Best wireless earbuds of 2025 — picks, buying guide & FAQs
Finding the best wireless earbuds can transform how you listen to music, podcasts and calls. From budget picks to premium models, 2025’s earbuds offer improved ANC, multipoint pairing, app tuning and longer battery life.
Top picks (quick)
- Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) — Great integration for Apple users. Buy/search: Search on Amazon
- Sony WF-C710N — Affordable ANC and comfy fit. Buy/search: Search on Amazon
- Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 — Secure sport fit and improved H2 chip. Buy/search: Search on Amazon
- Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 — Good tone, Samsung features (best with Samsung phones). Buy/search: Search on Amazon
- Sennheiser Momentum Sport — Comfortable sport fit and sensors. Buy/search: Search on Amazon
- Bose Ultra Open Earbuds — Open-ear design to stay aware of surroundings. Buy/search: Search on Amazon
- Audio-Technica ATH-TWX7 — Compact stick buds with warm profile. Buy/search: Search on Amazon
- Master & Dynamic MW09 — Premium materials and reliable multipoint. Buy/search: Search on Amazon
What to look for
- Fit and design: Open vs closed fit affects comfort and noise isolation. Try before you buy if possible.
- Noise control: ANC vs passive isolation vs ambient modes — choose by use case.
- Connectivity: Multipoint pairing, auto-pairing for Apple, companion app features.
- Battery: Expect ~5 hours per charge on average; check case charges and wireless charging support.
- Call quality: Varies — read call tests; many earbuds still sound ‘phone-like’ unless reviews confirm otherwise.
- Immersive audio: Look for Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, or 360 formats if that matters to you.
How we test
We wear earbuds for 1–2 weeks when possible, listening to varied music, podcasts and taking voice/video calls. Battery is tested with looping audio at ~75% volume. We test apps, firmware, multipoint and compare to previous models and rivals.
Quick FAQs
- Good battery life?
- Most deliver ~5 hours per charge; some reach 6–12 hours depending on model. Look to case capacity for extra charges.
- Earbuds vs headphones sound?
- Over-ear headphones often sound better, but high-end earbuds (e.g., Sennheiser MTW series) can be outstanding.
- Which are waterproof?
- Check IP ratings. IPX7 offers immersion protection; if the rating shows X it may lack dust protection.
Source: summary adapted from Engadget (original article: engadget.com — Best wireless earbuds of 2025)