The Best Earbud Deals This Week*
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
If you think the term “true wireless” sounds like sales jargon, we’re with you. Regardless of whether you call them “true wireless,” “cable-free,” or “wire-free” models, the important distinction between these and typical earphones is the lack of a connecting cable between the earpieces. With wired Bluetooth in-ear models becoming less popular, cable-free is now the norm.
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are a ubiquitous tech status symbol and loom large over the category, but this list has several options that might work better for you. Whether you’re looking for the best active noise cancellation (ANC), the most rugged build for exercise, the top pair for heavy bass, or the ideal in-ears for hands-free voice assistant use, we’ve got you covered. And yes, there are quality options that cost far less than the AirPods.
Below, check out our top true wireless picks, and be sure to read on for our buying advice to help you find the best pair.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Best for iPhone Users
Why We Picked It
Apple’s flagship noise-cancelling true wireless earphones come close to besting Bose in the active noise cancellation (ANC) department and offer a much more sophisticated Transparency mode that lets you better hear your surroundings. In addition, the second-gen AirPods Pro sound as good as ever and come with a more advanced charging case with a built-in speaker that enables various useful features.
Who It’s For
The AirPods Pro offer absolutely seamless integration with Apple products, making them easier to use with your iPhone, iPad, or Mac than any other Bluetooth headphones. So while the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II hold a slight lead in noise cancellation, the second-gen AirPods Pro are our top recommendation for Apple device users.
PROS
- Rich, well-balanced audio performance
- Excellent active noise cancellation
- Adaptive Transparency mode is genuinely impressive
- Charging case has a useful built-in speaker
- Seamless integration with Apple devices
CONS
- No hi-res codec support
- Offers only non-adjustable EQ presets
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Best Active Noise Cancellation Overall
Why We Picked It
Bose has sat near the top of the class when it comes to in-ear active noise cancellation (ANC), though Apple and Sony have given it a run for its money and many more affordable competitors from brands like Anker, Jabra, JBL, and Sennheiser aren’t nearly as far behind as they once were. The QuietComfort Earbuds II, however, set a new standard. Simply put, they deliver astoundingly effective noise cancellation against both powerful low-frequency sounds as well as higher-frequency noise.
Who It’s For
We award products for being the best at what they do, and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II deliver the best in-ear noise cancellation we’ve experienced. The Bose audio signature remains as sculpted as ever, but it should appeal to anyone who likes rich bass and bright highs.
PROS
- Engaging audio performance with deep lows and bright highs
- Fantastic low- and high-frequency noise cancellation
- Useful Active Aware mode
- Water-resistant build
CONS
- No way to turn off noise cancellation altogether
- Case doesn’t support wireless charging
Sony WF-1000XM4
Best for Audiophiles
Why We Picked It
What’s the best pair of true wireless in-ears on the market? We don’t like to paint in such broad strokes, but it’s not difficult to make the case for Sony’s WF-1000XM4 earphones. Their audio performance and in-app EQ are enough to land them high on this list, but they also effectively dial back low-frequency rumble, low-mids, and highs. They simply offer the best active noise cancellation (ANC) of any in-ears, including the AirPods Pro. Consider their modest water-resistance rating and solid battery life icing on the cake.
Who It’s For
The WF-1000XM4 earbuds are for those who want best-in-class noise cancellation. Beyond that, they are for listeners who seek a bass-forward (but balanced) sound signature out of the box and want the option to adjust the audio to taste via an EQ. Plenty of competing models in this price range offer far less effective ANC or less compelling sound, or both.
PROS
- Exceptional active noise cancellation
- Powerful bass depth and crisp, defined highs
- Adjustable EQ
- Good battery life
Anker Soundcore Space A40
Best Noise Cancellation Under $100
Why We Picked It
Anker’s full-featured Soundcore app is part of the reason the Space A40 earbuds make this list; we like the in-app EQ, in particular. Otherwise, these earphones deliver solid audio and effective active noise cancellation for the price. They don’t quite compete with the top models in either department, but the overall experience is still respectable.
Who It’s For
If you like the features of Sony’s WF-1000XM4 earphones or the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II but can’t justify the expense, these earbuds are a strong, budget-friendly alternative with robust audio. Their companion app includes lots of controls that let you tailor the noise cancellation and ambient modes to your preference.
