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We Spent the Last 3 Weeks Testing 24 of the best Wireless Earbuds to uncover the #1 performer in 2025
Move over Bose, there’s a new player in town.
A great pair of earbuds isn’t just about listening to music—it’s about comfort, clarity, and cutting out the noise of everyday life. While nearly every brand promises “studio-quality sound,” not all of them live up to the hype. From tinny bass and unreliable Bluetooth to cases that die halfway through the day, the wrong pair can be more frustration than freedom.
We tested 24 of this year’s most talked-about earbuds—from cult-favorite names to rising challengers—to see which actually deliver on sound, comfort, and value. Each model was reviewed over two weeks of daily use, workouts, commutes, and calls.
Sound Quality
Great earbuds should balance bass, mids, and treble without distortion. We measured clarity across genres, call quality in noisy environments, and how well each pair handled podcasts, playlists, and video streaming.
Comfort & Fit
Earbuds aren’t worth much if you can’t wear them for long. We evaluated weight, fit stability during runs, and whether ear tips stayed secure without constant adjustment.
Ease of Use
From pairing to playback, we tested connection stability, app reliability, and how intuitive the controls were—whether tapping for tracks or switching noise-canceling modes on the go.
Design & Features
Do they look sleek or bulky? Do they slip into a pocket without fuss? We compared case quality, battery life, and features like ANC, transparency mode, and multipoint pairing—while noting small details like charging speed and durability.
Performance That Lasts
We didn’t stop at unboxing—we checked how earbuds held up after sweaty workouts, long flights, and weeks of daily commutes. Did the sound stay crisp? Did the case battery hold strong? Did the build feel ready for everyday wear and tear?
After extensive testing, here are the earbuds that earned our recommendation—and the ones best left in the box.
Daniel Hayes – Audio Technology Specialist
H&L Technology editor
With over 11 years in the audio industry, Daniel has tested and reviewed everything from entry-level earbuds to top-tier, feature-packed models. In this review, he put the latest earbuds through their paces to find the ones that offer true sound quality, lasting comfort, and reliable performance without the gimmicks.
1. Resonix Pro Series
from Resonix
Overall grade
A+
Rating
9.8/10
Final Verdict
The Resonix Pro Series is hands-down the most impressive pair of earbuds we tested this year. They outperformed big-name rivals like Sony and Bose in nearly every category—yet they cost a fraction of the price.
Another highlight is their powerful active noise cancellation and crystal-clear transparency mode. Whether you’re on a crowded train or taking calls at home, they cut out the chaos while keeping voices sharp and natural.
Design is another win. The Pro Series feels sleek and modern, with a lightweight fit that stays comfortable for hours without slipping. The charging case is compact, premium to the touch, and slips easily into a pocket—while still packing all-day battery life. The OLED touch screen case is of premium design and gives an extra layer of depth to these wonderful sounding earbuds.
Because Resonix invested in top-tier components, audio stays rich and consistent no matter the volume or genre. Deep bass, balanced mids, and crisp highs all come through without distortion—plus call quality holds strong even in noisy environments.
But what really makes the Pro Series stand out is its price-to-performance ratio. Comparable flagship earbuds often cost nearly double, yet these match (and often beat) them in sound quality, comfort, and features. For the performance you get, it’s an unbeatable deal.
And best of all? They come with a 90-day, 100% money-back guarantee—so you can test them risk-free and see why we ranked them number one.
Resonix regularly offer discounts, and catching one makes these earbuds an unbeatable bargain.
Audio Performance
Comfort & Ergonomics
Ease of Use
Features & Design
Customer Feedback & Satisfaction
Pros
Cons
wrap-up
The Resonix Pro Series delivers premium performance at a price that undercuts the competition. With rich, detailed sound, powerful noise cancellation, and a sleek, comfortable design, they’re a standout choice in our rankings. Add in free shipping and a 90-day money-back guarantee, and it’s a risk-free upgrade for better listening every day.
