Finding the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds in 2024 can be overwhelming with so many options available. While the variety can be good for your wallet, choosing the best pair can be tricky. Initial considerations include active noise cancellation (ANC), sound quality, and design, followed by unique features from major brands like Sony, Bose, Apple, and Sennheiser. At Techandthings, I test dozens of earbud sets annually, comparing new models against the best previous ones across all price ranges to keep this list current. This buying guide explains why my top picks made the cut and offers shopping advice on choosing the best wireless earbuds for your needs.

What to Look for in Wireless Earbuds

When shopping for wireless earbuds, consider the design or wear style first. Do you prefer a semi-open fit like AirPods, or do you want something that completely closes off your ears? For active noise cancellation, the latter is preferable, but a case can be made for the former if you wear them all day or in places where you need to hear ambient sounds. The shape, size, and weight of earbuds determine comfort, so consider these factors before deciding. Despite extensive research, the chosen earbud shape may not fit you well, so don’t hesitate to return ill-fitting earbuds.

As wireless earbuds become more reliable for basic functions like consistent Bluetooth connectivity, companies race to pack more features into smaller designs. Premium sets typically have longer feature lists, while cheaper models have basic functionality. Carefully consider what features you need, such as automatic pausing and multipoint connectivity. Also, investigate volume controls, as you often sacrifice access to other functions to adjust volume via taps or swipes.

Most earbuds last about five hours on a single charge. While some sets last longer, five hours is usually enough for a workday if you dock the buds during breaks. Check how many extra charges the case provides and if it supports wireless charging.

Despite claims of high call quality, most earbuds still leave you sounding like you’re on speakerphone. Some sets deliver better quality, but verify this with reviews before buying.

Sound is subjective, so try before you buy if possible. While online shopping is convenient, listening to a set of earbuds for a few minutes can prevent buyer’s remorse. Most retailers have return policies that allow you to return earbuds you don’t like.

Pay attention to features like Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, and 360 Reality Audio. Not all earbuds support these formats, so ensure your chosen pair does if these features excite you.

How We Test Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds

We test earbuds by wearing them as much as possible, ideally over a one- to two-week period, listening to a mix of music and podcasts, and using them for voice and video calls. We drain the battery with looping music at a comfortable volume (usually around 75 percent) to test battery life. To judge audio quality, we listen to various genres at different volumes. We assess call quality by recording audio samples with the earbuds’ microphones and having third parties call us.

We thoroughly review companion apps, testing each feature. For updated versions of previous models, we reacquaint ourselves with the older buds and compare them to the closest competition.

Other Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds We Tested

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: Bose created a unique design that allows you to stay in tune with the world while listening to audio content. The clip-on design is very comfortable, but sound quality suffers due to the open-type fit, especially in terms of bass and spatial audio.

Audio-Technica ATH-TWX7: These stick buds have a compact design that’s comfortable to wear and a warm sound profile that is great at times. However, overall audio performance is inconsistent, and there’s no automatic pausing.

Master & Dynamic MW09: Retooled audio, better ambient sound mode, and reliable multipoint Bluetooth are the best features of the MW09. They’re expensive, and you can find better ANC performance elsewhere.

Beats Studio Buds +: Updates to sound, ANC, and battery life top the spec sheet, and the new clear color option has some throwback energy. However, some basic features are missing, and Beats doesn’t match Apple’s natural audio quality in transparency mode.

JBL Tour Pro 2: These feature-packed earbuds include a touchscreen “smart case.” However, they aren’t the most consistent in overall performance, and the case’s utility is questionable.

FAQs

What is considered good battery life for true wireless earbuds? Most wireless earbuds last five hours on a single charge. Some pairs offer six to eight hours of battery life. The best wireless earbuds come with a charging case that provides additional hours of battery life.

Is sound quality better on headphones or earbuds? Comparing sound quality on earbuds and headphones is challenging due to differences in components. Generally, over-ear headphones provide better audio quality, but earbuds like Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 3 also deliver outstanding sound.

Which wireless earbuds have the longest battery life? Tracking battery life for each model is difficult, but the longest-lasting earbuds we’ve reviewed are Audio-Technica’s ATH-CKS5TW, which lasts 15 hours. Current models like Master & Dynamic’s MW08 offer 12 hours with ANC off (10 with ANC on), and JBL has multiple options with 10-hour batteries.

What wireless earbuds are waterproof? Look for an IP (ingress protection) rating to determine water resistance. Earbuds with a rating of IPX7 can withstand full immersion for up to 30 minutes in depths up to one meter.

Which earbuds stay in ears the best? A secure fit varies from person to person. Design features like wing tips or fins, typically on fitness models, can help keep earbuds in place. Trying earbuds on before buying is the best way to ensure a secure fit.

What wireless earbuds work with PS5? PlayStation 5 doesn’t support Bluetooth audio without an adapter or dongle. Sony’s gaming headsets come with a transmitter for the console. Universal options allow you to use any headphones, headset, or earbuds with a PS5. Plug the adapter into a USB port on the console and pair your earbuds with it.

By following these guidelines and recommendations, you can confidently choose the best wireless earbuds to suit your needs in 2024.