LoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyFeatured in this articleBest Wireless HeadphonesSony WH-1000XM6Read more$458 Amazon
Best Earbuds for iPhonesApple AirPods Pro 3Read more$249 $229 (8% off) Amazon
Best Earbuds for AndroidGoogle Pixel Buds 2aRead more$129 Amazon
Best Travel HeadphonesBose QuietComfort Ultra 2Read more$449 $425 (5% off) Amazon
Whether you're listening to the latest episode of a podcast or jumping on a transatlantic flight, or hitting the trail with Taylor Swift on repeat, the best wireless headphones can make your day. The only problem is that there are so many to choose from, with more arriving almost daily. I am constantly testing new models, with hundreds in our wake over the years. These are the best wireless headphones I've found.
Be sure to check out all our audio buying guides, like the Best Wireless Earbuds, Best Workout Headphones, Best Noise-Canceling Headphones, Best Open Earbuds, and Best Cheap Headphones. Want to check out our latest headphone coverage and reviews? As always, check out our Headphones page.
Updated February 2026: We've added the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3, Google Pixel Buds 2a, and the Sony Linkbuds Clip.
- Best Wireless HeadphonesPhotograph: Ryan WaniataSave to wishlistSave to wishlistSonyWH-1000XM6$458 Amazon$458 Best Buy$458 $368 (20% off) WalmartSony's latest flagship headphones are an easy choice to top my list. The WH-1000XM6 have seven times the processing power of Sony's previous XM5 model, providing the best noise reduction on Earth. Couple that with 30 hours of battery life, multipoint Bluetooth pairing, and a brand-new set of dynamic drivers with bold and joyous tuning, and these are the best wireless headphones we've ever tested overall.The latest model features a new, smaller case and folding ear cups, which makes them even better for travel, and the replaceable faux leather earpads are very comfortable, thanks to a liberal use of memory foam.SpecsConnectivityBluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm headphone jackBattery life (ANC)30 hoursWater/dust resistanceN/A
- Best Earbuds for iPhonesPhotograph: Parker Hall
- Review: Apple AirPods Pro 3
- Review: Apple AirPods Pro 3
ChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistApple
The AirPods Pro 3 reaffirm their position as the top-tier headphones for iPhone users. While the familiar design sees only minor tweaks, the fit is improved with new foam-lined ear tips and a wider range of sizes, enhancing comfort for more ears.
The most welcome upgrade to long-term users is the extended battery life, now offering eight hours with active noise canceling on. The noise cancellation itself is excellent, muffling everything from office chatter to simulated airplane cabin roar. New health and connectivity features, like real-time translation and a surprisingly accurate heart rate monitor, add significant value through Apple's robust software support.
While the sound profile is distinctly bass-forward—perfect for pop and hip-hop—and competitors like Bose and Sony have their merits, the AirPods Pro 3 deliver an unrivaled, seamless experience within the Apple ecosystem. For iOS users seeking the best combination of fit, features, and usability, they are the definitive choice and a compelling upgrade. —Parker Hall
- Best Earbuds for AndroidPhotograph: Parker Hall
- Photograph: Parker Hall
- Photograph: Parker Hall
ChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistGoogle
Google’s plucky Pixel Buds 2a offer everything you need from modern wireless earbuds in a light and affordable package. You’ll get solid noise canceling, a clear and expansive soundstage with great stereo spacing, instant pairing with Android phones, and seamless access to advanced features like Google Translate and Gemini AI.
While they’re made for Android first, they even work reasonably well with iPhones. Their intuitive design blends slick ergonomics and good weatherproofing with responsive (if basic) controls. You could pay nearly twice as much for flagship buds, but as Parker Hall noted in his Pixel Buds 2a review, these get you nearly all the good stuff at a great price.
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
ChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistBose
If you’re going to make iterative upgrades to a current model, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is a great pair to build on. The QuietComfort Ultra 2 headphones offer the same baseline design as the original, including posh comfort, vibrant sound, and noise canceling within a hair of Sony’s WH-1000XM6. The added features are subtle but significant, including the ability to lay them flat to unpair from your phone and put them on to wake them, letting you skip the power button for seriously convenient control.
Other new features include lossless audio support over USB-C playback, a new Cinema mode to bring dialog more forward in the mix, and subtle tweaks to the ambient sound modes that make them easier to control and more natural to use than ever. They remain among the most comfortable headphones for long-term wear I’ve put on, and a slight battery boost means you can ditch outlets for longer. It’s a slick package for a minor price rise, making the Ultra 2 another winner from the brand that wrote the book on noise canceling.
- Best Budget Wireless EarbudsPhotograph: Ryan Waniata
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
ChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistJLab Audio
Jlab upgraded its shockingly affordable Go Air Pop headphones by adding a pair with modest noise canceling and transparency mode for essentially the same price (or less). It’s one of those deals that’s hard to believe, but they actually sound decent, work well, and offer advanced features like multipoint pairing and solid battery life. They even provide water resistance for workouts. I experienced a couple of localized connection glitches in testing, but otherwise, no complaints over several days. I don’t know how JLab does it, but at this price, I’m not asking too many questions.
- Photograph: Parker Hall
- Photograph: Parker Hall
- Photograph: Parker Hall
ChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistBose
