The Best Wireless Earbuds of 2023

By Linus Tan
Published Jan 2023

The best wireless earbuds provide a great alternative to wired headphones, allowing you to move freely without having to worry about getting tangled up in cables. Not only are they more convenient, but they also deliver excellent sound quality and comfort.

If you're looking for the perfect pair of earbuds to add to your audio setup, you've definitely come to the right place. With so many options available, you'll be able to find the perfect pair of wireless earbuds that will fit your needs, style, and budget. Whether you're looking for earbuds that offer superior sound quality or a more lightweight design, you can be sure to find a pair that meets your needs. So go ahead and take a look - the perfect pair of wireless earbuds is waiting for you!

Best Overall: Sony WF-1000XM4

✓ Bluetooth 5.2 technology
✓ Noise-isolating design
✓ Intuitive touch controls
✓ 8 hours of battery life

Buy on Amazon

Best for Apple: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

✓ Cutting-edge H2 chip
✓ 2x Active Noise Cancellation
✓ Adaptive Transparency
✓ Personalised Spatial Audio

Buy on Amazon

Best for Active Bodies: Beats Fit Pro

✓ Sweatproof design
✓ Comfortable, secure snug fit
✓ Active noise cancellation
✓ 6 hours of battery life

Buy on Amazon

Best for Samsung: Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro

✓ 360 audio immersive sound
✓ 24-bit high-res audio
✓ IPX7 water rating
✓ 5 hours of battery life

Buy on Amazon

Best for ANC: Bose QuietComfort II

✓ Greater fit and smaller case
✓ Bluetooth 5.3 capabilities
✓ All-new CustomTune technology
✓ 6 hours of battery life

Buy on Amazon

#1 Best Overall: Sony WF-1000XM4

Sony WF-1000XM4

The Sony WF-1000XM4 continues to reign supreme as the best overall wireless earbuds going into 2023. These earbuds offer a dynamic, detailed and clear sound that is sure to impress even the most discerning of music lovers. Furthermore, its impressive active noise cancellation technology means that ambient noise is effectively blocked out, allowing you to focus on what matters most. What's more, these earbuds also come with an IPX4 water resistance rating, which provides added protection against splashes of water coming from any direction, ensuring that you can enjoy your music with peace of mind.

The earbuds come with an innovative memory foam ear tip that is designed to completely isolate noise and provide impressive noise cancellation that is enhanced by Sony's Integrated Processor V1. Not only is the ear tip incredibly comfortable, but Sony also offers an ear tip fit test through their Headphones Connect companion app that allows you to ensure you have the most secure and comfortable fit possible. Did you know, that the Sony WF-1000XM4 is one of the very first true wireless earphones to be released on the market that uses advanced Bluetooth 5.2 technology? This means that you'll be able to enjoy your audio with the highest possible sound quality and with a reliable and stable connection that won't be subject to any interference.

Sony WF-1000XM4

One feature that we absolutely adore about the Sony WF-1000XM4 is its Quick Attention and Speak-To-Chat, which conveniently turns down the audio and amplifies background noise when speech is detected. The intuitive touch control settings mean users can easily and quickly tap on the left earbud to switch between Noise Cancellation and Ambient Sound or hold their finger on it for a few seconds to activate Quick Attention. This makes the Sony WF-1000XM4 a pair of truly wireless earbuds that allow you to have conversations without having to constantly take your earbuds out of your ears, which is incredibly convenient. Furthermore, you can easily tap or hold your finger on the earbud to control the sound, meaning that your conversations will be able to flow seamlessly without interruption.

The Sony WF-1000XM4 is a true game-changer when it comes to battery life. With noise cancellation switched on, it can offer up to eight hours of continuous playback, a vast improvement over the average of five hours offered by most wireless earbuds. This is thanks to the use of advanced Bluetooth 5.2 technology, which ensures high-quality audio with low power consumption. Furthermore, the charging case utilises both USB-C fast charging and Qi wireless charging, so you can quickly recharge your earbuds and be back to listening in no time. By combining the latest in audio technology with impressive battery life, the Sony WF-1000XM4 will take your listening experience to the next level.

Sony WF-1000XM4

Best Overall

✓ Bluetooth 5.2 technology
✓ Noise-isolating design
✓ Intuitive touch controls
✓ 8 hours of battery life

Buy on Amazon

#2 Best for Apple: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) is an easy recommendation for Apple smartphone owners who want perfect synchronicity with their Apple devices. With the advanced features built into the AirPods Pro, users can enjoy the improved sound quality and active noise cancellation, as well as the convenience of hands-free voice command activation and easy access to Siri.

