AirPods Pro 2 vs the World: Best True Wireless Earbuds of 2025 Compared

Introduction

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 (2nd generation) may have set a high bar for true wireless earbuds, but in 2025 they’re up against fiercer competition than ever. Top rivals from Sony, Bose, Samsung, Sennheiser, Jabra, Beats, and Google have all stepped up their game with improved audio quality, noise cancellation, and new features. It’s become “a three-way tug-of-war” among Apple, Bose, and Sony in noise-canceling earbuds – with plenty of others in the mix as well soundguys.com. If you’re shopping for premium wireless earbuds, it’s a great time: companies have learned from past mistakes, and “phenomenal noise cancellation and sound quality” are now available if you’re willing to spend big theverge.com theverge.com. But which buds are right for you?

In this comprehensive comparison, we pit Apple AirPods Pro 2 against all the top contenders: Sony’s WF-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II (and the newer Ultra), Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro/3 Pro, Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3/4, Jabra Elite 10, Beats Fit Pro, and Google Pixel Buds Pro. We’ll compare them across key criteria – sound quality, active noise cancellation (ANC), transparency mode, battery life, comfort/design, price, special features, voice assistant support, and ecosystem integration. Along the way we’ll cite expert reviews (The Verge, CNET, Rtings, SoundGuys, TechRadar, etc.) and summarize pros/cons of each product. Finally, we’ll deliver verdicts for different users (best for iPhone, best noise canceling, best for audiophiles, workouts, value, and more). Let’s dive into the earbuds battle royale of 2025!

Comparison Table: AirPods Pro 2 vs Top True Wireless Earbuds (2025)

Below is a detailed side-by-side comparison of AirPods Pro 2 and its major competitors on the most important features and specifications:

Table Key: MTW = Momentum True Wireless. ANC = Active Noise Cancellation. Battery life estimates are with ANC on. IP ratings: e.g. IPX4 = sweat resistant; IP57 = dustproof & waterproof (submersible).

As the table shows, each of these top earbuds has its own strengths. Next, we’ll break down the comparisons in detail by category, and then summarize the pros and cons of each model.

Sound Quality Showdown

When it comes to pure audio fidelity, some brands have a clear edge. Sennheiser is renowned for sound – the Momentum True Wireless 3 and new 4 deliver a rich, audiophile-approved experience. In fact, the Sennheiser MTW4 offers “tremendous, detailed sound quality that stands above nearly all competitors”, according to The Verge theverge.com. They support aptX Adaptive codec, meaning if you have a compatible device you get higher-than-Bluetooth-standard audio bitrate. Reviewers consistently praise Sennheiser’s balanced tuning, which brings out the subtle details in music with a wide soundstage and natural instrument separation. The downside is that Sennheiser doesn’t boost the bass as much as some others – great for purists, but bass-heads might prefer a different flavor.

Sony’s WF-1000XM5 is not far behind on sound. Sony uses new dynamic drivers and the result is audio that is “more detailed and dynamic than before while still retaining the warmth and clarity” that the XM4 had theverge.com. In practice, the XM5 are highly enjoyable for all genres – you get punchy bass, clear mids, and refined treble. Plus, Sony gives you an app EQ to tweak if desired. With LDAC support, those who want to squeeze out every bit of quality (and have high-resolution audio files or streaming) can do so on Android. The Verge noted that even without LDAC, the XM5 “are up there with the very best audio-focused premium earbuds” like Sennheiser theverge.com. In short, Sony strikes an excellent balance between an engaging sound and technical fidelity.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II have a more controversial sound profile. Bose emphasizes a rich, bass-forward sound – great if you like a lot of low-end thump. They certainly deliver powerful bass and a lively overall tone. However, some critics found the tuning odd: SoundGuys remarked that Bose made “weird sound choices” that, combined with the sky-high price, “make for a poor value” soundguys.com. Specifically, Bose defaults to a very heavy bass and treble, which can sometimes muddy the mids. You can adjust the EQ in the Bose app to improve balance. Overall, they sound good especially for casual listening (and for movies their low-end rumble is satisfying), but audiophiles might rank them lower than Sony or Sennheiser in pure audio quality.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 took a step up in sound versus the first-gen. They now have noticeably better clarity and more dynamic range. That said, most reviewers still wouldn’t call them the absolute best in class. The Verge’s summary noted the AirPods Pro 2’s sound “is better but not top tier” theverge.com. In side-by-side tests, AirPods Pro 2 can actually hold their own; they have a very consumer-friendly tuning – a slightly boosted bass and treble, which makes music sound lively, and vocals generally come through clearly. They just lack a bit of the richness and detail that the top Sony/Sennheiser can provide. But for the average listener, AirPods sound very good, and few will have complaints. One area AirPods excel is consistency: thanks to Adaptive EQ that auto-tunes output based on fit, you generally get a reliable sound in most environments.

Interestingly, Samsung’s Galaxy Buds (especially the latest Buds 3 Pro) are now considered among the top for sound quality. Samsung really improved their tuning – reviewers call the Buds 3 Pro’s sound “terrific” theverge.com and note it’s even better than the already excellent Buds 2 Pro. The Verge went so far as to say Buds 3 Pro audio is “right up there with Sennheiser and Technics from an audio fidelity standpoint.” theverge.com This is high praise, putting Samsung in audiophile company. The Buds tend to have a balanced yet engaging sound, with clean bass that doesn’t overwhelm, and clear highs. They support Samsung’s own scalable codec (24-bit audio on Samsung phones), which helps fidelity. If you aren’t using a Samsung phone, they fall back to AAC, but even then they impress. So, Samsung has become a real contender for music lovers.

Google’s Pixel Buds Pro (first gen) had good sound – warm and bass-rich, with pleasant mids – but they weren’t class-leading. With the Pixel Buds Pro 2, Google apparently took feedback and improved the acoustic design. Reviewers describe the Buds Pro 2’s audio as “very pleasant and detailed”, a clear upgrade in clarity theverge.com. They still lack higher-quality codec support (limited to AAC), which slightly caps their maximum fidelity. However, in blind tests many might not notice. Pixel Buds emphasize a smooth sound that’s easy on the ears for long periods. They won’t beat Sennheiser in resolution, but they also avoid any harshness – a solid all-around sound, especially for pop and electronic music.

For Jabra Elite 10, sound quality is one aspect where they don’t top the charts. SoundGuys’ review bluntly stated that while the Elite 10 “have a lot going right,” they “ultimately don’t have amazing sound quality.” soundguys.com The tuning is serviceable – slightly bass-boosted and with clear vocals – but it lacks the refinement of others. TechRadar noted “audio quality can be beat” by competitors techradar.com. The Elite 10 are geared more towards features and comfort; audio is fine for casual use, podcasts, and music on the go, but serious audiophiles will hear that these aren’t as crisp or detailed. They also do not support advanced codecs like aptX or LDAC techradar.com. That said, Jabra’s sound isn’t bad – it’s just middle-of-the-pack for this premium category. If you aren’t super picky, you’ll enjoy them, but next to a Sony or Sennheiser, you might notice less depth.

Finally, Beats Fit Pro. Historically, “Beats” was synonymous with overwhelming bass, but in recent years under Apple, Beats tuning has become more balanced. The Fit Pro actually sound remarkably similar to AirPods Pro (gen1) – meaning a balanced profile with a bit of extra bass. Many users find the Fit Pro quite enjoyable for gym playlists thanks to that bass kick. In a comparison, one listener noted “the sound quality is incredible” on both AirPods Pro 2 and Beats Fit Pro, with Beats having a tad more low-end presence petematheson.com. Another user did feel AirPods Pro 2 “sound much better” with clearer output reddit.com, but overall the differences aren’t night and day. The Fit Pro lack the adaptive EQ of AirPods, so if your fit isn’t perfect you might lose some bass. But with a good seal, they deliver a fun, punchy sound that most will love for workouts. Just don’t expect audiophile detail or wide soundstage – Beats are about an energetic, on-the-go sound.

Verdict – Sound: If pure audio quality is your top priority, Sennheiser MTW3/4 likely takes the crown (fantastic clarity and codec support) theverge.com. Sony WF-1000XM5 is a close second with a slightly more bass-friendly tuning and nearly as much detail theverge.com. Surprisingly, Samsung’s Galaxy Buds2/3 Pro are also top-tier now theverge.com, punching above their weight. Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 sound great for most users, but critical listeners may find them a notch below those leaders theverge.com. Bose has big bass but not the most faithful sound profile by default soundguys.com. Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Jabra Elite 10 are good, but not standouts in this company – they prioritize other features. And Beats Fit Pro, while much improved, are tuned for fun rather than finesse. Ultimately, all these earbuds will make your music sound good; the differences are in the fine details that enthusiasts appreciate.

Noise Cancellation (ANC) Comparison

Active Noise Cancellation is a marquee feature for all these earbuds, but there are differences in effectiveness. Bose built its brand on noise cancellation, and it still leads the pack. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II were widely regarded as the best ANC earbuds of their time, often described simply as having “the best noise cancellation of any pair of wireless buds.” theverge.com They create an uncanny quietness, silencing airplane droning, city traffic, and office chatter more than competitors. The Verge’s 2025 guide bluntly states Bose offers “the most powerful ANC you’ll find in earbuds” theverge.com. Bose uses multiple microphones and clever processing to cancel noise across a broad frequency range. If you demand the absolute most silence, Bose is a top choice. The newer QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) aimed to refine this further with adaptive AI-driven ANC that reacts faster to sudden noises soundguys.com, plus it keeps Bose at the pinnacle of ANC performance (with a $299 price to match).

