7 Best Earbuds, According To Tech Experts

In a world where our favorite music, podcasts, and calls are just a tap away, finding the perfect pair of earbuds has become more crucial than ever. Today’s wireless earbuds aren’t just about playing audio – they’re sophisticated pieces of tech that can handle everything from noise cancellation to fitness tracking, all while fitting comfortably in your pocket. But with hundreds of options flooding the market, from budget-friendly basics to premium powerhouses, choosing the right pair can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a daily commuter, fitness enthusiast, or someone who just wants to enjoy their music in peace, we’ve researched and compared the best earbuds to help you find your perfect match, focusing on sound quality, battery life, comfort, and special features that make each pair unique.

Best Earbuds, Ranked

1. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

When it comes to the cream of the wireless earbud crop, Apple’s second-generation AirPods Pro has firmly planted its flag at the summit. As Sound Guys points out, while these buds maintain their iconic aesthetic, they’re not just a pretty face – the upgraded H2 chip delivers enhanced noise cancellation and battery life, while the clever addition of a U1 chip and speaker in the case means you’ll never lose track of your precious pods.

What really sets these earbuds apart is their ability to disappear when you need them to – in the best way possible. Engadget raves about the transparency mode, which feels so natural you might forget you’re wearing earbuds during conversations. Add to that a new USB-C charging case with wireless capabilities, hands-free Siri access, and spatial audio features, and you’ve got a pair of earbuds that feel like they’re straight out of the future.

For Apple users, these buds are practically a no-brainer. The Verge says they seamlessly integrate into the Apple ecosystem, from instant iPhone pairing to automatic syncing across your iCloud devices. The customizable fit now includes an extra small tip option, ensuring comfort for every ear shape, while features like audio sharing and spatial audio transform these from simple earbuds into a sophisticated audio companion. It’s this perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and cutting-edge tech that makes the AirPods Pro (2nd gen) such a compelling choice for anyone deep in the Apple ecosystem.

2. Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony has done it again with their WF-1000XM5 earbuds, proving that sequels can indeed be better than the original. The Verge celebrates these powerful little performers for their improved audio quality, noting how the larger drivers deliver more detailed and dynamic sound while maintaining that signature warmth Sony is known for. With noise cancellation approaching Bose-level excellence and a solid eight hours of battery life with ANC enabled, these buds mean business.

Size matters when it comes to comfort, and CNET points out how Sony took previous feedback to heart. The XM5s address one of the main critiques of their predecessor by slimming down significantly, while simultaneously leveling up their performance across every metric – from noise cancellation to voice call clarity. It’s like they went to earbud boot camp and came back stronger and sleeker.

For the audiophiles out there, What Hi-Fi says these might be your new best friends. While they might not bring the same bass-heavy punch as previous Sony flagships, they make up for it with extraordinary detail and texture across all genres. Think of them as the musical equivalent of a high-definition TV – they reveal nuances in your favorite tracks you might have missed before, all while keeping you comfortably isolated from the world around you with top-tier noise cancellation and call quality that keeps pace with the best in the business.

3. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds2 Pros are making waves as the Android user’s dream companion, particularly if you’re in the Samsung ecosystem. Forbes mentions how these stemless wonders pack a ton of features into an incredibly compact design, delivering robust sound quality and effective noise cancellation, especially when you’re bumping your tunes above the halfway volume mark. While they play nice with pretty much any device, Samsung users get exclusive perks like seamless pairing and immersive 360-degree audio.

Think of these as Samsung’s answer to the AirPods Pro, as Best Products notes, but with their own special sauce. When paired with a Galaxy phone, these buds can pump out hi-fi audio that rivals the best in the business. And here’s a neat party trick – if you’ve got a premium Galaxy phone, you can wirelessly juice up your buds right from the back of your device.

Size and versatility are the name of the game here. According to CNET, the redesigned, more compact form factor means these buds should fit comfortably in more ears than ever before while delivering enhanced noise cancellation and impressive voice call quality. The only real catch? Some of the coolest features are locked behind the Samsung garden wall, and they’re not exactly budget-friendly. But if you’re already rocking a Galaxy device and want the perfect audio companion, these might just be your new best buds.

