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Best earbuds for iPhone 2026: Top picks for sound, comfort

Macworld Wireless headphones or earbuds (whatever you call them) are essentially the standard now, with Bluetooth earbuds being convenient and the sound quality difference to wired not being that noticeable to typical people (we realize audiophiles know). The market is huge, but here are the best wireless earbuds weve tested for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Macs. If you do want a wired connection some of these do offer it in addition to Bluetooth, but we also have a round-up of the best wired headphones and a comparison of over-ear headphones read our comparison of AirPods Max vs other over-ear headphones . We also have a comparison of all the AirPods . When testing these best earbuds we considered some of the important factors to consider when choosing headphones. Such as whether they support ANC, which is Apples codec, or the aptX codec that is now used with many Bluetooth headphones and earbuds, but isnt supported by Apple (although there are some earbuds, such as the B&W Pi8 below that include a transmitter for aptX support. We explain what to look for when choosing earbuds below. Best headphones and earbuds for iPhone 2026 PROMOTION Baseus MC2: All-Day Ease, $49.99 now! The best earbuds are the ones you forget youre wearing. MC2 stays easy on your ears with CloudComfort 2.0. Enjoy up to 55 hours of listening and IP67 protection for sweat, rain, and everyday plans. Use code MC2OWSPR at checkout. Unlock the Lowest Price 1. Apple AirPods Pro 3rd-generation (2025) Best earbuds for iPhone Pros Excellent comfort and secure fit Improved sound and bass Outstanding active noise cancellation Accurate workout heart-rate tracking Cons Few major new features Charging case stores less Limited upgrade over Pro 2 Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $199 View Deal $199 View Deal $229.99 View Deal $234 View Deal $249 View Deal $249 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Apple AirPods Pro 3 are premium true wireless earbuds from Apple. Released in September 2025, they add heart-rate monitoring, foam-infused eartips, stronger ANC, improved sound, longer battery life and IP57 water resistance. Why we like them The AirPods Pro 3 refine an already excellent formula with noticeably better comfort, stronger noise cancellation, richer sound and longer battery life while keeping the same launch price. Heart-rate tracking is a useful bonus, making them an easy recommendation for most Apple users. Who are they best for Theyre ideal for iPhone users wanting premium wireless earbuds with excellent noise cancellation, secure all-day comfort and seamless Apple ecosystem integration. Theyre especially appealing for fitness enthusiasts who can benefit from the new built-in heart-rate monitoring. What are the biggest strengths More comfortable foam-infused eartips with five sizes Excellent fit that stays secure during exercise Improved sound with deeper bass and wider soundstage Significantly stronger ANC and better Transparency mode Accurate heart-rate monitoring during supported workouts Longer battery life without a price increase What are the compromises Few genuinely new audio innovations Uses the same H2 chip as before Charging case stores less reserve power Existing AirPods Pro 2 owners gain limited benefits New eartips arent compatible with older models Heart-rate tracking only works during workouts What is battery life like Battery life increases to around eight hours with ANC enabled, while the case provides roughly 16 additional hours. A five-minute charge delivers about one hour of listening time. How good is the ANC Active Noise Cancellation is substantially improved, thanks to new microphones, redesigned eartips and computational enhancements. Apple claims twice the ANC of the previous generation, with noticeably better Transparency mode too. Verdict The AirPods Pro 3 arent a revolutionary upgrade, but they successfully improve almost every aspect of Apples best earbuds. Better fit, stronger noise cancellation, richer sound, longer battery life and useful heart-rate tracking make them easy to recommend. AirPods Pro 2 owners may not need to upgrade immediately, but everyone else gets one of the best premium wireless earbuds available. Read our full Apple AirPodsPro 3 review 2. Apple AirPods 5 Best AirPods for most people Pros Excellent sound quality with richer bass Impressive ANC for an open-ear design Convenient wireless charging and volume controls Lower price than AirPods 4 with ANC Cons Fit varies by user Battery life remains average ANC cannot match AirPods Pro Price When Reviewed: $149 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $149 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide The Apple AirPods 5 (with Wireless Charging Case) are open-fit wireless earbuds featuring the H2 chip, improved Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Conversation Awareness, and Personalized Spatial Audio. The $149/139 version adds wireless charging, touch-sensitive volume controls, and a Find My speaker in the case. Why we like them The AirPods 5 bring better sound and stronger noise cancellation to Apples familiar open-ear design, while costing less than the AirPods 4 with ANC they replace. In the review from our sister website, Macwelt , the AirPods 5 were found to deliver a slightly richer, warmer sound than their predecessors and surprisingly effective