Best wireless earbuds for Android

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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, often with better features for the price. 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.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 are the best wireless earbuds for most Android users

The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds excel with Android devices thanks to their support for SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs, ensuring high-quality audio streaming. The earbuds also benefit from comprehensive app support via the Sony Headphones Connect App, which provides users with extensive customization options, including EQ settings, ambient sound control, and firmware updates.

The updated foam ear tips provide excellent isolation, reducing noise by up to 15dB in the low end and up to 50dB for sounds above 1kHz. According to our testing, the ANC attenuates over 30dB of low-frequency outside noise (below 1kHz). This makes the WF-1000XM5 a great companion for daily commuters, frequent flyers, or anyone working in a busy office or cafe. The earbuds offer over 8 hours of continuous playback on a single charge and up to 24 hours with the charging case.

These earbuds are ideal for users who prioritize exceptional ANC, superior sound quality with a slight low-end emphasis, and robust app support for customization. However, their high price point may be a consideration for budget-conscious consumers.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds have heavy bass and low-latency

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds excel in providing a robust feature set tailored for Android users, particularly through Snapdragon Sound support, which enables Hi-Res audio with aptX Adaptive, promising high-quality, low-latency listening experiences. This, combined with Google Fast Pair, enhances the utility for Android devices, ensuring seamless connectivity and future-proofing with the latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology.

The earbuds offer top-tier active noise cancelation (ANC), capable of diminishing outside noise under 400Hz by up to 34dB and above 1kHz by up to 39dB, effectively providing a significant reduction in perceived loudness. Their IPX4 rating ensures they can handle moisture, making them suitable for various climates and outdoor activities.

Despite their strengths, they may not suit everyone due to their bass-heavy sound profile and reliance on the Bose Music app for accessing features like Immersive Audio, in-app EQ, and firmware updates. Their battery life stands at 6 hours and 11 minutes on a single charge, which is adequate for daily use, and they support quick charging through their case.

In summary, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are a compelling choice for Android users looking for heavy bass, high-quality ANC earbuds with future-proof features and excellent connectivity.

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 has best-in-class ANC with future-proof features

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 earbuds stand out for Android users due to their cutting-edge features, including support for aptX Lossless and Auracast, along with LE Audio support, promising high-quality audio and a more immersive listening experience. With Bluetooth 5.4, these earbuds ensure stable connectivity and are prepared for future Bluetooth advancements, enhancing their utility with Android devices capable of leveraging these codecs and technologies.

The MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 provides an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, making them a durable option for everyday use. They also offer wireless charging for convenience and a battery life of 7 hours and 45 minutes at a typical listening level, which is competitive within the market.

Sennheiser’s Smart Control app enriches the user experience by offering a fit test, a customizable 5-band equalizer, and firmware updates, among other features. The earbuds’ ANC capability is commendable, offering significant noise canceling capabilities, posting 83% average noise attenuation in our lab results, and a comfortable fit with various ear tip sizes.

While the microphone performance may not meet the expectations set by the earbuds’ price point and overall quality, the MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 delivers where it counts for most users: in sound quality and listening experience. With a focus on high-fidelity audio and user customization, these earbuds are a solid choice for Android users who prioritize sound quality and future-ready features, making them a worthy investment for enthusiasts.

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

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.

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.

Workout and enjoy music with the Jabra Elite 4

The Jabra Elite 4 presents a compelling option for Android users, primarily due to its support for the aptX codec, ensuring higher-quality audio streaming compared to the basic SBC codec. It also offers solid isolation, enhancing the listening experience by effectively blocking external noise. Additionally, the earbuds come with a range of features like multipoint connectivity, sidetone for clearer calls, and Spotify Tap for easy music control. The companion app provides a five-band EQ for sound customization, along with Fast Pair and Swift Pair for quick connections.

The active noise canceling (ANC) performance is not as impressive as the other options on this list. Also, the earbuds might not provide the best fit for those with large ears. Still, the Jabra Elite 4 stands out for its reliable functionality, good sound quality, and convenient features. It is a suitable choice for those seeking a midrange set of wireless earbuds optimized for Android devices for less than $100.

The Google Pixel Buds Pro are a solid choice for Pixel users

The Google Pixel Buds Pro are designed with Android users in mind, offering features such as hands-free Google Assistant access, Fast Pair for quick connectivity, and multipoint support to seamlessly switch between devices. They do only support AAC and SBC codecs, missing the aptX support for high-quality audio on Android devices. Still, the Pixel Buds Pro compensates with effective active noise canceling (ANC), Transparency mode, and integration with Google Translate for real-time translations. The IPX4 water-resistant buds, coupled with an IPX2 case, ensure durability against moisture, making them suitable for workouts or outdoor activities.

The earbuds also benefit from an impressive battery life of over 7 hours with ANC on, fast charging capabilities, and the convenience of wireless charging. The sound profile emphasizes bass and treble, which may not appeal to all listeners. However, this can be somewhat mitigated through the app’s equalizer settings, including a new conventional equalizer introduced in updates. Despite these limitations, the Pixel Buds Pro’s integration with the broader Google ecosystem makes them a compelling choice for Android users, particularly those with a Pixel phone.

The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 has high-quality audio

The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 earbuds are an excellent choice for Android users seeking high-quality audio. With support for aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, and the latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology, these earbuds deliver exceptional sound quality that will impress even discerning audiophiles.

Android users will appreciate the Creative app’s parametric equalizer, which allows for fine-tuning the earbuds’ sound signature to personal preferences. The app also enables firmware updates and customization of the touch controls. While the noise cancelation may not be best-in-class, it still effectively reduces environmental noise, making these earbuds suitable for use in various settings.

The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 boasts a lightweight and comfortable design, similar to the Apple AirPods Pro 2, ensuring a secure and pleasant fit for extended listening sessions. With an IPX5 water-resistance rating, these earbuds can withstand sweat and light rain, making them a reliable companion for active Android users.

At a competitive price point of $150, the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 offers exceptional value for Android users seeking premium sound quality and advanced features. While they may lack some bells and whistles found in more expensive flagship earbuds, the Aurvana Ace 2 delivers where it matters most: audio performance and connectivity.

The best wireless earbuds for Android: Notable mentions

• Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC ($99.99 at Amazon): These are definitely a contender for some of the best affordable noise canceling earbuds based on performance and value. With an IPX4 rating, long battery life, LDAC support, and good ANC, these are worth a look.
• 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.
• 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 8 Active ($199 at Amazon): f you need highly durable earbuds, the Jabra Elite 8 Active deliver in spades. They will stay in your ears, provided you can get a good fit. The sound is good, and the noise canceling works well. Athletes who want something office-appropriate can rejoice.
• JLab Epic Lab Edition ($199.99 at Amazon): As the testbed for the latest generation of Knowles balanced armature drivers, these earbuds offer great sound quality paired with most of the top-flight features we expect from high-end earbuds make this one of the best buys in the category.
• Nothing Ear ($149 at Amazon): Anyone looking for wireless earbuds should consider the Nothing Ear. These earbuds are packed full of features that will please casual listeners and audiophiles alike.
• 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.
• Samsung Galaxy Buds FE ($99 at Amazon): As far as sub-$100 earbuds go, the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE are about as sure a bet as it gets, well-suited as commuter buddies on the train or in an airplane.
• 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.

What you should know about Android earbuds

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

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

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.

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

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.

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Frequently asked questions about wireless earbuds for Android