the MW08, it comes packed with features like hi-res audio, Bluetooth Multipoint connectivity, and wireless charging. This set of earbuds is a great option for those looking for a premium audio experience.

M&W has kept its unique and stylish aesthetic with the MW09s, as well as their easy-to-use physical controls on each earpiece. They're also very comfortable and come with both silicone and foam eartips to you can get the perfect fit. The M&D app also has a fit test and the earbuds themselves feature an IP54 rating making them tolerable to sweat and rain, although our reviewer suggested that there are likely better earbuds for working out due to the MW09's extra bulk.

The MW08s were, by our estimation, some of the best sounding earbuds you could buy, and we're glad to report that the same is true for the MW09s. Full, beautiful bass is complimented by their insane level of definition and clarity in the mids and highs. EQ presets and five-band EQing is also available through the app, too, but they sound great out of the box.

However, new surprises on the sound front come with the addition Snapdragon Sound, which brings aptX Adaptive on board for the ability to enjoy lossy hi-res at up to 24-bit/96kHz, and lossless CD quality at up to 16-bit/48kHz. Sadly though, these advanced audio codecs will only be available to those with Android devices and those with support for Snapdragon Sound. Apple devices need not apply.

While the MW09's ANC and transparency modes don't compete on the same level as the AirPods Pro, Sony WF-1000QM5, or Bose QC Ultra Earbuds, they're still pretty good at blocking out all of life's everyday noises and letting you hear conversations and the outside sounds you want to hear. Call quality also holds its own, too.

You get to choose from two charging cases, one made of kevlar, and one made of aluminum, and they both offer wireless charging, IPX4 water resistance, and 32 hours of charging capacity. The MW09 earbuds themselves deliver an impressive 12 hours per charge with ANC on and 16 hours with it off, which is more than you'll ever really need.

Master & Dynamic MW09
Master & Dynamic MW09
Best high-end wireless earbuds
Editors' Choice apple airpods pro 2 usb c magsafe review with and
Zeke Jones / Digital Trends

Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C

Pros
  • Excellent noise canceling
  • Best conversation mode we've tested
  • Solid audio quality
  • Capable of wireless lossless audio
  • Yes, USB-C
Cons
  • Best features only for Apple products
  • Still no biofeedback
Specification:
Weight 5.3 grams per earbud, 50.8 grams for case
Type Closed
Ambient Sound Modes Adaptive ANC, ANC, and transparency
Battery life 6 hours with ANC, 30 hours for case
Hi-res Audio Support No, not technically

With the original AirPods Pro proving to have been one of the most successful wireless earbuds of all time, Apple needed to show it could do it again with the second-gen model. First, it did, adding to their great design, comfortable fit, and improvements to ANC and battery life. But then they did it again is September of 2023 by ditching Lightning for USB-C, and adding dust resistance for a new IP54 designation.

All that said, the new AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C still feature shockingly good active noise cancellation. They are the only buds to give the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II some real competition. Transparency — always a high point for the AirPods Pro — has a feature called Adaptive Transparency. Just like Bose's ActiveSense, it keeps loud sounds from causing you discomfort and it works like a champ.

The Apple H2 chip in each earbud also delivers better call quality that handily kills off any background sounds that might interfere with your voice being heard.

Sound quality is excellent, too, with beautiful detail and depth, and excellent bass response and compatibility with Apple's immersive Spatial Audio. There's still no EQ adjustments, but if you love music, you'll love the way the AirPods Pro 2 sound.

Battery life in the latest USB-C version still stands at six hours per charge, with 30 hours total when you include the charging case – which still has a built-in speaker, lanyard loop, and Apple U1 chip for ultra-precise location reporting via Find My. It also gets the same IP54 protection upgrade, and you can now charge the AirPods Pro 2 with your iPhone 15 or Mac using a USB-C-to-USB-C cable, which is super handy if you don't have access to power or a portable charging bank.

AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C)
Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C
The best wireless earbuds for Apple users
Jabra Elite 8 Active in four colors.
Jabra

Jabra Elite 8 Active

Pros
  • Comfortable and secure fit
  • Dolby Audio
  • Rugged IP68 dust and water protection
  • Good battery life
  • Wireless charging
  • Bluetooth Multipoint
Cons
  • ANC could be better
Specification:
Weight 5 grams per earbud, 46.4 grams for case
Ambient Sound Modes ANC and transparency
Battery life 8 hours with ANC (14 without ANC), 56 total with the case
Hi-res Audio Support No, not technically

Jabra has always done a great job at making earbuds for active people who need quality products that can take a beating, whether that's during workouts or, say, you find yourself getting in a lot of water balloon fights.

The Jabra Elite 8 Active ANC earbuds are a perfect match for this kind of punishment. They're affordable at $200 (making them a great gift to give for the holidays), they come from the same pedigree as Jabra's flagship Elite 10s, and they come with an impressive IP68 dust and waterproof rating. In fact, they even carry the U.S. military's STD-810H standard, which means they've gone through a battery of tests, including for corrosion, heat, humidity, vibration, and more.

Another thing Jabra has gotten right over the years is great sound. The Elite 8 Active, with their snug fit and great seal (courtesy of Jabra's "ShakeGrip" liquid silicone rubber eartips), allow for balanced sound on all frequencies that can also be tailored to your exact specs with the earbuds Jabra Sound+ app. The Elite 8 Actives also feature Dolby Audio spatial sound for immersive audio, but sadly there's no head tracking if you're hip to that kind of thing.

Jabra’s adaptive hybrid ANC system can't match the Elite 10s, but they do a great job at listening to your environment and filtering out all the nonsense, and their hear through transparency mode offers wind neutralizing when you're running your fastest lap. Calls are also beautifully quiet. and Bluetooth Multipoint connectivity means you can take those calls from one connected device while still having sound form another.

The Jabra Elite 8 Active's battery offers up to eight hours of playtime with ANC on, with a total time of up to 32 hours with the case. A five-minute quick charge adds an hour of playtime.

Jabra Elite 8 Active Earbuds
Jabra Elite 8 Active
Best wireless earbuds for sports and athletics
Editors' Choice technics eah az100 review 00008
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Technics EAH-AZ100

Pros
  • Superb audio quality
  • Light, comfy design
  • Top-notch noise cancellation
  • Improved call quality
  • Tons of customization
  • Best-in-class Multipoint
Cons
  • No Auracast support for iPhones
Specification:
Weight 5.9 grams per earbud, 42 grams for case
Type Closed
Ambient Sound Modes ANC and transparency
Battery life 7.5 hours with ANC, 25 total with the case
Hi-res Audio Support Yes

The Technics EAH-AZ100 is an impressive pair of true wireless earbuds that excel in several areas, making them a top choice for audio enthusiasts. One of their standout features is the extraordinary audio quality, which is well-balanced and detailed. Whether you lean towards the crisp highs of classical music, the lively midrange of rock, or the deep, resonant bass found in hip-hop, these earbuds deliver an immersive listening experience that caters to various music genres. The clarity and definition of sound allow listeners to appreciate the subtleties of their favorite tracks.

In addition to its sonic prowess, the EAH-AZ100 offers effective noise cancellation. The technology is adept at drowning out most ambient sounds, whether the hum of a busy street, chatter in a café, or the noise of an airplane engine.

Another highlight of the EAH-AZ100 is its comfort. These earbuds are lightweight and designed for a snug fit, which is particularly beneficial for extended listening sessions. Multiple eartip sizes ensure that users can find the right fit for their ears, further enhancing comfort and noise isolation.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. While providing a sleek and modern interface, the touch controls can sometimes be finicky and may require multiple attempts to register commands like play, pause, or skip tracks. This can be frustrating, especially when quick interaction is needed.

Battery life is decent, at between seven and 12 hours on a single charge, with the charging case providing an additional 29 hours. While this is sufficient for most everyday use, it does not match competitors’ longevity in the wireless market.

