Illustrative photoBest overall
Sony WF-1000XM6
~$298–$330 at time of writing
What we like
- Top-tier sound and noise cancelling
- Excellent calls; LDAC for Android
- ~9.5 hr battery in TechRepublic testing
Keep in mind
- Bulky; may not fit small ears
- Priciest pick
Illustrative photoBest for iPhone
Apple AirPods Pro 3
$249 list; often ~$179–$229 at time of writing
What we like
- Class-leading ANC (SoundGuys)
- Hearing Aid mode, Live Translation, heart rate
Keep in mind
- Most features lost on Android
Illustrative photoBest comfort + ANC
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
~$249–$299 at time of writing
What we like
- Excellent noise cancelling
- Comfortable fit options
Keep in mind
- Shorter battery (~5.5–6 hr)
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Illustrative photoBest for Samsung phones
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro
~$249.99 at time of writing
What we like
- Strong sound
- Galaxy-only features
Keep in mind
- Less compelling on other phones
Illustrative photoBest for longevity
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5
~$299.95 at time of writing
What we like
- User-replaceable batteries
- aptX Lossless
Keep in mind
- Pricey
Illustrative photoBest for calls
Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro
~$169.99; deals to ~$136 at time of writing
What we like
- Stellar voice calling (CNET Editors' Choice)
Keep in mind
- Less known brand for premium price
Illustrative photoBest mid-price Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE
~$149.99 at time of writing
What we like
- ANC and seamless Galaxy switching for less
Keep in mind
- Fewer extras than Buds4 Pro
Illustrative photoBest budget
CMF (Nothing) Buds 2 Plus
~$59 at time of writing
What we like
- Strong measured ANC for the price
- Long battery life
Keep in mind
- Basic build and app
Illustrative photoBest for workouts
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
~$179.95 list; $124.95 on sale at time of writing
What we like
- Open-ear: hear traffic while running
- PCMag Editors' Choice
Keep in mind
- Not true earbuds; weaker bass, no isolation
Illustrative photoBest for audiophiles
Technics EAH-AZ100
~$214–$290 at time of writing
What we like
- Detailed sound
- SoundGuys notable mention
Keep in mind
- Premium price
Almost made the cut
Shokz OpenDots 2
~$159.95–$199.95 at time of writing
Clip-on open earbuds for awareness; not true noise-cancelling buds.
Check price on AmazonCompare all 10
| # | Product | Best for | Price* | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sony WF-1000XM6 | Best overall | ~$298–$330 | — |
| 2 | Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Best for iPhone | $249 list | — |
| 3 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Best comfort + ANC | ~$249–$299 | — |
| 4 | Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro | Best for Samsung phones | ~$249.99 | — |
| 5 | Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 | Best for longevity | ~$299.95 | — |
| 6 | Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro | Best for calls | ~$169.99 | — |
| 7 | Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE | Best mid-price Samsung | ~$149.99 | — |
| 8 | CMF (Nothing) Buds 2 Plus | Best budget | ~$59 | — |
| 9 | Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 | Best for workouts | ~$179.95 list | — |
| 10 | Technics EAH-AZ100 | Best for audiophiles | ~$214–$290 | — |
*Approximate, at time of writing. Rating shown only where a sourced rating was found.
Sources consulted: CNET, SoundGuys, PCMag, and TechRepublic (prices checked Sept 2026). Prices change often; check the retailer. Photos are illustrative lifestyle images, not the products.
The Weekly Rank
One email. Ten great finds. Every week.
Our newest rankings, standout deals and price drops, all in one short email. Free, unsubscribe anytime.
