Best wireless earbuds in 2024 reviewed and rated

Where wires once dominated, Bluetooth now takes centre stage. If you’re looking for cordless audio, this is the list you need—from affordable in-ear options to premium earphones, we’ve ranked the best wireless earbuds available right now. Whether you’re tired of tangled wires or upgrading to a phone without a headphone jack, there’s a pair of earbuds to fit every ear and budget.

These top picks are not only lightweight but deliver impressive sound, rivalling their wired counterparts. Many also enhance the experience with in-app controls and active noise cancellation for a personalized listening experience.

Each pair of earbuds has been thoroughly tested by our audio-savvy team. Put through real-world scenarios and challenged with a wide range of music genres, these wireless earbuds have proven they’re up to the task of delivering outstanding sound quality.

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

Setting a high standard is both a triumph and a challenge, especially when everyone expects you to surpass it. Sony has consistently excelled in the true wireless earbud market, with each new model setting a higher bar. The WF-1000XM5 continues this streak.

Sony has made significant improvements with the WF-1000XM5. The design is more compact and lightweight compared to the previous model, and the charging case is now even more pocket-friendly. We appreciate the new foam/rubber hybrid ear tips, which enhance passive noise isolation and comfort without causing excessive ear pressure. The buds stay securely in place during various activities and are rated IPX4 for water resistance, making them suitable for light workouts and rainy weather.

The WF-1000XM5 comes packed with features, including support for voice assistants, touch controls, LDAC Bluetooth for high-quality streaming, and multipoint Bluetooth for pairing with two devices simultaneously. The new head-tracking feature aims to enhance the immersive experience for 360 Reality Audio, though it may not be essential for everyone. The bone conduction sensor and advanced noise reduction algorithms improve call clarity even in noisy environments.

Battery life remains steady at about eight hours with ANC on, and the case provides an additional 16 hours. Rapid charging adds over an hour of playtime from just five minutes in the case, which we find quite practical.

In terms of sound quality, the WF-1000XM5 impresses with excellent ANC and an engaging audio experience. While the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds also offer superb ANC, the WF-1000XM5 holds its ground with outstanding sound and comfort. Despite the high price, these earbuds deliver exceptional performance, making them a worthy investment for those seeking top-tier noise cancellation and audio quality.

2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds continue to impress us with their signature top-tier noise cancellation and rich, immersive sound quality. While they don’t reinvent the wheel visually, the introduction of “Immersive Audio” tech does elevate the listening experience, surrounding us with a more expansive, detailed soundstage. The bass is punchy, and the overall audio performance lives up to Bose’s high standards, making these earbuds a strong option for anyone seeking premium wireless audio.

However, there are a few drawbacks. The battery life is somewhat disappointing, especially when using Immersive Audio, giving us only around four hours of playtime. And when we compare these to other top contenders, like the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen, it’s hard to ignore that Bose’s latest offering comes at a higher price without a significant leap in performance.

Design-wise, Bose plays it safe with minimal changes, though we do appreciate the sleeker metallic finish and improved stability bands, which kept the earbuds comfortably in place even during light exercise. Despite these enhancements, the overall design feels very familiar, and for those already owning the QuietComfort Earbuds II, we don’t feel the upgrades here are compelling enough to justify a switch.

In conclusion, while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds deliver the exceptional noise cancellation and immersive audio experience we’ve come to expect, the improvements may not be groundbreaking enough to warrant an upgrade if you’re already a fan of the previous model. For newcomers, though, they’re still a top choice if noise cancellation is your priority.

3. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4

The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds represent a significant upgrade over their predecessors. While they maintain a similar look to the Momentum True Wireless 3, subtle refinements in design, such as a new ‘black copper’ finish, and enhanced internal features make them a noteworthy improvement.

In terms of build quality, Sennheiser continues to deliver with robust construction and a comfortable fit, thanks to the ergonomic design and multiple ear tip options. The Momentum True Wireless 4 are well-crafted to offer long-lasting durability, which is something we appreciate.

Feature-wise, the earbuds shine with Bluetooth 5.4, supporting high-quality codecs like aptX Lossless, and offering multipoint connectivity and a low latency mode for gaming. Although they lack spatial audio capabilities, they make up for it with solid performance in other areas. The battery life is impressive, providing over seven hours of playback on a single charge and up to 30 hours with the charging case. The case supports USB-C and Qi wireless charging, with an efficient system designed to prolong battery lifespan.

