In the last few years, more and more people have made the transition to wireless earbuds. It’s hardly surprising; they’re compact, easily portable and far more convenient than being restricted by a wire. While the plethora of options on the market is ideal, it can also be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve curated our top picks of 2021’s top 10 best wireless earbuds.
But first, what does ‘true wireless’ mean? This simply means your choice of headphones require no wires and instead depend on Bluetooth. These offer unparalleled freedom of movement, making them incredibly convenient and therefore popular!
Based on extensive product research and customer reviews, we’ve considered a variety of factors such as sound quality, waterproofing, noise cancellation, design and more, to bring you the definitive guide of which to buy. We’ll take you through out top 10, a round-up of the key features you as a buyer should look out for, and we’ve even answered some FAQ’s to finish off. Whether you’re after a pair for exercising, work calls or playing your tunes, we’re sure to have the best true wireless earbuds for you.
Top 10 Best True Wireless Earbuds
First up is an overview of our top 10 wireless earbuds so you can make an informed purchase. No one pair meets everyone’s needs, so we’ve included a handy pros and cons list for each of our recommendations.
1. Samsung Galaxy Buds+
The premium version of the original Samsung Galaxy Buds (see no. 9), these Buds Plus true wireless earbuds are ideal for everyone, but particularly music lovers. With sound by AKG, a two-way speaker system and a boosted driver, the treble and bass on these earbuds is brilliant. Without doubt, these provide premium sound and, therefore, a premium audio performance.
For those looking to take calls, long gone are the days of muffled voices, shouting down the phone against irritating background noise. Instead, the 3-mic system, comprised of 1 Inner Mic and 2 Outer Microphones, ensures high clarity calls. This system enhances the speaker’s voice by blocking out any distracting background/surrounding sounds. And coupled with a long-lasting battery, you needn’t worry about your wireless earbuds cancelling on you during a busy day. These wireless earbuds provide up to 11 hours of charge alone, or over 22 hours with the Samsung Galaxy charging case. Better yet, fast charging makes life convenient if you’re on the go. For example, around 3 minutes of charge will give you 1 hours playback time. The Galaxy charging case is included with your purchase, however you can also charge these on any Qi compatible wireless charger or if you’re a Samsung Galaxy smartphone user, grab some spare power straight from your phone.
Design-wise, these come in four colour ways – Black, White, Blue or Red – making them stylish as well as practical. In fact, Samsung have prioritised ergonomics in the design of the ear tips and wing tips so that your pair will fit comfortably in your ears for long periods of time. Moreover, with iOS and Android compatibility, these buds’ bluetooth is highly compatible with most smartphones, tablets and even PC’s. Our only issue with the design is that at 6.3g an Earbud, there are definitely more light-weight options available. Nevertheless, considering the battery capacity and quality sound system, their marginally heavier weight is well justified.
A unique feature to the Samsung Galaxy Buds is the Ambient Aware setting. Basically, this setting allows users to manage how much surrounding noise they want to hear. This feature is perfect for those out running or walking along busy streets, preventing any dangerous situations going unnoticed. It is worth noting that even without Ambient Aware, the Galaxy Buds do not provide Active Noise Cancellation so for those wanting a completely immersive experience, these may not be the best for you.
Overall, these are incredible true wireless earbuds, which are certainly versatile for a wide-range of users and uses.
To sum up –
Best Features
- 2-way dynamic speaker system
- Ambient Aware2 Setting
- 22 hours charge (with charging case)
- Can be controlled from your smartphone, smartwatch, tablet or even your Alexa
- 3 built-in microphones (2 outer mics, 1 inner mic)
2. Boltune Bluetooth V5.0
Priced at less than $40, these are a truly affordable pair of wireless earbuds. If you’re on a budget or investing in your first pair, the Boltune earbuds are definitely our most affordable recommendation.
Unlike the Galaxy Buds+, the Boltune V5.0 wireless earbuds weigh in at just under 5g, making them incredibly lightweight. Moreover their clever design means they’re compact too, making them highly portable and perfect for on-the-go. Design-wise these are rather simplistic. They only come in one finish – matte-black – but this does make them versatile and stylish. Practicality wise, the button control on each earbud allows users to adjust volume easily and quickly. The rubber-based ear tip and varying sized tips included, provides a secure fit for most ears; this ensures they don’t slip out but also that they achieve a decent level of sound isolation.
For the price, this pair provide an excellent sound experience. However, they can overpower certain mid frequencies. They also come fitted with a mic, meaning you can easily take calls or send voicenotes if necessary.
The definite selling point of the Boltune earbuds is their Bluetooth 5.0 technology, which provides incredible connection for a wide range of gadgets. This is particularly ideal for those using their wireless earbuds whilst out and about as you won’t have to risk losing connection in lower signal areas. Moreover, the IPX8 (yes eight!) waterproofing makes this pair incredibly practical for exercise-lovers who may battle against the elements.
Compared to other pairs, these have a fairly low listening time at only six hours. As well, the charging time can be fairly slow. Nevertheless, the charging case does provide an additional 30 hours of music playback before they would need to be plugged in again.
