Top 5 Best Earbuds in 2025

Selecting the best wireless earbuds depends on your preferences, whether you have a phone without an audio jack or you want the flexibility of wireless. Fit and durability are likely more important to you if you need in-ear headphones for the gym than noise isolation and battery life, which may be your top concerns when choosing earphones for the workplace. Almost any need can be met by a specialized model; some are even adaptable enough to stay up whether you’re sitting on the bus or running a marathon. Where do you begin when there are so many models to pick from?

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Last update on 2025-02-13 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Top 5 Best Earbuds in 2025

1.Sony WF-1000XM5

Last update on 2025-02-13 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Without exaggeration, we believe it is safe to say that the Sony WF-1000XM5 are among the most eagerly awaited wireless earbuds to be released in recent memory.

Does the WF-1000XM5 advance the field? Sony has made some significant changes to its most recent high-end headphones, but are they all for the better?

The first indication that Sony’s designers have been working hard is the WF-1000XM5 charging case. It is significantly smaller than its predecessor, and when you open the top, you will see that the shrinkage has spread.

In fact, the earbuds have been reduced in size. According to Sony, the WF-1000XM5 is about 25% smaller and 20% lighter than the WF-1000XM4.

At first, removing them from their charging case is challenging, but we quickly perfect the method. Each earbud’s exterior is primarily made of a new glossy plastic material that, by today’s standards, feels and looks high-end. Additionally, it is extremely smooth, which makes it difficult to pinch the earbuds out of the case. We discover that pulling an earbud towards you makes it much easier to liberate it from the magnetic housing.

The outer surface of the earbuds, which houses the touch controls and extends down to the outer microphone arrangement, is the only part that lacks a glossy finish. That receives a matte finish with a fine texture. As an aside, the touch controls are incredibly effective, and the new model has a welcome new control feature. However, more on that later.

The Sonys are a significant improvement over the previous model and have a similar premium appearance and feel to their closest competitors, including the older Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, the new Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, and the AirPods Pro 2.The XM5 are less chunky than the XM4, with smoother lines and more subtle curves while the exterior mics are better integrated, making for a smaller, rounder and much less protruding profile. A slender profile also helps reduce the effects of wind noise as gusts pass over the exterior surfaces. The Sonys are IPX4 rated too, for sweat resistance.

Not only do the Sonys look great aesthetically, but we find that they’re also comfortable and more liveable than the XM4 for longer periods of time.The fit isn’t quite as secure for us as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds because we’re picky. The Sonys rely on their polyurethane tips and the “insert and twist” method, while the Bose have thin wings that help hold them in place. The tip material, which debuted on the WF-1000XM4, has a texture similar to a combination of memory foam and silicone.

A good fit will result in a great seal, but we wish the material had a little more traction so that even the smallest slippage wouldn’t cause your seal to break. The package includes four different tip sizes, including an ultra-small SS option. Maybe an XL size will be available in the future?

Another big change for the new WF-1000XM5 is the use of a brand new driver. The Dynamic Driver X, as Sony calls it, is 8.4mm, which is quite a bit larger than the 6.4mm unit used in the WF-1000XM4. The larger driver doesn’t need to move as much as the smaller one, which Sony claims helps reduce mechanical noise. The driver also uses two different materials – one for high frequencies and one for lows.

2.Apple AirPods Pro 2

Last update on 2025-02-13 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 are still the greatest noise-cancelling, fully wireless earphones available for iPhone owners, even after their release two years ago. They come in a feature-rich case with wireless charging, USB-C, and Find My support in addition to offering excellent active noise cancellation (ANC), strong audio, sophisticated listening modes, and seamless integration with iPhones, iPads, and Macs. The AirPods Pro 2 offer better noise cancellation than the $179 AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation because they seal off your inner ear. An upcoming software update will soon even allow them to function as FDA-approved hearing aids.

Though they differ in a few minor but important ways, the AirPods Pro 2 are similar to the rest of Apple’s earphones. Naturally, they have Apple’s recognizable, gleaming, and difficult-to-grip white plastic casing. In addition, the buds have silicone tips and should be completely inserted into the ear canal instead of being positioned outside, like the AirPods 4.

Compared to the original AirPods Pro, the earbuds’ larger vents and internal noise-cancelling microphones are situated in a slightly different spot. The fit of earpieces varies. Others have complained about a loose fit, but I thought they were comfortable and snug. Oval eartips come in four different sizes (XS, S, M, and L), and you can customize how they fit in your ears.

Approximately one billion transistors, or twice as many, are present in Apple’s H2 chip as in the original H1 chip. Better ANC modes, increased stability, and improved power efficiency are all results of this hardware. On the earbuds, the necessary processing for the ANC and transparency modes takes place locally. The H2 chip is also utilized by the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC.

11mm dynamic drivers are used internally to provide a frequency range that Apple chooses not to make public. The AirPods that are compatible with Bluetooth 5.3 can only stream lossless audio from Apple Music or any other music service because they only support the AAC and SBC codecs. AAC-ELD is now supported by the AirPods 4. It appears that Apple prefers consistency over scalable codecs like LDAC, which can play back high definition content (including from Apple Music) in optimal conditions but dials back the bitrate in less ideal environments.