noise cancellation, making them an excellent alternative to the more expensive AirPods Pro. Who are they best for Theyre ideal for iPhone users who dislike silicone ear tips but still want effective ANC and premium features. Theyre particularly well suited to everyday listening, commuting, and anyone who wants many of the AirPods Pros features without paying $249. The Wireless Charging Case version is the better choice for most buyers. What are the biggest strengths Rich, detailed sound with slightly warmer bass than AirPods 4 Excellent ANC for an open-ear design, particularly against steady background noise Adaptive Audio and improved Transparency mode Convenient swipe controls for adjusting volume Wireless charging via Qi or an Apple Watch charger Find My speaker built into the charging case What are the compromises Open design limits noise isolation compared with AirPods Pro Fit remains unchanged from AirPods 4 and depends on ear shape Higher-frequency sounds, including keyboard clicks, remain noticeable Battery life trails many competing earbuds No heart-rate monitoring or AirPods Pro hearing-health features Discounted AirPods Pro 3 can narrow the price gap What is battery life like Apple rates the Wireless Charging Case model for up to five hours with ANC enabled, or seven hours with noise control off. The case extends ANC listening time to 22 hours. Macwelts testing achieved approximately four hours and 45 minutes indoors, dropping to four hours and 15 minutes when traveling with higher volume settings and Spatial Audio enabled. How good is the ANC Noise cancellation is particularly impressive for earbuds that dont seal the ear canal. Macwelts testing found that the AirPods 5 effectively reduced steady background sounds, including road noise and computer fans. Apple claims up to 50 percent better noise cancellation than AirPods 4 with ANC. However, sharper sounds still get through, and the AirPods Pro 3 provide significantly stronger isolation. What about the cheaper AirPods 5? Apple also sells the standard AirPods 5 for $129/119. These include the same H2 chip, sound improvements, and ANC, but have a USB-C-only charging case without wireless charging or a Find My speaker. They also lack the stem-based volume controls and have slightly shorter battery life, offering four hours with ANC and 20 hours with the case. For just $20/20 more, the Wireless Charging Case model is worth the upgrade, although the cheaper version remains excellent value. Verdict The AirPods 5 (with Wireless Charging Case) are among the best open-ear wireless earbuds available. They combine richer sound, impressively effective noise cancellation, useful smart features, and convenient wireless charging at a lower price than their predecessors. Battery life is still fairly modest, and the unchanged fit wont suit everyone, but theyre an excellent everyday choice for iPhone users who prefer an open design. With the added convenience of volume controls and wireless charging for just $20 more than the standard model, theyre the AirPods 5 wed recommend. Read our full AirPods 5 review 3. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Best noise cancellation Pros Class-leading noise cancellation Detailed, lively sound Secure, comfortable fit Excellent companion app Cons Wireless charging costs extra Spatial audio drains battery Premium price Price When Reviewed: $299.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $299 View Deal $299 View Deal Bose $299 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are premium true wireless earbuds from Bose, featuring class-leading active noise cancellation, immersive spatial audio, customisable ear tips and stability bands, plus app-based fit testing. Why we like them The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds combine outstanding active noise cancellation with detailed, engaging sound that reveals subtle musical details. Theyre comfortable thanks to multiple ear tip and stability band options, while the Bose app helps achieve the best possible fit for consistently excellent listening. Who are they best for Theyre ideal for frequent travellers, commuters and anyone who wants exceptional noise cancellation without sacrificing sound quality. They also suit listeners who value a secure fit and dont mind paying a premium for top-tier performance. What are the biggest strengths Industry-leading active noise cancellation dramatically reduces aircraft engines and other low-frequency sounds. Rich, detailed audio with impressive clarity across bass, vocals and instruments. Comfortable, secure fit with multiple ear tip and stability band combinations. Helpful Bose app includes a Seal Test for optimal fit. What are the compromises Premium pricing compared with many rivals, even with regular discounts. Wireless charging requires purchasing a separate optional charging case. Immersive Audio mode is only moderately convincing for spatial sound. Battery life falls noticeably when using spatial audio features. What is battery life like Battery life reaches around six hours with active noise cancellation enabled, dropping to roughly four hours when using Immersive Audio. The charging case supplies approximately three additional full charges. How good is the ANC The active noise cancellation is among the very best available, suppressing deep aircraft engine noise so effectively it can seem almost silent, making travel and commuting significantly more comfortable. Verdict The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds remain one of the strongest premium true wireless options thanks to exceptional active noise cancellation, detailed sound quality and a secure, comfortable fit. Theyre expensive and the optional wireless charging case feels unnecessary at this price, but frequent discounts make them easier to recommend, especially for travellers and regular commuters seeking best-in-class ANC. Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review 4. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Best earbuds for serious fitness Pros Secure, comfortable earhook fit Excellent workout stability Heart rate monitoring Strong battery endurance Cons Missing AirPods Pro features Heart rate limitations Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $179.95 View Deal $179.95 View Deal $249 View Deal $249.99 View Deal $249.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are premium fitness-focused true wireless earbuds made by Beats, an Apple-owned company. They feature Apples H2 chip, secure earhooks, built-in heart rate monitoring, and USB-C charging. Why we like them The Powerbeats Pro 2 combine an exceptionally secure fit with improved sound, effective noise cancellation and class-leading workout comfort. Heart rate monitoring adds genuine fitness appeal, while Apples H2 chip delivers fast pairing, excellent transparency mode and seamless integration across Apple devices, making them superb exercise companions. Who are they best for Theyre best for runners, gym-goers and anyone wanting earbuds that stay securely in place during intense exercise. Apple users will benefit most, though Android owners also receive a stronger feature set than they would with AirPods. What are the biggest strengths Secure earhooks stay firmly in place during workouts. Smaller, lighter design improves comfort over long sessions. H2 chip enables excellent transparency mode and strong ANC. Built-in heart rate monitoring works with supported fitness apps. Long battery life and fast charging reduce downtime. Improved Android support with dedicated Beats features. What are the compromises Lacks several AirPods Pro software features, including Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness. Heart rate monitoring is limited to supported apps. Apple Watch overrides earbud heart rate readings. Sound has a brighter presentation than Apples AirPods Pro, which offer a more balanced listening experience. Wireless charging supports Qi only, not MagSafe or Qi2. What is battery life like Battery life is excellent, with up to 10 hours of listening per charge, or around 8 hours using ANC or transparency mode. The charging case provides approximately 3.5 additional charges. How good is the ANC Active noise cancellation is a major improvement over the original model, delivering strong everyday performance. Transparency mode is particularly impressive, sounding natural and approaching the excellent standard set by Apples AirPods Pro. However, the newer AirPods Pro 3 offer stronger noise cancellation, making them a better choice for listeners who prioritize blocking out background noise. Verdict The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are among the best fitness earbuds available, combining a secure earhook fit, long battery life, heart rate monitoring and excellent Apple ecosystem integration. While they lack several AirPods Pro software features, including Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness, theyre an outstanding choice for workouts and active lifestyles. The AirPods Pro 3 offer stronger noise cancellation and more advanced everyday features, but the Powerbeats Pro 2 are the better choice for serious exercise, thanks to their secure earhooks and longer total battery life. Read our full Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review 5. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 Best for audiophiles (who like jogging) Pros Excellent sound quality Compact, comfortable design Bluetooth 6.0 Dolby Atmos Cons Expensive Only average battery life ANC cant match Apple Price When Reviewed: $299.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $299.95 View Deal $299.95 View Deal $299.95 View Deal $299.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 is a strong upgrade for an already impressive set of earbuds. Its expensive, but the sound quality is excellent, and brings updates to both Bluetooth and spatial audio. The improved design also provides a better fit, IP54 weather-resistance, and a new case with wireless charging. Why We Like Them The Momentum True Wireless 5 (TW5) improves on its predecessor in several ways. The sound quality is excellent, with support for the AAC codec for Apple devices and aptX Adaptive/Lossless for Android. This model also gets an update to the latest Bluetooth 6.0, and supports Dolby Atmos for spatial audio. The design is improved too, with smaller earbuds that fit more comfortably, along with an IP54 rating for water and dust-resistance. Even the charging case is improved, with a more compact design, and support for both USB-C and wireless charging. Who Are They Best For? The Momentum True Wireless 5 earbuds are a little pricey, at $299.99/249.99, so they will mainly appeal to audiophiles who are prepared to pay a little extra for Sennheisers impressive sound quality. However, the earbuds also boast a sturdy IP54 rating that makes them suitable for exercise and outdoor use, while effective noise-cancellation will appeal to travellers. What Are The Biggest Strengths? 