The best wireless earbuds of 2021 deliver a combination of reliable Bluetooth connectivity, unbeatable audio performances, and comfortable, compact designs.
Wireless earbuds newsThe latest earbuds we’ve tried out are the long-rumored Beats Studio Buds, which are easily the best earbuds Beats has ever made.
In other wireless earbuds news, rumors surrounding the Apple AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2 continue to circulate.
They're so good, in fact, that many on this list can give some of thebest wired earbuds a run for their money.
Reasons to buy
+Rapid, full-bodied and eloquent sound+Truly useful features+Impressive call qualityReasons to avoid
-Unremarkable battery life-No aptX supportSony is largely responsible for the rude health of the active noise-cancelling wireless earbuds market, and with the WF-1000XM4, the company has combined performance, ergonomics, and build quality more effectively than ever before.
Compared to their predecessors, the Sony WF-1000XM3, the new wireless earbuds offer enough quality-of-life features to make them worth upgrading to, even if they are more expensive.
While other wireless earbuds surpass the Sony WF-1000XM4 in particular areas – noise cancellation, for example – no other model comes close to offering such excellent quality across the board. That’s why the Sony WF-1000XM4 are hands-down the best wireless earbuds you can buy today.
Read more: Sony WF-1000XM4 review
Huawei FreeBuds 4
Good sound, great comfort
Specifications
Acoustic design: Open fitWeight: 4.1gBattery Life: 4 hours (earbuds) 22 hours (charging case)Reasons to buy
+Comfy design+Good sound quality+Volume controls on stemReasons to avoid
-Battery life could be better-Lacks bassThe FreeBuds 4 are a good choice if you’re looking for open-fit earbuds that don’t cram your ears. They’re feature-packed and the ability to control volume by sliding up and down is a welcome addition.
Sound quality is good with an open and spacious presentation that’s more suited to neutral tones and though the FreeBuds 4 boast ANC, it’s hardly noticeable. If you’re in the market for decent AirPods alternatives these are worth considering.
However, open-fit buds come with their fair share of caveats and just as the case with AirPods, you’ll be better off with Huawei's FreeBuds Pro model.
Read more: Huawei FreeBuds 4 review
Apple AirPods Pro
The perfect earbuds... for Apple fans
Specifications
Acoustic design: ClosedWeight: 5.4gFrequency response: 20-20,000HzDrivers: DynamicBattery life: 5 hours (earbuds) 24 hours (charging case)Reasons to buy
+Good noise cancellation+Better fit than AirPods (2019)Reasons to avoid
-More expensive than better rivals-USB-C charging cable in boxApple's noise-cancelling true wireless earbuds, the AirPods Pro, deliver a much better fit and an improved design compared to the original AirPods.
However they’re pretty pricey too, and as such can’t be called the very best true wireless earbuds in terms of value for money – but they may be the best true wireless earbuds for Apple fans.
These snug-fitting earbuds offer a great sound, and the additional microphones provide strong noise-cancelling (particularly when commuting), as well as a useful Transparency mode, which really does let the outside world in.
Apparently, there's a new AirPods model set to join the original buds and the newer Pros. The AirPods Pro Lite are rumored to be a new, cheaper variant of the company's popular true wireless earbuds, and they could be released this year.
Read more:Apple AirPods Pro review
Sony WF-1000XM3 True Wireless Earbuds
These true wireless earbuds are still winners in our book
Specifications
Acoustic design: ClosedWeight: 7gFrequency response: 20-20,000HzDrivers: 6mmBattery life : 6 hours (earbuds) 18 hours (charging case)Reasons to buy
+Efficient noise-cancellation+Inconspicuous looks+Great fun to listen tooReasons to avoid
-Not suitable for sportsFor nearly two years, the Sony WF-1000XM3 were best true wireless earbuds you could buy – until they were usurped by the WF-1000XM4.
The Sony WF-1000XM3 still manage to offer a level of noise-cancellation that's exceedingly good for a pair of earbuds, fist-pumping musicality, a sleek design, and a decent battery life.
