2025 Flagship Earbuds Showdown: AirPods Pro vs. Sony, Samsung, Bose & More

by Marcin Frąckiewicz
in Uncategorized
on 8 September 2025

Key Facts

Unprecedented Competition: In 2025, virtually every major tech brand – Apple, Samsung, Sony, Bose, Sennheiser, Google, Nothing, etc. – offers a flagship true wireless earbud, each packing premium sound, active noise cancellation (ANC), and smart features. The gap in core performance (like ANC effectiveness) has narrowed, so brands are differentiating with ecosystem perks, advanced codecs, and unique gimmicks theverge.com theverge.com.
Sound & ANC: Sony’s WF-1000XM5 and Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra set the gold standard for audio quality and noise cancellation, respectively. Sony’s buds deliver outstanding, lively sound and nearly Bose-level ANC tomsguide.com, while Bose’s noise cancelling remains “top of the heap” in quieting ambient sound techradar.com. Many rivals (AirPods Pro 2, Sennheiser MTW4, Pixel Buds Pro 2, Samsung Buds3 Pro, Jabra Elite 10) aren’t far behind, offering effective ANC and rich, balanced audio in daily use.
Battery Life: Most high-end models hover around 5–8 hours per charge with ANC on, with cases providing ~20–30 additional hours. Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 get about 6 hours (24–30 with case) whathifi.com whathifi.com, Sony’s WF-1000XM5 about 8 hours (24 with case) tomsguide.com tomsguide.com, and others like Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Pixel Buds Pro 2 roughly 6–7 hours (up to ~30 with case) in optimal conditions. All support quick-charge top-ups.
Design & Comfort: Comfort has improved across the board. Many 2025 flagships are smaller and lighter than predecessors – e.g. Sony’s XM5 are 25% smaller than the XM4 for a much snugger fit theverge.com theverge.com. Brands offer multiple ear tip sizes (Apple even added an XS tip whathifi.com) and sometimes ear “fins” or hooks for stability (Bose uses soft stability bands, Jabra Elite 10 has ergonomic oval tips seriousinsights.net seriousinsights.net, Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 use earhooks soundguys.com). Comfort is subjective but top models are designed for all-day wear without pressure pain, and many include venting to reduce ear canal pressure (as on AirPods Pro).
Smart Features: Flagship buds double as smart wearables. Most support hands-free voice assistants (Siri on AirPods, Google Assistant on Pixel/Nothing, Alexa or Bixby on others) and multi-device connectivity (multipoint Bluetooth) – though Apple opts for seamless auto-switching within its ecosystem instead. Advanced features abound: Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 introduced Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness modes via updates, automatically tuning noise control to your environment and pausing audio when you speak whathifi.com. Bose’s buds offer Immersive Audio with head-tracked spatial sound techradar.com. Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 leverage a new Tensor chip for on-device AI and real-time translation/conversation with its “Gemini” AI model soundguys.com. Many earbuds (Sony, Samsung, Jabra) also have “adaptive sound” or voice-detection that lowers music when you start talking.
Hi-Tech Audio: Audiophiles aren’t ignored – 2025’s best buds push the limits of wireless fidelity. Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 4, for example, supports Qualcomm’s aptX Lossless codec over Bluetooth LE Audio, delivering true CD-quality sound for the first time on an earbud newsroom.sennheiser.com newsroom.sennheiser.com. Sony’s LDAC codec and Samsung’s 24-bit SSC Hi-Fi codec cater to hi-res audio on compatible devices. Many models tout custom drivers (e.g. 11mm drivers in Pixel Buds Pro 2 soundguys.com, 10mm in Jabra Elite 10 seriousinsights.net) and personalize sound via apps or ear scans.
Pricing: Expect to pay premium prices. Most flagship earbuds retail around $200–$300 USD at launch: AirPods Pro 2 are ~$249, Sony XM5 $299, Bose QC Ultra $299, Sennheiser MTW4 $299, Galaxy Buds3 Pro $249, Pixel Buds Pro 2 $229, Jabra Elite 10 $249, etc. soundguys.com soundguys.com. Frequent sales do occur (Sony and Samsung buds often drop under $250). While pricey outliers exist (luxury audiophile models up to $400), the mainstream flagships sit in this range, often justified by their feature set and performance.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 (2nd Gen) – Seamless Simplicity for Apple Users

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 remain a benchmark in 2025, especially for iPhone owners. Sound & ANC: These earbuds earned a rare five-star rating from audio critics for marked improvements in noise cancellation, sound quality, and battery over the first-gen whathifi.com whathifi.com. With Apple’s H2 chip, the Pro 2 can cancel “twice as much” background noise as before and features Adaptive Transparency to soften sudden loud sounds whathifi.com. Sound is clear, punchy, and surprisingly dynamic – What Hi-Fi? praised their “richer, more powerful and more open sound” with impactful bass and refined vocals whathifi.com whathifi.com. They’re not the absolute most hi-fi earbuds on the market, but the balanced, energetic tuning is crowd-pleasing.

Design & Comfort: The signature white stem design is unchanged, but Apple nailed comfort. AirPods Pro 2 feel lighter and less intrusive than many rivals thanks to built-in vents that equalize pressure whathifi.com. Four ear tip sizes (XS–L) ensure a secure seal for most ears whathifi.com. They lack wing fins or hooks (relying on the well-shaped tips to stay put), so while excellent for everyday use and moderate workouts, extremely vigorous exercise might favor an earhook-style bud (more on that below with Beats). Battery life is decent if not class-leading – about 6 hours of listening with ANC (30 hours including the case) whathifi.com whathifi.com. The pebble-shaped case supports both wireless (MagSafe/Qi) and fast charging.

Smart Features: This is where AirPods shine for Apple users. The H2 chip enables near-instant pairing and seamless device switching across your iCloud devices. Features like Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking (for Apple Music and movies) and Find My tracking of the case are integrated. A firmware update in 2023 added on-device volume swipe controls on the stems (finally) and new Adaptive Audio modes in 2024 that blend ANC and Transparency intelligently whathifi.com. There’s even a Conversation Awareness feature that automatically lowers volume and ANC when it detects you speaking whathifi.com – great for quick chats without removing your buds. Siri is always a “Hey Siri” away for hands-free commands. Apple also introduced accessibility features in 2025 turning AirPods Pro 2 into basic hearing aids for those with mild hearing loss whathifi.com, underscoring their wearable-tech potential. The main drawback is that many of these advanced features are iOS-exclusive – on Android, AirPods Pro 2 will fall back to standard Bluetooth earbuds with no companion app (and no aptX/LDAC codec support).

