Table of Contents >> Show >> Hide
- How We Picked the Best Wireless Earbuds (Without Losing Our Minds)
- At-a-Glance Comparison
- 1) Sony WF-1000XM5 Best Wireless Earbuds Overall
- 2) AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) Best Wireless Earbuds for iPhone Users
- 3) Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds
- 4) Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Best Sound Quality for Audiophiles
- 5) Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Best Wireless Earbuds for Samsung Galaxy Users
- 6) Jabra Elite 10 Best for All-Day Comfort and Calls
- 7) Soundcore Space A40 Best Budget Wireless Earbuds (Best Value)
- Buying Tips: How to Choose the Best Wireless Earbuds for You
- Final Thoughts
- Experiences That Actually Happen with Wireless Earbuds in 2024 (About )
- SEO Tags
Wireless earbuds in 2024 are basically tiny computers that also happen to play music. They cancel plane noise, translate conversations, switch between your
laptop and phone like it’s magic, andif you pick the wrong pairfall out of your ear the moment you smile.
This guide rounds up the best wireless earbuds for 2024 based on what matters in real life: sound quality, active noise cancellation (ANC),
comfort, call performance, battery life, and how annoying the companion app is (yes, that counts).
How We Picked the Best Wireless Earbuds (Without Losing Our Minds)
Here’s the not-so-secret truth: the “best” earbuds depend on your phone, your ears, and whether you’re the kind of person who takes calls on a windy street
like you’re filming an action movie. So instead of crowning one earbud king and calling it a day, we picked seven winners across the most common use cases
for 2024plus we explain exactly why each one earns its spot.
What actually matters in 2024
- Fit and comfort: If the seal is bad, bass disappears and ANC turns into “active noise… participation.”
- ANC and transparency: Great ANC makes commuting feel like teleportation. Great transparency keeps you from being hit by a bicycle.
- Sound tuning + EQ: Many earbuds sound good. Fewer sound good for you after a quick EQ tweak.
- Call quality: Mic arrays, noise reduction, and wind handling matter more than marketing buzzwords.
- Battery + charging: The best earbuds aren’t helpful when they’re dead. (Also: wireless charging is a lifestyle.)
- Codec and connectivity: iPhone users mostly live in AAC-land. Android users might care about LDAC/aptX and multipoint.
- Ecosystem perks: Apple and Samsung pack extra features if you stay in their family tree.
At-a-Glance Comparison
Quick overview of our top picks. Battery varies by volume, ANC, and features (spatial audio can be extra hungry).
| Earbuds | Best for | Why they win | Water rating | Typical “vibe” |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WF-1000XM5 | Best overall | Elite sound + strong ANC + deep features | IPX4 | “I want it all.” |
| AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) | Best for iPhone | Seamless Apple integration + great ANC/transparency | IPX4 | “It just works.” |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds | Best noise canceling | Top-tier ANC + very comfy fit | IPX4 | “Silence, please.” |
| Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 | Best for audiophiles | Big, rich sound + future-friendly wireless features | IP54 | “I hear details.” |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro | Best for Samsung phones | Great sound + Galaxy-first smart features | IP57 (varies by region listing) | “Galaxy synergy.” |
| Jabra Elite 10 | Best comfort + calls | Super comfortable fit + business-grade call chops | IP57 buds / IP54 case | “Meetings, but make it portable.” |
| Soundcore Space A40 | Best value | Strong features under $100, tons of EQ | IPX4 | “I like nice things, cheaply.” |
1) Sony WF-1000XM5 Best Wireless Earbuds Overall
If you want the “do-everything” champs for 2024, the Sony WF-1000XM5 are the safest bet. They’re the kind of earbuds that make you say,
“Wait, I’ve been listening to this song wrong my whole life,” because suddenly you can hear tiny background details like a cymbal shimmer or a vocal layer
you didn’t know existed.
Why they’re great
- Balanced, high-end sound: Strong clarity and punch, with plenty of room to customize in Sony’s app.
- Excellent ANC + isolation: A top performer for commuting, travel, and noisy offices.
- Serious connectivity: Multipoint support, plus higher-quality Bluetooth options that Android users actually benefit from.
- Strong battery for a flagship: Sony rates up to 8 hours with noise canceling on.
Who should buy these
You want one pair of true wireless earbuds that nails sound quality, ANC, and featureswithout forcing you into one phone ecosystem.
iPhone users can still enjoy them, but Android users tend to unlock more of Sony’s nerdy best stuff.
Watch-outs
- They’re pricey: Flagship earbuds are not a “treat yourself” purchase unless you really mean it.
- Fit varies: Great for many ears, not perfect for all. Tip selection matters more than you think.
2) AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) Best Wireless Earbuds for iPhone Users
AirPods Pro 2 (especially the USB-C version) are the earbuds you buy when you want your audio life to feel frictionless. Open the case near an iPhone,
and it’s basically a handshake agreement: “We’re best friends now.” You get strong ANC, excellent transparency, and Apple’s ecosystem perks like spatial audio
and seamless switching between Apple devices.
