Wired Updates Its Guide to the Best Wireless Earbuds for 2026
Wired has refreshed its wireless earbuds buying guide, highlighting top picks for different needs after weeks of hands-on testing. Google, Apple, Samsung, Bose, JLab, Shokz and Beats models topped the various categories.
Tech publication Wired updated its wireless earbuds guide in August 2026, drawing on weeks of testing across hundreds of earbud models covering music listening, calls, commuting and workouts.
Picks for Different Needs
The Google Pixel Buds 2a were named best for most people, offering compact, waterproof design and solid sound at an affordable price, though they lack wireless charging and volume controls.
For iPhone owners, Wired recommends the Apple AirPods Pro 3, which bring improved ear tips, longer battery life, a higher water-resistance rating, real-time translation and heart rate monitoring. Samsung phone owners are pointed to the Galaxy Buds4 Pro, praised for extensive customization and strong noise canceling but held back by only average battery life.
For Android users generally, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 were highlighted for their eight-hour battery life and built-in access to the Gemini Live AI assistant.
Other Categories
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) were named best for noise canceling, offering near-total silence and spatial audio features useful for travel. In the budget category, the roughly $30 JLab Audio Go Pop ANC stood out for offering features typically found in pricier models.
For outdoor use, the open-ear Shokz OpenDots 2 were recommended for their comfort and up to 10 hours of battery life, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 were named best for workouts thanks to a secure fit and built-in heart rate sensor, despite weaker water resistance than some rivals.
