Nestled inside ears everywhere you go, wireless earbuds have become the world’s most popular audio device – and with good reason. They allow us to listen to music and podcasts and take voice calls cable-free, for hours on end, with something that can connect to our phones in seconds and fit discreetly into our lugholes (and, when not in use, easily into our pockets). They can be as compact as a matchbox and as affordable as a pint of lager.
While one very prominent pair comes to mind when picturing wireless earbuds – Apple’s iconic, white, market-dominating AirPods, of course – everyone else in the headphone world has caught up in the last decade to offer budget and premium in-ears, for less than $50 to 10 times that.
Indeed, the category has become one of the most competitive in consumer technology. Bluetooth earbuds now increasingly offer high-quality sound, active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, day-long battery lives, dust- and water-resistant designs, wireless charging, and the ability to simultaneously connect to multiple devices for work and play. The boxes for manufacturers to tick today is seemingly endless.
So if you want to bag a new pair, where on earth should you start? We’re here to help. This buying guide features only the very best wireless earbuds, ranging from affordable to premium picks, and also highlights models that are particularly great for Apple users, sport and exercise, sleeping, and those who prioritise noise-canceling. Each has been thoroughly tried and tested by our expert reviews team and flies the flag for top performance, features and comfort.
Currently, it’s hard to find a better all-round pair of wireless earbuds than Sony’s latest flagship model, the WF-1000XM5. Sony has consistently excelled in this top-line series, which has topped our list for years, and it could go one better before long with the highly rumored Sony WF-1000XM6. Could that highly anticipated next-gen pair sit pretty at the top of this list soon, or will the recently launched AirPods Pro 3 prove to be a match for them?
Our best budget choice, meanwhile, is the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, which offer excellent value at an affordable price point. Check them – and other class-leading pairs – out below…
Best overall wireless earbuds
Sony WF-1000XM5
- Small and comfortabler
- Top-notch soundr
- Excellent noise cancelingr
- Superb call qualityr
- Bluetooth multipoint with LDAC
- Fit isn't super secure
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 5.9 grams per earbud, 39 grams for case |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient Sound Modes | Adaptive ANC, ANC, and transparency |
| Battery life | 8 hours with ANC (12 without), 36 additional hours with case |
| Hi-res Audio Support | Y |
Sony’s industry-leading flagship wireless earbuds have delivered consistently great sound, are super comfortable, have fantastic battery life, and deliver some of the world’s best ANC. The latest model, the XM5, are smaller and 20% lighter than the previous gen (XM4), and Sony has addressed some of the key concerns users had with the predecessor right out of the gate.
The XM5s are also more streamlined and elegant, making it less intrusive and sleeker. Fit-wise, the XM5s have redesigned foam eartips and come with a new extra small size, bringing the total to four options to fit ears of even more shapes and sizes.
New accelerometers in the XM5s open the door for some neat head-movement gestures (nod to accept a call, shake your head to decline), and Sony has switched to a dual processor system that, combined with resigned microphones and drivers, allow for a dedicated chip to specifically handle noise cancellation. Active noise cancelation is slightly better on the XM5s than their predecessor, and the model has a decent voice-targeting mode that helps you better hear conversations. But if ANC is a high priority for you, they still don’t match the Apple AirPods Pro 2 for that.
With redesigned drivers that are 40% bigger than on the XM4s, it’s no surprise that the XM5s sound better. Bass response is great, vocals are clear and defined, the soundstage is wide for a set of earbuds, and there’s even new head-tracked spatial audio support that works well, as long as the phone you’re using supports it. Indeed, as our experts note in our Sony XM5 review, “Sony has never disappointed us when it comes to sound quality, and the XM5 are superb”.
The XM5s also feature Bluetooth Multipoint connectivity, allowing you to connect to two devices at once.
All-important battery life is unchanged in the XM5s, giving you up to eight hours of playtime with ANC on and 12 when it’s off, along with two full charges from the case, for a total of up to 35 hours. A quick three-minute charge nets a whopping hour of playtime.
