Wireless Earbuds

The best noise-cancelling earbuds you can buy are the Apple AirPods Pro 3: SoundGuys measured a 90 percent average reduction in outside noise, the highest it has ever recorded. On Android, get the Sony WF-1000XM6 (88 percent) or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen). For less, the Sony WF-C710N and the CMF Buds 2 Plus cancel noise far better than their prices suggest.

Noise cancelling isn’t hearing protection: on a construction site or in a machine shop you need NRR-rated earbuds, like the ones in our best earbuds for loud work.

Check the Apple AirPods Pro 3 on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide ranks earbuds mainly on published noise-cancelling measurements from SoundGuys, which has measured more than 100 noise-cancelling earbuds, plus manufacturers’ specifications and other independent reviews (linked in each pick). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices are list prices at the time of writing and change often. See how we choose products.

Best noise-cancelling earbuds compared

Noise-cancelling figures are SoundGuys’ lab measurements (average reduction in outside noise across frequencies) and scores out of 10. Battery figures are the makers’ ratings with noise cancelling on, unless marked as SoundGuys’ measurement. Results depend on a good ear-tip seal, so your experience can differ.

The best noise-cancelling earbuds in 2026

1. Apple AirPods Pro 3: best overall

The AirPods Pro 3 have the strongest noise cancelling SoundGuys has measured in earbuds: a 90 percent average reduction, and a 9.0/10 noise-cancelling score that earns them its best-overall pick. Apple says they remove up to twice as much noise as the AirPods Pro 2. They last up to 8 hours per charge with noise cancelling on, are rated IP57, and come with five ear-tip sizes from XXS to L, which helps get the tight seal noise cancelling depends on (Apple specs).

Good to know: they’re made for the iPhone. On Android they cancel noise just as well, but you lose most of the smart features, such as automatic switching, Live Translation and the Ear Tip Fit Test. See our best earbuds for iPhone for more.

Check the AirPods Pro 3 on Amazon →

2. Sony WF-1000XM6: best for Android

Sony’s WF-1000XM6 (February 2026) are the closest rival to the AirPods Pro 3. SoundGuys measured an 88 percent average noise reduction, up from 87 percent on the XM5, and found their passive isolation, the noise blocked by the fit alone, is better than Apple’s. It also praises their sound and “outstanding” microphones for calls. They support LDAC hi-res audio and multipoint on Android, are rated IPX4, and last up to 8 hours per charge (24 with the case).

Good to know: they’re the most expensive pick, and SoundGuys notes the larger buds may not suit smaller ears. If that’s you, see our best earbuds for small ears.

Check the WF-1000XM6 on Amazon →

3. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): most comfortable

Bose’s earbuds are SoundGuys’ pick for Android and a long-time favourite for flights and commutes. What Hi-Fi? praises their outstanding noise cancelling and design, and the stability-band fit is comfortable for long wear. Bose rates them at up to 6 hours per charge (4 with Immersive Audio), with three more charges in a wireless-charging case, plus multipoint and IPX4 (Bose).

Good to know: battery life is the shortest of the premium picks, and SoundGuys calls the second generation a modest update over the first. They’re often discounted.

Check the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds on Amazon →

4. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5: best sound, longest-lasting

The Momentum True Wireless 5 are for listeners who put sound first. T3 calls them comfortable and terrific to listen to, with great noise cancelling, at a fair price. They have adaptive noise cancelling with automatic wind adjustment, aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive on Snapdragon Sound Android phones, four mics per earbud, and up to 6 hours per charge with noise cancelling on (40 hours in total with the case). Unusually, the batteries in the earbuds and case are replaceable, so they should last longer than most earbuds.

Good to know: on an iPhone they stream over AAC, so the hi-res codecs don’t help, and the AirPods Pro 3 cancel more noise for less money.

Check the Momentum True Wireless 5 on Amazon →

5. Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: best for Samsung

On a Galaxy phone, the Buds 4 Pro are the natural choice. SoundGuys measured an 84 percent average noise reduction, 5–10 dB better than the previous model, and they add Samsung’s 24-bit/96kHz codec, head gestures and an IP57 rating. Battery life is up to 6 hours per charge with noise cancelling on.

