If you think the term "true wireless" sounds like sales jargon, we're with you. Regardless of whether you call them "true wireless," "cable-free," or "wire-free" models, the important distinction between these and typical earphones is the lack of a connecting cable between the earpieces. With wired Bluetooth in-ear models becoming less popular, cable-free is now the norm.
Apple's AirPods are a ubiquitous tech status symbol and loom large over the category, but this list has several options that might work better for you. Whether you’re looking for the best active noise cancellation (ANC), the most rugged build for exercise, or simply the best sound we’ve got you covered. And yes, there are quality options that cost far less than even the cheapest AirPods.
Below, check out our top true wireless picks, and be sure to read on for relevant buying advice.
Buying Guide: AirPod Alternatives: The Best True Wireless Earbuds for 2022 in the UAE and Saudi Arabia
If you think the term "true wireless" sounds like sales jargon, we're with you. Regardless of whether you call them "true wireless," "cable-free," or "wire-free," the important distinction between these and typical earphones is the complete lack of any cable connecting the earpieces. With wired Bluetooth in-ears becoming less popular, cable-free is now the norm.
Despite not being the flat-out best true wireless option, the Apple AirPods Pro loom large over the category. They’re a ubiquitous tech status symbol, and while they’re among the best you can get, this list has several options that might work better for you. Whether you’re looking for the best ANC (active noise cancellation), the most rugged build for exercise, the top pair for heavy bass, or the ideal in-ears for hands-free voice assistant use, we’ve got you covered. And yes, there are quality options that cost far less than the AirPods, so even if you’re on a strict budget, we have suggestions for you.
Below, check out our top true wireless picks, and be sure to read on for our buying advice to help you find the best pair for you.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Engaging audio performance with deep lows and bright highs | - No way to turn off noise cancellation altogether |
| + Fantastic low and high frequency noise cancellation | - Case doesn't support wireless charging |
| + Useful Active Aware mode | |
| + Water-resistant build |
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Why We Picked It
Bose has sat near the top of the class when it comes to in-ear active noise cancellation (ANC), though Apple and Sony have given it a run for its money and many more affordable competitors from brands like Anker, Jabra, JBL, and Sennheiser aren't nearly as far behind as they once were. The QuietComfort Earbuds II, however, set a new standard. Simply put, they deliver astoundingly effective noise cancellation against both powerful low-frequency sounds as well as higher-frequency noise.
Who It’s For
We award products for being the best at what they do, and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II deliver the best in-ear noise cancellation we've experienced. The Bose audio signature remains as sculpted as ever, but it should appeal to anyone who likes rich bass and bright highs.
Sony WF-1000XM4
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Exceptional active noise cancellation | - Expensive |
| + Powerful bass depth and crisp, defined highs | |
| + Adjustable EQ | |
| + Good battery life |
Sony WF-1000XM4
Why We Picked It
What’s the best pair of true wireless in-ears on the market? We don’t like to paint in such broad strokes, but it's not difficult to make the case for Sony's WF-1000XM4 earphones. Their audio performance and in-app EQ are enough to land them high on this list, but they also effectively dial back low-frequency rumble, low-mids, and highs. They simply offer the best active noise cancellation (ANC) of any in-ears, including the AirPods Pro. Consider their modest water-resistance rating and solid battery life icing on the cake.
Who It’s For
The WF-1000XM4 earbuds are for those who want best-in-class noise cancellation. Beyond that, they are for listeners who seek a bass-forward (but balanced) sound signature out of the box and want the option to adjust the audio to taste via an EQ. Plenty of competing models in this price range offer far less effective ANC or less compelling sound, or both.
Anker Soundcore Life P3
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Powerful bass depth match with crisp highs | - Sound signature isn't for those seeking accuracy |
| + Surprisingly strong noise cancellation for the price | |
| + Adjustable ANC and EQ levels |
Anker Soundcore Life P3
Why We Picked It
Anker’s full-featured Soundcore app is part of the reason the Soundcore Life P3 earbuds make this list; we like the in-app EQ, in particular. Otherwise, this pair delivers solid audio performance and effective ANC for the price. They don't compete with the Sony WF-1000XM4 in either department, but the experience is still respectable.
Who It’s For
If you like the features of the Sony WF-1000XM4 but can't justify the expense, the Soundcore Life P3 in-ears are a strong, budget-friendly alternative with robust audio. The companion app even includes a low-latency Gaming mode, lets you choose between Ambient modes (fully transparency or vocals), and offers three ANC modes that target different frequencies of surrounding noise (transport, indoor, and outdoor).