Simply put, you can’t get better all-round wireless earbuds at this premium price, although do be aware that the XM5’s highly anticipated successors, the WF-1000XM6, are rumored to arrive in the near future.
Best budget wireless earbuds
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
- Thoughtful designr
- Great soundr
- Impressive noise-cancelingr
- Very good call qualityr
- Superb battery lifer
- Bluetooth Multipoint
- Mediocre transparency mode
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 5.4 grams per earbud, about 56 grams for case |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient Sound Modes | Adaptive ANC, Transparency mode |
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours with ANC, up to 50 hours total with the charging case. |
| Hi-res Audio Support | Yes |
Every so often, a pair of budget earbuds comes along that are so good for the price and have so many features that they leave us impressed and scratching our heads. Anker’s latest Soundcore Liberty 4 NC are only $100, and yet they perform better than most pairs twice that price.
The Liberty 4 NC are comfortable, fit well and snugly, and have an IPX4 rating that workout folks will appreciate as they can stand up to sweat and can be rinsed off. They sound robust and balanced, have excellent bass response, and keep things free of distortion at reasonable volumes. There’s also an app (HearID) that gives you some good personalization options for your perfect sound. For the audio nerds out there, the Liberty 4 NCs also support the hi-res LDAC audio codec (Android only, sorry), which is rare for a budget pair of earbuds.
The Liberty 4 NCs shine when it comes to ANC and transparency mode, though, with our expert reviewer gushing that the ANC stood up to even the $250 AirPods Pro 2. And the features! For your hundred clams, the Liberty 4 NCs feature excellent adaptive noise canceling, presets for things like planes and busses, and a manual slider for you to pick yourself. Transparency mode, our reviewer found, sounds natural, like you’re not wearing earbuds, and does a good job of letting in just the right amount of outside noise. Call quality on the Liberty 4 NCs is good too, with solid compression of environmental noise. And that all-important sound quality also impresses, with our Soundcore Liberty 4 NC review stating that they “deliver a more robust and better-balanced sound signature, especially in the midbass and bass” compared to their Life P3 predecessor.
But how’s the all-important battery? The Liberty 4 NC will last up to eight hours on a charge with ANC turned on, and a total of 40 hours when you include the charging case. They best the AirPods Pro (5.5/24 hours) as well as their next-step-up sibling, the $150 Soundcore Liberty 4 (7/24). Just buy them already.
Best budget noise-canceling wireless earbuds
Skullcandy Method 360 ANC
- Affordably pricedr
- Excellent sound qualityr
- Comfortable and securer
- Multipoint and wear sensorsr
- Very good battery life
- Awkward charging caser
- No wireless chargingr
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 11 grams per bud, 77 grams for case |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient Sound Modes | ANC and transparency |
| Battery life | 9 hours per bud (11 without ANC), 32 hours total (40 without ANC) |
| Hi-res Audio Support | No |
While Bose has always been the king of noise-canceling earbuds and headphones space, their offerings don’t come cheap. Indeed, their QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are our pick of the best premium noise-canceling earbuds below, but they cost over $250. If your budget is half that, however, and your number one priority is a listening experience with excellent isolation from the outside world, look no further than the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC.
The Method 360 ANC bear a strong resemblance to those aforementioned Boses – and not by accident. Bose and Skullcandy actually partnered on these wireless earbuds, and the result is the best-sounding Skullcandy earbuds ever made.
The two earbud models look very similar indeed, although to its credit, Skullcandy offers a fun lineup of colours for its charging case (including leopard print!). Skullcandy’s SkullIQ app is seemingly a clone of the Bose QCE app, too, and there you will find plenty of customizations, including full control over the touch gestures.