Good to know: many of the extras only work with a Samsung phone, and there’s no true multipoint. Our best earbuds for Samsung Galaxy has more Samsung options, including the cheaper Buds 3 FE.

Check the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro on Amazon →

6. Sony WF-C710N: best under $150

SoundGuys names the WF-C710N its best budget noise-cancelling earbuds, scoring the noise cancelling 8.5/10. You also get multipoint, IPX4, about 9 hours per charge in SoundGuys’ testing and up to 30 hours with the case.

Good to know: they don’t have the hi-res codecs or the call quality of Sony’s flagship. For more options at this price, see our best earbuds under $150.

Check the Sony WF-C710N on Amazon →

7. CMF Buds 2 Plus: the cheapest that are still good

The CMF Buds 2 Plus, from Nothing’s budget brand, cut outside noise by 83 percent on average in SoundGuys’ testing, “comparable to earbuds that cost twice as much”, and score 8.3/10 for noise cancelling. They add LDAC hi-res audio on Android, a custom EQ in the Nothing X app, about 9 hours per charge and an IP55 rating. They’re often discounted.

Good to know: LDAC only helps on Android, and on an iPhone you manage them through the Nothing X app rather than iOS settings. They’re also the top noise-cancelling pick in our best earbuds under $100. For even cheaper options, see our best earbuds under $50 for Android.

Check the CMF Buds 2 Plus on Amazon →

Will they last your flight on one charge?

Flights are where noise cancelling matters most, and earbuds can’t play for as long as over-ear headphones. So we checked each pick’s battery life per charge with noise cancelling on against two common trips: a coast-to-coast US flight of about 6 hours and a transatlantic flight of about 8 hours. These are best-case figures at moderate volume, and boarding and taxiing add time, so treat “Only just” as “probably not”.

Two things stand out. The cheapest picks, the Sony WF-C710N and CMF Buds 2 Plus, last longest per charge, though their figures come from SoundGuys’ tests rather than maker ratings, so they aren’t measured the same way. Among the premium picks, the AirPods Pro 3 and WF-1000XM6 only just cover a transatlantic flight, and the Bose, Sennheiser and Samsung won’t make it in one go. On a long-haul flight of 11 hours or more, every pair here needs at least one break in the case. The easy fix is a short top-up in the case during the meal service.

Watch: AirPods Pro 3 vs Sony WF-1000XM6

Our top two picks are close, and the right one mostly depends on your phone. SoundGuys, whose noise-cancelling measurements we use in the table above, compare them side by side in this 14-minute video.

How to get the most from noise-cancelling earbuds

• The seal matters most. Noise cancelling works with the ear tip, not instead of it. If the tip is too small or too big, low rumble leaks in and the cancelling sounds weak. Try every tip size, and use a fit test if your earbuds have one.
• Expect rumble to vanish, not voices. Noise cancelling is best at steady, low sounds like engines, trains and air conditioning. Voices and sudden noises are harder to cancel, even on the best earbuds.
• Battery drops with it on. Every pick here lasts longer with noise cancelling off, often by an hour or more per charge.
• For long flights, consider over-ear headphones. The best earbuds now come very close, but over-ear headphones are often more comfortable for hours at a time and last longer per charge. See our best noise-cancelling headphones.

Also worth a look

• Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE: SoundGuys measured about 86 percent noise reduction, more than Samsung’s pricier Pro model of the same generation, for under $150. Best on a Samsung phone; no multipoint or wireless charging.
• Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: strong noise cancelling in a very small, light design; the pick for Pixel owners. See our Pixel earbuds guide.
• Soundcore P30i: the cheapest way to get noise cancelling, usually well under $50, though it’s well behind every pick above.

Specs from the makers, side by side

Every figure below comes from the manufacturer’s own spec page, taken from our earbuds and headphones spec database. “Not stated” means the maker doesn’t publish it, not that the feature is missing.

Our verdict

For the strongest noise cancelling in earbuds, get the AirPods Pro 3, especially with an iPhone. On Android, the Sony WF-1000XM6 come within a whisker and add LDAC and excellent mics, while the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds are the most comfortable. Sound lovers should look at the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5, and Samsung owners at the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. On a budget, the Sony WF-C710N and CMF Buds 2 Plus deliver real noise cancelling for a fraction of the price.

