Key Points
- Reddit’s choice for the #1 Best Overall Wireless Earbuds is the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds.
- Sound quality, battery life, comfort, and noise cancellation are the top criteria to consider when selecting wireless earbuds.
- Before purchasing wireless earbuds, determine their intended use and verify that they are compatible with the device you plan to pair them with.
Because it’s virtually impossible for the average person to test and compare every pair of wireless earbuds, most people turn to the internet for expert advice and recommendations.
With countless discussions and reviews, Reddit has become a digital treasure trove of valuable insights from tech-savvy users and audiophiles. Whether you need earbuds that are budget-friendly, waterproof, noise-canceling, or capable of hands-free calling, Reddit has suggestions.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the wireless earbuds that have earned Reddit’s stamp of approval.
Reddit’s Top Picks for Wireless Earbuds
#1 Best Overall: OnePlus Buds Pro 2
- Spatial audio delivers layered surround sound
- Earbuds offer 6 hours of continuous play with ANC on
- Charging case provides an additional 19 hours of battery life
- 10 minutes of charge = 10 hours of media play
- Capable of connecting to 2 devices simultaneously
- Comfortable enough for all-day wear
The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 received the highest praise from audiophiles in Reddit’s r/Earbuds community.
Considered some of the best earbuds available today, their popularity received an additional boost when YouTuber, El Jefe, ranked them in his prestigious “Elite” category.
While they’re not the most budget-friendly option, they’re more affordable than Bose and Sony wireless earbuds and still packed with advanced features. First, they’re designed with MelodyBoost Dual Drivers which deliver a super premium listening experience. These earbuds excel at separating and layering tones, resulting in crisp vocals, deep bass lines, and a natural sense of distance. According to one Reddit user, the sound quality is simply “bangin’.”
Beyond sound quality, these wireless earbuds come with various silicone tips to ensure they fit comfortably in your ears. Incredibly, the earbuds can analyze the fit for themselves and let you know if you’re wearing the correct size. Since the battery life of the earbuds and case can last up to 39 hours, you can easily keep these in your gym bag all week without charging them between daily workouts.
Overall, we were hard-pressed to find something we don’t like about these earbuds. But, if we had to be nitpicky, we acknowledge that the noise canceling capabilities aren’t able to completely block out bass-range noise.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| They provide excellent value for the price. | The noise canceling abilities fall just short of complete noise cancellation. |
| The sound quality is incredible. | |
| A 39-hour battery life allows for reduced time spent recharging. |
Best Budget-Friendly Option: JLab Go Air Pop Wireless Earbuds
- Earbuds offer 8 hours of battery life on a single charge
- Charging case provides an additional 24 hours of battery life
- Earbuds can be used independently or together
- Built-in microphone enhances call clarity
- Sound profiles are adjustible
The JLab Go Air Pop Wireless earbuds consistently rank among Reddit’s top choices for budget-friendly wireless earbuds.
For about $25, you can enjoy excellent sound quality, up to 32 hours of total battery life, and a built-in microphone for hands-free calling. Since they are IPX4 water-resistant, they’ll perform well during sweaty workouts or light rain.
One thing we like about these earbuds is that you don’t have to download an extra app to use any of the advanced features. You can use touch controls for volume adjustment, play/pause functions, call answering, and even accessing your smartphone’s voice assistant. Furthermore, the earbuds cater to your personal audio preferences with three distinct sound modes: Signature, Balanced, and Bass Boost.
One Reddit user in the r/Earbuds community expressed their preference for the Signature setting, citing a preference for a rolling bass over a booming one. But, since personal preferences vary, it’s nice to know you have choices.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You’ll receive great value at an affordable price. | These earbuds do not have noise-canceling capability. |
| They are splashproof. | |
| Touch controls allow you to access all functions. | |
| Three different sound modes can cater to your personal preferences. |
Loudest Speakers: EarFun Air Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds
- HI-FI sound with dynamic bass
- Noise-canceling up to 40 decibels
- Embedded microphones reduce ambient noise during calls
- Wireless charging capable
- Bluetooth 5.2
- IPX5 waterproof
Highly recommended by Reddit users for those seeking powerful speakers, the EarFun Air Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds deliver an exceptional audio experience.
Its hybrid active noise cancellation functionality makes these earbuds feel even louder, as they effectively reduce ambient noise by up to 40 decibels. Additionally, the wind-noise reduction feature ensures crystal-clear calls even in windy conditions.
And, when you need to hear outside sounds, Transparency Mode immediately enables you to hear what you need to hear with a simple touch. These touch controls also allow you to play/pause media, skip to the next/previous track, adjust volume, answer/end/reject calls, and activate your smartphone’s voice assistant.
These true wireless earbuds are especially well-suited for outdoor workouts, making them an ideal companion for active individuals. Their IPX5 waterproof rating provides exceptional protection, giving you peace of mind even if you find yourself caught in a torrential downpour. And, with a carrying case that’s capable of wireless charging and extends battery life up to 34 hours, you’ll spend less time tethered to an electrical outlet.
