2025 Earbud Showdown: Best Wireless & Wired Earbuds Revealed 🚨🎧

• Flagship Noise-Cancelers Lead the Pack: Sony’s WF-1000XM5 and Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are widely hailed as class-leaders in 2025, offering top-tier sound and noise cancellation whathifi.com theverge.com. Sony’s XM5 deliver detailed, dynamic audio with improved comfort theverge.com, while Bose’s Ultra buds boast “dynamic, rich sound and the best ANC available” theverge.com.
• Apple’s Ecosystem King – With an Upgrade Imminent: The AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) remain the go-to choice for iPhone users, thanks to deep iOS integration, much-improved noise canceling, and unrivaled convenience features theverge.com theverge.com. Notably, Apple has unveiled the AirPods Pro 3 (launching September 19, 2025) with even better battery life, a built-in heart-rate sensor, and extra-small ear tips theverge.com – signaling Apple’s continued push into health and adaptive audio tech.
• New Contenders Impress (Technics, Google, Nothing): Audiophiles and reviewers are raving about the Technics EAH-AZ100, which combines a “sound that needs to be heard to be believed” with innovative triple-device connectivity – a world-first for earbuds techradar.com. Google’s comfortable Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer clear sound, “crystal-clear transparency” mode, and Pixel-exclusive AI features theverge.com theverge.com, making them a top pick for Android. Meanwhile, upstart brand Nothing has delivered “the best value buds you can get for the price” with its $99 Ear (a), packing active noise canceling, multipoint Bluetooth, and lively sound into a funky transparent design theverge.com techradar.com.
• Great Earbuds at Every Budget: It’s now “hard to buy a bad pair of wireless earbuds” theverge.com. In the budget tier, models under $100 like the Nothing Ear (a) and Anker Soundcore offer features (ANC, water resistance, gaming modes) once seen only in flagships theverge.com. Mid-range options ($100–$200) – from Beats Studio Buds+ to Cambridge Audio’s Melomania A100 – strike a rare balance of “premium features, long battery life and clear, detailed sound” at reasonable prices techradar.com. Premium models ($200 and up) from Sony, Bose, Sennheiser, Apple, Bowers & Wilkins and Technics compete fiercely on sound quality, noise-canceling, and smart features, giving discerning listeners plenty of choice at the top end.
• Specialized Picks for Every Use Case: The 2025 lineup includes standout earbuds tailored for specific needs: Commuters and travelers can enjoy near-silence with Bose’s market-best ANC or Sony’s immersive audio tweaks theverge.com. Fitness enthusiasts get secure-fit, sweatproof buds like the new Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 (now with ANC and heart-rate tracking) designed for workouts theverge.com theverge.com. For audiophile-grade listening, premium wireless sets (e.g. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4) and wired in-ear monitors (like Shure’s Aonic series or Sennheiser’s IE 900) deliver refined, balanced sound that “has to be heard to be believed” whathifi.com. And if crystal-clear call quality is priority, Apple’s AirPods and Samsung’s Galaxy Buds leverage advanced mics and AI noise reduction to shine on Zoom or phone calls theverge.com theverge.com.
• Emerging Trends in 2025: Earbuds are evolving beyond music – health and AI features are on the rise. Apple pioneered hearing wellness tools (turning AirPods Pro into over-the-counter hearing aids and sound level monitors) theverge.com, and now others are following suit. Fitness tracking is creeping in too: heart-rate sensors are “becoming relatively common” in buds theverge.com (the Powerbeats Pro 2 being a prime example theverge.com). Additionally, brands are leveraging exclusive ecosystem perks – e.g. Samsung’s handy voice assistant controls, Google’s new Gemini AI chat directly via Pixel Buds, and Apple/Beats offering seamless cross-device switching theverge.com theverge.com. On the tech front, Bluetooth LE Audio and lossless codecs (LDAC, aptX Adaptive/Lossless) are increasingly supported, promising higher fidelity and even broadcast audio sharing (Auracast) for enabled earbuds theverge.com techradar.com. Finally, industry shake-ups like Jabra’s exit from the consumer earbud market theverge.com highlight how competitive this space has become – yet also open room for new players and innovative designs (just look at Nothing’s flashy yellow Ear (a) and Beats’ throwback translucent buds).

Premium Wireless Earbuds (Flagship Models)

When it comes to premium true wireless earbuds, 2025’s top offerings deliver remarkable noise-cancellation, luxurious sound quality, and a suite of smart features. Sony, Bose, and Apple remain the big three to beat – but they’re not alone. Here we compare the best high-end models, each excelling in different ways:

• Sony WF-1000XM5: Overall Best-in-Class. Sony’s flagship noise-canceling earbuds have won widespread acclaim as perhaps “Sony’s most accomplished and detailed wireless earbuds to date” whathifi.com. The WF-1000XM5 refine an already excellent formula: they’re 25% smaller than the XM4, improving comfort for long listening theverge.com. Thanks to new drivers and processors, their sound is more detailed, dynamic and warm than ever, and the active noise cancellation (ANC) is nearly on par with Bose’s legendary QuietComfort line theverge.com. The XM5 also greatly improved call quality (a past Sony weakness) theverge.com, and added welcome perks like Bluetooth multipoint (two devices at once) and support for high-bitrate LDAC codec on Android theverge.com. Battery life is solid at ~8 hours per charge with ANC on theverge.com. If you want a no-compromise pair that excels in music, commuting, and everyday use, the XM5 sit at the top of many lists for good reason theverge.com.
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): Noise-Canceling King. Bose’s latest QuietComfort Ultra (replacing 2022’s QC Earbuds II) are laser-focused on pure ANC performance. Reviewers agree Bose still sets the bar for shutting out noise – these deliver an uncanny silent “bubble” that’s a godsend on airplanes and city streets techradar.com techradar.com. Sound quality got a boost, too: Bose tuned them with a lively, mid-forward balance (vocals really shine) and deep bass. As What Hi-Fi? notes, “if silence is imperative, look to the Bose buds” techradar.com – yet they’re also “hugely impressive” at drawing out musical detail rtings.com. The QC Ultras have improved comfort (smaller buds with stability tips) and now support Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive codec for high-quality streaming rtings.com. Battery life (~6 hours ANC on) and water resistance (IPX4) are merely average, and they lack multipoint connectivity. But for frequent flyers or commuters who demand the very best noise-canceling, Bose remains in a league of its own – “the best ANC available” in any earbuds theverge.com.
• Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C case): Best for Apple Users. Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 might not top the specs charts on paper, but within the Apple ecosystem they’re unbeatable for convenience and user experience. The second-gen Pros stepped up with much stronger ANC and noticeably improved sound versus the original theverge.com – narrowing the gap with Sony and Bose. They remain the most comfortable buds for many, thanks to a lightweight design and excellent ear tip fit options (XS to L) theverge.com. Where AirPods Pro truly shine is integration: instantaneous pairing, automatic device switching across your iCloud gadgets, Spatial Audio with dynamic head-tracking for immersive movies, audio sharing between two sets of AirPods, and Precision Finding for the case via Apple’s U1 chip theverge.com. They also have unique goodies like Adaptive Transparency (softens sudden loud noises) and even hearing health features that can serve as basic hearing aids theverge.com. For voice calls, AirPods’ microphones and noise suppression are top-tier, often considered the gold standard for phone call clarity on iPhone. Simply put, if you’re an iPhone user, the AirPods Pro 2 provide a seamless experience that competitors can’t fully replicate. (Note: Apple’s just-announced AirPods Pro 3 will add even more, including longer battery life, an extra-small “XXS” ear tip, built-in heart-rate sensors, and further bass/ANC improvements theverge.com – something to keep in mind if you crave the absolute latest.)
• Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4: Audiophile Sound. Sennheiser’s Momentum series has long been about sonic excellence, and the fourth-gen Momentum True Wireless (released early 2024) are no exception. Praised for their “fantastic sound quality” theverge.com, these buds deliver a rich, detailed listening experience that “stands above nearly all competitors” for audio purists theverge.com. Their warm yet clear tuning makes music truly enjoyable – “a joy to listen to,” with lush bass and intricate highs that audiophiles appreciate theverge.com. Sennheiser also fixed past bugs and battery issues, so the MTW4 are more reliable day-to-day theverge.com. They support a wide range of codecs (AAC, AptX Adaptive, etc.) and are among the first with Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast broadcast support, future-proofing them for lossless streaming and new wireless features theverge.com. The ANC on these isn’t class-leading – it’s decent but “isn’t anything special” compared to Apple/Sony/Bose theverge.com. However, for those who prioritize sound quality over absolute noise reduction, Sennheiser’s tuning is hard to beat. They also include bonus wing tips for a secure fit (so you can even use them for light workouts) theverge.com. If hearing every nuance in your music is the goal, the Momentum TW4 should be high on your list.
• Technics EAH-AZ100: Premium Dark Horse. New for 2025, Technics (Panasonic’s hi-fi audio brand) came out swinging with the AZ100, immediately leapfrogging into the top tier of wireless earbuds. Rtings.com ranks them as the best wireless earbuds they’ve tested to date rtings.com. TechRadar likewise gushes that the AZ100 “solidif[y] Technics’ spot at the top of the wireless earbuds tree”, winning in “almost every respect” techradar.com. What’s so special? For one, sound quality: the Technics are tuned to perfection, with balanced, vibrant audio that’s “exciting and thoroughly musical” techradar.com. Reviewers note nothing sounds artificial – it’s a very natural yet dynamic presentation techradar.com, rivaling even Sennheiser and B&W’s audiophile offerings. They also pack adaptive ANC that’s extremely effective (just shy of Bose’s level) and have an industry-first party trick: Triple-point Bluetooth connectivity, allowing seamless switching between three devices at once techradar.com. Add to that a sleek, compact build (smaller than last year’s Technics AZ80) and a respectable 8+ hour battery life, and you have a winner. The only downsides noted were that battery life isn’t class-leading and that you should keep ANC on for best sound (apparently the bass loses a bit of punch with ANC off) techradar.com. Overall, the Technics AZ100 are a compelling choice for those who want top-tier sound with cutting-edge features – they “made a rock-solid case for themselves” among 2025’s elite buds techradar.com.
• Bowers & Wilkins Pi8: Luxury Listening. British hi-fi stalwart Bowers & Wilkins entered the wireless earbud race with the Pi8, and they’ve quickly become What Hi-Fi’s “best for audiophiles” pick whathifi.com. A What Hi-Fi Awards winner, the Pi8 are lauded as B&W’s “most refined, detailed and enjoyable wireless earbuds to date” whathifi.com. Their sonic signature is all about “lashings of detail and insight” – during testing, reviewers were hugely impressed by how the Pi8 could tease out subtle nuances in recordings that other earbuds gloss over whathifi.com. Build quality is sumptuous (metal and high-grade plastics), the look is elegant, and they’re comfortable for long sessions whathifi.com. The Pi8 support the latest aptX Adaptive codec for high-res wireless audio, and dual drivers in each bud (separating bass and mid-treble) for clarity. Their noise canceling is solid, though not quite on Bose/Sony level. With a premium price (around $350), the Pi8 are aimed at die-hard music lovers who are willing to pay for that extra bit of sonic refinement and B&W pedigree. If you’re chasing the best sound in true wireless and don’t mind paying for it, the Pi8 demand a listen.