The latest AirPods are equipped with Apple's cutting-edge H2 chip, creating a powerful combination with the custom-made driver and amplifier. This setup ensures a balanced sound with crisp highs and deep, resonating bass that will make your music come alive. Not to mention, it offers advanced noise cancellation, allowing you to enjoy fully immersive three-dimensional sound without any external distractions.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) continues to be a top contender in the audio industry due to its Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology. The latest model offers up to double the amount of noise cancellation compared to its first generation. Each AirPod has two microphones, one on the outside that detects external sounds, and another on the inside that picks up any noise that manages to make it through the seal. The noise cancellation technology is quite advanced, as it is adjusted 200 times a second, creating a customised and effective noise cancellation experience. This means that sound is blocked out before it even reaches the user's ears, resulting in a much more immersive listening experience.

Furthermore, users can switch to 'Adaptive Transparency' mode, which reduces noise by an impressive 48,000 times per second. This mode allows ambient sound to come through, which is great for people who need to be aware of their surroundings, such as runners, cyclists or those working outdoors. Additionally, the new AirPods Pro also feature Apple's Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, adding an extra layer of immersion to sound. This is perfect for listening to music or watching movies, as the sound will adjust based on the user's head position, allowing for a truly immersive experience.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) fit amazingly well due to the combination of their lightweight design and innovative 'Ear Tip Fit Test'. You can access this test in the Bluetooth menu of your iPhone where you'll be able to hear 5 seconds of music that's analysed to detect any sound leakage. If the ear tip size fits your ear canal, you'll get a green "Good Seal" result. However, if the seal isn't quite right, the test will prompt you to try a bigger or smaller tip. This fitting process, combined with a series of vents in the AirPods Pro that allow air to flow between your ear and the outside world, gives off a "barely there" sensation when wearing them. It's this combination of features and technology that makes the AirPods Pro so comfortable and secure to wear.

The second generation of Apple AirPods Pro offers an improved battery life compared to its predecessor. Though, when compared to rival brands, its battery life is relatively shorter; offering up to 6 hours of listening time with a single charge when Spatial Audio and Head Tracking are enabled, and up to 5.5 hours of listening time without those features. Plus, you can get up to 4.5 hours of talk time with a single charge. However, when used with the MagSafe charging case, you can extend the battery life to 30 hours for listening and 24 hours for talking. This extends the duration of use and makes it more convenient for those who require longer listening and talking times.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

Best for Apple Users

✓ Cutting-edge H2 chip
✓ 2x Active Noise Cancellation
✓ Adaptive Transparency
✓ Personalised Spatial Audio

Buy on Amazon

#3 Best for Active Bodies: Beats Fit Pro

Beats Fit Pro

Marketed as a pair of fitness-first pair of earbuds, the Beats Fit Pro offers superior active noise cancellation and an impressive battery life. With an IPX4 water-resistance rating, these earbuds are sweatproof and able to withstand light splashes of water. However, it's important to remember that the Beats Fit Pro is not dust resistant, so if you plan on using them near the sand, make sure to keep them away from potential sources of dust. Additionally, if you're going to be taking them outdoors in wet or dusty conditions, it's recommended to invest in a protective case to ensure they stay safe and secure.

The buds have been stylishly designed to stand out from the rest. Unlike other earbuds that go for the wrap-around design, Beats opted for the Fit Pro, which has its wing tip directly attached to the buds. This design choice not only gives it more flexibility but also ensures that the wing tips latch onto the inner ear, providing a snug fit that stays in place. Furthermore, this high-quality pair of earbuds comes with two other sets of different-sized tips, allowing you to customise the fit to your liking. With this level of customisation, you can rest assured that you'll have a perfect fit for any situation.

Beats Fit Pro

One of the best features of the Beats Fit Pro is its sensitive controls. With a long hold, you can activate ambient listening to let in the surrounding noise. At the same time, this action will turn off the noise cancellation feature. Then, with a second long press of the control, you can turn the noise cancellation back on. This makes the Beats Fit Pro a great choice for those on the go. Furthermore, the H1 chip in the Beats Fit Pro has many additional benefits. For example, you can access Siri hands-free and have spatial audio support when using FaceTime, Apple TV and Apple Music. In short, the Beats Fit Pro is a great choice for those who are looking for a pair of headphones with a lot of features and excellent sound quality.

In terms of audio performance, you're getting a concert-like experience anywhere you go. This is made possible by the custom-designed driver which produces music with a bit of a bassier sound. You'll also appreciate the active noise cancellation feature, which does a decent job of blocking any outside noise that might otherwise distract you while you're working out. The Beats Fit Pro also offers great call quality, accurately portraying your voice to the recipient and providing you with clear audio of the person you're talking to. As for battery life, you're looking at a single charge providing up to six hours of use, with an additional 18 hours available from the charging case. All in all, the Beats Fit Pro is an excellent choice for those looking for a quality audio experience.