Bottom Line: For those in Apple’s ecosystem, AirPods Pro 2 offer an unrivaled blend of convenience and capable performance. They “fit your iPhone to a tee”, connecting effortlessly to all Apple devices, with solid ANC and good sound quality tomsguide.com. While their battery life and all-plastic white finish are merely average (and prone to discoloration in your jeans pocket) tomsguide.com, the user experience is polished. If you’re an Android user, however, you’re paying a premium for features you can’t fully use – excellent alternatives from Sony, Samsung or others will give you more bang for your buck on that side of the fence.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 – Fitness-Oriented Offshoot: It’s worth noting Apple’s sub-brand Beats launched its own flagship in early 2025: the Powerbeats Pro 2. Aimed at athletes, these bring the AirPods Pro 2’s internals (Apple H2 chip, ANC, Transparency) into a rugged package with earhooks and an in-ear heart rate monitor soundguys.com. You get up to 45 hours total playback with the larger charging case soundguys.com, an IPX5 sweatproof build, and physical button controls – ideal for gym and runs. At $249, they’re not cheap, and non-fitness users may prefer the AirPods’ more compact form. But for a secure-fit, workout-proof bud that still offers active noise cancelling and tight Apple integration, the Powerbeats Pro 2 is a compelling option soundguys.com soundguys.com. (And tellingly, features like heart-rate tracking are rumored to migrate to Apple’s next AirPods Pro as well, as discussed later macrumors.com macrumors.com.)

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro – High-Res Audio and Galaxy Ecosystem Perks

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds series hit their third generation with the Buds3 Pro (2024), and they continue to be formidable all-rounders – especially for users of Samsung Galaxy phones. Sound & ANC: The Buds3 Pro deliver enjoyable, well-rounded audio with a warm yet detailed signature. They support Samsung’s proprietary 24-bit SSC Hi-Fi codec on Galaxy devices for higher-fidelity sound, while defaulting to standard codecs on others. Reviewers note the Buds3 Pro’s active noise cancelling is effective, though interestingly slightly different in tuning from the prior model: tests found they cancel a bit less deep bass and high-treble noise than the Buds2 Pro did, though still very strong overall soundguys.com. In practice, they hush office chatter and transit rumbles nearly as well as the best, with only the Bose/Sony tier doing clearly better. One upgrade is call quality – Samsung added a “super wideband” voice recording mode using improved mics, capturing voice up to 16 kHz for clearer calls soundguys.com. Wind noise can still pose a challenge, but voice pickup is generally crisp.

Design & Comfort: Samsung gave the Buds3 Pro a redesigned shape focused on comfort and stability. The buds are a bit larger than some competitors but feature a smooth, rounded shape with a stabilizing ridge. They ship with multiple silicone tip sizes and fit “lock” into the concha of the ear. Most users find them secure and comfy for extended wear, even during workouts. (If you found previous Galaxy Buds too loose or too tight, Samsung’s iterative fitting data may have solved that this round.) The Buds3 Pro are rated IPX7, offering higher water resistance than many flagship buds – a plus for sweat and rain. Battery life is solid: around 6 hours per charge with ANC on (and closer to 7+ hours with ANC off), with the case bringing total endurance to roughly 26–30 hours reddit.com shopsavvy.com. The compact case supports wireless charging. Notably, Samsung finally enabled true multipoint connectivity via a software update in 2024, letting the Buds3 Pro pair to two devices simultaneously (previous models only had seamless switching on Samsung devices).

Smart Features: When paired to a Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet, the Buds3 Pro integrate tightly with the ecosystem. They can automatically switch between your Samsung phone, tablet, and TV (thanks to Samsung’s Auto Switch feature) and utilize the Galaxy Wearable app for custom EQ, fit tests, and updates. A standout feature is Voice Detect: similar to Sony’s speak-to-chat, the Buds3 Pro can automatically drop volume and enable Ambient mode when you start speaking to someone – great for quick conversations without fumbling controls. They also support 360 Audio (Samsung’s take on spatial Dolby Atmos for head-tracking surround sound) when used with Galaxy phones on supported content. Bixby voice assistant is built-in (though not everyone uses Bixby), and of course standard Google Assistant support is available on Android. One quirk: on non-Samsung Android devices, some high-end features (like 24-bit audio and 360 Audio) aren’t available, as they rely on Samsung’s software. Nonetheless, core functions still work fine with any Bluetooth source (and unlike AirPods, there is an app for non-Samsung Android).

Bottom Line: The Galaxy Buds3 Pro are excellent premium earbuds, particularly if you own a Galaxy phone to unlock their full potential. They offer a comfortable new shape, balanced sound, and ANC that – while perhaps marginally less extreme than Bose/Sony – will satisfy almost everyone. At ~$249 retail, they’re priced at the higher end. Samsung has steadily bumped up the cost with each generation (the Buds Pro were $199, Buds2 Pro $229, and now $249) soundguys.com, but you’re getting a host of features for that money. If you’re a “Galaxy ecosystem” person, these buds are nearly a no-brainer, seamlessly connecting to your devices and even supporting Samsung’s new “AI audio”tricks (One UI 7 introduced some on-device AI sound enhancements exclusive to the Buds3). For others, the Buds3 Pro still impress as all-rounders, though equal-price rivals like the Sony XM5 or AirPods Pro might edge them out on specific aspects like absolute ANC power or cross-platform ease.

One more thing: Samsung is also catering to budget-conscious listeners – in late 2024 it launched the Galaxy Buds FE(Fan Edition) at ~$99 soundguys.com. Those aren’t “flagship” by specs (they trim features to hit the lower price), but it shows Samsung’s commitment to offering Galaxy buds at multiple tiers. As for the next flagship: based on Samsung’s usual 18–24 month cycle, the Galaxy Buds4 Pro aren’t expected until 2026 alongside the Galaxy S26 soundguys.com soundguys.com, so the Buds3 Pro will hold the throne through 2025 without immediate replacement.

