Best Wireless Earbuds 2026: Apple, Sony, Bose, Samsung, and Budget Picks

If you’ve shopped for wireless earbuds lately, you’ve seen the same promises on every box: great noise canceling, room-shaking bass, clearer calls, longer battery life, and “pro” features. In early 2026, a lot of those claims are finally credible—especially outside the $300 tier. We’ve spent years testing earbuds across platforms and price points; here’s a practical, jargon-tamed guide to what’s genuinely best right now, what’s changed since last year, and where the tech is heading next.

Background

The earbud market has matured in four big ways:

Noise canceling is no longer a premium-only feature. Midrange sets are shockingly capable, and low-cost models now blunt low-frequency rumble decently.
Bluetooth LE Audio and the LC3 codec are moving from buzzwords to reality. You’ll see more stable multipoint, lower latency, better efficiency, and early steps toward Auracast broadcast audio in public spaces.
Ecosystem perks matter more. Apple, Samsung, and Google each sweeten the deal with seamless pairing, head-tracked spatial audio, and tighter Find My/Find My Device integration.
Comfort and fit have diversified. “Open” designs that leave your ears unsealed are having a moment for safety and long-wear comfort, while classic silicone tips still rule sound quality and ANC.

On the flip side, consolidation reshaped the shelf. Jabra—long a call-quality champ—has wound down new consumer earbuds, and niche audiophile brands focus on sustainability and repairability rather than spec-sheet arm-wrestling.

What happened

WIRED has updated its buyer’s guide for 2026 with new rankings and context across iPhone, Android, and budget categories. The refresh reflects broader industry shifts:

ANC algorithms improved, especially for voices and intermittent noise, not just airplane droning.
LE Audio support is spreading to mainstream phones and laptops, with more earbuds adopting LC3 and steadier multipoint.
Samsung’s Buds3 Pro brought sharper mics and better wind handling to the Android side, while Apple’s AirPods Pro (2nd gen, USB‑C) remain the iPhone default thanks to top-tier transparency and deep integration.
Bose still leads on pure noise canceling, but Sony and Sennheiser serve up warmer tuning and more flexible EQ for music-first listeners.
Sub-$100 models finally deliver “good enough” ANC and multipoint without catastrophic compromises—if you pick carefully.

Below are our current favorites, with plain-English reasons to choose each and what to expect in daily use.

The best earbuds you can buy in early 2026

Best for most iPhone users: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen, USB‑C)

Why: The most natural transparency mode, very good ANC, reliable spatial audio with head tracking on Apple devices, instant iCloud pairing, and rock-solid connection stability.
Sound: Neutral-leaning with a tasteful bass lift. Not the last word in resolution, but consistently pleasant and non-fatiguing.
Calls: Excellent voice pickup and wind handling for their size.
Downsides: Limited codec options outside Apple’s ecosystem; fit may be looser for small ears without swapping tips.
Buy if you value: Effortless Apple integration, comfort, and the gold standard for hear-through.

Best for most Android users: Sony WF‑1000XM5

Why: Balanced excellence—strong ANC, warm and engaging sound, customizable EQ, and reliably good battery life.
Sound: Rich, musical tuning with ample sub-bass, tweakable via app.
Calls: Above average, now better at mitigating road noise than past Sonys.
Downsides: Case scuffs easily; touch controls can be a bit sensitive.
Buy if you value: Top-tier ANC with a musical tilt and robust app controls.

Best ANC, period: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Why: Bose still wins the “silence” war. If you commute by subway or fly often, these clamp down the hardest on rumble and chatter.
Sound: Clean and clear with a focus on midrange detail; bass is deep but not boomy.
Calls: Strong beamforming mics and solid wind suppression.
Downsides: Bulky case; fit can feel snug after long sessions; app is better but still quirky.
Buy if you value: The quietest ride and reliable call clarity.