5Hz 21KHz frequency response Bluetooth 6.0, with AAC, aptX Adaptive/Lossless Slim, comfortable design Dolby Atmos for spatial audio What Are The Compromises? Battery life could be better Active noise-cancellation is good but not the best Expensive, costing more than Apples AirPods Pro How Long Is Battery Life? Sennheiser quotes an impressive 12 hours of battery life for a single charge, while the charging case lets you recharge for a total of 40 hours of music. However, using noise-reduction does reduces the battery life quite a bit, lasting for around six hours on a single charge. How Effective Is The ANC? Noise-cancellation is definitely better on this model, effectively blocking both low-frequency sounds such as an aircraft engine as well as voices and higher-frequencies. Even so, Apple and Bose still lead the way with the most effective noise-cancellation for long journeys. Verdict We like everything about the Momentum True Wireless 5 apart, perhaps, from the increased price of this new model. The sound quality combines firm bass with clarity on higher frequencies, and the addition of Bluetooth and Dolby Atmos ensures that the TW5 is right up to date with the latest audio technologies. Battery life and noise-cancellation leave a little room for improvement, but the Momentum True Wireless 5 will appeal to audiophiles who appreciate lossless and high-res audio. 6. Beats Studio Buds+ Best alternative to AirPods Pros Fun transparent design Improved sound quality Effective active noise cancellation Strong battery life Cons No wireless charging Missing Apple ecosystem features AirPods Pro sound better Price When Reviewed: $169.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $89.95 View Deal $99.95 View Deal $119.99 View Deal Adorama $169.95 View Deal $169.95 View Deal $169.99 View Deal $169.99 View Deal Beats $169.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices The Beats Studio Buds + are true wireless earbuds made by Beats, an Apple subsidiary. Released in 2023, they feature a distinctive transparent design, USB-C charging and support for Apple and Android. Why we like them The Beats Studio Buds + combine stylish design, improved sound quality, capable active noise cancellation and long battery life at a price similar to standard AirPods. Physical buttons are easier to use than AirPods controls, while Android compatibility makes them a genuinely flexible choice across different devices. Who are they best for Theyre best for people who switch between Apple and Android devices, or anyone wanting effective ANC, comfortable earbuds and eye-catching styling without paying AirPods Pro prices. Theyre less suited to users deeply invested in Apples ecosystem. What are the biggest strengths Unique transparent design with alternative colours Better sound than previous Studio Buds Improved ANC and transparency performance Comfortable fit with four ear tip sizes Physical button controls are intuitive Strong battery life and competitive pricing What are the compromises No wireless charging, unlike the $149 AirPods 5 Lacks Apples H1 or H2 chip Misses automatic device switching No personalised spatial audio or Conversation Boost No in-ear detection for auto pause AirPods 5 offer newer Apple audio features at a lower list price ANC and sound quality trail AirPods Pro 3 What is battery life like Battery life is rated at up to six hours with active noise cancellation enabled or nine hours without it. The charging case provides roughly three additional full recharges. How good is the ANC Noise cancellation is noticeably improved over the original Studio Buds and performs well for the price. However, it still falls short of the more advanced and adaptive AirPods Pro system. Verdict The Beats Studio Buds+ remain a good alternative to Apples standard AirPods, particularly for listeners who prefer silicone ear tips and want compatibility with both iPhone and Android. They deliver enjoyable sound, effective ANC and impressive battery life, although the newer AirPods 5 offer more advanced Apple-specific features at a lower starting price. With substantial discounts often available, the Studio Buds+ can still be an excellent buy. Read our full Beats Studio Buds+ review 7. Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Best premium sound Pros Exceptional sound quality Innovative smart charging case aptX Lossless support Comfortable redesigned fit Cons Premium price tag Average battery life Large earpieces Price When Reviewed: $399 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $375 View Deal $399 View Deal Bowers & Wilkins $399 View Deal $499 View Deal $933.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 are premium true wireless earbuds from British audio specialist Bowers & Wilkins. Their standout smart charging case doubles as an aptX transmitter for wired devices and Apple products. Why we like them The Pi8 combine superb hi-fi sound with a genuinely innovative charging case that unlocks higher-quality aptX audio from Apple devices and wired sources. Their redesigned fit improves comfort, while powerful 12mm drivers deliver rich, detailed sound that stands out from most premium wireless earbuds. Who are they best for Theyre ideal for audiophiles and frequent travellers who prioritise outstanding sound quality over price. Apple users wanting better-than-AAC wireless audio and anyone regularly using in-flight entertainment systems will especially appreciate the versatile smart case. What are