Read more:Sony WF-1000XM3 review
Lypertek PurePlay Z3 (Tevi)
Incredible, affordable buds
Specifications
Acoustic design: ClosedWeight: N/AFrequency response: 20-20,000HzDrivers: 6mm grapheneBattery life (on-board): 10 hours )earbuds) 70 hours (charging case)Reasons to buy
+Incredible value+Neutral audiophile-like sound+Great battery lifeReasons to avoid
-Design is a bit plainFormerly known as the Lypertek Tevi, the Lypertek PurePlay Z3 are among the best true wireless earbuds we’ve tried, especially given their low price tag.
With USB-C charging, a well-balanced sound, lengthy battery life, and waterproofing, they tick every box you could ask for, from what are basically a pair of budget buds.
The Lypertek PurePlay Z3, surprisingly, might just blow you away, punching well above their weight and rivaling buds from some of the biggest audio brands on the planet.
Consider us pleasantly surprised.
Read more:Lypertek Tevi true wireless earbuds review
[Update: If you're looking for something a little cheaper, check out ourLypertek SoundFree S20 review. These excellent budget-friendly buds deliver great sound, a long battery life, and a comfy fit without breaking the bank.
Meanwhile,Lypertek has announced the follow-up to the Lypertek PurePlay Z3, and in spite of a host of improvements, they won't cost you any more than their predecessors.
The Lypertek PurePlay Z3 2.0 come with the latest Qualcomm QC3040 chipset, which allows for Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, better quality connections, and aptX and AAC codecs. ]
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2
Great-sounding and noise-cancelling
Specifications
Acoustic design: ClosedWeight: 6gFrequency response: 5 - 21,000HzDrivers: 7mmSensitivity: N/ABattery life (on-board): 7 hours (earbuds) 28 hours (charging case)Reasons to buy
+Incredible sound+Sleek design+Support for Hi-Res AudioReasons to avoid
-More expensive than rivalsThe sound quality, battery life, and design of the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 are truly brilliant – and they're a really good alternative to the Sony WF-1000XM3, particularly if you prefer a more flashy design when it comes to the best true wireless earbuds for you.
We did find that those with smaller ears sometimes find them a little uncomfortable, however, and their high price just stops them from taking the top spot of this round up.
Otherwise? Sennheiser has pretty much knocked it out of the park with these earbuds, offering great noise cancellation alongside smart looks and stunning sound.
Read more:Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 review
Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Thoroughly engaging and convincing sound
Specifications
Acoustic design: ClosedWeight: 8gFrequency response: 10 - 20,000HzDrivers: 9.2mmBattery life : 4 hours (earbuds) 16 hours (charging case)Reasons to buy
+Incredible sound+Clever charging caseReasons to avoid
-More expensive than rivals-Battery life could be betterThe fact that the Bowers & Wilkins PI7, with their sky-high price-tag, a control app that’s more style than substance, an incomplete suite of touch controls, and humdrum active noise-cancelling and battery life, must sound incredible to come this close to a five-star review.
That’s because they offer a truly enjoyable listening experience, and with a charging case that doubles as an audio retransmitter, they’re a genuinely unique pair of wireless earbuds.
Read more: Bowers & Wilkins PI7 review
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
Noise cancellation in the true wireless market just got serious
Specifications
Acoustic Design: ClosedWeight: 0.3 oz eachFrequency Response: N/ADrivers: N/ABattery: 6 hours (earbuds) 12 hours (charging case)Reasons to buy
+Best-in-class ANC+Rich, clear sound+Secure, comfortable fit+Wireless chargingReasons to avoid
-Lacks on-board volume control-Bulky charging case-Case could offer more chargeIt’s Bose’s second attempt at a set of true wireless headphones, and the QuietComfort Earbuds are leaps and bounds better than the older SoundSport Free. Not only is the design a lot better, but the noise cancellation is also exemplary. Sound quality is also really very good – albeit a touch less bassy as compared to Sony – with superb clarity. They’re incredibly comfortable and well balanced too, despite their bulky form factor.