We can put a big, fat tick in the sound quality box: “bass is delightfully full and authoritative, there’s plenty of detail in the midranges, and in classic Bose style, the highs are delivered with a sparkly energy,” notes our Method 360 ANC review. But the star of the show is the noise-canceling, which is effective enough to dramatically reduce many distracting sounds, whether that is at the gym or out on the street. It isn’t as powerful as the ANC from Bose earbuds, as you may expect at this lower price, but they do a great job nonetheless, and in the app you can adjust the intensity of the ANC effect. Just note that wind suppression is an area of weakness here.
There aren’t many, though, and the fact that the Skullcandys actually beat the Bose buds for call quality is an unexpected bonus. All things – particularly price – considered, the Method 360 ANC are stunning value.
Best premium noise-canceling wireless earbuds
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
- Benchmark ANC
- Leading comfort levels
- Entertaining and informative sound
- Immersive (spatial) Audio isn’t bad
- aptX Adaptive Bluetooth support
- Battery life is only okay
- No Auracast
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 7.7 grams per earbud, 61.2 grams for case |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient Sound Modes | Adaptive ANC, ANC, Aware |
| Battery life | 6 hours with ANC, 24 hours total with the case |
| Bluetooth Support | AAC, SBC, aptX Adaptive |
If you know anything about Bose headphones, you know that active noise cancellation is their calling card. Bose was the first to debut ANC technology in a set of headphones more than 20 years ago, and has been refining the science of silence ever since.
The second-gen QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are the latest culmination of all those years of experience, and naturally replace the original QC Ultra Earbuds that used to sit in this very spot.
So what’s changed? Well, there’s support for wireless charging now, improved sound quality, and tweaks to the ANC processing algorithm to prevent your music from being disrupted by sudden loud noises.
You also get a rather nice-looking Deep Plum color option, an eartip guard that helps repel earwax build-up, the option to turn off touch controls in the app, and a new Cinema Mode that combines ANC with Immersive (spatial) Audio for enhanced movie watching.
Elsewhere, you get the same Bluetooth codec and Multipoint support, comfortable, secure fit, and 30-hour battery life, which is probably the biggest area we would want Bose to improve next time around.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are easily some of the best wireless earbuds for noise-canceling you can buy, and a must-have for those who crave quiet.
Best high-end wireless earbuds
Master & Dynamic MW09
- Beautiful design and materialsr
- Excellent sound qualityr
- Capable noise-cancelingr
- Huge amounts of battery lifer
- Bluetooth Multipointr
- Wireless charging
- A bit heavy for workoutsr
- Long delay between ANC modesr
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 9 grams per earbud, up to 62.5 grams for case |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient Sound Modes | ANC and two ambient sound modes |
| Battery life | 12 hours with ANC (16 without ANC), 32 additional hours with the case |
| Hi-res Audio Support | Yes |
Master & Dynamic, a New York-based brand known for producing high-quality wireless earbuds, has taken things a step further with the MW09. An upgrade to its predecessor, the MW08, it comes packed with features like hi-res audio, Bluetooth Multipoint connectivity, and wireless charging. This set of earbuds is a great option for those looking for a premium audio experience.
M&W has kept its unique and stylish aesthetic with the MW09s, as well as their easy-to-use physical controls on each earpiece. They’re also very comfortable and come with both silicone and foam eartips to you can get the perfect fit. The M&D app also has a fit test and the earbuds themselves feature an IP54 rating making them tolerable to sweat and rain, although our reviewer suggested that there are likely better earbuds for working out due to the MW09’s extra bulk.
The MW08s were, by our estimation, some of the best sounding earbuds you could buy, and we’re glad to report that the same is true for the MW09s. Full, beautiful bass is complimented by their insane level of definition and clarity in the mids and highs. EQ presets and five-band EQing is also available through the app, too, but they sound great out of the box.
However, new surprises on the sound front come with the addition Snapdragon Sound, which brings aptX Adaptive on board for the ability to enjoy lossy hi-res at up to 24-bit/96kHz, and lossless CD quality at up to 16-bit/48kHz. Sadly though, these advanced audio codecs will only be available to those with Android devices and those with support for Snapdragon Sound. Apple devices need not apply.