2. Bose Ultra Open
from Bose
Overall grade
B+
Rating
8.8/10
final verdict
The Bose Ultra Open is a polished, well-regarded pair of earbuds that deliver rich, spacious sound and reliable everyday performance. They feature Bose’s unique open-ear design, impressive spatial audio, and balanced tuning—helping to create a natural, immersive listening experience in most environments. With multipoint pairing and smooth device switching, they offer a modern, connected experience for users who value convenience.
We also liked the long-wear comfort. Because they don’t seal inside the ear canal, they remain comfortable for hours without fatigue—a thoughtful addition for people who want earbuds they can wear all day. The build feels sturdy and premium, and the controls are generally intuitive once you’re familiar with them.
That said, while the 622GW is a strong performer, it doesn’t quite reach the same level of refinement or value as the Visiark Prime X1. In side-by-side testing, the Nextbase occasionally struggled in harsh low-light conditions, and file sizes were noticeably larger, meaning more frequent card management.
That said, while the Ultra Open is a strong performer, it doesn’t quite reach the same level of overall refinement or value as the Resonix Pro Series. In side-by-side testing, the Bose occasionally struggled with bass depth and noise isolation, and battery life fell short of some competitors.
The biggest drawback is the price. The Ultra Open costs significantly more than the Resonix Pro Series—yet in real-world use it didn’t consistently outperform it. In fact, the two are on par in most categories, but Resonix comes in at less than half the price. That’s ultimately why Bose takes second place—it’s a capable, premium-feeling set of earbuds, but the value simply doesn’t match what Resonix delivers.
Audio Performance
Comfort & Ergonomics
Ease of use
Features & Design
Customer Feedback & Satisfaction
Pros
Cons
3. Google Pixel Buds 2
from Google
Overall grade
B
Rating
8/10
FINAL VERDICT
The Google Pixel Buds 2 are a compact, straightforward pair of earbuds that focus on everyday usability and comfort rather than flashy extras. They deliver clear, balanced audio with enough bass punch for casual listening, while keeping vocals crisp for podcasts and calls. The small, lightweight design makes them easy to wear for long stretches without fatigue.
We liked the quick, seamless pairing with Android devices and the excellent Google Assistant integration, which makes controlling music, checking notifications, and handling calls almost effortless. Touch controls are responsive, and the compact charging case is pocket-friendly for on-the-go use.
That said, the Pixel Buds 2 aren’t chasing audiophile status. Noise cancellation is absent, bass depth can’t match premium models, and battery life is solid but not class-leading. Still, for users who want reliable, no-fuss earbuds from a trusted brand, they’re a dependable choice.
The biggest plus is Google’s smooth ecosystem integration. The Pixel Buds 2 may not wow you with cutting-edge features, but they’re consistent, intuitive, and easy to live with day to day.
The Google Pixel Buds 2 are a practical, well-rounded option for those who value comfort, clear sound, and simple operation at a fair price. They don’t beat the Resonix Pro Series or Bose Ultra Open in outright performance, but as a solid mid-range pick, they earn their spot on our list.
Audio Performance
Comfort & Ergonomics
Ease of use
Features & Design
Customer Feedback & Satisfaction
Pros
Cons
4. Sony WF-1000XM5
from Sony
Overall grade
C+
Rating
7.8/10
FINAL VERDICT
The Sony WF-1000XM5 is a feature-packed pair of earbuds that aim to combine top-tier sound with advanced smart features. They deliver rich, detailed audio with strong bass, clear mids, and crisp highs—making them one of the most refined listening experiences in the category. Their standout appeal is Sony’s class-leading noise cancellation, paired with adaptive sound control that adjusts settings automatically based on your environment.
We liked the premium build quality and sleek, modern design, which feels a step above many mid-range competitors. Setup is straightforward, and the companion app makes it easy to fine-tune EQ, switch modes, and customize controls. The XM5s also offer spatial audio, multipoint pairing, and excellent call performance, covering all the features you’d expect from a flagship model.