Read more: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds review
Klipsch T5 True Wireless
Audiophiles will love the Klipsch T5’s sound and build quality
Specifications
Acoustic design: ClosedWeight: N/AFrequency response: 20-20,000HzDrivers: N/ABattery life : 8 hours (earbuds) 24 hours (charging case)Reasons to buy
+Incredible build quality+Warm, detailed sound+Excellent battery lifeReasons to avoid
-Deep fit may be uncomfortableThe Klipsch T5 hold their own against the very best true wireless earbuds – in fact, we'd argue that they're among the best models on the market right now. That's because they offer stellar sound, high build quality, long-lasting battery life, and one of the coolest cases we've ever seen.
Featuring the signature Klipsch sound, these buds sound warm, clear, and never harsh. Acoustic music is lush and detailed, with that clarity extending to the highs as well, allowing the headphones to sing in the higher registers without ever being sibilant.
Battery life is rated at eight hours per charge with the case providing an additional 24 hours – not bad at all.
Read more: Klipsch T5 True Wireless review
[Update: TheKlipsch T5 II True Wireless offer the same excellent build quality as their predecessors, alongside a great bass response that’s ideal for electronic and pop music. However, sibilance in the trebles and the lack of noise cancellation means they can’t beat the likes of the Apple AirPods Pro and the Sony WF-1000XM3, and haven't quite made it onto this list.]
Jabra Elite 85t
A worthy successor to the Elite 65t
Specifications
Acoustic design: Semi-openWeight: 7gFrequency response: N/ADrivers: 12mmBattery life: 7 hours (earbuds) 31 hours (charging case)Reasons to buy
+Adjustable active noise cancellation+Elegant designReasons to avoid
-Much bulkier than the 75t-Fit isn’t perfectWhile they don’t quite cut it like their predecessors the Jabra Elite Active 75t buds do owing to a slightly bulkier design, the Elite 85t deliver impressive performance thanks to some great audio quality, effective noise cancellation and decent battery life.
Audio has been vastly improved thanks to a new pair of 12mm in-built speakers, which are twice the size of those on the 75t buds and offer a wider and more well-balanced soundstage. This, alongside even deeper bass, adds more depth to your favorite tunes.
Read the full review: Jabra Elite 85t review
[Update:The Jabra Elite 75t now have active noise cancellation thanks to a firmware update – which could make them a potential rival for the AirPods Pro, and a cheaper noise-cancelling alternative to the Elite 85t.]
Beats PowerBeats Pro
Impressive-fitting workout ‘buds from Beats
Specifications
Acoustic design: ClosedWeight: N/AFrequency response: 20-20,000HzDrivers: N/ABattery life : 9 hours (earbuds) 16 hours (charging case)Reasons to buy
+Easy pairing with iOS+Immaculate fitReasons to avoid
-Case is fairly bulky-Limited noise isolationThe PowerBeats Pro true wireless Beats headphones are something special – they’re supremely comfortable, sound decent and seem to never, ever fall out.
They might not be the best true wireless earbuds in Apple's audio arsenal now that the AirPods Pro are here, but they are Apple’s most premium play into the world of running headphones, and they're the buds we'd recommend to most workout enthusiasts.
That's thanks to features like the pressure-reducing micro-laser barometric venting hole, their long battery life and good sound quality. If we had to choose between wearing these and the original AirPods around the house, office, or gym, these are what we’d wear.
A new model may be on the cards, too – the Powerbeats Pro 2 are the rumored follow-up to these Beats true wireless earbuds.