While the MW09’s ANC and transparency modes don’t compete on the same level as the AirPods Pro 2, Sony WF-1000XM5 or Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 2, they’re still pretty good at blocking out all of life’s everyday noises and letting you hear conversations and the outside sounds you want to hear. Call quality also holds its own, too.
You get to choose from two charging cases, one made of kevlar, and one made of aluminum, and they both offer wireless charging, IPX4 water resistance, and 32 hours of charging capacity. The MW09 earbuds themselves deliver an impressive 12 hours per charge with ANC on and 16 hours with it off, which is more than you’ll ever really need.
Best wireless earbuds for Apple users
Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C
- Excellent noise cancelingr
- Best conversation mode we've testedr
- Solid audio qualityr
- Capable of wireless lossless audior
- Yes, USB-C
- Best features only for Apple productsr
- Still no biofeedback
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 5.3 grams per earbud, 50.8 grams for case |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient Sound Modes | Adaptive ANC, ANC, and transparency |
| Battery life | 6 hours with ANC, 30 hours for case |
| Hi-res Audio Support | No, not technically |
With the original AirPods Pro proving to have been one of the most successful wireless earbuds of all time, Apple needed to show it could do it again with the second-gen model. First, it did, adding to their great design, comfortable fit, and improvements to ANC and battery life. But then they did it again is September of 2023 by ditching Lightning for USB-C, and adding dust resistance for a new IP54 designation.
All that said, the new AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C still feature shockingly good active noise cancellation. They are the only buds to give the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds some real competition. Transparency – always a high point for the AirPods Pro – has a feature called Adaptive Transparency. Just like Bose’s ActiveSense, it keeps loud sounds from causing you discomfort and it works like a champ.
The Apple H2 chip in each earbud also delivers better call quality that handily kills off any background sounds that might interfere with your voice being heard.
Sound quality is excellent, too, with beautiful detail and depth, and excellent bass response and compatibility with Apple’s immersive Spatial Audio. There’s still no EQ adjustments, but if you love music, you’ll love the way the AirPods Pro 2 sound.
Battery life in the latest USB-C version still stands at six hours per charge, with 30 hours total when you include the charging case – which still has a built-in speaker, lanyard loop, and Apple U1 chip for ultra-precise location reporting via Find My. It also gets the same IP54 protection upgrade, and you can now charge the AirPods Pro 2 with your iPhone 15 or Mac using a USB-C-to-USB-C cable, which is super handy if you don’t have access to power or a portable charging bank.
These are easily the best wireless earbuds for iPhone and Apple users, although do note that their successors, the AirPods Pro 3, have just launched and promise to take sound, ANC and features to new heights. The Pro 2 are therefore officially discontinued, although they will still be available to buy for the foreseeable.
Best budget wireless earbuds for Apple users
Apple AirPods (4th gen) with ANC
- Surprisingly effective ANCr
- Improved fit/comfortr
- Solid sound qualityr
- Excellent voice/call qualityr
- r
- Best for Apple device users
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 4.3 grams per earbud, 34.7 grams for case |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient Sound Modes | Adaptive ANC, ANC, and transparency |
| Battery life | 4 hours for ANC (5 with ANC off), up to 30 hours with case |
| Hi-res Audio Support | No, not technically |
The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), also known as the AirPods 4th Generation, are a solid choice for those seeking Apple’s signature ease of use and seamless integration with other Apple devices, but who maybe don’t want to spend the whole lot on the AirPods Pro 2. These earbuds feature an upgraded design that offers improved sound quality over their predecessors, boasting full-bodied bass and clear highs that provide a more immersive listening experience.
At the heart of the AirPods 4 is the H2 chip, which enables personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. This feature ensures that sound feels like it is coming from all around you, making for an engaging audio experience, particularly for music and movies. The effective active noise cancellation significantly reduces background noise, allowing users to focus solely on their audio content. Additionally, the Adaptive Audio feature intelligently adjusts between ANC and Transparency mode based on your surroundings, providing optimal listening conditions whether you’re in a busy café or enjoying some quiet time.
