WIRED’s latest wireless-earbuds guide names Google’s Pixel Buds 2a as the best option for most people, citing their balance of sound quality, comfort, useful features and price. The outlet says its recommendations draw on testing hundreds of models, and notes that the guide was updated in August 2026 with revised picks, specifications and prices.
The Pixel Buds 2a offer active noise cancellation, an IP54 rating and up to seven hours of battery life with noise cancellation on, or 20 hours including the case. They work with Android and iPhone, but do not support wireless charging. WIRED says buyers prioritizing sound, battery life or noise cancellation may find stronger performance in more expensive models.
For iPhone owners, the guide recommends Apple’s AirPods Pro 3, pointing to their integration with iOS, improved fit, eight-hour battery life with noise cancellation enabled and IP57 rating. The earbuds also add real-time translation and heart-rate monitoring. Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro are the pick for Samsung phone users, thanks to features tailored to that ecosystem and effective noise cancellation, though WIRED notes their six-hour battery life with ANC on and occasional control issues.
Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 are the guide’s Android recommendation. WIRED highlights their comfort, noise cancellation and eight-hour battery life, along with support for Google’s Gemini Live assistant. For noise reduction, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) are the top choice, with the review praising their isolation, call quality and spatial audio features. They provide six hours of playback with ANC on, or 24 hours with the case.
The budget pick is JLab’s Go Pop ANC, which WIRED says offers noise-cancellation and transparency modes, an app with adjustable equalization and controls, and an IP55 rating. The guide also recommends Shokz OpenDots for open-ear listening, citing comfort and up to 10 hours of battery life, and Beats PowerBeats Pro 2 for workouts. The Beats’ secure ear-hook fit and built-in heart-rate sensors are among their strengths, while their IPX4 rating is a limitation for exercise use.
The guide’s honorable mentions include Nothing Ear (3a), Soundcore Space A40 and Status Audio Pro X. WIRED advises against the Beats Solo Buds and Samsung Galaxy Buds4, citing limited features in the former and discomfort and comparatively weak noise cancellation in the latter.
Sources: WIRED.