The best 10 wireless earbuds in comparison
Wireless earbuds (1 - 5)
| Best price |
| Nuraphone NuraTrue Pro | Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 | LG Tone Free T90 | Sony WF-1000XM5 | Denon PerL Pro | Realme Buds Air 5 Pro | Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX | Xround Voca | Jabra Elite 8 Active | OnePlus Buds Pro 2 | |
| Image |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Best price | ||||||||||
| Best price | ||||||||||
| Design | ||||||||||
| Ingress Protection (IP) ratingThe first number of the IP rating refers to protection against dust, while the second number refers to protection against liquid. E.g. a first number of 6 denotes that it is completely dustproof, and a second number of 7 denotes that the device can withstand full immersion in water. | ||||||||||
| Ingress Protection (IP) ratingThe first number of the IP rating refers to protection against dust, while the second number refers to protection against liquid. E.g. a first number of 6 denotes that it is completely dustproof, and a second number of 7 denotes that the device can withstand full immersion in water. | IPX4 | IPX4 | IPX4 | IPX4 | IPX4 | IPX5 | IP57 | IP55 | IP68 | IP55 |
| True wirelessTrue wireless devices have no cables connecting any part of the device together. This is an important distinction as some wireless earbuds have cables connecting the two earbuds together. | ||||||||||
| True wirelessTrue wireless devices have no cables connecting any part of the device together. This is an important distinction as some wireless earbuds have cables connecting the two earbuds together. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Sweat resistanceResistance to sweat makes it ideal for use while doing sports. | ||||||||||
| Sweat resistanceResistance to sweat makes it ideal for use while doing sports. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dust- and water-resistanceThe device is dustproof and water-resistant. Water-resistant devices can resist the penetration of water, such as powerful water jets, but not being submerged into water. | ||||||||||
| Dust- and water-resistanceThe device is dustproof and water-resistant. Water-resistant devices can resist the penetration of water, such as powerful water jets, but not being submerged into water. | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ | ✖ |
| Stereo speakersDevices with stereo speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better experience. | ||||||||||
| Stereo speakersDevices with stereo speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better experience. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Total score for "Design" | ||||||||||
| Total score for "Design" | ||||||||||
| Sound quality | ||||||||||
| Active noise cancellation (ANC)This type of device allows you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue as you don't have to crank up the volume to overcome background noise. Ideal for plane rides and morning commutes. | ||||||||||
| Active noise cancellation (ANC)This type of device allows you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue as you don't have to crank up the volume to overcome background noise. Ideal for plane rides and morning commutes. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Passive noise reductionThe device sits tightly in place, creating an acoustic seal which reduces background noise and prevents your music from leaking out. | ||||||||||
| Passive noise reductionThe device sits tightly in place, creating an acoustic seal which reduces background noise and prevents your music from leaking out. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Lowest frequencyThe lowest frequency at which the device produces audio. The lower the low-frequency response, the stronger and juicier the bass. | ||||||||||
| Lowest frequencyThe lowest frequency at which the device produces audio. The lower the low-frequency response, the stronger and juicier the bass. | 20 Hz | 20 Hz | 20 Hz | 20 Hz | 20 Hz | 20 Hz | 20 Hz | 20 Hz | 20 Hz | 10 Hz |
| Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a surround sound technology that allows sounds to be interpreted as three-dimensional objects. By doing so, Dolby Atmos allows for immersive, 360-degree sound. | ||||||||||
| Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a surround sound technology that allows sounds to be interpreted as three-dimensional objects. By doing so, Dolby Atmos allows for immersive, 360-degree sound. | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ImpedanceImpedance is the device’s electrical resistance to the current being pushed through it. The lower the impedance, the easier it is to get higher volume and requires less power. | ||||||||||
| ImpedanceImpedance is the device’s electrical resistance to the current being pushed through it. The lower the impedance, the easier it is to get higher volume and requires less power. | N.A. | N.A. | 17 Ohms | 32 Ohms | N.A. | 32 Ohms | 32 Ohms | 16 Ohms | N.A. | 32 Ohms |
| Total score for "Sound quality" | ||||||||||
| Total score for "Sound quality" | ||||||||||
| Power | ||||||||||
| Battery lifeThe device's battery life (when in use) as given by the manufacturer. With a longer battery life you have to charge the device less often. | ||||||||||
| Battery lifeThe device's battery life (when in use) as given by the manufacturer. With a longer battery life you have to charge the device less often. | 8 hours | 16 hours | 9 hours | 8 hours | 8 hours | 11 hours | 8 hours | 9 hours | 14 hours | 9 hours |
| Battery life of charging caseThe battery life of the charging case as given by the manufacturer. A charging case with a longer battery life allows you to recharge your headphones on the go multiple times before having to recharge the case itself. | ||||||||||
| Battery life of charging caseThe battery life of the charging case as given by the manufacturer. A charging case with a longer battery life allows you to recharge your headphones on the go multiple times before having to recharge the case itself. | 24 hours | 36 hours | 20 hours | 18 hours | 32 hours | 29 hours | 20 hours | 27 hours | 42 hours | 30 hours |
| Charge timeThe time it takes to fully charge the battery. | ||||||||||
| Charge timeThe time it takes to fully charge the battery. | 1 hours | 2.5 hours | 1 hours | 1.5 hours | 1 hours | 2 hours | 1.5 hours | N.A. | 3 hours | 1.67 hours |
| Battery level indicatorAn indicator shows you when the device has low battery. | ||||||||||
| Battery level indicatorAn indicator shows you when the device has low battery. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rechargeable batteryThe battery can be recharged and used over again. | ||||||||||
| Rechargeable batteryThe battery can be recharged and used over again. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Total score for "Power" | ||||||||||
| Total score for "Power" | ||||||||||
| Connectivity | ||||||||||
| Bluetooth versionBluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. Newer versions provide faster data transfers. | ||||||||||
| Bluetooth versionBluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. Newer versions provide faster data transfers. | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| AptX Low LatencyaptX Low Latency is a codec developed by Qualcomm. It uses Bluetooth 5.0 technology to provide low latency audio (around 40ms), which is useful when you want to avoid audio lag (e.g. when playing games). | ||||||||||
| AptX Low LatencyaptX Low Latency is a codec developed by Qualcomm. It uses Bluetooth 5.0 technology to provide low latency audio (around 40ms), which is useful when you want to avoid audio lag (e.g. when playing games). | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ |
| AptXaptX is a codec used for transmitting audio wirelessly with Bluetooth. It is developed by Qualcomm, and supports 16-bit audio at a bit rate of 384kbps. | ||||||||||
| AptXaptX is a codec used for transmitting audio wirelessly with Bluetooth. It is developed by Qualcomm, and supports 16-bit audio at a bit rate of 384kbps. | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Audio latencyLatency refers to the time it takes for the audio signal to be transmitted to your headphones/earbuds. Lower latency reduces audio lag, and is particularly important when playing games or watching videos. | ||||||||||
| Audio latencyLatency refers to the time it takes for the audio signal to be transmitted to your headphones/earbuds. Lower latency reduces audio lag, and is particularly important when playing games or watching videos. | N.A. | 80 ms | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | 40 ms | N.A. | 30 ms | N.A. | 54 ms |
| AACAAC is a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate. | ||||||||||
| AACAAC is a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Total score for "Connectivity" | ||||||||||
| Total score for "Connectivity" | ||||||||||
| Features | ||||||||||
| Ambient sound modeAmbient sound mode uses microphones to pass through ambient noises so that they can still be heard. It’s useful when you want to listen to music but also be aware of what’s happening around you, for example when you’re jogging but still want to be able to hear traffic. | ||||||||||
| Ambient sound modeAmbient sound mode uses microphones to pass through ambient noises so that they can still be heard. It’s useful when you want to listen to music but also be aware of what’s happening around you, for example when you’re jogging but still want to be able to hear traffic. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Automatically pauses musicSensors can detect when they are removed from your ears so that the music is paused, saving battery life. | ||||||||||
| Automatically pauses musicSensors can detect when they are removed from your ears so that the music is paused, saving battery life. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Find my earbudsYou can use the app to play a sound from your earbuds to help you locate them. | ||||||||||
| Find my earbudsYou can use the app to play a sound from your earbuds to help you locate them. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multipoint countMultipoint allows you to link to more Bluetooth devices and switch between them. For example you can easily switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect. | ||||||||||
| Multipoint countMultipoint allows you to link to more Bluetooth devices and switch between them. For example you can easily switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect. | 2 | N.A. | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | N.A. | 2 |
| Headset capabilityA headset is one headphone or pair with a built-in microphone. Headsets can be used for apps that require communication i.e. Skype, games with voice chat, mobile phones, etc. | ||||||||||
| Headset capabilityA headset is one headphone or pair with a built-in microphone. Headsets can be used for apps that require communication i.e. Skype, games with voice chat, mobile phones, etc. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Total score for "Features" | ||||||||||
| Total score for "Features" | ||||||||||
