Key takeaways
- Best overall: Apple AirPods Pro 3 ($229 – $249).
- Best value: Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC ($59 – $99).
- Match the earbuds to your phone: some features such as spatial audio, auto-switching or hi-res codecs only work with one platform.
In this article
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There are hundreds of wireless earbuds on sale, and many look the same on paper. We compared the models that matter in the US and gave each one a clear verdict: buy, consider or skip.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Quick answer
- Best overall: Apple AirPods Pro 3 ($229 – $249)
- Best value: Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC ($59 – $99)
- Premium pick: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds ($250 – $300)
Wireless earbuds compared
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Buy | 9.1/10 | $229 – $249 |
| Apple AirPods Pro 2 | Buy | 9.0/10 | $190 – $250 |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Buy | 8.8/10 | $249 – $299 |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds | Buy | 8.8/10 | $250 – $300 |
| Sony WF-1000XM5 | Buy | 8.7/10 | $199 – $299 |
| Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC | Buy | 8.1/10 | $59 – $99 |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro | Consider | 7.8/10 | $169 – $249 |
Our picks in detail
Apple AirPods Pro 3
iPhone owners · Verdict: Buy · Score: 9.1/10 · Typical price: $229 – $249
Why we like it: Big ANC upgrade plus heart-rate sensing.
Pros: Much stronger noise cancelling than before · Heart-rate sensing for workouts · Hearing aid and hearing protection features · IP57 dust and water resistance
Cons: Best features require an iPhone · Case lacks the lanyard loop of the previous model
Buy it if you use an iPhone and want the best all-round earbuds with strong noise cancelling, hearing health features and a secure fit.
Skip it if you use Android; you lose most of the smart features.
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Verdict: Buy · Score: 9.0/10 · Typical price: $190 – $250
Apple AirPods Pro 2 is one of the wireless earbuds we would buy in the US. It scores 9.0/10 in our ratings and usually sells for $190 – $250.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Strongest noise cancelling · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.8/10 · Typical price: $249 – $299
Why we like it: Bose-level ANC in a small bud.
Pros: Excellent noise cancelling · Comfortable stability bands · Works equally well on iPhone and Android
Cons: Battery life is average · Bulky case
Buy it if you want the strongest noise cancelling you can fit in your pocket, on iPhone or Android.
Skip it if you want long battery life or a small case.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.8/10 · Typical price: $250 – $300
For most people, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds is worth its usual price of $250 – $300. Our score: 8.8/10.
Sony WF-1000XM5
Sound quality · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.7/10 · Typical price: $199 – $299
Why we like it: Detailed sound and LDAC support.
Pros: Rich, detailed sound · Small and light buds · Strong noise cancelling · LDAC for high-resolution audio on Android
Cons: Foam tips don't suit everyone · Glossy finish can be slippery
Buy it if you care most about sound quality and want strong ANC on an Android phone or iPhone.
Skip it if you have small ears that struggle with foam tips.
Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC
Budget pick · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.1/10 · Typical price: $59 – $99
Why we like it: Strong ANC and long battery for under $100.
Pros: Strong noise cancelling for the money · Long battery life · Wireless charging case
Cons: Plastic case feels cheap · Bass-heavy default tuning
Buy it if you want good noise cancelling and long battery life on a tight budget.
Skip it if you want premium sound tuning or fitness features.
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
Galaxy phone owners · Verdict: Consider · Score: 7.8/10 · Typical price: $169 – $249
Why we like it: Deep Galaxy integration and 24-bit audio.
Pros: Great sound with Samsung phones · IP57 rating · Clear stem controls
Cons: Best features need a Galaxy phone · Stem design won't fit every ear
Buy it if you own a recent Samsung Galaxy phone and want features like 24-bit Hi-Fi audio and seamless switching.
Skip it if you use an iPhone or a non-Samsung Android phone; others do more for less.
What to check before you buy
- Match the earbuds to your phone: some features such as spatial audio, auto-switching or hi-res codecs only work with one platform.
- Fit matters more than drivers; try every ear-tip size, because a good seal improves bass and noise cancelling.
- Check battery per charge (6 hours or more is good) and whether the case supports wireless charging.
What to skip
Common mistake: Buying from unknown sellers: counterfeit earbuds are common, so buy from the brand's official store or an authorised retailer.
When to buy
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November. Mid-range earbuds now offer active noise cancelling and good apps; you rarely need the flagship for commuting.
Compare more options
Search wireless earbuds on Amazon See top-rated wireless earbuds on Amazon
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
What are the best wireless earbuds in the US?
Our top pick is Apple AirPods Pro 3 (typically $229 – $249). For the best value, choose Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC (typically $59 – $99).
What should I check before buying wireless earbuds?
Match the earbuds to your phone: some features such as spatial audio, auto-switching or hi-res codecs only work with one platform. Fit matters more than drivers; try every ear-tip size, because a good seal improves bass and noise cancelling.
When is the best time to buy wireless earbuds in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
What is the most common mistake when buying wireless earbuds?
Buying from unknown sellers: counterfeit earbuds are common, so buy from the brand's official store or an authorised retailer.