Black Friday 2026: what to expect

Black Friday 2026 is November 27, with many deals starting the week before and running through Cyber Monday (November 30). Last year the AirPods Pro 3 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) both dropped well below their list prices around Black Friday, so a small cut on either is worth waiting out.

• The Sony WF-1000XM6 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro launched in 2026, so they have no Black Friday history yet; judge them against their list prices and Prime Big Deal Days prices.
• Budget picks like the CMF Buds 2 Plus are often discounted below their $79 list all year, so don’t overpay for a “Black Friday” label.
• Compare against the price history, not the “was” price.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

• Best open-ear earbuds
• Best noise-cancelling headphones (over-ear)
• Best earbuds for iPhone
• Best earbuds for Samsung Galaxy
• Best wireless earbuds under $150
• Best earbuds under $100
• Best earbuds for sleeping
• Best AirPods alternatives
• Best headphones for flying

The best earbuds for small ears are the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: each bud weighs 4.7 g, they come with four ear-tip sizes from XS to L, and a twist-to-adjust stabilizer holds them in place. iPhone owners should get the AirPods Pro 3, which include an XXS ear tip. On a budget, the Sony WF-C510 are Sony’s smallest closed earbuds at 4.6 g, and the Soundcore Space A40 add strong noise cancelling for under $100.

Check the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ official specifications (earbud weight and ear-tip sizes) plus published reviews from independent outlets (linked in each pick). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level, and ears differ, so fit can vary from person to person. Prices are list prices at the time of writing and change often. See how we choose products.

Best earbuds for small ears compared

Weights are the makers’ or reviewers’ published figures where available. Not every brand publishes its earbud weight, so for those we describe the size as reviewers do.

The best earbuds for small ears in 2026

1. Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: best overall for small ears

Google made the Pixel Buds Pro 2 27 percent smaller than the first generation, and each bud weighs just 4.7 g (TechRadar). They come with four ear-tip sizes, from extra-small to large, and a small “twist-to-adjust” stabilizer: twist the bud one way for a looser fit, the other for a snug one when you’re moving. Reviewers consistently single out the comfort and stability, which is what matters most for small ears.

They also have strong noise cancelling, up to 8 hours per charge with it on (30 hours with the case) and an IP54 rating. Good to know: they work with any phone, but most smart features need an Android phone, and they do the most on a Pixel; see our best earbuds for Google Pixel guide. They’re often discounted well below $229.

Check the Pixel Buds Pro 2 on Amazon →

2. Apple AirPods Pro 3: best for iPhone

The AirPods Pro 3 are the only earbuds here with an XXS ear tip: Apple includes five sizes, XXS, XS, S, M and L (Apple specs). That extra-small option makes them a much better fit for small ears than earlier AirPods Pro. iOS also has an Ear Tip Fit Test for AirPods Pro, which checks the seal in each ear and suggests a different size if needed.

You also get Apple’s strongest noise cancelling, up to 8 hours per charge with it on, IP57 water resistance and heart-rate sensing for workouts. Good to know: at 5.55 g per bud (Apple) they’re heavier than the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Sony WF-C510, so if even the XXS tips feel too big, try the Pixel Buds Pro 2 or Sony WF-C510. Most features need an iPhone; see our best earbuds for iPhone guide.

Check the AirPods Pro 3 on Amazon →

3. Sony WF-C510: best cheap earbuds for small ears

Sony calls the WF-C510 its smallest closed-type earbuds ever, and at 4.6 g per bud they’re even lighter than the Pixel Buds Pro 2. What Hi-Fi? praises their compact, comfortable design and solid, musical sound, and they support multipoint, last up to 11 hours per charge (22 with the case) and are rated IPX4.

Good to know: there’s no active noise cancelling, only an ambient sound mode that What Hi-Fi? rates as “only okay”, and the build feels cheap. For small ears on a small budget, they’re still the easiest recommendation.

Check the Sony WF-C510 on Amazon →

4. Soundcore Space A40: best noise cancelling under $100

SoundGuys picks the Space A40 as the best noise-cancelling earbuds for small ears, scoring the noise cancelling 8.5 out of 10 and measuring about 10 hours per charge. They also support multipoint and Sony’s LDAC codec on Android phones. They often sell well below list price.