While we think these are a great option overall, it’s worth noting that some users have reported issues with sound degradation when using only one earbud.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful speakers deliver loud, crisp sound. | These may not be the best option for those who prefer to wear only one earbud at a time. |
| The sound quality won’t be as sharp if you prefer to wear only one earbud. | |
| Powerful speakers deliver loud, crisp sounds. | |
| Since these are IPX5 waterproof, they can perform during heavy rain. |
Fastest Charging: QCY T13 True Wireless Earbuds
- 5 minutes of charging = 1 hour of media play
- 40-hour battery life (earbuds + case)
- Effortlessly manage your audio experience with smart touch controls
- Delivers 3D surround sound
- Bluetooth 5.1
- IPX5 waterproof
For those seeking fast-charging wireless earbuds, the QCY T13 Wireless Earbuds come highly recommended on Reddit.
Despite their advanced features, these earbuds come at a surprisingly affordable price. In just 5 minutes of charging, you can enjoy a full hour of uninterrupted media play, ensuring you never miss a beat. Equipped with Bluetooth 5.1, the QCY T13 offers minimal lag and maximum call clarity, allowing you to conveniently take calls without reaching for your phone. With an impressive operating range of up to 10 meters, the smart touch controls further enhance the ease of use.
Moreover, either earbud can work independently. The small size and ergonomic design guarantee a secure fit, even during intense head-banging sessions, which might occur due to robust noise-canceling capabilities and powerful speakers. While some users noted that the treble could be slightly sharp, they provide fairly good sound quality.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Super-fast charging ensures minimal downtime. | Sharp treble may affect sound balance. |
| The design allows for a secure and comfortable fit. | |
| Bluetooth 5.1 enhances data transmission. | |
| Each earbud can work alone. |
Best Audio: Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
- Noise-canceling
- Hi-Fi sound
- 360-degree audio
- Comfort Ear Fit
- HD Voice
- Conversation mode
- IPX7 water-resistant
- White
Reddit users highly recommend the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro Wireless Earbuds for their premium features.
Intelligent active noise cancellation effectively reduces external sounds while powerful speakers deliver studio-level sound quality. If a conversation comes up while you’re listening, Intelligent Conversation Mode, triggered by your voice, turns off noise canceling and turns down the volume. And, when the conversation ends, your settings seamlessly switch back.
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Buds2 Pros is the integration of the Smart Things Find app, which allows you to track the location of your earbuds. You’ll even get alerts when your earbuds become disconnected, preventing you from losing them.
The major improvement of these second-generation earbuds is their superior comfort. Crafted with all-day wear in mind, these earbuds feature a smooth, round design that eliminates discomfort from hard edges. However, because of this design, they’re not the most secure fitting and may sometimes require occasional adjustment.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Intelligent active noise cancellation reduces external noise effectively. | The fit isn’t as secure as some other options. |
| Conversation Mode enables seamless transitions when conversations begin and end. | |
| The sound quality is excellent. | |
| A comfortable fit makes all-day wear possible. |
Most Hygienic: LG FP8 Wireless Earbuds
- UVnano charging case kills 99% of bacteria
- Active noise cancellation tunes out background noise
- Delivers 3D spatial sound
- Made with hypoallergenic medical-grade ear gels
- Capable of wireless charging
If you’re in the market for self-disinfecting wireless earbuds, the LG TONE Free FP8s come highly recommended by numerous Reddit users.
These earbuds offer an innovative feature that sets them apart from options — a built-in UVnano charging case that disinfects the earbuds while they’re charging. This technology effectively eliminates up to 99.9% of bacteria, ensuring the earbuds are clean every time you use them. Furthermore, medical-grade ear gels promote a secure fit.
Apart from their self-disinfecting capabilities, the LG TONE Free FP8s deliver dynamic surround sound. Equipped with Meridian Audio technology, these earbuds provide rich sound with deep bass and crisp highs.
The earbuds feature active noise cancellation to block out external sounds, making them ideal for use in noisy environments. Furthermore, the microphones are engineered to maximize call clarity by amplifying your voice while reducing other sounds.
While we think these are great earbuds overall, some users have experienced issues with the LG TONE Free App.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The charging case kills 99% of the bacteria on the earbuds. | Some users reported the app was buggy. |
| Medical-grade ear gels provide a secure fit. | |
| The sound quality is excellent. | |
| The microphones enhance call clarity. |
Best Noise Cancelling: TOZO NC9 Wireless Earbuds
- Active Noise Cancelling provides immersive sound quality
- Dual microphones integrate environmental noise cancellation
- Wireless charging supported
- One-step pairing
- Bluetooth 5.3
- IPX6 waterproof
The standout feature of the TOZO NC9s is their exceptional noise-canceling capabilities, making them a top choice among Reddit users.
These wireless earbuds employ two levels of noise-canceling microphones along with passive noise cancellation through the silicon ear tips, effectively muting external sounds. The noise cancellation is so effective that even bass-level sounds are erased, creating a more immersive audio experience. As an added bonus, these microphones also make hands-free calling possible.