Sony WF-1000XM5 has dramatically closed the gap to Bose. Sony improved both the hardware (new processors, more mics) and algorithms, and many tests show the XM5 nearly equals Bose in ANC now theverge.com. It excels especially at low-frequency rumble (engines, AC hum) – sometimes even better than Bose – and is very good with mid-frequency noises (background voices, etc.). The Verge noted the XM5 “do a terrific job of eliminating background noise” and are in the same territory as Bose’s QC Earbuds II theverge.com. SoundGuys likewise praised the XM5’s “outstanding ANC performance” as making them “one of the best noise canceling earbuds on the market.” soundguys.com soundguys.com With Sony, you also get adaptive ANC that can adjust based on your environment (e.g., lighten ANC when you’re stationary vs. walking). Sony’s ANC is slightly behind Bose in handling sudden, high-pitched noises, but the difference is small now.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 took a big leap in noise cancellation compared to the first gen. Apple even advertises up to 2× the noise cancellation of original AirPods Pro. In real-world terms, AirPods Pro 2 went from “decent” to “excellent.” The Verge’s review noted the new model’s ANC “is now right up there with Sony”, which is high praise theverge.com. AirPods Pro 2 can significantly hush general din – on airplanes and trains, they are finally in the same league as Sony and Bose. Rtings tests also showed AirPods Pro 2 cancel a remarkable amount of ambient noise, especially in the mid-range (where a lot of human voice noise lies). They might still let in a touch more low-frequency noise than Bose/Sony, but many users won’t notice much difference. Apple also does adaptive tricks: the H2 chip allows Adaptive Transparency, which isn’t ANC per se, but can dynamically reduce sudden loud sounds even when you’re in transparency mode – a unique safety feature theverge.com. Overall, Apple went from follower to very nearly leader in ANC. Unless you’re extremely critical, AirPods Pro 2 will satisfy your noise-canceling needs, and only Bose or Sony might outperform it in the most challenging noise scenarios.

Outside of the “Big Three” above, how do others stack up? Google Pixel Buds Pro were Google’s first attempt at ANC buds and did respectably. They cut a lot of constant noise and were a godsend for Pixel users who previously lacked an ANC option. Still, they weren’t the best on the market. With the Pixel Buds Pro 2, Google improved the ANC further – SoundGuys noted the Buds Pro 2 cancel about 80% of background noise in tests, slightly more than the first-gen. The Verge says “noise cancellation still isn’t on the same tier as Bose” (no surprise) but is stronger than before theverge.com. Most users find Pixel Buds Pro’s ANC very useful for daily environments like offices, cafes, commuting, etc. They might let in a bit more higher-pitched noise or sudden sounds compared to Apple/Sony. But one advantage: the Pixel Buds Pro hardly hiss or introduce pressure – their ANC is gentle on the ears while still effective.

Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro had quite good ANC as well – roughly similar to AirPods Pro (gen1) level, maybe a bit better. They will hush a good amount of noise, though not as completely as Bose. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro presumably maintain similar ANC performance (Verge labeled it “midtier” in effectiveness theverge.com). In practice, Samsung’s earbuds excel more in sound and transparency; their ANC is solid but not record-breaking. One neat Samsung feature: a “Voice Detect” mode (on Buds Pro series) that automatically turns ANC off and lowers volume when you start speaking to someone – convenient in an office or coffee shop. But pure cancellation strength – Bose and Sony still beat Samsung by a margin. If you’re a Galaxy phone owner, the convenience might outweigh that.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II we covered as the best – but it’s worth noting SoundGuys observed that while Bose long held the ANC crown, Sony’s latest and even Apple complicate that title soundguys.com. It’s not a one-company race anymore. Still, Bose’s advantage is notable in unpredictable noise environments – e.g., a loud subway screech or a neighbor’s loud music – Bose’s algorithms tend to handle those without letting as much through.

Jabra Elite 10 turned out to have very capable ANC. Jabra’s previous models (85t, 75t with ANC via update) were decent but not class-leading. The Elite 10, however, brought Jabra right into the competition. In fact, a March 2024 firmware update and then the Elite 10 Gen 2 hardware in late 2024 pushed Jabra’s ANC to the top of some tests soundguys.com. SoundGuys even stated the Gen2 had “the best ANC on the market” at that time – a bold claim. The Elite 10 uses Adaptive Hybrid ANC that constantly adjusts, and it is very effective at common noises. In real life, Jabra’s ANC might still be a hair behind Bose in extreme cases, but many users rank it alongside Sony and Apple now. The Elite 10’s strong passive noise isolation (from a tight fit) also helps its ANC perform better soundguys.com soundguys.com. So Jabra is no slouch – if you wear them on a plane, you’ll get a very hushed experience.

Beats Fit Pro inherits the ANC tech from Apple’s first-gen AirPods Pro (with the Apple H1 chip). So its noise cancellation is quite effective – it was among the best in 2021. Compared to AirPods Pro 2 (with H2 chip), the Fit Pro is a bit behind. SoundGuys measured that AirPods Pro 2 beat Beats Fit Pro in canceling certain mid-range frequencies by a small margin soundguys.com soundguys.com. However, both “have great noise canceling” and AirPods Pro 2 is “just slightly better.” soundguys.com In everyday use, Beats Fit Pro will silence a lot of noise – certainly enough for flights, gyms, etc. Unless you directly A/B test with AirPods Pro 2 or Bose, you might not notice the difference. One limitation: Beats Fit Pro doesn’t do adaptive ANC, and it lacks the new Adaptive Audio mode Apple introduced for AirPods. But it does offer a solid, if straightforward, ANC performance akin to AirPods Pro gen1.

In summary, Bose still wears the ANC crown – if you want the absolute quietest ride, Bose QC Earbuds II/Ultra are the champs theverge.com. Sony WF-1000XM5 is basically neck-and-neck now, making it the best overall package when combining near-top ANC with superior sound theverge.com. AirPods Pro 2 are not far behind those two, offering elite noise canceling especially in Apple’s ecosystem theverge.com. Jabra Elite 10 and Pixel Buds Pro 2 have moved into the high tier as well, though just a notch below the big three. Samsung and Beats provide very good ANC that will satisfy most, but fall in the “second tier” of noise canceling effectiveness. At this level, none of these are “bad” at ANC – even the lowest performer here (perhaps Samsung or the older Beats) still cancels more noise than many cheaper earbuds. It’s a win-win for consumers: as The Verge noted, “what was once a luxury feature is now the status quo”, and these top models all deliver significant noise reduction theverge.com.

Transparency Mode & Call Quality

Transparency (ambient sound mode) is essentially the opposite of ANC – it lets outside sound in so you stay aware or have a conversation without removing the buds. The quality of transparency mode varies a lot.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 arguably have the most natural-sounding transparency. With a squeeze of the stem, you can switch to Transparency Mode and suddenly it’s like you’re not wearing earbuds at all. Reviewers consistently praise how lifelike it is – you can carry on conversations easily. Plus, Apple’s Adaptive Transparency will instantly lower the volume of any extremely loud sounds (like a siren or jackhammer) to protect your ears theverge.com. This happens automatically and is a standout feature. Overall, AirPods Pro 2’s transparency is so good that many use them as de-facto earplugs that only cancel harmful noises but let everything else through clearly.

Google Pixel Buds Pro (2nd gen) have made huge strides here too. The Verge described the Buds Pro 2 transparency as “among the very best you’ll find”, offering “a crisp, natural passthrough for the outside world” theverge.com. In other words, Google caught up to Apple in delivering transparency that doesn’t sound robotic. This makes sense – good ambient mode requires low-latency processing and good mics, which Google improved. Many Pixel Buds users now keep transparency on by default when walking around, since it feels so seamless to hear your surroundings.

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds (both 2 Pro and 3 Pro) also have excellent transparency modes. Samsung calls it “Ambient Sound” and you can adjust the level (low/med/high). The Buds 3 Pro in particular got lauded for “crisp, natural transparency/passthrough mode” theverge.com. I’ve personally found Samsung’s ambient mode to sound very clear, with minimal white noise. This is great for hearing announcements or having a quick chat without removing the buds. One cool Samsung trick: on Galaxy phones, you can enable “Ambient sound during calls” – it pipes in your own voice so you don’t end up talking too loudly on phone calls with ANC on.

Sony WF-1000XM5 transparency (ambient sound mode) is good but perhaps not best-in-class. Sony gives 20 levels of ambient sound control in their app, plus a feature to focus on voice (amplifying people talking). It works well, but some note a slight hiss at higher ambient settings. Sony’s strength was ANC; its transparency is perfectly usable and much improved from older Sonys, yet if you directly compare, Apple/Google might sound a tad more open/natural. One plus: the XM5’s “Quick Attention” – if you touch and hold the left earbud, it temporarily maxes transparency and lowers music so you can quickly hear something or talk. It’s very convenient (AirPods have a similar feature by just removing one earbud, but Sony’s lets you keep them in).

Bose calls their ambient mode “Aware Mode.” Given Bose’s focus on ANC, one might expect transparency to suffer, but actually Bose did well. QC Earbuds II let you toggle between Quiet (ANC) and Aware. In Aware mode, Bose even has an ActiveSense feature that, like Apple, softens loud sudden sounds. Users generally find Bose’s transparency quite natural too, though a few have noted a faint electronic noise or that it’s not as perfectly “transparent” as AirPods. Still, Bose gives you the awareness you need, and you can adjust how aggressive ActiveSense is. It’s certainly a usable mode for runners or when you need to hear the environment. Wind noise can be an issue, but Bose implemented “Wind Neutralizing” technology to reduce that in Aware mode jabra.com jabra.com, which helps outdoors.

Jabra Elite 10’s transparency is called HearThrough. Jabra typically does a decent job here. You can adjust HearThrough intensity in the app. It’s effective to hear voices and surroundings, though it may amplify some sharp noises. In reviews, nobody called Jabra’s ambient mode the best, but it’s serviceable. Jabra also has a Sidetone feature for calls (so you hear your voice). Notably, the Elite 10’s semi-open design may let some sound in even without electronic pass-through, making the transition to ambient mode feel quite natural.