Good to know: they launched in 2022, so they lack some newer features, and LDAC only helps on Android (iPhones use AAC). For more cheap options, see our best earbuds under $50 for Android.

Check the Soundcore Space A40 on Amazon →

Check the Space A40 at Soundcore.com (from $59.99) →

Soundcore.com code AFSC20: an extra 20% off full-price items (valid through Dec 31, 2026).

5. Google Pixel Buds 2a: small, with noise cancelling, for less

The Pixel Buds 2a are Google’s cheaper earbuds, and they’re small too: Engadget highlights their very small, comfortable fit. They’re the first A-series Pixel Buds with noise cancelling, use the same Tensor A1 chip as the Pro 2, and last up to 7 hours with noise cancelling on (10 with it off).

Good to know: there’s no wireless charging and no volume control on the buds, and like the Pro 2 they do the most with an Android phone.

Check the Pixel Buds 2a on Amazon →

6. JLab JBuds Mini: smallest and cheapest

SoundGuys names the JBuds Mini the smallest earbuds on its list: they’re tiny, very easy to carry and rated IP55. JLab now also sells the JBuds Mini ANC, which it calls the smallest true wireless earbuds with active noise cancelling, with 25+ hours of total playtime (JLab).

Good to know: at this price, sound and call quality are basic compared with the Sony and Soundcore picks. They’re best as a cheap pair for kids, teens or the gym.

Check the JLab JBuds Mini on Amazon →

How to get earbuds to fit small ears

• Try the smallest tips first, and test each ear separately. Most people’s ears are slightly different sizes, so you may need a different tip in each ear. If the bud pushes out or sits loose, go down a size.
• Use the seal test if your earbuds have one. The Ear Tip Fit Test in iOS (AirPods Pro) and the ear-tip seal check in the Pixel Buds app both tell you when a tip isn’t sealing.
• Consider foam tips. Memory-foam replacement tips squash down and expand to fill the ear canal, which helps when silicone tips are either too big or too loose. Check that the brand makes them for your model.
• Lighter is usually more comfortable. Buds under about 5 g, like the Sony WF-C510 and Pixel Buds Pro 2, put less pressure on the outer ear over long sessions.
• Look for a stabilizer or wing. A small fin, like the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s twist-to-adjust stabilizer, holds the bud in place without needing a bigger tip.

Also worth a look

• Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: bone-conduction headphones that sit in front of the ears, so nothing goes in the ear at all. A good option if no earbud is comfortable, and SoundGuys’ pick for small ears in this style. Rated IP55, with up to 12 hours of battery. For clip-on alternatives, see our best open-ear earbuds.
• Apple AirPods 5: an open fit with no ear tips. Some people with small ears find them comfortable because nothing seals the ear; others find they slip. See our iPhone earbuds guide.
• Beats Flex: a neckband style with light earbuds, so a loose fit doesn’t mean losing a bud. SoundGuys’ neckband pick for small ears.

Specs from the makers, side by side

Every figure below comes from the manufacturer’s own spec page, taken from our earbuds and headphones spec database. “Not stated” means the maker doesn’t publish it, not that the feature is missing.

Our verdict

For small ears, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are the best all-round earbuds: light at 4.7 g, four tip sizes and a stabilizer that keeps them in place. iPhone owners should get the AirPods Pro 3 for their XXS tip. On a budget, the Sony WF-C510 are tiny and comfortable for about $60, the Soundcore Space A40 add strong noise cancelling under $100, and the JLab JBuds Mini are the smallest and cheapest of all.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

• Best earbuds for iPhone
• Best earbuds for Google Pixel
• Best earbuds for Samsung Galaxy
• Best wireless earbuds under $150
• Best earbuds for sleeping
• Best headphones for kids

The best earbuds for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, S26 and S26+ are Samsung’s own Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: strong noise cancelling, IP57, and 24-bit/96kHz audio over the Samsung Seamless Codec, which only Galaxy phones support. For less money, the Galaxy Buds 3 FE cancel noise just as well. If you want the best sound and use more than one brand of device, get the Sony WF-1000XM6, which use LDAC on Galaxy phones. On a budget, the EarFun Air Pro 4 and Soundcore P30i are the picks.

Check the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro on Amazon →

Every pick works with any recent Galaxy phone, including the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Flip8 and older S-series models. The Samsung-only extras need a Galaxy phone or tablet; we point them out in each pick.