| Microphone | ||||||||||
| Number of microphonesMore microphones result in better sound quality and enable the device to filter out background noise. | ||||||||||
| Number of microphonesMore microphones result in better sound quality and enable the device to filter out background noise. | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Noise-canceling microphoneThese microphones are designed to filter out background noise from the desired sound. Especially useful in noisy environments. | ||||||||||
| Noise-canceling microphoneThese microphones are designed to filter out background noise from the desired sound. Especially useful in noisy environments. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Mic sensitivityIt's the 'loudness' of the sound that the microphone can pick up. | ||||||||||
| Mic sensitivityIt's the 'loudness' of the sound that the microphone can pick up. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | -38dBV/Pa |
| Highest mic frequencyThe highest frequency that the mic can pick up. Better for recording treble. | ||||||||||
| Highest mic frequencyThe highest frequency that the mic can pick up. Better for recording treble. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | 8000 Hz | N.A. |
| Lowest mic frequencyThe lowest frequency that the mic can pick up. Better for recording bass. | ||||||||||
| Lowest mic frequencyThe lowest frequency that the mic can pick up. Better for recording bass. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | 100 Hz | N.A. |
| Total score for "Microphone" | ||||||||||
| Total score for "Microphone" | ||||||||||
How to choose the best wireless earbuds
True wireless earphones are all the rage, and it’s easy to see why. The best wireless earbuds combine compact designs with high-quality audio and noise-canceling features, all packed into one super portable carrying and charging case.
However, with so many choices in terms of the best true wireless earbuds, it’s no longer a battle between AirPods and Pixel Buds. Now, the Jabra Elite 75t, for example, joins other top brands such as LG, Huawei, and Oppo to provide those looking for AirPod alternatives with a run for their money.
With a wide variety of options in the market, it’s best to take an objective look at how to choose the best wireless earbuds according to not only their unique features but also how they fit into your lifestyle and daily use. Need to compare the best wireless earbuds? We’re here to help.
What to look for when buying wireless earbuds
Sound quality
When comparing the best wireless earbuds, one of the most important factors is the sound quality they offer. From the driver unit size to passive noise reduction, there are quite a few features that go into the sound quality of today’s truly wireless earbuds. Namely, you’ll want to take a look at the driver unit size, the lowest frequency, and whether or not they are wireless earbuds with noise cancellation.
Battery life
While wireless earbuds are exceptional in that they’re, well, wireless, the only caveat is that you have to remember to charge them. Whether you’re interested in wireless earbuds from Samsung or are browsing the latest offerings from Jabra Elite, you’ll find that battery life is one of the first things mentioned. Make sure to look at the amount of playtime for the earbuds as some manufacturers will add on the additional amount of charge you can get if you pop them into the charging case. Also, check the battery life of the charging case itself.
Controls
Most people are used to the features and functions of traditional earphones. However, the controls for truly wireless earbuds are a bit different. Instead of interacting with a wire or the connected device, the best wireless earbuds should have a control panel on the device body to easily access the volume control or remote. Headset capability is important, too, as is a mute function.
Noise cancellation
Noise-canceling headphones have come a long way since Bose released the first pair in the late 1980s. Now, most of the best wireless earbuds come with noise cancellation features. When comparing wireless earbuds, be sure to look at both active noise cancelation (ANC) and passive noise reduction. The former allows you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue, whereas passive noise reduction refers to how the earbuds seal when placed in your ears. They should seal tightly enough to block out background noise.
Connectivity
Sure, truly wireless earbuds use Bluetooth to connect to a device. But, there’s more to these wireless accessories than just Bluetooth functionality. If you’re looking for the best wireless earbuds, you’ll want to ensure you’re factoring in the version of Bluetooth, Bluetooth aptX, and the maximum Bluetooth range. You’ll find that most of the best wireless earbuds offer about the same maximum range. However, higher-end (and more expensive) wireless earbuds such as the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 and the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport are some of the only ones that offer Bluetooth aptX technology.
Cost
When comparing the best wireless earbuds, the cost is undoubtedly one of the most critical factors. Wireless earbuds aren’t as big of an investment as laptops or smartphones, and you can still expect to find truly wireless earphones that are durable and long-lasting without breaking the bank. Xiamoi, Anker, and Erato all over budget-friendly wireless earbuds that score top marks in terms of design, durability, and power.
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