8 of the best earbuds right now

Wireless earbuds have become must-have accessories for modern smartphones. In 2025, the market saw 350 million units sold to consumers, with that number slated to rise past 1.2 billion by 2030. It's not hard to see why — they offer a mix of portability, convenience, and performance that fits everything from workouts to video calls. 

Some models prioritize generating a rich sound, others focus on durability, and a few aim to deliver all-in-one premium experiences. This guide highlights eight standout models. Each section breaks down key specifications, pros and cons, and the type of user most likely to enjoy them.

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The Nothing Ear earbuds stand out with a transparent design and a balance of style and performance. They deliver a crisp sound profile and integrate well with mobile apps for customization. Bluetooth 5.3 gives them reliable connectivity and low latency.

Battery life reaches up to six hours on a single charge, with an additional 40.5 hours from the case. The earbuds are lightweight, and the fit is designed for all-day comfort. They also support active noise cancellation and water resistance, making them versatile for active use.

Pros

• Distinctive design with customizable sound
• Strong battery life with charging case
• Active noise cancellation and IP54 water resistance

Cons

• Noise cancellation is not as powerful as higher-end models
• Limited advanced features compared to other feature-rich competitors

Ideal user: Well-suited for users seeking earbuds with a transparent design and balanced performance for casual listening and calls.

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The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 builds on the company’s reputation for high-quality sound. With support for high-resolution codecs, the earbuds offer a rich, detailed listening experience. Bluetooth 5.4 ensures fast, stable connections.

Battery life provides up to 7 hours per charge and around 30 total with the case. The ergonomic design enhances comfort during extended use. Active noise cancellation and transparency modes allow users to adapt to different environments.

Pros

• High-quality sound with advanced codec support
• Comfortable fit with durable build
• Reliable connectivity with Bluetooth 5.4

Cons

• Premium price point
• Charging case is bulkier than some competitors

Ideal user: Ideal for listeners who prioritize high-quality, detailed sound.

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The Jabra Elite 10 Active is built for durability and performance during workouts. It features a secure fit, sweat resistance, and customizable sound through the companion app. It is Bluetooth 5.3 enabled, ensuring a stable connection, while the motion sensor delivers an immersive Dolby surround experience.

Users can expect up to eight hours of battery life, with 27 hours total when paired with the case. Active noise cancellation blocks distractions, while a hear-through mode keeps you aware of your surroundings.

Pros

• Designed for fitness with sweat resistance.
• Excellent battery performance.
• Secure fit for active use.

Cons

• Bass-heavy sound may not suit all listeners.
• Case is larger than slim alternatives.

Ideal user: Ideal for fitness enthusiasts who need earbuds that stay in place during workouts.

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The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 integrate seamlessly with Android devices, featuring adaptive sound and active noise cancellation (ANC), for clearer, richer audio.

Battery life lasts up to 30 hours with ANC enabled, which reduces background noise for a more immersive listening experience. The compact design is comfortable, and the touch controls make operation simple and intuitive.

Pros

• Deep integration with the Android ecosystem
• Molded for a secure and comfortable fit
• Clear voice quality for calls

Cons

• Best features are Android-exclusive
• ANC is less energy-efficient than top-tier competitors

Ideal user: Well-suited for Android users who want easy pairing and smart features, and an extra snug, comfortable fit.

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The Apple AirPods Pro 2 continue to set the standard for iPhone users. They deliver spatial audio, advanced ANC, and seamless integration with iOS. With Bluetooth 5.3, the earbuds offer ultra-low latency, which is great for phone calls.

Battery life reaches up to 6 hours per charge, and the MagSafe charging case extends usage to 30 hours. The redesigned fit improves comfort, while IPX4 water resistance protects them from the environment.

Pros

• Deep integration with iOS features
• Excellent noise cancellation and transparency mode
• Spatial audio for immersive sound

Cons

• Works best within the Apple ecosystem
• Price remains at the premium level

Ideal user: Best for iPhone users who want earbuds optimized for Apple’s ecosystem.

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The Technics EAH-AZ100 combines precision engineering with high-quality sound. Known for a balanced audio profile, these earbuds deliver detail across all ranges. Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity means stable connections and reduced dropouts.

Battery life provides up to 10 hours, with an additional 28 hours from the charging case. The earbuds include effective noise cancellation and customizable EQ through the companion app.

Pros

• Balanced, natural sound
• Good comfort for extended listening
• Reliable performance with noise cancellation

Cons

• Not as feature-rich as some premium options
• Slightly higher price for casual listeners

Ideal user: Ideal for listeners who want balanced sound and refined design.

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The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds emphasize noise cancellation, making them excellent for travel and commuting. They use advanced ANC technology with adjustable modes and are Bluetooth 5.3 enabled for stable, efficient connections.

Battery life runs about 6 hours with ANC active, extending to 18 hours with the charging case. The ergonomic design ensures comfort, and the earbuds offer IPX4 water resistance for everyday protection.

Pros

• Renowned for effective noise cancellation
• Comfortable fit for long wear
• Strong call quality and app support

Cons

• Among the highest prices in the category
• Battery life could be longer

Ideal user: Best for frequent travelers who prefer strong noise reduction during commutes or flights.

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The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds deliver premium sound and advanced features, including active noise cancellation, adaptive sound controls, and customizable EQ. With Bluetooth 5.3, connectivity is stable and efficient.

Battery life lasts up to 12 hours per charge, with an additional 36 hours using the case. The more compact design improves comfort and portability compared with the previous generation.

Pros

• Outstanding sound with strong noise cancellation
• Compact design with premium features
• Long battery life

Cons

• Premium price point
• App setup may feel overwhelming for new users

Ideal user: Great for those who want a balance of high-quality sound, advanced features, and long-lasting performance.