Sony WF-1000XM5 – All-Around Audio Champion

Sony’s WF-1000XM5 are widely regarded as one of 2025’s top picks – often called the “best overall” wireless earbuds for good reason soundguys.com soundguys.com. Sound Quality: Simply put, the XM5 sound phenomenal. They use new Dynamic Driver X units and Sony’s extensive audio tuning expertise to produce a rich, detailed sound with deep bass and clear highs. They have a lively, musical character that reviewers love – “outstanding sound quality” with a powerful yet nuanced presentation tomsguide.com. They also support LDAC codec for hi-res playback (in addition to AAC and SBC), catering to audiophiles with capable source devices. If you’re into customizing sound, the Sony Headphones Connect app provides EQ and even 360 Reality Audio setup for spatial music.

Noise Cancellation: Sony has long been an ANC leader, and the XM5 further improved on the already-great XM4. With dual processors and triple microphones per ear, they can nearly match Bose’s class-leading noise canceling in silencing the outside world. Tom’s Guide noted the XM5’s ANC “almost takes the fight to Bose”, meaning it’s just a hair shy of Bose’s very best but still exceptional tomsguide.com. In everyday use, things like droning airplane noise, transit clatter, or office chatter are almost entirely hushed. And Sony’s adaptive ANC can adjust on the fly based on your environment (or even learn your routine locations to auto-change ANC/transparency modes). Notably, the XM5 also significantly improved call quality – a previous Sony weak point. Thanks to new bone-conduction sensors and mic AI, voices come through clearer and background noise is filtered better than on any past Sony buds theverge.com theverge.com.

Design & Comfort: This generation saw a substantial redesign – the XM5 buds are 25% smaller and 20% lighter than the XM4 theverge.com theverge.com. Sony ditched the blocky look for a more rounded, ergonomic shape with a glossy finish. The smaller form factor means they fit more ears comfortably; many who found the XM4 too bulky now report the XM5 “disappear” in the ear. (The only minor gripe is that the glossy coating, while premium-looking, can be a bit slippery when trying to pluck the buds from the case theverge.com theverge.com – a trivial issue, but noted by some.) Sony includes four sizes of foam eartips, which expand for an excellent seal. With the right tip, comfort is superb and passive isolation is strong. These are not exercise earbuds per se, but they do stay in place during moderate activity; however, no wing stabilizers are present, so extremely vigorous movement might loosen them for some. Battery life is approximately 8 hours on the buds (ANC on) and 24 hours with the case tomsguide.com tomsguide.com – unchanged from the prior model, which is adequate though not a standout. The case supports Qi wireless charging now (a first for Sony) and is much more pocketable than before.

Special Features: Sony packs in loads of features: Speak-to-Chat automatically pauses audio and activates ambient sound when you start talking, which works well if you frequently converse. There’s a customizable touch control scheme(via the app you can set what taps/swipes do, including volume or toggling ANC). The XM5 also added official multipoint Bluetooth support, letting you connect to (for example) your phone and laptop simultaneously – a long-awaited feature that Sony delivered via firmware update. For spatial audio fans, Sony’s 360 Reality Audio format is supported (with certain streaming services), and while it’s a niche, the effect can be impressive for concert or live-recording immersion. One new perk: in late 2024, Sony issued an update enabling Google’s Find My Device integration for the XM5, so Android users can locate a lost case or bud similar to how AirPods integrate with Apple’s Find My theverge.com. This shows Sony’s continued software support.

Drawbacks: There’s little to complain about with the WF-1000XM5. If nitpicking, some of Sony’s features and app UX aren’t as “seamless” as Apple or Google’s – for instance, the 360 Audio setup and ear canal analysis can be flaky tomsguide.com, and the myriad options might overwhelm those who just want simplicity. Also, while Sony improved fit, What Hi-Fi? observed that some users with certain ear shapes still struggle with the fit/seal, calling it “esoteric” and noting some teammates actually prefer the snugger fit of Bose’s design with stability bands whathifi.com. And like all premium buds, the price is high at ~$300 (though sales often drop it to ~$250 or less). But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise stellar package.

Bottom Line: Sony’s WF-1000XM5 are the jack-of-all-trades flagship that do everything at a high level: top-tier sound, top-tier ANC, strong battery, loads of features. They’ve been crowned “Best overall earbuds” by multiple outlets for their balanced excellence soundguys.com soundguys.com. Unless you have very specific needs (like you’re an Apple die-hard who values AirPods’ ecosystem tricks, or you absolutely need the last ounce of ANC from Bose, or a wingtip design for hardcore sports use), the XM5 should be on your shortlist. Sony addressed the main downsides of the previous gen – making these smaller and comfier, improving calls – without losing the audio quality and control that made the XM4 a hit theverge.com. As The Verge summed up, there’s no single radical feature in XM5, but rather a collection of iterative improvements that “strategically tackle the main downsides of the prior model” theverge.com. The result is an in-ear headphone that’s very hard to beat in 2025.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds – Noise-Canceling Kings with Spatial Audio Flair

Bose has a reputation: when you absolutely, positively need the best noise cancellation in earbuds, go Bose. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (launched late 2023) uphold that legacy while adding a new trick to Bose’s playbook. ANC & Sound: Simply put, the QC Ultra Earbuds have the most effective ANC on the market – TechRadar flatly stated “the noise cancellation here is the most effective you’ll find in a set of earbuds; top of the class” techradar.com. They create a delightfully silent background, whether you’re on a plane or a noisy street, edging out even Sony in pure noise-nixing power. Bose’s ANC is also adaptive, reacting smoothly to sudden noises (a feature Bose calls ActiveSensewhen in Aware mode) to eliminate jarring sounds without interrupting your music bose.com. The sound quality of the QC Ultra is tuned similarly to the earlier QC Earbuds II – a vibrant and punchy sound that’s engaging for most listeners. They favor a bit of bass and treble energy, making for an exciting (if not the most neutral) signature. While some competing models like Sony or Sennheiser might eke out a little more high-end detail or dynamic subtlety, the difference is relatively minor; Bose offers a fun, full sound that will satisfy the majority of users techradar.com techradar.com. And thanks to Bose’s new chipset supporting Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound, the QC Ultra buds finally gained aptX Adaptive codec for higher-quality streaming on compatible devices techradar.com – a welcome spec bump for Android audiophiles, since the previous gen was SBC/AAC only.

