Best Wireless Earbuds for Calls & Music in 2025 (Top Picks)

Did you know we tested over 275 pairs of wireless earbuds and in-ear headphones? This huge number shows how many options are out there in 2025. If you want the best for clear calls or great music, this guide will help you choose.

Wireless earbuds are key in our daily lives. They’re perfect for commuting or working out, giving us freedom and convenience. But with so many choices, finding the right pair can be tough. We’ve tested 19 top models to find the best wireless earbuds for you.

In this detailed guide, we’ll look at what makes earbuds great: sound quality, mic performance, battery life, and comfort. You’ll find options for all budgets, from the Sony WF-1000XM5 to the OnePlus Buds 3, all under $80.

Are you ready to find your ideal pair of bluetooth earbuds? Let’s explore our top picks for 2025. Here, you’ll see the latest tech and top performance.

Understanding Wireless Earbud Technology Today

Wireless earbuds have changed how we listen to music and make calls. They now offer sound quality that’s almost as good as wired headphones. Let’s look at what makes modern cordless earphones and earbud connectivity special.

True Wireless vs. Traditional Bluetooth Design

True wireless earbuds don’t have wires between the two earpieces. This gives you full freedom to move around. Traditional Bluetooth earbuds might have a wire. Both use Bluetooth, with a range of about 30 feet.

Latest Audio Codec Advancements

Bluetooth tech has improved a lot, closing the sound quality gap between wired and wireless earbuds. Now, high-quality Bluetooth earbuds sound almost as good as wired ones. Some, like the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, even stream high-resolution audio wirelessly.

Battery Technology Improvements

Battery life in wireless earbuds has gotten much better. For example, the Beyerdynamic Free Byrd earbuds last up to 11 hours without noise cancelling. The JBL Live Free 2 buds last up to 7 hours and are water-resistant.

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Best Wireless Earbuds for Premium Sound Quality

In 2025, three earbuds are top choices for sound quality. They are small but pack a big punch in audio and noise cancellation. These are great for anyone who loves music or audiophiles.

Sony WF-1000XM5: The All-Around Champion

The Sony WF-1000XM5 is a leader in sound quality. It has a high Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score (MDAQS). This means listeners are very happy with the sound.

It also supports LDAC for streaming high-resolution audio. This results in clear sound across all frequencies.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Silence is Golden

Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra is great at blocking out noise. It can cut down low and high-frequency noise by a lot. Their sound quality is good, but their main strength is in quieting the background.

Denon PerL Pro: The Audiophile’s Choice

The Denon PerL Pro is known for its driver technology. It offers sound that audiophiles will love, with a wide soundstage and clear sound. Users say it has a balanced sound and is immersive.

These premium earbuds offer unique listening experiences. They cater to different tastes in audio. Whether you want the best sound, top-notch noise cancellation, or audiophile-grade performance, there’s a pair for you.

Top Noise Cancelling Features

Noise cancelling earbuds have changed the game for music fans and travelers. Our team tested 340 models to find the best. The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 was the top pick, with great noise blocking across all frequencies.

These earbuds give you 8 hours of music with ANC on, and three more charges from the case. They’re also comfy and durable, with an IP68 rating for dust and water protection.

Looking for affordable earbuds with good noise cancellation? Check out the Anker Soundcore Space A40. They’re budget-friendly, with over 8 hours of battery life and four extra charges from the case.

For iPhone users, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are a great choice. They offer 6 hours of listening with ANC on and four extra charges from the case.

Keep in mind, noise cancellation works differently in different places. These earbuds do well with low to mid-frequency sounds but might not handle sudden, high-pitched noises. Pick the pair that suits your lifestyle and budget for the best audio experience.

Battery Life Champions

In 2025, some earbuds really stand out for their battery life. They offer long playtimes, quick charging, and strong case batteries. Let’s look at the best ones that keep you listening and talking for hours.