To sum up –
Best Features
- Highly waterproof – IPX8 Level
- Lightweight and compact
- Bluetooth 5 technology
- Budget-friendly price point
3. TOZO T6 True Wireless Earbuds
The TOZO T6 true wireless earbuds strike the balance between affordable and high-quality. With a classy black design, soft tips and a slim body, these prioritise style and usability. In fact, the TOZO T6 come with 3 different size rubber tips. Well-fitted ear tips are essential for ensuring your earbuds achieve maximum sound quality and muffle background sound. It also means those using their earbuds for exercising won’t have to worry about the risk of them falling out their ears! Moreover, their IPX8 level is impressive, meaning worry not if you’re someone who sweats a lot! In fact, you could even wear these in the shower if you really wanted to. We also were a fan of the Touch Controls, which is more convenient and sleeker than button controlled earbuds.
Unfortunately the TOZO wireless earbuds do not have a long battery life, only around 5 hours. However, for those using them intermittently throughout the day this is more than enough battery life. Just remember to pop them back in their charging case when they’re not in use. Moreover, the TOZO’s have Qi wireless charging meaning they can be charged on any Qi-enabled charger. This is a feature that not all earbuds have, especially not at such an affordable price, so it is definitely a game-changer.
For what they lack in battery life, they certainly gain in the quality of sound and connectivity. The Bluetooth 5.0 tech and Hi-Fi Stereo Sound means these wireless earbuds do not compromise where it matters. Some users report have initial connection problems, in particular with their iPhones. However, this seems to be a short-term issue that is very easily resolved. Ultimately, if you want an affordable pair that pack a punch for music listening, these are definitely your pair.
To sum up –
Best Features
- Bluetooth 5 tech
- Waterproof – IPX8
- Hi-Fi Stereo Sound
- Touch Controlled
4. Bose SoundSport Wireless Earbuds
Unlike any of our other recommendations so far the SoundSport Wireless Earbuds were designed with sport in mind (the clues in the name!)
When exercising, a secure fit is imperative. That’s why we were so impressed with the multiple sized ear-tips available, the rubber wings that hook onto your outer ear and even a handy neck cable. With the Bose SoundSport buds, you definitely do not need to worry about the risk of your earbuds falling out. Lightweight too, Bose has prioritised comfort when designing this pair. Moreover, their IPX4 rating means this pair is also reasonably sweat and weather resistant, which is essential for sport-use.
Bose is, of course, well regarded for the sound quality of its headphones. And these wireless earbuds are no exception. Users report excellent quality of sound which means you can get easily immersed in your favorite album as you run the streets or cycle rocky pathways. However, if you’re after complete noise blockage, this pair do not provide ANC. Personally, we think no ANC is a safer option for those exercising so you can remain aware and vigilant.
Bose also provide a handy companion app – Connect App – which alongside the earbuds NFC Pairing, means you can easily connect (and switch) between your devices. The App also works in conjunction with Tile so you can easily locate your wireless earphones if you ever lose them.
This pair have up to six hours battery life, which is significantly less than others on the market. However, in terms of exercising, it is more than enough battery life to get you through a workout or even a day-long hike. You’ll just have to charge them a couple times a week so you’re not caught short. Nonetheless, given their expensive price-point (around $130), it is hardly surprising that some wish they boasted a longer battery life.
Ultimately the Bose SoundSport have a specific target audience, but we think they’re versatile enough to also serve commuters or those after a pair for travelling.
To sum up –
Best Features
- Designed for exercise – good sweat resistance
- Up to six hours battery life
- Companion App and NFC Pairing
- Easy-to-use remote for controlling sound, music and calls
5. TOZO NC9 Hybrid True Wireless Earbuds
The TOZO NC9 are our first pick which feature Active Noise Cancellation. Indeed, it features incredibly clever mic technology to do so. The outward and inward-facing microphones help detect external and internal sounds, which is then countered with anti-noise. This works to allow you to have a more immersive sound experience if you’re playing songs or watching films. Indeed, the 9.2mm speakers also improve their sound performance. ANC also isolates and, therefore, improves the clarity of your voice if using the wireless earphones to make a call.
However, the TOZO NC9 True Wireless Earbuds also come well equipped with ‘Transparent Mode’. In short, this feature allows you to let in outside sound when necessary, i.e. if you were on a train or at a road-crossing.
The TOZO NC9’s boast over 8 hours battery life from one single charge, as well as an additional 24 hours when in their charging case. The ability to wirelessly charge is incredibly convenient, particularly for days where you’ll be using your earbuds for long stretches of time. Yet, some users have reported experiencing slightly lower hours of battery life than TOZO advertise.
Like some of our other recommendations, these wireless earbuds come with advanced Bluetooth 5.0. The one-step bluetooth connecting process also facilitates quick and convenient connectivity between your wireless earphones and your device. This is especially convenient if you want to grab and use while you’re on the go, saving you the hassle from the, often, cumbersome bluetooth connecting processes of other devices.
From a design perspective, the TOZO NC9 have a sleek black design with gel silicone ear tips. The easy Touch Controlled sensors also make for a convenient customer experience, allowing you to easily perform desired functions. Furthermore, we were impressed by their relatively high IPX6, which makes them great for exercising or low-levels of water.
To sum up –
Best