That said, while the WF-1000XM5s are versatile, they don’t quite deliver the unbeatable price-to-performance ratio of the Resonix Pro Series. Some users may also find them slightly bulkier in the ear, and the higher price point puts them firmly in the premium bracket.
Where the Sony stands out is in its balance of sound quality and smart functionality. For listeners who want earbuds that double as a high-tech, noise-canceling tool, the XM5s shine as a well-rounded package. They’re not the cheapest or lightest, but they’re among the most feature-rich options we tested.
The Sony WF-1000XM5 is a smart choice for those who value cutting-edge features and top-class noise cancellation alongside superb audio quality. While it doesn’t top our charts for overall value, its blend of sound, design, and advanced tech makes it a strong contender in the premium earbud space.
Audio Performance
Comfort & Ergonomics
Ease of use
Features & Design
Customer Feedback & Satisfaction
Pros
Cons
5. Kef MU3
from Kef
Overall grade
C
Rating
7/10
final verdict
The KEF M3U is one of the most advanced earbuds we tested this year, aiming to blur the line between everyday listening and high-end audio gear. They deliver ultra-detailed sound with impressive clarity across all frequencies, making everything from subtle instrumental tracks to bass-heavy playlists shine. Combined with KEF’s audio engineering heritage, they’re built for listeners who want more than just casual earbuds.
We were impressed by their smart features: high-resolution Bluetooth streaming, adaptive noise cancellation, and ambient awareness modes that adjust seamlessly to your surroundings. The M3Us also support multipoint pairing and work smoothly with the KEF Connect app, giving users complete control over EQ and settings.
Design-wise, the earbuds are sleek, modern, and feel like a premium piece of kit. The charging case has a solid, well-built feel, and setup is straightforward. You’ll get the most out of them when paired with the app, which unlocks customizable sound profiles and advanced tuning options.
That said, the M3U isn’t for everyone. It comes at a significantly higher price point than most rivals, and while the sound quality is excellent, not all listeners will fully appreciate or need the level of precision tuning on offer. For those who just want simple, everyday earbuds, it may feel like overkill.
Still, for audiophiles who value cutting-edge sound, design, and customizable features, the KEF M3U is one of the smartest and most premium wireless earbuds money can buy.
Audio Performance
Comfort & Ergonomics
Ease of use
Features & Design
Customer Feedback & Satisfaction
Pros
Cons
Why the Right ear buds Matter
Not all earbuds are created equal. The difference between a great pair and a poor one isn’t just how your music sounds—it’s how they fit into your daily life. High-quality earbuds deliver rich, detailed audio, lasting comfort, and reliable connections, while a bad pair can leave you with muddy sound, sore ears, and constant dropouts.
advantages of high rated earbuds
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best ear buds
sound Quality
Balanced audio with clear highs, mids, and bass makes all the difference. Look for models that handle both music and calls without distortion.
Field of View
Wide-angle lenses capture more of the road, but too wide can cause distortion.
Comfort & Fit
Earbuds should feel secure without pressure. Multiple ear tip sizes or ergonomic designs help ensure a snug fit for all-day wear.
Battery Life
Aim for at least 6–8 hours on a single charge, with an additional 20–30 hours from the case. Quick charging is a bonus.
Noise Control
Good earbuds offer both active noise cancellation for focus and transparency mode for awareness.
What to Avoid When Choosing Earbuds
Poor Fit
If earbuds constantly slip out or cause discomfort, you won’t use them—no matter how good they sound.
Weak Battery Life
Cheap models often die after just a few hours, leaving you without music mid-commute.
Overhyped Knockoffs
Low-quality earbuds may cut out, distort at higher volumes, or break within months. Saving money upfront often leads to disappointment later.
Daniel Hayes – Audio Technology Specialist
H&L Technology editor
With over 11 years in the audio industry, Daniel has tested and reviewed everything from entry-level earbuds to top-tier, feature-packed models. In this review, he put the latest earbuds through their paces to find the ones that offer true sound quality, lasting comfort, and reliable performance without the gimmicks.
