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Best wireless earbuds for Android

Get convenience, sound quality, and seamless smartphone integration features from the best wireless earbuds for Android.
By
February 23, 2024
The Best
Sony WF-1000XM5
MSRP: $299.99
8.3
Check price
Positives
Excellent ANC and Isolation
Comfortable
SBC, AAC, and LDAC support
Great app support
Great battery life
Negatives
Price
Default sound too bassy
Best features
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
MSRP: $299.00
7.7
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Positives
Fit
Comfort
ANC
Battery life
Negatives
App
Price
Too bassy
Best features
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
MSRP: $229.99
7.7
Check price
Positives
Leading ANC
Good sound quality
IPX7 water resistance
Fast and wireless charging
Bluetooth 5.3; SBC, AAC, and Samsung Seamless Codec
Negatives
Case prone to scratches and nicks
Buds are dust magnets
App lacks custom EQ (has EQ presets)
Samsung-exclusive features
Best design
Google Pixel Buds Pro
MSRP: $199.00
7.5
Check price
Positives
ANC with transparency mode
Hands-free Google Assistant
Above average battery life
Water-resistant case and buds
Fast pair and multipoint connectivity
Custom EQ (after updates)
Negatives
No aptX
Fit is a bit loose for some people
Microphone underperforms in noisy environments
Bang for your buck
Jabra Elite 4
MSRP: $99.99
8.2
Check price
Positives
Sound quality
aptX for Android users
Five band EQ
Fast Pair and Swift Pair
Lightweight case
Great isolation
Negatives
Active noise cancelling isn't amazing
No AAC for Apple users
Might not fit large ears
Controls have minimal customization

Apple users have the AirPods to cover their in-ear needs, but what wireless earbuds should Android users get? Thankfully, there are plenty of options available for them, too. Whether you’re an athlete, commuter, or general consumer, you’re bound to find something among our picks for the best wireless earbuds for Android.

What's new?

Why is the Sony WF-1000XM5 the best pair of wireless Android earbuds for most people?

The Sony Headphone Connect app's custom EQ with the WF-1000XM5 next to the phone.
Harley Maranan / SoundGuys
The Sony Connect app includes a six-band equalizer for fine-tuning your sound.

Stepping up from their predecessors, the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds offer an advanced noise canceling experience coupled with a sleeker, more comfortable design. At 25% smaller and 20% lighter than the WF-1000XM4, they promise a snug fit for longer listening periods without compromising on the IPX4 water-resistant feature.

Thanks to their remarkable ANC capabilities, ambient sounds like airplane engines and keyboard clicks will be a thing of the past. Paired with memory foam ear tips, these earbuds ensure enhanced passive isolation. And if you’re uncertain about the right fit, the free mobile app even has a test guide to help you.

The chart below shows how the sound of the Sony WF-1000XM5 was assessed by the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score (MDAQS) algorithm from HEAD Acoustics.

A bar chart showing the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores earned by the Sony WF-1000XM5.
The Sony WF-1000XM5 posts impressive results with its sound quality, appealing to most consumers.

The Sony Headphones Connect app, compatible with both Android and iOS, not only offers audio passthrough and Sony’s state-of-the-art 360 Reality Audio but also allows listeners to customize their sound experience using the EQ module, presets and multiple listening modes. If the bass isn’t your beat, easily tweak the in-app equalizer for crisper vocals and clearer instrumentals.

Sony delivers a trio of Bluetooth codecs, including the essential LDAC for Android devices. Operating on Bluetooth 5.3, these earbuds are future-proofed with LE Audio compatibility. With noise canceling on, they impress with a battery life of over nine hours, further extended by the accompanying case. And if you’re running low, a quick three-minute charge grants you an hour of uninterrupted music.

Sony WF-1000XM5Sony WF-1000XM5
SoundGuys Editors Choice
Sony WF-1000XM5
Great ANC • Improved sound quality • Comfortable fit with four ear tip options
MSRP: $299.99
The Sony WF-1000XM5 have even better noise canceling than the WF-1000XM4. Sony made these its most comfortable earbuds by shrinking them and including XS-L memory foam ear tips. The WF-1000XM5 support advanced features like multipoint connectivity and spatial audio with head tracking. You also get plenty of customization options through the free mobile app.