How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ official specifications plus published reviews and measurements from independent outlets (linked in each pick). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices are list prices at the time of writing and change often. See how we choose products.

Best earbuds for Samsung Galaxy compared

Battery and water-resistance figures are the makers’ ratings. Battery life drops with noise cancelling, 360 Audio or hi-res codecs switched on.

The best earbuds for Samsung Galaxy phones in 2026

1. Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: best overall

Samsung launched the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro alongside the Galaxy S26 in February 2026, and they’re the earbuds that get the most out of it. On a Galaxy phone they stream at up to 24-bit/96kHz over Samsung’s Seamless Codec (SSC UHQ), and you get 360 Audio with head tracking, head gestures for answering calls, Auracast and Gemini or Bixby by voice. They have silicone ear tips, are rated IP57, and the case charges over USB-C or Qi wireless chargers (SamMobile).

SoundGuys rates them 8/10, measured strong noise cancelling (about 84 percent average attenuation), and got just over 6 hours per charge with ANC on. Good to know: battery life is shorter than Sony’s or Apple’s flagships, there’s no true multipoint (they auto-switch between Galaxy devices instead), and most of the extras disappear on a non-Samsung phone.

Check the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro on Amazon →

2. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE: best value Samsung earbuds

The Galaxy Buds 3 FE (September 2025) borrow the stem design of Samsung’s Pro earbuds and, unlike the regular Buds 4, they seal with silicone ear tips. That pays off: SoundGuys measured about 86 percent noise reduction, slightly better than Samsung’s pricier Pro model of the same generation, and concludes that “Samsung’s best earbuds aren’t necessarily the most expensive ones.” They support the Samsung Seamless Codec and Galaxy AI features, and they’re rated IP54. They’re also the Samsung pick in our best headphones for teens.

Good to know: there’s no multipoint and no wireless charging, and SoundGuys measured under 4.5 hours per charge with ANC on, below Samsung’s 6-hour rating. They’re often discounted.

Check the Galaxy Buds 3 FE on Amazon →

3. Sony WF-1000XM6: best sound

Galaxy phones support Sony’s LDAC codec (Android Central), so the WF-1000XM6 (February 2026) can stream hi-res audio at up to 24-bit/96kHz from a Galaxy S26, just as they would from a Sony phone. SoundGuys calls them Sony’s best earbuds so far, with great sound, excellent noise cancelling and much-improved microphones for calls. They also support true multipoint, are rated IPX4, and last up to 8 hours per charge (24 with the case).

Good to know: they’re the most expensive pick, LDAC at its highest quality uses more battery, and you manage them in Sony’s app rather than in the Galaxy Wearable app. If you also use a Windows laptop or a non-Samsung tablet, they’re the better choice over the Buds 4 Pro.

Check the WF-1000XM6 on Amazon →

4. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): best for multipoint and comfort

The Bose QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are for people who want top-tier noise cancelling and switch between a phone and a laptop all day. What Hi-Fi? praises their outstanding noise cancelling, design and punchy, entertaining sound. Bose rates them at up to 6 hours per charge (4 with Immersive Audio), with three more charges in a wireless-charging case, plus multipoint and IPX4 (Bose).

Good to know: there’s no hi-res codec advantage on a Galaxy phone, battery life is on the short side, and the list price is high, though they’re often on sale for less.

Check the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds on Amazon →

5. EarFun Air Pro 4: most features for the money

The EarFun Air Pro 4 pack features you usually pay much more for: adaptive hybrid noise cancelling, LDAC (which Galaxy phones support) and aptX Lossless, multipoint, a low-latency game mode and six microphones for calls. Battery life is up to 11 hours per charge (7.5 with ANC) and 52 hours with the case, and they’re rated IPX5. SoundGuys liked the sound, noise cancelling, comfort and feature-packed app for the money.

Good to know: on a Galaxy phone you’d use LDAC rather than aptX Lossless, and SoundGuys notes that turning noise cancelling on changes the sound. EarFun has since released the Air Pro 4+, so the Air Pro 4 is often discounted.