Jabra Elite 7 Pro
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Powerful audio performance with deep bass and crisp highs | - Tunable ANC requires more work than other models |
| + Adjustable ANC and EQ settings | - Sculpted sound signature not for purists |
| + Excellent mic intelligibility | |
| + Fully waterproof, dust-resistant earpieces |
Jabra Elite 7 Pro
Why We Picked It
Jabra's Elite 7 Pro earphones offer very good ANC for the price, an excellent app with EQ and ANC controls, and top-notch mics. Additionally, we're fans of the pair's bass-forward sound signature. All that would be enough to secure the Jabras a spot here, but the in-ears also sport an IP57 rating, which means the pair is fully waterproof and well-sealed against dust. Most competing ANC models are merely somewhat water resistant. As such, we can overlook the lack of high-quality Bluetooth codecs for Android users.
Who It’s For
If you know you can do better than the AirPods in terms of features and audio quality, but Sony's WF-1000XM4 earphones are just outside your budget, this pair is a fantastic alternative. They're much more durable than the Sony model, offer effective ANC, and sport excellent mics. Their companion app is also arguably better than the one Sony offers, though both have merits.
Shure Aonic 215 (Gen 2)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Accurate audio performance with rich lows and clear highs | - Expensive |
| + Class-leading EQ | - Bulky build and case |
| + Customizable controls | |
| + Water-resistant design |
Shure Aonic 215 (Gen 2)
Why We Picked It
The Shure Aonic 215 earbuds are chunky and perhaps not the most stylish, but we can't deny the versatility of their drivers. The Shure app provides a fantastic, adjustable EQ and you can easily hear how changes affect the sound—something that's not always a guarantee with competitors. Another cool feature is that you can use a cable accessory to turn Aonic 215 into wired earphones. That makes this pair one of the most innovative options on our list.
Who It’s For
If you like to fine-tune your audio experience, the Shure Aonic 215 earphones are an ideal option because of the aforementioned in-app EQ. It lets you adjust specific frequencies, then tweak the bandwidth and gain with a high degree of precision. No other companion app we’ve tested offers anything close to this level of granularity. The high-quality drivers are receptive to changes and produce excellent sound, in turn.
Tribit FlyBuds 3
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Bass-forward, powerful audio performance | - Ho-hum design |
| + Excellent battery life for true wireless earphones | - Wildly sculpted sound signature |
| + Affordable | - No app, so no EQ to tame the audio |
| + IPX7-rated waterproof | |
| + Excellent fit stability, with multiple eartip options |
Tribit FlyBuds 3
Why We Picked It
As we note in our review, no one should buy the FlyBuds 3 for their looks. Regardless, these in-ears have no business sounding as good as these do for their price. Shockingly, beyond the solid audio performance, the earpieces are also fully waterproof (IPX7). Finally, the (admittedly massive) charging case holds an absurd 100 hours' worth of charge. That combination is difficult to beat in this sector.
Who It’s For
Anyone should consider the FlyBuds 3 as the no-frills, ultra-affordable alternative to several options on this list, but they are best for people who frequently exercise outside or at the gym. The waterproof build means you don't have to worry about sweat or rain destroying them; plus, you can rinse them off under a faucet whenever the need arises.
Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Generation)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Solid, balanced audio quality | - Doesn't offer particularly deep bass or crisp highs |
| + Active noise cancellation | - Overly senstive touch controls |
| + Hands-free Alexa voice control |
Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Generation)
Why We Picked It
The Echo Buds, now in their second generation, offer the best built-in Alexa integration of any true wireless in-ears. They support hands-free commands and, because they are an Amazon product, don't require you to spend time trying to get Alexa to work with a third-party app. Otherwise, the Echo Buds sport a modest water-resistance rating and sufficient noise cancellation for their reasonable price.
Who It’s For
This one is pretty simple—if you’re an Alexa fan and want hands-free access to the smart voice assistant's features from the convenience of your earbuds, look no further. Decent ANC is just a nice bonus feature.
