In-ear headphones are lighter and more pocketable than over-ear models, but traditionally over-ear headphones have offered better sound quality due to larger drivers and ear cups that isolate sound. However, that is changing, and some of the best wireless earbuds now have noise-cancellation good enough to compete with jet engines.
When choosing wireless earbuds, it is wise to start with major brands such as Sony and Bose, which offer premium audio, top-tier active noise-cancelling (ANC) and deep voice assistant integration. However, phone brands like Nothing, OnePlus, Samsung and Google have also entered the market, often with great results. Note that Samsung earbuds work with iPhones and AirPods work with Android phones, but manufacturers often build in extras for their own ecosystems.
I have tested the latest earbuds with phones, laptops and tablets to bring you my top picks for 2026. During testing, I considered ease of setup, sound quality, comfort and fit, as well as how well they paired with iPhones versus Android handsets. I also checked whether an app was needed and if physical controls were easy to use. Most importantly, I listened to different music genres to assess bass, mid-tones and high notes.
The latest AirPods Pro is Apple’s best yet, with an improved ear tip for a snugger fit and enhanced ANC effective enough for plane use. New features include live translation and a heart-rate sensor in each earbud for tracking workouts. Battery life has increased from six to eight hours with noise-cancelling on.
Sony’s WF-C700N are a budget pair that include ANC, which is rare at this price. They are small and light, with a magnetic charging case (no wireless charging). Sound quality is excellent, with plenty of power and subtlety, though noise-cancelling is not as good as pricier models. The WF-1000XM5 are 25 per cent smaller and 20 per cent lighter than their predecessors, with a larger driver for better audio. A bone conductor sensor can pause audio when you speak, but this feature may need to be turned off if you sing along.
