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The best wireless earbuds for every kind of audiophile
The best wireless earbuds combine lightweight, versatile vibes with a powerful audio punch
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The best wireless earbuds are as good as any on-ear or over-ear headphones and anyone that tells you otherwise hasn't experienced the freedom of the commute, gym session or knuckle-down session at the office with a comfortable, lightweight pair of quality true wireless earbuds. Yes, we hold the era of chunky cups and headbands deep in our heart, but it's time to move on into the future, because you can easily find comparable performance and versatility for considerably less money – and without the blocky weight that larger headphones have offer you.
Apple totally revolutionised the wireless headphone back in 2016 with the release of the original AirPods, and since then we’ve been properly treated to some outrageously good models from the likes of luxury brands like Bang & Olufsen and Bowers & Wilkins, Android-centric options from Samsung and Sony, and properly smart tech from Google and Jabra, so you’re sure to find one that suits every budget and need.
Before we get too caught up in the specifics though, why not check out some of our other top picks on the best on-ear headphones, best over-ear headphones, best noise-cancelling headphones and the best running headphones, so make sure you check those out too.
What are the best wireless earbuds 2024?
One of most hyped new tech brands around, Nothing is catching all sorts of eyes for its techno-centric design philosophy, which likely wouldn't look amiss in the world of Blade Runner. But this is far from fictional, these buds might not have active noise cancellation, but they are stylish, pack a punch and come with a notably fun carry case in the shape of a lipstick tube.
Sony has ruled the wireless audio roost in recent years and the XM4s further cement its status as the preeminent expert in the field. The key to such success? Some seriously high-end audio processing skills that combine with perfectly judged noise-cancellation to make the most out of all your favourite tunes.
There's something irresistibly easygoing about Apple's latest AirPods Pro 2. They connect almost instantaneously to your iPhone, sit comfortably in your ears for as long as you please (with all new multi-sized tips) and deliver some handsome sounds via class-leading noise-cancellation and Spatial Audio for a surround sound feel when you're away from home.
Is 2024 finally Google’s year to break into the big-boy group? With the release of the Pixel 7 series, Pixel watch and these uber-slick Buds Pro earbuds, Google might just be able to compete for your loyalty among the Sony, Samsung and Apple giants. The Pro 2 buds offer exceptionally good sound, notably powerful noise cancellation and seamless integration to Google’s suite of smarts. Win-win in our eyes.
- Best earbuds for sound quality: Sony WF-1000XM4, £114 at amazon.co.uk
- Best wireless earbuds for Android phones: Google Pixel Buds Pro, £199 at johnlewis.com
- Best wireless earbuds for the gym: Jabra Elite 5, £110 at amazon.co.uk
- Best wireless earbuds for small ears: AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) £221 at amazon.co.uk
Skip to: How we test the best wireless earbuds | What are wireless earbuds? | Are wireless earbuds worth it? | Which wireless earbuds are best for running? | What is active noise cancellation (ANC)?
How we test the best wireless earbuds
Keen to know how we pick the best-buy models? We've put all the best headphones and best budget headphones through their paces to ensure we're only recommending the very top of the pile when it comes to comfort, audio quality and battery life. In all cases, we've headed down to the gym to test water resistance, popped them in during weekly train commutes to work and generally just rocked out at home listening to a range of genres to assess bass, range and sonic performance. We also take a look at how much hassle it is to connect these tiny buds to various phones and laptops so you can guarantee a smooth listen with minimal frustration.
What are wireless earbuds?
If you're still hung up on using wired headphones with your Hi-Fi, we're here to drag you kicking and screaming into the modern world, come on and join us, it's great. Wireless earbuds can deliver exceptionally potent tunes without the need for cables and wires, beaming your music to your ears through Bluetooth, so long as your phone has the tech to connect, you're good to go. Aside from the obvious freedoms this allows you in the gym or our running, the wireless revolution unlocks clarity, remote listening without having to be glued to your phone or laptop, and the option to integrate smart voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant and Alexa to switch up your playlists.
Sitting in your ear using rubber or silicone tips, no longer will you have to deal with headphone band bad hair days) and will often come in a convenient carry case that holds extra charge for your battery. They are lighter, more versatile and still hold up to audio scrutiny so you won’t be worried about dropping any sonic performance if you need to hear every note of your tunes.
Are wireless earbuds worth it?
In our opinion, a pair of wireless noise-cancelling earbuds is a vastly superior option to bulky over or on-ear models, no matter what budget you’re working with. Small enough to fit in your pocket, powerful enough to last a full week’s worth of podcast commutes or gym trips on a single charge, and smart enough to answer multipoint calls or respond to voice commands, these devices are perfect for taking on every situation, from work calls and holiday to life in general.
Some of the best options shield you against annoying sounds like the drone of the train or that one frustrating colleague who talks too much with active noise cancellation, a feature that sucks out all that ambient sound to help you focus. Pair this noise isolation with some of the more advanced models’ ability to provide stunning vocals on a spatial audio soundstage, and you’ve got a pair fit for a true audiophile.
Which wireless earbuds are best for running?
Although you can get away with donning any old pair of earphones on your morning jog, this isn't the best choice in the long run. Sports-focused running headphones are always designed with vigorous exercise in mind and often come with ear hooks and/or fins on their tips for a more secure fit, even in the middle of the most challenging CrossFit WODs. They're also usually IPX4 rating or higher for sweat-resistant to avoid any corrosion via your bodily vapours. Lovely.
If you’re looking to do more strenuous activities in the rain or you just happen to be a sweaty kinda guy, you’ll want to get ones that are at least IPX7 or more for complete protection.
Most buds play nice with your smartphone, but who wants to drag that around with them on the track? Avoid this issue by grabbing a pair that can sync to smartwatches of the same brand (i.e. Android buds for Android users).
What is active noise cancellation (ANC)?
ANC is the pinnacle of top-quality earbuds, as it drowns out all other noise except whatever you actually want to listen to. Using lots of little microphones, noise-cancelling headphones will scan the environmental background noise, such as the hum of a plane engine or background office murmur, before creating an equivalent lower signal to cancel out anything except the music. A godsend for commuters looking to escape the hustle and bustle of life, they're also an ideal choice for those looking for a temporary reprieve from our crazy outside world.
Most will have sliding scales of noise-cancellation, from transparency mode (which simply lets in any old noise) up to complete silence, so you can get the right level of hush no matter where you are. If you're not fussed about blocking out noise on, for example, your daily runs, then you can save yourself some cash and go for cheaper noise-cancelling-free options.
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