Bowers & Wilkins PI7 S2: Whereas they have been changed by the brand new and improved PI8s, the PI7 S2s, which function a dual-driver design, stay among the many very best-sounding true-wireless earbuds. The step-down PI5 S2s, which have a single-driver design, do not sound fairly nearly as good however are extra inexpensive. Study extra in regards to the high-quality headphones in my full Bowers & Wilkins PI7 S2 earbuds evaluate.
Sony LinkBuds S: In contrast to the “open” LinkBuds, the LinkBuds S are conventional noise-isolating earbuds with suggestions you jam in your ears. They’re extra compact and lighter than Sony’s former flagship WF-1000XM4 and in addition function Sony’s V1 processor. (Sony has since launched the extra compact WF-1000XM5.) Whereas their sound and noise canceling do not fairly measure as much as both XM4s or XM5s, they’re nonetheless fairly good. They’re the Sony buds for individuals who need 80% of Sony’s flagship earbuds’ options and efficiency for considerably much less. Learn my full Sony Linkbuds S evaluate to see how they stack up.
Jabra Elite 10: Sure, the Jabra Elite 10s have some potential drawbacks: Their noise canceling is lighter in contrast with opponents, they’re expensive at $249, they usually’ll most likely have to return down a bit to higher compete with the AirPods Professional 2 — at the very least for Apple customers. Nonetheless, they’re actually good earbuds that aren’t solely comfy to put on for lengthy intervals but in addition sound wonderful. Study extra in regards to the Elites in my full Jabra Elite 10 evaluate.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX: Bang & Olufsen’s $399 Beoplay EX buds are the corporate’s finest true-wireless earbuds. They function a snug, safe match (besides maybe for these with actually smaller ears), top-notch construct high quality, nice sound, good noise canceling and improved voice-calling efficiency over B&O’s EQ buds, with three microphones in every earbud they assist with decreasing background noise whereas selecting up your voice. Whereas they’re out of most individuals’s worth level, they’re arguably one of the best earbuds on the market with stems and supply barely superior sound to the AirPods Professional 2 with higher readability, deeper extra highly effective bass and richer, extra correct sound. I regarded on the earbuds in my hands-on of the Band & Olufsen Beoplay EX once they debuted in 2022.
Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9: Audio-Technica has put out a number of really wi-fi earbuds over the previous few years, however none of them have been good. That modifications with the ATH-TWX9, which sports activities a premium design plus premium sound and a reasonably strong function set, together with robust lively noise canceling, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing and a case geared up with wi-fi charging and UV LED sterilization. Within the field, you may additionally discover a plethora of ear tip choices and I used to be capable of tight seal and cozy match. These buds are IPX4 splash-proof and are rated for six hours of battery life at average quantity ranges.
1More Evo: Recognized for delivering good bang for the buck, 1More has launched a extra premium set of buds which might be geared up with a 10mm dynamic driver paired with a balanced armature. They’ve help for Sony’s LDAC codec for high-resolution wi-fi streaming over Bluetooth with music providers like Qobuz or Tidal that supply high-resolution music recordsdata. The Evo buds sound higher than the corporate’s different earbuds, providing higher readability and bass definition in addition to a comparatively broad soundstage. Additionally they function strong noise canceling, multipoint Bluetooth pairing, wi-fi charging, a transparency mode and an IPX4 splashproof score. Battery life is rated at 5.5 hours with ANC on and eight hours with out it off. A 15-minute fast cost provides you 4 hours of juice.
Beyerdynamic Free Byrd: Beyerdynamic could also be late to the sport, but it surely’s lastly launched its first true-wireless earbuds, which function lively noise canceling, as much as 11 hours of battery life (with noise canceling off) and spectacular sound high quality. Study extra in regards to the debut buds in my full Beyerdynamic Free Byrd evaluate.
Sony WF-1000XM4: Launched in 2021, Sony’s WF-1000XM4 earned a CNET Editors’ Selection Award. They’re nonetheless wonderful earbuds, however Sony has now launched the next-gen WF-1000XM5. They could be choice for those who discover them at low cost. See why they earned such excessive marks in my full Sony WF-1000XM4 evaluate.
Ultimate Audio ZE8000: Japan-based Ultimate Audio, which makes some high-end audiophile headphones, together with the $4,299 D8000 Professional, has launched its ZE8000 ($199) true-wireless earbuds that function a singular stick design and wonderful sound. The most important suggestions match my ears comfortably and securely, although they do stick out a bit.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wi-fi 3: The Sennheiser Momentum True Wi-fi 3 have been among the many finest new true-wireless earbuds of 2022. They’re nonetheless among the many finest true-wireless earbuds, however Sennheiser has launched the upgraded Momentum True Wi-fi 4. Additionally, the newer AirPods Professional 2 and Sony WF-1000XM5 buds are arguably superior, so solely look to purchase the Momentum True Wi-fi 3 once they’re considerably discounted. Nonetheless, they provide some fairly spectacular options that I observed in my full evaluate of the Sennheiser Momentum True Wi-fi 3.
JBL Reside Professional 2: Over time, JBL has put out some first rate true-wireless earbuds, however nothing that actually obtained me too excited. That is lastly modified with the arrival of the Samsung-owned model’s new Reside Professional 2 and Reside Free 2 buds. Each units of buds — the Reside Professional 2 have stems whereas the Reside Free 2 have a pill-shaped design — supply a snug match together with robust noise canceling, superb sound high quality and voice-calling efficiency, plus a sturdy set of options, together with multipoint Bluetooth pairing, an IPX5 splash-proof score and wi-fi charging.