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Sony puts a lot of engineering effort into its microphone quality, though the Sony WF-1000XM5 mics don’t hold a candle to those of the over-ear WH-1000XM5.

Take a listen to our standardized mic samples and vote in our mic poll below.

Sony WF-1000XM5 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Sony WF-1000XM5 microphone demo (Reverberant Space):

Sony WF-1000XM5 microphone demo (Office conditions):

Sony WF-1000XM5 microphone demo (Street conditions):

Sony WF-1000XM5 microphone demo (Windy conditions):

How does the microphone sound to you?

4041 votes

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds have the latest features for Android

The capacitive touchpads of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are the main control interface.
Christian Thomas / SoundGuys
The capacitive touchpads of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds allow you to control your earphones without worrying about a compromised seal.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds stand out as a top pick for Android users, particularly due to their advanced features compatible with newer Android phones. One key highlight is the support for Snapdragon Sound with aptX Lossless, which offers high-resolution audio through aptX Adaptive, providing an enhanced listening experience with low-latency performance. This is especially advantageous for users who value sound quality and seamless audio-video synchronization.

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In terms of design, these earbuds are noted for their comfortable fit and unique ovoid nozzle shape, which ensures a secure placement in the ear without excessive pressure. This design, combined with their light weight of 7.1 grams per earbud, contributes to their overall comfort, making them suitable for extended use. Additionally, the earbuds boast an IPX4 rating, ensuring durability and resistance to moisture, an essential feature for users in variable climates.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds also excel in active noise cancelation (ANC), significantly reducing outside noise across a wide frequency range, making them ideal for use in noisy environments. The touchpad controls offer convenient navigation, and the earbuds’ battery life is reasonable, lasting over 6 hours on a single charge with additional top-ups from the charging case.

For Android users seeking high-quality earbuds with strong ANC, comfortable design, and future-proof technology like Snapdragon Sound, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are a compelling choice, albeit with a premium price tag.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra EarbudsBose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Excellent sound quality • Immersive audio • Customizable fit
MSRP: $299.00
Next-level ANC and comfort from Bose
Designed for maximum comfort and the ultimate in ANC from a wireless earbud, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer enhanced spatialized audio, solid battery life, and multiple configurations to ensure a solid fit.

Like most wireless earphones, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds have a microphone array for phone calls. Listen to the standardized samples below if you’d like to hear how well the microphone performs in several common settings.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds microphone demo (Office conditions):

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds microphone demo (Street conditions):

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds microphone demo (Windy conditions):

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

578 votes

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is great for those already in the Samsung ecosystem

A macro close up shows the details and texture of the case and earbuds included in the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, with the case open on a colorful blanket.
Jasper Lastoria / SoundGuys
The indicator light blinks red, blue, and green when in pairing mode.

A walled garden can be a cozy place, and Samsung understands that well with the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. Much like the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with an iPhone, these earbuds will slot in nicely if you already own a Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

Samsung-exclusive features include a variety of perks. Most notably, you get the Samsung Seamless Codec, which improves upon the Samsung Scalable Codec. With the Seamless Codec, you can enjoy 24-bit audio transmitted to the Buds 2 Pro (OneUI 4.0+ software required). You can also take advantage of WirelessPowershare, which lets you charge the case atop a compatible Samsung device. It’s a bit of a gimmick, but it comes in handy when you’re in a bind. Pairing the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro with a compatible Samsung phone also opens the door for 360 Audio.

The chart below shows how the sound of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro was assessed by the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score (MDAQS) algorithm from HEAD Acoustics.

This chart shows the MDAQS results for the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro in Default mode. The Timbre score is 4.9, The Distortion score is 3, the Immersiveness score is 4.4, and the Overall Score is 4.7).
These score fairly high overall for high-end earbuds.

Non-Samsung Android phone owners can still use Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity along with the AAC and SBC codecs. No matter what OS you have, you can appreciate the buds’ IPX7 rating, making them some of the most water-resistant earphones on this list. The default sound follows our consumer target curve, with a slightly boosted sub-bass and bass response. Generally speaking, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro will please most listeners.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 ProSamsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Comfortable fit • Enhanced noise-cancelling technology • Satisfying battery life
MSRP: $229.99
Samsung's reliable earbuds upgraded
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro earbuds provide great sound and feature active noise canceling. They meld a great fit and comfort with a vast range of ear tips. Efficient ANC and five hours of battery life sweeten the deal.

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The mic you get in the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is very good. It cuts down on external noise to some degree and reproduces voices pretty faithfully. It isn’t perfect, though, and deeper voices will sound a bit different than they do in person.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro microphone demo (Office conditions):

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro microphone demo (Windy conditions):

How does the microphone sound to you?

8361 votes

The Google Pixel Buds Pro

The Google Pixel Buds Pro case is open with the lid propping the case up, revealing the buds.
Jasper Lastoria / SoundGuys
The case lid props up the buds for easy access.

The Google Pixel Buds Pro is a strong contender in the world of Android-compatible wireless earbuds, and for good reason. Tailored explicitly for Android phone owners, these buds offer seamless integration with Google Assistant. Forget the hassle of navigating through apps; direct voice access simplifies tasks, letting you focus on your groove. The Pixel Buds app only enhances this experience with timely updates and customizable controls, making these earbuds a no-brainer for anyone already invested in the Android ecosystem.

When it comes to audio performance, Google isn’t pulling any punches. The active noise canceling (ANC) technology efficiently counters external distractions, letting you maintain your auditory zen. Want more control over your sound profile? Recent updates have added a more conventional equalizer alongside the unique Volume EQ feature. So, not only do you get sound tailored to your liking, but ANC ensures it’s the only sound you hear.

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The Pixel Buds Pro stands out for its impressive battery life—lasting for over 7 hours with ANC turned on, which is in line with its advertised battery life. The case provides an additional 13 hours, giving you a full day’s worth of juice. Plus, if you’re in a pinch, five minutes in the case will deliver a solid 60 minutes of playtime. And let’s not overlook the multipoint connectivity feature; switching between devices is a breeze.

Overall, the Google Pixel Buds Pro checks all the boxes for what Android users would desire in wireless earbuds—effortless integration, effective noise canceling, and robust battery life make it a compelling choice.

Google Pixel Buds ProGoogle Pixel Buds Pro
Google Pixel Buds Pro
Active noise-cancelling • Android integration • Google Assistant features
MSRP: $199.00
The Pixel Buds Pro introduce ANC to the series
The Google Pixel Buds Pro are the first in the line to offer active noise canceling. Obviously, they also have tight integration with Android and tons of support for Google Assistant commands, including the popular translation features.

Workout and enjoy music with the Jabra Elite 4

A hand holds the Jabra Elite 4 open in front of green foliage.
Jasper Lastoria / SoundGuys
The Jabra Elite 4

Whether you’re heading to the gym, watching videos, or streaming music from your Android phone, the Jabra Elite 4 is a great all-around pick for under $100. Sporting an IP55 rating, the Elite 4 easily keeps up with jogs and jaunts about town.

The impressively isolating earbuds render the ANC not as useful as some other ANC-equipped earbuds. Still, isolation doesn’t cost you any battery life, and the Elite 4 has that in spades. Plus, you can access the companion app, Sound+, to use HearThrough. Additionally, Sound+ has a competent equalizer, so the default good sound can be tailored to your taste.

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The 5 hours, 5 minutes battery life (with ANC on) is enough for most single uses. Especially great for Android users is that the Jabra Elite 4 possesses aptX for better audio, a lower noise floor than standard SBC, and reduced latency when watching videos. Overall, the Jabra Elite 4 might not be the most exciting set of earbuds, but it’s so refined in execution that you can simply pick it up and go without hassle.

Jabra Elite 4Jabra Elite 4
SoundGuys Editors Choice
Jabra Elite 4
Multipoint connectivity • Noise-canceling • In-app custom EQ
MSRP: $99.99
Affordable Jabra earbuds with mighty features for the price
With a reasonable price for ANC true wireless earbuds, the Jabra Elite 4 offer solid battery life, a good fit, and great connectivity.

For the most part, the Jabra Elite 4 mic sounds true to life. It doesn’t completely cancel environmental noises, but it reduces them, particularly in the case of wind. The Elite 4 reduces wind to a sort of haze, and while your voice will become quieter, it continues to make it through to the listener.

Jabra Elite 4 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Jabra Elite 4 microphone demo (Office conditions):

Jabra Elite 4 microphone demo (Windy conditions):

How does the microphone sound to you?

1028 votes

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 perfects the basics

A hand holds the open case of the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 with blurred rocks in the background.
The very strong case magnet hampers single-handed operation, but this also means it stays closed in your bag.

Bringing to the table a combination of rich sound quality, advanced noise canceling, and unique customization options, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 sets itself apart as a top contender. Its standout feature? The Smart Control app allows you to create personalized listening modes corresponding to various locations. With the Sound Zones feature, you can map out frequent places, assigning specific noise canceling and EQ settings. Be it a bass boost at the gym or a serene ANC setting at the office, these earbuds adapt seamlessly.

Comfort and fit aren’t compromised either. The package includes four sizes of silicone ear tips, ensuring an optimal fit for every user. Alongside, you’ll find silicone wings, offering added stability while prioritizing comfort over a snug fit. Keeping up with its competitors, these earbuds also come with an IPX4 rating, perfect for workouts or unexpected rain showers.

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On the sonic front, the earbuds impress with their crisp sound. While audiophiles may wish to adjust the EQ to enhance treble, the clarity remains uncompromised. The noise cancelation competes with or even surpasses, other top picks, making them the go-to choice for those looking to drown out ambient distractions. Battery life doesn’t disappoint either, clocking in at over five hours with ANC activated.

In terms of technical specifications, the Momentum True Wireless 3 raises the bar with support for the aptX Bluetooth codec, ensuring lag-free, top-notch audio for Android users. This is accompanied by the support for SBC and AAC codecs, ensuring iOS users aren’t left behind. Operating on Bluetooth 5.2 and bolstered with 24-bit audio support, these earbuds promise a comprehensive listening experience.

If personalization and adaptability top your priority list, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 are the earbuds to invest in. Tailor your audio experience to every location, activity, and preference, all while enjoying pristine sound quality.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
SG recommended
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
Great sound quality • Feature-rich app with custom EQ • Broad codec support
MSRP: $249.95
These feature-rich earbuds exceed all expectations.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 show you can have great sound, great active noise-canceling, and a sturdy build all at once in a pair of true wireless earbuds.

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You can use the MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 for calls, although it’s mostly just okay. Voices are captured with some under-emphasis in both the highs and lows. When taking a call in less-than-ideal conditions, say in a noisy office or on the street, the MTW3 filters out the lows heavily. Your voice will still be audible, but any noises in the highs will still come through in a kind of noise haze—think keystrokes and car sounds.

Take a listen and let us know what you think.

Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 microphone demo (Street conditions):

Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 microphone demo (Office conditions):

How does the microphone sound to you?

4241 votes

The Nothing Ear (2) is clearly inspired by AirPods Pro

Two hands hold the Nothing Ear (2) with a blue SoundGuys shirt in the background.
Harley Maranan / SoundGuys
You can use the Nothing Ear (2) and its app, Nothing X, if your phone uses Android or iOS.

Nothing’s third true wireless entry takes most of what the original Nothing Ear 1 does and goes for one better on the Nothing Ear (2). These buds are a little lighter and smaller and possess an improved IP rating of IP54 for the buds (or IP55 when they’re in the case). ANC, especially of low-pitched noise, is pretty effective, especially compared to the first Ear 1. It’s also no surprise that the stemmed buds bear some resemblance to Apple AirPods Pro, including squeezable stems for commands.

You’ll definitely want to take advantage of the various Nothing X app’s EQ options because, out of the box, these sound rather trebly to listen to. Squarely aiming at Android users, the Ear (2) supports not just the standard AAC and SBC codecs but also the LHDC 5.0 audio codec (not LDAC) to transmit 24-bit/192kHz audio with Android. Besides that, for the price, it does most of what you want and scarcely much you don’t want.

Nothing Ear 2Nothing Ear 2
Nothing Ear 2
Very comfortable earbuds • Squeeze controls • Bluetooth Multipoint
MSRP: $149.00
A very comfortable and powerful pair of true wireless buds
With a focus on refinement, the Nothing Ear 2 offer a similar, ergonomic design to the original Ear 1 wireless earbuds, now with improved connectivity, higher quality materials, better controls, and cleaner sound.

The Nothing Ear (2) mic fares decently when confronted with various noisy environments. Take a listen and let us know what you think.

Nothing Ear (2) microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Nothing Ear (2) microphone demo (Office conditions):

Nothing Ear (2) microphone demo (Street conditions):

Nothing Ear (2) microphone demo (Windy conditions):

How does the microphone sound to you?

3233 votes

The best wireless earbuds for Android: Notable mentions

A photo of the Beats Studio Buds Plus next to a phone, while connecting.
Lily Katz / SoundGuys
Despite being an Apple product, the Beats Studio Buds Plus has Google Fast Pairing.
  • Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) ($119 at Amazon): These buds give you an ear tip fit test, which is always handy, ANC, and an IPX4 rating, but only average sound along with middling battery life. Still, they’re sleek and integrate with Android and your smart devices well via the Alexa app.
  • Anker Soundcore Space A40 ($79 at Amazon): Anker supplies some premium features, including really excellent noise canceling, as well as LDAC codec support.
  • Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9 ($299 at Amazon): These pricey buds supply you with a huge number of ear tips to get the right fit, a slightly bassy tuning, good noise canceling, and a solid case.
  • Beats Fit Pro ($159 at Amazon): While this set of Beats suits iPhones, it works basically just as well with Android. It supplies a secure fit, good ANC, and a workout-friendly sound.
  • Beats Studio Buds ($99 at Amazon): Yes, Apple owns Beats, but these Buds aren’t quite as exclusive to iPhones as the AirPods. The Studio Buds can quickly pair to Android devices and deliver enjoyable sound, so if you want fun, colorful buds, they slide in nicely within that niche.
  • Beats Studio Buds Plus ($169 at Amazon): These updated Beats are designed to pair well with Android and Apple. They’re similar to the non-plus Studio Buds except with much better ANC, definitely worth a look.
  • Bose QuietComfort Earbuds ($169 at Amazon): If you want good ANC at an accessible price point, then the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds make for a great option. These buds have automatic ear detection and other premium features like a solid mobile app.
  • Bose Sport Earbuds ($165 at Amazon): These comfortable workout earbuds with auto play/pause and an active EQ are a good choice if you need earphones that stay firmly in place, thanks to their unique design.
  • Grell Audio TWS 1 ($216.81 at Amazon): Audiophiles who want a to-go headset should get the TWS 1 from Grell Audio, the brainchild of the former Sennheiser chief headphone engineer. The frequency response very closely follows our target consumer curve. Still, sound quality isn’t the only thing this headset has going for it: it also has very effective noise canceling and software features.
  • Jabra Elite 7 Active ($179 at Amazon): Match an IP57 rating, ANC (albeit not the best), and a battery life lasting over 7 hours. You only get AAC and SBC, however.
  • Nothing Ear 1 ($99 at Amazon): This is a great option for Android phone owners who want a unique design and solid performance. Noise canceling is a bit weak when compared to the Nothing Ear 2, but you get AAC and SBC codecs.
  • Nothing Ear Stick ($64 at Amazon): If you want AirPods for Android and all the foibles that come with the unsealed fit, this one supplies you with a competent app and a nice price.
  • Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 ($99 at Amazon): You get many of the same features as the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro at a cheaper price. The ANC isn’t as good here as on the Buds 2 Pro, but it can still hush the world around you. These buds are worth considering if you have a Galaxy device and want to stay within the ecosystem for less money.
  • Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless ($89 at Amazon): A solid all-rounder, these buds boast SBC, AAC, and aptX and a decent app along with ANC. These buds are bulkier than some compared to the non-ANC CX True Wireless, but they’re straightforward and sound good, too.
  • Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 ($169 at Amazon): These noise canceling earbuds have even better ANC than the CX Plus True Wireless, and you get the same IPX4 rating as the more affordable model. What makes the Sennheiser MTW 3 stand out from the CX Plus is its support for aptX Adaptive and wireless charging case.
  • Sony LinkBuds S ($148 at Amazon): These earbuds are understated. The active noise canceling is excellent, and the earbuds often go on promotion.
  • Sony WF-C500 ($98 at Amazon): If you can’t decide what features matter most to you, don’t want to spend a lot, and can live without ANC, then the is a good set of Android earbuds.
  • TCL MOVEAUDIO S600 ($99 at Amazon): This AirPods Pro look-alike has a useful app and ANC. While noise canceling isn’t the best, it’s helpful to have, and you get an IP54 rating, so these buds can stand up to some pretty tough conditions. They only have SBC and AAC Bluetooth codec support, however, but you can often find the buds at a discount.

What you should know about Android earbuds

When buying wireless earbuds for your Android phone, you should keep a few things in mind. Here are the main features and design elements that deserve some scrutinizing prior to you hitting the “buy” button.

What are Bluetooth codecs, and which ones matter for Android?

Two screenshots placed next to each other of an Android phone's settings screens. The left is the developer options menu, and the right is the Bluetooth codec seletion menu where all options except SBC and AAC are grayed out. Left screenshot text transcription: Developer options. Use Developer options. Bluetooth AVRCP version. AVRCP 1.5 (Default). Bluetooth MAP version MAP 1.2 (Default). HD audio. Bluetooth audio codec. Streaming: AAC. Bluetooth audio sample rate Streaming: 44.1 kHz. Bluetooth audio bits per sample Streaming: 16 bits/sample. Bluetooth audio channel mode Streaming: Stereo. Bluetooth audio LAC codec: Playback quality. Right screen shot text transcription: Developer options. Use Developer options. Trigger Bluetooth Audio Codec Selection. Use system selection (default). SBC. AAC. Qualcomm® aptX" audio. Qualcomm® aptX" HD audio. LDAC. Grey-out means not supported by phone or headset. Ok.
Android phones offer an easy way to check which Bluetooth codec is in use and change between them.

A Bluetooth codec determines how your source device (smartphone) transmits audio to your wireless earbuds. To oversimplify it, a codec transforms digital signals in the device into wireless signals and then finally turns that back into sound in your headphones. If that sounds like a bit of an adventure, that’s because it is.

For that reason, it takes computing power and time to do all those tasks. As a result, latency may result where video and audio fall out of sync. Android is particularly unreliable when it comes to latency. For all these reasons, it helps to pick headphones with aptX, LDAC, or Samsung Scalable codec support if you want visual and audible components to remain in step. Coincidentally, these are also the codecs to look for if you’re worried about sound quality over a Bluetooth connection.

These codecs are much more reliable on Android devices, but the last one only works with Samsung Galaxy devices. However, if you aren’t bothered by latency, then it likely won’t matter as much.

Not every pair of wireless earbuds will come with a mobile companion app, but if you want to extend the utility of your earbuds, it’s worth investing in a headset with an app.

Because there is no direct equivalent for the Apple H1 or H2 chip on Android (Samsung Galaxy phones aside), a lot of the experience of using true wireless earbuds on your Android device comes down to the app. Therefore, we often recommend you install it and take some time to get familiar with it.

Apps usually let you control how the voice assistant functionality works, EQ your music, change settings, update firmware, and much more. Updating firmware is especially important because that often means new features or fixes to annoying quirks.

Plus, sometimes, the app for your buds is also the app for other things, like Alexa. In that case, if you’re already the broader ecosystem, more things can work together.

If you really, really can’t stand having a manufacturer’s app on your phone, though, you could EQ with third-party apps and then just live with whatever firmware version you happen to like, but we don’t usually recommend this approach.

Why is the battery life so short for true wireless earbuds?

A photo of the white Google Pixel Buds on a marble table next to Pixel 3 with battery card displayed
Most wireless earbuds also drain the battery at a slightly different rate, so your right or left earbud may also last a few minutes longer (or more) than their counterpart.

You may have noticed that all these wireless earbuds have rather limited battery life when compared to over-ear headphones, for instance. And unfortunately, that’s likely not going to change any time soon.

Physics, which governs all our lives, mandates that smaller batteries won’t last as long. Furthermore, that means earphones have a limited overall lifespan. For these reasons, manufacturers include charging cases with their true wireless earbuds. There’s not much you can do about that, but you can do some things to keep your battery as robust as possible.

Why you should trust SoundGuys

Sol Republic Soundtrack Pro shown on mans head listening to music
With every product that comes our way, we make sure to use it in and out of the lab.

SoundGuys serves as each of our day jobs, or rather, we serve SoundGuys as our nine-to-fives. We have multiple years of keeping tabs on the audio industry. Our collective experiences allow us to pick out the good from the bad or the unremarkable, reducing the time you have to spend doing independent research.

While our site uses referral links, none of our writers may benefit from suggesting one product over another; they won’t even know if a link was ever clicked. Ultimately, we just want you to enjoy your purchase because we get that picking out audio products can be an overwhelming, time-consuming process. If you so choose, we recommend reading up on our ethics policy.

When it comes to choosing the best wireless earbuds for Android, we make sure to subject each product to a battery of tests so we can present frequency response and isolation charts to you, along with standardized microphone samples and battery life information. We then use this data to inform our reviews and score products accordingly. We then discuss what products may be worthy of being on this list of the best wireless earbuds for Android and take a vote.

The process doesn’t end after we publish the best list, though. We keep our eyes and ears open for new and noteworthy products coming down the pike to keep you up to date on exemplary products.

Frequently asked questions about wireless earbuds for Android

Yes, most wireless earbuds lack Google Fast Pair, but you can use any Bluetooth earbuds with your Android device. Advantages of Fast Pair, besides a pop-up card allowing you to pair quickly, include Find device and synchronizing accessories to your Google account.

A chart compares the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro noise canceling to the Galaxy Buds 2 and shows that the Buds 2 has slightly better ANC/isolation.
The Galaxy Buds 2 has slightly better ANC and isolation than the pricier Buds Pro.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro is discontinued, but if you can find it, it’s more durable than the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2, with the Buds Pro boasting an IPX7 rating compared to the IPX2 rating of the Buds 2. Interestingly, the Galaxy Buds 2 has slightly better ANC than the Galaxy Buds Pro and costs less. You don’t get Samsung 360 Audio with the Buds 2, but you do get Wireless PowerShare with compatible Samsung devices and an ear tip fit test—something the Buds Pro lacks.

Yes and no. The Buds Pro will connect to all sorts of devices, including TVs and soundbars, as a set of standard wireless earbuds via Bluetooth, but the special features of these earbuds only work with Galaxy devices.

Well, you can, but it won’t be a great experience. Apple locks down their buds experience to work with the iPhone, and using the AirPods on an Android phone means no automatic switching, no EQ, no app, no easy pairing, no control over ANC (for the Pro model), and more. It’s a pretty lackluster time, before even considering you only get the SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs.

The best earbuds for Android phones are the Sony WF-1000XM5. They offer superior sound quality, active noise cancelation, and a comfortable fit. The compatible Sony 360 Audio app also makes them a top choice for Android users.

The best wireless earbuds for your money are the Google Pixel Buds. They deliver a quality audio experience, seamless integration with Android devices, and come at a more affordable price point compared to other premium earbuds, making them an excellent value choice.

While there isn’t an exact AirPods equivalent for Android, there are some similar options. For instance, if you are in the Samsung ecosystem, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offers many similar ecosystem integration features, such as seamless pairing.