Summary – Premium Tier: At the top of the market, choice comes down to your priorities. If you want the most balanced all-rounder, Sony’s WF-1000XM5 arguably offer the best mix of sound, ANC, and features for most people. If absolute silence is golden, Bose’s QC Ultra still can’t be beat for noise cancellation. Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 are the obvious pick for Apple aficionados who value seamless integration (and the upcoming AirPods Pro 3 will extend that lead). Audiophiles have great options in the Technics AZ100, Sennheiser MTW4, and B&W Pi8, which trade blow-for-blow on pristine sound. And notably, competition is fiercer than ever – even lesser-known players (Technics, B&W) are now topping charts alongside the usual giants techradar.com. The good news: premium earbuds in 2025 are uniformly excellent, and it’s harder than ever to go wrong with any of these flagships theverge.com.

Mid-Range Wireless Earbuds ($100–$200)

The mid-tier is arguably the sweet spot for many buyers – prices here are more palatable than flagship models, yet you can still get excellent performance and features that were top-of-the-line just a couple years ago. In 2025, the mid-range (~$100 to $200) is packed with refreshed models and even some “flagship killers” offering premium tricks for less. Here are the standout picks:

• Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: Google’s sophomore effort at a Pro earbud (launched mid-2024) corrected many flaws of the original. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 earned a stellar 9/10 review score from The Verge theverge.com, largely due to their supreme comfort (the new design is much smaller, lighter, and includes a stabilizing nub for a secure fit) theverge.com theverge.com. They deliver “very pleasant and detailed sound quality”, with a balanced audio profile that suits all genres theverge.com. Their ANC got a power boost (though still a notch below Bose’s level) and the transparency mode is among the very best – providing a “crisp, natural passthrough” of outside sounds when you need it theverge.com theverge.com. For Pixel phone owners, these buds unlock some cool exclusive tricks: hands-free Google Assistant and voice commands, “Gemini” AI integration (letting you chat with Google’s AI assistant via the earbuds), and head-tracking spatial audio on Pixel devices theverge.com. They also support multipoint pairing and boast a class-leading 8-hour battery life with ANC on theverge.com theverge.com. The main drawback is Google’s stubborn omission of any higher-bitrate codec (no LDAC/aptX – they stick to AAC/SBC), which limits fidelity a bit theverge.com. But unless you’re an audio purist, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are an outstanding mid-range choice – especially if you live in Android/Pixel land. They’re comfy enough to wear all day, smart enough to feel futuristic, and good enough in sound and ANC to satisfy most listeners.
• Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: Samsung’s answer in this range, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro (released late 2024), are another highly rated all-rounder typically priced around $170–$200. They build on the successful Buds 2 Pro with incremental improvements. Sound quality is a highlight – “terrific sound” with well-tuned balance and support for Samsung’s 24-bit hi-fi audio when paired to a Galaxy phone theverge.com. The Buds 3 Pro also feature a remarkably natural transparency mode and unique hands-free voice commands (you can just say “Hi Bixby” or use wake words to control settings, no button press needed) theverge.com theverge.com. For calls, Samsung improved the mic arrays, and The Verge notes call quality is “good” on these buds theverge.com – they even have a nifty feature where the buds can detect when you’re speaking and automatically switch from ANC to ambient mode. The noise cancellation is decent but still “midtier” – not as powerful as the best (Samsung seems to prioritize not having pressure discomfort over max attenuation) theverge.com. One downside: like many Samsung audio products, they don’t do true multipoint except with Samsung’s own ecosystem (though they have auto-switch between Samsung devices). And while they work fine with any Bluetooth source, you get the most benefits (the special Samsung codec, etc.) if you own a Galaxy device. Overall, for Android users (particularly Samsung phone owners) wanting a comfortable, feature-rich earbud with great sound, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are an easy recommendation. They illustrate how Google, Samsung, and Apple are now all on a very competitive footing – each brand’s flagship buds are “within spitting distance of each other” in performance theverge.com, so the best choice often comes down to ecosystem and personal preference.
• Beats Studio Buds Plus: Beats (owned by Apple) has carved out a nice mid-range niche with the Studio Buds Plus, introduced in 2023 as an upgrade to the original Studio Buds. Initially $169 (and often on sale around $130 or less now theverge.com theverge.com), they deliver a lot of bang for the buck. The Studio Buds+ improved on its predecessor with notably better sound, stronger ANC, and longer battery life theverge.com – closing much of the gap with pricier AirPods. They also come in a cool translucent black design that scores major style points (arguably one of the most distinctive looks, if that matters to you) theverge.com theverge.com. With an IPX4 rating and tiny, secure fit, these are great everyday buds for both music and workouts. A key selling point: unlike AirPods, which are optimized for Apple, the Studio Buds+ use a dual-protocol chip to play nice with both iOS and Android. That means they support one-tap pairing and Find My device tracking on both platforms – a rarity theverge.com. So if you carry an iPhone for work and an Android for personal, for example, Beats has you covered. The trade-offs? They lack some of the fancier Apple-only features (no spatial audio head-tracking, no auto-pause when removed, etc.) theverge.com. And while the ANC and transparency are solid, they’re still a step below the AirPods Pro or Galaxy Buds in effectiveness theverge.com. No wireless charging either. But given their comfort, balanced sound, and cross-platform smarts, the Beats Studio Buds+ emerge as one of the best mid-range choices – especially for those living a multi-OS life or who simply love that ’90s translucent vibe.
• Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: Another Beats entry, the new Powerbeats Pro 2 (launched in early 2025) targets the fitness crowd at the upper-mid price point ($249 MSRP, often ~$200 on sale) theverge.com. These are the long-awaited sequel to 2019’s popular Powerbeats Pro, and they retain the signature ear-hook design that hooks over your ear for maximum stability during vigorous exercise theverge.com. Beats managed to slim down both the ear hooks and the charging case significantly, making the Pro 2 much more pocketable and comfortable theverge.com. Impressively, they added active noise canceling and transparency mode this time (the originals had neither) theverge.com, so you’re not sacrificing modern features for the workout-centric form. The sound quality remains powerful and bass-rich (great for pumping you up on a run), and battery life is a strong ~8 hours (ANC on) – plenty for marathon training sessions theverge.com. A unique addition: the Powerbeats Pro 2 include built-in heart rate sensors in each earbud, allowing fitness tracking without a smartwatch theverge.com. You can pair them with apps like Nike Run Club or Peloton to live-monitor your heart rate. (However, be aware: due to a quirky limitation, they can’t broadcast heart rate to gym equipment while playing music on iPhone – it works on Android though theverge.com.) As a Beats/Apple product, iPhone users get perks like hands-free Siri, audio sharing, and Find My integration, while Android users can use the Beats app for basic customization theverge.com. All told, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are one of the best workout earbuds available, period – now you don’t have to choose between a secure fit and ANC, you get both. If your life includes lots of running, gym, or outdoor activity, these are worth the mid-range splurge for the comfort and reliable stay-put design alone.
• Cambridge Audio Melomania A100: For those seeking something a little different in the mid-range, the Melomania A100 from British audio outfit Cambridge Audio is turning heads. Priced around $150, these just launched in 2025 and immediately became TechRadar’s “best mid-range earbuds” pick techradar.com techradar.com. What stands out is their sound tuning – Cambridge Audio brought their hi-fi heritage to the table, and it shows. The A100 deliver “impressive clarity and energy across the board,” with a balanced sound that avoids the bloated bass or muffled mids that often plague mid-tier buds techradar.com. In fact, TechRadar notes they “offer a rare mix of premium features, long battery life and clear, detailed sound, all at a mid-range price that feels like a steal.” techradar.com They support high-end codecs like LDAC and even aptX Lossless, which is nearly unheard of at this price techradar.com. Battery life is excellent (up to 9 hours per charge, ~36 with case) and they include active noise cancellation that, while not class-leading, is very competent. The design is no-nonsense – black, ergonomic, and low-profile in the ear. They don’t have all the bells of bigger brands (no app with custom EQ as of writing, for instance), but for pure audio quality per dollar, Cambridge’s Melomania A100 make a strong case. They’re a great option for someone who values sound fidelity but doesn’t want to pay $300+ for Sennheisers or B&Ws – in many ways, they deliver a similar experience for half the price, which is exactly Cambridge’s goal.
• Nothing Ear (2): Following the budget Ear (a), Nothing also has the Ear (2) positioned in the mid/high-mid range (~$149). While we’ll cover the budget model next, it’s worth mentioning the Ear (2) here because it offers upgrades like LHDC/LDAC hi-res codec support, personalized sound tuning profiles, and wireless charging that the cheaper model lacks. The Ear (2) has gotten positive reviews for punching above its weight in sound quality while still sporting that unique transparent design. If you like the Nothing vibe but want a step up, the Ear (2) is one to consider – though frankly, the new Ear (a) at $80–$99 is such a bargain now that it overshadows its big brother for value.
• Others: This category is crowded, so honorable mentions include the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2, which sadly may be the last of its line since Jabra announced it’s exiting consumer earbuds theverge.com. The Elite 10 (Gen2) are excellent all-around (great fit, sound, multipoint), but with Jabra winding down consumer support, they’re a bit hard to recommend over the likes of Pixel Buds or Beats which will have longer-term updates. Audio-Technica and AKG released some mid-priced earbuds in 2024 with audiophile tuning (for example, AKG N400 series), and those can be good choices for sound-first buyers. And if you’re an Apple user on a mid-range budget, note that the new AirPods 4 (non-Pro, 4th generation) are priced around $130–$180 depending on configuration, and for the first time Apple even offers an AirPods 4 variant with ANC. Those AirPods 4 won’t cancel noise or fit as securely as the Pro, but they come with improved sound and a nifty “voice isolation” feature that “uses machine learning to eliminate background noise” on calls theverge.com – making them a solid pick for those who prefer the classic AirPods hard-tip design.

