The Best Wireless Earbuds for 2026

The third-generation AirPods Pro deliver top-quality noise cancellation, wiping out deep, low-frequency rumble and more complex, higher-frequency sounds. Beyond the improved ANC, Apple's Adaptive Audio mode gives you a more natural way to monitor your surroundings without letting loud noises harm your hearing. The re-tuned audio is still rich but more balanced than before, providing a first-class listening experience. In addition, they include advanced features such as live language translation, heart rate monitoring, workout tracking, and a range of hearing health tools—all for the same price as the previous model.

iPhone owners: The AirPods Pro 3 are ideal if you're invested in the Apple ecosystem and use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

People who want peace and quiet: The AirPods Pro 3 offer some of the best in-ear active noise cancellation we've experienced.

Fitness fanatics: Paired with advanced features like heart rate monitoring and fitness tracking, the AirPods Pro 3 let you track workouts without a smartwatch.

The second-gen Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds produce impressive results through a combination of calibration tests and subtle adaptive noise-cancelling tweaks. They're even more effective against low and high frequencies than the first generation, representing some of the best ANC you can get from earbuds, along with the AirPods Pro 3. The Bose earbuds have an Active Aware mode that tamps down louder environmental noises while still allowing you to hear your surroundings. Support for the AptX Adaptive codec adds value, as does the new charging case, which can now recharge wirelessly.

Android phone users: If you want the most effective noise cancellation and have non-Apple devices, consider the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds for their impressive ability to silence nearly everything.

Bose fans: If you're into the Bose sound, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds have a finely tuned audio profile that's sure to make you happy.

The EarFun Air Pro 4+ earphones offer the full package for a surprisingly reasonable price. They offer strong active noise cancellation, excellent sound, deep bass, and support for a wide range of Bluetooth codecs. We also like the low price and the wide range of extra features.

Budget-minded listeners: The EarFun Air Pro 4+ earphones are for anyone looking for great sound and active noise cancellation without spending a lot of money.

The fifth-generation AirPods sport an open design that doesn’t seal off the ear canal, yet they still do a fine job of canceling out surrounding noise thanks to good mics and advanced algorithms. Moreover, they deliver rich sound, advanced adaptive audio features, and tight iPhone integration. They also gain advanced features, such as Live Translation, and manage to push battery life up compared with the previous generation—all for less cash.

People who prefer an open-ear design: The AirPods 5 With Wireless Charging Case are for anyone who likes the open-ear design. These let you hear your surroundings when you need to, but still allow you to turn on noise cancellation when you don't.

iPhone owners on a budget: These earbuds offer the same seamless integration with Apple products as pricier AirPods, but cost $100 less than the AirPods Pro 3.

AI seekers: The Live Translation feature is partly powered by AI, and these new buds offer access to the new Siri AI.

The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 fit securely, let you hear your surroundings while exercising, and have much better audio quality than their predecessors. They blend bone conduction and conventional speaker technology into a hybrid earphone that produces cleaner, louder audio. They also offer great battery life.

Runners who prioritize safety: Fitness enthusiasts who need to stay aware of their surroundings during a workout will appreciate the OpenRun Pro 2's open design, clear sound, and secure fit.

Sony's WF-1000XM6 earphones deliver superb audio and excellent active noise cancellation, ranking them at the top of our list alongside the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds and the AirPods Pro. What distinguishes them is a full-featured companion app with a customizable EQ, support for the high-end LDAC codec, and hybrid eartips for enhanced passive isolation. The mic array is also among the best we've ever tested.

Audiophiles: The WF-1000XM6 earbuds are ideal if you want the best-in-class audio quality, noise cancellation, and mic clarity.

High-resolution audio fans: Because they work with the LDAC codec, the XM6s are particularly attractive for Android users who prioritize high-bit-rate streaming audio.

EQ lovers: If you like to customize your sound, the XM6s feature a 10-band EQ for fine-tuning, which is superior to most competing earphones.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro earphones improve upon their predecessors in almost every way. New driver technology boosts audio quality by improving accuracy and warmth. They also feature better tuning that helps the mics cancel more environmental sound, taking them near the pinnacle of noise reduction. We also like the customizable touch controls, high-quality Samsung codec support, and long battery life.

Galaxy phone owners: The Buds 4 Pro primarily benefit those who rely on Samsung's Galaxy phones and tablets. Not only do they support exclusive high-resolution audio, but they also pack a number of features just for Samsung users.

People who like good sound: Even if you don't own a Galaxy phone, the Buds 4 Pro deliver outstanding audio quality and effective noise cancellation.

The Nothing Ear (3a) earbuds effectively dial back low frequencies, have a stylish look, include an excellent user-adjustable EQ, and support high-resolution codecs, all for under $100.

Budget shoppers with a sense of style: Nothing's audio products have a sense of style all their own, and that extends to the $99 Ear (3a). It comes in several colors, and it includes a clear case and rizz you can't generate on your own.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earphones are designed for fitness enthusiasts, offering a well-rounded set of features that include noise cancellation, wireless charging, and heart rate monitoring. They can withstand sweaty workouts and deliver punchy bass to keep you motivated. Moreover, their over-ear hooks keep them stable whether you're jogging or cycling. Other highlights include up to 10 hours of battery life and native integration with Apple's iPhone.

Fitness enthusiasts: Runners and other exercise enthusiasts should feel confident using these earbuds, thanks to their over-ear hooks and ability to withstand sweaty or rainy workouts. They also sound good enough that you won't mind using them for more casual listening.

iPhone owners: Like the AirPods, the Powerbeats Pro 2 feature system-level integration with iPhones, giving you broad control over their settings.

The EarFun Clip headphones feature an open design that allows you to stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying your favorite tunes. They are compact, clip securely to your ear, and deliver surprisingly rich audio. Moreover, they support a good mix of Bluetooth codecs and work with an adjustable EQ.

Safety-minded listeners: The EarFun Clip is a great fit when you need to hear your surroundings for safety concerns or other reasons, while still enjoying your music.

People who prioritize comfort: These earbuds are more comfortable and sound better than much of the open-design competition, thanks to their clip-on design and carbon fiber drivers.