Check the EarFun Air Pro 4 on Amazon →

6. Soundcore P30i: cheapest noise cancelling

If you want noise cancelling for as little as possible, the Soundcore P30i usually sell for well under $50. They last up to 10 hours per charge (6 with noise cancelling) and up to 45 hours with the case, support Bluetooth 5.4 multipoint, are rated IP54, and the case doubles as a phone stand. The Soundcore app adds a custom EQ.

Good to know: the noise cancelling is well behind the Samsung, Sony and Bose picks, there’s no wireless charging, and there’s no hi-res codec. For more cheap options, see our best earbuds under $50 for Android.

Check the Soundcore P30i on Amazon →

Check the P30i at Soundcore.com (from $24.99) →

Soundcore.com code AFSC20: an extra 20% off full-price items (valid through Dec 31, 2026).

What matters when you buy earbuds for a Galaxy phone

• Samsung’s codec only works with Samsung earbuds. The Samsung Seamless Codec, including the 24-bit/96kHz UHQ mode on the Buds 4 Pro, needs Galaxy Buds and a Galaxy phone. Other earbuds connect over AAC, SBC or, if they support it, LDAC.
• LDAC is the hi-res option for other brands. Galaxy phones support LDAC, so Sony and EarFun earbuds can stream hi-res audio too. Check a pair’s codec list before paying extra for other hi-res codecs.
• Galaxy Buds extras need a Galaxy device. 360 Audio with head tracking, head gestures, Auto Switch between your Galaxy phone, tablet and watch, and Galaxy AI voice features work best, or only, on Samsung phones.
• Multipoint isn’t the same as Auto Switch. Galaxy Buds hand off between Samsung devices signed in to the same account. If you need to stay connected to a Galaxy phone and a Windows laptop or MacBook at once, pick earbuds with true multipoint, like the Sony, Bose, EarFun or Soundcore.
• Fit decides noise cancelling. Earbuds with silicone tips (Buds 4 Pro, Buds 3 FE, Sony, Bose) block much more noise than open-fit earbuds like the regular Galaxy Buds 4.

Using a Pixel or another Android phone too? See our best earbuds for Google Pixel and our guide to wireless earbuds for Android. Have an iPhone in the house? We cover that in best earbuds for iPhone.

Also worth a look

• Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 ($179.99): the open-fit version, with no silicone tips. SoundGuys found that the fit doesn’t stay put for many people and noise cancelling can only do so much without a seal. Only consider them if you know you prefer AirPods-style earbuds.
• Samsung Galaxy Buds FE: the older, cheaper FE model with noise cancelling and wing tips for a secure fit. Worth it only at a clear discount below the Buds 3 FE.
• For workouts: the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 (ear hooks, IPX4, a Beats app for Android) or, for much less, the JLab Go Sport+.

Our verdict

On a Galaxy S26, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are the best all-round earbuds: strong noise cancelling, IP57, and 24-bit hi-res audio and features that only Samsung earbuds get. The Galaxy Buds 3 FE give you most of that, with noise cancelling that’s just as good, for much less. If you care most about sound or use non-Samsung devices too, get the Sony WF-1000XM6; for multipoint and comfort, the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds. On a budget, the EarFun Air Pro 4 bring LDAC and 52 hours of battery for under $100, and the Soundcore P30i is the cheapest way to get noise cancelling.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

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• Best earbuds for Google Pixel 11 and 11 Pro
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• Best wireless earbuds under $150
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• Are Galaxy Buds good for gaming?
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For most iPhone owners the AirPods Pro 3 are the best earbuds you can buy: Apple’s strongest noise cancelling, a sealed fit, heart-rate sensing for workouts and up to 8 hours per charge. If you’d rather spend less, the new AirPods 5 now have noise cancelling too. For workouts, get the Powerbeats Pro 2; on a tight budget, the Beats Solo Buds keep the one-tap iPhone pairing for under $100.

Check the Apple AirPods Pro 3 on Amazon →

Every pick here works with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, the iPhone Duo, the iPhone 17, iPhone Air and 17e, and older iPhones. Where a feature needs a newer iPhone or a recent iOS version, we say so.

How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ official specifications plus published reviews from independent outlets (linked in each pick). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices are list prices at the time of writing and change often. See how we choose products.

Best earbuds for iPhone compared

Battery and water-resistance figures are the makers’ ratings. Battery life drops with noise cancelling, Spatial or Immersive Audio switched on.

