We love a bargain, and we also love trying out the latest bit of tech. If anything is going to make our lives easier, then we're all over it. Out with the old and in with the new, right? That means for our next lunchtime jog, commute to work, or gym sesh, we're making the switch from wired gadgets in favour of wireless ones, especially when it comes to earbuds and headphones.
It's crazy to think back to a pre-historic, non-wireless time, especially with how we listen to our tunes. Wireless earbuds are wonderfully convenient, they're comfortable, and they sound fab. What's even better is that nowadays, it won't cost you an arm and a leg to get yourself a really good pair.
Heat's best wireless earbuds at a glance:
The best wireless earbuds overall: Apple AirPods with wired Charging Case , £109 on Amazon
The best Sony wireless earbuds: Sony WF-1000XM4, £44 on Amazon
The best budget wireless earbuds: JLab Go Air Pop True Wireless Earbuds, £21.49 on Amazon
There's plenty to keep a look out for when it comes to choosing the perfect pair. Can you not live without noise cancelling? Are you after the absolute maximum listening time and battery life? We'll be the first to admit, they've also got to look great, too.
SHOP: The best wireless earbuds on the market right now
The best overall wireless earbuds
Apple
The world went mad when Apple blessed us with the infamous AirPods, and rightly so. The AirPods weren't just a set of earbuds, they were a new addition to your family of Apple devices. The 2nd generation AirPods are just brilliant, you get a universal fit, and brilliant sound quality, all for a very attractive price tag.
You don't get the noise cancelling that the later models and the AirPod Pros come with by default, but that doesn't negate the great listening experience these buds still offer - especially for the price.
Pros
- More universal fit
- Well priced
- Solid sound quality
Cons
- No noise cancelling
| Fit | Universal |
| One charge listening time | Up to five hours |
| Charging case listening time | +24 hours |
| Noise cancelling | No |
The best noise-cancelling wireless earbuds
AppleThe AirPods Pro are where Apple kicked things up a notch. Such is the way of all its tech, Apple always offers a "Pro" model for most of its products which comes with some nice little extras.
The AirPod Pros finally offer noise cancelling, and it's some of the best noise cancelling you can experience. The MagSafe charging case is a huge step up too, offering a total of 30 hours of listening time when fully charged.
The snug-fitting earbuds have had a mostly positive reception, although some users faced a similar dilemma - the AirPod Pros fit in the ear, but don't stay in the ear.
Pros
- Brilliant noise-cancelling technology
- Top-notch charging tech
- Very good audio delivery
Cons
- Won’t fit all ears
| Fit | Customisable |
| One charge listening time | Up to six hours |
| Charging case listening time | Up to 30 hours |
| Noise cancelling | Yes |
The best Sony wireless earbuds
SonyUsually with any tech, whether it be phones, tablets, or wireless earbuds, the newest generations tend to be vast improvements on the previous models. This isn't the case with the Sony WF-1000XM4 wireless earbuds. Yes, they're an upgrade from their predecessor but they're still widely recognised as being superior even since the release of the fifth edition.
This is Sony at its best. You might miss out on a few extra features in the newer versions but the sheer premium sound quality and the price make the WF-1000XM4 earbuds a clear winner.
Pros
- Premium Sony sound
- More affordable than ever
- Modern design and colours
Cons
- You’ll miss out on some features from the newer models
The best Beats wireless earbuds
BeatsBeats is a huge name in sound, even since its merging with Apple. The Best Studio range is an iconic line of high-end headphones which began with over-the-ear renditions. These are the best (and the only) Beats Studio Buds, it's a winning recipe, so why change it?
Of course, there is the argument that the Beats Buds are just a resprayed Apple AirPod. This may be the case, but what better option for someone who wants Apple quality but also wants to stand out from the crowd?
Pros
- Great brand/design alternative to Apple
- Excellent noise cancelling
- Quality sound
Cons
- Battery life could be better
- All the same Apple tech
| Fit | Customisable |
| One charge listening time | Eight hours |
| Charging case listening time | 24 hours |
| Noise cancelling | Yes |
The best budget wireless earbuds
JLabWant premium sound without the premium price tag? JLab has grown massively in popularity over recent years and there's a very good indicator as to why. When you think budget, you think cheaply made and averagely designed - JLab makes nothing close.
The JLab Go Air Pop earbuds take value for money to a new level. These buds are stylish, the sound input is phenomenal, especially for the mere price of £24.99. Bass junkies might be disappointed, but for the everyday listener, there's a lot to love here.
Pros
- Insane value for money
- Very good audio quality
- Stylish for a less designer brand
Cons
- Bass lovers will demand more
| Fit | Customisable |
| One charge listening time | 8+ hours |
| Charging case listening time | 32+ hours |
| Noise cancelling | No |
What are the benefits of true wireless earphones?
Convenience
No wires, no problems. Say goodbye to tangled wires and being frustrated that your phone doesn't have a headphone jack, true wireless is the way forward.
Powered up
Some true wireless headphones come with a charging case that doubles up as a power bank, which is great for charging your phone while on the go.
Battery life
When comparing true wireless earbuds to regular wireless earbuds, the battery life is better with the true wireless option if you consider the charging case.
Which wireless earbuds are the best?
There are so many amazing wireless earbuds out there and ultimately, it depends on you. Brands like Apple, Beats, Sony, and JLab are big names in the audio accessory world, there truly is a set of wireless earbuds for everyone.
Are wireless earbuds bad for your ears?
Like all things, it's everything in moderation, right? Correct. Wireless earbuds are not inherently bad for your ears, but excessive use at extreme levels could have health risks. Doctors recommend you take a break from listening at least every 60 minutes of straight listening time.
It's also recommended that you only listen at 60% of max volume for long periods, higher volumes should be reserved for shorter listening time.
How to pair wireless earbuds
Pairing your wireless earbuds through Bluetooth is a breeze, and it's usually a universal process across the board. Your earbuds will come with instructions that'll tell you exactly how to pair.
Typically, you'll first make sure you've switched on your earbuds and you've got Bluetooth enabled on your device. Most buds then ask that you hold down a button (usually power) to start the pairing process. Now, you should be able to pick up your earbuds through your device's Bluetooth settings, and easily connect.
Jack Barrell is Tech and Fitness Writer, predominantly working on What's The Best, but he contributes to tech content across CAR, Today’s Golfer, Heat, Yours, Closer, and Grazia. On his off-days, Jack can be found in the gym, at the movies, or flicking through a car mag.