the biggest strengths Outstanding, detailed and dynamic sound quality Unique smart case retransmits wired audio wirelessly Supports AAC, aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless Comfortable redesigned shape with four ear-tip sizes Large 12mm drivers deliver powerful, refined performance Excellent low-frequency noise reduction for travel What are the compromises Significantly more expensive than many rivals Battery life is respectable rather than class-leading Earpieces remain relatively large ANC trails AirPods Pro for higher-frequency sounds Smart case benefits may be unnecessary for casual listeners Pi6 offers similar experience for less if aptX retransmission isnt needed What is battery life like? Battery life reaches up to 6.5 hours per charge with ANC enabled, while the smart charging case extends total listening time to around 20 hours between mains charging. How good is the ANC? Noise cancellation is very effective, especially against low-frequency sounds like aircraft engine rumble. However, it doesnt suppress higher-frequency background noise quite as effectively as Apples AirPods Pro. Verdict The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 are premium earbuds aimed squarely at listeners who value sound quality above all else. Their excellent audio performance, comfortable redesign and genuinely innovative smart charging case justify much of the high asking price. Battery life and ANC are good rather than class-leading, but the Pi8 remain among the most compelling luxury true wireless earbuds available. Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 review 8. Beats Powerbeats Fit Best workout earbuds with wingtips Pros Secure flexible wingtip fit Strong workout stability Long total battery life Works well with Android Cons No wireless charging Older H1 chip ANC trails AirPods Pro 3 Price When Reviewed: $199.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $199.95 View Deal $199.95 View Deal Beats $199.95 View Deal $199.95 View Deal $199.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices The Powerbeats Fit are true wireless sports earbuds made by Beats, an Apple company. They feature flexible wingtips, Apples H1 chip, USB-C charging, Adaptive EQ, and up to 30 hours battery. Why we like them The Powerbeats Fit are designed for active lifestyles, offering a secure fit that stays comfortable through runs, gym sessions and workouts. They deliver dependable Apple ecosystem features, solid sound quality, good battery life and broad compatibility with Android devices, making them more versatile than many sports earbuds. Who are they best for? Theyre ideal for runners, gym-goers and fitness enthusiasts who need earbuds that stay firmly in place during exercise. Theyre also a smart choice for users who switch between Apple and Android devices and value stability over premium audio performance. What are the biggest strengths Flexible wingtips provide an exceptionally secure workout fit. Comfortable design remains stable during running and training. Up to 30 hours total battery life with charging case. Excellent Apple integration including Siri, Find My and automatic device switching. Better Android support than AirPods. What are the compromises No wireless charging; USB-C cable only. H1 chip limits audio and feature improvements. Noise cancellation is noticeably weaker than AirPods Pro 3. Missing XXS ear tip option. Sound quality isnt as detailed or immersive as Apples latest earbuds. What is battery life like Expect up to seven hours of listening from the earbuds alone, extending to around 30 hours with the charging case. Thats excellent for travel, commuting and multiple workout sessions. How good is the ANC? Noise cancellation is solid for everyday use, reducing background distractions effectively. However, it performs closer to the original AirPods Pro than AirPods Pro 3, whose ANC is significantly more powerful. Verdict The Powerbeats Fit are an excellent choice for anyone who prioritises comfort and stability during exercise. Their secure wingtip design, lengthy battery life and Apple-friendly features make them dependable workout companions. While sound quality and ANC fall behind the AirPods Pro 3, theyre more versatile across platforms and remain one of the strongest sports-focused true wireless earbuds available. Read our full Powerbeats Fit review 9. Apple AirPods Pro 2nd-generation (2023) Best value if discounted Pros Excellent sound quality Outstanding noise cancellation Class-leading transparency mode Useful Apple ecosystem features Cons No lossless audio Premium purchase price Stem controls feel fiddly Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $173.99 View Deal $243 View Deal $249 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide The AirPods Pro 2 might have been officially discontinued by Apple when the AirPods Pro 3 arrived, but we still see them for sale offering outstanding value for most buyers. Thats why they are still on our list. Despite the arrival of the new AirPods Pro, these are still premium true wireless noise-cancelling earbuds. They feature the H2 chip, USB-C charging case, hearing health features, swipe volume controls and seamless integration with Apple devices. Why we like them The Beats Studio Buds+ combine stylish design, good sound quality, effective active noise cancellation and long battery life. Although the newer AirPods 5 now include ANC at a lower starting price, the Beats offer a more traditional in-ear design with