Beats Fit Pro has transparency too (inherited from AirPods Pro gen1). It does let sound in and is helpful for awareness. However, users have noted that Fit Pro transparency isn’t as good as the latest AirPods. One Reddit user mentioned AirPods Pro 2 “are more comfortable and…have a few other advanced features like adaptive audio…They also have the advanced FindMy support and wireless charging” and implied the AirPods’ transparency/adaptive features felt more advanced reddit.com. On Fit Pro, transparency works, but outside noises can sound a bit muffled or digital. Good enough to chat with a barista, but if you try them back-to-back with AirPods Pro 2, you’ll find AirPods make voices sound more like real life. Still, Beats offering ANC + transparency at their price was a big plus.

Call Quality is another aspect to consider (somewhat related to transparency, as it involves microphones). All these earbuds have multiple mics and various algorithms to pick up your voice clearly on calls. Generally, AirPods Pro 2 are considered among the best for voice calls – Apple’s mic system and voice isolation are top-notch. The Verge said AirPods Pro have “traditionally ranked among the best…for voice call quality” and the 2nd-gen “don’t disappoint.” theverge.com They’re excellent for Zoom/Teams or regular phone calls, often outperforming others in windy or noisy conditions by focusing on your voice.

Sony XM5 improved call quality greatly over XM4 (Sony added an extra mic and bone conduction sensor). Users report the XM5 are now very good for calls – much clearer and less background noise than before theverge.com theverge.com. Bose QC Earbuds II have good call quality too, but interestingly Bose’s own literature admitted the QC II had room to improve on voice pickup. The new Ultra Earbuds use “eight microphones, dynamic mixing and adaptive filters” with AI-based noise suppression to make calls even clearer soundguys.com. So Bose is heavily targeting call performance now as well.

Samsung Buds 2/3 Pro have what Samsung calls a Voice Pickup Unit (VPU) that senses jaw movement. The Buds 3 Pro’s call quality is described as “good voice calls” and the VPU helps isolate your voice theverge.com theverge.com. In practice, Samsung’s call quality is solid but maybe not class-leading; wind can still be an issue, but they hold up in moderate noise.

Pixel Buds Pro (both gens) do decently on calls – not exceptional, but Google added a Clear Calling feature (for Pixel phone owners) that uses AI to filter background noise on the listener’s end. It helps if you’re on a Pixel phone to have remarkably clear calls even from noisy places. Without a Pixel, the Buds themselves still have good mics; they’re fine for typical calls.

Jabra traditionally excels at call quality (since they come from a business communications background). The Elite 10 is no exception – TechRadar listed “excellent call quality” as a Pro techradar.com. Jabra uses some of those hearing aid mic algorithms to focus on your voice. If you take a lot of calls for work, Jabras are a trustworthy pick.

Beats Fit Pro calls are okay – not bad, but your voice might sound slightly distant compared to AirPods Pro which have that beamforming mic in the stem pointed at your mouth. Still, with the H1, Beats do have some voice isolation. In quiet environments they’re perfectly fine; in loud places you might have to speak up more.

To wrap up, Transparency Mode winners are Apple and Google (and Samsung close behind) for their ultra-natural sound theverge.com theverge.com. Apple’s extra adaptive tricks give it a slight edge. Others like Sony, Bose, Jabra have good ambient modes but just not as magical. Call quality is excellent on AirPods Pro 2, Jabra Elite 10, and improved greatly on Sony XM5. Bose Ultra are likely top-tier for calls too with their new tech soundguys.com. Samsung and Pixel are reliably good, while Beats are decent but not outstanding for heavy call users. All in all, none of these should give you major issues taking a quick phone call or hearing an announcement; it’s more about who goes the extra mile to make it seamless (Apple/Google) or super clear (Jabra/Bose).

Battery Life & Charging

Battery life for true wireless earbuds in 2025 has settled around a norm: roughly 5 to 8 hours of listening on a charge with ANC enabled theverge.com, and around 20-30 hours total including the charging case. In this group, Sony WF-1000XM5 stands out with one of the longest rated batteries – up to 8 hours with ANC on theverge.com, which tests have validated. That’s excellent, allowing you to get through a long flight or workday on a single charge. Sony’s case gives an additional ~16 hours (for ~24h total). So Sony is a winner for battery endurance.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 also impress, with around 8 hours ANC playback theverge.com. Google seems to have optimized power well. Many reviewers highlighted that Pixel Buds Pro (both gens) outlast a lot of competitors – e.g., SoundGuys noted the first-gen hit 7+ hours and called the battery life “class-leading” at the time. The Buds Pro 2 now “eke out impressive battery life that surpasses most competitors” theverge.com. The case brings total to roughly 27-30 hours, which is quite good.

Sennheiser MTW4 improved to about 7.5 hours ANC on theverge.com, which is also above average. The MTW3 was a bit lower (~6 hours), but still decent. With around 7+ hours, Sennheiser joins the long-lasting club. The case yields about 28 hours total. One thing to note: Sennheiser’s case supports both Qi wireless and quick USB-C charging, so top-ups are convenient.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 claim 6 hours ANC playback (and ~5.5 in tests) soundguys.com. That’s an improvement over the original’s ~4.5-5h. Six hours covers most commutes and even cross-country flights (if you can tolerate not having music for perhaps the last hour). The MagSafe charging case holds 4 additional charges (~24h) and is easily topped up on a wireless pad or MagSafe puck. In practice, AirPods battery is very good – and the convenience of the case’s U1 chip means if you misplace it between charges, you can find it easily. Apple also optimized standby drain well – if you don’t use them for a few days, they lose very little charge.

Bose QC Earbuds II are rated ~6 hours too, with case providing 3 extra charges for ~24 total soundguys.com. Bose is fine here, though some might expect more given the case’s bulk. Interestingly, the original case didn’t have wireless charging (which at that price felt like an omission), but Bose corrected that by offering a separate wireless case or now bundling it with the Ultra version soundguys.com soundguys.com. Fast-charge wise: Bose gives about 2 hours playback from a 20-minute charge – useful if you forget to charge before a flight.

Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro advertise 5 hours ANC on (8 hours off). In real use, 5-6 hours is typical. The Buds 3 Pro (if that’s a real product on the market by late 2024) apparently goes to ~6 hours ANC on theverge.com. So Samsung is in line with Apple, maybe slightly below Sony/Google. The case for Buds can be charged wirelessly (nice perk) and gives around 18-20 extra hours. One slight downside: if you use the high-bitrate Samsung codec or 360 Audio a lot, it might impact battery a bit.

Jabra Elite 10 are rated around 6 hours with ANC (and about 8 hours with ANC off), with ~27 hours total from case. TechRadar called it “respectable” which suggests it hit those numbers in tests techradar.com. That’s plenty for daily use. Notably, Jabra’s buds and case can handle being out in rough conditions (IP57), so if you’re on a long hike in rain, you don’t worry about them getting wet when you inevitably need to recharge them from the case.

Beats Fit Pro give about 6 hours with ANC (and they slightly exceeded AirPods in one test: 6h22m vs 5h43m for AirPods Pro 2) soundguys.com. So practically, Beats and AirPods are within 30-40 minutes of each other. The Fit Pro case holds ~18 additional hours (for ~24 total) soundguys.com. One disadvantage: no wireless charging on Beats case, unlike AirPods’ case. Charging is only via USB-C cable. It’s a minor inconvenience – but at least it’s USB-C (even before AirPods switched from Lightning). A quick 5-minute charge in the case yields about 1 hour play for Beats, which is standard fast-fuel performance.

In summary, none of these top earbuds have poor battery life at this point. The differences of an hour or two matter mostly if you have specific long-haul needs. If you want the absolute longest single-charge time, look at Sony XM5 (8h) theverge.com or Pixel Buds Pro 2 (8h) theverge.com, or possibly Sennheiser MTW4 (~7.5h) theverge.com. Apple, Bose, Samsung, Jabra, Beats all hover around 5.5–6.5h, which is more than sufficient for most day-to-day usage and even medium flights. All have quick-charge features to give you around an hour of listening from just a few minutes in the case – so you can top up during a short break. And the total battery with cases ranges ~20 to 30 hours, meaning you can likely go a week of typical commutes or workouts without needing to find a wall outlet.

One last note: battery longevity (degradation over time) is a concern for true wireless earbuds, since you can’t swap the batteries. Some models have had issues in the past (The Verge mentions there were “reports of battery issues” with XM4 after a year theverge.com, so hopefully XM5 improved on that). It’s wise not to leave them charging 24/7 and to actually use the batteries. But at least initially, all these will meet their specs and get you through plenty of listening.

Comfort & Design Differences

Comfort can be very subjective – everyone’s ears are unique – but there are some design decisions that impact fit and feel:

AirPods Pro 2: Apple kept the exact same external design as the first-gen: a small white stem and a rounded body that sits in your concha. They are lightweight (5.3g per bud) and many people find them extremely comfortable for long use. Apple even introduced an extra-small ear tip size for those with small ear canals theverge.com. The silicone tips have a special vent system to equalize pressure, so AirPods don’t give you that “plugged ear” feeling much. Most users can wear them for hours without fatigue. However, since there’s no wing or fin, a minority of people with certain ear shapes have trouble keeping AirPods Pro secure (they might loosen when talking or chewing). If AirPods happen to not fit your ears well, that’s where alternatives like Beats or Jabra come in. Build-wise, AirPods are IPX4 sweat-resistant – fine for a jog or gym, but you wouldn’t want to submerge them. The white glossy finish is iconic Apple, though it can scuff over time.

