Evaluated and reviewed numerous wireless earbuds models - discover top picks for exercise, noise reduction, and additional features
I'm always rocking wireless earbuds. From tuning out the noise on busy subways while listening to a podcast, to taking work calls, jamming out at the gym, and stashing 'em in my bag for whenever I need them. But with so many options out there, it's tough to know which ones are best for you. As a tech reporter for NBC Select, I test out earbuds nearly monthly. Here are some top picks for various activities and budgets:
Selected: Our top picks
- Best for iPhone: Apple AirPods Pro 2 - $169.00 (was $249.00) on Amazon
- Best for Android: Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 (price TBC) on Amazon
- Best budget: Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC - $69.99 (was $99.99) on Amazon
- Best noise cancellation: Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Earbuds (price TBC) on Amazon
- Best for fitness: Beats Fit Pro - $169.99 (was $199.99) on Best Buy
- Best open ear: Shokz OpenFit 2 - $179.95 on Amazon
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How I test wireless earbuds
I test new earbuds daily, incorporating them into my work, commuting, and exercise routines. When testing earbuds, I focus on the following attributes:
- Comfort: Comfort is crucial. I wear earbuds for hours at a stretch to get a feel for long-term wear and test different ear tip sizes for the optimal fit.
- Noise cancellation: I evaluate the earbuds' ability to block out external noise during my work commute on the NYC subway and in the office to block out background chatter.
- Sound quality: I listen to the same music playlist with each pair of earbuds to identify differences in sound quality and instrumentation.
- Ease of use: I test on-ear controls for answering calls, playing media, and more, as well as brand apps for usability and features like Bluetooth multipoint (connecting to multiple devices at once).
- Battery life: I use each pair of earbuds for at least a week, making note of charging frequency.
Related
Here are some earbuds that stayed in our ears, no matter what exercises we did:
- These earbuds stayed in our ears, no matter what exercises we did
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The best wireless earbuds
After testing dozens of earbuds, my top picks come from brands like Apple, Google, Beats, Bose, and Shokz.
Best for iPhone: Apple AirPods Pro 2
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are a great choice for iPhone users. With excellent sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort, they're perfect for a variety of activities, including outdoor runs and workouts.
With noise cancellation turned on, chatter and gym noise fade instantly. Transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings clearly, which is perfect for outdoor runs. The AirPods Pro 2 come with four ear tip sizes in the box, helping ensure a comfortable fit for various ear shapes.
The buds also have great on-ear controls, including a swipe on the ear stem to control volume. If you find rubber ear tips uncomfortable, consider the Apple AirPods 4 ANC instead, which have a similar sound quality but leave ears more open due to a lack of rubber ear tips (although noise cancellation is less effective as a result).
Best for Android: Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Any Android user looking for versatile earbuds should consider the latest Google Pixel Buds. The new design includes mini wing-tip stabilizers in each ear, making them stable and secure during workouts. "They are comfortable and don't hurt the inside of my ear within an hour of wearing them," says NBC Select commerce editor Cory Fernandez.
Best budget: Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars to get fully-featured earbuds - the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC offers active noise canceling, transparency mode, Bluetooth multipoint, and wireless charging, all for under $100. They are comfortable, sound surprisingly good, and can compete with pricier earbuds. The only downside is their noise cancellation, which is okay but isn't very effective against plane, train, and car noise.
The Liberty 4 NC isn't the brand's latest model, but while I'd love to recommend the newer Anker Soundcore Liberty 5, they're $130, which I don't consider "budget."
Best affordable earbuds: JLab Go Pop
The JLab Go Pop offers a very low price, steady Bluetooth connection, and surprisingly good sound quality for wireless earbuds under $30. The earbuds and case have a combined battery life of around 32 hours, and the case has a cable built-in for convenient recharging. They don't have active noise canceling or transparency modes, but that's a fair trade-off for such a low price.
Best noise cancellation: Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Earbuds
If blocking out background noise is your top priority, these earbuds are a great choice. They offer the best noise cancellation of any earbuds I've tried, period. Plus, they sound amazing, with detailed instrumentation in music and clear audio in TV shows and movies. They are big earbuds, though, which can be uncomfortable for fitness and exercise. If you're willing to sacrifice a little noise cancellation, consider the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (a more affordable alternative).
Best for fitness: Beats Fit Pro
The Beats Fit Pro has been a go-to workout earphone for years. The wing-tip design ensures a secure fit that never falters during runs, bike rides, or gym time. They have physical button controls for easy use, even with thick gloves, and a reliable connection with both iPhone and Android devices. They are a bit dated at this point.
Best open ear: Shokz OpenFit 2
Open earbuds rest on the outside of your ear instead of going inside your ear canal. I use them for bike rides, while NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson uses them for runs and races like the New York City Marathon - it makes it easier to hear nearby cars, bikes, and pedestrians.
While I'm partial to the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, the Shokz OpenFit 2 is a more versatile option for everyday use. They are small, comfortable, lightweight, and have great sound quality (for open earbuds). However, like any pair of open earbuds, they won't block out any noise.
Best clip-on: Bose Ultra Open Bluetooth Earbuds
Clip-on earbuds wrap around the outer ear like an ear cuff, leaving your ear canal open and the top of your ears free for glasses and hats. The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are some of the best clip-on earbuds I've tried, offering a secure fit and a comfortable, unobtrusive design. They have so-so sound quality and microphones, but their ability to hear surroundings makes them a strong choice for outdoor activities.
If you aren't completely sold on clip-on earbuds, try the Anker Soundcore C40i, JLab Flex Open, or Soundpeats Pop Clip as cheaper alternatives.
Best earhook: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are some of the most secure workout headphones I've ever tested. Their earhook design and fit take a minute to settle in, but once they're adjusted, they are rock-solid and don't budge no matter the activity. The earbuds have noise cancellation and transparency modes, physical on-ear controls, a wireless charging case, and work well on both iPhone and Android devices. They also have a built-in heart rate sensor for fitness users.
My previous earhook pick, the JBL Endurance Peak 3, is still a great option if you're looking for something simpler and more budget-friendly.
Best cheap earhook: JLab Go Sport
For $30, the JLab Go Sport offers a secure, comfortable fit and so-so sound quality. It features a large earhook design that wraps around the back of your ears and includes transparency mode and customizable settings through the JLab app. I recommend using these earbuds specifically for working out or going for a run.
Wrapping up
To find the best wireless earbuds for your needs, consider the device you're using (iPhone or Android), the need for automated noise canceling and transparency, water and dust resistance, and your budget. Make sure to prioritize comfort, fit, and sound quality in your search, and always consider the return policies and warranties offered by manufacturers. Happy earbud hunting!
- These gadgets from Anker, Shokz, and JLab offer affordable options for individuals seeking wireless earbuds at various price points.
- With technology like noise cancellation, transparency mode, Bluetooth multipoint, and wireless charging, these earbuds provide fully-featured options without breaking the bank.