silicone tips for a better seal, intuitive physical controls and stronger Android compatibility. They can also be excellent value when discounted. Who are they best for They are best for iPhone, iPad and Mac users wanting premium everyday earbuds with strong ANC, comfortable all-day wear and effortless Apple ecosystem integration. Frequent travellers, commuters and users interested in hearing health features will benefit most. What are the biggest strengths Richer, clearer sound with significantly stronger bass Excellent Active Noise Cancellation for travel and commuting Best-in-class Transparency mode with Adaptive Transparency Comfortable fit with four ear tip sizes, including XS Handy swipe volume controls on each earbud Deep Apple ecosystem integration with useful smart features What are the compromises More expensive than many rivals Better pure sound quality available elsewhere No lossless, hi-res or LE Audio support Stem swipe controls can be awkward Most advanced features require Apple devices Six-hour battery trails some competitors What is battery life like Battery life is rated at up to six hours of listening from the earbuds on a charge, with around 24 hours total using the charging case. Apple Watch charging is also supported. How good is the ANC Active Noise Cancellation is excellent, blocking substantially more outside noise than the original AirPods Pro. Adaptive Transparency intelligently reduces sudden loud sounds while still allowing important environmental sounds to remain audible. Verdict The AirPods Pro 2 remain among the best premium wireless earbuds for Apple users. They combine impressive sound quality, highly effective ANC, exceptional transparency mode and excellent ecosystem integration in a comfortable, refined package. While audiophiles can find better-sounding alternatives and battery life isnt class-leading, the overall user experience is polished, reliable and difficult to beat within Apples ecosystem. As long as you can find them on sale. Read our full AirPods Pro 2 USB-C review 10. Beats Solo Buds Best budget earbuds Pros Surprisingly clear, punchy sound Excellent 18-hour battery life Secure, comfortable ear fit Compact, pocket-friendly case Cons No active noise cancellation Charging case lacks battery Missing premium smart features Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $49.99 View Deal $69.95 View Deal $69.95 View Deal $69.95 View Deal $69.99 View Deal Adorama $79.95 View Deal $79.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal Beats $79.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices The Beats Solo Buds are affordable true wireless earbuds made by Beats, an Apple company. Released in mid-2024, they feature a tiny USB-C charging case, four ear tip sizes and 18-hour battery life. Why we like them The Beats Solo Buds deliver impressive value with punchy, enjoyable sound, an exceptionally long battery life for earbuds, and a secure fit thanks to four sizes of silicone ear tips. Theyre comfortable, easy to control using physical buttons, and outperform older standard AirPods in several key areas. Who are they best for Theyre ideal for budget-conscious listeners who want reliable everyday wireless earbuds with long battery life and comfortable fit. Theyre particularly well suited to Apple users, but also work well with Android devices, making them a versatile affordable option. What are the biggest strengths Clear, punchy sound that exceeds expectations for the price. Outstanding 18-hour battery life from the earbuds. Secure fit with four sizes of silicone ear tips. Compact, lightweight case thats easy to carry. Physical button controls are simple and reliable. Excellent value compared with similarly priced rivals. What are the compromises No active noise cancellation or transparency mode. Charging case has no built-in battery for top-ups. Lacks automatic device switching and multipoint Bluetooth. No in-ear detection for automatic play/pause. Call voice isolation isnt as strong as premium earbuds. No personalised Spatial Audio features. What is battery life like Battery life is excellent. The earbuds are rated for up to 18 hours on a single charge, outperforming many rivals, although the charging case must be plugged into USB-C to recharge them. How good is the ANC There isnt any active noise cancellation. Instead, the silicone ear tips provide passive noise isolation, reducing some outside sound, but they cant match dedicated ANC earbuds in noisy environments. Verdict The Beats Solo Buds prove you dont need to spend a fortune for enjoyable wireless earbuds. Their clear sound, secure fit and exceptional battery life make them an excellent value buy, especially for everyday listening. While youll miss premium features like ANC, multipoint Bluetooth and a battery-equipped charging case, theyre an easy recommendation for budget-conscious shoppers Read our full Beats Solo Buds review 11. Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless Best value noise-cancelling earbuds Pros Excellent value for money Comfortable lightweight fit Impressive sound quality Effective everyday ANC Cons ANC not class-leading Average battery endurance Limited long-haul suitability Price When Reviewed: $199.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $129.99 View Deal $158.99 View Deal $159.95 View Deal $199.95 View Deal $219.95 View Deal $219.