Jabra Elite 7 Active
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Powerful audio performance with deep bass and bright highs | - Sculpted sound signature not for those seeking accuracy |
| + Solid noise cancellation | |
| + Stable fit | |
| + Good mic clarity |
Jabra Elite 7 Active
Why We Picked It
Jabra makes two excellent, similarly priced true wireless options that are ideal for runners, but one is better for that purpose specifically—the Jabra Elite 7 Active earbuds. This pair features a non-slip coating that gives them an edge over the Jabra Elite 7 Pro. And you don't lose out on the impressive IP57 rating, the strong sound quality, or the feature-rich companion app. They're also a bit less expensive than the Jabra Elite 7 Pro, thus securing a spot in our roundup.
Who It’s For
Jabra’s in-ears often feel like an offshoot of their Bluetooth headsets—the focus is on ease of use, ergonomics, helpful app features, and mic clarity. If those are important to you even when you’re exercising, it’s difficult to beat what you get here: adjustable ANC and powerful audio performance in an exercise-friendly design. The AirPods Pro aren't anywhere in the same league as it pertains to durability.
JBL Tune 130NC
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Powerful, subwoofer-like bass matches well with bright highs | - Sculpted sound signature |
| + Impressive battery life | - Noise cancellaltion is merely decent |
| + App allows you to customize EQ and on-ear controls |
JBL Tune 130NC
Why We Picked It
At $100, the JBL Tune 130NC in-ears deliver seriously powerful bass depth, decent-enough ANC, and impressive battery life. You may not quite reach the 10 hours-per-charge estimate that JBL lists, but anything close to that runtime for ANC in-ears with thunderous bass is an accomplishment. The always-improving JBL Headphones app includes a customizable EQ, too.
Who It’s For
First and foremost, the JBL Tune 130NC earphones are for anyone who wants serious, low-frequency bass rumble. Beyond that, the water-resistant design and solid battery life make them an easy recommendation for gym-goers. Just note that the ANC is more of a useful extra than a major selling point.
Sennheiser CX True Wireless
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Rich, bass-forward sound with high frequency definition | - In-canal fit can alter sound signature |
| + Adjustable EQ | - EQ could offer more precise control |
| + Water-resistant build | |
| + Excellent battery life |
Sennheiser CX True Wireless
Why We Picked It
These Sennheiser in-ears are now available for significantly less than their original price, which means you can get excellent audio performance for not a lot of money. The pair offers Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, plus supports both the AAC and AptX Bluetooth codecs. And their companion app's EQ lets you reasonably adjust the sound to taste, even if it would benefit from a more user-friendly design.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for a relatively accurate sound signature and solid Bluetooth codec support, the CX True Wireless earbuds offer among the best audio performance you can find for under $100. If your budget is more flexible, the CX Plus True Wireless in-ears (which are also available for much less than their original list price) offer even better codec support and above-average ANC. We were fans of both models at the time of their release, and significant discounts make them all the more appealing.
Wireless vs. Wire-Free Earbuds
If you think the term "true wireless" sounds like sales jargon, we're with you. Regardless of whether you call them "true wireless," "cable-free," or "wire-free," the important distinction between these and typical earphones is the complete lack of a cable connecting the earpieces.
If you simply want a pair of Bluetooth earphones for exercise and don't mind a cable connecting the earpieces behind your neck, you can stop reading now and head over to our list of The Best Wireless Headphones. That said, there is something liberating about going completely wire-free.
You might notice that the standard AirPods aren't on this list. While Apple may have popularized the true wireless category, the AirPods have their fair share of shortcomings compared with the competition, particularly Apple's own AirPods Pro, which we like a lot better.
With that in mind, let's walk through some of the key criteria to consider when shopping for a true wireless pair.
On-Ear Controls
If there's one complication many models share in the operation department, it's that it's easy to accidentally pause music, skip a track, or summon a voice assistant when you merely meant to take an earpiece out or adjust it slightly. There's not a lot of real estate on most of the earpieces we've tested, and thus much of the outer panel area is devoted to housing controls.
Newer models manage to strike a balance between operability and layout. Some use actual tactile buttons to control playback, call management, track navigation, and volume. Some others cleverly divide controls between the two earpieces with touch panels—tapping the left ear, for instance, will skip a track backward, while tapping the right will skip forward. Despite needing to do a little more thinking before you tap, eventually the division of controls between the two earpieces reveals itself to be intuitive. So on-ear control panels are getting more creative and user-friendly, but there's still a ways to go before they catch up with traditional wireless models.
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As for Bluetooth pairing, you won't find an easier pairing process than with the AirPods or the Powerbeats Pro (if you have an iOS device), which essentially do all the work for you the second you turn them on thanks to Apple's H1 (or older W1) headphone chip. Other pairs are still relatively simple to connect in your phone's Bluetooth settings menu.
