Best Wireless Earbuds

Wireless earbuds typically have a wire connecting the two earpieces (like a neckband), while true wireless earbuds are completely separate with no connecting wire. All products in our review are true wireless earbuds, offering complete freedom of movement.

ANC is crucial for commuting, traveling, and noisy environments. It uses microphones to detect external noise and creates inverse sound waves to cancel it out. However, it slightly impacts battery life and can affect sound quality. For quiet environments or outdoor activities where situational awareness is important, you might prefer earbuds without ANC.

For iPhone users, AAC is most important as it's optimized for iOS. Android users should look for aptX, aptX HD, or LDAC for better sound quality. LDAC offers the highest quality wireless audio transmission, while aptX provides good balance of quality and latency. SBC is the universal fallback codec.

Look for multiple ear tip sizes (usually S, M, L) and different materials (silicone, foam). Some brands offer ear tip fit tests in their apps. Consider your ear shape - people with smaller ear canals might prefer smaller form factors like AirPods Pro, while others might need larger earbuds for a secure fit.

Modern wireless earbuds typically offer 6-8 hours per charge with ANC off, 4-6 hours with ANC on. The charging case should provide an additional 15-25 hours. Fast charging features often give 1-2 hours of playback from a 10-15 minute charge. Battery life decreases over time, so higher capacity is better for longevity.

Not necessarily. While premium earbuds often offer better sound quality, build materials, and advanced features, many mid-range options provide excellent value. Your priorities matter more - if you primarily need good sound for casual listening, a $100 pair might serve you better than a $300 premium model.

IPX4 is minimum for workout use (sweat and light rain resistance). IPX7 handles heavy rain and brief water immersion. IPX8 is for swimming, but few true wireless earbuds offer this. Remember that water resistance can degrade over time, and most warranties don't cover water damage.

Clean regularly with a dry cloth and soft brush for the mesh areas. Avoid getting moisture in charging ports. Store in the case when not in use to protect and charge them. Replace ear tips when they wear out. Keep firmware updated through the companion app. Avoid extreme temperatures.

Yes, but call quality varies significantly between models. Look for earbuds with multiple microphones, noise reduction for calls, and good reviews for voice clarity. Environmental noise cancellation for calls is different from music ANC and is crucial for clear communication in noisy environments.

If possible, try them in-store for fit and comfort. Read reviews from multiple sources, especially regarding long-term use. Check return policies - many retailers offer 30-day returns. Test with your preferred music genres, as sound signatures vary. Consider your primary use case (commuting, exercise, work calls) when evaluating.

Basic functionality works with any Bluetooth device, but advanced features often require specific platforms. Apple earbuds work best with iOS devices, while Samsung earbuds integrate better with Galaxy phones. Cross-platform use is possible but you might lose features like advanced EQ, battery indicators, or seamless switching.

Try restarting both earbuds and your device, ensure they're charged, clear Bluetooth cache, or reset the earbuds to factory settings. Keep earbuds close to your device, avoid interference from other Bluetooth devices, and ensure your device's Bluetooth is updated. Most connection issues stem from interference or low battery.