The Sennheiser Smart Control app enhances the user experience with intuitive controls and a flexible EQ. However, while the sound quality is detailed and spacious, it doesn’t have the dynamic punch of some competitors. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is effective but not class-leading, falling short of top rivals like Bose.

4. Beats Fit Pro

When it comes to finding the perfect earbuds for a workout, we know that a snug fit, punchy sound, and reliable battery life are essential. The Beats Fit Pro ticks all these boxes and stands out as a top contender in the fitness-friendly true wireless market.

The Beats Fit Pro delivers on battery life, offering up to 30 hours of total usage with a fast charging feature that’s perfect for those on-the-go. Their secure fit is a major plus, thanks to a clever combination of wingtips and ear gels that ensure they stay put even during the most intense workouts. We appreciate how the Fit Pro rivals other top options in this category, such as the Jaybird Vista 2, for staying securely in place, although the ear wings might create a bit of pressure during extended use.

The sound quality is also commendable, with punchy bass and clear audio that motivates us through our exercise routines. While the top volume might not rival some competitors, it’s more than sufficient to drown out gym noise and keep us focused. The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode are effective, though the ANC might not eliminate all external noise in extremely busy environments. Transparency mode, on the other hand, does a great job of amplifying surrounding sounds without distortion.

Connectivity is another strong point, particularly for those who use Apple devices. The Fit Pro pairs seamlessly with iOS devices and offers convenient features like automatic switching and audio sharing with other AirPods or Beats products. However, the lack of customisation options for EQ settings and controls is a downside. We find it frustrating that we can’t tweak the audio profile to our liking or adjust the controls to fit our preferences.

The case, while functional, could be more streamlined. It’s bulkier than we’d like, and lacks the weather protection and wireless charging capabilities found in some competitors. Additionally, the Find My functionality is limited to the earbuds themselves, rather than the case.

5. AirPods Pro (2nd gen)

Comfortable, clever and equipped with active noise-cancellation, Apple’s first AirPods Pro were a stellar set of wireless in-ears for iPhone fans – and the sequel is even better. From Spatial Audio to automatic device-switching, the feature set is smart from start to finish. Find a good seal with assistance from Apple’s fit test and the AirPods reward you with a personalised listen: Adaptive EQ attunes audio output to suit your ear, while ANC monitors noise hundreds of times per second.

The latter makes a notable difference in removing unwanted interruptions, while the former ensures a consistently rich, warm and detailed listen. We find it annoying that the smarts are restricted for Android users, and the AirPods Pro are easily beaten on price. But they’re an enticing choice for iPhone owners, with lightweight, ergonomic and neatly familiar packaging.

6. Denon PerL Pro

The Denon PerL may be the best sounding earbuds around thanks to their personalised audio party trick. The earbuds play acoustic tones into your ears and some rather clever machine learning designs a sound profile unique to you. We found it incredibly easy to set up and were very impressed by the results.

Alongside personal audio, these buds are powered by 10mm dynamic drivers, with a frequency range from 20Hz to 40kHz. We found you can squeeze eight hours of battery from the PerL buds, with a further 24 hours in the charging case. You can juice them back up again for an hour of listening in just 10 minutes, thanks to onboard fast charging.

They’re IPX4 water-resistant, although you won’t want to wear these at the gym, due to their large size (although, despite their large size, however, they’re comfortable to wear). You also get active noise-cancelling, but we think if complete isolation is important to you, rivals from Sony or Bose are better.

The PerL Pro model comes with a few extra perks, an app that lets you customise the touch controls, Bluetooth 5.3, and support for Qualcomm’s aptX Lossless and aptX Voice.

7. Technics EAH-AZ80

The Technics AZ80 true wireless earbuds aim to be the all-in-one solution, combining a secure fit, effective active noise cancellation (ANC), and excellent audio quality. For those of us juggling multiple earbuds for different scenarios like the gym, commuting, and relaxing at home, the AZ80s promise to simplify things by handling all tasks with ease. Their sleek design, featuring a brushed metal finish and gold accents, gives them a premium feel, and the charging case is compact yet durable.