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Designed as a more affordable alternative to its Momentum earbuds (above), Sennheisers Accentum True Wireless are in-ear wireless earbuds made by German audio specialist Sennheiser. They feature 7mm drivers, IP54 water and dust resistance, AAC and aptX support, plus adjustable EQ. Why we like them The Accentum True Wireless deliver impressive sound quality and capable active noise cancellation at a much lower price than many premium rivals. Theyre comfortable enough for extended listening, include useful app customisation features, and provide a balanced combination of performance, practicality and affordability for everyday listening. Who are they best for Theyre ideal for listeners wanting premium audio features without paying flagship prices. Great for commuters, casual travellers and everyday users who value comfort, strong sound quality and reliable noise cancellation more than maximum battery life. What are the biggest strengths Outstanding value compared with premium rivals. Rich, detailed sound from the same 7mm drivers used in the Momentum range. Lightweight, comfortable design with four ear-tip sizes. IP54 water and dust resistance for everyday outdoor use. Handy companion app with five-band EQ and adjustable transparency mode. What are the compromises Active noise cancellation doesnt match the very best premium earbuds. Six-hour battery life is respectable rather than exceptional. Charging case provides only around 2.5 additional charges. Better suited to daily commuting than long-haul travel. Lacks the outright premium performance of Sennheisers Momentum earbuds. What is battery life like Battery life reaches around six hours with active noise cancellation enabled, while the charging case provides roughly two and a half extra charges, making it well suited to everyday use. How good is the ANC Active noise cancellation performs well for everyday commuting and reducing typical background noise, although it doesnt block sound as effectively as more expensive flagship competitors in particularly noisy environments. Verdict The Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless strike an excellent balance between price and performance. They offer impressive sound quality, comfortable all-day wear, practical features and effective everyday noise cancellation without the premium price tag. While battery life and ANC arent class-leading, theyre more than good enough for most users, making these an easy recommendation for affordable everyday wireless earbuds. Read our full Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless review 12. Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 Best mid-range sound Pros Rich, detailed sound quality Comfortable long-wearing fit Strong battery endurance Competitive premium pricing Cons ANC trails top rivals No wireless charging No spatial audio Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $119 View Deal B&W $249 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 are premium true wireless noise-cancelling earbuds from British audio specialist Bowers & Wilkins, featuring 12mm drivers, Bluetooth 5.4, IP54 durability and multipoint connectivity. Why we like them The Pi6 deliver the refined, engaging sound quality Bowers & Wilkins is known for at a more accessible price than the flagship Pi8. Theyre comfortable for extended listening, offer useful app customisation, solid battery life and excellent overall value despite a few premium feature omissions. Who are they best for? Theyre ideal for listeners who prioritise sound quality over cutting-edge features. Frequent commuters, music lovers and anyone wanting premium wireless earbuds around AirPods Pro pricing will appreciate their balanced audio, comfortable fit and dependable battery performance. What are the biggest strengths? Detailed, dynamic sound with excellent balance Large 12mm drivers inspired by B&W headphones Comfortable fit with four ear-tip sizes Eight-hour battery life with ANC enabled Multipoint Bluetooth connection for two devices IP54 water and dust resistance for everyday use What are the compromises? ANC is good, not class-leading No Qi wireless charging support No Pi8 smart charging case No spatial audio functionality App lacks full EQ presets Higher-frequency sounds remain noticeable with ANC enabled What is battery life like? Battery life is impressive, offering up to eight hours of playback with active noise cancellation switched on. The USB-C charging case provides an additional 24 hours of listening time. How good is the ANC? Noise cancellation performs well against low-frequency sounds such as engine rumble but is less effective with voices and higher-frequency noise, leaving rivals from Bose, Sony and Apple with the advantage. Verdict The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 are an excellent choice if your priority is premium sound quality without paying flagship prices. Their engaging audio, comfortable design and long battery life make them highly appealing, even if the ANC, wireless charging and feature set dont quite match the very best competitors. For music-first buyers, theyre easy to recommend. Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 review Were comparing all the best earbuds with Apples own offerings: the AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC. Also included are various options from Apple-owned subsidiary Beats, which by association benefits from a lot of Apple-specific features. But just how well do they compete with headphones from the likes of Bose, Sennheiser, Bowers & Wilkins and Sony? How to choose earbud headphones There are a few factors to consider before you hit that buy button. Type Earbuds, or in-ear headphones, typically fall into three main categories: Earbuds the type of headphones included with every iPhone and iPod and sit loosely in your outer ears. Although earbuds dont produce outstanding sound, theyre compact and relatively inexpensive. Apples stock buds are actually decent as earbuds go; youre not going to get a huge upgrade in sound quality by simply replacing them with a different model. Still, there are a few alternatives out there that provide modest improvements if youre looking for a new set. Recommendations: In-Ear-Canal Headphones : These headphones, also known as canalphones, use silicone or foam eartips that fit snuglyand fairly deepin your ear canals. Like earplugs, they block most external noise, so theyre great for travel and noisy environments. Theyre also capable of producing stunning audio quality. On the other hand, some people find canalphones to be uncomfortable, and the best ones come with an equally stunning price tag. If you decide to spend the big bucks on a set of high-end canalphones, we enthusiastically recommend going all-in and getting custom eartipstips custom-made for your particular ears. The process requires an audiologist visit to get impressions taken of your ears, but the benefits include substantially better comfort. (On some models, you may gain better noise isolation and better sound quality, as well.) A step above custom eartips are custom in-ear monitors, which place the actual headphone circuitry in larger, custom-made earpieces. Canalbuds : Canalbuds, which occupy a middle ground between earbuds and in-ear-canal models, have become quite popular. Compared to canalphones, canalbuds generally use smaller eartips that sit just inside the ends of your ear canals instead of deep inside them. Good canalbuds easily best earbuds in terms of audio performance and noise isolation, but fall short of good canalphones in those areas. On the other hand, canalbuds tend to be more comfortable than true canalphones because they dont sit so deep and dont fit so tightly; theyre also usually less expensive. (See our in-ear-canal-headphone primer, linked above, for more information on canalbuds.) Battery life This is crucial as many in-ear headphones have tiny batteries that help to keep the weight down but may only last for a few hours. That might be fine if you just want to listen to some music while youre working out, but wont be much use on a long journey by train or plane. However, some in-ear headphones, such as Apples AirPods, also include a charging case that can top up the battery, so thats something you should check on before buying any in-ear headphones. Noise canceling Some headphones are specifically designed for people who travel a lot or use headphones in noisy conditions and provide active noise-canceling (ANC) option that helps to block out background noise on trains and planes although this can add quite a lot to the overall price of the headphones. Note this isnt to be confused with passive noise isolation (or often referred to as canceling), which is just the way physically having headphones in/on blocks sound like putting earplugs or ear defenders on. Sound quality Wed always recommend trying out any new headphones in a store or showroom whenever possible, but we realise thats not always practical or hygenic. Compatibility Most wireless headphones support Apples preferred AAC Bluetooth codec, ensuring good compatibility with iPhones, iPads and Macs. Many also support additional codecs such as aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LDAC or LC3/LE Audio, which can deliver higher bit rates, lower latency or improved efficiency when paired with compatible Android phones and other devices. Apple devices have never supported Qualcomms aptX family of codecs, instead relying on AAC for Bluetooth audio. While this has often been attributed to Apples preference for controlling its own audio ecosystem, it also means Apple users cant take advantage of newer Qualcomm codecs such as aptX Adaptive or aptX Lossless when using third-party headphones. That isnt necessarily the drawback it once was. AAC remains a very capable codec, and Apples implementation is widely regarded as one of the best, delivering consistent sound quality and excellent battery efficiency. However, Android users with compatible devices may be able to enjoy higher-resolution or lower-latency wireless audio through codecs such as LDAC or aptX Lossless. For Apple users, the most important thing is that headphones support AAC, as this provides the best wireless experience across iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch. If a pair also supports codecs such as aptX Adaptive or LDAC, thats a useful bonus if you also own Android devices or other compatible hardware. There are a few exceptions. Some premium headphones and earbuds, such as the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8, include a smart charging case that can act as a wireless audio transmitter. By connecting the case directly to a USB-C or 3.5mm audio source, it can stream audio to the earbuds using aptX Adaptive, bypassing the Bluetooth limitations of the source device and potentially improving sound quality and reducing latency. Its also worth noting that all of the Bluetooth headphones featured here work with Apple Watch, making them ideal for workouts, runs and listening on the go.

12 Oct 2026 7:36 pm