Read more:Beats PowerBeats Pro review
Earfun Air Pro
A mostly brilliant and sonically balanced set of budget buds
Specifications
Acoustic design: ClosedWeight: 5.3gFrequency response: N/ADrivers: 10mmBattery life : 9 hours (earbuds) 23 hours (charging case)Reasons to buy
+Pleasing audio balance+Effective noise cancellationReasons to avoid
-No app for EQ adjustments-Case is a little bulkyOn their own merits, the Earfun Air Pro buds are accomplished, but against the competition at this price point they shine. Amid a sea of similarly priced efforts on Amazon, they stand out thanks to their superior design and excellent audio chops, and show a high level of competence in almost all other areas. If it weren’t for slightly fiddly gesture controls and – in our experience at least – a slightly uncomfortable fit, these would immediately earn our wholehearted recommendation.
As it stands, these wireless earbuds are an excellent choice for most, offering a blend of useful features and strong performance that should make them popular with commuters in particular.
Read more: Earfun Air Pro review
Sennheiser CX 400BT True Wireless
‘Affordable’ Sennheisers have Apple AirPods firmly in their sights
Specifications
Acoustic design: ClosedWeight: 5.6gFrequency response: 5-21,000HzDrivers: 7mmBattery life: 8 hours (earbuds) 16 hours (charging case)Reasons to buy
+Widescreen, detailed, and quite upfront sound+Great app and good touch-controlReasons to avoid
-Can be excitable with treble sounds-Ordinary battery lifeHaving established its credentials as a high-end true wireless earbud front-runner with two generations of its Momentum True Wireless, Sennheiser’s now turned its attention to the less rarefied area where Apple, Microsoft, Sony and all the rest duke it out. At £169 / $199 / AU$299, the CX400BT are pitched right into the thick of the action.
Happily, the CX400BT are specified to compete. They have aptX Bluetooth connectivity, with SBC and AAC codecs catered for too; they have app-based EQ adjustment; they have responsive touch-controls (which can be customized in the app); and they can be operated using Google Assistant or Siri.
Read more: Sennheiser CX 400BT review
Jaybird Vista
Near-perfect fitness earbuds
Specifications
Acoustic design: ClosedWeight: 6g Frequency response: 20-20,000HzDrivers: 6mmBattery life: 6 hours (earbuds) 10 hours (charging case)Reasons to buy
+Instant connection+Premium sound+IPX7 water resistanceReasons to avoid
-Limited battery lifeThe Jaybird Vista earbuds are some of the best true wireless headphones out there – and it's not hard to see why. With a sleek, compact design, and features squarely aimed at real and budding athletes – with the ability to appeal to the less committed fitness nuts among us too.
Coming off the back of the Jaybird Run True – and waterproof Run XTs – the Jaybird Vista earbuds are highly compact fitness earbuds with the water and sweat resistance to deal with all levels of indoor and outdoor workouts. As true wireless earbuds, too, you won't find any cables getting in your way.
B&O Beoplay E8 2.0 Wireless Earphones
Pricey wireless earbuds that sound absolutely wonderful
Specifications
Acoustic design: ClosedWeight: 13g (combined)Frequency response: 20-20,000HzDrivers: 5.7mmBattery life : 4 hours (earbuds) 8 hours (charging case)Reasons to buy
+Good audio quality +Exceptional design +Easy to setupReasons to avoid
-Can feel a bit snugLet’s get one thing out of the way – the B&O Beoplay E8 are some of the best-looking and most expensive true wireless earphones you can buy at $350 / £300 (around AU$570).
Audio quality is undeniably excellent, and you can tweak the sound to your liking using the accompanying Beoplay app on Android and iOS.
Even without tinkering around with ToneTouch, the E8 2.0s sounds crisp and clear, with punchy bass frequencies. There's no noise cancellation, though, which may expect from true wireless earbuds at this price.
If one of the main reasons you need a new pair of headphones is to work out or run, then you might want to consider the sport-friendly alternatives to the E8 2.0s, which are called the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport. They're a pair of stylish buds that deliver bright sound and are designed to get sweaty with.