PROS
- Rich, detailed audio performance
- Quality active noise cancellation for the price
- App includes customizable EQ and controls
- Strong battery life
- Water-resistant build
CONS
- Light on sub-bass
- Noise cancellation mode slightly affects sound signature
Jabra Elite 7 Pro
Best for Phone Calls
Why We Picked It
Jabra’s Elite 7 Pro earphones offer very good ANC for the price, an excellent app with EQ and ANC controls, and top-notch mics. Additionally, we’re fans of the pair’s bass-forward sound signature. All that would be enough to secure the Jabras a spot here, but the in-ears also sport an IP57 rating, which means the pair is fully waterproof and well-sealed against dust. Most competing ANC models are merely somewhat water resistant. As such, we can overlook the lack of high-quality Bluetooth codecs for Android users.
Who It’s For
If you know you can do better than the AirPods in terms of features and audio quality, but Sony’s WF-1000XM4 earphones are just outside your budget, this pair is a fantastic alternative. They’re much more durable than the Sony model, offer effective ANC, and sport excellent mics. Their companion app is also arguably better than the one Sony offers, though both have merits.
PROS
- Powerful audio performance with deep bass and crisp highs
- Adjustable ANC and EQ settings
- Excellent mic intelligibility
- Fully waterproof, dust-resistant earpieces
CONS
- Tunable ANC requires more work than other models
- Sculpted sound signature not for purists
Shure Aonic 215 (Gen 2)
Best Adjustable EQ
Why We Picked It
The Shure Aonic 215 earbuds are chunky and perhaps not the most stylish, but we can’t deny the versatility of their drivers. The Shure app provides a fantastic, adjustable EQ and you can easily hear how changes affect the sound—something that’s not always a guarantee with competitors. Another cool feature is that you can use a cable accessory to turn Aonic 215 into wired earphones. That makes this pair one of the most innovative options on our list.
Who It’s For
If you like to fine-tune your audio experience, the Shure Aonic 215 earphones are an ideal option because of the aforementioned in-app EQ. It lets you adjust specific frequencies, then tweak the bandwidth and gain with a high degree of precision. No other companion app we’ve tested offers anything close to this level of granularity. The high-quality drivers are receptive to changes and produce excellent sound, in turn.
PROS
- Accurate audio performance with rich lows and clear highs
- Class-leading EQ
- Customizable controls
- Water-resistant design
CONS
- Expensive
- Bulky build and case
Tribit FlyBuds 3
Best for Runners on a Budget
Why We Picked It
As we note in our review, no one should buy the FlyBuds 3 for their looks. Regardless, these in-ears have no business sounding as good as these do for their price. Shockingly, beyond the solid audio performance, the earpieces are also fully waterproof (IPX7). Finally, the (admittedly massive) charging case holds an absurd 100 hours’ worth of charge. That combination is difficult to beat in this sector.
Who It’s For
Anyone should consider the FlyBuds 3 as the no-frills, ultra-affordable alternative to several options on this list, but they are best for people who frequently exercise outside or at the gym. The waterproof build means you don’t have to worry about sweat or rain destroying them; plus, you can rinse them off under a faucet whenever the need arises.
PROS
- Bass-forward, powerful audio performance
- Excellent battery life for true wireless earphones—can charge external devices, too
- Affordable
- IPX7-rated waterproof
- Excellent fit stability, with multiple eartip options
CONS
- Ho-hum design
- Wildly sculpted sound signature
- No app, so no EQ to tame the audio
Jabra Elite 7 Active
Best for Runners Overall
Why We Picked It
Jabra makes two excellent, similarly priced true wireless options that are ideal for runners, but one is better for that purpose specifically—the Jabra Elite 7 Active earbuds. This pair features a non-slip coating that gives them an edge over the Jabra Elite 7 Pro. And you don’t lose out on the impressive IP57 rating, the strong sound quality, or the feature-rich companion app. They’re also a bit less expensive than the Jabra Elite 7 Pro, thus securing a spot in our roundup.