Beats Fit Pro

Best for Active Bodies

✓ Sweatproof design
✓ Comfortable, secure snug fit
✓ Active noise cancellatio
✓ 6 hours of battery life

Buy on Amazon

#4 Best for Samsung: Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro

Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro

Many have been extremely enthusiastic about the latest earbuds released by Samsung, and it is easy to understand why. Not only do they have an incredible sound quality thanks to their 24-bit high-res audio, but they also have a lightweight and sleek design. What's more, they are equipped with a range of exciting features, such as spatial audio and ANC (Active Noise Cancellation). These earbuds have been praised for their innovation and are considered to be the best Samsung has released to date.

These earbuds work even better if you are a Samsung owner, allowing you to unlock one of the biggest features yet — 360 audio. With the Samsung Wearable app, users can easily toggle on the '360 audio' feature, unlocking an incredibly immersive sound. This feature allows sound to be portrayed in a multi-dimensional manner, giving the user a unique auditory experience. However, the drawback is that these features are exclusively available to Samsung users, making these earbuds not as appealing to non-Samsung users.
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Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro

The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro continues to boast an exceptional IPX7 water rating, which by definition allows the earbuds to be submerged in 1 metre of water for up to 30 minutes and gives you the confidence that your earbuds won't be damaged by water. This protection provides more than just peace of mind if you accidentally drop your buds into the water or get caught in the rain; it also allows you to be more active and adventurous, knowing that your earbuds will be safe if you take part in activities such as water skiing, kayaking, and swimming. Not only that, but the IPX7 rating also ensures that your earbuds will be protected from sweat and other liquids, making them a great choice for use while exercising or during intense activities.

The biggest downside of the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, which is otherwise a great pair of earbuds, will have to be its battery life. With just 5 hours of battery, this falls short of the rest of the earbuds on the market, especially in comparison to the Sony WF-1000XM4’s impressive 8-hour battery life. While 5 hours may sound decent at first, it is not enough to keep up with the competition and can be a deal-breaker for some users. This is especially true for users who are looking for earbuds that can last for hours of use or who need their earbuds to last throughout their entire day.

Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro

Best for Samsung

✓ 360 audio immersive sound
✓ 24-bit high-res audio
✓ IPX7 water rating
✓ 5 hours of battery life

Buy on Amazon

Bose QuietComfort II

Bose launched their latest upgrade to their very popular Bose QuietComfort wireless earbuds. The latest 2nd generation model offers a brand new redesign to the earbuds and charging case that greatly reduces its size for a more enjoyable listening and storage experience.

Like its predecessor, the Bose QuietComfort II continues to offer some of the best-in-class active noise-cancelling experiences. With Aware Mode, you get complete transparency to hear your surroundings with striking clarity. This mode applies Bose’s ActiveSense technology to automatically reduce the volume of louder sounds to a more pleasant and balanced level. It is perfect for those who need to be aware of their environment while still enjoying the noise-cancelling capabilities of the QuietComfort II.

The Bose QuietComfort II also features their all-new CustomTune technology that is designed to intelligently personalise the noise cancellation and sound performance to your ears. Inserting the earbuds will trigger an audible chime, followed by a brief microphone assessment of the acoustics in your ear that will last less than a second. The noise cancellation technology is then fine-tuned through an exclusive blend of sound and acoustic analysis, customising the audio experience for you.

Bose QuietComfort II

The Bose QuietComfort II is the perfect choice for anyone looking to experience the all-new advanced Bluetooth 5.3 capability. With this technology, it is possible to optimise power consumption, improve device performance, and create a more user-friendly experience. This state-of-the-art technology allows you to experience a new level of connectivity and convenience, making it easier than ever to get the most out of your device. With improved range, power efficiency, and data transmission speed, the Bose QuietComfort II will be sure to take your device to the next level.

The Bose QuietComfort II is still a great choice for those who want reliable performance and long-lasting battery life; the headphones offer up to 6 hours of playback on a single charge, and the accompanying carrying case now offers an additional 3, which is up from the 2 extra charges of the previous model. This means that you can enjoy up to 24 hours of music without ever having to worry about recharging your earbuds.

Bose QuietComfort II

Best for ANC

✓ Greater fit and smaller case
✓ Bluetooth 5.3 capabilities
✓ All-new CustomTune technology
✓ 6 hours of battery life

Buy on Amazon

Compare The Best Wireless Earbuds

Final Thoughts

Today's wireless earbuds are truly remarkable pieces of engineering that have come a long way in recent years. Once thought to be a compromise on sound quality, battery life, and affordability, modern models now provide a top-notch experience in all those areas, making them a great choice for anyone looking for a great listening experience without breaking the bank.

In addition, many wireless earbuds come with plenty of features that allow you to customise your listening experiences, such as adjustable noise cancellation, EQ settings, and more. All in all, wireless earbuds have come a long way, and today's models offer an unbeatable combination of sound quality, battery life, and affordability.