Wireless earbuds have become everyday tools for work, exercise, travel, relaxation, and calls. After testing hundreds of models through weeks of listening, commuting, phone calls, and workouts, the WIRED review team selected these recommendations for different phones and priorities. The list includes affordable all-purpose earbuds, Apple’s AirPods Pro 3, Samsung’s Galaxy Buds4 Pro, and Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2.
For more product recommendations, see WIRED’s guides to the best open earbuds, wireless headphones, noise-canceling headphones, cheap headphones, workout headphones, and wired headphones.
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What’s covered in this guide
- Best earbuds for most people: Google Pixel Buds 2a
- Best earbuds for iPhone: Apple AirPods Pro 3
- Best earbuds for Samsung phones: Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro
- Best earbuds for Android: Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Updated August 2026: The product recommendations, honorable mentions, specifications, prices, and links have been updated.
Best earbuds for most people
Google Pixel Buds 2a
The Google Pixel Buds 2a cost $129 from Amazon, Best Buy, and the Google Store. Best Buy and the Google Store list a reduced price of $99.
Pros
- Great sound with punchy bass
- Useful Android features
- Compact, waterproof design
Cons
- No volume controls on the earbuds
- No wireless charging
The Pixel Buds 2a are not the flashiest earbuds, but they balance sound quality, useful features, comfort, and low price well, making them a strong choice for everyday use.
The sleek, pebble-like case has a replaceable battery. The earbuds themselves are small and ergonomic, with ear loops that help keep them secure in most ears. An IP54 rating, noise cancellation, and seven-hour battery life make them suitable for regular wear.
Reliable software support and responsive touch controls make the earbuds useful while working out, sitting at a desk, or gardening. They pair instantly with Android smartphones and almost as quickly with iPhones, so they can work well across both platforms.
The biggest drawback is the lack of wireless charging. If that feature is important, WIRED recommends considering an upgrade such as the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2. The Pixel Buds 2a are well-rounded, though they are not the best in every category; some more expensive models offer better sound quality, longer battery life, or stronger active noise cancellation.
Other recommended earbuds
Apple AirPods Pro 3
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are WIRED’s recommendation for iPhone users. They cost $249 from Amazon, where the listed reduced price is $199, and $250 from Best Buy.
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro
The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro are WIRED’s pick for Samsung phone owners. They are listed at $244 from Amazon and $250 from Samsung.
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are WIRED’s recommendation for Android users. They cost $229 from Amazon and Best Buy, with a listed reduced price of $169 at both retailers.
Source: www.wired.com