Read more:B&O Beoplay E8 2.0 Wireless Earphones review
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS5TW
Big on bass, big on battery life
Specifications
Acoustic design: ClosedWeight: 8gFrequency response: 5Hz - 40kHzDrivers: 10mmBattery life: 45 hours (with case)Reasons to buy
+Sound great+Long battery lifeReasons to avoid
-Weighty-Fiddly caseWith a promising battery life and well-managed bass enhancement over Audio-Technica’s usual neutral sound, the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS5TW true wireless earbuds have a lot going for them.
They sport one of the most complete and well-rounded sound profiles we've seen from true wireless earbuds, although they are let down a little by their fit.
Mileage will vary of course depending on your preferred bud style and the size of your ears, but all will find the fiddly case fit will annoy over time. Still, the quality audio here may be a worthy trade-off.
Read more: Audio-Technica ATH-CKS5TW review
Sony WF-SP800N
Spatial audio and noise-cancelling smarts
Specifications
Acoustic design: closedWeight: 9.3gFrequency response: N/ADrivers: N/ADriver type: DynamicBattery life: 9 hours (earbuds) 9 hours (charging case)Reasons to buy
+Basic noise cancellation+Water-resistant and sweatproof+Support for 360 Reality AudioReasons to avoid
-Tight in the earSony's latest true wireless earbuds, the Sony WF-SP800N, are a triple-threat. They’re IP55-rated to be sweatproof and dustproof, but they’re also pretty good for commuters because they have active noise cancellation built in – which is rare for a workout pair of earbuds – and work well for demanding music lovers thanks to their support for Sony’s new spatial audio format, 360 Reality Audio.
They can be a little uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time, however, and the bass is bit muddy for our liking – still, these true wireless earbuds are well worth a look.
Read more: Sony WF-SP800N review
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
Samsung’s best yet... but not the peak of perfection
Specifications
Acoustic Design: ClosedWeight: 6.3gFrequency Response: 20 - 20,000 HzDrivers: Dynamic 2-way driversDriver Type: Dynamic 2-way driversSensitivity: 105 dBImpedance: 36 OhmsBattery Life: 18 hours (with case) Wireless Range: 35ftNFC: YesReasons to buy
+IPX7 waterproof+Basic noise cancellation+Simple touch controlsReasons to avoid
-Flat, cramped sound-No Google Assistant / Siri support-Bulge out of the earThe latest true wireless buds from Samsung are a big step up from the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live. These new Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro offer better sound and microphone quality with multipoint pairing and spatial audio support.
It's worth nothing that they don’t offer the same level of noise cancellation as over-ear headphones or the sound quality of some of the other high-end earbuds on this list, but for their price they offer just enough of both to be competitive and deserving of a place on our best wireless earbuds list.
Read more:Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro review
Wireless earbuds
1. Optoma NuForce BE Sport4
Practically flawless wireless earbuds
Specifications
Acoustic design: closedWeight: 15 gramFrequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHzDrivers: 6 mmDriver type: dynamicSensitivity: 92 dB +/-3 dB at 1 kHzImpedance: 32 OhmBattery life: 10 hourswireless range: 10 m (33ft)NFC: NoReasons to buy
+Impressive audio +Customized eartips+Practical designReasons to avoid
-Not suited to one-ear listeningThe NuForce BE Sport4 wireless earbuds are that rare find: wireless earbuds that are good for basically all situations, whether you're looking to take them out on a run or just wear them around town.
They're ideal for exercise, although any urbanite will also find their lightweight functionality and impressive sound isolation highly appealing. If you want proof that Bluetooth earbuds can now compete with the best of them, look no further.
Read more: Optoma NuForce BE Sport4 review
2. Bowers & Wilkins PI3 Wireless Headphones
Neckbuds with phenomenal sound
Specifications
Acoustic design: ClosedWeight: 31gFrequency response: 10Hz - 30kHzDrivers: 9.2mmDriver type: N/ASensitivity: 96 dBImpedance: N/ABattery life: 8 hoursNFC: NoReasons to buy
+Comfortable design+Excellent sound qualityReasons to avoid
-No waterproofing-Average battery lifeThe Bowers & Wilkins PI3 are the first neckband wireless earbuds for the company, and they're a great start. Well-designed, comfy, and simple to use, they sound really good, too.
