Finding the best wireless earbuds is harder than it should be. There are hundreds of options out there, and most of them promise the same things — great sound, long battery life, and noise canceling that blocks out the world.
After testing over 50 pairs this year, one clear winner emerged: the EarFun Air Pro 4.
They’re not the most expensive. They’re not from a premium brand. But they do everything well, and they cost less than $90. That’s a rare combination.
I’ve been reviewing audio gear at BestTechRadar for the past two years. I test earbuds by wearing them for weeks at a time — on commutes, during workouts, and while working from home. I don’t just read spec sheets. I live with these things.
Here’s what I found.
My Top Picks Right Now
Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick look at the earbuds that made the cut. Each one earned its spot for a specific reason.
| Category | Pick | Price | Why It Won |
| Best Overall | EarFun Air Pro 4 | $79 | Does everything well at a fair price |
| Best Under $50 | TOZO NC20 Pro | $45 | LDAC and ANC for under fifty bucks |
| Best for Android | SoundPEATS Air5 Pro | $70 | Snapdragon Sound, lowest latency |
| Best Sound Quality | SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ | $70 | xMEMS drivers sound incredible |
| Best ANC | Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro | $55 | 52dB noise reduction |
| Best Battery Life | TOZO Golden X1 | $55 | 50+ hours total, wireless charging |
| Best for Workouts | Soundcore Sport X20 | $60 | Secure fit, IP68 waterproof |
How I Test Wireless Earbuds
I don’t trust spec sheets. Manufacturers lie — or at least, they exaggerate. So I test everything myself.
Sound Quality I listen to a 60-track playlist that covers everything from hip-hop to classical to metal. I pay attention to three things: does the bass sound muddy or controlled? Are vocals clear or buried? Do the highs get harsh at higher volumes?
Comfort I wear each pair for at least 5 hours straight. If they cause ear fatigue or pressure, I note it. If they fall out when I turn my head, that’s a problem.
ANC Performance I test in three environments: a busy coffee shop, public transport, and next to a loud AC unit. Marketing claims mean nothing — I measure what actually gets blocked.
Battery Life I run them at 70% volume with ANC on until they die. Then I compare to what the box says. Most manufacturers test at 50% with ANC off. That’s not real-world use.
Call Quality I make phone calls in quiet rooms, on busy streets, and in windy conditions. If people can’t hear me, the earbuds fail.
Best Overall: EarFun Air Pro 4
Price: $79 | Battery: 11 hours (52 total) | ANC: Yes | Codecs: aptX Lossless, LDAC, AAC, SBC
The EarFun Air Pro 4 shouldn’t be this good for the price. But here we are.
I’ve tested earbuds that cost three times as much and don’t perform as well. The Air Pro 4 have aptX Lossless support, solid noise canceling, and a warm sound signature that works for most genres. That’s a feature set you’d expect from Sony or Bose — not a budget brand.
The Lowdown
EarFun has been quietly making some of the best budget audio gear for years now. The Air Pro 4 are their best earbuds yet, and it’s not even close.
Sound quality impressed me right out of the box. There’s a warmth to the low end that makes pop and R&B sound fantastic. Mids are clear enough for podcasts and audiobooks. Highs don’t get harsh even at louder volumes.
The ANC isn’t Bose-level, but it’s better than what you’d expect. It blocks out most office chatter and does a decent job on public transport. I used them on a flight last month and they made the engine noise much more tolerable.
Battery life claims are actually accurate — I got 10.5 hours with ANC on at 70% volume. That’s close enough to the advertised 11 hours that I’m not complaining.
Sound
EarFun tuned these for the mainstream listener. Bass is present without being overwhelming. There’s weight to kick drums and bass guitars, but it doesn’t bleed into the mids.
The midrange is where vocals live, and they come through clearly here. I listened to a lot of Phoebe Bridgers while testing, and her voice sat right where it should — front and center, with plenty of detail.
Highs are smooth. Cymbals don’t sound harsh, and there’s enough sparkle to keep things interesting. Sibilance isn’t a problem even at higher volumes.
One thing I noticed: the soundstage is wider than I expected for the price. Instruments have room to breathe, and the stereo imaging is solid.
Comfort
The Air Pro 4 use a stem design similar to the AirPods Pro. If you find that style comfortable, you’ll be fine here. If you hate it, these won’t change your mind.
I wore them for a full 8-hour workday without issues. They’re light enough that I forgot I was wearing them a few times. The silicon tips seal well without creating uncomfortable pressure.
EarFun includes multiple tip sizes in the box. I had to size up from my usual medium — something to keep in mind.
ANC
The noise canceling punches above its price. It’s not going to match the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, but it handles most daily situations well.
Office noise? Mostly gone. Coffee shop chatter? Reduced significantly. Airplane engines? Tolerable, but still present.
There’s a transparency mode that sounds natural enough. Voices come through clearly without too much digital processing. I used it when ordering coffee and had no issues hearing the barista.
App
The EarFun app is simple and clean. No account required — just download and connect. You get EQ presets, custom EQ, ANC controls, and a game mode for lower latency.
I appreciated that they didn’t overcomplicate things. Everything is where you’d expect it to be. The EQ actually makes a difference, unlike some apps where the changes are barely noticeable.
Battery Life
11 hours per charge with ANC on. 52 hours total with the case. Those numbers are real — I verified them.
The case charges via USB-C and supports wireless charging on the Pro model. A quick 10-minute charge gives you about 2 hours of playback, which is handy in a pinch.
What Could Be Better
The case is bulkier than I’d like. It fits in jeans pockets, but it’s not as sleek as the AirPods case.
There’s no multipoint connection. You can only connect to one device at a time, which might annoy people who switch between phone and laptop frequently.
Bottom line: If you want great earbuds without spending flagship money, the EarFun Air Pro 4 are the obvious choice.
Read our full EarFun Air Pro 4 review
Best Under $50: TOZO NC20 Pro
Price: $45 | Battery: 8 hours (80 total) | ANC: Adaptive | Codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC
Budget earbuds have no right being this good. The TOZO NC20 Pro support LDAC hi-res audio, have adaptive noise canceling, and come with a touchscreen charging case. Two years ago, this feature set would cost $150 or more.
The Lowdown
TOZO has figured out how to pack flagship features into budget prices. The NC20 Pro are proof.
The headline feature is LDAC support. That means higher quality audio streaming from Android phones — assuming your music source supports it. Spotify doesn’t, but Tidal and Amazon Music do.
Adaptive ANC adjusts to your environment automatically. It’s not as aggressive as manual modes, but it works well enough for daily use. The earbuds figure out what to block and handle it themselves.
Then there’s that touchscreen case. It shows battery percentage, lets you switch ANC modes, and controls playback. It’s a gimmick, sure, but it’s a useful one.
Sound
TOZO tuned the NC20 Pro for control rather than impact. Bass is tight and precise, but it won’t shake your skull. If you want booming low end, look elsewhere.
Mids are clean with good vocal presence. Highs are smooth without being dull. The overall signature is neutral-warm — safe, but enjoyable.
The LDAC codec makes a noticeable difference when streaming hi-res content. Everything sounds a bit more detailed, with better separation between instruments.
Comfort
The earbuds are larger than average. That’s my main comfort complaint.
They seal well and stay in place during normal activity. I wouldn’t run with them, but walking and commuting are fine. The silicon tips are soft and don’t cause fatigue during long sessions.
ANC
Adaptive ANC works differently than manual modes. Instead of you choosing how much noise to block, the earbuds decide for you.
It’s a mixed bag. In consistent noise environments like airplanes or offices, it works great. In unpredictable environments like busy streets, it can be slow to adjust.
There’s also a manual mode if you want more control. I ended up using that more often.
Battery Life
80 hours total. That’s not a typo.
The earbuds themselves last about 8 hours. The case holds another 9+ charges. You can go weeks without plugging anything in.
This is the best battery life of any earbuds I’ve tested. Period.
What Could Be Better
No multipoint connection. No wireless charging. The earbuds are a bit chunky.
But for $45? I’m not complaining.
Bottom line: The best budget earbuds you can buy right now. Nothing else comes close at this price.
Read our full TOZO NC20 Pro review
Best for Android: SoundPEATS Air5 Pro
Price: $70 | Battery: 7 hours (35 total) | ANC: Yes | Codecs: aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, AAC, SBC
If you use an Android phone, these earbuds will get the most out of it. Snapdragon Sound support means aptX Lossless streaming and a gaming mode with 45ms latency. iPhone users won’t benefit as much.
The Lowdown
Android has always had better Bluetooth codec support than iOS. The SoundPEATS Air5 Pro take full advantage.
