Best Wireless Earbuds

Wireless earbuds have become an almost indispensable part of daily modern life. We love having our music and podcasts readily available when commuting to work, exercising at the gym, on the trail, or just relaxing at home. With so many options available, ensuring you’re getting the most suitable earbuds for your budget and lifestyle can be challenging. That’s where Sweetwater comes in: we have the scoop on the best wireless earbuds under $100, $200, and $300. Peruse this list, and you’re guaranteed to find your best buds.

Want to learn how to buy the best wireless earbuds for you? Check out our Wireless Earbuds Buying Advice below!

Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!

Best Wireless Earbuds Under $100Best Wireless Earbuds Under $200Best Wireless Earbuds Under $300

Best Wireless Earbuds Under $100

Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW Bluetooth Earphones

Splashproof buds for the home, gym, or pool

Up first are the Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW Bluetooth earphones. These beauties feature 5.8mm drivers for excellent audio quality, 6-1/2 hours of battery life (plus 13 hours with the charging case), and hear-through capability. They are perfect for watching shows, playing games, or listening to music while being aware of your environment. The ATH-SQ1TWs also provide IPX4 splashproof protection, which is great for the gym or lounging by the pool. The ATH-SQ1TWs power on as soon as you take them out of their case, and Android device users will benefit from immediate Bluetooth coupling thanks to Fast Pair. Finally, the ATH-SQ1TWs also have touch sensors that make for effortless navigation when selecting music and answering calls.

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JBL Lifestyle Tune 230NC Wireless Noise-canceling Earbuds

Versatile earbuds that can go almost anywhere

Are you looking for a versatile set of buds that won’t break the bank? These JBL Lifestyle Tune 230NC wireless noise-canceling earbuds may be just what you’re after. Their multiple listening modes make them excel in many situations. Noise-canceling mode immerses you in your music, games, and other media, and TalkThru suspends noise-canceling mode when you need to communicate with others. Ambient Aware mode is for those times when you need to remain more conscious of your surroundings, like at the gym. Speaking of the gym, the JBL Lifestyle Tune 230NCs are IPX4 water- and sweat-resistant, and they come with three different ear-tip sizes, so you’re sure to find the perfect fit. The JBL Lifestyle Tune 230NCs aren’t just versatile, however. Their audio quality is excellent, with 6mm drivers, JBL Pure Bass Sound technology, and four integrated mics that deliver crystal clear phone and video call audio.

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JBL Lifestyle Endurance Peak 3 Sport True Wireless Earbuds

Rugged buds with loads of bass

If you’re looking for budget sports buds, then it’s tough to beat the JBL Lifestyle Endurance Peak 3 sport true wireless earbuds. They’re guaranteed to stay in place during rigorous gym sessions thanks to their TwistLock and Powerhook features. Plus, with 10mm drivers, you’ll have plenty of invigorating bass to make you want to move. Should you receive a call during your routine, never fear: TalkThru technology enables hands-free answering and speaking, and the four beamforming mics (two in each earbud) make your voice perfectly intelligible. If you exercise outside, then Ambient Aware mode will keep you safe by allowing in sound from your environment. Plus, the earbuds’ IP68 dustproof and waterproof design will keep them working even after a bit of unexpected rain. Finally, JBL’s Headphones app lets you personalize your Peak 3 buds to make them truly yours.

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Best Wireless Earbuds Under $200

Mackie MP-20TWS True Wireless Stereo Earphones with Active Noise Canceling

Ready to work with your smart assistants

Smart assistants have revolutionized many aspects of our lives, and the Mackie MP-20TWS true wireless stereo earphones with active noise canceling are ready to partner with Google Assistant and Siri to make your daily tasks even more accessible. Take calls, send texts, get directions, and more, all from your laptop, smartphone, or tablet. You’ll have fantastic call quality with the MP-20TWSs’ built-in mics and MIS Hybrid Active Noise Canceling. Simply jamming to some music will be a joy, too, thanks to a hybrid dual-driver Knowles balanced armature and custom dynamic driver for each earbud to handle low-end thump. Plus, these feature three Knowles SiSonic mics per side for optimum noise canceling and call quality. Bluetooth 5.2 delivers low-latency media streaming, and these earphones come with three different ear-tip sizes.

