Our top picks are great for work, fitness, and everyday living.
Wireless earbuds have become a daily essential for many, whether it’s for listening to podcasts during commutes or taking work calls. While Apple AirPods have long been the most popular, there are plenty of other excellent options in 2024. To help narrow down your choices, we tested a wide range of wireless earbuds, evaluating key factors like comfort, sound quality, and battery life.
Best Wireless Earbuds of 2024
Best for iPhone: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) — $189.99 (was $249.00)
Best for Android: Sony LinkBuds S — $128.00 (was $199.99)
Best for Noise Cancellation: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — $299.00
How We Picked the Best Wireless Earbuds
We tested over a dozen top-rated wireless earbuds, judging them based on:
Comfort: We selected earbuds that could be worn comfortably for several hours.
Usability: We focused on earbuds that perform well for work, fitness, commuting, and casual listening.
Battery Life: Our picks include earbuds that offer long-lasting battery life and fast charging.
How I Test Wireless Earbuds
I incorporate wireless earbuds into my daily routine, using them for everything from office work to subway commutes and gym sessions. Key factors I paid attention to include:
Comfort: Comfort is critical, so I wore earbuds for long periods, up to 3 hours at a time, and experimented with different ear tips to ensure the best fit.
Noise Cancellation: I tested the earbuds on the NYC subway and in-office, evaluating their ability to block out background noise and conversations.
Sound Quality: I compared sound quality by listening to the same playlist across all earbuds, assessing how clear and detailed the music sounded.
Ease of Use: I used the on-ear controls and brand-specific mobile apps to check how easy they were to operate and whether features like Bluetooth multipoint (connecting to multiple devices) worked effectively.
Battery Life: I tested battery performance for at least a week, noting how often I needed to charge them and how long they lasted on a full charge.
These earbuds not only provide excellent audio quality but also offer a balance of comfort, usability, and durability for various everyday situations.