With background noise erased, users can enjoy a deeper base and higher treble. This kind of sound is often described as “hyped,” with one Reddit user commenting that the sound quality is a “total godsend” and they “have no idea how they managed this at this price.”
Moreover, the TOZO NC9s offer an impressive battery life, providing up to 13 hours of continuous playtime on a single charge. The charging case adds an extra 40 hours of battery life, ensuring extended usage without the worry of running out of power. The combination of these factors makes these wireless earbuds a great option for commuting, traveling, or hands-free calling.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Noise-canceling capabilities are highly effective. | Some users may not enjoy a “hyped” sound. |
| Integrated microphones enable hands-free calling. | |
| Sound quality delivers deeper base and higher treble. |
©Marykor/Shutterstock.com
How to Pick the Best Wireless Earbuds: Step-by-Step
When choosing wireless earbuds, these are the main criteria to consider:
- Sound quality
- Battery life
- Comfort
- Active noise cancellation
Let’s review these options in more detail.
Sound Quality
Since earbuds are used for listening, sound quality is an important factor to consider, regardless of whether you’re using them for music, podcasts, phone calls, or other audio content.
The overall audio experience greatly depends on the earbuds’ ability to reproduce sound accurately, providing clear and balanced tones. Since preferences on sound balance may vary among individuals, some earbuds offer customizable options that allow you to adjust the sound to your liking.
Battery Life
The battery life of your chosen earbuds will determine how long you can use them on a single charge and how frequently you’ll need to recharge. Since earbuds have limited space to accommodate all the hardware, manufacturers must prioritize certain features over others. For instance, additional microphones and larger drivers may consume valuable battery space.
To compensate for this, most earbuds include charging capabilities within the case. Considering this, it’s not always necessary to choose earbuds with the longest battery life, although you should select ones that are sufficient for your needs.
Comfort
If you plan to wear earbuds for extended periods, you’ll want them to be comfortable. Uncomfortable earbuds can quickly ruin your listening experience, so we recommend looking for ergonomic designs with soft tips. Moreover, most earbuds provide multiple tip sizes, so you can ensure a comfortable fit for your ears.
Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation can help create a serene environment, whether they’re blocking out the roaring sound of a plane engine during travel, drowning out your neighbor’s barking dogs, or silencing distracting conversations at work. While noise-canceling technology can contribute to a higher price point, it can significantly improve your listening experience.
However, not all noise canceling performs to the same degree. Since there aren’t any widely-accepted standards for noise-canceling, it’s important to read customer reviews and expert evaluations which can provide valuable insights into performance.
What to Know Before Buying Wireless Earbuds
Intended Use
Before buying wireless earbuds, consider how you plan to use them. Different earbuds excel in different environments, so understanding your relevant use cases will help determine which features are most important for you. For instance, if you primarily intend to wear them while sleeping on a plane, you may want to prioritize noise-canceling capabilities to block out the engine noise. On the other hand, if you plan to use them mainly for workouts or outdoor activities, prioritizing water resistance may be essential to ensure they can withstand your active lifestyle.
Compatibility
Compatibility is another crucial aspect to consider before purchasing wireless earbuds. Most wireless earbuds today support Bluetooth connectivity and are widely compatible with a range of smartphones and other devices. However, some earbuds may require the use of an app that may not be available on all smartphones. Some apps, for example, may only be appropriate for Android systems, so verifying your smartphone’s compatibility with the earbuds you select is important.
Using Wireless Earbuds: What It’s Like
In the past, first-generation earbuds were limited by tangled wires that often caused accidental dislodging. However, today’s wireless earbuds provide freedom of movement with operational ranges of over 30 feet. This can enhance workouts, make phone conversations more convenient, and access to virtual assistants more immediate.
Within a few seconds of pairing with your smartphone, you can immerse yourself in your favorite content while noise-cancellation technology fades away background sounds. Convenient charging cases enhance flexibility, allowing you to forget about charging for extended periods.
Ultimately, you may find your wireless earbuds becoming an indispensable part of your daily life.
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Summary Table
| Rank | Wireless Earbuds | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | OnePlus Buds Pro 2 | Excellent value for the price, incredible sound quality, 39-hour battery life |
| Best Budget-Friendly Option | JLab Go Air Pop Wireless Earbuds | Great value at an affordable price, splashproof, touch controls, three different sound modes |
| Loudest Speakers | EarFun Air Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds | Powerful speakers deliver loud, crisp sound, IPX5 waterproof |
| Fastest Charging | QCY T13 True Wireless Earbuds | Super-fast charging, secure and comfortable fit, Bluetooth 5.1 enhances data transmission, each earbud can work alone |
| Best Audio | Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro | Intelligent active noise cancellation, Conversation Mode, excellent sound quality, comfortable fit |
| Most Hygienic | LG FP8 Wireless Earbuds | Charging case kills 99% of the bacteria on the earbuds, medical-grade ear gels, excellent sound quality, microphones enhance call clarity |
| Best Noise Cancelling | TOZO NC9 Wireless Earbuds | Noise-canceling capabilities are highly effective, integrated microphones, deep base and higher treble |
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Anton Starikov/Shutterstock.com.