Immersive Audio (Spatial): The headline feature unique to Bose’s Ultra line is Immersive Audio, which is essentially Bose’s platform-agnostic spatial audio with head tracking. Turn it on and your music or movie audio can envelop you in a virtual surround soundstage – you can choose Still mode (fixing the sound in front of you) or Motion mode (sound moves as you turn your head, maintaining an external point of reference) techradar.com techradar.com. Critics were actually impressed: TechRadar called the Immersive Audio profiles “scarily good… unlike anything offered by the competition”, delivering a truly out-of-head experience techradar.com techradar.com. Importantly, this works with any content (it’s not relying on Dolby Atmos or special tracks) and on any device – so you can get a spatial effect for Spotify, YouTube, etc., with no app required beyond toggling it in the Bose app. It’s a differentiator for Bose, though whether you’ll use it daily is personal preference – some love the widened soundstage, others might prefer plain stereo for music. It does eat extra battery and can’t be used concurrently with certain modes (if you just select “Quiet” ANC mode, Immersive Audio turns off by default techradar.com). But it’s a fun feature that, when combined with Bose’s class-leading ANC, gives these earbuds a unique one-two punch: silence when you need it, and spacious sound when you want it.

Design & Fit: Physically, the QC Ultra Earbuds look nearly identical to their predecessor (QC Earbuds II). Same pill-shaped buds with a short stalk, same oval silicone eartips paired with a stability band that wraps around the nozzle for a more secure fit. Bose didn’t rock the boat here – if you liked the fit of QC II, you’ll like Ultra; if you didn’t, the Ultra won’t change your mind techradar.com techradar.com. Bose did refine a couple of things: the exterior now has a glossier finish, and the stability bands have new grooves that make them easier to attach and perhaps a touch more durable techradar.com. You get three sizes of bands and tips, and when you find the right combo, these sit very securely. They do protrude a bit from the ear (they’re not as discreet as tiny Samsung or Google buds), but they stay put even during exercise – Bose’s approach foregoes ear hooks in favor of these swappable bands that “wedge” the bud in place. One caveat: as TechRadar noted, those bands are a wear item; over time they may stretch or tear, and if they aren’t snug, your fit and seal suffer techradar.com. Bose will surely sell replacements, but it’s something to keep an eye on for long-term owners. Comfort is generally good; however, some people with smaller ears find these a tad bulky for extended use (the downside of Bose cramming in all that ANC hardware). They are IPX4 rated, so sweat and rain are no issue. The case is on the larger side and notably did not originally support wireless charging – a curious omission for $299 earbuds. (Bose sells a $49 add-on case cover that enables Qi charging techradar.com, but that’s a pricey extra.) The latest 2nd Genversion announced in 2025 fixes this by including wireless charging out of the box bose.com bose.com. Battery life is about 6 hours with ANC on (24 hours with case) – fair, though heavy Immersive Audio use can reduce that somewhat.

Other Features: The Bose Music app allows a high degree of customization: adjustable EQ, control remapping, and creating custom ANC modes. By default, Bose offers modes like Quiet (max ANC, Immersive off) and Aware (transparency). But you can create your own mode – e.g., a “Work” mode with 50% ANC and Immersive Audio on Still, etc. In fact, one recommended setup is enabling an option called ActiveSense under Aware mode: it lets the earbuds operate in transparency mode but kick in ANC instantly for loud sudden noises (like a dog bark or siren) – giving you the best of both worlds in environments where you want awareness but not jump-scares bose.com. The Ultra Earbuds launched without multipoint and with some early bugs, which gave pause, but Bose issued a key firmware update (July 2024) that added multipoint support for two devices techradar.com techradar.com. This massively improved their appeal for multitaskers. The same update also improved some connectivity hiccups and, combined with price drops, led many reviewers to “recommend them with renewed vigor” by late 2024 techradar.com.

Bottom Line: Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are all about the listening experience: unparalleled noise cancellation to create a peaceful listening bubble, and an immersive audio feature that can transform that bubble into a virtual soundstage around your head. They may not have every convenience (they were late to multipoint and wireless charging, for example) and they closely resemble last gen in looks. But for many, the core performance justifies the cost. If you frequently travel or find yourself in noisy environments, the QC Ultras can be a godsend. And they still sound vigorous and engaging – perhaps not the absolute most refined at this price, but certainly a high-quality listen techradar.com. Bose basically took an already five-star product (QC Earbuds II) and gave it some extra polish and 3D audio flair. One could argue Bose played it safe – but given how competitive the earbud race is now, that wasn’t a bad plan. Lastly, note that Bose has just announced a QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) in June 2025, slated to ship in late summer bose.com bose.com. This refresh retains the Ultra design but adds a few enhancements like improved adaptive ANC, better voice mic pickup (using AI), and finally built-in wireless charging, all at the same $299 price bose.com bose.com. So, Bose is not resting – if you’re eyeing these, you might consider the second-gen Ultra which addresses some nitpicks. Either way, Bose remains in the top tier for ANC and a strong contender for anyone prioritizing a quiet, high-quality listening experience.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 – Audiophile Sound Meets Cutting-Edge Tech

For those who value hi-fi pedigree, Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 4 (MTW4), released in early 2024, is a flagship that marries audiophile-grade sound with modern wireless features. Audio Quality: Sennheiser has a long history in sound, and it shows. The MTW4 deliver a balanced, detailed audio profile that leans towards faithful reproduction. Bass is tight and controlled (not bloated), mids are rich, and highs are clear without harshness. They may not have the exaggerated bass or treble that some consumer-tuned earbuds do – and that’s intentional, appealing to those who want a more neutral, studio-like sound. In fact, some reviews note that while they don’t necessarily outshine competitors in any single metric, they are consistently strong across the board, making them “solid contenders” in the ANC earbud world soundguys.com soundguys.com. Notably, Sennheiser’s new hardware platform supports Snapdragon Sound with aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless newsroom.sennheiser.com newsroom.sennheiser.com. That means when paired with a compatible source (a phone with Snapdragon Sound), the MTW4 can receive 16-bit/44.1kHz lossless audio over Bluetooth – essentially CD-quality music streaming, which is cutting-edge in 2025. Even without a Snapdragon device, aptX Adaptive ensures excellent quality and low latency on supported phones, and AAC takes care of iOS devices. This focus on high-quality codecs and drivers (Sennheiser’s well-regarded 7mm TrueResponse dynamic drivers) makes the MTW4 especially appealing to audio purists who might hear the differences in well-recorded music.