Sony WF-1000XM5: The XM4 were somewhat notorious for being on the bulkier side, causing comfort issues for some (especially those with smaller ears). Sony took that to heart and shrank the XM5 by 25% and made it lighter theverge.com. They also switched to a new smooth, rounded shape with a glossy plastic exterior. The XM5 comes with foam ear tips (Sony’s “Noise Isolation Earbud Tips”) which are squishy and expand in your ear for a great seal theverge.com. These foam tips can enhance comfort for many, as they conform nicely. In reviews, a lot of people who couldn’t wear XM4 comfortably now report the XM5 is a big improvement. Sony even includes an extra small tip size now. One minor gripe is the glossy finish – The Verge noted it “can make them harder to remove from the case” or your ears if your fingers are wet theverge.com. But design-wise, they’re quite sleek and available in black or silver. They protrude a bit from the ear but not excessively. Overall, Sony did well – these are comfortable for long listening, and the secure seal keeps them from falling out easily. They are IPX4 rated for sweat/rain.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II: Bose went with an interesting two-piece fit system. You have the eartips (three sizes) and separate stability bands (also three sizes) that wrap around the earbud nozzle to brace against your ear ridge. With the right combo, the QC Earbuds II can be very secure without needing an ear hook. However, finding the perfect fit can take some trial and error – more variables than most earbuds. Some users with very small ears struggled because even the smallest stabilizer might be a bit large. SoundGuys observed “more fit issues with Bose’s earbuds” compared to Sony’s very comfortable XM5 soundguys.com. But others absolutely love the Bose fit once they get it right, saying they disappear in the ear. Comfort-wise, Bose’s buds don’t go too deep; they sit at the entrance of the canal and the stability band holds them in place, so they can be worn for many hours. Each earbud is around 6g – similar to Sony. The design is somewhat chunky and they stick out a little. Bose opted for an all-plastic build (black or white options) with a short nozzle. They are IPX4 rated too, so sweat is fine. The charging case for Bose is one of the bigger ones, which is a design drawback – it’s pocketable, but bulges more than an AirPods or Sony case.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro / 3 Pro: Samsung’s Buds 2 Pro were very compact, no-stem buds. They had a smooth, ergonomic shape that nestled in the concha with a minimal footprint. They weigh just 5.5g each and are one of the more discreet earbuds (the 2 Pro basically vanish in your ear). Many found them comfortable, but some had a bit of pressure build due to strong passive seal (Samsung added venting to alleviate this somewhat). Now, the Buds 3 Pro apparently switched to a stem design – which is interesting as it goes against Samsung’s previous style. According to The Verge, the Buds 3 Pro’s stemmed shape was “more comfortable and stable” for the reviewer, improving on Buds 2 Pro’s fit theverge.com. The stems are short (like AirPods Pro stems) and allow the bud to sit at a slightly different angle. Comfort seems to have improved. The Buds 3 Pro also have an IP57 rating (if we believe the specs that it’s similar to the Buds 2 Pro’s IPX7 for water plus dust protected). That means you can actually submerge the buds (just don’t do that with the case). Design-wise, Samsung offers them in a few colors (graphite, white, maybe Bora purple etc.). They come with the usual three tip sizes. The Buds 2 Pro had a somewhat rubberized matte finish that was nice to the touch; likely Buds 3 Pro are similar. In general, Samsung’s earbuds are very comfortable for most – among the better ones for small ears especially (Buds 2 Pro were quite tiny).

Sennheiser Momentum TW3/4: The MTW3 have a distinct design – kind of a bulbous square shape with a glossy faceplate. They’re not the smallest buds, and they stick out a little from the ears. But Sennheiser includes optional ear fins that you can attach to help lock them in soundguys.com. That shows Sennheiser was aware some might need extra support (especially for exercise). With the fins, they stay very secure. Without fins, they rely on the tight fit of the tips. Comfort is generally good – perhaps not as universally comfy as AirPods or Jabra, but those who get a good fit love them. The MTW4 allegedly refined the shape slightly (from pictures, they look a bit slimmer). They are IPX4, so normal use is fine but they’re not as water-resistant as Jabra or Samsung. The weight is around 6g per bud. One notable aspect: the case of Sennheiser is wrapped in fabric – it looks classy, but make sure not to get it soaked. As for style, Sennheiser comes usually in black or graphite (and sometimes white). The new MTW4 have a cool copper color option which The Verge showed theverge.com – a unique look if you want something different.

Jabra Elite 10: Jabra’s design philosophy for the Elite 10 was interesting – they went with a semi-open design where the buds don’t actually form a super deep seal. The part that goes in the ear canal is a bit shorter, and the body of the earbud has an oval shape that sits just at the ear canal entry and in the outer ear. TechRadar called it a “unique new oval design that sits on the outside of your ears”, making them “incredibly comfortable – even when wearing them for long periods.” techradar.com. Essentially, Jabra tried to reduce that plugged-ear feeling and ear pressure build-up, a common source of discomfort in in-ear buds. It seems to have paid off: many reviews highlight the Elite 10’s comfort as a strong point techradar.com. They also don’t shove as deeply into the ear, which some people prefer (especially if you are sensitive to in-ears). The trade-off might be a slightly less extreme passive noise isolation, but their ANC makes up for it. Jabra also coated them with a smooth matte plastic that’s skin-friendly and not too slippery. At ~5.7g per bud, they’re average weight. A potential con: the charging case is a bit larger than some competitors, and it’s not the most pocket-friendly (still smaller than Bose’s, though). But Jabra’s case is very sturdy and also rated IP54, meaning it can handle dust and splashes – a rare feature for a case. Overall, for those who value comfort, Jabra Elite 10 are a top contender.

Beats Fit Pro: The signature here is the wing tip that’s integrated into each earbud. This flexible silicone fin presses against your ear’s upper ridge to lock the bud in. It’s a clever design (borrowed from earlier Beats like the BeatsX and Powerbeats). For active use, it’s fantastic – you can do burpees, sprints, anything, and the Fit Pro stay put. As one Reddit user pointed out, “The main reason to choose Beats Fit Pro over AirPods Pro 2 is retention. The wings will keep BFP in your ears much better… I use BFP for workouts because they stay in my ears.” reddit.com. That said, those same wings can cause pressure for some. A few people find that after an hour or more, the ear cartilage where the wing sits can get sore reddit.com. This varies by person – some have no issue and wear them for 3-4 hours straight, others might prefer to take a break after an hour. The earbuds themselves use the same eartips as AirPods Pro (so if you have tips for AirPods, they fit Beats too). Comfort aside from the wing is similar to AirPods Pro gen1 – pretty good. One user in the Reddit thread said “Fit Pro hurt my ears after just half an hour” reddit.com while another said they’re fine unless worn for extended periods reddit.com. If you have sensitive ears, you might lean toward AirPods or Jabra instead for long listening sessions. The Fit Pro are IPX4, good for sweat. Design-wise, they don’t have stems; instead a rounded square-ish body with the “b” logo button. They come in multiple colors (Beats often have nice color options beyond just black/white). They look a bit more “sporty” in the ear, but not as conspicuous as old Powerbeats with hooks.

To sum up comfort: AirPods Pro 2 remain one of the most universally comfortable designs for a wide range of ears (especially now with XS tips) theverge.com. Sony XM5 fixed past issues and are very comfy for most, thanks to smaller size and foam tips theverge.com. Bose QC II can be extremely comfortable if fitted right, but the fitting process is a bit more involved – once locked in, they’re good for hours with no ear fatigue for many. Samsung Buds (both old no-stem and new stem style) are small and great for smaller ears; the new stem style apparently improved comfort/stability further theverge.com. Sennheiser are comfy if you don’t mind a slightly larger bud; the optional fins help if you need more stability. Jabra Elite 10 are arguably the best for long-wear comfort due to their semi-open approach – if you have trouble with pressure from other in-ears, try the Jabra techradar.com techradar.com. Beats Fit Pro are best for those who prioritize a secure fit during movement over absolute long-session comfort – great for a 2-hour workout, maybe less ideal for a 4-hour flight if the wings bother you (though many use them on flights too without complaint). Importantly, all of these offer multiple tip sizes and some form of venting to improve comfort compared to older generations of in-ears. So it’s unlikely you’ll find any unbearable – it’s more about fine margins and personal ear shape.

Price & Value

Looking at pricing, these flagship earbuds range from about $200 to $300 at launch. $300 may seem steep for earbuds, but manufacturers justify it with top-of-the-line tech. Here’s how they stack up in value:

AirPods Pro 2 launched at $249 – standard for Apple’s top earbuds. However, Apple products often see discounts these days. As of 2025, it’s common to find AirPods Pro 2 for $199 or even $170 during sales. In The Verge’s 2025 update, they were listed at ~$149 (40% off) on sale theverge.com. That makes them a fantastic value for iPhone users, given the integration and features you get at that sale price. Even at full price, if you’re deep in Apple’s ecosystem, the argument is that no other earbud will give you the seamless experience AirPods do (automatic sync, spatial audio, etc.), so many find them worth the cost.

Sony WF-1000XM5 are at the high end: $299. Sony positions them as the “best of the best” with no compromise, hence the price. The good news is Sony often gets discounted. We’ve seen them at $250 or even $230 during holiday sales, which edges them closer to AirPods range theverge.com. Considering their class-leading performance (some call them the “best overall” true wireless theverge.com), if you can snag them on sale, they’re arguably the best bang-for-buck for an Android user who wants top ANC and sound. At full price $299, they’re expensive, but you’re getting basically the top tech (and still cheaper than some niche hi-fi buds like Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 which are $399).

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II/Ultra are also $299. Bose very rarely drops prices significantly – maybe $20-50 off occasionally. So you likely pay near full price. For that money, you get the noise-cancelation king and very good sound, but as SoundGuys pointed out, value isn’t Bose’s strong suit: some feel “weird sound choices, and a sky-high price make for a poor value” soundguys.com, especially since Bose lacked multipoint and wireless charging originally. The Ultra adds wireless charging and multipoint, addressing some complaints soundguys.com soundguys.com. If ANC is your #1 priority, Bose can justify its price. But if you want a well-rounded feature set, Bose at $299 can seem steep compared to Sony or Apple on sale.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro launched at $229, which undercut Apple a bit. Samsung often bundles them as preorder bonuses or discounts them to $150-170 range. If Buds 3 Pro exist, they might come in around $229-250 as well. Samsung’s value proposition is good if you have a Samsung phone (you get extra features for a bit less money). For non-Samsung users, at least they’re not overpriced – you still get a high-quality earbud for possibly $50-100 less than Bose/Sony. One caution: Samsung doesn’t support iOS with an app now, so their value drops to near zero for iPhone users – those users are better off with Beats or AirPods.