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Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless Earbuds

Customizable buds with incredibly wide frequency response

Those concerned primarily with pristine audio quality on a budget should check out the Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless earbuds. Sporting a 5Hz–21kHz frequency response plus a single-driver system coupled with a TrueResponse transducer, the CX Plus earbuds will surely bring out every detail in your tunes. Plus, Sennheiser’s Smart Control App lets you adjust EQ, noise cancellation, transparency, and much more to help you hear your music exactly how you want to. The CX Plus buds also feature an active noise cancellation mode and a Transparent Hearing mode that can be toggled on or off with the app. Finally, the CX Plus earbuds are IPX4 splash-resistant and come with an ear adapter set, charging case, and USB-C cable.

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Best Wireless Earbuds Under $300

Beyerdynamic Free Byrd In-ear Noise-canceling Bluetooth Earbuds

Large drivers and advanced codec support

Audiophiles will appreciate these Beyerdynamic Free Byrd in-ear noise-canceling Bluetooth earbuds for several reasons. Firstly, their unique 12.5mm driver plus two additional dual drivers deliver an incredibly expressive sound. Secondly, these drivers also support high-fidelity formats like AAC and Qualcomm aptX Adaptive. The Free Byrds also come with Google Fast Pair technology that quickly pairs with any Bluetooth device and delivers incredibly fast connections with very low latency — perfect for video calls, streaming, and more. These points enable the Free Byrds to provide an otherworldly listening experience, especially with active noise cancellation. Other welcome additions include eight pairs of exchangeable ear tips, a charging case, a USB-A to USB-C cable, and MIY app compatibility for user customization.

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Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 Earbuds

Convenient wireless charging and Hybrid Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation

Sennheiser’s other offering in this price point, the Momentum True Wireless 3 earbuds, are similar to the CX Plus True Wireless buds but with a few key differences. Firstly, the Momentums feature three mics per earbud compared to the CX Plus earbuds’ two, so the Momentum offers enhanced clarity for your voice during audio and video calls. Secondly, the charging case of the Momentums offers uber-convenient Qi wireless charging. Thirdly, the Momentums feature Hybrid Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation technology that automatically increases or decreases noise cancellation as it intelligently adapts to the background noise level in your surrounding environment. Finally, the Momentums come with small, medium, and large sets of silicon fins and earbud adaptors for a more secure fit.

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Shure Aonic 215 True Wireless Earphones with Bluetooth

Over-the-ear design that stays firmly in place

Fans of over-the-ear earbuds should take note of these Shure Aonic 215 True Wireless earphones with Bluetooth, as they’re the only buds on our list with this design (plus, they come with a “fit kit” that includes multiple sleeves). Naturally, this means that the Aonic 215s will stay securely in place whether you’re commuting or exercising. You’ll likely want to dance, too, thanks to renowned Shure audio quality, customized listening settings from the ShurePlus PLAY App, and a whopping 37dB of noise cancellation. And the Aonic 215s’ IPX4 rating means you don’t need to worry about getting sweaty. Finally, the Aonic 215 earbuds’ Environment mode lets you hear what’s happening around you, and their removable cables allow you to use the Aonic 215s with other Shure accessories.

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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

Proprietary Apple Spatial Audio steals the show

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) feature a bevy of cutting-edge specs. Apple’s H2 chip joins the AirPods Pro’s driver and amplifier to generate incredible sound and Apple’s own Active Noise Cancellation (twice as much as the AirPods Pro (1st-generation)). Those who own an iPhone 11 through 14 with iOS16 or later will benefit from using Apple’s TrueDepth camera to create their unique Head-related Transfer Function (HRTF) model. In other words, by scanning the outside of your ear, Apple will create a unique Personalized Spatial Audio profile for you, which then can be used across your Apple devices to listen to music in their proprietary Apple Spatial Audio (with adaptive EQ) for an immersive experience. These AirPods Pro also feature dynamic head tracking, which, in addition to music, also works with Group FaceTime calls to family and friends. Finally, the AirPods Pro have touch controls and are IP54 rated, making them sweat and water-resistant.

