We tested comfort, noise cancelling, call clarity, and app features across top earbuds so you can pick fast and confidently.
Why you can trust this guide
I spend time with earbuds the way you actually use them: commuting, on calls, at the gym, and at a desk for hours. Each pick below earned its spot by balancing sound quality, comfort, connection reliability, and value—not just specs.
If you’re short on time, the TL;DR summarizes the best fit for common needs. Keep scrolling for in‑depth notes, how to choose, and answers to common questions.
TL;DR: Quick picks
- Best overall: Sony WF‑1000XM5 — best blend of ANC, sound, and comfort.
- Best for iPhone: AirPods Pro (2nd gen, USB‑C) — seamless iOS features and great calls.
- Quietest + comfort: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — plush fit and cabin‑level hush.
- Best under $100: Soundcore Liberty 4 NC — premium features for less.
- Best for workouts: Beats Fit Pro — secure wing tips, lively sound.
- Best small‑ear option: Sony LinkBuds S — tiny, light, with convincing ambient.
Best overall: Sony WF‑1000XM5
Why it’s great
These are the most complete earbuds for most people: excellent ANC for rumbles and voices, a warm‑neutral sound profile that flatters every genre, and a smaller, lighter design than the XM4.
Pros
- Class‑leading ANC for daily noise
- Comfortable long‑wear fit
- Deep app customization and EQ
Cons
- Pricey unless on sale
- Touch panels can false‑trigger with hats
Manual price entry. Update as needed.
Best for iPhone: AirPods Pro (2nd gen, USB‑C)
Why it’s great
The most seamless iOS experience: instant pairing, device switching, Find My support, and the best transparency mode. Mic clarity is excellent for calls and video meetings.
Pros
- Superb transparency and call quality
- Comfortable, small‑ear friendly
- Case speaker + lanyard loop
Cons
- Limited customization on Android
- Battery replaces the whole bud over time
Manual price entry. Update as needed.
Best comfort and calls: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Why it’s great
Still the hush kings for steady hums on planes and trains. Plush oval tips and a relaxed fit make them ideal for long sessions. Call quality is natural and clear.
Pros
- Quietest in low‑frequency droning
- Very comfortable ear seal
- Solid call isolation
Cons
- Bulkier case
- App feels heavy
Manual price entry. Update as needed.
Best under $100: Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Why it’s great
Brings ANC, multipoint, and a strong app with custom EQ to an affordable price. Sound punches above its class after a quick EQ tweak.
Pros
- Feature‑rich for the money
- Surprisingly effective ANC
- Long battery life for commutes
Cons
- Mics are average in wind
- Plastic feel vs. premium models
Manual price entry. Update as needed.
Best for workouts: Beats Fit Pro
Why it’s great
Wing tips lock in securely for runs and HIIT. The lively, bass‑forward sound is fun, and iPhone users get hands‑free Siri and spatial audio.
Pros
- Hard to shake loose, even on sprints
- Fun sound for workouts
- Seamless iOS features
Cons
- Case lacks wireless charging
- Wing tips need brief break‑in
Manual price entry. Update as needed.
Best small‑ear option: Sony LinkBuds S
Why it’s great
Featherlight shells and convincing ambient mode make them ideal for all‑day wear and street awareness. ANC is moderate but adequate for office use.
Pros
- Extremely comfortable for small ears
- Natural‑sounding ambient passthrough
- Smart adaptive modes
Cons
- ANC not as strong as flagships
- Battery is average
Manual price entry. Update as needed.
Quick comparison
Sony WF‑1000XM5
Best all‑round ANC + sound
LDAC, rich app
AirPods Pro 2 (USB‑C)
Best transparency and calls
iOS handoff, Find My
Bose QC Ultra
Quietest for flights
Comfort king
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Best under $100
Multipoint, custom EQ
Beats Fit Pro
Most secure for workouts
Spatial Audio, H1 (iOS)
Sony LinkBuds S
Best for small ears + awareness
Lightweight, adaptive modes
How we test earbuds
Each model goes through the same checklist so comparisons are fair:
- Comfort and fit: 60‑minute wear test with glasses; light jog “shake test.”
- Noise cancelling: 75 dB café soundtrack and airplane cabin noise; A/B vs top picks.
- Sound quality: Reference playlists across pop, hip‑hop, jazz, and speech; check for sibilance and muddiness.
- Mic and calls: Quiet room and noisy street with fan wind; record samples.
- Connectivity: Multipoint switching, pocket dropouts, and range walk tests.
- Battery and charging: 50% volume continuous playback; case cycles; USB‑C and wireless charging checks.
- App experience: EQ usability, control remapping, firmware reliability.
Buying guide: Pick the right earbuds for you
- Platform and features: iPhone users get the most from AirPods/Beats (handoff, Find My). Android users may prefer Sony (LDAC, deeper EQ).
- Fit and comfort: Small ears? Try AirPods Pro or LinkBuds S. For workouts, prioritize a secure wing or hook (Beats Fit Pro).
- ANC vs. awareness: Frequent flyers benefit most from Bose/Sony ANC. City walkers should value transparency quality.
- Sound signature: Want punchy bass? Beats/Bose. Prefer balanced and tunable? Sony/Anker with EQ.
- Calls and meetings: AirPods Pro are consistently clear; Bose QC Ultra are close.
- Battery life: 5–8 hours per charge is typical; cases add several recharges. USB‑C is now common and convenient.
- Budget: Under $100, the Liberty 4 NC are a standout; watch for sales on the Sony/Bose flagships.
FAQ
Do these work with both iPhone and Android?
Yes. All models pair with either platform. Apple‑specific features shine on iOS; Sony offers LDAC on Android for higher bitrate streaming.
Which has the best ANC?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WF‑1000XM5 trade blows. Bose excel in steady low‑frequency drone; Sony handle mixed office noise very well.
What’s best for call quality?
AirPods Pro 2 are the most consistently clear for calls and meetings; Bose QC Ultra are close behind.
What fits small ears?
AirPods Pro and Sony LinkBuds S have smaller nozzles and shells that work better for many smaller ear canals.
Are these good for workouts?
Beats Fit Pro are the most secure for runs and HIIT thanks to the wing tip design.
Should I care about codecs (AAC, LDAC)?
If you’re on Android and want the best wireless quality, LDAC can help with high‑bitrate tracks. On iPhone, AAC is the norm and sounds great on these picks.