Who It’s For
Jabra’s in-ears often feel like an offshoot of their Bluetooth headsets—the focus is on ease of use, ergonomics, helpful app features, and mic clarity. If those are important to you even when you’re exercising, it’s difficult to beat what you get here: adjustable ANC and powerful audio performance in an exercise-friendly design. The AirPods Pro aren’t anywhere in the same league as it pertains to durability.
PROS
- Powerful audio performance with deep bass and bright highs
- Solid noise cancellation
- Stable fit
- Good mic clarity
CONS
- Sculpted sound signature not for those seeking accuracy
Monoprice Horizon ANC
Best Codec Support on a Budget
Why We Picked It
The Monoprice Horizon ANC earbuds won’t wow you in any one category, but they sound very good, offer solid ANC, and don’t cost much. Impressively, they support the AAC and AptX Adaptive codecs, which means both Android and iPhone users can get high-quality Bluetooth sound.
Who It’s For
If you want jack-of-all-trades earphones for not a lot of money, these are our among our favorites.
PROS
- Rich, detailed audio performance with bright highs
- Good Bluetooth codec support
- Affordable
CONS
- No app
- Cumbersome touch controls
Nothing Ear (stick)
Best Open-Ear Design
Why We Picked It
We usually prefer earphones with eartips that create an in-canal seal because they tend to produce more consistent sound and more powerful bass than AirPod-style earbuds. That’s why the Nothing Ear (stick) surprised us: These earbuds have an open design that rests against your ear without forming a seal, but they still sound excellent. They’re affordable, too.
Who It’s For
If you like the idea of true wireless earbuds, but don’t want to wedge eartips inside your ears, these are worth considering.
PROS
- Clear, detailed sound
- Unique, attractive design
- Better fit than most on-ear earbuds
CONS
- Sensitive control panel easy to toggle
- Mediocre mic
Sennheiser CX True Wireless
Best for Audiophiles on a Budget
Why We Picked It
These Sennheiser in-ears are now available for significantly less than their original price, which means you can get excellent audio performance for not a lot of money. The pair offers Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, plus supports both the AAC and AptX Bluetooth codecs. And their companion app’s EQ lets you reasonably adjust the sound to taste, even if it would benefit from a more user-friendly design.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for a relatively accurate sound signature and solid Bluetooth codec support, the CX True Wireless earbuds offer among the best audio performance you can find for under $100. If your budget is more flexible, the CX Plus True Wireless in-ears (which are also available for much less than their original list price) offer even better codec support and above-average ANC. We were fans of both models at the time of their release, and significant discounts make them all the more appealing.
PROS
- Rich, bass-forward sound with high-frequency definition
- Adjustable EQ
- Water-resistant build
- Excellent battery life
CONS
- In-canal fit can alter sound signature
- EQ could offer more precise control
Buying Guide: AirPod Alternatives: The Best True Wireless Earbuds for 2023
Which True Wireless Earbuds Are Worth Buying?
True wireless earphones have overcome their shaky beginnings, which were marred by dropped connections and poor audio quality. In fact, many of today’s options sound quite good.
Just keep in mind that even if you subscribe to a high-res streaming service, your playback device and earphones determine the quality of that stream. All true wireless earphones connect over Bluetooth, which is fundamentally a lossy standard that can’t support all of the data in a high-res or lossless stream. Thus, the signal undergoes compression during the transmission process.
Bluetooth codecs determine exactly how that happens. The most basic and universal Bluetooth codec is SBC. It’s nearly everywhere, but it’s also the lowest quality. Depending on your device, look for earphones that support AptX, AAC, or other high-end codecs. We list codec support in each of our reviews and our guide to Bluetooth codecs helps make the distinctions clearer.
Jabra Elite 7 Pro
(Credit: Jabra)
Which Brand Is Best for True Wireless Earbuds?
No one specific brand makes the best (or worst) true wireless earbuds overall, but if there’s one complication many models share, it’s in the on-ear control department. You might often find that it’s too easy to accidentally pause music, skip a track, or summon a voice assistant when you merely meant to take an earpiece out or adjust it slightly. There’s not a lot of real estate on most of the earpieces we test, so much of the outer panel area is touch-sensitive.
Newer models manage to strike a balance between operability and layout. Some use tactile buttons to control playback, call management, track navigation, and volume. Others cleverly divide controls between the two earpieces via touch panels—tapping the left earpiece, for instance, skips a track backward, whereas tapping the right one skips forward. Despite needing to do a little more thinking before you tap, eventually, the division of controls between the two earpieces should become intuitive.