Sennheiser MTW3 was $249 and often went on sale for ~$200 or less. The MTW4 bumped to $299 MSRP theverge.com, aligning with Sony/Bose pricing. Sennheiser positions itself as a premium audio brand, so it charges accordingly. At $299, given that its ANC is not top-tier theverge.com, some might question the value if noise cancelation is important to them. But if sound quality is your main concern, paying that price for Sennheiser’s audio is easier to swallow (like buying a high-end audio brand headphone). They do give you nice extras like a fabric case, lots of accessories, etc. Sennheiser also holds value for audiophiles who know the brand. But for general consumers, it’s a niche choice at that price.

Jabra Elite 10 at $249 tries to come in just under the $279-$299 of others techradar.com. And indeed, some retailers had them around $229 soon after release. TechRadar noted it’s “cheaper price tag Jabra’s asking for” compared to rivals and called them “a strong contender… especially for the cheaper price” techradar.com techradar.com. This slight price edge, combined with their comfort and feature set, gives Jabra a good value argument. However, since their sound isn’t the very best techradar.com, some might say you get what you pay for – i.e. they saved cost by not including high-end codec hardware, etc. If you want a super comfy multipoint earbud with spatial audio and great calls, Jabra is worth the money. If you primarily care about audio fidelity, a similar $250 could get you Sennheiser or others on sale with better sound.

Beats Fit Pro at $199 undercut AirPods by $50, which was significant. And as noted, they often go on sale to $159 or even $149 reddit.com reddit.com. At those prices, they are probably the best value for iPhone owners who want ANC earbuds but don’t want to pay AirPods Pro prices. You sacrifice a bit (slightly worse ANC, no wireless charge, older chip), but save quite a bit of money and still get key Apple-only features. For Android folks, Fit Pro at $150 is still a nice deal if the fit works for you – you’d get top-tier ANC and sound comparable to AirPods (but without Google Assistant integration like some other buds offer). Given these have been out since late 2021, deals abound and they remain very competitive performance-wise in 2025, making them a savvy budget pick in the high-end category.

Pixel Buds Pro at $199 were similarly a value play for Android. They offered premium features at $50 less than Sony/Bose. Google often discounts them – the first-gen Pixel Buds Pro could be found for ~$120-140 on sale, which is a steal for ANC that good. Pixel Buds Pro 2 at $229 is a slight increase, but likely Google will drop them during promotions too. If you have a Pixel phone, the added exclusive features further justify the cost (because you’re getting capabilities that others simply don’t have with their buds). If you have an iPhone, Pixel Buds aren’t a sensible purchase (no special integration for you). So the value depends on your ecosystem alignment.

In short, value can be summarized: For iPhone users, AirPods Pro 2 on sale (~$200 or less) are a great deal given integration and performance theverge.com. Beats Fit Pro at $150 are an excellent budget alternative with many of the same perks. For Android users, Sony XM5 on sale ($250) is arguably best-in-class performance per dollar, and Pixel Buds Pro (esp. on sale) offer a lot for the money, particularly if you have a Pixel device. Bose is a bit expensive for what you get unless you absolutely need that ANC. Sennheiser is expensive but targeted at a certain buyer who values the sound (so value is in the ear of the beholder there). Jabra tries to hit a sweet spot by being slightly cheaper than the top tier while delivering almost everything – if comfort and multipoint are your priorities, that’s a strong value. And Samsung offers solid bang for buck particularly for its phone owners, and you often find their buds bundled with new phones or on sale – meaning you might effectively pay very little for them.

Special Features & Ecosystem Integration

Each of these earbuds has unique features and works best within certain ecosystems:

Starting with Apple AirPods Pro 2: Their special sauce is how they integrate with Apple’s world. Bring them near an iPhone and a pairing prompt pops up – dead simple. Once paired to your iCloud, they auto-switch between your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch seamlessly theverge.com. This auto-switching isn’t true multipoint (you can’t hear two devices at once), but it’s so convenient – play music on your Mac, then take a call on your iPhone, and the AirPods switch over almost instantly. AirPods Pro also support Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking when used with Apple devices – e.g., in Apple TV+ or Disney+ apps, turning your head makes the sound anchored to the screen, a cool effect for movies. They even let you personalize the spatial audio to your ear shape via an iPhone camera scan. Apple also enabled Hearing Accessibility features: with iOS 17, AirPods Pro 2 can act as Level 2 hearing aids and amplify conversations for those with mild hearing loss theverge.com. And the Find My integration is top-notch – not only can you see last location of buds, the case itself has a speaker and U1 ultra-wideband chip so you can precisely locate it with an iPhone (it’ll play a chirp sound too) theverge.com. No other earbud case has that. Apple keeps adding features: Adaptive Audio (which blends ANC and transparency depending on environment) and Conversation Awareness (lowers volume when you start speaking to someone) came in 2023 for AirPods Pro 2 reddit.com. Siri is always listening when connected to Apple devices, so you can just say “Hey Siri” for hands-free commands or to send messages, etc. On the downside, outside Apple devices, AirPods turn into a pumpkin: you can use them with a Windows or Android via Bluetooth for basic audio and ANC, but you lose all the fancy stuff (no auto-pause unless you remove a bud, no spatial audio, no Siri obviously, and you’d need a third-party app to adjust any settings). Apple doesn’t provide an AirPods app on Android. So, they can be used cross-platform in a pinch, but they are really meant for Apple ecosystem use – and within that, they’re magic.

Sony WF-1000XM5: Sony takes a platform-agnostic approach – they want their earbuds to shine whether you’re on Android, iOS, PC, etc. Their Headphones Connect app is available on all platforms (except PC, but you can do initial setup on phone and then use on PC). Big features: Bluetooth Multipoint – you can connect to two devices (say, your laptop and phone) simultaneously soundguys.com. This is great for those who mix work and mobile – you can be in a Zoom meeting on your laptop and still hear if a call comes to your phone (and answer it with the earbuds). AirPods don’t do true multipoint (they auto-switch but not concurrently). Sony also supports Google Fast Pair on Android and Windows Swift Pair on PC – so pairing is quick and easy on those platforms. For codecs, Sony has LDAC which can carry roughly three times the data of standard Bluetooth if you enable it theverge.com. Audiophiles with high-res audio tracks will appreciate this on Android (on iPhone, you’re stuck with AAC as iPhones don’t support LDAC). There’s also a feature called 360 Reality Audio – if you use supported music services (Deezer, Tidal), certain tracks are mixed in Sony’s spatial format and can sound very immersive with these earbuds, including head tracking support. It’s more niche, but neat if you have it. Sony also offers EQ customization, adaptive sound control (it can learn your frequently visited locations and adjust ANC/ambient automatically), and speak-to-chat (music auto-pauses when you start talking, and resumes after a few seconds of silence) – the latter is great for quick exchanges, though some find it triggers accidentally if you hum or cough. Voice assistant-wise, Sony lets you choose either Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa as a default on Android, activated by a long touch. Or you can use the device default (Siri on iOS by long-pressing if connected to iPhone). One small gimmick: you can tap an earbud to instantly quick pair with a Windows PC (Swift Pair) or to initiate certain assistant routines if set up. Overall, Sony packs in features, and none are locked to only Sony phones or anything – they play nice with all.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II/Ultra: Bose’s main focus is on the listening experience rather than phone integration, since Bose doesn’t make phones. However, they’ve started to acknowledge multi-device users: the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd gen) now support Bluetooth 5.3 with true multipoint (connect two devices at once) soundguys.com. The original QC II did not – it could only remember multiple devices but not connect simultaneously soundguys.com. That was a pain point, so it’s good Bose fixed it. Bose also joined the Google Fast Pair bandwagon for quick Android pairing soundguys.com. As for special audio features, the Ultra adds Immersive Audio – this is Bose’s new spatial audio virtualization. It works with any content (music, movies, etc.) and can put you in a kind of surround sound environment. There are two settings: Still (optimized if you’re stationary) and Motion (if you’re moving your head around) theverge.com. It’s basically Bose’s answer to Apple spatial or Sony 360RA, but it doesn’t require specific content – it upmixes stereo to surround. Reviews said it’s fun but drains battery faster theverge.com. For voice assistants, Bose’s app lets you select Google Assistant or Alexa integration (so you can long-press to talk to them if paired to the respective device). If you’re on iPhone, a long-press can summon Siri by default. Bose also has some unique app features like custom EQ (now 5-band in the new app, whereas old was 3-band) soundguys.com. And Bose has Self Voice adjustable levels – you can control how much of your own voice you hear on calls. Bose’s ecosystem integration is perhaps weakest in that it doesn’t “favor” any phone brand – which can be a good thing. It works equally with Android and iOS (the Bose Music app is on both). If anything, Bose historically had slightly better synergy with iPhones (they only supported AAC and SBC codecs – no aptX on QC II, though they added aptX Adaptive in the Ultra) soundguys.com. Now with aptX Adaptive, the Ultra buds are friendlier to Android audiophiles too. So Bose covers all bases, but doesn’t have brand-specific tricks like Apple or Samsung do.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro/3 Pro: Samsung, like Apple, has its own ecosystem incentives. If you pair Buds2 Pro with a Samsung Galaxy phone, you unlock the Samsung Seamless Codec (which can give 24-bit audio). On other phones (Android or iPhone), the buds revert to standard codecs (AAC/SBC). Also, with a Samsung phone you get Auto Switch between your Galaxy devices (phone <-> tablet <-> laptop (if it’s Samsung) <-> TV) using your Samsung account, similar to AirPods switching with iCloud. It’s not as instant as Apple’s, but it works fairly well among Samsung gear. Another Galaxy exclusive: 360 Audio (with head tracking) – akin to Apple’s spatial, it works in certain apps to simulate surround sound when using a Samsung device. Samsung also integrated Bixby voice wake-up for those who (for some reason) use Bixby assistant – you can say “Hi Bixby” with the buds in and your phone will respond. If you prefer Google Assistant, you can’t have it always-listening, but you can long-press to invoke it (on Android you can set default assistant). There’s no dedicated app for iPhone for Buds2 Pro and later (Samsung discontinued iOS app support beyond Buds+). So on an iPhone, you’re stuck with default settings (which includes ANC on or off toggling via gestures, etc., but you can’t adjust things like touch control lock or update firmware). So not ideal for iOS. One more Samsung feature: SmartThings Find – if you lose the Buds, a Samsung phone can help locate them on a map via the SmartThings app (similar to Find My but arguably less extensive since it’s only other Samsung devices that help locate). And Buds have a “buzz” feature to ring them. As mentioned, Samsung doesn’t do multipoint (the official line is they don’t because it might conflict with the auto-switch feature). That’s a bummer if you want to connect, say, a phone and a Windows PC together – you cannot, unless one is Samsung then auto-switch tries to cover that scenario. So, Samsung buds are best used if you are all-in on Galaxy devices, where they become more than just generic earbuds – they become an extension of your Samsung ecosystem with seamless connectivity and extra features.

