Our picks at a glance
Paid link: buttons go to the retailer. Prices change often, so we link to the current price instead of listing one.
Comparison table
| Feature | Apple AirPods Pro 2Best for iPhone | Sony WF-1000XM5Best sound | Bose QuietComfort Ultra EarbudsBest noise cancelling | Samsung Galaxy Buds3 ProBest for Samsung |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy | Buy | Buy | Consider |
| Best for | iPhone users | Android and sound quality | Maximum quiet | Galaxy phones |
| Key feature | ANC with seamless Apple pairing | Rich sound and strong ANC | Top-tier ANC | Deep Galaxy integration |
| Typical price | $190–$250 | $250–$300 | $250–$300 | $200–$250 |
| Water resistance | IP54 | — | — | — |
| Case | USB-C, MagSafe | — | — | — |
| Where to buy | Check price Paid link | Check price Paid link | Check price Paid link | Check price Paid link |
9.0/10 research score
Apple AirPods Pro 2
ANC with seamless Apple pairing. Our pick for iPhone users.
- Buy it if
- You use an iPhone and want strong noise cancelling with effortless pairing.
- Skip it if
- You use Android; you lose many of the best features.
Pros
- Strong noise cancelling
- Excellent transparency mode
- Find My support in the case
- USB-C case
Cons
- Best features need Apple devices
- Average battery life
Key specifications
- Water resistance
- IP54
- Case
- USB-C, MagSafe
8.8/10 research score
Sony WF-1000XM5
Rich sound and strong ANC. Our pick for android and sound quality.
- Buy it if
- Sound quality matters most and you use Android or switch between platforms.
- Skip it if
- You have small ears; some people find the fit tricky.
Pros
- Detailed, full sound
- Strong noise cancelling
- Small for a flagship
Cons
- Fit is particular
- Premium price
8.8/10 research score
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Top-tier ANC. Our pick for maximum quiet.
- Buy it if
- Blocking as much noise as possible is your top priority.
- Skip it if
- You want a small case; Bose's is bulky.
Pros
- Outstanding noise cancelling
- Secure, stable fit
- Immersive audio mode
Cons
- Bulky case
- Battery drops with immersive audio
8.0/10 research score
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
Deep Galaxy integration. Our pick for galaxy phones.
- Buy it if
- You own a recent Samsung Galaxy phone.
- Skip it if
- You use an iPhone; many features are Galaxy-only.
Pros
- Great with Galaxy phones
- Good sound
- Comfortable stem design
Cons
- Best features need a Galaxy phone
- ANC behind Sony and Bose
Compare more earbuds on Amazon Paid link
How we chose
True wireless earbuds for every phone and budget, compared on noise cancelling, fit, sound and battery. We compared specifications, manufacturer documentation, warranty terms and typical prices, then gave every product a clear verdict with the people who should skip it.
What to look for in earbuds
- Pick earbuds made for your phone: AirPods for iPhone, Galaxy Buds for Samsung, Sony or Bose for either.
- Fit drives sound quality and noise cancelling, so look for several ear-tip sizes.
- Check battery life with ANC on and whether the case charges wirelessly.
Related guides and comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Do earbuds work with any phone?
Yes, over standard Bluetooth. Some features, like auto-switching or head tracking, only work with the same brand of phone.
What water resistance do I need?
IPX4 handles sweat and rain. For swimming you need dedicated swim headphones.