The Sony WF-1000XM5 true wireless earbuds nail each and every attribute needed: compact, rounded designs provide much comfort and good fits to most ears; active noise cancellation from Sony remains borderline unbeatable with improvements for memory foam eartips and great passive sound isolation.
Out of the box, the XM5s have a warm sound profile with elevated bass, but you can adjust the EQ using Sony’s app. They’re also great at teasing out details in the treble range. With features like multipoint connectivity, Google Fast Pair, LDAC, spatial audio, and automatic switching between ANC and ambient sound modes, there’s not much to want here.
Sony WF-1000XM5
The tiny wireless charging case and battery life of 8–12 hours add to their appeal. However, they’re not perfect: call quality could be clearer, the IPX4 water resistance could be higher, and the $300 price tag is steep. Despite these drawbacks, no other earbuds we’ve tested tick so many boxes.
Best Budget Option: Anker Soundcore Space A40
For those on a budget, the Anker Soundcore Space A40 stands out. Priced around $50–$60, these earbuds offer features that rival more expensive options: strong ANC, multipoint connectivity, wireless charging, LDAC support, and a solid 8–10 hours of battery life.
While the sound isn’t as detailed as higher-end models, the warm profile delivers satisfying bass without overwhelming the low end. A companion app lets you tweak the EQ for more treble presence, if desired. The earpieces are small, round, and comfortable for extended wear.
Those trade-offs include poor call quality, no Google Fast Pair, and no wear detection to auto-pause your music. At this price, though, they’re an excellent value.
Anker Soundcore Space A40
Best for Music: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
If sound quality is of highest concern for you, the best would be the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4. For one, the earbuds realize a somewhat warm and detailed sound profile, with well-controlled bass, a neutral midrange, and smooth treble. They also support the hi-res codecs aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive, which pop open finer details in audio files of higher quality.
Built with premium materials, they’re IP54-rated, support multipoint connectivity, and boast competitive battery life at 7–8 hours. However, ANC isn’t quite as successful here as it is on Sony’s efforts, call quality is decent but could be better, and they may be a little too large for those with smaller ears. At $300, these are a no-nonsense option for true audiophiles.
Best for Working Out: Beats Fit Pro
Gym rats will appreciate how the Beats Fit Pro are lightweight and come with flexible silicone fins that help keep the earbuds in place during intense workouts. Their IPX4 water resistance is good enough for most activities-just avoid the pool-and physical buttons make controlling music easy on the move.
It is punchy and energetic with an emphasized bass and treble response, which is perfect for workouts. They also don’t have wireless charging, multipoint connectivity, or customizable EQ. The Beats app at least ensures they work seamlessly with Android devices, including ANC and ambient sound modes.
Photo by Billy Steele / Engadget
Beats Fit Pro
Best for Pixel Users: Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Designed with Pixel phones in mind, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 integrate neatly with Google’s ecosystem. Features like remote ringing, conversation detection, customizable EQ, and automatic device switching are baked into Pixel settings, though they’re accessible to other Android devices via an app.
These are comfortable earbuds with decent ANC and great, punchy bass coupled with detailed treble. However, for richer audio or stronger noise cancellation, look toward Sony or Sennheiser options.
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Best for Galaxy Users: Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro shine when paired with Galaxy phones, unlocking features like Samsung Seamless Codec, real-time translation, and low-latency Game Mode. They also include adaptive ANC, spatial audio, and a well-tuned sound profile with powerful bass and detailed mids.
While the design is rather reminiscent of AirPods Pro and the six-hour battery life is average, these earbuds remain a great choice for Samsung enthusiasts.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
What to Look for in Wireless Earbuds for Android
When it comes to choosing a pair of wireless earbuds, look out for the following features:
- Balance profile, with the option to tweak the EQ.
- Fit and Comfort: Lightweight, secure designs.
- Battery Life: At least 8 hours is a must for most users.
- Extra Features: ANC, ambient sound modes, and multipoint connectivity.
- Device Compatibility: The presence of Google Fast Pair, LDAC, or aptX Adaptive is a definite plus.
While some models work best within specific ecosystems, such as Pixel or Galaxy, many options provide excellent functionality across Android devices. Whatever your needs, there’s a pair of earbuds ready to enhance your Android experience.
(Updated December 2024 for accuracy and clarity.)
Leave a Reply