It seems like every month a new set of earbuds is released with longer battery life and more compact designs. So we can’t list everything we like. But if you’re still hunting, here are some other recommendations.
Montblanc MTB 03 $395: These earbuds are priced out of reach for most buyers, but if you have the cash, you’ll be rewarded with a luxurious experience befitting the brand. Montblanc brought together powerful talents in the audio industry to provide the design and voice for these earphones. The result is small, comfortable, and very flashy wireless earbuds that sound truly impressive.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 for $100: Even after several years, Samsung’s Buds2 (9/10, recommended by WIRED) are still a great value. For less than a pair of AirPods, you get noise-cancelling, transparency mode, and the lightest, most comfortable earbuds around. Unfortunately, the companion app only works on Android, so iPhone users will miss out on most of the features. Some people have had issues with these earbuds, causing them to irritate their ears. We haven’t experienced this, but if you do, please return the buds immediately.
Apple/Beats Powerbeats Pro ($180): Apple’s powerful Powerbeats Pro (8/10, recommended by WIRED) offer a very secure fit, sound significantly better than Apple’s previous pair of standard AirPods or Beats, and clock in at an impressive nine hours of life on a single charge. They take longer and give up some of the now standard extra features like transparency mode and ANC, but for those serious about reliability, they’re still worth considering.
OnePlus Buds Pro ($140): These AirPods-style earbuds are designed for Android, but they sound great, look great, and work almost identically to their Apple counterparts. Continue if you wish. I think some of the designs above are much sleeker.
JBL Tour Pro 2 for $250: When I first saw photos of these headphones at CES 2023, I thought it would be really cool to have a wireless earbuds screen that would let you check battery level, play and pause music, and more. The earbuds are totally fine and sound decent, but I found the case didn’t need a screen. even alittle. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything other than a test while using headphones. That’s about it.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 ($179): Sennheiser’s older Momentum True Wireless 2 is still available and much cheaper. In addition to the fantastic sound, Sennheiser also fixed a bug with the first pair of Momentums that caused the battery to drain after a week or so even without use.
Raycon Everyday Earbuds ($80): These YouTuber-favorite earbuds are actually a good, affordable product (7/10, WIRED Review). It’s small, lightweight and has an IPX6 rating, making it perfect for working out.
Master & Dynamic MW08 Sport for $299: The Sport is a great option with active noise cancellation and a striking design, but its high price puts it out of reach for most people.