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Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9 True Wireless Earphones with Bluetooth

Incredible frequency range, plus easily located

We’ve all set something down and later forgot where we put it. However, that won’t be an issue with the Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9 true wireless earphones with Bluetooth. Audio-Technica’s CONNECT app allows you to customize your listening parameters, like EQ and ambience control (and much more), and provides you with a very convenient “product locator” function in case you’ve misplaced your ATH-TWX9s. You may not need it, though, as the 5.8mm driver and astonishing 10Hz–40kHz frequency range of the ATH-TWX9s mean they’ll always be with you! What’s more, the ATH-TWX9s support immersive audio via Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound, Qualcomm aptX Adaptive audio, and Sony 360 Reality Audio. When it’s time for a call, Qualcomm cVc Generation 8.0 technology plus dual MEMS (micro-electromechanical system) mics guarantee that your voice is crystal clear. Finally, the ATH-TWX9s allow multipoint pairing for two simultaneous Bluetooth connections, and their charging case is compatible with Qi wireless charging bays (not included).

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Wireless Earbuds Buying Advice

“What are the best wireless earbuds?” This is a question our in-house audiophiles frequently get. There’s no simple answer. What’s best for one listener might be lacking for another, and vice versa. A good first step is to ask yourself what’s most important in your daily listening. Are you a commuter who primarily listens to music on the train or in public? Then, earbuds with passive or active noise cancellation should be paramount. This technology will help block out ambient noise from air conditioners and busy cityscapes so you can be immersed in your music and audio.

Is big bass what stirs your musical soul? You’ll want to look for earbuds with larger drivers and extended low-frequency response. You’ll also enjoy an earbud that includes multiple ear tips to help you create the perfect seal in your ear canal. This will further enhance bass transmission. Also important to many listeners is battery life. Some earbuds on the market can provide a full workweek of use between wired charges, thanks to their high-capacity charging cases.

These are all important points, but there are a couple of other things to consider, too, such as earbuds with and without app support and establishing a good cleaning regimen for your buds.

Do I Need Earbuds with App Support?How Often Do I Clean My AirPods & Earbuds?

Do I Need Earbuds with App Support?

Many wireless earbuds today are supported by a first-party smartphone app. While not necessary, these apps can unlock worlds of customization within your earbuds. Custom EQ curves, custom touch/swipe commands, ambient sound levels (to hear the world around you), and on-demand firmware updates are just the tip of the iceberg. Check your brand’s earbuds app for more information on available customizations.

On the other hand, many Sweetwater earbuds customers are delighted with a standard configuration and listening experience. There’s an argument to be made for the freedom of not needing to download another app to one’s device to enhance one’s listening experience. Fortunately, these smartphone apps are almost always optional and not required for daily listening enjoyment.

How Often Do I Clean My AirPods & Earbuds?

It may not be pretty, but maintaining the cleanliness of your Apple AirPods and wireless earbuds is crucial for keeping them sounding their best. When you’re dealing with audio drivers that are only 7mm large, any trace amount of particulate can impede those soaring highs and pounding lows.

How often should you clean your earbuds? We recommend an as-needed regimen. If your ears are highly productive and you see particulate inside your earbuds after every use, then clean them after every use. If you can go a week or a month between cleanings, then more power to you. The key is consistency. Trust us: you don’t want to skip this crucial maintenance step and suffer loss of audio quality as a result. How do you clean AirPods and earbuds? It’s less daunting than you may think!

Let’s Be Buds! Call Sweetwater for a One-on-one Earbuds Consult

Wireless earbuds are truly one of the most significant modern inventions. They’re simply unrivaled for giving us on-the-go media access that is both discreet and tailored to our own preferences. With so many companies making such great earbuds options, this gives us loads of great wireless earbuds to consider. As always, your Sweetwater Sales Engineer has your back! If you ever have any questions or concerns as to which buds are best for you, then don’t hesitate to call us at (800)-222-4700!

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