Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: Google’s redesigned its Pixel Buds Pro 2 to fit more ears better. Not only are the Pixel Buds Pro 2 smaller than their predecessor but Google’s equipped them with its new Tensor A1 chip, which offers more processing power and enables its new “hands-free, eyes-free” Gemini virtual AI assistant. So long as you get a snug fit and tight seal (yes, that’s critical for sound quality and noise-canceling performance), these buds deliver excellent sound, strong noise-muffling capabilities and a robust feature set, particularly for Android and Google Pixel phone users.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4: Sennheiser makes some of the best-sounding noise-canceling earbuds and the Momentum True Wireless 4 sound great, though their noise canceling and voice-calling performance don’t measure up to what you get with flagship models from Bose, Sony and Apple earbuds. Rumor has it that Sennheiser will release the Momentum True Wireless 5 in 2026, so we removed the Wireless 4 from the list.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: Now that the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro have arrived, the Buds 3 Pro are no longer the latest and greatest earbuds from Samsung. They’re still quite good and have essentially the same features at the Buds 4 Pro along with integrated LEDs in their stems (something missing from the new model), so if you can get them at a good discount, they’re worth considering. The Buds 4 Pro do offer better performance and a slightly better fit. Read my Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro review. 

Sony WF-1000XM5: Sony has released the new WF-1000XM6 earbuds, which are noticeably improved from the earlier XM5s, which still are appealing earbuds and should be nicely discounted now that the XM6 has arrived. Read my Sony WF-1000XM5 review.

Master & Dynamic MW08: These buds may not fit everyone’s ear equally well, but they certainly have a distinct look, as well as excellent sound and a great listening experience if you can get a tight seal (I was able to get a secure fit with the largest tip). They deliver more of an audiophile sound profile, with smooth, well-balanced sound and well-defined bass.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX: Bang & Olufsen’s $399 Beoplay EX buds are the company’s best true-wireless earbuds. They feature a comfortable, secure fit (except perhaps for those with really smaller ears), top-notch build quality, great sound, good noise canceling and improved voice-calling performance over B&O’s EQ buds, with three microphones in each earbud they help with reducing background noise while picking up your voice. They’re out of most people’s price range, but they’re arguably the best earbuds out there with stems and offer slightly superior sound to the AirPods Pro 2 with better clarity, deeper more powerful bass and richer, more accurate sound. If you’re interested in the pricy model, check out my full Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX hands-on.

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