Noise Cancellation & Features: Sennheiser significantly improved ANC in the MTW4, integrating a six-microphone hybrid ANC system. The result is very competitive noise cancelling – it will hush plane engine droning and daily commotion effectively, on par with all but the Bose/Sony elites. In SoundGuys’ testing, they rated ANC performance highly soundguys.com, and user feedback indicates things like keyboard clatter or coffee shop chatter are greatly reduced. Transparency mode is also available and works smoothly, though perhaps not quite as “natural” sounding as Apple or Bose’s implementations. The Smart Control app offers a customizable Adaptive Noise Cancellation that can adjust level automatically, plus a manual slider if you prefer. Beyond ANC, Sennheiser packed the MTW4 with tech: Bluetooth 5.4 and LE Audio support (future-proofing for the new generation Bluetooth standard), Auracast broadcasting (once LE Audio is enabled via firmware, these earbuds will be able to receive Auracast audio streams – like public TVs or multi-user audio sharing – a very forward-looking feature) newsroom.sennheiser.com newsroom.sennheiser.com. There’s also a cool “Sound Zones” feature in the app – you can set custom EQ/ANC profiles that automatically activate based on your location (for example, have a specific EQ when you’re at home vs. in the office). And Sennheiser’s Sound Personalization tool can do a hearing test to tailor the sound to your hearing curve, if desired newsroom.sennheiser.com newsroom.sennheiser.com. These kinds of extras show Sennheiser targeting the user who likes to fine-tune their experience.

Design & Battery: The Momentum True Wireless 4 took a new design direction. They have a sleek metallic-accented look and a more compact shape than the older MTW3. Sennheiser also smartly included optional ear stabilizer fins(three sizes) in the box, which can be attached for a more secure fit during workouts newsroom.sennheiser.com soundguys.com. Combined with four sizes of ear tips, most users can get a snug, comfortable fit. The buds are about 6.2g each – a touch heavier than some, but still comfortable for multi-hour wear, aided by the slightly flatter, ergonomic design that sits flush in most ears. They boast an IP54 rating, meaning they’re protected against dust and splashes – you can definitely exercise with them or brave a bit of rain. Battery life is very good: up to 7.5 hours on a charge (ANC on), and around 28–30 hours with the case newsroom.sennheiser.com newsroom.sennheiser.com. And yes, wireless charging is supported on the case (along with quick-charge via USB-C) newsroom.sennheiser.com. Sennheiser even implemented a battery protection mode you can toggle, which limits the max charge to 80% when the earbuds are stored, to prolong overall battery longevity over years newsroom.sennheiser.com newsroom.sennheiser.com. That’s a thoughtful feature for those planning to keep these long-term.

Mic and Use Downsides: If the MTW4 have an Achilles’ heel, it might be call quality. Sennheiser’s microphone performance is passable but not standout – voices can sound a bit muffled and background noise reduction during calls isn’t as robust as Apple, Sony, or Bose. SoundGuys explicitly noted the mic is “sub-par” soundguys.com. So if you take a lot of calls in noisy environments, keep that in mind. Another consideration: while the feature set is rich, the companion app and certain features might not be as ultra-polished or intuitive as Apple’s or Bose’s – there’s a slight learning curve to get the most out of the MTW4’s customization. But that’s often a trade-off for flexibility versus simplicity.

Bottom Line: Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 4 are ideal for listeners who prioritize sound quality and future-proof features. They deliver a satisfying audiophile-grade sound, bolstered by support for advanced codecs like aptX Lossless newsroom.sennheiser.com. They also embrace the future of Bluetooth (LE Audio, Auracast) more than any rival at present, which could make them age very well as those technologies become common. Their ANC is very effective, if not class-best, and things like wireless charging, decent battery life, and water resistance check all the right boxes. At ~$299, they sit at the top end of the price range, and that price is a sticking point for some soundguys.com – especially when Sennheiser isn’t as big a name in the general consumer space as Apple or Samsung. But the build is premium and they do justify a premium cost. They may not excel in one single category (some competitors have slightly better ANC or slightly better mic, etc.), but as one review put it: “though they’re not the best at any one thing, the earbuds are a solid contender”, slotting nicely among high-end options soundguys.com. If you’re the type who enjoys tweaking EQ, cares about lossless audio, and perhaps uses your earbuds for serious music listening sessions, the MTW4 deserve a close look. Plus, Sennheiser’s tuning really caters to listening rather than just impressing on a spec sheet – a rich, immersive musicality that longtime fans will recognize.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 – Google’s Smarter, Smaller Upgrade

Google made a big leap with its Pixel Buds Pro 2, which arrived alongside the Pixel 9 phone lineup in late 2024. These second-gen Pixel Pro earbuds show Google marrying solid hardware improvements with its software and AI prowess. Design & Comfort: The Buds Pro 2 look similar to the first-gen but are notably 27% smaller and 24% lighter soundguys.com, thanks to a redesigned shape and new materials. Google studied 45 million ear scans to optimize the fit soundguys.com, and even added gentle stabilizer fins (a “fixed wing” shape built into the top of the bud) to help them sit securely soundguys.com. The result is an earbud that many find extremely comfortable for long listens – they sit more flush with the ear and don’t protrude as much as the originals. Importantly, Pixel Buds Pro 2 come with the usual assortment of eartip sizes and now have a fit test in the app to ensure a good seal. They’re IPX4 water-resistant (with the case IPX2), standard for the class. Battery life is strong: about 8 hours with ANC on, 11 hours off, and ~30 hours total with the case soundguys.com. Google also shrank the case slightly and it still supports wireless charging.

Sound & ANC: Pixel Buds Pro 2 feature custom 11mm drivers and a new Google Tensor A1 chip dedicated to audio soundguys.com soundguys.com. Sound quality is much improved – generally balanced with a bit of a bass boost and warm midrange. They won’t outdo Sennheiser or Sony in pure audiophile terms, but they are pleasing to listen to across genres. ANC performance got a big boost: Google claims the Buds Pro 2 “cancel twice as much noise” as the previous model soundguys.com, and measurements indicate they indeed attenuate a very high ~80–90% of external noise in key frequencies reddit.com. In real life, that puts them in the top tier, roughly on par with or even edging out AirPods Pro and just a step behind Sony/Bose. Notably, Google’s ANC is adaptive, sampling the environment 3 million times per secondto adjust its filtering soundguys.com. Transparency mode is natural-sounding too, approaching Apple’s effortless transparency. Google also continues to offer features like Silent Seal, which adapts ANC to your ear fit to avoid any pressure or eardrum discomfort.

