In this article:
What are the best wireless earbuds overall?
Best wireless earbuds 2023
Other wireless earbuds we've tested
Wireless earbuds FAQs
How we test true-wireless earbuds
In today's era, when we discuss the top wireless earbuds, we mainly refer to true-wireless buds that eliminate the cord between the buds, providing a truly wireless experience. With each advancement in Bluetooth technology, currently at Bluetooth 5.3, and the accompanying upgraded Bluetooth audio chipsets, we witness continuous enhancements in performance and battery life.
Certain wireless earbuds come with ear tips, while others, such as the standard AirPods, have an open design without tips. The latter option is ideal for individuals who prefer not to have ear tips inserted tightly and desire some external sound to be audible. Generally, only earbuds labeled as "noise-isolating" and equipped with silicone or foam ear tips provide active noise canceling—a feature that was once rare but has now become standard, spelled as "noise cancelling" by Bose and Google. However, both styles can deliver satisfactory sound quality.
What are the best wireless earbuds overall?
The question of identifying the overall best true-wireless earbuds sparks extensive debate. Nonetheless, a few models distinguish themselves and have been awarded the esteemed Editors' Choice Award. Starting from 2022, these models include the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 and Apple AirPods Pro 2. It is highly likely that we will witness the emergence of worthy candidates for the Editors' Choice Award in 2023, such as the rumored next-generation Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds (the WF-1000XM4, currently available, has already received an Editors' Choice award, along with the Beats Fit Pro). These earbuds excel not only in their ability to minimize ambient noise but also in providing a comfortable fit, impressive sound quality, and strong performance during voice calls. These are the primary factors I consider when determining the inclusion of products on this list. Additionally, pricing is taken into account when selecting value picks.
I have thoroughly reviewed or experienced hands-on listening sessions with all the devices mentioned in this list of the best wireless earbuds. My recommendations are regularly updated as I continue to test new models entering the market. While high-end true-wireless earbuds can be costly, it is surprising how good ones can be found for $100 or even less. Continue reading to discover the finest earbuds that 2023 has to offer.
Best wireless earbuds for 2023
Bose New QuietComfort Earbuds II
Battery Life: Rated Up to 6 Hours
Noise Canceling: Yes(ANC)
Multipoint: No
Headphone Type: Wireless Earbuds
Water-Resistant: Yes (IPX4 -- Splash-Proof)
Bose's second-generation QuietComfort Earbuds 2 are not only about 30% smaller than their predecessors, but their case is about 40% smaller and truly pocketable. They feature best-in-class noise canceling and improved sound, thanks to Bose's new CustomTune sound calibration system that customizes the sound for your ears. Voice-calling performance is also significantly better than that of the original QuietComfort Earbuds.
The other big change is to the ear tips. Bose has ditched its one-piece StayEar wing tips for a two-piece Fit Kit system that features separate ear tips and "stability bands" in three size options, giving you more flexibility to get a secure fit and tight seal.
The buds initially ship in the triple black color with the sandstone color to follow later in the year.
EarFun Air Pro 3
Earfun has put out a series of wireless earbuds over the last couple of years with one important commonality: They're very good values, made more so by frequent discounts. The company's new-for-2023 Earfun Air Pro 3 earbuds feature the latest Qualcomm QCC3071 system-on-a-chip with aptX Adaptive for Android and other devices that support the new LE Audio standard and LC3 audio codec, which is superior to the SBC codec (they also support AAC for Apple devices).
Lightweight and comfortable to wear -- I got a good seal with the largest ear tip size -- these aren't a huge upgrade over the Earfun Air S, but they are better. They have slightly larger wool-composite drivers (11mm versus 10mm), slightly improved noise canceling and better battery life (up to seven hours with noise canceling on, according to Earfun).
In short, the Earfun Air 3 deliver strong performance for their modest price, with robust bass, good clarity and a relatively wide soundstage. They also pack in a lot of features, including a wireless charging case and "multidevice" connectivity. (I could pair them to two devices simultaneously but had to pause the music on one device and hit play on the other for the audio to switch.) They're IPX5 splash-proof and also work well (though not exceptionally well) as a headset for making calls.
Note that while the list price of these buds is $80, if you click the instant $10-off coupon on their Amazon product page and then apply the code EAP3CNET at checkout, you get an additional 20% off, bringing the buds' price down to $61.
Apple AirPods Pro
Battery Life: Rated up to 6 hours
Noise Canceling: Yes (ANC)
Multipoint: No
Headphone Type: Wireless earbuds
Water-Resistant: Yes (IPX4 -- splash-proof)
The new AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are powered by Apple's new H2 chip, which delivers more processing power while being more energy efficient, according to Apple. The new chip, combined with new low-distortion drivers, allows for improved sound that offers better clarity and depth. The noise canceling is also improved -- Apple says the new AirPods have "double" the noise canceling of the original AirPods Pro. Additionally, the new AirPods add an extra hour of battery life, up from five to six hours with noise canceling on. Plus, a speaker in the case that emits a sound that helps locate your buds via Find My should they decide to hide from you.
Note that while Apple has discontinued the original AirPods Pro, they'll remain on sale at discounted prices until supplies are exhausted. However, most people should get this newer model if they can afford it
Beats Fit Pro
Battery Life: Rated up to 6 hours
Noise Canceling: Yes(ANC)
Multipoint: No
Headphone Type: Wireless earbuds
Water-Resistant: Yes (IPX4 -- splash-proof)
Hot on the heels of the third-generation AirPods, Apple has another new set of earbuds, this time from its subsidiary audio company, Beats. Technically, the new Beats Fit Pro ($200) aren't AirPods, but they're built on the same tech platform as the AirPods Pro. Unlike Beats' earlier and less expensive Studio Buds, the Beats Fit Pro include Apple's H1 chip and have most of the AirPods Pro's features, including active noise canceling, spatial audio and Adaptive EQ. I'd venture to call them the sports AirPods you've always wanted. And for some people, they might just be better than the AirPods Pro.
EarFun Air S
In the past, we've recommended Earfun's AirPro SV and Air Pro 2 as excellent budget noise-canceling earbuds choices (they're still good values). But the new-for-2022 Earfun Air S may be the best of the trio, with multipoint Bluetooth pairing, the latest Qualcomm QCC3046 SoC (system on a chip) with the aptX audio codec for Android and other devices that support it. It has the same 10mm wool drivers as the AirPro SV and features surprisingly impressive sound for its modest price point. They also work well as a headset for making calls with decent background noise reduction.
コメント