Despite these advantages, it’s worth noting that the open-ear design may not fit securely for everyone, which can lead to inconsistent noise cancellation in noisy environments. The battery life is average for truly wireless earbuds, especially with ANC activated; users can expect around five to six hours of listening time, with the charging case providing additional power on the go. Some users may also find the lack of a user-adjustable equalizer limiting, which could disadvantage those who enjoy customizing their audio experience.
Overall, while the AirPods 4 with ANC are an excellent option for Apple users who value convenience and sound quality, those seeking top-tier noise cancellation, more robust bass response, or longer battery life might want to explore alternative options.
Best wireless earbuds for sports and athletics
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
- Solid, satisfying soundr
- Extremely secure, comfortable fitr
- Physical buttonsr
- Heart rate monitoringr
- Works well with iOS and Android OS
- Case is still bulkyr
- ANC is not quite as good as competitors
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 8.7 grams per bud, 69 grams for casen |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient Sound Modes | ANC and transparency |
| Battery life | 8 hours with ANC (10 without ANC), 45 total with the case |
| Hi-res Audio Support | No, not technically |
| Weight | 8.7 grams per bud, 69 grams for casen |
Beats has always done a great job at making earbuds for active people who need quality products that can take a beating, whether that’s during workouts or, say, you find yourself getting in a lot of water balloon fights.
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are a perfect match for this kind of punishment. Not only do they have the sturdy, lightweight and versatile build that make them perfect for wearing during exercise, but they also sport (excuse the pun) more advanced features than many fitness-focused rivals, such as effective noise-canceling and transparency, personalized spatial audio, handy wireless charging and accurate heart rate monitoring.
Our expert reviewer tested the accuracy of their heart rate sensor against a Garmin Epix 2 and an Apple Watch Series 10 , and reported that they displayed basically the same numbers as those other devices, with “occasional differences of only a few BPM (beats per minute)”.
When used with an Apple device, the Powerbeats Pro 2 have easy one-touch pairing setup, audio sharing with other compatible Apple and Beats headphones and earbuds, Find My, head tracking with spatial audio, hands-free “Hey Siri” activation, and iCloud pairing. But they are also nicely integrated into the Android ecosystem too, making them just as suitable for fans of either camp.
Call quality is impressive, and as our Powerbeats Pro 2 review notes, “bass is clean and punchy”, “the upper mids and highs have nice clarity and airiness” and “spatial audio performance is solid”.
All in all, Beats’ latest sport buds are an easy choice for workouts.
Best wireless earbuds for comfort
Technics EAH-AZ100
- Superb audio qualityr
- Light, comfy designr
- Top-notch noise cancellationr
- Improved call qualityr
- Tons of customizationr
- Best-in-class Multipoint
- No Auracast support for iPhones
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 5.9 grams per earbud, 42 grams for case |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient Sound Modes | ANC and transparency |
| Battery life | 7.5 hours with ANC, 25 total with the case |
| Hi-res Audio Support | Yes |
As their price demands, the Technics EAH-AZ100 are mightily wireless earbuds that excel in several areas, making them a top choice for audio enthusiasts. One of their standout features is the extraordinary audio quality, which is well-balanced and detailed and a notch above the others in this list. Whether you lean towards the crisp highs of classical music, the lively midrange of rock, or the deep, resonant bass found in hip-hop, these earbuds deliver an immersive listening experience that caters to various music genres. The clarity and definition of sound allow listeners to appreciate the subtleties of their favorite tracks.
In addition to its sonic prowess, the EAH-AZ100 offer effective noise cancellation. The technology is adept at drowning out most ambient sounds, whether the hum of a busy street, chatter in a café, or the noise of an airplane engine.