Snapdragon Sound is Qualcomm’s certification for premium wireless audio. It combines aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, and low-latency gaming features into one package. You need a compatible phone to use it, but most flagship Android devices qualify.
The gaming mode is the real selling point for some people. 45ms latency is low enough for competitive mobile gaming. You won’t notice any delay between what you see and what you hear.
Sound quality leans bright. The Air5 Pro emphasize treble detail, which works great for genres like classical and acoustic. Bass-heavy listeners might want to adjust the EQ.
Sound
These are detailed earbuds. You hear things in familiar songs that you missed before.
The tuning emphasizes upper frequencies. Vocals are crisp and forward. Cymbals and hi-hats have real presence. It’s an exciting sound, but it can be fatiguing over long sessions.
Bass is there, but it’s not the focus. Kick drums have impact without dominating the mix. Sub-bass extension is decent for the price.
If you listen to a lot of electronic or hip-hop, dial down the treble in the app. It helps.
Comfort
Standard stem design. Comfortable for most ears, but nothing special.
The fit is secure enough for walking and light exercise. I wouldn’t trust them for running — there are better options for that.
ANC
Above average for the price. The Air5 Pro block more noise than most $70 competitors.
Transparency mode is solid. Voices sound natural, and there’s not much digital processing. I used it for conversations without needing to remove the earbuds.
Battery Life
7 hours per charge is below average. The case only adds 28 more hours.
If battery life is a priority, look at the TOZO NC20 Pro or EarFun Air Pro 4 instead.
What Could Be Better
Battery life is the main weakness. The bright tuning won’t suit everyone. iPhone users miss out on the best features.
Bottom line: The best earbuds for Android users who want maximum codec support and the lowest latency.
Read our full TOZO NC20 Pro review
Best Sound Quality: SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+
Price: $70 | Battery: 6.5 hours (43 total) | ANC: 45dB | Codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC
The Capsule3 Pro+ use xMEMS drivers instead of traditional dynamic drivers. They respond faster, produce less distortion, and sound noticeably cleaner. If audio quality matters more than anything else, these are the ones to get.
The Lowdown
xMEMS is a relatively new driver technology. Instead of a moving coil pushing air, xMEMS drivers use a solid-state silicon membrane. The result is faster response times and cleaner sound.
I was skeptical at first. New driver technologies often promise more than they deliver. But the Capsule3 Pro+ actually sound different — in a good way.
Detail retrieval is excellent. You hear micro-details that get lost on conventional drivers. The decay on cymbals, the texture of acoustic guitars, the breath between vocal phrases — it’s all there.
The tuning is neutral with a slight bass reduction. These aren’t for bassheads. They’re for people who want accuracy over impact.
Sound
This is where the xMEMS drivers shine.
Highs are crisp without being harsh. There’s detail up top that I don’t hear from most earbuds at this price. Cymbals shimmer instead of splash.
Mids are clean and uncolored. Vocals sound natural, with good presence and clarity. Instruments are well-separated in the mix.
Bass is controlled but not prominent. If you want thumping low end, use the EQ or look elsewhere. The Capsule3 Pro+ prioritize accuracy over fun.
Soundstage is impressive. There’s real width and depth here, more than you’d expect from in-ears.
Comfort
The Capsule3 Pro+ are lightweight and comfortable. I wore them for full workdays without issues.
The stem design works well. They sit securely and don’t fall out during normal activity.
ANC
45dB of noise reduction is strong for the price. The Capsule3 Pro+ block more than most competitors.
I tested them in a loud coffee shop and was impressed. Conversation noise dropped significantly, and the music came through clearly.
Battery Life
6.5 hours is below average. The case adds 36.5 more hours.
The shorter battery life is a trade-off for the xMEMS drivers. They use more power than conventional drivers.
What Could Be Better
Bass quantity is lower than mainstream tuning. Battery life is shorter than competitors. The case feels less premium than the earbuds.
Bottom line: The best-sounding earbuds under $100. Perfect for detail-oriented listeners.
Read our full SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ review
Best ANC: Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro
Price: $55 | Battery: 6.5 hours (28 total) | ANC: 52dB | Codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC
52dB of noise reduction puts the Redmi Buds 5 Pro near the top of the ANC charts — regardless of price. They cost $55. That’s absurd.
The Lowdown
Xiaomi doesn’t get enough credit in the West. The company makes legitimately good audio products at aggressive prices.
The Redmi Buds 5 Pro have the strongest ANC I’ve tested under $100. The 52dB rating isn’t just marketing — I felt the difference immediately. Airplane engine noise, office HVAC, street traffic — all reduced to background hum.
Sound quality is good, not great. There’s a bass emphasis that works for pop and hip-hop but can sound muddy with acoustic music. The app has EQ options to adjust.
Build quality is solid. IP54 water resistance handles sweat and light rain. The charging case is compact and pocket-friendly.
Sound
Xiaomi tuned these for bass lovers. Low end is prominent and punchy.
Mids get slightly overwhelmed when the bass hits hard. Vocals can sound recessed on bass-heavy tracks.
Highs are smooth but not particularly detailed. They’re fine, but they won’t impress audiophiles.
The EQ in the Xiaomi app helps. I reduced the bass and boosted mids for a more balanced sound.
Comfort
The fit is secure and comfortable. I wore them during gym sessions without issues.
Multiple tip sizes are included. I found my size easily and got a good seal on the first try.
ANC
This is why you buy these earbuds.
52dB of reduction is serious. The Redmi Buds 5 Pro block more noise than earbuds costing three times as much.
I tested them on a flight and was genuinely impressed. Engine noise dropped to a faint whisper. Conversation around me became inaudible with music playing.
Transparency mode is decent. Voices sound slightly processed but understandable.
Battery Life
6.5 hours per charge with ANC on. 28 hours total with the case.
That’s average. Not a strength, but not a weakness either.
What Could Be Better
The app requires a Xiaomi account. Sound quality doesn’t match the ANC performance. Bass can be overwhelming.
Bottom line: The best noise canceling you can buy under $100. Nothing else comes close.
Read our full Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro review
Best Battery Life: TOZO Golden X1
Price: $55 | Battery: 10 hours (50 total) | ANC: Hybrid | Codecs: LDAC, aptX Lossless, AAC, SBC
If you hate charging your earbuds, the Golden X1 solve that problem. 10 hours per charge with ANC on. 50 hours total with the case. You can go a full work week without touching a charger.
The Lowdown
TOZO keeps appearing on this list, and the Golden X1 are another reason why.
10 hours of battery life is rare. Most earbuds tap out around 6-8 hours. The Golden X1 just keep going.
Sound quality is solid thanks to a hybrid driver setup. There’s a dynamic driver for bass and a balanced armature for mids and highs. The result is detailed sound with good low-end punch.
The case includes wireless charging, which is a nice bonus at this price. Build quality is better than expected — these feel more expensive than $55.
Sound
The hybrid driver setup works well. Bass has impact without being bloated. Mids are clear. Highs have sparkle.
There’s a slight V-shaped tuning. Bass and treble are emphasized, with mids sitting slightly behind. It’s a fun sound that works for most genres.
LDAC and aptX Lossless support means you can stream hi-res audio if your source supports it.
Comfort
The Golden X1 are slightly bulkier than average. They fit well, but you’ll notice them in your ears.
The seal is secure. I didn’t have issues with them falling out during normal activity.
ANC
Hybrid ANC is good but not class-leading. It blocks most ambient noise effectively.
There are multiple ANC levels to choose from. I usually left it on the highest setting.
Battery Life
This is the main selling point.
10 hours per charge. 50 hours total. Those numbers are accurate — I verified them.
If you travel frequently or just hate charging things, these are the earbuds to buy.
What Could Be Better
Slightly bulky. ANC is good but not the best. Touch controls can be finicky.
Bottom line: The longest-lasting earbuds you can buy at any price.
Read our TOZO brand guide
Best for Workouts: Soundcore Sport X20
Price: $60 | Battery: 9 hours (48 total) | ANC: Yes | Codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC
IP68 waterproof. Secure ear hooks. Punchy bass to power your workouts. The Sport X20 are built for the gym.
The Lowdown
Workout earbuds need three things: they need to stay in place, handle sweat, and sound good enough to keep you motivated.
The Soundcore Sport X20 nail all three.
The ear hooks lock these earbuds in place. I ran, jumped, and did burpees — they didn’t budge. The IP68 rating means you can rinse them under water after a sweaty session.
Sound quality emphasizes bass, which works perfectly for workout playlists. There’s enough punch to keep you moving without overwhelming the rest of the mix.