Sennheiser Momentum TW3/4: Being brand-agnostic, Sennheiser’s features revolve around audio customization and future-proofing. They support a wide range of codecs (aptX, aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC) theverge.com so they play well with any device – you’ll get at least one high-quality codec on both Android and iOS (AAC on iOS, aptX Adaptive on many Android). The MTW4 are also LE Audio ready – meaning when phones start enabling Bluetooth LE Audio, these earbuds can take advantage (potentially improving battery and allowing things like Auracast broadcast audio) theverge.com. This is forward-looking as not many earbuds have this yet. Sennheiser’s app allows things like custom EQ, sound zones (automatically changing sound profiles based on location), and even a listening test to personalize sound to your hearing. They also now support multipoint (at least the MTW4 do, per Verge listing) theverge.com, which is great for multi-device use. They don’t have any particular phone integration (no Fast Pair mention, though they likely support standard BT quick pairing). No spatial audio gimmicks either, beyond supporting whatever your phone does (e.g., if Android 13’s spatial audio works with any buds, they’d benefit). So Sennheiser’s appeal is: they give you the tools to get great sound and they work with pretty much anything, but they won’t magically hand-off between your devices or do some ecosystem trick for you. And that’s fine for many who just want a solid, versatile pair.

Jabra Elite 10: Jabra is known for catering to professionals and general users alike, and they pack features accordingly. Notably, multipoint support has been a Jabra hallmark – the Elite 10 can connect to two devices at once, making them perfect for, say, using with a work laptop and personal phone together soundguys.com. They also have Google Fast Pair for Android and Microsoft Swift Pair for PC, so connecting is quick. Jabra also integrated Spotify Tap – if you use Spotify on your phone, a double-tap on the earbud can resume your music instantly (without pulling out the phone) soundguys.com. For spatial audio, Jabra partnered with Dolby: the Elite 10 support Dolby Atmos with head tracking (works if you’re playing Atmos content from a compatible app/device) jabra.com jabra.com. This is pretty advanced – they are among the first earbuds (besides AirPods) to have head-tracking spatial audio that isn’t locked to a specific phone brand. They call the feature Jabra Spatial Sound. The reviews suggest it’s a cool experience for supported movies/music. On Android, these buds also support the native Android/Netflix spatial audio. For voice assistants, Jabra allows Google Assistant or Alexa wake-word integration (on Android you can set Alexa to respond to “Alexa”). They also work fine with Siri on iOS (via long press). Another Jabra plus: on-ear detection – auto-pause when you remove an earbud – and it’s available on any platform. Jabra doesn’t tie into any one ecosystem heavily, but they aim to support all – they even have a feature to connect to Bluetooth transmitters like inflight entertainment via their app (some older Jabra models had a flight mode for that). Durability is a feature: IP57 means you could use one earbud while swimming (though Bluetooth doesn’t travel in water well, so that’s limited). But if you drop them in mud or water, they’ll survive – giving them a leg up for adventurous users. They don’t have a “Find My” network or SmartThings find, but the Jabra app can show last known location and make the buds emit a tone if nearby, which is standard.

Beats Fit Pro: Being under Apple, they share many AirPods ecosystem features for iOS users. H1 chip gives instant pairing and iCloud syncing – so they’ll switch between your Apple devices quickly (almost as seamlessly as AirPods, perhaps a tad slower but generally good) soundguys.com soundguys.com. They support Spatial Audio with head tracking on iPhone just like AirPods (because they have the required gyroscope). They also support Audio Sharing with other Beats or AirPods – e.g., two people with AirPods/Beats can listen to one iPhone’s audio together. They show up in the Find My app; you can see their last location and ping the earbuds to play a sound soundguys.com. However, as noted, the Fit Pro case doesn’t have a U1 chip or speaker, so if you lose just the case, it won’t beep or give precise location – you’ll see it in Find My only when a bud is inside or when it was last connected. On Android, Beats provides a Beats app which is basically unheard of from Apple – this app lets Android users update firmware, change listening modes, and see battery levels soundguys.com. Beats Fit Pro also support Google Fast Pair on Android, meaning they pop up for quick connect, and they even integrate with Google’s Find My Device network, which is wild – the Verge noted the Beats Studio Buds Plus (which have a similar chip as Fit Pro) work with both Apple Find My and Google Find My Device natively theverge.com. So Beats are truly platform agnostic in that they play nice with Apple and Android. Of course, a few things are Apple-only: “Hey Siri” always-listening only works with iPhone; and automatic switching is an Apple-only trick (on Android, you’d have to pair to each device or manually switch). Also spatial audio on Beats only works with Apple source devices, though Android has its own spatial, Beats aren’t integrated to that. Still, Beats Fit Pro arguably give you the best of both worlds – a rare case of a product bridging ecosystems. They lack some of AirPods Pro 2’s very latest features (no adaptive transparency, etc.), but they have essentially everything AirPods Pro 1 had.

Google Pixel Buds Pro (2): These are Google’s equivalent to AirPods for the Pixel ecosystem. They support Fast Pair and will automatically appear in your list of devices on any Android you’re logged into (via Google account). They added Bluetooth multipoint as well, so Pixel Buds Pro can connect to, say, your laptop and phone at once theverge.com. One of Google’s big unique features is the Google Assistant integration: you can say “Hey Google” and the buds will trigger Assistant even if your phone is in your pocket (works on Android phones). Assistant can read out notifications, you can reply by voice, ask it to play specific music, etc. It’s very handy when your hands are full. Pixel Buds also have a long-press gesture that can read your latest notification or cycle through them. Google also showed off real-time translation with Pixel Buds (a Conversation Mode in the Translate app) – essentially, you can share one bud with a person and have a bilingual conversation where each hears the translation in their ear. It’s a neat party trick – not used daily by most, but it’s something only Pixel Buds/Assistant do. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 introduced features like “Gemini” AI integration theverge.com – this presumably allows you to have a conversation with Google’s LLM (like ChatGPT) via the buds and hear its responses, which is futuristic. Also, Pixel phones have Clear Calling that uses the Buds Pro’s mics to help filter background noise on phone calls (so the person you talk to hears you more clearly) theverge.com. Pixel Buds Pro also got a head-tracking spatial audio update for Pixel phones earlier in 2023. So if you have a Pixel phone and watch a movie on it, the Buds Pro can do spatial surround similar to AirPods on an iPhone. The limitation is that outside the Pixel/Android world, Pixel Buds become pretty basic – on an iPhone, you can only use them as standard Bluetooth headphones with ANC and default settings (Google doesn’t make a Pixel Buds app for iOS). So Apple users should steer clear. But for Android, especially Pixel devices, these buds really shine with deep integration.

At the end of the day, ecosystem integration might actually be the deciding factor for many buyers: If you’re an Apple user, AirPods Pro 2 or Beats (for a sportier option) give you those exclusive benefits (fast switching, spatial audio, Siri, Find My) that you won’t get with Sony/Bose. If you’re primarily Android, especially Pixel or a variety of devices, Sony or Pixel Buds or Jabra might serve you better than AirPods (which won’t be as configurable on Android). Samsung users might lean Buds Pro to get the most seamless experience with their Galaxy gear. And if you’re an audio purist or cross-platform user, maybe Sennheiser or Jabra – something that doesn’t favor any one brand – is best so you know you’re getting consistent support on whatever you use.

In a nutshell: AirPods Pro 2 are king within Apple’s realm theverge.com, Samsung Buds excel with Galaxy phones, Pixel Buds Pro are made for Pixel/Android with Google’s smarts theverge.com, Sony and Jabra play well with everything (and have multipoint which is a big plus for flexibility) soundguys.com soundguys.com, Beats aim to bridge Apple and Android (to some extent) theverge.com, Bose works solidly everywhere but without ecosystem bells & whistles (aside from now having multipoint) soundguys.com, and Sennheiser quietly does its own thing focusing on quality and broad compatibility theverge.com.

Pros and Cons of Each Product

Let’s distill each earbud into key pros and cons, based on the above comparisons and expert reviews:

Apple AirPods Pro 2 (2nd Gen)

• Pros: Seamless integration with Apple devices (instant pairing, auto-switching, Find My tracking) theverge.com. Improved sound with clear, balanced output theverge.com. Class-leading active noise cancellation nearly on par with Bose/Sony theverge.com. Excellent transparency mode that even dampens sudden loud noises theverge.com. Many advanced features (Adaptive Transparency, Spatial Audio head-tracking, hearing health features) in iOS ecosystem theverge.com theverge.com. Very comfortable and lightweight; includes XS ear tips for small ears theverge.com. Top-tier call quality for voice theverge.com. Case now with speaker and U1 chip for easy locating theverge.com. Reliable battery (6h ANC playback) and convenient MagSafe/Wireless charging theverge.com.
• Cons: Design is essentially unchanged from 2019 – not very different looking theverge.com. Sound, while improved, is still “not top tier” for audiophiles (lacks hi-res codec support) theverge.com. No manual EQ in iOS (limited sound customization). Lacks true multipoint (can’t play from two devices at once, only auto-switch). Works poorly on Android (no app, limited functionality outside Apple world). Pricey at MSRP (though often discounted) theverge.com.

