How to Find the Best Wireless Earbuds

earbuds wireless

Wireless earbuds are a great way to listen to music without having to plug in or untangle a bunch of wires. They’re also a great option for people who spend a lot of time moving around, especially those that exercise.

They’re easy to pair and have a good battery life, too. They come in a range of colors, too, to match your personal style or suit the look of your phone.

Some models have a built-in microphone and speaker, which let you talk handsfree when you’re connected to a Bluetooth device, or you can use the audio app on your phone to control volume and playback. You can even use them to listen to your favorite podcasts while you’re on the go.

The majority of earbuds will offer some sort of ANC, or automatic noise cancellation. Whether it’s just the ability to reduce ambient noise, or more advanced features like Dolby Atmos support, these can be a real boost to your listening experience.

Adaptive EQ can be a big help in creating a more immersive audio experience, too. It can be a great way to improve the sound of tracks that are particularly heavy on bass, for example.

Some models offer a transparency mode, which lets you hear your voice better on phone calls and reduces background noise. Others have a sidetone feature that lets you make changes to how much of your voice comes through.

You’ll also want to check that the buds support the codecs used by your preferred devices, especially if you’re an Apple user. These include aptX HD and AAC, which are better than SBC for transmitting higher-resolution music.

Many high-end true wireless earbuds have their own smartphone apps, which typically allow you to tweak EQ and track battery life. They can also help you find the perfect fit with a built-in fit test that tells you if you’ve selected the right size of eartip.

They’re also often IPX4 rated, which means they’ll be totally sweat-proof when you’re in the gym or running.

A growing number of earbuds now offer a fit test within their smartphone app, which lets you play a short test tone and then check that the eartips create a strong enough seal for optimum audio quality. Some earbuds even have a dedicated “fit kit” with multiple pairs of eartips and extra stability bands to keep them stable while you’re exercising or running.

Earbuds that don’t have a fit test aren’t worth the money, as they’ll simply not give you the best audio experience. Some earbuds, like Master & Dynamic’s MW08, also have a custom eartip profile to fit specific types of ear canal.

If you’re looking for a solid pair of earbuds that can do it all, then check out the Audio-Technica ATH-UE900. It has a 20-hour battery, a beautiful design that fits comfortably and a sound that’s not just excellent but superior to anything else in this price category.

Some models, like our Roam NC and GOAL, offer a quick charging option that can boost your battery by up to an hour of extra playtime. This makes them an appealing choice for those that want to get more out of their earbuds, but it’s worth doing your homework before you buy.