Another highlight of the EAH-AZ100 is their comfort. These earbuds are lightweight and designed for a snug fit, which is particularly beneficial for extended listening sessions. Multiple eartip sizes ensure that users can find the right fit for their ears, further enhancing comfort and noise isolation. And their battery life is decent too, at between seven and 12 hours on a single charge, with the charging case providing an additional 29 hours.
However, there is a drawback to consider. While providing a sleek and modern interface, the touch controls can sometimes be finicky and may require multiple attempts to register commands like play, pause, or skip tracks. This can be frustrating, especially when quick interaction is needed.
Overall, the Technics EAH-AZ100 are solid choices for those searching for a premium pair of true wireless earbuds. With their excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation and comfortable design, they cater well to avid listeners who prioritize audio above all else.
Best wireless earbuds for Android or Google Pixel users
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
- Incredibly light and comfyr
- Stellar noise cancelingr
- Great sound qualityr
- Fun Google Gemini integrationr
- r
- No hi-res codecsr
- Limited spatial audio
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 6 grams per earbud, 65 grams for case |
| Type | Closed |
| Ambient Sound Modes | ANC and transparency |
| Battery life | 7 hours for ANC (11 with ANC off), up to 31 hours with case |
| Hi-res Audio Support | No, not technically |
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are solid all-rounders for those in the market for Android and Google Pixel users looking for wireless earbuds. Their design prioritizes comfort, providing a snug fit for extended listening sessions without discomfort. The sound quality is well-balanced, emphasizing clarity across various genres, whether listening to podcasts or your favorite playlists. Active noise cancellation (ANC) is respectable, effectively reducing background noise in most everyday scenarios, such as commuting or working in a café.
One of the standout features for Android and Google Pixel users is the seamless integration with the ecosystem. Hands-free access to Google Assistant means users can easily manage their tasks, control music playback, and get information without needing to touch their devices. Another practical advantage is switching between multiple devices with multipoint connectivity. This allows users to connect their Pixel Buds Pro 2 to their phone, tablet, or computer simultaneously and switch fluidly between them without hassle.
However, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 do have some caveats. Although the noise cancellation works well for general use, it may fall short in more challenging environments or when dealing with specific high-frequency sounds, which can leak through. Additionally, they do not support higher-quality Bluetooth codecs like aptX or LDAC, which can be a let-down for audiophiles who prioritize sound fidelity and detail.
Best budget open-ear wireless earbuds
Soundcore AeroFit 2
- Comfortable and securer
- Very good sound qualityr
- Excellent for callsr
- Wireless chargingr
- Bluetooth Multipoint
- No LE Audio or Auracastr
- Mics will pick up wind noise
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 10 grams per bud, 65 grams for casen |
| Type | Open-ear |
| Ambient Sound Modes | No |
| Battery life | 10 hours per bud, 42 hours with casen |
| Hi-res Audio Support | No |
Soundcore has a strong reputation for making audio devices that deliver 90% of the performance you’ll get from big brands like Sony, Bose, and Apple, for around half the price – and its AeroFit 2 are great examples of that. The open-ear wireless buds, which by their design’s nature allow you to listen to music while being somewhat aware of your surroundings, cost just $100 and offer much more than that very reasonable RRP requires.
Open earbuds don’t tend to sound as good as traditional closed alternatives, but the AeroFit 2 are surprisingly capable. They go loud enough for all but the noisiest of places, and as we mentioned in our Soundcore AeroFit 2 review, they “manage to deliver solid, enjoyable sound in most conditions. In quiet, indoor locations, you’ll even get a surprising amount of bass – the Achilles heel of open-ear earbuds.”
Where open earbuds excel is in their comfort, and the AeroFit 2 throw up very few complaints in this department. Our reviewer had no problem wearing them all day, even with glasses on, and they stayed put during a gym workout, including when he was lying on his back. With an IP55 rating, they will handle sweat and splashes without issue, too.
They also offer a better battery life than many of their rivals, with 10 hours in the buds accompanied by an extra 32 hours in the charging case. And great call quality (so long as you are out of the wind) and Bluetooth Multipoint support seal the deal, too.
