The Best Wireless Earbuds of 2023: A Comprehensive Buying Guide

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In recent years, the market for wireless earbuds has evolved significantly, making it increasingly difficult to purchase a subpar pair. With numerous discounts and deals available, now is an excellent time to invest in the earbuds you’ve been considering. The evolution of true wireless earbuds has led to remarkable improvements in sound quality and performance, moving beyond the early days when users had to compromise on audio fidelity for the sake of convenience.

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Today, leading brands such as Sony, Apple, and Samsung are releasing their most advanced earbuds yet, offering features like exceptional noise cancellation and superior sound quality. However, not everyone prioritizes the same features; some may seek earbuds tailored for fitness, while others may want a versatile set that excels in both work calls and casual listening.

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As you shop for wireless earbuds, consider how tech companies are increasingly integrating exclusive features that work best with their own devices. For instance, if you desire head-tracking spatial audio, you will need to pair AirPods with an iPhone or Samsung earbuds with a Samsung phone.

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How We Test Wireless Earbuds

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Our testing process for wireless earbuds is thorough and multifaceted. Whether you’re using them to enjoy a new album, stay motivated during workouts, or block out distractions in a busy office, we evaluate key performance metrics such as sound quality, noise cancellation, and voice call clarity.

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We conduct extensive listening sessions to assess audio fidelity, detail, and dynamics. Additionally, we test the earbuds in real-world scenarios, including crowded public transport, bustling city streets, and busy cafes, to evaluate connection stability and noise isolation capabilities. Voice call performance is also scrutinized through conversations with friends and family, who provide candid feedback on microphone quality. Furthermore, we examine how well the earbuds function across various platforms, as many manufacturers reserve specific features for their proprietary ecosystems.

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Comfort

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Comfort is a crucial factor when selecting earbuds, as they come in various shapes and sizes. Most of our recommended models include multiple ear tip sizes, typically made from silicone or foam. The choice between silicone and foam tips often comes down to personal preference; silicone tips are more common, while foam tips can provide a better seal by expanding to fit the ear. It’s advisable to try different sizes in each ear, as one ear may require a different fit than the other.

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Sound Quality

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Sound quality preferences vary among users. Some may prioritize deep bass, while others seek clarity and detail in vocals and instrument separation. When evaluating earbuds, we look for models that can reproduce subtle nuances in music, ensuring an enjoyable listening experience.

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Active Noise Cancellation

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Active noise cancellation (ANC) has transitioned from a luxury feature to a standard expectation in many high-quality earbuds. Our top picks often include ANC, which can significantly enhance focus in noisy environments, whether at work or during travel. However, some users may prefer open-style earbuds that allow for greater awareness of their surroundings.

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Battery Life

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Most modern earbuds offer between five and six hours of continuous playback with ANC enabled. Some models exceed this range, while over-ear headphones typically provide longer battery life. The convenience of recharging earbuds by placing them back in their case makes this trade-off manageable for many users.

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Water Resistance

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Even if you don’t plan to use your earbuds for workouts, it’s wise to consider water resistance. Look for earbuds with at least an IPX4 rating, which protects against splashes and sweat, ensuring durability in everyday situations.

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Featured in This Article

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The Best Overall Wireless Earbuds

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Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 8 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IPX4 / Bluetooth codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC / Multipoint: Yes / Works best with: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Foam (XS, S, M, L)

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Sony’s WF-1000XM5 earbuds have consistently topped our recommendations for their exceptional noise cancellation and audio quality. With larger drivers, these earbuds deliver a more detailed and dynamic sound profile while maintaining the warmth and clarity that characterized their predecessors. Sony has made significant improvements to ANC, rivaling the performance of Bose’s QC Earbuds II, effectively blocking out background noise. Users can enjoy up to eight hours of continuous listening with ANC activated.

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In response to feedback regarding the bulkiness of the previous model, Sony has reduced the size of the XM5 by 25%. The inclusion of foam ear tips ensures a secure fit, and an extra small option is now available for those with smaller ears.

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On Android devices, the WF-1000XM5 supports Sony’s LDAC codec for high-quality audio playback and features dynamic head tracking spatial audio through compatible video apps. Even without LDAC, these earbuds rank among the best in audio quality, outperforming competitors like Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 4, particularly in noise cancellation. They also support multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, allowing pairing with two devices simultaneously.

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Despite previous reports of battery issues with the WF-1000XM4, Sony has addressed these concerns with the new model by refining the charging algorithm.

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Read our full WF-1000XM5 review.

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The Best Budget Earbuds Under $100

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Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 5.5 hours (ANC on) / Water resistance: IP54 / Bluetooth codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC / Multipoint: No / Works best with: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear tips: Silicone (S, M, L)

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Nothing’s Ear (a) earbuds stand out not only for their eye-catching design but also for their impressive feature set at a price of $99.99. These entry-level earbuds offer active noise cancellation, a low-latency gaming mode, and decent IP54 dust and water resistance.

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The sound quality exceeds expectations for this price range, providing expressive audio that can be further customized through Nothing’s mobile app.

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Read my full Nothing Ear (a) impressions.

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The Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds

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Noise cancellation: Yes / Battery life: 6 hours (ANC on) /

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