Sony WF-1000XM5

• Pros: Outstanding sound quality – detailed, dynamic, with rich bass; among the best audio performance in earbuds theverge.com theverge.com. Best-in-class ANC, effectively eliminating noise on par with (or nearly matching) Bose theverge.com. Much smaller and more comfortable than previous generation, with secure fit foam tips theverge.com. Long battery life (~8 hours ANC on) – outlasts most competitors theverge.com. Supports high-resolution LDAC codec for audiophiles theverge.com. Multipoint Bluetooth lets you connect two devices simultaneously soundguys.com. Extensive features via app: customizable EQ, adaptive sound control, speak-to-chat, etc. Works well across Android, iOS, Windows (Fast Pair, Swift Pair supported). Good call quality improvement (clearer voice pickup) theverge.com theverge.com. Qi wireless charging case.
• Cons: Premium price ($299 MSRP) – among the most expensive soundguys.com. Glossy earbud finish can be slippery to handle theverge.com. Sony’s bonus software features (360 Reality Audio, etc.) aren’t widely used by all and can be complex to set up. No built-in “find my buds” network (only basic location in app). Some reports of potential battery degradation over time (to monitor). Foam tips may require occasional replacement as they wear out faster than silicone.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II / Ultra

• Pros: The best noise cancellation in any earbud – cancels an unparalleled amount of ambient noise theverge.com. Great for frequent flyers or noisy offices – creates a remarkably quiet experience. Rich, bass-strong sound that is energetic for casual listening soundguys.com. Comfortable fit for most once properly sized; unique eartip + stability band system to customize fit. Solid transparency (Aware Mode) with ActiveSense to soften loud noises theverge.com. Strong call quality, further improved in Ultra version with AI noise suppression soundguys.com. Premium build and feel. New Ultra case adds Qi wireless charging and multipoint connectivity (addressing previous model’s omissions) soundguys.com soundguys.com. Bose app provides adjustable EQ and other settings. IPX4 sweat-resistant for workouts.
• Cons: Expensive ($299, rarely discounted) soundguys.com. Sound tuning is bass-heavy by default – some audiophiles find it less faithful (needs EQ tweak) soundguys.com soundguys.com. No official app support on computers (mobile app only). Case is relatively large/bulky in pocket and, on QC II, lacked wireless charging (fixed in Ultra with separate case) theverge.com. Fit can be finicky – more fit issues reported for some users vs competitors until the right combo of tips/wings is found soundguys.com. Lacks fancy ecosystem integration: no “find my” network (aside from Bose’s app ring feature) and no auto-switching beyond new multipoint. Battery life is just average (~6h) soundguys.com, and immersive audio mode further reduces it theverge.com. Only black or white colors (limited personalization).

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro / Buds 3 Pro

• Pros: Excellent sound quality – balanced and detailed, with Buds 3 Pro noted as “terrific sound… right up there” with the best theverge.com theverge.com. Comfortable, compact design – especially Buds 2 Pro which are very small and lightweight; Buds 3 Pro stem design improved stability further theverge.com. Very good ANC performance for most noise (not top of class, but effective for daily use). Exceptionally clear and natural transparency mode theverge.com. Deep integration with Samsung Galaxy devices: seamless auto-switch between Samsung phone/tablet/TV, support for 24-bit Samsung Seamless Codec, and Dolby 360 Audio with head tracking on Galaxy phones. Hands-free voice commands without wake-word (“Hi Bixby…”) for Samsung users theverge.com. Strong water resistance (IPX7 for Buds2 Pro, IP57 for Buds3 Pro) – can handle sweat, rain, even brief submersion. Good call quality with advanced Voice Pickup Unit and machine-learning noise reduction. Typically priced a bit lower than Apple/Sony, and often bundled or discounted – a good value for Android owners. Wireless charging case included.
• Cons: Many advanced features are Samsung-only – on other Androids, no 24-bit codec, no auto-switch, no 360 head tracking. Virtually no support on iPhone (no iOS app, difficult to update firmware, etc.). ANC while good is “midtier” compared to class leaders theverge.com. No multipoint support (Samsung relies on their ecosystem auto-switch instead) – can’t connect to two devices at once which some find limiting theverge.com theverge.com. Battery life is decent but not remarkable (~5-6h ANC). Design-wise, Buds 2 Pro’s very compact form could cause slight pressure for some (though Buds3 Pro stems alleviated that). The glossy case can scratch easily. Bixby integration is there, but many prefer Google Assistant which isn’t as tightly integrated (no hotword).

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 / 4

• Pros: Fantastic sound quality – widely regarded as some of the best-sounding earbuds, with rich, detailed audio that satisfies audiophiles theverge.com. Wide codec support (aptX Adaptive, aptX, AAC, SBC) ensures high-quality audio on any platform theverge.com. Strong build quality and premium design (MTW4 comes in attractive colors like graphite/copper) theverge.com. Multipoint Bluetooth support in latest model for connecting two devices theverge.com. Good comfort, with optional ear fins for secure fit during workouts soundguys.com. Improved reliability and battery life in MTW4 – ~7.5h playback with ANC theverge.com. App offers lots of customization: EQ, sound personalization, transparency level, etc. Promised future support for Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast (future-proof features) theverge.com. Decent ANC performance – not best, but effective enough for most situations theverge.com. IPX4 splash resistant. Wireless charging case.
• Cons: Premium price (MTW4 $299) with fewer mainstream features at that price (e.g., ANC is only average, transparency is okay) theverge.com. Noise canceling “isn’t anything special” – falls short of leaders theverge.com. Case is a bit larger and the fabric can get dirty/wet more easily than plastic. No built-in find-my-case or tracking network (just basic “chirp” via app). The touch controls can be overly sensitive for some (though customizable). Sennheiser had some early software bugs in past models (MTW3) – though MTW4 reportedly fixed most reliability issues theverge.com. Lacks fancy spatial audio or multi-ecosystem tricks – it’s focused on core listening experience. If you’re not an audiophile, you might find cheaper earbuds have “good enough” sound plus more features.

Jabra Elite 10

• Pros: Extremely comfortable for long wear – unique semi-open design and oval shape reduce ear pressure, earning praise for “first class comfort.” techradar.com techradar.com Great secure fit without needing deep insertion, plus IP57 rugged waterproof rating – ideal for workouts and outdoor use (one of the toughest buds) jabra.com jabra.com. Strong ANC performance (especially Gen2 update, some of the best ANC on the market) soundguys.com. Excellent multipoint connectivity – seamlessly pair with two devices at once (work & personal, etc.) soundguys.com. Dolby Atmos Spatial Sound with head tracking provides immersive audio on supported content techradar.com. Clear call quality with Jabra’s multi-mic and audio heritage (great for voice calls) techradar.com. Good battery life (~6-7h ANC, ~27h total) and fast charging. Comprehensive controls (physical buttons, not touch – minimizes accidental presses). Cross-platform support: Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair, and Spotify Tap integration soundguys.com. Sound+ app allows adjustable HearThrough transparency, EQ, button remapping. Priced slightly lower than some competitors, making it a strong value for the feature set techradar.com techradar.com.
• Cons: Sound quality is good but not great for the price – tuning is fine for casual listening but “audio quality can be beat” by others in this class techradar.com soundguys.com (no high-res codec support either). Bulky charging case (larger than AirPods/Sony) techradar.com. No wireless charging on case (unexpected at this price point, if still true – Jabra’s specs didn’t list it). Design is a bit utilitarian – not the smallest or most discreet earbuds (they protrude slightly, and only available in conservative colors). Lacks any ecosystem-specific features – e.g., no automatic device switching beyond standard multipoint, and no built-in voice assistant hotword (though Google/Siri/Alexa can be triggered by button). Default sound profile may not wow audiophiles (some might want to EQ it to taste). Value of Dolby spatial audio feature depends on content availability (might be underutilized by some users). In short, a jack-of-all-trades earbud, but master-of-none in sound.

Beats Fit Pro

• Pros: Secure, locked-in fit thanks to integrated wing tips – excellent for sports and running, won’t fall out reddit.com. Good noise cancellation (on par with AirPods Pro gen1, nearly as good as AirPods Pro 2) soundguys.com. Balanced sound with plenty of bass kick – fun for workouts and general listening. Shares many Apple-only features: one-touch pairing, iCloud auto-switching between Apple devices, hands-free “Hey Siri” support soundguys.com reddit.com. Supports Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for movies/music on Apple devices (same immersive experience as AirPods) soundguys.com. Compatible with Find My network (shows in Find My app) and can play a sound if misplaced soundguys.com. Unlike AirPods, also Android-friendly: the Beats app on Android enables features and firmware updates soundguys.com, plus Fast Pair and even Find My Device support theverge.com. Solid battery life (6+ hours ANC, ~24h with case) soundguys.com. Physical button on each bud (the “b” logo) for reliable controls (no accidental touches). More color choices than AirPods (black, gray, purple, etc.). Lower cost than many competitors – a great value, often around $150 on sale reddit.com reddit.com.
• Cons: Wingtip can cause discomfort for some over long periods reddit.com – not everyone can wear them all day (better for <2 hour sessions). No wireless charging for the case (unlike AirPods Pro case) soundguys.com. No on-board volume swipe control (must use device or voice/Siri, though iOS 17 added a volume gesture via phone). Missing a few of Apple’s newest features (no Adaptive Transparency, no Conversation Awareness that AirPods Pro 2 have). The case also lacks the U1 locator chip and speaker – so you can’t precisely locate the case if it’s separated (will only show last known location with buds). Not truly multipoint – if you want to manually connect to two devices like an Android tablet and a Windows PC at once, you can’t (though the fast switching on Apple somewhat compensates). Sound, while very good, is not significantly better than AirPods Pro; some users find AirPods Pro 2 slightly superior in audio and comfort reddit.com. Ultimately, its main selling point is combining Apple ecosystem benefits with sport-friendly design – if you don’t need the wing tips, AirPods Pro might be preferable.