Overall, the Technics EAH-AZ100 is a solid choice for those searching for a premium pair of true wireless earbuds. With their excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and comfortable design, they cater well to avid listeners despite a few minor quirks.

Technics Reference Class Hi-Fi Wireless Earbuds, Dolby Atmos with Head Tracking, Adaptive Noise Cancelling, 3 Device Multipoint, 10-hr Battery, Wireless Charging, Improved Fit - EAH-AZ100-K (Black)
Technics EAH-AZ100
Best wireless earbuds for comfort
Editors' Choice apple airpods 4 with anc review
Chris Hagan / Digtial Trends

Apple AirPods (4th gen) with ANC

Pros
  • Surprisingly effective ANC
  • Improved fit/comfort
  • Solid sound quality
  • Excellent voice/call quality
Cons
  • Best for Apple device users
Specification:
Weight 4.3 grams per earbud, 34.7 grams for case
Type Closed
Ambient Sound Modes Adaptive ANC, ANC, and transparency
Battery life 4 hours for ANC (5 with ANC off), up to 30 hours with case
Hi-res Audio Support No, not technically

The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), also known as the AirPods 4th Generation, are a solid choice for those seeking Apple's signature ease of use and seamless integration with other Apple devices, but maybe don't want to spend the whole lot on the AirPods Pro. These earbuds feature an upgraded design that offers improved sound quality over their predecessors, boasting full-bodied bass and clear highs that provide a more immersive listening experience.

At the heart of the AirPods 4 is the H2 chip, which enables personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. This feature ensures that sound feels like it is coming from all around you, making for an engaging audio experience, particularly for music and movies. The effective active noise cancellation significantly reduces background noise, allowing users to focus solely on their audio content. Additionally, the Adaptive Audio feature intelligently adjusts between ANC and Transparency mode based on your surroundings, providing optimal listening conditions whether you're in a busy café or enjoying some quiet time.

Despite these advantages, it's worth noting that the open-ear design may not fit securely for everyone, which can lead to inconsistent noise cancellation in noisy environments. The battery life is average for truly wireless earbuds, especially with ANC activated; users can expect around five to six hours of listening time, with the charging case providing additional power on the go. Some users may also find the lack of a user-adjustable equalizer limiting, which could disadvantage those who enjoy customizing their audio experience.

Overall, while the AirPods 4 with ANC are an excellent option for Apple users who value convenience and sound quality, those seeking top-tier noise cancellation, more robust bass response, or longer battery life might want to explore alternative options.

Apple AirPods 4 with ANC
Apple AirPods (4th gen) with ANC
Best budget wireless earbuds for Apple users
Editors' Choice google pixel buds pro 2 review 00011
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

Pros
  • Incredibly light and comfy
  • Stellar noise canceling
  • Great sound quality
  • Fun Google Gemini integration
Cons
  • No hi-res codecs
  • Limited spatial audio
Specification:
Weight 6 grams per earbud, 65 grams for case
Type Closed
Ambient Sound Modes ANC and transparency
Battery life 7 hours for ANC (11 with ANC off), up to 31 hours with case
Hi-res Audio Support No, not technically

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 is a solid all-around choice for those in the market for Android and Google Pixel users looking for true wireless earbuds. Their design prioritizes comfort, providing a snug fit for extended listening sessions without discomfort. The sound quality is well-balanced, emphasizing clarity across various genres, whether listening to podcasts or your favorite playlists. Active noise cancellation (ANC) is respectable, effectively reducing background noise in most everyday scenarios, such as commuting or working in a café.

One of the standout features for Android and Google Pixel users is the seamless integration with the ecosystem. Hands-free access to Google Assistant means users can easily manage their tasks, control music playback, and get information without needing to touch their devices. Another practical advantage is switching between multiple devices with multipoint connectivity. This allows users to connect their Pixel Buds Pro 2 to their phone, tablet, or computer simultaneously and switch fluidly between them without hassle.

However, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 does have some caveats. Although the noise cancellation works well for general use, it may fall short in more challenging environments or when dealing with specific high-frequency sounds, which can leak through. Additionally, they do not support higher-quality Bluetooth codecs like aptX or LDAC, which can be a letdown for audiophiles who prioritize sound fidelity and detail.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Best wireless earbuds for Android or Google Pixel users
Recommended Product sony linkbuds open loose
Ted Kritsonis / Digital Trends

Sony LinkBuds Open

Pros
  • Comfortable fit
  • Much better balanced sound
  • Surprising passive isolation
  • Plenty of custom options
  • LE Audio for Android
  • Superb battery life
Cons
  • Spatial sound is terrible
  • Awkward voice controls
  • Phone calls can be tough with background noise
Specification:
Type Open-ear
Ambient Sound Modes Always-on ambient
Battery life 5.5 hours, up to 17.5 hours with charging case
Hi-res Audio Support No
Weight 4 grams per earbud, 35 grams for case

The Sony LinkBuds Open are innovative true wireless earbuds with a unique open-ring design, providing a distinct listening experience while enhancing environmental awareness— ideal for users prioritizing safety.

They are lightweight and comfortable for prolonged use, offering a secure fit without the discomfort often associated with in-ear buds, making them suitable for workouts and commutes.

Despite their open-ear design, they deliver good sound quality with clear vocals and detailed highs, though bass response may be lacking for bass-heavy music genres. Users can engage in conversations naturally without removing the earbuds, which is useful in social or busy environments.

However, the absence of active noise cancellation (ANC) means background noise can intrude, potentially affecting sound quality in loud settings. Additionally, the open design may cause sound leakage, which can disrupt others nearby.

Overall, the LinkBuds Open are perfect for casual listeners, commuters, and active individuals who value comfort and situational awareness, though those seeking strong noise cancellation or deep bass might find better options elsewhere.

Sony LinkBuds Open
Sony LinkBuds Open
Best open-ear wireless earbuds
Recommended Product ozlo sleepbuds review on top
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Ozlo Sleepbuds

Pros
  • Supremely comfortable to wear
  • Battery lasts for multiple nights
  • High-quality Sleep Sounds
  • Bluetooth audio streaming
  • Uncluttered app
Cons
  • Sleep Monitoring feature still missing
  • Slow initial connection process
  • Abrupt alarm
Specification:
Type Sleepbuds
Ambient Sound Modes None
Battery life 10 hours on a single charge

The Ozlo Sleepbuds are meticulously designed to enhance sleep quality. These innovative earbuds are incredibly comfortable to wear and highly effective at reducing ambient noise, thanks to their thoughtful combination of passive isolation and a variety of soothing sounds. Users can choose from an array of pre-loaded ambient noises, such as gentle rain, ocean waves, or white noise, which can help create a peaceful sleeping environment.

Additionally, you can also play your personal audio, like music and podcasts, from your phone via its Bluetooth connection. Our reviewer, Andy Boxall, praised its variety of Bluetooth settings in his review: "One disables streaming entirely, one enables both streaming and sleep sounds, and the final option enables streaming for 10 minutes to help conserve battery. You can also tell the app to switch from streaming to a Sleep Sound after a set amount of time," he writes.

One standout feature is their impressive battery life, which allows them to last throughout an entire night's sleep — averaging up to 10 hours on a single charge. This makes them particularly handy for those who struggle with sleep disturbances due to external noises.

However, the Ozlo Sleepbuds are relatively expensive, which might deter some potential users. They also lack some features commonly found in other sleep earbuds. For example, they do not offer active noise cancellation, which can provide an additional layer of sound blocking.

Another area that could be improved is the built-in alarm feature. Many users have reported finding it quite jarring, disrupting the relaxation the earbuds aim to promote. Additionally, a sleep monitoring feature was promised but is still notably missing from the overall functionality, which could have provided valuable insights into sleep patterns and improvements.

Ozlo Sleepbuds
Ozlo Sleepbuds
Best wireless sleepbuds

Frequently Asked Questions

Can wireless earbuds connect to a PC?