ANC is a nice bonus for the gym. It blocks out the clanking weights and awful gym music so you can focus on your own playlist.
Sound
Bass-forward tuning. Kick drums hit hard. Bass lines have weight.
Mids are slightly recessed but still clear enough for vocals. Highs are present without being harsh.
This isn’t audiophile-grade sound, but it’s perfect for workouts. Energetic and punchy.
Comfort
The ear hooks are secure without being uncomfortable. I wore them for 2-hour gym sessions without issues.
Multiple tip and hook sizes are included. Finding the right fit took a few minutes but was worth it.
ANC
Good enough to block gym noise. Not Bose-level, but effective.
Transparency mode lets you hear announcements or conversations without removing the earbuds.
Battery Life
9 hours per charge is excellent for workout earbuds. The case adds 39 more hours.
You can charge them weekly and never worry about running out mid-workout.
What Could Be Better
The case is large. Sound quality prioritizes bass over detail. Not ideal for critical listening.
Bottom line: The best earbuds for gym goers and runners who need a secure, sweat-proof fit.
Also Tested: Notable Mentions
These earbuds didn’t make the main list, but they’re worth considering:
TOZO T6 ($25) – The best ultra-budget option. Sound is decent, battery is good, and they cost less than dinner. No ANC, but at this price, who cares?
SoundPEATS Air5 ($50) – Great value with aptX Adaptive support. Battery life is solid at 7 hours. ANC is basic but functional.
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC ($100) – Strong ANC and good sound at a fair price. Comfortable fit. The app is excellent.
TOZO HT3 ($60) – Over-ear style in a wireless earbud. 60-hour battery life is insane. Good for people who don’t like in-ear designs.
Monster Persona SE ANC ($80) – Surprisingly good sound from the Monster brand. ANC is effective. Build quality is solid.
Earbuds I Tested But Didn’t Recommend
Not everything makes the cut. Here’s what I passed on:
JLab Go Air Pop ($20) – Too much bass bloat drowns out everything else. There are better options at this price now.
QCY T13 ($25) – The advertised ANC is basically useless. Save your money for the TOZO T6.
Skullcandy Dime 2 ($30) – Connection drops constantly. Uncomfortable after 30 minutes.
How to Choose the Right Earbuds
Bluetooth Codecs Matter (Especially on Android)
Your earbuds can only sound as good as the Bluetooth codec allows.
SBC – Basic quality. Every device supports it. Sounds mediocre.
AAC – Good on iPhones, inconsistent on Android.
aptX / aptX HD – Better quality on Android. Not supported on iPhones.
aptX Lossless – Near CD-quality. Android only.
LDAC – Sony’s hi-res codec. Best quality available. Android only.
If you use an iPhone, codec selection matters less — you’re limited to AAC anyway. Android users should look for LDAC or aptX support.
Read our Bluetooth codec guide
ANC Types Explained
Feedforward ANC – Microphone outside the earbud. Good for consistent noises.
Feedback ANC – Microphone inside. Better at adapting to what you hear.
Hybrid ANC – Uses both. Most effective, but costs more.
Most budget earbuds use feedforward only. Hybrid ANC usually starts around $60-70.
Learn more about noise cancellation
IP Ratings Explained
IPX4 – Handles sweat and light rain.
IPX5 – Survives water jets. Good for heavy sweating.
IPX7 – Survives 30 minutes underwater.
IPX8 – Survives longer and deeper submersion.
For gym use, IPX4 is the minimum. For swimming, you need IPX7 or higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are expensive earbuds worth the extra money?
Do I need LDAC or aptX Lossless?
How long do wireless earbuds last before battery degrades?
Can I use wireless earbuds for gaming?
Why do some earbuds sound better on Android than iPhone?
How do I clean my earbuds?
What's the difference between ANC and passive isolation?
The Bottom Line
The wireless earbuds market has never been better for buyers. Features that cost $200 three years ago now show up in $50 earbuds.
My top pick is the EarFun Air Pro 4. They deliver premium features at a mid-range price and work great for most people.
If you’re on a tight budget, the TOZO NC20 Pro offer incredible value under $50.
Android users should look at the SoundPEATS Air5 Pro for the best codec support and lowest latency.
And if sound quality matters most, the SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ with xMEMS drivers are hard to beat.
We update this guide monthly as we test new releases. Last updated: February 2026.
