The 11 best wireless earbuds weve ever tested

When it comes to wireless earbuds, the price range can be quite vast, from $10 to $1,000, particularly if you seek professional-grade studio earphones. If you're interested in active noise cancellation, you might find yourself spending around $300, which is the cost of quiet solitude. However, there are specialized models like sleep earbuds, bone-conduction earbuds for workouts, and open earbuds for transparency as well.

As of August 2026, Mashable's top picks for the best wireless earbuds include the Sony WF-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen), and Panasonic Technics AZ100s, which offer top-notch sound quality and active noise cancellation. Keep in mind that these models can cost anywhere from $299 to $329.

For those who prefer to spend less, we've also included budget-friendly wireless earbuds under $100 that still provide impressive performance. Ready to shop? Here are our favorite wireless and noise-cancelling earbuds as of August 2026.

Earbuds can be broadly categorized into two types: wireless and wired. Wireless earbuds connect to devices through Bluetooth for cordless use, ranging from budget models priced at $20 to high-end options with active noise cancellation. Some wireless earbuds may still feature a wire that wraps around the back of the neck to connect the buds.

While wireless earbuds don't offer the passive noise cancellation found in over-the-ear headphones, many models include ANC, which electronically blocks out background noise. Battery life is an important consideration for wireless headphones, with most models boasting at least eight hours of use before requiring a recharge.

On the other hand, wired earbuds are the classic design, consisting of two buds connected by a wire to an audio source. While they may seem outdated, they still offer some advantages. Wired earbuds with active noise cancellation are uncommon, and none are found on our list. The main benefit of wired headphones is that they don't require charging, making them a convenient backup option to keep in your bag when your wireless earbuds run out of power.

Some new additions to this guide include the Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 Special, considered the best sleep earbuds for most people by Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard. The Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds are our top pick for the best overall earbud, replacing the previous generation WF-1000XM5. In February 2026, we also added the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro to our recommendations.