Why they’re great
- Fantastic transparency mode: You can hear the world without your music turning into a mushy mess.
- Great ANC for everyday life: Commutes, coffee shops, office chatterhandled.
- Battery that fits real routines: Apple lists up to 6 hours listening on a charge and up to 30 hours with the case.
- Hearing-health updates in 2024: Apple announced a hearing health experience for AirPods Pro 2 (availability depends on region and approvals),
which signals how feature-rich these earbuds became in 2024.
Who should buy these
If you use an iPhone (or multiple Apple devices), these are the most “no drama” earbuds you can buy in 2024.
They’re also ideal if you care about premium transparency mode and Apple-only convenience features.
Watch-outs
- Not as flexible for Android: They’ll work, but you’ll miss a chunk of the magic.
- Fit is personal: Most people do well, but some ears prefer bulkier buds with wings.
3) Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds
If your 2024 goal is “hear less of humanity,” Bose understood the assignment. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are famous for ANC that feels like you
turned the world’s volume slider down. They’re also extremely comfortable for a lot of people thanks to Bose’s stabilizing design.
Why they’re great
- Best-in-class ANC: Ideal for flights, trains, and noisy open offices.
- Comfort-focused fit: Secure without feeling like your ears are being judged.
- Spatial/immersive features: Fun for movies and some musicwhen you’re in the mood for “sound, but make it cinematic.”
- Multipoint arrived via update: A key 2024 improvement if you switch between phone and laptop.
Who should buy these
You commute, travel, or work in noisy spaces and want noise-canceling earbuds that truly earn the name.
If ANC is your #1 priority, these are hard to beat.
Watch-outs
- Battery is “fine,” not legendary: Around 6 hours is typical, and immersive modes can reduce it.
- Pricey: Bose doesn’t do “budget flagship.”
Money-saving note: In late 2024, Bose also offered a more affordable QuietComfort Earbuds option that keeps much of the Bose vibe for less cash.
If you love Bose ANC but hate Bose prices, that’s the alternate route.
4) Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Best Sound Quality for Audiophiles
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 are for people who say things like “the soundstage feels wider” and mean it as a compliment.
In 2024, they stood out as a premium pick that leans hard into rich audio quality, higher-end Bluetooth features, and “future-proof” buzzwords that actually
matter (like modern Bluetooth standards and better codec supportespecially for newer Android phones).
Why they’re great
- Big, detailed sound: Tuned to be enjoyable, with customization in Sennheiser’s app.
- Strong ANC (not always #1, but very good): Review lab testing shows solid attenuation when you get a proper seal.
- Good battery for premium buds: Real-world tests land around a full workday of listening for many users.
- Useful extras: Wireless charging and quick-charge options help in “I forgot to charge them” emergencies.
Who should buy these
You care most about sound quality, you’re willing to pay for it, and you like having modern connectivity features that won’t feel outdated the moment you
upgrade your phone.
Watch-outs
- Fit is crucial: These can sound incredible… or merely okay… depending on the seal.
- Call quality isn’t always the headline feature: Great for music first; calls are “good enough” for many, but not always class-leading.
5) Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Best Wireless Earbuds for Samsung Galaxy Users
If you have a Samsung phone in 2024especially a newer GalaxyBuds3 Pro are the “use the whole ecosystem” choice. Samsung redesigned the approach,
improved comfort for many ears, and packed in Galaxy-first features. The result is an earbud that feels extra smart when paired with the phone it was built for.
Why they’re great
- Great sound + strong feature set: A premium listening experience that competes with other flagships.
- Battery numbers that work for daily use: Around 6 hours with ANC on and a typical total around 26 hours with the case is a practical baseline.
- Galaxy-only perks: Features like translation-style tools and device integration are where these shine.
- Comfort upgrade for many users: The fit redesign helps stability compared with older shapes for some ears.
Who should buy these
Samsung Galaxy owners who want the most seamless experiencesmart features, solid sound, and tight integration.
If you use a different Android phone, they still work, but the “wow” factor often drops because some features are Samsung-first.
Watch-outs
- Ecosystem dependence: Many marquee features are best (or only) inside Samsung’s world.
- Design preferences vary: Some people love the new approach; others prefer older, stem-free shapes.
6) Jabra Elite 10 Best for All-Day Comfort and Calls
Jabra built a reputation on communications gear, and the Elite 10 bring that “I have meetings” energy to true wireless earbuds.
The comfort is a highlight: these are designed for long wear without that slow, creeping ear fatigue that turns your afternoon playlist into a hostage situation.
Why they’re great
- Comfort-first design: Among the most wearable premium buds for many people.
- Great for calls: A multi-mic setup and call-focused tuning make these a strong choice for phone and video calls.
- Durability: High water-resistance ratings make them appealing for workouts and daily carry.
- Multipoint support: Helpful if you bounce between phone and laptop constantly.
Who should buy these
You take frequent calls, wear earbuds for hours, and want a premium option that prioritizes comfort and practical features over “I tuned these for Mars concerts.”
Watch-outs
- Sound is very “taste dependent”: Many listeners will want to use EQ.