Best sound under $300: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4

Why: Tonal refinement, textured bass, and convincing stereo imaging that edge out most rivals in the price class.
Sound: Audiophile-leaning with lively treble and a satisfying low end; excellent for acoustic, jazz, and well-recorded pop.
Calls: Adequate but not class-leading.
Downsides: Case is bigger than most; ANC is good but not Bose-level.
Buy if you value: Music-first listening with EQ flexibility and aptX support on compatible devices.

Best for Samsung phones: Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro

Why: Seamless ecosystem features (auto-switching among Samsung devices, 24-bit SSC HiFi on supported phones), comfortable fit, and much-improved mics.
Sound: Clean and balanced with customizable EQ in the Galaxy Wearable app.
Calls: Very good, with better wind and sibilant control than previous generations.
Downsides: Some features are Samsung-only; stems look polarizing but help mic placement.
Buy if you value: Samsung integration, call quality, and a modern design.

Best Google ecosystem pick: Google Pixel Buds Pro

Why: Effortless pairing with Pixel devices, reliable multipoint, and Assistant integration that still feels a step ahead for voice.
Sound: Warm and easygoing; EQ improvements arrived via updates.
Calls: Competent, with steady environmental noise reduction.
Downsides: ANC now trails the best; case is slippery.
Buy if you value: Google Assistant features and smooth Android integration.

Best for workouts: Beats Fit Pro

Why: The wingtip design locks in securely without pressure pain, and they play nice with both Apple and Android.
Sound: Energetic, bass-forward tuning that makes cardio more fun.
Calls: Good, even on windy runs.
Downsides: Case is a bit chunky; no wireless charging unless bundled variant.
Buy if you value: Secure fit, punchy sound, and pocketable reliability.

Best open-ear comfort: Shokz OpenFit

Why: For long workdays, cycling, or outdoor awareness, these rest outside your ear canal—no seal, no pressure, very low fatigue.
Sound: Obviously less bass than sealed earbuds, but clearer and fuller than bone-conduction designs.
Calls: Surprisingly strong because your ear remains unoccluded.
Downsides: Weak isolation by design; not for airplanes or subways.
Buy if you value: Safety, comfort, and all-day wear without ear fatigue.

Best value ANC under $100: Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC

Why: Features that matter—solid ANC, customizable EQ, multipoint, and decent mics—at a price that frequently dips below $80 on sale.
Sound: Fun V-shaped tuning with app-based adjustments.
Calls: Good enough for Zoom and sidewalks.
Downsides: Plasticky feel; app can overwhelm with options.
Buy if you value: Maximum features per dollar.

Best budget runner-up: SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro

Why: Consistent Bluetooth stability, helpful ANC, and a comfortable semi-stem design around $70.
Sound: Elevated bass and crisp treble; EQ in app.
Calls: Fine indoors; wind remains a challenge.
Downsides: Build feels budget; support and firmware cadence can vary.
Buy if you value: A cheap, capable daily driver.

How to choose: the buying checklist that actually matters

Fit and seal first: A proper seal with the right tip size transforms sound and ANC. Most brands include multiple silicone sizes; don’t assume “medium.” If foams are offered, try them for a better seal.
Comfort over time: Ten minutes at a store won’t reveal pressure points. If return windows allow, test for multi-hour wear and jaw movement (chewing, talking) to check stability.
Controls you’ll actually use: Physical buttons avoid mistaps but can press the ear uncomfortably. Touch controls are lighter but need good rejection of accidental brushes.
Multipoint reliability: “Connect to two devices” is common, but seamless switching is not. Test with your phone and laptop before committing.
App quality: EQ, ANC modes, and firmware updates live here. A clear, stable app often predicts a better long-term experience.
Battery reality: Seven to nine hours per charge (with ANC on) is the sweet spot now. Prioritize fast charging and USB‑C. Wireless charging is nice to have.
Water resistance: IPX4 means splash-resistant workouts; IP55+ is better for outdoor runs. Rinse sweat and dust gently and air-dry.

