It seems like everyone is walking around with a pair of wireless earbuds these days. The market has exploded in the past few years and is now teeming with options for every budget. While it’s great to have variety, it does make choosing a bit of a challenge. And as with any personal piece of tech, the right pair of earbuds for you depends on several factors.
Some buyers prioritize audio fidelity over price, while others are willing to sacrifice high-end features like noise canceling for affordability. There are also considerations such as comfort, compatibility, durability, style and so forth.
At the end of the day, the best wireless earbuds for the average person are those that strike a balance between all the most important factors. They fit well, sound great, last long and don’t cost a fortune. Here are our top picks to see you through the year ahead.
Jabra Elite 7 Pro
With active noise canceling, comprehensive assistant support, water resistance and 30 hours of case battery life, these earbuds hit a lot of the right notes from the start. They might not sport the most attractive design, but the Elite 7 Pro feature balanced, customizable sound that exceeds anything else in the price range in terms of quality.
You also get a case that can be juiced up via USB-C or Qi wireless charging, without which the earphones will last up to eight hours on their own. The Elite 7 Pro are known for their durability and IP57 dust and water resistance makes the earbuds suitable for sport.
B&O Beoplay EQ
If design is something you value, the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ earphones are bound to satisfy the eyes. They’re available in several luxurious colors ranging from rose gold to ice silver. Looks aside, the EQ are fitted with electro-dynamic drivers that deliver excellent sound quality for up to 7.5 hours at a time.
Among other features you’ll find Bluetooth 5.2 streaming, IP54 dust and water resistance, and charging via USB-C. If the EQ tickle your fancy, you can invest in Bang and Olufsen products at ssense.com. The online luxury retailer offers a wide range of B&O products, along with everything from tech to fashion from top brands and designers.
Sony WF-1000XM4
They might not have the catchiest name, but the WF-1000XM4 from Sony are among the very best wireless earphones when it comes to sound quality. With ANC, LDAC and 360 Reality Audio support, not to mention Ambient Sound and several other features, you have every tool in the high-end audio arsenal at your disposal.
Battery life is about on par with the competition, while Google Assistant and Siri support makes this pair a match for both Android and iOS users. The look might not be for everyone, though they’re comfortable enough that you’ll quickly forget you’re wearing them.
It’s only fair to end off with a few honorable mentions. So, be sure to check out the Samsung Galaxy Buds, Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, Bose QuietComfort and Panasonic RZ-S500W while you’re at it. Either way, you’ll be making a great choice.
Read more:
Best party speakers 2022: fun, fuss-free, affordable Bluetooth speakers