The good news regarding Bluetooth is that your iPhone and the AirPods Pro 2 pair automatically. As with earlier versions of the AirPods, you simply tap once to connect them after an animated overlay appears on the screen. Additionally, you can configure the earphones to connect to multiple Apple devices and allow them to switch sources based on the device you’re using. Although I don’t always want the source to change to another nearby device without my consent, the feature is generally convenient. Furthermore, true multipoint connections with non-Apple devices are not supported by the AirPods Pro 2.

Both press and press-and-hold gestures are used to operate the on-ear controls. To manage calls and control playback, tap the stem of either earpiece. A triple-press takes you to the previous track, while a double-press skips ahead one. When you successfully complete any of these tasks, you are alerted by in-ear prompts. You can add an Adaptive mode option to this cycle, but by default, a long press-and-hold gesture on either earbud switches between ANC and Transparency modes. As an alternative, you can use this command to call Siri by switching one or both ears. The volume can be adjusted with a swipe. After a few tweaks, I had no trouble using the volume gestures, even though my first attempts didn’t always register. One push of a stem when on a call toggles the mic, while a double press ends the call. These mute functions should also work on other apps such as FaceTime, Snapchat, and WhatsApp.

3.Apple AirPods 4 with ANC

Last update on 2025-02-13 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

There were questions when Apple revealed that the next generation of AirPods would have noise cancellation built into an open design—that is, without eartips. Both of them.

We are testing the active noise cancellation (ANC) version of the AirPods 4, which came out in addition to the standard model. How would the AirPods 4 provide significant sound quality, effective sound blocking, and all the features that one would expect from a contemporary wireless earbud set? As it happens, Apple has done its homework and provided a set of features and functionality that we weren’t even aware we needed.

Although the AirPods 4 with ANC aren’t the ideal earbuds, they have enough features to be alluring.The AirPods 4 are more sophisticated and smaller than their predecessor, though you might not notice the difference right away. The “open” design of Apple’s standard AirPods, which lacks eartips, has been retained; the premium “Pro” line features the interchangeable eartip design that we are so used to seeing these days. Apple claims to have created the “most comfortable” AirPods to date by carefully mapping and analyzing over 50 million data points and thousands of ear shape samples. When comparing the two, the AirPods 4 have a narrower “nozzle,” a more curved and less bulbous head, and ever-so-slightly shorter stems than the AirPods 3. The sensors and microphones’ locations and sizes have been modified.

Overall, they feel lighter and more comfortable in our ears, even though they still have the recognizable white “toothbrush head” appearance. We find that the tapered shape of the bud helps them stay in place and nestle more comfortably in our ears, even though there are no eartips to completely secure them. After more than two weeks of use, the AirPods 4 with ANC are still generally comfortable to wear. At 4.3g each, they are incredibly light, and we occasionally hardly notice we are wearing them. The AirPods 4 are an excellent substitute for people who dislike the sensation of eartips digging into their ears.

We should note, though, that how comfortable these buds are for you will depend on how well you’ve tolerated this style of design in the past. While many members of our team find that the tip-less AirPods design fits them snugly right away, others continue to find that the earbuds pop out easily and don’t fit their ear shapes at all. If at all possible, we would advise trying them out before committing.

The AirPods 4’s stems can still be pinched to control music playback, answer or reject calls, and activate Siri. To switch between the noise modes on the AirPods 4 with ANC, you can also long-press the stems. All of these operate quickly and responsively, and you can further customize which controls you wish to give priority to.

4.Earfun Air Pro 4

Last update on 2025-02-13 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The EarFun Air Pro 4 noise-cancelling true wireless earbuds are a great deal because of their superb range of connectivity options, adjustable EQ, and excellent sound quality. Additionally, they provide some of the best active noise cancellation (ANC) we’ve found for less than . The earphones easily win our Editors’ Choice award for their feature-rich performance at an affordable price, even though their touch controls could use some work.

EarFun closely adheres to the stem-style design of the Air Pro 3 with the Air Pro 4. The touch control area is defined by a metallic ring, and the earpieces, which are mostly black, have an outer edge that is deep bluish silver. The earpieces feel very comfortable and weigh only 0.2 ounces each. They only needed a few adjustments to stay in my ear for the duration of a long run. Five pairs of silicone eartips in varying sizes are included in the box to ensure you get the perfect fit. The audio is handled internally by 10mm composite dynamic drivers; EarFun does not specify a frequency range.

They support Google Fast Pair, multipoint connectivity, Auracast, Bluetooth 5.4, the AAC, AptX Adaptive, AptX Lossless, LDAC, LC3, and SBC codecs. This is one of the biggest assortments of codecs we’ve seen from a pair of earphones. The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC earphones also support the LDAC codec for high-res streaming on Android devices but not any form of AptX.

Despite the impressive connectivity specs, I ran into a few problems during testing. For example, I occasionally heard a glitchy hiss when I connected the earbuds to a Windows PC, and they weren’t always in sync with each other when I started playback. However, a replacement set from EarFun resolved the first problem, and it appears that the hiss is unique to laptops with Snapdragon processors.

Double taps control playback, while single taps on the left and right earpieces, respectively, reduce and increase the volume. You can go to the previous track with three taps on the left and the next track with the same gesture on the right. The left earpiece can be held while tapping to switch between the Noise Cancelling, Ambient Sound, and Normal modes or, on the right, activates your device’s voice assistant. Double taps on either side also answer or end calls, while a tap-and-hold gesture rejects incoming ones. This is a lot of tapping patterns to remember and the capacitive panels are a little over-sensitive (they often registered a tap when I tried to simply adjust the in-ear fit).

5.Nothing Ear

Last update on 2025-02-13 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The Nothing Ear Truly Wireless is the fourth release from OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei’s follow-up company, Nothing. It should not be confused with the original Nothing Ear (1) Truly Wireless. With minor adjustments to battery life and ceramic drivers, these active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds expand on the stemmed designs of the brand’s earlier iterations. When you use the buds, we’ll see how these improvements manifest.

For travel and commuting, the Nothing Ear Truly Wireless are excellent. Their slightly looser fit makes them comfortable to wear without feeling intrusive. Although you may still hear some of your neighbors’ conversation, their noise isolation capabilities effectively cut down on low-rumbling noises. They have a multi-device pairing feature that allows you to connect them to up to two devices.and they have a good selection of Bluetooth codecs. However, if you watch videos, their low latency codecs might not reduce lip-sync lag enough, depending on your OS and apps. The continuous battery life is good enough for shorter flights, though you can use their case for just under four extra recharges. Their IP54 rating for buds and IP55 for the case means you don’t need to baby them either.

For use in sports and fitness, the Nothing Ear Truly Wireless are fantastic. Although they could come loose if you headbang, they are sufficiently stable and comfortable for exercises like dancing or running. They can tolerate dusty trails and light water splashes thanks to their IP54-rated buds and IP55-rated case. In the meantime, you can select Transparency mode to stay aware outside or ANC mode to concentrate at the gym. Additionally, you can easily pocket them in your shorts after working out, and their battery life is sufficient for the majority of people’s workouts.

For use in the workplace, the Nothing Ear Truly Wireless are respectable. They reduce office noise and won’t let your music or podcasts leak into the room, but louder coworker voices can still get through.They’re comfortable, and you can use multi-device pairing to connect to your phone and PC. Their mic is fine for meetings, too. If you plan to listen for the whole shift, the battery might need a recharge to make it through the workday. Still, their solid build and controls make them a decent choice for your workplace.

FAQ

Wireless vs. true wireless: Are they different?

Yes. While wireless headphones have been around for some time, ‘true wireless’ or ‘truly wireless’ is a more recent term to describe earbuds. Whereas the term ‘wireless’ describes earbuds that connect to your device without a cord or cable, some of these buds will still have a connecting wire between them. ‘True wireless’ buds stand out because they don’t have this connecting wire, opting for a cable-free design that gives you unparalleled portability and mobility. Each earbud has its own battery and Bluetooth chip, so they can connect to each other without the need for a wire.

How do I keep true wireless earbuds from falling out of my ears?

When this problem arises, you should think about why you are using your buds. Although true wireless designs are a logical choice for working out, some models are better suited to staying in place during vigorous activity because of features like hooks or stability fins. It is also crucial to get the proper fit. With their one-size-fits-all design, traditional earbuds, such as the Apple AirPods (3rd Generation), fit loosely into your outer ear and are easy to remove while exercising. To guarantee a firm, stable fit that is unlikely to come loose, in-ear designs are instead placed straight into the ear canal and typically include a variety of ear tip sizes. Lastly, you should think about your buds’ form factor. Designs that are heavier and bulkier are more susceptible to falling out than light, ergonomic designs.

What is considered good battery life for true wireless earbuds?

Battery life for true wireless earbuds will vary quite a bit depending on the buds themselves, your usage, and whether you’re using battery-draining features, like active noise cancelling (ANC) or lossless, high-quality audio streaming. That said, we usually consider a continuous battery life (without any extra charges from the case) of over ten hours to be a good value with ANC enabled. We’re also seeing the release of new true wireless earbuds that support Bluetooth LE Audio. These buds use new LC3 codecs to allow for more energy-efficient wireless audio transmission, resulting in even longer continuous battery life.

Are premium wireless earbuds worth it?

While the extra expenditure on a pair of premium wireless earbuds doesn’t guarantee they’ll sound amazing, it usually ensures a higher build quality and more investment in design. Manufacturers that have been producing premium headphones for some time might also have established a reputation for excellence in certain aspects; for example, Bose is well-known for earbuds with high external noise isolation. Premium earbuds will also often come with features that aren’t available in budget alternatives, like compatibility with high-quality codecs or spatial audio support. So, it’s often a question of whether you value these kinds of features and would use them enough to justify the increased price tag.