4. JBL Tour Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds

JBL’s Tour Pro 2 wireless earbuds are turning heads with a game-changing innovation: a touchscreen charging case that’s revolutionizing how we interact with our audio gear. As Best Products discovered during testing, this isn’t just a gimmicky feature – it’s genuinely useful, letting you control everything from playback to noise cancellation settings without fishing your phone out of your pocket. Whether you’re working at your desk or on the move, it’s like having a mini command center for your audio experience.

While Forbes reminds us that JBL has long been known for delivering quality sound without breaking the bank, these buds are proving they can compete with the big players. The audio quality and noise cancellation go toe-to-toe with premium offerings from Apple, Bose, and Sony, while that impressive battery life means you won’t be caught without tunes when you need them most.

But it’s the clever extras that really make these buds special. NY Mag highlights some of the charging case’s more innovative features – beyond just basic audio controls, you can set timers, use it as a flashlight, and even trigger a sound to locate misplaced buds all packed into a sleek charging case that’s redefining what we expect from our wireless earbuds.

5. Google Pixel Buds Pro

Google’s Pixel Buds Pros have emerged as a serious contender in the wireless earbud space, especially for Android users. While Google might be fashionably late to the active noise cancellation party, CNET thinks these buds make up for it with a distinctive design and fantastic fit that elevates both sound quality and noise-canceling performance. Plus, with recent firmware updates adding spatial audio and a five-band equalizer, they’re only getting better with age.

For Android users, particularly Pixel devotees, these buds pack some seriously cool perks. Engadget says Google has really found its groove with these earbuds, delivering punchy bass and reliable touch controls in a water-resistant package. One standout feature that sets them apart? Google Translate Conversation Mode – it’s like having a tiny interpreter right in your ear.

When it comes to value for money, Rtings says these buds are hard to beat in the mid-range category. While they might not have quite the same premium feel as Apple’s AirPods Pro, they match them where it counts – offering excellent noise cancellation for blocking out everything from rumbling trains to chatty neighbors. With eight hours of continuous battery life, multi-device pairing capabilities, and a price tag that won’t make your wallet weep, these buds prove you don’t need to spend top dollar to get top-tier features.

6. Anker Soundcore Space A40

Anker’s Soundcore Space A40 earbuds are another budget-friendly option. Engadget marvels at how these affordable buds pack in an impressive array of high-end features you’d typically find at twice the price – we’re talking multi-device pairing, wireless charging, water resistance, and even fancy LDAC support for audio enthusiasts. Add in eight to ten hours of battery life and customizable EQ settings through their companion app, and you’ve got a serious value proposition.

In fact, these buds are so good that Wired suggests they’re nipping at the heels of Apple’s AirPod Pros. While they might not win any beauty contests compared to something like Google’s Pixel Buds A-Series, they’re bringing serious performance to the table at a fraction of the cost of their premium competitors. It’s like getting a luxury car at economy car prices.

When it comes to real-world performance, Rtings places these at the top of the lower mid-range category, particularly praising their noise isolation capabilities. Whether you’re battling office chatter or commuter chaos, these buds have you covered with different noise cancellation modes, including a clever adaptive setting that automatically adjusts to your environment.

7. Jabra Elite 8 Active

If you’re looking for earbuds that can take a beating while delivering premium sound, Jabra’s Elite 8 Active might be your perfect match. Wired highlights how Jabra’s extensive ear-scanning research has resulted in one of the most secure and comfortable fits in the business. Plus, they’ve included everyone’s favorite feature – actual physical buttons, so your sweaty workout sessions won’t accidentally skip your power song. Bonus points for Jabra’s long-term support of older models, meaning you can easily replace parts down the road.

These buds aren’t just tough – they’re practically indestructible. CNET reports on their upgraded features, including six microphones (up from four), enhanced noise canceling, and improved wind reduction. Jabra’s bold claim of creating the “world’s toughest earbuds” seems to hold up under testing, with these warriors shrugging off drops without breaking a sweat.

Speaking of sweat, Good Housekeeping is particularly impressed with the Elite 8 Active’s durability credentials. We’re talking military-grade testing for shocks, pressure, and temperature changes, plus an IP68 rating that means these buds can handle continuous water submersion beyond a meter for over 30 minutes. Add in an anti-shake coating that keeps them firmly in place, fantastic sound quality, and capable noise cancellation, and you’ve got earbuds that are ready for whatever adventure you throw at them – from intense workouts to unexpected rainstorms.

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.