Summary – Mid-Range: The mid-tier has something for everyone. Android users can’t go wrong with Pixel Buds Pro 2 or Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, which now rival the premium brands in comfort and capability. Cross-platform folks or style-conscious buyers have the Beats Studio Buds+ offering a lot of bang for buck (and color). Fitness buffs in this range have the Powerbeats Pro 2 as a top choice for workouts. And if sound quality per dollar is your mantra, newcomers like the Cambridge Melomania A100 (and to an extent, Nothing Ear 2) prove you can get detailed, high-fidelity audio and features like LDAC without cracking $150 techradar.com. The mid-range in 2025 is probably the sweet spot – you’re getting trickle-down tech from the flagships (spatial audio, high-end codecs, solid ANC) at half the price, which is fantastic for consumers.

Budget Wireless Earbuds (Under $100)

Not long ago, “budget earbuds” were synonymous with tinny sound, zero noise cancellation, and shoddy build. Not so in 2025. Today’s sub-$100 and sub-$50 earphones can be shockingly capable, often including features like ANC and water resistance once reserved for premium models. If you’re shopping on a tighter budget, here are the top picks that punch well above their price:

• Nothing Ear (a): Best Budget Earbuds Overall. London-based startup Nothing has done it again with the Ear (a) – these new buds (the “a” stands for “Affordable”) deliver an astounding feature set for just $99 (and they’ve even been on sale for ~$80 lately) techradar.com. It’s no exaggeration to say they offer flagship-like specs at a budget price: you get active noise cancellation, a good transparency mode, multipoint Bluetooth pairing, low-latency mode for gaming, IP54 dust/water resistance, wireless hi-res audio via LDAC codec, and a slick app with EQ controls theverge.com techradar.com. All that in a tiny translucent case and three fun color options (black, white, or a bright yellow) techradar.com. As TechRadar puts it, “at this price, this is the best noise-blocking power we’ve heard” techradar.com, and the sound is “as detailed and agile as you could want…great fun to listen to.” techradar.com In fact, the Ear (a) originally launched closer to mid-range pricing, but after price drops they’ve become an unrivaled value. The only notable downsides: no wireless charging, and battery life is a modest ~5.5 hours with ANC on (about average for cheap buds, but some competitors last longer) techradar.com techradar.com. But those feel minor when you consider you’re getting ANC and sound quality on par with earbuds twice the cost. If you want the most bang for your buck, Nothing Ear (a) are a clear winner in 2025 – they “rocket the company from audio also-ran to ‘best value buds’” in the eyes of reviewers techradar.com.
• Anker Soundcore Space A40: Anker’s Soundcore line is known for aggressively priced gear with top features, and the Space A40 is a prime example (often ~$80). These compact true wireless buds include adaptive ANC that Rtings says “punches way above their price” rtings.com – they can even rival some $150 models in noise reduction. They also support LDAC for high-res audio, have a customizable EQ in the Soundcore app, and get around 8 hours of battery (quite good for this segment). Sound is tuned crowd-pleasing: boosted bass but still clear in the mids and highs (and tweakable). Plus, Anker typically throws in extras like wireless charging and multi-point connectivity, making the A40 one of the most feature-packed under-$100 options. If you can’t snag the Nothing Ear (a), the Space A40 are an excellent alternative, especially for Android users wanting LDAC support on the cheap.
• JBL Vibe Buds / Vibe Beam: JBL (under Samsung) has several budget entries; the Vibe Buds (usually around $50) and Vibe Beam (~$70) deserve mention as reliable low-cost picks. The Vibe Buds in particular were highlighted by Rtings as the “best budget wireless earbuds” (though note: they do not have ANC) rtings.com. What you get is JBL’s signature sound – strong bass, warm mids – and a very comfortable fit with decent battery life (~8 hours). They’re a solid choice if you value sound and comfort over features. But if you want noise canceling under $100, something like Soundcore or Ear (a) is better.
• SoundPEATS Life / Tozo T6: The ultra-budget Chinese brands like SoundPEATS, Tozo, TaoTronics etc. continue to flood Amazon with $30–$50 models. A few are surprisingly good: for instance, the TOZO T6 (often ~$25) is one of Amazon’s best-sellers and offers satisfactory sound and even some water resistance (IPX7). Rtings mentions the TOZO T6 as a decent alternative to JBL for those on a strict budget, noting they isolate a bit more noise passively rtings.com. SoundPEATS Life and Q35 HD are other sub-$50 models that include active noise canceling – albeit not nearly as effective as pricier sets, but hey, under $50 with ANC is still notable.
• Wired-bud wild card – Apple EarPods: Believe it or not, the humble EarPods (yes, the old-school wired earbuds that Apple used to include with iPhones) still deserve a shout for call quality. They cost under $20 and have fallen out of fashion, but Rtings tests found that their in-line mic actually outperforms many wireless earbuds at picking up clear voice audio, simply because it’s closer to your mouth rtings.com rtings.com. Of course, EarPods are not wireless (you’ll need a headphone jack or a Lightning/USB-C adapter) and they have an open fit that leaks sound both ways. But for someone who just needs a dirt-cheap, reliable headset for calls or Zoom on a laptop, an old pair of EarPods can still do the trick – a testament to how sometimes the basics get the job done.

Summary – Budget Tier: The sub-$100 category in 2025 is immensely impressive. Our top recommendation is the Nothing Ear (a) for its unheard-of combo of ANC, multipoint, and vibrant sound under $100 theverge.com. If that’s unavailable, Anker’s Soundcore models or budget offerings from JBL, SoundPEATS, etc., can still provide very satisfying performance. You will be making some trade-offs at this level (maybe shorter battery, less refined mic quality, or no frills like wireless charging), but the core experience – enjoyable music with no wires – is very much attainable on a budget now. The gap between budget and premium has closed significantly; as one review put it, “you don’t need to spend big to find great value” anymore theverge.com.

Wired Earbuds and In-Ear Monitors (For Audio Purists)

While wireless earbuds dominate the headlines, it’s worth remembering that wired earphones (yes, the kind with a cable!) still exist and even thrive in certain niches. Audiophiles often prefer wired in-ear monitors (IEMs) for their superior sound-per-dollar and zero latency. And some users simply don’t want to worry about charging buds or dealing with Bluetooth. In 2025, wired earbuds range from $20 throwaways to $1000+ luxury IEMs that can reveal every detail in high-resolution audio. Here are a few top picks and insights in the wired realm:

• Shure Aonic 3: Best Overall Wired Earbuds (What Hi-Fi Awards Winner). If you’re seeking high-fidelity sound in a small package, Shure’s Aonic 3 hit a sweet spot. Priced around $199, these wired IEMs are praised for being “breathtakingly musical and comfy to wear,” setting “a new benchmark for wired earbuds.” whathifi.com They use a single balanced armature driver per ear, tuned expertly to deliver a very balanced, insightful sound. Unlike many bass-heavy consumer tunings, the Aonic 3 present music with clarity and realism – great for jazz, acoustic, classical, or any genre where detail matters. They’re also extremely light and low-profile, virtually disappearing in your ears (great for travel or sleeping use). The downside? No frills – no mic or controls on the base Aonic 3 (though Shure sells optional cables with in-line remotes), and obviously you’ll need a phone with a headphone jack or a dongle. But for pure audio quality in a tiny earphone, Aonic 3 are hard to beat and have won What Hi-Fi? Awards every year since 2020 for that reason whathifi.com.
• SoundMagic E11C / E50 / E80: If $150+ is too steep, fear not – there are fantastic budget wired options. The SoundMagic E11C (around $40) has been an enduring favorite, offering a very enjoyable sound and even an in-line mic/remote. Its sibling E50 and E80 go for a more neutral audiophile tuning at slightly higher price. These consistently make “best cheap earphones” lists for their durability and sound quality that embarrasses many cheap wireless sets. In fact, What Hi-Fi called SoundMagic’s buds “an absolute bargain” that are “entertaining and upfront” in sound whathifi.com. For anyone who doesn’t mind the wire, a SoundMagic or similar (1MORE Triple Driver is another at ~$70) can deliver serious audio bang-for-buck.
• Shure Aonic 5 and Sennheiser IE 900: On the higher end, if you truly want the ultimate earbud sound, you venture into premium IEM territory. The Shure Aonic 5 ($500) and Sennheiser IE 900 ($1300) are exemplars here. The Aonic 5 uses triple drivers per ear and is lauded as “masters of musicality” that will scale with a good audio player/DAC whathifi.com. The Sennheiser IE 900, meanwhile, is a single dynamic driver marvel that can reveal layers in music you never knew existed – but you pay dearly for that last 5% of performance. What Hi-Fi says of the IE 900: “if you have a good enough source, the IE 900 more than justify the outlay” whathifi.com. These kinds of wired IEMs are for audiophile enthusiasts who might sit and listen critically to high-resolution audio files, rather than for casual on-the-go use (though of course you can use them anywhere if you don’t mind the cable).
• USB-C Wired Buds: One new sub-category is USB-C earbuds – wired buds that plug directly into a phone’s USB-C port (handy now that 3.5mm jacks are nearly extinct on phones). A top pick here is the SoundMagic E80D, which is basically the E80 wired earphones but terminating in USB-C. For about $50, you get the convenience of plug-and-play digital audio (no dongle needed) and the same great sound SoundMagic is known for whathifi.com. Just note that USB-C wired earbuds may not work on every device (they rely on the phone supporting USB-C audio out), but most modern Androids and iPads do. They can be a great solution if you want reliability of wired (no battery, no Bluetooth glitches) for things like conference calls or watching videos without audio lag.

When to choose wired? If you’re an audio purist, wired IEMs still offer the absolute best sound quality especially for the price – no wireless codec compression, no battery noise, and you can plug into high-end headphone amps for even better fidelity. They also have zero latency, which gamers and musicians appreciate (no Bluetooth delay). And you never have to worry about charging them. However, you give up the freedom of movement, and many phones need an adapter to use them. For everyday convenience, wireless rules – but it’s nice that for those who want it, the wired market is alive and well with excellent choices in 2025. As one expert said about the Shure Aonic wired models: “few serious rivals at this level [of sound]” exist in wireless whathifi.com – which suggests that the old-school earphone isn’t going away in the audiophile world.

Best Earbuds by Use Case (Commuting, Sports, Calls, and More)

We’ve looked at categories by price and wired/wireless, but it’s also important to consider your specific use case. The “best” earbud for a studio-monitor experience isn’t the best for a marathon runner, and vice versa. Below we break down some top earbud choices by common scenarios:

• Best for Commuting & Travel (ANC Champs): If your priority is drowning out engine roar, subway screech, and office chatter, go for earbuds with industry-leading ANC. The top picks here are Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and Sony WF-1000XM5. Bose’s are famously effective at creating a silent cocoon – perfect for flights and noisy commutes techradar.com. Sony’s aren’t far behind and have a slightly more compact design plus better battery life, making them great travel companions too theverge.com theverge.com. Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 also deserve mention – their ANC improved so much that they now rank up with Sony and Bose, especially at cutting out everyday frequencies theverge.com. A dark horse: Devialet Gemini II, a pricey boutique option, reportedly has “remarkable noise isolation that blocks out everything from train rumbles to A/C whines” rtings.com. If you really want quiet in a small earbud, those are an option (albeit with a luxury price tag). One more tip: if ultimate noise elimination is critical and you’re not set on earbuds, consider over-ear noise-canceling headphones (like the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones) which still generally beat any earbud at ANC due to their size advantage theverge.com. But among earbuds, 2025’s models have closed the gap significantly – a pair of Bose or Sony in-ears will genuinely impress you when that airplane takes off and you barely hear a thing.
• Best for Sports & Workouts (Secure and Durable): For running, gym, and outdoor adventures, fit and toughness trump audiophile sound. The new Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 is tailor-made for this, with its over-ear hooks ensuring they won’t fall out even on sprints or HIIT sessions theverge.com. They’re IPX4 sweat-resistant and have physical buttons (volume rocker, etc.) that are easy to use mid-workout theverge.com. If you prefer a more compact form, the Beats Fit Pro (with bendable wingtips) are another great secure-fit choice, as are the Jabra Elite 8 Active (if you can find them – Jabra’s last consumer active model, featuring IP68 dust/water-proofing, basically almost indestructible). Bose’s older Sport Earbuds and the more recent Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II with stability bands are also worth considering for a blend of good sound and decent fit. On the budget end, look at ear-hook Bluetooth earbuds like the Soundcore Sport X10 or JBL Endurance series – they might not have ANC or stellar sound, but they stay put and survive sweat. One trend: some fitness earbuds now pack health sensors – as noted, the Powerbeats Pro 2 has heart-rate monitoring built-in theverge.com. Expect more of that in the future (we may soon see earbuds measuring VO2 max, steps, etc.). But fundamentally, for sports you want something comfortable, secure, and ideally with at least an IPX4 or higher rating to handle sweat/rain theverge.com. And if you do heavy weightlifting or floor exercises, the ear-hook style (Powerbeats) can be advantageous as they relieve pressure from your ear canal compared to in-ear-only designs.
• Best for Audiophile Listening: When you want to sit back and just enjoy the music with the highest fidelity, a few models rise above. In wireless, the Technics EAH-AZ100 and Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 are tuned for discerning ears – reviewers say the Technics have an engaging yet smooth sound that some may actually prefer over the Bose/Sony for pure music enjoyment rtings.com, and the B&W Pi8 as mentioned deliver heaps of detail for critical listening whathifi.com. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 are another joy for audiophiles, given their fantastic codec support and rich soundstage theverge.com. If you’re willing to consider wired options for best sound, the Shure Aonic 3/5 or Sennheiser IE series will out-resolve any wireless earbud (given a good audio source). Also, keep an eye on a niche but growing category: lossless wireless earbuds. We are hearing the first promises of lossless audio over Bluetooth (using technologies like aptX Lossless or upcoming Bluetooth LE Audio enhancements). Qualcomm’s latest chips and some devices like the NuraTrue Pro started to toy with this. By late 2025 or 2026, we might see earbuds that can truly stream CD-quality or better audio without wires. For now, if you’re an audiophile, you might still lean wired for serious listening, but it’s exciting that wireless is closing the gap.
• Best for Work Calls & Productivity: If a lot of your earbud time is spent on Zoom meetings, phone calls, or voice chats, you’ll want buds with excellent microphones and noise reduction for your voice. On iPhone, Apple’s AirPods (both Pro and the new AirPods 4) are superb – Apple uses beamforming mics and software magic so your voice comes through clearly, and features like the “voice isolation” in AirPods 4 can significantly cut background din for the listener theverge.com. On Android/Windows, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro get a nod – they have good mic quality and even a specific high Signal-to-Noise mode when on calls. Another interesting one: Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed – this gaming-focused wireless earbud actually was noted by Rtings for having one of the best microphone recordings (probably to cater to gamers in voice chat) and it even offers a dongle for low-latency PC/console use. Rtings initially had it as a top pick for call quality before Jabra/Razer shuffles occurred rtings.com. Speaking of Jabra, their heritage is in office headsets, so models like the Jabra Elite 7 Pro had very good mic systems. If you can find the enterprise version (Jabra Evolve2 Buds), those are tuned for UC platforms and have a boom mic accessory. Lastly, a classic solution: consider a wired USB or 3.5mm headset when call quality is paramount. Even the cheap Apple EarPods we mentioned or a $30 Logitech wired earbud with an in-line mic can outperform many wireless buds in noisy environments rtings.com. Some professionals use a dedicated mono Bluetooth headset (like a Plantronics Voyager Legend) for calls and earbuds for music. But if you want one device for both, the AirPods Pro 2 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are among the top that handle music and calls excellently in one package theverge.com theverge.com.
• Best if You Use Both Apple and Android: We touched on this in the mid-range – the Beats Studio Buds+ are uniquely suited for multi-platform users, with native support in both ecosystems theverge.com. They won’t give you every feature Apple’s own buds do, but things like Find My device and one-touch pairing on both iOS and Android make them a convenient middle ground theverge.com. Also, any platform-agnostic brand like Sony, Bose, Technics, Sennheiser will work fine across devices (they have their own apps that work on both iOS and Android). You might lose a couple of ecosystem tricks (e.g. Sony’s may not integrate with Siri as seamlessly, etc.), but generally these third-party premium buds are a good choice if you hop between an iPhone, an Android tablet, a Windows PC, etc., since many now support multipoint pairing with at least two devices. For example, you can pair the Sony XM5 to your laptop and phone simultaneously and switch easily theverge.com, same with Technics AZ100 (actually up to three devices!) techradar.com. Bottom line – if you’re bi-platform, lean towards brands like Beats or those that explicitly advertise equal support, and look for the multipoint feature which saves a lot of manual Bluetooth toggling.
• Best for Transparency/Awareness: Some folks want earbuds that don’t seal them off from the world – for safety or comfort. If that’s you, consider open-fit earbuds. Apple’s regular AirPods (3rd/4th gen) are the prime example of non-isolating earbuds that sit in your ear without plugging it. They let in ambient sound by design (no ANC, and none needed). New competitors like the Huawei FreeBuds 5 (or FreeBuds ‘open’ line) and Shokz OpenFit (which uses a hook but no ear canal seal) are also good choices for maximum awareness. These won’t give you heavy bass or much noise blocking, but they’re ideal for runners who want to hear traffic or office workers who need to hear when someone calls their name. If you want the best of both worlds – good isolation when needed, but superb transparency mode when you want awareness – then again the Pixel Buds Pro 2 excel there with “crystal-clear transparency” theverge.com, and the AirPods Pro and Samsung Buds Pro are all very natural sounding in passthrough mode too theverge.com. It’s truly remarkable that you can double-tap an earbud and go from noise cancellation to effectively wearing a hearing aid that makes the world sound like you’re not wearing earbuds at all. Technology!