AI Smarts & Features: Where Google differentiates is intelligence. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are the first to integrate Google’s new “Gemini” AI (the same next-gen language model behind the latest Google Assistant). A feature called “Gemini Live” allows you to have more natural back-and-forth conversations with the Assistant or other AI functions soundguys.com. This goes beyond basic voice commands – think of asking follow-up questions or getting more contextual answers from your earbuds without needing your phone screen. It’s an ambitious step into AI-assisted earbuds. Additionally, the Buds Pro 2 leverage Google’s strengths in translation: you can use Conversation Mode in the Translate app to get real-time translation of languages in your ear, a very handy travel aid that Google’s buds have uniquely offered. All the expected conveniences are here too: hands-free “Hey Google” voice activation, multipoint pairing (the Buds Pro 2 can connect to two devices at once and seamlessly switch), and tight integration with Android’s UI (fast pairing, Bluetooth device syncing across your Google account, and even Find My Device network support to locate lost buds). On Pixel phones specifically, there are a few extra perks – for example, Adaptive Sound adjusts volume based on ambient noise, and certain Pixel-exclusive settings like a low-latency gaming mode. But broadly, any Android user gets the full app and feature set (and even iPhone users can use the buds, though without a companion app).

Pixel Ecosystem and Drawbacks: The Pixel Buds Pro 2 exemplify Google’s holistic approach: the hardware is good, but the whole is greater when used with Google’s software ecosystem. A fun example: if you’re taking photos with a Pixel phone, the Buds can act as a remote shutter trigger with a long-press – a niche but nifty feature for group selfies. On the downside, Google still doesn’t support any higher-bitrate codec like aptX or LDAC; they stick to AAC and their own Bluetooth codec. That’s probably fine for most (AAC at least works well now on Android 13+), but audiophiles might wish for more. Also, some users note that while sound is generally good, it can occasionally sound “flat” or less dynamic compared to class leaders – a subjective take, but if you crave heavy bass, others like Sony might satisfy more. Lastly, while multipoint works, if you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem, these obviously won’t auto-switch in the magical way AirPods do – they play nicest with Android/Pixel environments.

Bottom Line: Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 are smart, refined earbuds that pair best with Android phones, particularly Pixels. They took everything the original Buds Pro did and made it better: smaller design, better ANC, longer battery, and more advanced features. The introduction of AI elements like Gemini hints at the future of earbuds as more than just audio devices – they become intelligent assistants. Even putting that aside, the Buds Pro 2 stand on their own merits: “excellent tech features, and charming design” as one long-term review put it somegadgetguy.com. At $229 they undercut some rivals on price, yet deliver premium quality (Google wisely kept the price the same as the first-gen). If you’re an Android user seeking a balance of great sound, strong ANC, and cutting-edge features, Pixel Buds Pro 2 should be high on your list. They show Google’s hardware chops catching up to its software vision – and together, that’s a potent combo in your ears.

Nothing Ear (2) and (3) – Stylish Innovation from a Newcomer

London-based startup Nothing has been making waves with its design-centric tech, and its Ear series earbuds are no exception. By 2025, Nothing has released three generations of earbuds, each with its signature transparent aesthetics and value-packed features. Nothing Ear (2) – 2023: The Ear (2) were Nothing’s sophomore effort and established them as a serious contender. Priced around $149, the Ear (2) offered a lot: very good sound quality with 11.6mm drivers, adaptive ANC that adjusts to ambient noise, LHDC codec support for hi-res audio, and a slick app with personalization (including hearing test-based EQ tuning). They kept the transparent design of the Ear (1) but improved build and water resistance (IP54). Reviews noted that the Ear (2) delivered punchy bass and a lively sound, and that the ANC, while not beating Bose/Sony, was effective for the price. In short, Ear (2) were considered some of the best-value premium earbuds of 2023, undercutting big brands while looking distinct.

Nothing Ear (stick) – 2022: In between, Nothing also launched the Ear (stick), a half-in-ear, lipstick-shaped case earbuds, but those are a different category (no ANC, more fashion-focused). We’ll stick to the flagship in-ears here.

Nothing Ear (3) – 2024/2025: In 2024, Nothing confusingly dropped numbering and released the third-gen model simply as “Nothing Ear (2024)” or just Nothing Ear. This was effectively the Ear 3 but they didn’t call it that at launch soundguys.com. It refined the formula further – updated drivers and likely improved ANC and battery – though the details were somewhat overshadowed by the name change. The company claimed ditching numbers was to emphasize the unique experience, but it seems the community actually found it too confusing soundguys.com. By 2025, Nothing listened to user feedback and decided to revert to a normal naming sequence. They teased the upcoming “Ear (3)” in September 2025, confirming that the next flagship earbuds are on the way and that the numbering is back soundguys.com soundguys.com. This Ear (3) will actually be their fourth-generation product (Ear 1, 2, [no-number], and now 3), but will be named Ear (3) for clarity soundguys.com. No specs were revealed yet, but given Nothing’s trajectory, we expect further improvements in sound (perhaps larger drivers or new tuning), ANC, and maybe enhanced integration with Nothing Phone devices. Nothing has also been experimenting with software features – for instance, the Ear (2) supported Dual Connection (i.e., multipoint) and personalized ANC, so the Ear (3) may introduce something new like advanced gesture controls or even tighter phone integration (the Nothing Phone’s Glyph lights already integrate with Ear case battery status).

Design & Trendsetting: One thing to highlight – Nothing’s transparent design and quirky branding (they literally published an internal note “because counting is hard” when bringing back the number 3 soundguys.com!) have made them stand out. If style matters to you, the clear see-through shells of the earbuds and case are undeniably cool and different from the staid black or white of most competitors. Comfort-wise, the Nothing Ear series have been generally well-fitting, using a classic stem shape (Ear 2 and 2024 model resemble AirPods Pro in silhouette but transparent). They include multiple tips and are light (Ear 2 was just 4.5g per bud). Battery life has been decent – around 5–6 hours per charge with ANC, up to ~25–30 hours with case. Not class-leading, but serviceable.