You don’t get noise-canceling here, nor next-gen Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast support, but that isn’t surprising at this affordable price point. What is are the performance, feature and comfort basics, and Soundcore has nailed this once again.
Best premium open-ear wireless earbuds
Sony LinkBuds Open
- Comfortable fitr
- Much better balanced soundr
- Surprising passive isolationr
- Plenty of custom optionsr
- LE Audio for Androidr
- Superb battery life
- Spatial sound is terribler
- Awkward voice controlsr
- Phone calls can be tough with background noise
| Specification: | |
| Type | Open-ear |
| Ambient Sound Modes | Always-on ambient |
| Battery life | 5.5 hours, up to 17.5 hours with charging case |
| Hi-res Audio Support | No |
| Weight | 4 grams per earbud, 35 grams for case |
With an open-ring design as opposed to a more traditional eartip one that fills your ear canal, the Sony LinkBuds Open are innovative wireless earbuds that provide a distinct listening experience while enhancing environmental awareness – ideal for users prioritizing safety, such as road cyclists.
They are lightweight and comfortable for prolonged use, offering a secure fit without the discomfort often associated with in-ear buds, making them suitable for workouts and commutes.
Despite their open-ear design, they deliver good sound quality with clear vocals and detailed highs, though bass response may be lacking for bass-heavy music genres. Users can engage in conversations naturally without removing the earbuds, which is useful in social or busy environments.
However, the absence of active noise cancellation (ANC) means background noise can intrude, potentially affecting sound quality in loud settings. Additionally, the open design may cause sound leakage, which can disrupt others nearby if you’re listening to music particularly loudly.
Overall, the LinkBuds Open are perfect for casual listeners, commuters, and active individuals who value comfort and situational awareness, though those seeking strong noise cancellation or deep bass might find better options elsewhere.
Got more cash to splash? We would recommend you consider the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds ($299), which justify their premium price tag with better sound and battery life, plus spatial audio support.
Best wireless sleepbuds
Ozlo Sleepbuds
- Supremely comfortable to wearr
- Battery lasts for multiple nightsr
- High-quality Sleep Soundsr
- Bluetooth audio streamingr
- Uncluttered app
- Sleep Monitoring feature still missingr
- Slow initial connection processr
- Abrupt alarm
| Specification: | |
| Type | Sleepbuds |
| Ambient Sound Modes | None |
| Battery life | 10 hours on a single charge |
The Ozlo Sleepbuds are meticulously designed to enhance sleep quality. These innovative earbuds are incredibly comfortable to wear and highly effective at reducing ambient noise, thanks to their thoughtful combination of passive isolation and a variety of soothing sounds. Users can choose from an array of pre-loaded ambient noises, such as gentle rain, ocean waves, or white noise, which can help create a peaceful sleeping environment.
Additionally, you can also play your personal audio, like music and podcasts, from your phone via its Bluetooth connection. Our reviewer, Andy Boxall, praised its variety of Bluetooth settings in his review: “One disables streaming entirely, one enables both streaming and sleep sounds, and the final option enables streaming for 10 minutes to help conserve battery. You can also tell the app to switch from streaming to a Sleep Sound after a set amount of time,” he writes.
One standout feature is their impressive battery life, which allows them to last throughout an entire night’s sleep — averaging up to 10 hours on a single charge. This makes them particularly handy for those who struggle with sleep disturbances due to external noises.
However, the Ozlo Sleepbuds are relatively expensive, which might deter some potential users. They also lack some features commonly found in other sleep earbuds. For example, they do not offer active noise cancellation, which can provide an additional layer of sound blocking.
Another area that could be improved is the built-in alarm feature. Many users have reported finding it quite jarring, disrupting the relaxation the earbuds aim to promote. Additionally, a sleep monitoring feature was promised but is still notably missing from the overall functionality, which could have provided valuable insights into sleep patterns and improvements.