Yes, as long as the PC has Bluetooth. Some have Bluetooth by default, but if yours doesn't, you can add it with an affordable USB adapter. Many increasingly feature Bluetooth Multipoint connectivity giving you the ability to connect the earbuds to more than one source, like a smartphone and a computer, at the same time.

Can wireless earbuds be used on airplanes?

Yes. You can enable most devices' Bluetooth radio while in airplane mode.

Are wireless earbuds better than wired?

Not usually for sound quality, although that is changing with the introduction of higher-quality Bluetooth audio codecs such as aptX Adaptive and aptX HD, as well as the Bluetooth LE Audio standard. Wireless earbuds are better for convenience, especially now that many phone makers have stopped including a headphone jack.

Do wireless earbuds always have a charging case?

Not always, but the vast majority do come with a charging case and some come with wireless charging cases. If they don’t come with a case, we strongly recommend you don’t buy them.

Are wireless earbuds good for working out?

Yes, they are awesome for workouts, as long as they have waterproofing or an IP rating and fit snugly in your ears.

Derek Malcolm

Derek Malcolm is a contributing editor and evergreen lead for the A/V and Home Theater section of Digital Trends. Derek joined the DT team in 2020, spending his days wrangling the movie and TV streaming guides before getting the chance to nurture his obsession with the latest audio/video gear. A former musician and practicing vinyl nerd, his passion for sound can be found in his writing, whether it’s a guide to the best speakers and turntables, or a review of a party speaker that’ll blow your roof off.

Derek studied journalism at Toronto’s Humber College, graduating in 1999. He started his career writing about music, movies, and TV, back when people still read things on paper, working at such magazines as TV Guide and celebrity mag Hello! Canada. Derek counts Matt Damon, Britney Spears, and Coldplay among his favorite interviews.

From 2006 to 2018 Derek was the editor-in-chief of Canadian tech and entertainment magazine Connected, where he steered the publication through the invention of the iPhone and the rise of streaming to the demise of BlackBerry and the print industry.

One of two Canucks on the Digital Trends A/V team, Derek is based in Toronto where he lives with his wife, daughter, two cats, and his prized vintage Marantz stereo receivers.

When Derek isn’t cussing at the labyrinthine setup menus of the latest projectors, he can be found at home listening to records or counting the days to ski season.

You can find Derek on Threads and sharing his vinyl exploits on Instagram.

Simon Cohen

Simon Cohen is a contributing editor to Digital Trends' Audio/Video section, where he obsesses over the latest wireless headphones, earbuds, soundbars, and all manner of related devices and technologies. Whether it's a review of a new Bluetooth speaker or a deep dive into the benefits of hi-res audio, his approach remains the same: speak as plainly as possible so that readers can learn and discover which products are worth buying.

Simon holds a Bachelor of Arts in Film & English from Western University, which meant he was ill-prepared for a career in either field. Instead, he became a freelance teleprompter operator, with gigs working on commercials, industrial videos, corporate meetings, political speeches, and one very weird TV special with Buffy Sainte-Marie. However, when he discovered the web in 1993, he knew he had found his calling and began a journey that continues to this day.

Along the way, he became the ninth employee at AOL Canada, wrote about technology for Ozy.comMobilesyrupDriving.ca, and VentureBeat, put in 15 years at what was once Canada's biggest website, Sympatico.ca, and appeared as a guest tech expert on international TV and radio programs, including BBC Radio, CTV News Channel, and CBC Radio.

The most common question Simon gets is, "are you related to Leonard Cohen?" The second most common question is "which wireless earbuds are the best?" (Answers: no and, it depends).

Simon in based in Toronto, where he works from a home office with no door, at the top of a set of stairs. It's as bad as you're probably imagining. He lives with three cats, one goldfish, a few dozen snails, and his wife, who wishes his job involved fewer large boxes. Sometimes his two adult children live there as well, but the less said about that, the better.

When he's not writing, he enjoys motorcycles, scuba diving, skiing, and reading sci-fi. He once met Douglas Adams.

Bryan M. Wolfe

Bryan M. Wolfe has over a decade of experience as a technology writer. He writes about mobile.

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