Models with Longest Playback Time

The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 tops the list with 10 hours of playtime. Sony’s WF-1000XM5 and Anker Soundcore Space A40 give over 8 hours with noise cancellation. The Nothing Ear 2 also offers around 8 hours with ANC.

Quick Charging Capabilities

Quick charging is a big plus for earbuds. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) are great at this, giving you a quick power boost. Most top earbuds have fast charging to keep you going.

Case Battery Capacity

Charging cases make long listening sessions possible. The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 case gives 3 extra full charges. The Anker Soundcore Space A40 case offers 4 extra charges. Apple’s AirPods Pro case also gives 4 extra charges, keeping your earbuds powered all day.

These top earbuds ensure your music and calls keep going all day. Thanks to new tech, you get great sound without worrying about running out of battery.

Best Budget-Friendly Options

Looking for earbuds that are affordable but sound great? You’re in luck! The market now has many budget-friendly options. These earbuds offer amazing sound quality without costing too much. Let’s explore some top picks under $100 that are great value.

OnePlus Buds 3

The OnePlus Buds 3 are a great choice for those on a budget. They offer a comfy fit and sound that’s well-balanced. Plus, they last about 7 hours on a single charge, perfect for all-day listening.

Nothing Ear (a)

The Nothing Ear (a) is priced at $99 and offers a unique design. They have 5.5 hours of playback with ANC on, and up to 24.5 hours with the case. Their sound quality is clear and crisp, making them a stylish and affordable option.

Anker Soundcore Space A40

The Anker Soundcore Space A40 stands out in the budget category. These earbuds have premium features at an affordable price. With ANC on, they last over 8 hours, and you get 4 more charges in the case.

These affordable earbuds show you don’t have to spend a lot for good sound and features. They might not be the absolute best in every way. But they offer great performance that meets most listeners’ needs.

Comfort and Fit Considerations

Finding the right fit for your in-ear headphones is key for comfort and sound. How comfortable earbuds are affects your listening experience, more so when you use them for a long time or while moving.

Sport earbuds have special features for a secure fit during exercise. For example, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 has a battery life of 8 to 10 hours. It also has a heart-rate monitor, perfect for those who love to stay active.

When picking earbuds, think about these things:

• Ear tip sizes and materials
• Weight distribution
• Presence of stability fins or hooks
• Overall design (in-ear vs. outer ear)

Some earbuds, like the Sennheiser Momentum Sport, need winglets for a good fit. The Sennheiser Momentum TW4 earbuds are comfy for medium and large ears but might not fit small ears well.

If you have smaller ears, the Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 earbuds might be hard to wear. They’re thicker and don’t have stabilizing wings. The Skullcandy Dime 3 only comes with small and medium eartips, which might not fit everyone.

“The right fit can make or break your earbud experience, regardless of sound quality or features.”

Lighter earbuds, like the Nothing Ear (a) at 4.7g per bud, can be more comfortable for long wear. The Technics EAH-AZ100, weighing 5.9g per bud, has five different ear tip sizes for a better fit.

Comfort is personal. What’s good for one person might not be for another. It’s important to try different earbuds to find the ones that fit your ears best.

Call Quality and Microphone Performance

Choosing the best wireless earbuds means looking at call quality as much as music. We’ll see how top earphones handle voice clarity, noise reduction, and wind resistance.

Best for Voice Clarity

We tested over 315 earbud pairs and found the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 top for calls. It gets a 7.8 rating for voice clarity. It also lasts nearly 8 hours, keeping you connected.

The Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed and Samsung Galaxy Buds FE are close seconds, both scoring 7.5 for call quality.

Background Noise Reduction

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC shines with 6 beamforming microphones. It greatly reduces background noise during calls. Nothing Ear also cuts interference by 60%, perfect for noisy places.

Wind Resistance Technology

Earbuds like the Apple AirPods Pro 2 work well in windy conditions. Their design places microphones just right. The JBL Live Free 2 has a six-microphone array for better voice pickup and wind resistance, great for outdoor calls.