Bottom Line: Nothing’s flagship earbuds offer a fresh alternative for those who want good performance without following the crowd. They tend to be priced lower than Apple/Sony while delivering many of the same features, and they come wrapped in a head-turning design. The Ear (2) earned praise as a budget-friendly giant-killer, and the mysterious Ear (3), coming soon in 2025, is eagerly anticipated by fans soundguys.com. While they might not unseat the absolute top dogs in ANC or sound fidelity, Nothing has shown an ability to quickly innovate and address user feedback – which is impressive for a young company. Keep an eye out for the Ear (3) launch; if Nothing’s past is any indication, it could offer many flagship-level features at a mid-range price, all while looking unlike any other earbuds out there. In a market full of lookalikes, Nothing manages to be something special.

Jabra Elite 10 – Comfort and Calls Mastered

Jabra isn’t as flashy a name as Apple or Sony, but this veteran audio brand consistently produces some of the best earbuds for practicality, especially for those who prioritize comfort and call quality. The Jabra Elite 10 (released in late 2023) is their current flagship, and it exemplifies Jabra’s strengths. Design & All-Day Comfort: The Elite 10 were designed with 62,000 ear scans worth of data to achieve an optimal shape seriousinsights.net. Jabra moved away from the earlier bulky triangular form to a more compact, oval nozzle that sits more naturally. Reviewers absolutely rave about how comfortable these are – “earbuds I can wear all day, every day, with very little irritation” is a common sentiment gadgetoid.com. The silicone ear gels have a unique oval shape (not round) to better match ear canals seriousinsights.net, and they “snuggle” into your ear securely without needing wing tips seriousinsights.net. At ~5g per bud, they are lightweight. With an IP57 rating, they’re even more water/dust resistant than most competitors (suitable for heavy workouts and even dusty environments). Jabra also smartly uses physical buttons on each bud rather than touch controls seriousinsights.net – some users prefer this for reliability, especially during workouts or with gloves.

Sound & Spatial: The Elite 10 pack 10mm drivers and deliver a crowd-pleasing sound: strong bass, clear vocals, and good treble detail. They might not satisfy a hardcore audiophile who wants absolute flat response, but Jabra knows how to make music enjoyable for the average ear. What sets the Elite 10 apart is support for Dolby Atmos with head tracking seriousinsights.net seriousinsights.net. They’re one of the first earbuds to integrate Dolby’s Spatial Head Tracking tech at the firmware level. When used with Dolby Atmos content (from supporting apps like Tidal, Plex, etc., or on phones that output Atmos), the effect is an immersive surround sound similar to Apple’s Spatial Audio. Reviewers found it “wonderfully rich” and effective – one noted that closing your eyes, you can “easily imagine a concert stage” with the Atmos head-tracking on seriousinsights.net seriousinsights.net. It can even make watching sports or live events more engaging, as the audio shifts naturally when you move your head seriousinsights.net. If spatial audio is your thing, Jabra offers it at a price below some competitors (the Elite 10 launched at $249).

ANC & Calls: The Active Noise Cancelling on the Elite 10 is very good, though perhaps a notch below Sony/Bose. It will absolutely take the edge off loud environments – Jabra’s algorithms are solid – but a tiny bit more external noise creeps through compared to the absolute best. However, Jabra compensates with outstanding call quality. With 6 microphones and Jabra’s experience in telecom headsets, the Elite 10 are one of the best choices if phone calls or Zoom meetings are a priority seriousinsights.net. Your voice sounds clear and natural, and background noise is filtered nicely. Many business users stick with Jabra purely for this strength. The transparency mode (“HearThrough”) is also excellent and very adjustable in the app.

Connectivity & Battery: The Elite 10 support Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint, and Jabra’s multipoint is known to be seamless – you can have, say, your laptop and phone connected and it just works without hiccups seriousinsights.net seriousinsights.net. They also have Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair, and Spotify Tap (a one-touch to launch Spotify – a Jabra unique feature). Battery life is around 6 hours with ANC (up to 8 hours with ANC off) and a total of 27 hours with the case. The case supports wireless charging, and a quick 5-minute charge can give about an hour of play. These numbers are a bit under some rivals (which often hit 30 hours total), but still decent.

Bottom Line: The Jabra Elite 10 are the earbuds to consider if you value comfort, calls, and a balanced feature set. They might not generate as much hype as AirPods or Sony, but they deliver where it counts for daily use. As one review summarized: “outstanding comfort and sound quality, with advanced Dolby Atmos head tracking and multipoint… extensive features make them a top choice” seriousinsights.net seriousinsights.net. They don’t have any major weakness – everything is at least good, and some things (fit, calls) are arguably best-in-class. At their price, they compete directly with the big names and often come down a bit with discounts. For Android and even iPhone users (Jabra has a full-featured Sound+ app on iOS too), the Elite 10 offer a no-nonsense, high-quality experience. Plus, if you ever find other earbuds uncomfortable, give these a try – Jabra’s focus on ergonomics really paid off, and after all, an earbud is only as good as your willingness to keep it in your ear!

Upcoming and Rumored Flagship Earbuds (Late 2025 & Beyond)

The earbuds war isn’t slowing down – several exciting new models are on the horizon as we enter late 2025:

Apple AirPods Pro 3: All signs point to Apple launching the AirPods Pro 3 in the second half of 2025 – likely unveiled alongside the iPhone 17 in a fall event macrumors.com macrumors.com. According to reputable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has this refresh slated for 2025, about three years after the Pro 2 macrumors.com. Major rumored features include built-in health sensors – specifically, heart rate monitoring using optical sensors in the earbuds macrumors.com. Apple actually introduced this in the Powerbeats Pro 2 earlier in 2025, and it’s expected to migrate to AirPods Pro 3 for fitness tracking and Health app integration macrumors.com. A redesigned, smaller charging case is also likely macrumors.com. We anticipate upgraded audio (perhaps new drivers or an H3 chip), and even better ANC. There’s talk of design tweaks, though nothing concrete on whether the iconic stem will change. One interesting nugget: Apple is reportedly working on new input methods – Kuo has mentioned a future AirPods Pro may incorporate tiny infrared cameras to detect gestures macrumors.com. While that sounds more like a next-year thing (AirPods Pro 4), it shows Apple’s ambitious roadmap: imagine nodding or shaking your head to control your AirPods (a patent suggests exactly that for answering Siri yes/no questions) soundguys.com soundguys.com. In any case, the AirPods Pro 3 will aim to reclaim the top spot. If you’re in the Apple camp, you might heed MacRumors’ buyer guide which currently rates AirPods Pro as “Don’t Buy” since a new model is imminent macrumors.com.
Sony WF-1000XM6: Sony fans are eagerly awaiting the WF-1000XM6, and rumors suggest the launch is very near – likely by late summer or fall 2025 digitaltrends.com digitaltrends.com. An import filing was spotted for a new Sony earbuds model “YY2985” which insiders link to the XM6, indicating release is nigh digitaltrends.com digitaltrends.com. Sony’s two-year cycle (2019 XM3 → 2021 XM4 → 2023 XM5) strongly hints at a 2025 drop digitaltrends.com. Digital Trends reports the XM6 will probably stick to a similar design and size as the XM5 (which is fine, since the XM5’s smaller form was well-received) digitaltrends.com digitaltrends.com. We expect Sony to refine the fit further (some hope for less glossy texture for grip), maybe slightly boost battery life, and of course push the envelope on sound and ANC. Given Sony just launched their WH-1000XM6 headphones in mid-2025 with notable upgrades, the earbuds may follow suit with improved drivers or new features. Price will likely remain around the $300 mark digitaltrends.com digitaltrends.com. Audiophiles are curious if Sony might add support for LC3 or even Lossless via LE Audio – no leaks on that yet, but it would make sense. Keep an eye out for Sony’s official announcement, which could happen any week now. As What Hi-Fi? put it, the XM6 are “some of the most highly anticipated wireless earbuds” recently whathifi.com – expectations are high, but Sony has delivered consistently, so there’s good reason to be excited.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): This one is confirmed – Bose announced the QC Ultra Earbuds II in June 2025, as mentioned earlier. They retain the $299 price and the core design bose.com bose.com, but with tweaks like better adaptive ANC (smoother transitions when noise levels change) bose.com, improved voice pickup using AI (Bose aims to make calls clearer by isolating your voice), and the long-awaited built-in Qi wireless charging on the case bose.com bose.com. They’re coming in three colors including a new Deep Plum and expected to hit stores by late summer 2025 bose.com. So if you were considering Bose, it might be worth grabbing the 2nd-gen Ultra for the latest and greatest.
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro: As noted, we likely won’t see these until early 2026 (rumored to launch with Galaxy S26) soundguys.com soundguys.com. However, leaks will probably start in late 2025. Galaxy Club reports suggest Samsung is indeed working on new Buds Pro, with possible improvements in ANC and maybe a further refined design, but details are scarce this far out soundguys.com soundguys.com. In the meantime, Samsung’s mid-range Galaxy Buds FE (Fan Edition) have launched in late 2024, and possibly a refreshed Buds Live or Buds Plus could appear in 2025 for the budget segment. But no new flagship from Samsung in 2025 is expected beyond color refreshes.
Google Pixel Buds “Pro 3” or Pixel Buds A-Series: Google just released the Buds Pro 2 in late 2024, so a Pro 3 likely won’t come until 2026 given Google’s cadence. However, we might see a new Pixel Buds A-Series 2 in 2025 to update the lower-cost variant. That’s speculative, but Google did quietly mention “Buds 2a” in some contexts soundguys.com, which suggests a refreshed affordable model could be in the works (perhaps with improved ANC at a lower price point, given Google’s competitive push).
Nothing Ear (3): As covered, Nothing has teased Ear (3) for an upcoming launch (the tease was in early Sept 2025) soundguys.com. Based on Nothing’s style, a full reveal could happen before year’s end 2025. Fans expect improved ANC, maybe longer battery, and who knows – Nothing often partners with different audio firms or tries quirky features (perhaps an EQ “assistant” or more integration with the Glyph lighting of their Phone). It’s one to watch if you like being an early adopter with a bit of flair.
Others: Jabra will likely continue iterating – the Elite 10 has a “Gen 2” variant quietly referenced by SoundGuys (suggesting a minor hardware revision in 2024) soundguys.com. If they stick to roughly yearly cycles, a Jabra Elite 11 could appear in 2025, potentially focusing on even better ANC since that’s one area Jabra could improve further. Technics (Panasonic) surprised many by topping some charts with models like the EAH-AZ80 and AZ100 in 2023–24; any Technics AZ100 successor would interest audiophiles, though no rumors yet. Apple/Beats – aside from AirPods Pro 3, Apple’s Beats brand might update the Beats Fit Pro (from 2021) with a Fit Pro 2 introducing ANC (the current Fit Pro already has ANC and is quite popular among athletes). If Apple doesn’t cannibalize it with AirPods features, a Beats Fit Pro 2 in late 2025 could happen to offer an earhook-less sporty option with maybe similar sensors as Powerbeats Pro 2. Amazon last did Echo Buds (2nd Gen) in 2021; a 3rd Gen Echo Budsactually launched in mid-2023 but as a budget, no-ANC model. If Amazon ever tries a flagship ANC bud again, it could be late 2025 or 2026, but no concrete info. And Microsoft Surface Earbuds… well, the 2019 originals never got a sequel; we don’t anticipate one, as Microsoft seems to have exited that peripheral market.

In summary, the latter half of 2025 into 2026 will bring a wave of new earbuds that further blur the line between audio device and smart wearable. From AirPods that monitor your health to Sony’s next audio powerhouse, and newcomers like Nothing continuing to shake things up, there’s a lot to look forward to. If you’re in the market now, rest assured today’s flagships are excellent – but also know that innovation is humming along, so your next upgrade in a couple of years might do things we’re only just starting to imagine. In the meantime, use this comparison to choose the buds that fit your needs and enjoy the music – in glorious noise-cancelled peace, of course.

Sources: The information in this report is drawn from a range of expert reviews and credible news. For instance, Tom’s Guide and What Hi-Fi provided insights on audio quality and ANC rankings tomsguide.com whathifi.com, SoundGuys and TechRadar offered detailed analysis of features like codecs and spatial audio newsroom.sennheiser.com techradar.com, and MacRumors and Digital Trends gave us the scoop on upcoming models and rumored features macrumors.com digitaltrends.com. All sources are cited inline for reference. Each of these flagship earbuds has its strengths, so “best” will depend on what you value – be it the ecosystem synergy of AirPods, the sonic prowess of Sony and Sennheiser, the silence of Bose, the smarts of Google, the style of Nothing, or the comfort of Jabra. The good news: in 2025, there’s no shortage of great choices for your next pair of wireless earbuds. Happy listening! tomsguide.com