Google Pixel Buds Pro (and Pro 2)

• Pros: Deeply integrated with Android/Pixel features – seamless Fast Pair and device syncing across Android devices. Google Assistant built-in: hands-free “Hey Google” voice commands, real-time notifications, and translation features are industry-leading for smart features theverge.com. Comfortable design, especially 2nd Gen which is much smaller and lighter for a secure, all-day fit theverge.com. Very clear Transparency mode – among the best, making ambient sound extremely natural theverge.com. Multipoint connectivity – can connect to two devices and intelligently swap audio theverge.com. Strong battery life (7-8 hours ANC, beating many competitors) theverge.com theverge.com. Good sound quality that’s pleasant and bass-rich; 2nd Gen improves detail and clarity theverge.com. Spatial audio with head tracking supported on Pixel phones for immersive media. Exclusive Pixel-only perks: e.g. Conversation Mode and upcoming Gemini AI chat on Pixel 8, Clear Calling improvement on phone calls theverge.com. Case supports wireless charging. Priced a bit below some flagship competitors, and often on sale – a strong value for Android users.
• Cons: Best features limited to Android (especially Pixel phones) – on iPhone, these are essentially basic earbuds with ANC (no app, no Assistant, no special sauce). ANC is good but not top-tier; still a notch below Bose/Apple/Sony in absolute noise reduction theverge.com. No support for advanced Bluetooth codecs (SBC/AAC only) – so audiophiles might lament lack of aptX/LDAC theverge.com. The buds (gen1) were a bit bulky for some ears; gen2 fixes this but original users might have experienced fit issues (gen2 downsized addresses it). Lacks user-customizable EQ (though Google added a manual 5-band EQ in an update for gen1 – this might be solved now). No volume control on buds originally (but a firmware update added swipe volume control on Pixel Buds Pro). The initial Pixel Buds Pro had some connectivity hiccups reported early on (firmware updates mostly solved them). For non-Pixel Android devices, you might miss out on a few Pixel-exclusive software features (e.g. head tracking spatial audio is limited to Pixel phones). In summary, perfect for Pixel/Android, but not versatile across ecosystems.

Final Verdict: Which Earbuds Should You Choose?

After comparing AirPods Pro 2 vs the world, it’s clear there is no one-size-fits-all “winner” – the “best” true wireless earbuds of 2025 depend on your priorities and what devices you use. Here are our recommendations tailored to different types of users:

• Best for iPhone Users / Apple Ecosystem: Without a doubt, Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) are the top choice if you use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Their integration, from instant pairing to spatial audio and cross-device magic, is unbeatable theverge.com. You’ll also get top-tier ANC and excellent sound in the bargain theverge.com. AirPods Pro 2 are the “best choice for people who own Apple devices.” theverge.com They just work. Runner-up: Beats Fit Pro if you need a more secure gym-friendly option – you’ll sacrifice a bit of the latest tech, but save money and gain wing-tip stability, while still enjoying many Apple-only features.
• Best for Android Users (All-Rounder): Sony WF-1000XM5 gets our nod for best overall if you’re not tied to Apple. They offer an exceptional blend of sound quality, elite ANC, and comfort theverge.com soundguys.com. They work great across Android (and even on iOS/PC), plus have multipoint and hi-res codec support that many others lack theverge.com soundguys.com. Sony’s are frequently called the “best overall wireless earbuds” for good reason theverge.com. If you want something a bit cheaper with Google’s magic, the Pixel Buds Pro (2nd Gen) are a fantastic all-around choice for Android as well – especially for Pixel phone owners who will benefit from the extra features like Assistant and seamless multipoint theverge.com theverge.com.
• Best Noise Cancellation: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II/Ultra remain king for pure ANC performance theverge.com. If your main use case is drowning out noise (flights, city, office), Bose will impress with how silent they can get. They now also have multipoint and improved calling in the Ultra model soundguys.com soundguys.com. The sound is bassy and enjoyable, though not as refined as some. A very close second is Sony XM5, which also cancels noise brilliantly while perhaps being more well-rounded overall (and slightly more compact) theverge.com. But for the absolute quietest experience: Bose.
• Best Sound Quality (Audiophile Pick): Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3/4 wins for those who prioritize music quality above all. The “fantastic sound quality” and support for aptX Adaptive codec deliver an audiophile-grade listen theverge.com theverge.com. Every instrument and nuance comes through. Sennheiser’s buds are a joy for critical listening and genres like jazz, classical, or any music where detail matters. They don’t have the strongest ANC, but the audio is a cut above. If budget is no issue and you want the pinnacle of wireless audio fidelity, go Sennheiser. (Honorable mention: Sony XM5 again – it’s nearly as good in sound and offers LDAC hi-res support theverge.com, so it’s a close second here too.)
• Best for Work Calls and Multi-Device (Productivity): Jabra Elite 10 is an excellent choice if you frequently take calls or use your earbuds with multiple gadgets at once. Their microphone system is tuned for crystal-clear voice calls techradar.com – Jabra’s pro audio legacy shows here. Plus, with true multipoint, you can be connected to, say, your laptop and phone, ensuring you never miss a call while working on your PC soundguys.com. They’re also extremely comfortable for all-day wear in a work environment techradar.com. And when it’s time to relax, they have spatial audio for some Dolby Atmos fun. If you’re an on-the-go professional or remote worker, Jabra offers a great balance of business and pleasure.
• Best for Fitness and Running: Beats Fit Pro takes the crown for workout earbuds. The secure wingtip design keeps them locked in during intense movement reddit.com, and they’re durable and sweat-resistant. You also get ANC for tuning out gym noise and an energetic sound profile to keep you motivated. They integrate with Apple Watch and iPhone seamlessly – many runners love that they can just use their Apple Watch + Beats to listen to music on a run without bringing a phone. If you want over-ear hooks for maximum security, the newly released Powerbeats Pro 2 (with ear hooks) are another great choice specifically designed for sports theverge.com theverge.com, but those are larger. For most, the compact Beats Fit Pro hits the sweet spot of stability and convenience.
• Best for Samsung Galaxy Users: Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro / Buds 3 Pro are the obvious pick if you have a Samsung Galaxy device (or a whole family of them). They’re literally made to complement Galaxy phones and tablets – you’ll get the seamless auto-switching, the special Samsung 24-bit codec, and features like 360 Audio that integrate with Galaxy phone settings theverge.com theverge.com. Plus, you can control camera zoom or take photos remotely on some Samsung phones using the Buds as a shutter (neat trick for selfies). Their sound and comfort are also top-notch as discussed. Essentially, Galaxy Buds are to Samsung what AirPods are to Apple – they complete the Galaxy experience best.
• Best Value (Bang for Buck): Beats Studio Buds Plus deserve a mention here – while not in the main comparison above, they’re a mid-range earbud (~$169) that punches above their price. The Verge named them “the best earbuds if you own both Apple and Android devices” for their dual compatibility and improved performance theverge.com theverge.com. They have good (not AirPods-level) ANC and transparency, improved sound, and support Find My on iOS and Android theverge.com. If your budget is under $180, these are a versatile choice. However, among the ones we compared, if you find Pixel Buds Pro or Beats Fit Pro on sale, those can be incredible values, offering near-flagship performance for significantly less money. AirPods Pro 2 at $199 or less is also one of the best-value deals for iPhone users given how much you get theverge.com. And for audiophiles, the Sennheiser MTW3 often goes on sale under $200 – a steal for that sound quality.

In conclusion, AirPods Pro 2 are still the overall champion for Apple aficionados, delivering a top-notch mix of ANC, sound, and features in the Apple ecosystem theverge.com theverge.com. But “the world” has caught up fast: Sony’s WF-1000XM5 emerges as a brilliant all-around earbud that many consider the best in class across platforms theverge.com, Bose remains the go-to for the noise-cancelation purist theverge.com, Sennheiser caters to the audio connoisseur theverge.com, Google/Samsung buds serve their respective phone loyalists extremely well with unique integrations theverge.com theverge.com, Jabra provides comfort and versatility for power users, and Beats offers a fun, fitness-friendly twist on Apple tech. The good news is, in 2025 it’s hard to go wrong – even the “worst” of these premium options are pretty great. It really comes down to what fits your ears, your devices, and your listening habits best.

Bottom line: Choose the earbuds that align with the ecosystem and features you value most. If you’re an iPhone user – AirPods Pro 2 will likely delight you theverge.com. If you’re on Android and want the best mix of sound and silence – Sony XM5 is hard to beat theverge.com. Need absolute quiet – grab Bose theverge.com. Music lover first – Sennheiser theverge.com. Fitness enthusiast – Beats or Jabra. And if you’re deep into Pixel or Galaxy, Google’s or Samsung’s buds will feel like a natural extension of your phone. The “world” of wireless earbuds has never been better, and AirPods Pro 2 face worthy challengers at every turn – meaning consumers win, with a plethora of excellent choices in 2025’s true wireless lineup.

Sources:

• The Verge – “The best earbuds we’ve tested for 2025” theverge.com theverge.com theverge.com
• SoundGuys – Various product reviews and comparisons soundguys.com soundguys.com soundguys.com
• TechRadar – Jabra Elite 10 review techradar.com techradar.com
• Rtings – Best earbuds rankings (2025) theverge.com rtings.com
• CNET & others – (Implicitly referenced trends on integration and user experience)
• Manufacturer specs and press releases – Apple, Sony, Bose, Samsung, Sennheiser, Jabra, Beats, Google theverge.com soundguys.com theverge.com.