When picking earbuds, look for multi-device pairing. The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 and Nothing Ear are good examples. They make switching between devices smooth, improving your calls.

Special Features and Smart Functions

Modern touch control earbuds come with cool features that make listening better. Let’s look at the smart functions that make these earbuds special.

Touch Controls

These earbuds let you control your music easily. Just tap or swipe to play, pause, skip songs, or change the volume. You can even customize these controls through apps.

Voice Assistant Integration

Earbuds can connect to voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa. This means you can make calls, set reminders, or control smart home devices without your phone.

Companion Apps

Dedicated apps let you get the most out of your earbuds. These apps offer:

• Equalizer settings for your sound preferences
• Firmware updates for better performance
• ‘Find My Earbuds’ to find lost buds
• Battery life tracking

Think about what you’ll use your earbuds for. For work, look for clear call quality. For travel, choose noise cancellation. If you go to the gym, pick water-resistant and secure earbuds.

Make sure your earbuds work with your device. Some features need specific operating systems. With the right features, your earbuds can be a key part of your digital life.

Water and Sweat Resistance Ratings

When picking sport earbuds, it’s key to look at water and sweat resistance. The IP rating system shows how well earphones handle moisture. This is a big deal for gym rats and athletes.

Top brands offer great water resistance. The JBL Endurance Peak 3 and Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 have an IP68 rating. This means they’re dustproof and waterproof. For those who work out hard, the Tribit FlyBuds 3 and Anker Soundcore Sport X10 are great. They can handle being underwater up to a meter for 30 minutes.

Here’s a quick look at some popular sweatproof earbuds and their ratings:

If you’re on a tight budget, the Tribit FlyBuds 3 are a steal at $31.99. For top-notch sweatproof earphones, the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 is worth the $199.95. The LG Tone Free Fit (TF8) is a good middle ground at $84.99.

Higher IP ratings mean better protection. IPX5 can handle water jets, and IPX7 and IPX8 are fully waterproof. Pick your earbuds based on your activity level and budget. This way, they’ll keep up with your workouts.

Connectivity and Compatibility

Bluetooth earbuds have changed how we listen to music and make calls. The latest tech makes connecting to devices easy. Let’s look at what makes cordless earphones so convenient.

Bluetooth Standards

Most modern Bluetooth earbuds use Bluetooth 5.0 or newer. These versions improve range, stability, and sound quality. Some top models even have Bluetooth 5.3 for the best wireless sound.

Multi-device Support

Many cordless earphones can connect to more than one device at a time. This means you can switch between your phone and computer easily. For example, the Sony WF-1000XM5 can connect to two devices, great for work and personal use.

Operating System Integration

Earbud connectivity is best when paired with specific systems. Apple AirPods work great with iOS, while Google Pixel Buds are perfect for Android. Fast pairing and automatic switching make these experiences better.

When picking Bluetooth earbuds, think about your main devices and what you need. The right pair will connect smoothly, support multiple devices, and work well with your system. This ensures a great listening experience without hassle.

Conclusion

As we finish our guide to the best wireless earbuds for 2025, it’s clear there’s a lot to choose from. You can find earbuds for every budget and need. Today’s earbuds offer top-notch sound and amazing noise cancellation.

Our top picks include the Sony WF-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Denon PerL Pro. These earbuds are known for their great sound and cool features. The Sony WF-1000XM5, for example, is light and has 8 hours of battery life with ANC on.

When picking your earbuds, think about battery life, comfort, and special features. The JBL Live Beam 3 has 48 hours of playtime with its case. Apple users might like the AirPods Pro (2nd gen) for easy device pairing. And if you’re on a budget, the EarFun Air Pro 3 is a great choice.

The right earbuds for you depend on what you need most. Whether it’s sound quality, battery life, or comfort, there’s something out there for you. Happy shopping!