The best earbuds for iPhone in 2026

1. Apple AirPods Pro 3: best overall

The AirPods Pro 3 are the easiest recommendation for an iPhone. Apple says they remove up to twice as much noise as the AirPods Pro 2 (Apple Newsroom), and they last up to 8 hours per charge with noise cancelling on, or 24 hours with the case. They’re rated IP57 for dust, sweat and water, come with five ear-tip sizes from XXS to L, and the case charges on MagSafe, Qi, an Apple Watch charger or USB-C (Apple specs).

Two extras matter on an iPhone. A built-in heart-rate sensor tracks workouts in the Fitness app, so you can leave the Apple Watch at home, and Live Translation works on an Apple Intelligence iPhone. They also support Apple’s Hearing Aid feature. What Hi-Fi? gives them five stars. Good to know: they’re the priciest AirPods earbuds, and most of the smart features don’t work on Android.

Check the AirPods Pro 3 on Amazon →

2. Apple AirPods 5: best value AirPods

Apple announced the AirPods 5 in September 2026, with an optional wireless charging case, and noise cancelling now comes on both models (Apple Newsroom). They keep the open fit of the AirPods 4, with no silicone ear tips, and Apple says the new noise cancelling removes up to 50 percent more noise than the AirPods 4 with ANC. The ear-tip-free fit is one reason they’re the iPhone pick in our headphones for teens guide.

The wireless charging version adds a case that charges on Qi and Apple Watch chargers as well as USB-C, plus a volume swipe on the stem. Battery life is up to 5 hours per charge with noise cancelling, or 22 hours with the case. Good to know: an open fit can’t seal out noise like the AirPods Pro 3, so frequent flyers and train commuters should spend the extra $100. If you don’t like silicone tips in your ears, these are the ones to get.

Check the AirPods 5 on Amazon →

3. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: best for workouts

Beats is owned by Apple, and the Powerbeats Pro 2 run on the same H2 chip as the AirPods Pro, so you get one-tap pairing, automatic switching between your Apple devices, hands-free Siri and Find My. The ear hooks keep them in place on runs and in the gym, they’re rated IPX4, and they last up to 10 hours per charge (8 with noise cancelling) with about 3.5 more charges in the case, which also charges wirelessly on Qi (Macworld).

Macworld calls them its favorite earbuds for exercise. They also have heart-rate sensors, but if you wear an Apple Watch the iPhone uses the watch’s reading instead. Good to know: they skip some AirPods Pro features, such as Conversation Awareness, Adaptive Audio and the hearing-health tools, and the hooks make the case bigger. Unlike AirPods, they also have a Beats app for Android.

Check the Powerbeats Pro 2 on Amazon →

4. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): best non-Apple noise cancelling

If noise cancelling is your top priority and you don’t need Apple’s extras, the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are the main rival to the AirPods Pro 3. What Hi-Fi? praises their outstanding noise cancelling, design and punchy, entertaining sound. Bose rates them at up to 6 hours per charge (4 with Immersive Audio), with three more charges in a wireless-charging case, plus multipoint and IPX4 (Bose).

Good to know: battery life is the shortest of the premium picks, and on an iPhone you manage them in the Bose app rather than in iOS Settings. They have often been on sale for less.

Check the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds on Amazon →

5. Sony WF-1000XM6: best for calls and sound

Sony’s WF-1000XM6 (February 2026) are the pick for people who also use a Mac, a Windows laptop or an Android phone. SoundGuys calls them Sony’s best earbuds so far, with great sound, excellent noise cancelling and much-improved microphones for calls. They support multipoint, are rated IPX4, and last up to 8 hours per charge (24 with the case).

Good to know: their headline LDAC hi-res codec doesn’t work on an iPhone, which streams over AAC, so on iOS you’re paying for the noise cancelling, microphones and tuning rather than hi-res audio. They’re the most expensive pick here. Sony’s app has a detailed EQ.

Check the WF-1000XM6 on Amazon →

6. Beats Solo Buds: cheapest with one-tap iPhone pairing

The Solo Buds are the cheapest earbuds that pair with an iPhone the way AirPods do: one tap to connect, synced to every device on your iCloud account, Find My for the last connected location, and audio sharing (MacRumors). They’re rated IPX4 for sweat and splashes (Apple). The earbuds themselves hold up to 18 hours, and the tiny case has no battery of its own: it’s just for storage and charging over USB-C.