As for Bluetooth pairing, you won’t find an easier pairing process than with the AirPods (if you have an iOS device), which essentially do all the work for you the second you turn them on because of Apple’s H2 (or older H1 or W1) headphone chip. Other wireless earphones can be relatively simple to connect through your phone’s Bluetooth settings menu or the device maker’s associated app.
Sony WF-1000XM4
(Credit: Sony)
Which True Wireless Earbuds Have the Best Battery Life?
Battery life is the Achilles’ heel of the true wireless category. It’s a miracle that these tiny in-ear devices can contain a battery at all, let alone one large enough to provide us with hours of entertainment. Typical battery life estimates (and keep in mind your results vary based on your volume levels) top out around six hours. Such minuscule devices can’t provide unending playback time, particularly with power-sapping features such as active noise cancellation.
The necessary solution that (nearly) all of these designs share in common is a charging case. Each case protects the earpieces, keeps them together when you aren’t using them, and charges them. Most of the cases carry at least two extra full charges, so you can recharge your earphones on the go. Therefore, you can get roughly between 20 and 30 hours of battery life without an outlet. We expect this weakness to eventually improve to the point that it won’t be an issue.
How to Buy Wireless Headphones
What to Do If You Lose an Earbud
This is, understandably, a concern of many potential true wireless users. Allow us to allay your fears—we can say that after over several years of testing, you have to try pretty hard to lose one earpiece. First off, just about every pair we’ve tested offers an extremely secure in-ear fit without sacrificing comfort. Most of the earpieces are larger than typical in-ears and aren’t likely to fall off even during exercise.
As for simply misplacing an earpiece when it’s not in use, this also seems unlikely. The charging case is intrinsically tied to the experience—like hanging up the phone or turning the TV off when you’re finished watching—you automatically reach for the case to stow and charge the earphones when you are done using them. To put it another way: You’re far more likely to misplace the whole thing—the case with both earpieces inside—than you are to misplace one earpiece.
If you do somehow lose one earpiece only, however, plenty of companies like Apple will gladly sell you an extra one à la carte for less than the price of a new full set. If losing an earpiece still seems like something you can imagine happening to you, it’s worth researching whether the model you’re interested in offers this option.
What Are the Best True Wireless Earbuds for Working Out?
Surprisingly, many of these wire-free models are durable enough for the gym—and can even get wet—even though each earpiece has an exposed charging contact. The IP rating tells us what to expect. Some workout-friendly earphones have only an IPX4 rating, which means they can withstand sweat but not exposure to faucet pressure for cleaning. Others have an IPX7 rating, which means you can rinse or dunk them with no real consequence.
If durability and a true waterproof design are your main priorities, you might have needed to sacrifice some user-friendly features or opt for a traditional neckband-style wireless design in the past, but that’s no longer the case. Fully waterproof entries from Jabra and JBL, for instance, even offer active noise cancellation.
Recommended by Our Editors
For more, see the best true wireless earbuds for running.
Tribit FlyBuds 3
(Credit: Tribit)
True Wireless Apps and Noise Cancellation
Many of the models we’ve tested come with companion apps that smooth out the setup process and unlock additional settings. For example, some let you set auto-off timers, disable voice prompts, and control playback. Others feature adjustable EQs and let you toggle ambient listening modes that reveal the world around you.
For more on EQ adjustments and other advice, see five easy tips to extend the life of your headphones and eight ways you’re using your headphones wrong.
In addition to companion apps, active noise cancellation (ANC) has become an increasingly popular feature. The best noise-cancelling models from Apple, Bose, and Sony tend to be more expensive than others, though still relatively affordable compared with top-notch, over-ear ANC headphones. That said, you can still find some worthwhile options for under $150.
JBL Tune 130NC
(Credit: JBL)
What Are the Best Cheap True Wireless Earbuds?
True wireless earphones have all but completely replaced tethered wireless earphones and you can now find a good pair for $50 or less or under $100, though performance, of course, improves drastically with our higher-priced recommendations. The very best models cost as much as $200 or even $300 for the most accurate audio and the most effective ANC.
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