The best true wireless earbuds of 2021 have the most advanced audio technology available today and are similar to almost any pair of wired earbuds on the market. Some of the earbuds on this list may be a rival to our selection of the best over-ear headphones – and all of them are cableless, which really says something.
If you need a refresher, here are the real wireless earbuds: they have no cable to connect to your phone or any other device. And, unlike regular wireless earbuds, there is no cable to connect each bud to another.
This makes true wireless earbuds very comfortable, as well as adapting to the overall environment and uses. But there is a big problem: you have to be extra careful not to lose one.
True wireless earbuds were a risky bet until very recently due to limitations with Bluetooth and wireless music streaming, but the advancement of technology means you don’t have to worry about incomparable buds or awful sound. We really chose the best pair of wireless buds in the following guide to help you choose the right pair for your budget and your needs.
You may be wondering if you should buy the Apple AirPods, the most popular wireless earbuds on the planet. Although we do not rule them out altogether, there are many good options, including the noise-canceling AirPods Pro. Before you buy old-school pods, look at the selection of the best real wireless earbuds and AirPods -alternatives you can buy in 2021.
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OUR TOP TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS
–Not suitable for sports
The Sony WF-1000XM3 is the best real wireless earbuds you can buy in 2021.
Since noise-cancellation is still very rare in wired earbuds, Sony was able to pack it not only wirelessly, but as a real wireless pair. Although models like the AirPods Pro have tried to mirror this, Sony still tops the real wireless table.
Because the Sony WF-1000XM3 can provide a noise-canceling level, it’s very good for a pair of earbuds – they do not offer the same insulation as a pair of over-ear headphones, but it’s worth that trade-off. Sony really knocked the ball out of the park with the WF-1000XM3 with fist-pumping music and elegant design.
Battery life is above average and the compact charging case is very simple. Constantly improving, the recent update has brought volume control to the buds and supports Amazon Alexa.
These earbuds will get even better shortly; On March 5, the earbuds briefly appeared on Qualcomm’s website, indicating that Sony was going to support WF-1000XM3 optics HD – hence the support for high-res audio.
Cambridge Audio is known for its high-end audio equipment, but it had not really entered the world of wireless earbuds until last year. Enter the Cambridge Audio Melomania 1s: with the best 45 hours of battery life, they combine brand award-winning engineering with true wireless listening convenience.
For true wireless earbuds, the sound quality provided by Cambridge Audio Melomania 1s is sensational. In fact, it rivals some of the best over-the-ear headphones.
They may not have the noise mitigation technology offered by Sony WF-1000XM3 wireless earbuds, but they are $ 100 / £ 100 cheaper – and they have superior battery life.
With no wireless charging case, they surpass Apple AirPods in every way. However, it’s a small price to pay for that exceptional audio quality, and we think they represent good value for money, making them the best true wireless earbuds for audiophiles.
Formerly known as the Lypertek Tevi, the Lypertek PurePlay Z3 is one of the best true wireless earbuds we’ve ever tried, especially their low price tag ($ 130 / £ 99 / AU $ 185).
With USB-C charging, nicely balanced sound, long battery life, and waterproofing, every box you ask is ticked, basically budget buds. The Lypertek PurePlay Z3, Surprisingly, can distance you, punch better than their weight, and rival the buds from some of the biggest audio brands on the planet.
The fact that the Bowers & Wilkins PI7, with their sky-high price tag, a control app that’s more style than substance, an incomplete suite of touch controls, and humdrum active noise-canceling and battery life, must sound incredible to come this close to a five-star review.
That’s because they offer a truly enjoyable listening experience, and with a charging case that doubles as an audio retransmitter, they’re a genuinely unique pair of wireless earbuds.
This is Bose’s second attempt at a set of real wireless headphones, and the silent comfort earbuds are much faster than the old SoundSport Free. The design is great, but the noise cancellation is also ideal. The sound quality is also very good – even though it is a touch bit bass compared to Sony – with excellent resolution. They are very comfortable and balanced despite the bulky factor.
True wireless vs wireless: what’s the difference?
Wireless Headphones are traditional over-the-ear or on-ear headphones – two-ear cups are connected by a headband. To learn more, go round up the best wireless headphones.
Wireless earbuds have been around for a while, basically since Bluetooth was invented. Although battery-powered and not physically connected to your phone, they have a cord that connects the two buds – and sometimes even a band around the neck. See Best Wireless Earbuds for more.
True wireless earbuds – The focus of this guide – no cord. Wireless allows us to wear headphones a few feet away from our music players, cutting the cord between real wireless earbuds and giving us a real freedom.
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