The 5 Best Wireless Earbuds
Earbuds work best with the phone they were designed for. These picks cover iPhone, Samsung and other Android phones, plus a strong budget option, based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports.
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Quick picks
| Product | Best for |
|---|---|
| 1. Apple AirPods Pro 3 Best for iPhone | iPhone owners |
| 2. Sony WF-1000XM5 Wireless Earbuds Best for Android | Android users who want premium sound and noise cancelling |
| 3. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) Best noise cancelling | commuters and frequent flyers |
| 4. Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Best for Samsung phones | Samsung Galaxy phone owners |
| 5. Soundcore Liberty 4 NC by Anker Best budget | noise cancelling on a budget |
Apple's noise-cancelling earbuds with Transparency mode, automatic switching between Apple devices and heart-rate sensing for workouts (Apple spec).
- Active noise cancellation
- Transparency mode
- Heart-rate sensing (Apple spec)
Strengths
- Seamless pairing and switching with Apple devices
- Strong noise cancelling
- Natural-sounding Transparency mode
Limitations
- Many features need an iPhone
- Limited extras on Android
2.Sony WF-1000XM5 Wireless Earbuds
Sony · Best for Android users who want premium sound and noise cancelling
Sony's flagship noise-cancelling earbuds with support for the higher-bitrate LDAC codec on compatible Android phones and an app with a detailed equalizer.
- Active noise cancellation
- LDAC support
- Multipoint connection
Strengths
- Excellent noise cancelling
- Detailed sound with EQ control
- Compact for a flagship
Limitations
- Foam tips don't suit every ear
- Premium price
3.Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Bose · Best for commuters and frequent flyers
Bose's top noise-cancelling earbuds, designed for blocking out trains, planes and open offices, with a choice of ear tips and stability bands.
- Active noise cancellation
- Aware mode
- Multiple tip and band sizes
Strengths
- Among the strongest noise cancelling in earbuds
- Secure fit options
- Works well with iPhone and Android
Limitations
- Larger case and buds than some rivals
- Premium price
Samsung's premium earbuds, with extra features such as seamless device switching and higher-quality audio when paired with Galaxy phones.
- Active noise cancellation
- Galaxy device integration
- Stem design with touch controls
Strengths
- Best feature set with Galaxy phones
- Good noise cancelling
- Easy pairing with Samsung devices
Limitations
- Fewer extras on non-Samsung phones
- Stem design isn't for everyone
A budget pair from Anker's Soundcore brand with active noise cancelling and app-based EQ, at a fraction of flagship prices.
- Active noise cancellation
- App with EQ
- Wireless charging case
Strengths
- Noise cancelling at a low price
- Customisable sound
- Long battery life (Soundcore spec)
Limitations
- Noise cancelling and call quality behind flagships
- Less polished app and controls
How we chose
- We matched earbuds to phones first, because ecosystem features matter more than small sound differences.
- Picks are based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports. We don't claim our own listening tests.
- Earbud models update often. Check the listing to make sure you're buying the model named here.
Frequently asked questions
Do AirPods work with Android?
Yes, as standard Bluetooth earbuds, but many features such as automatic switching and some settings need Apple devices.
Is noise cancelling worth it?
If you commute, fly or work in noisy places, most owners say yes. It also lets you listen at lower volumes. For quiet homes, it matters less.