Upcoming Models and Trends to Watch

As great as the current crop of earbuds is, there’s always something new around the corner. Here are a few major upcoming releases and broader industry trends as of September 2025:

• Apple AirPods Pro 3: Announced at Apple’s fall 2025 event, the next-gen AirPods Pro 3 release on Sept 19, 2025 theverge.com. They look similar outwardly but bring some notable upgrades: better battery life, an expanded ear tip size range (now an XXS tip for very small ears), improved bass and overall sound, and a built-in heart-rate sensor in the earbuds theverge.com. Apple is also likely to introduce new software features – perhaps more advanced Adaptive Audio modes and integration with Vision Pro (for ultra-low latency spatial audio). Early impressions suggest Apple is doubling down on health/fitness integration (imagine your AirPods detecting your stress level via heart rate and adjusting noise cancellation to calm you down – not far-fetched!). If you’re deeply in the Apple ecosystem, you might consider waiting for reviews on these; they could become the new default recommendation for iPhone users if Apple nailed the improvements.
• Google Pixel Buds 2A: Google isn’t leaving budget buyers behind. At Google’s August 2025 event, they teased the Pixel Buds 2A, a new budget-friendly Pixel Bud coming in October theverge.com. The Pixel Buds A-Series (first gen) were a hit as $99 earbuds that distilled the Pixel Buds experience to the essentials. The 2A will likely add some features trickled down from the Pro 2 – perhaps improved battery or spatial audio support – while keeping the price low. If you’re an Android user looking under $100, it’s worth watching for Pixel Buds 2A reviews when they land in October, as they could give the Nothing Ear (a) some stiff competition in the budget segment.
• Nothing Ear 3: Carl Pei’s Nothing has confirmed an event on September 18, 2025 to reveal the Ear 3 earbuds theverge.com. Following the Ear 1 and Ear 2, the third-gen is expected to be their new flagship wireless earbud. Rumors suggest it may incorporate some of Nothing’s design language from their Phone (2) – possibly more transparent elements, maybe even LED lights on the case – and of course improvements in sound and ANC. The Ear 2 already offered LHDC hi-res audio and personalized EQ; the Ear 3 could push further, perhaps with bigger drivers or better microphones. Keep an eye out if you like Nothing’s blend of style and substance – the Ear 3 might deliver premium performance at a mid-range price, and we’ll know soon (Nothing has a track record of rapid iteration).
• Sony WF-1000XM6 and Others in 2025/2026: Based on typical product cycles and hints, we anticipate a Sony WF-1000XM6 likely by mid or late 2025 (the XM5 came in mid-2023, and Sony often does a 2-year cadence). Expect them to refine what’s already great – maybe even smaller size, new materials, even better noise canceling (if that’s possible!), and possibly supporting some form of lossless audio (Sony has been involved in the LDAC and now LC3plus codec developments). Additionally, Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 4 Pro will likely surface in 2025 with iterative upgrades (maybe LE Audio support for Samsung’s ecosystem). Bose – having just released the QC Ultra Earbuds in late 2024 – might not refresh until 2026, but who knows, they could surprise us with a firmware update adding new modes (the Ultra supports spatial audio now, unlike the QC II). Sennheiser will probably update their Momentum True Wireless if they follow the pace (MTW4 was early 2024, so maybe a MTW5 by 2026).
• Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos Everywhere: A trend continuing strong into 2025 is spatial audio. Apple’s AirPods kicked off head-tracking spatial audio for movies, and now Samsung and Google offer their versions too theverge.com. More music streaming services are releasing spatial audio tracks (Dolby Atmos Music, etc.). Earbuds are now one of the primary ways people consume Atmos content on the go. If you haven’t tried it – it’s like surround sound in your ears, and while sometimes it’s gimmicky for music, for movies and games it can be quite immersive. Expect spatial audio support to become a standard checkbox feature, even on mid-range buds (indeed Sony’s mid-priced WF-C700N has it techradar.com). Just remember it often only works fully when paired with the same brand device (Apple’s with iPhone, Samsung’s with Galaxy, etc., due to how they implement head tracking).
• Earbuds as Health Aids: This is worth underscoring: earbuds are on the path to becoming health wearables. We’ve seen hearing assistance features (AirPods Pro 2 can function as FDA-cleared hearing aids now for mild loss theverge.com), safety features (Adaptive Transparency protecting your ears from sirens), and fitness tracking (heart rate in Beats, some buds measuring your running cadence, etc.). There’s talk that future earbuds could monitor body temperature via your ear canal, or even check blood oxygen levels. By 2025, it’s clear this trend is underway – your earbud is not just for tunes, it might help track your well-being. If that appeals to you, look at brands leaning into it (Apple is a big one here, also perhaps Amazon’s Echo Buds tried some fitness features earlier).
• Marketplace Shifts: The earbud market has gotten so competitive that even solid players have bowed out – e.g., Jabra quitting consumer earbuds in 2024 after many years in the game theverge.com. We’re also seeing smartphone makers doubling down: OnePlus, Oppo, Xiaomi all have their own buds usually optimized for their phones (and some of those are excellent for the price, but availability varies by region). Audio specialists like Bowers & Wilkins, KEF, Denon have entered the wireless earbuds arena to cater to audiophiles. This means in the coming year you’ll have even more niche choices: perhaps KEF Mu3 II or Denon PerL Pro (Denon’s 2024 release with adaptive tuning) might catch your eye if you want something outside the mainstream that’s finely tuned.

To wrap up, 2025 is an amazing time to buy earbuds. Whether you’re a casual listener, a daily commuter, a fitness fiend, or an audiophile, there are high-quality options at every price that were unimaginable just a few years ago. The combination of improved Bluetooth technology, trickle-down of ANC and spatial audio, and healthy competition has raised the bar across the board. As our comparisons show, the “best” earbuds depend on your needs – but we hope this report makes your decision easier. Happy listening, and stay tuned (pun intended) as new models and updates continue to drop in this fast-evolving audio space! theverge.com theverge.com