Good to know: to hit that price they drop noise cancelling, Transparency mode, “Hey Siri” and in-ear detection, and TechRadar found the bass lighter than you might expect from Beats. They’re a good spare pair, or a first pair for a teen’s iPhone.

Check the Beats Solo Buds on Amazon →

7. Soundcore P30i: cheapest noise cancelling

If you want noise cancelling for as little as possible, the Soundcore P30i usually sell for well under $50. They last up to 10 hours per charge (6 with noise cancelling) and up to 45 hours with the case, support Bluetooth 5.4 multipoint, are rated IP54, and the case doubles as a phone stand. The Soundcore app works on iPhone and adds a custom EQ.

Good to know: the noise cancelling is well behind the AirPods and Bose, there’s no wireless charging, and you don’t get Apple’s one-tap pairing or automatic switching. For more budget picks, see our best earbuds under $150 guide.

Check the Soundcore P30i on Amazon →

Check the P30i at Soundcore.com (from $24.99) →

Soundcore.com code AFSC20: an extra 20% off full-price items (valid through Dec 31, 2026).

What matters when you buy earbuds for an iPhone

• The codec doesn’t matter much. iPhones stream Bluetooth audio over AAC. Hi-res codecs such as LDAC and aptX, which many Android-first earbuds advertise, aren’t supported, so don’t pay extra for them if you only use an iPhone.
• Apple’s chips add the conveniences. AirPods and recent Beats use Apple’s own chips, which give one-tap pairing, automatic switching between your iPhone, iPad and Mac, hands-free Siri and Find My. Other brands connect like any Bluetooth device and use their own app.
• Some features need a newer iPhone. Live Translation needs an Apple Intelligence iPhone and a recent iOS version, and AirPods Pro 3 heart-rate tracking works through the Fitness app in iOS 26 and later.
• Fit matters more than specs. Sealed earbuds with silicone tips (AirPods Pro 3, Bose, Sony) block the most noise. Open-fit AirPods 5 are more comfortable for some people but block less. Hooks (Powerbeats Pro 2) are the most secure for sport.
• One cable for everything. Every current iPhone and every pick here charges over USB-C, and the AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 5 (wireless charging model), Powerbeats Pro 2 and Bose cases also charge wirelessly.

Want over-ear headphones instead? See our best noise-cancelling headphones. Using an Android phone too? Our best earbuds for Google Pixel guide covers the Android side.

Also worth a look

• AirPods Pro 2: replaced by the AirPods Pro 3, but still good if you find them at a clear discount.
• AirPods 4: replaced by the AirPods 5; only worth it on a big sale.
• Beats Studio Buds+: a middle option with noise cancelling and one-tap pairing on both iPhone and Android, for people who want Beats without ear hooks.

Specs from the makers, side by side

Every figure below comes from the manufacturer’s own spec page, taken from our earbuds and headphones spec database. “Not stated” means the maker doesn’t publish it, not that the feature is missing.

Our verdict

For an iPhone, the AirPods Pro 3 are the best all-round earbuds: Apple’s strongest noise cancelling, a secure sealed fit, IP57 and heart-rate tracking. If that’s too much, the AirPods 5 give you noise cancelling and the same easy iPhone pairing for less. Athletes should get the Powerbeats Pro 2. If you also use non-Apple devices, the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds and Sony WF-1000XM6 are the best alternatives, and on a budget the Beats Solo Buds and Soundcore P30i cover the basics for under $100.

Black Friday 2026: AirPods and iPhone earbud deals

Black Friday 2026 is November 27, with many deals starting the week before and running through Cyber Monday (November 30). Last year the AirPods Pro 3 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) both dropped well below their list prices around Black Friday, so a small cut on either is worth waiting out.

• The AirPods 5 are new (September 2026), so discounts on them may be small this year; the AirPods Pro 3 have a full year of deal history.
• Watch after Black Friday too: the AirPods Pro 3 hit their lowest price of 2025 in December, after Black Friday.
• Check the model name: listings for older AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 will also be discounted.

Frequently asked questions

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