The Best Wireless Earbuds
The most complete all-around wireless earbuds: class-leading ANC, great fit, and seamless features — best with an iPhone, but strong for anyone. · Updated June 25, 2026
Apple AirPods Pro 3
$179View it
★star.shop pickWirecutter pickReddit favorite
Pros
- Best-in-class active noise cancellation, noticeably improved over previous generations
- Secure, comfortable fit with stabilizing ear tips that hold up during workouts
- Excellent, natural transparency mode and clear call quality
- Effortless setup and switching across Apple devices, plus features like Adaptive Audio and hearing-aid functionality
- Compact case with reliable battery life and wireless charging
Cons
- Best features (instant pairing, spatial audio, hearing aid mode) are tied to the Apple ecosystem — Android users get a more basic experience
- Battery degrades over years like all true wireless earbuds; no user-replaceable cell
Minor nitpicks
- No higher-resolution codec support that some audiophiles want
- Out-of-warranty battery replacement effectively means buying a new set, so not truly buy-it-for-life
The other picks
- WirecutterSony LinkBuds Fit — Wirecutter's actual top pick for its lightweight fit and adaptive ambient sound, though it's largely absent from community recommendations
- RedditJBL Tour Pro 3 — Repeatedly called the 'overall champ' for Android and non-Apple users
- r/BuyItForLifeJabra Elite Active 75t — Favored on r/BuyItForLife for 3–5+ years of heavy, sweat-heavy daily use (now discontinued)