Features decoded (without the marketing fog)

ANC vs. passive isolation: ANC handles steady noise (airplanes, HVAC). Tips and seal handle chatter and higher frequencies. You need both for the best experience.
Codecs: LC3 (LE Audio) improves efficiency and stability; AAC is Apple’s baseline; aptX/LDAC can help on capable Android devices. The difference is smaller than a good seal and tuning.
Spatial audio: Fun for movies and select music mixes. Apple’s head tracking is the slickest, Samsung and Google are solid. Not a must-have for everyone.
Find My and Device tracking: Increasingly standard. Great for locating a stray earbud under the couch; essential if you’re forgetful.
Hearing features: Conversation boost, hearing tests, and safe listening alerts are moving mainstream. Treat them as supplements, not medical devices.

Key takeaways

You no longer need to spend $300 for excellent ANC, multipoint, and good sound—smart $80–$150 choices can feel premium day to day.
AirPods Pro remain the easiest recommendation for iPhone users; Sony WF‑1000XM5 are the Android all-rounder; Bose still cancels noise best.
LE Audio/LC3 is arriving in real products and makes a bigger difference in stability and latency than in dramatic sound quality gains.
Open earbuds like Shokz OpenFit are worth considering if you work long hours or run outdoors—comfort and awareness trump isolation for many.
Fit and seal are 80 percent of the experience. Spend time finding the right tips before judging sound or ANC.

What to watch next

Auracast in the wild: Airports, gyms, and lecture halls will start broadcasting audio you can join directly from your earbuds. Expect more venue pilots in 2026.
Smarter on-device voice: Assistants that run partially on the buds’ chips can speed up commands without sending everything to the cloud.
Hearing health convergence: More earbuds will offer conversation enhancement and basic self-fitting tools. For persistent issues, consult an audiologist or consider OTC hearing aids designed for that purpose.
Better call mics in wind: Expect new mic placements and software tricks to handle sidewalks and bike commutes without robotic artifacts.
Sustainability: User-replaceable tips are standard; cases and buds with easier battery service and recycled plastics are the next frontier. Transparent repair policies will matter.

Quick setup tips for better sound day one

Try every tip size in the box—even if you “always wear medium.”
Use the fit test in the app if offered; re-run after 30 minutes of wear.
Set ANC to “adaptive” only if it works for you; some prefer a fixed high setting to avoid pumping sensations.
Turn on safe-listening alerts and set a weekly cap; ears don’t heal from chronic damage.
Map controls to what you actually do: play/pause on single tap, ANC/transparency on long press, track skip on double tap.

FAQ

Do Bluetooth codecs really change sound quality?

A little, under ideal conditions—but not as much as fit, tuning, and driver quality. LC3 (LE Audio) and aptX/LDAC can preserve more detail at similar bitrates, and they may reduce latency. In daily use, the right tips and a good seal matter more.

Should I prioritize ANC or passive isolation?

Both. Good tips and a snug seal block chatter and higher frequencies that ANC struggles with, while ANC handles engine hum. If you travel often, prioritize strong ANC. If you work in an office, an average ANC with superb isolation can be just as effective.

Are “open” earbuds worth it?

Yes, if you value awareness and comfort over isolation and bass. They’re great for long calls, shared offices, cycling, and runs. They’re not ideal for planes or buses.

How long should earbuds last?

Batteries typically retain good capacity for 2–3 years with daily use. Avoid deep discharges, store buds around half-charge when unused for weeks, and keep them out of hot cars. Some brands offer paid battery service; most do not.

Can I use one earbud at a time?

Usually, yes. Many modern models support independent use so you can keep a spare charging for marathon calls. Check the app or manual to confirm.

What volume is safe for long listening?

Keep average levels near or below 70–75 dB for extended sessions. Many phones offer built-in exposure tracking and warnings—turn them on. If you need higher volume to hear dialogue, try larger tips for a better seal.

Are cheap ANC buds good now?

Some are. Look for proven models like Anker’s Liberty 4 NC or SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro. Expect decent noise reduction and multipoint, but build and mic quality will lag premium sets.

Source & original reading

Read WIRED’s updated roundup here: https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-wirefree-earbuds/

Best Wireless Earbuds (2026): Apple, Sony, Bose, and More