Thanks to dual drivers, these buds sound fantastic, with crisp highs, lively mids, and plenty of powerful bass. Look past the fairly unremarkable battery life and limited features, and you'll be mostly very impressed by what these offer.
Read more: Bowers & Wilkins PI3 Wireless Headphones review
3. Sennheiser CX Sport wireless earphones
No fuss buds with fantastic audio
Specifications
Acoustic design: ClosedWeight: 15gFrequency response: 17Hz - 21kHzDrivers: N/ADriver type: DynamicSensitivity: 112 dBImpedance: 28 OhmBattery life: 6 hourswireless range: 50 m (150ft)NFC: NoReasons to buy
+Fantastic audio quality+Sports-friendly designReasons to avoid
-Not the cheapest option-Mids could be richerIf the most important aspect of wireless earphones for you is the audio quality, these wireless earbuds from Sennheiser could be a fantastic choice.
With a lively, bass-heavy presentation, and a comfortable fit, the Sennheiser CX Sport Bluetooth earbuds can really bolster your workout through sound quality alone.
They have a battery life of six hours, which means they'll last you all day, whether you're wearing them on your commute or taking them out for a jog.
Read more:Sennheiser CX Sport Wireless earphones review
4. SoundMAGIC E11BT
Magic bullets that sound deceptively good
Specifications
Acoustic design: ClosedWeight: 24.7gCable length: N/AFrequency response: 20 - 20,000HzDrivers: 10mmDriver type: Dynamic, NeodymiumSensitivity: 100dBImpedance: 42 ohmsBattery life: 20 hoursWireless range: 13mNFC: NoReasons to buy
+Fantastic price+Elegant design+ComfortableReasons to avoid
-Treble tones can sound harshThe SoundMagic E11BTs are an extremely capable pair of wireless in-ear earphones, and given their low price, it really is difficult to fault them – the audio quality is fantastic and they look very elegant.
They're comfortable to wear thanks to ergonomically designed eartips and a flat neckband that won’t irritate you while running or working out – and with an IPX4 rating, they should withstand sweaty sessions.
Read more: SoundMAGIC E11BT
5. Jaybird Tarah Pro
Well-crafted wireless earbuds for endurance athletes
Specifications
Acoustic design: closedWeight: 18 gramsFrequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHzDrivers: 6 mmDriver type: dynamicSensitivity: 95 dB +/-3 dB at 1 kHzImpedance: 16 OhmsBattery life: 8 hourswireless range: N/ANFC: NoReasons to buy
+ Excellent adaptable sound +Durable and compact designReasons to avoid
-Proprietary charging dock-Fiddly eartipsThe Jaybird Tarah Pro headphones are wireless sport headphones for the endurance runners, athletes and fitness nuts out there. With a neck cable to keep the earbuds together, they aren’t quite ‘true wireless’, but will be practical for those concerned about dropping and losing a costly earbud in the heat of a race or training session.
As the first in Jaybird’s new ‘Pro’ range of Bluetooth earbuds and aimed at offering higher quality audio and materials, the Tarah Pro will suit anyone not willing to sacrifice audio quality in harsher outdoor conditions or indoor workouts and who don't mind spending a bit more to get a premium product.
Read more: Jaybird Tarah Pro review
6. Jaybird X4 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Compact comfort, good quality, competitive price
Specifications
Acoustic design: ClosedWeight: 14.7gFrequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHzDrivers: 6 mmDriver type: N/ASensitivity: 99 dB +/-3 dB at 1 kHzImpedance: 16 OhmsBattery life: 8 hoursWireless range: 10m / 33ftNFC: NoReasons to buy
+Excellent adaptable sound+Durable and compact designReasons to avoid
-Proprietary charging dock-Button lagNow committed to a yearly refresh of the popular mid-range model, the Jaybird X4 manage to outdo both the previous Jaybird X2 and Jaybird X3 wireless Bluetooth earphones, with an upgraded IPX7 water-resistance rating. Whether you're sweating buckets or running doggedly through the rain, the X4 will be able to cope with it.