In our experience, the AZ80s excel in both comfort and staying securely in place during various activities, including running. Technics includes seven pairs of silicone ear tips to ensure a perfect fit for everyone, making them comfortable for extended wear. However, while the earbuds are secure, they might feel a bit bulky if worn while sleeping.

The AZ80s impress with clear voice calls and solid ANC performance, effectively muting background noise during commutes. The sound quality is well-balanced, offering punchy bass without overpowering other frequencies, making them suitable for all music genres. Despite these strengths, we noticed that using the LDAC codec impacts battery life, reducing listening time to around four hours. However, switching between LDAC and standard Bluetooth is easy, giving us the flexibility to prioritize battery life when needed.

While the AZ80s may not fully surpass top competitors like Sony and Bose, they come close, offering an impressive mix of sound quality, comfort, and versatility that makes them a strong contender for replacing multiple pairs of earbuds.

8. Bowers & Wilkins PI7 S2

Ask any audiophile and they’ll tell you the Bowers & Wilkins name carries certain expectations of audio excellence. Luckily, the British hi-fi brand’s debut wireless earphones emphatically fulfil them. Bold by design, machined caps contribute to a premium finish. Not the smallest or lightest, each earbud harbours dual drivers and two individual amplifiers, producing incredible separation.

Lows are deep but refined, while mids are given the freedom to breathe, with incredible detail across the range. Which we think is lucky, because there’s no option to tweak the EQ. Noise cancellation is impressive, if not quite at Bose’s level for total blackout. Battery life should be better for the eye-watering price, but that’s countered by the clever charging case: retransmission tech means it can broadcast non-wireless signals via Bluetooth.

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 impress us with its combination of energetic sound, effective active noise cancellation (ANC), and a well-designed case—all for a budget-friendly price. Nothing’s sub-brand CMF continues to deliver audio gear that exceeds expectations for its cost, with the Buds Pro 2 building on the strengths of the first generation. While they come with a small price hike, they remain affordable compared to most noise-cancelling earbuds on the market.

Design-wise, the switch from a circular to a square case is a welcome change, fitting snugly in pockets while also offering a unique smart dial feature. This dial allows for volume and playback control directly from the case, a neat addition, though we don’t see it as a revolutionary improvement. The earbuds themselves are well-built, offering good noise isolation with a comfortable fit, and are durable enough for workouts with an IP55 water resistance rating.

Performance-wise, the sound is lively, with a strong emphasis on bass that may be too much for some listeners. We find that the companion app’s EQ settings help balance this out, making the sound profile more versatile. The noise cancellation is surprisingly effective for the price range, making everyday commutes quieter, though it’s not quite at the level of premium brands like Bose or Sony. With solid battery life and useful features like multipoint pairing and low latency mode, the CMF Buds Pro 2 offer outstanding value for those seeking capable, budget-friendly wireless earbuds.

11. Sony LinkBuds S

The Sony LinkBuds S are a definite upgrade from the original LinkBuds, offering a more conventional design but with a range of new features. Unlike their predecessors, these earbuds come with ear tips for a more secure fit. They are notably lighter, too, at just 4.8g per bud, which contributes to their all-day comfort.

In terms of functionality, the LinkBuds S include context-aware noise-cancellation and an automatic ambient mode, enhancing their usability in various environments. However, they fall short compared to the more expensive Sony WF-1000XM4s, which provide superior sound quality and noise cancellation. The LinkBuds S also lack wireless charging, which is surprising given the competitive nature of the market.

The earbuds feature intuitive tap controls and are compatible with Sony’s Headphone app, allowing for extensive customisation, including adaptive sound and the ability to auto-pause music when speaking (Speak-to-chat). While the sound quality is decent for calls and general use, it doesn’t match the high-end models in terms of bass or high-end clarity. The battery life is reasonable, offering about six hours of playtime with an additional 14 hours provided by the case.

Overall, the LinkBuds S excel in comfort and are a solid choice for extended wear and call quality, but they don’t quite match the audio and noise-cancelling performance of higher-end models.

How to choose the best 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.

What is the battery life like on the best wireless earbuds?

he battery life on wireless earbuds can vary significantly depending on the model, usage, and features like active noise cancellation (ANC). On average, most wireless earbuds offer around 4 to 8 hours of playback time on a single charge. With ANC enabled, this often drops by an hour or two.

The charging case usually provides additional charges, extending total battery life to anywhere from 20 to 30 hours.