- Codec limitations for some Android users: If you’re shopping specifically for LDAC/aptX-style codecs, read the fine print.
7) Soundcore Space A40 Best Budget Wireless Earbuds (Best Value)
The Soundcore Space A40 are the “how is this under $100?” pick. In 2024, they’re still one of the smartest value buys if you want ANC, good sound,
and a ridiculous amount of customization without paying flagship prices.
Why they’re great
- Strong feature set for the money: ANC, app EQ, multipointstuff that used to require a premium price tag.
- Customization overload (in a good way): Tons of EQ presets and a friendly app experience.
- Battery that keeps going: Real-world reports often land in the “you’ll forget the charger exists” range.
- Comfortable and light: Easy to wear for long stretches, especially if you nail the tip fit.
Who should buy these
Anyone hunting for budget wireless earbuds that still feel modern: commuters, students, gym-goers, and people who just don’t want to pay $250+
to listen to podcasts about how to be less stressed.
Watch-outs
- Mic quality is “okay”: Fine indoors; outdoors and wind can be hit-or-miss.
- Case design quirks: It’s portable, but not the most premium-feeling case in existence.
Buying Tips: How to Choose the Best Wireless Earbuds for You
1) Start with your phone ecosystem
If you’re on iPhone, AirPods Pro 2 will feel the smoothest day-to-day. If you’re on Samsung, Buds3 Pro deliver extra features that other earbuds can’t fully match.
If you’re on Android and want the “best overall,” Sony and Sennheiser are usually where the fun begins.
2) Fit is everything (seriously)
ANC and bass depend on a good seal. Before you return earbuds as “bad,” try different tip sizes and run any in-app fit tests.
Five minutes of tip swapping can transform the sound more than a thousand marketing claims.
3) Decide whether ANC or sound is your priority
If you commute or travel, lean Bose or Sony. If you sit in quieter places and care about musical detail, Sennheiser may feel more special.
If you do a bit of everything, Sony is a classic “no regrets” pick.
4) Don’t ignore call quality
If you take calls in noisy environments, pick earbuds that reviewers consistently praise for mics and noise suppression.
Jabra is a strong candidate here, while budget earbuds can be great for music but merely “fine” for calls.
Final Thoughts
The best wireless earbuds for 2024 aren’t about chasing the most expensive modelthey’re about matching your lifestyle.
For most people, Sony WF-1000XM5 are the best overall blend of sound, ANC, and features. If you’re on iPhone, AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)
are the easiest daily pick. If silence is your love language, go Bose QuietComfort Ultra. If you want rich audio with modern wireless tech,
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 are a top-tier treat.
And if you want the best deal without feeling like you “settled,” the Soundcore Space A40 prove you can spend less and still get a lot of earbud.
(Which is a weird sentence, but also true.)
Experiences That Actually Happen with Wireless Earbuds in 2024 (About )
Let’s talk about the moments that don’t show up on spec sheetsthe real-life earbud experiences that make you love (or quietly resent) what you bought.
First: the commute test. On a subway or bus, great ANC doesn’t just reduce noiseit reduces stress. With top-tier ANC earbuds, the low rumble fades,
and suddenly your playlist feels like it’s happening in a calmer universe. You also discover the hidden joy of not cranking the volume to compete with train wheels.
Your ears will thank you later, probably in the form of “not ringing at night.”
Then there’s the coffee shop call. You sit down with confidence, tap to answer, and immediately realize the café soundtrack includes an espresso machine
auditioning for a heavy metal band. This is where call-focused earbuds earn their keep: background chatter gets softened, your voice stays clear, and you don’t have to
mouth “SORRY WHAT?” like you’re starring in a silent film. Budget earbuds often do okay indoors, but throw in wind or traffic and things can get… interpretive.
Next: the fit reality check. Many people buy earbuds, try them for two minutes, and decide their fate. In 2024, that’s a mistake. Try the other ear tips.
Try the other ear. Try twisting them slightly. A better seal can turn weak bass into real bass, and “meh ANC” into “wow, the air conditioner is gone.” It’s the most
annoying five minutes you’ll ever spendand also the best.
Now add multipoint life. You’re watching a video on your laptop, your phone rings, and the audio switches over without you doing the Bluetooth disconnect dance.
It’s one of those features you don’t appreciate until you’ve had it. After that, earbuds without multipoint feel like a rotary phone: charming in theory, painful in practice.
Finally: the charging case lifestyle. Wireless charging sounds fancy until it becomes normal: drop the case on a pad while you’re working, and you stop thinking
about battery. But if you travel, you’ll also learn a hard truthcases are small, pockets are chaotic, and sometimes your case goes on a little vacation inside your backpack.
Pro tip: if your earbuds support “find my” style tracking, set it up on day one. Future-you will act like you invented fire.
In short, 2024 earbuds are amazingif you pick the right pair for your day-to-day. Choose based on your real routine (commute, calls, workouts, travel),
not the fantasy version of yourself who “only listens in quiet rooms while sipping herbal tea.”