The Jaybird X4s also manage to keep the series' surprisingly good sound. These earphones are certainly fitness first, but that doesn't mean the other things people look for in a pair of earphones – you know, like music – have fallen by the wayside.
Jaybird's excellent app also provides easy EQ customization as well as the ability to make your own sound profile, with various ear tip sizes to boot. A great all round choice for runner who don't want to skimp on sound – or be wary of the weather.
Alternatively if you're after an even more premium experience, the Jaybird Tarah Pro earbuds offer higher-quality audio and materials for a somewhat higher $159 £139 / AU$229 price tag.
Although we're still big fans of the Jaybird X4 headphones, take a look at the Jaybird Vista true headphones further down the list – they're our top pick if you're in the market for a pair of true wireless earbuds.
Read more:Jaybird X4 review
7. Beats X
Good-sounding wireless earbuds that can charge in five minutes
Specifications
Acoustic design: closedWeight: N/AFrequency response: N/ADrivers: N/ADriver type: N/ASensitivity: N/AImpedance: N/ABattery life: 8 hourswireless range: N/ANFC: NoReasons to buy
+Great battery life+Good wireless rangeReasons to avoid
-Fit could be better-High priceThe latest Powerbeats are a thoughtful evolution of Beats' wireless workout earbuds. They're missing a few niceties like active noise-reduction and may potentially feel less comfortable than some competitors, but by and large they're a decent cheap alternative to Apple’s higher-end in-ear headphones.
After spending some time with them, it's clear that the new Beats Powerbeats is a significant upgrade on the company's wireless workout earbuds, offering a sound quality lifted directly from the Beats Powerbeats Pro, an IPX4 rating and Apple’s H1 Wireless Chip that can summon Siri with the sound of your voice.
What we don't like about them is that the fit can be tough to get right and even slightly uncomfortable when you wear them for an extended period.
Read more: Beats Powerbeats review
How to choose the best wireless earbuds
With so many wireless earbuds to pick from, how do you know which are right for you?
Obviously, price is a huge factor. You can get a good pair of wireless earbuds for under AED 500. But often you do get what you pay for in terms of connectivity, build and noise cancellation.
Next up is form. Do you intend to workout with your earbuds? In which case you'll need a design that'll stay put, like the Beats Powerbeats. Or maybe small and minimal is what you're after, so opt for a pair of discrete true wireless buds, like the Jabra Elite 85t.
But the biggest consideration is whether you should go wireless, which means there isn't a cable from your phone to your buds. Or true wireless, which is totally wire-free. Let's take a look at the differences, pros and cons of these types of buds.
Wireless vs true wireless: what's the difference?
Which headphones style is best for you?Check out TechRadar's exhaustive guides to the best headphones you can buy today:
- Best headphones
- Best on-ear headphones
- Best over-ear headphones.
- Best earbuds
- Best wireless headphones
- Best true wireless earbuds
- Best wireless earbuds
- Best budget wireless earbuds
- Best noise-cancelling headphones
- Best noise-cancelling earbuds
- Best swimming headphones
- Best running headphones
- Best workout headphones
- Best Sony headphones
- Best Bose headphones
- Best Apple headphones
Wireless earbuds have existed for a while now, basically since Bluetooth was invented. Though battery-powered and not physically connected to your phone, they have a cord connecting both buds – and sometimes a band around the neck too.
True wireless earbuds have no cord whatsoever. While wireless allows us to wear headphones a few feet away from our music players, True Wireless cuts the cord between the earbuds, giving us true freedom. If you're looking to go full wireless, we also have a round-up of thebest true wireless headphones, but you'll find our top picks here, too.
Wireless headphonesare traditional over-ear or on-ear headphones without the wire – the two earcups are connected by a headband. Check out the best wireless headphones for more.
Best wireless earbuds, at a glance:
True wireless earbuds
Wireless earbuds