True Wireless Battery Life
Battery life is the Achilles' heel of the true wireless category. The typical estimated battery life (and keep in mind your results will vary with volume levels) tops out around six hours. It kills a battery fast when you need to power two earpieces separately.
The necessary solution that (nearly) all of these designs share in common is a charging case. Each case protects the earpieces when not in use, and charges them simultaneously. Most of the cases carry two extra full charges, so you can recharge your earphones on the go. It's not unlikely that this weak aspect of the true wireless realm will improve to the point that it will no longer be an issue.
What If I Lose an Earpiece?
This is, understandably, a concern of many potential true wireless users. Allow us to allay your fears—we can say that after over a year of testing, you have to try pretty hard to lose one earpiece. First off, just about every pair we've tested offers an extremely secure in-ear fit without sacrificing comfort. Most of the earpieces are larger than typical in-ears, while still maintaining a lightweight feel, making the likelihood of losing one while exercising (or at any other time) fairly low.
As for simply misplacing an earpiece when not in use, this also seems unlikely. The charging case is intrinsically tied to the user experience—like hanging up the phone or turning the TV off when you're finished watching, you'll automatically reach for the case to stow and charge the earphones. To put it another way: You're far more likely to misplace the whole thing—the case with both earpieces inside—than you are to misplace one earpiece.
If you do somehow lose one earpiece only, however, plenty of companies like Apple will gladly sell you an extra one à la carte for less than the price of a new full set. If losing an earpiece still seems like something you can imagine happening to you, it's worth researching whether the model you're interested in offers this option.
Exercise-Friendly Designs
Surprisingly, many of these wire-free models can be used at the gym and even get wet, despite the fact that each earpiece has an exposed charging contact on the inside. Check the IP rating of these; some workout-friendly earphones are only IPX4-rated, so they can stand up to sweat but might be hard to wash. Others are IPX7-rated, which means they can survive getting rinsed and dunked.
If durability and a true waterproof design are your main priorities, you'll either need to sacrifice some user-friendliness, or opt for a traditional neckband-style wireless design. Thus far, most of the earphones that are bundled with fitness apps or heart rate monitors have been in the neckband/cabled realm.
For more, see The Best True Wireless Earbuds for Running.
Earphones With Apps
Many of the models we've tested use apps designed by the manufacturer to control various parameters and the setup process. Some let you set auto-off timers, disable voice prompts, and control playback. Others feature user-adjustable EQ and/or an ambient-listening modes (for listening to the sound around you) that can be adjusted.
For more on EQ adjustments and other advice, see 5 Easy Tips to Extend the Life of Your Headphones.
Get Ready to Spend
There is a marked difference between our Editors' Choices in the true wireless category, and a typical tether-together wireless pair. You can get good wireless, neckband-style in-ears for $40, but typically, you can expect to spend at least twice as much for true wireless. (Though there are a couple quality, super-affordable exceptions, but they're not the norm.) The base price for most true wireless options is around $100, with the very best models costing as much as $200 or even $300. If you're looking for a pair with noise cancellation, you're definitely going to be spending closer to $200 or more.
On the plus side, the category has gone past the early adopter premium if you know where to look. We've even gathered the finest pairs we've tested under $130 in our story on The Best Cheap True Wireless Earbuds. No matter how much you spend, check out our story on 6 Ways You're Using Your Headphones Wrong to get the most out of your purchase.
We'll be testing more true wireless pairs as they are released, but here you'll find the highest-rated models we've seen so far.
Where To Buy
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The Best For True Wireless ValueAnker Soundcore Liberty Air$59.99 at Amazon
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The Best For Noise CancellationApple AirPods Pro$234.99 at Best Buy
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The Best For Fully Waterproof In-EarsJabra Elite Active 75t$199.99 at Amazon
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The Best For Long Battery LifeJBL UA True Wireless Flash X$169.95 at Amazon
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The Best For AirPod SubstitutesOnePlus Buds$79.00 at OnePlus
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The Best For Gym-Focused iPhone UsersBeats Powerbeats Pro$249.95 at Amazon
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The Best For Budget-Minded AudiophilesCambridge Audio Melomania 1$99.95 at Amazon
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The Best For Business ProfessionalsHarman Kardon Fly TWS$149.95 at Harman Kardon
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The Best For Bass-Hungry Fitness FansJaybird Vista$159.99 at Amazon