Who knew True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds would become so popular? When they first hit the market, people weren’t too keen on using them. The sound quality wasn’t impressive, and there was a high risk of losing them. However, today, numerous companies are competing for the top spot in the TWS market.
People want the best TWS earbuds because they are convenient, offer high-quality sound, feature noise cancellation, and are easy to use. Additionally, you can find excellent true wireless earbuds to fit various budgets.
To help you find the top TWS earbuds, we tested over 80 pairs for sound profile, frequency response, comfort, ease of use, and more. We’ve narrowed it down to the 8 best TWS earbuds that are truly worth buying.
Roundup of the Best True Wireless Earbuds
| Best Overall True Wireless Earbuds | Hifiman Svanar |
| Best for Premium Sound Quality | Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 |
| Best for Design and Comfort | Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX |
| Best for Noise Cancellation | Technics EAH-AZ80 |
| Best for Battery Life | Sony WF-1000XM5 |
| Best for Value | Aviot TE-ZX1 |
| Best for Personalized Sound | OnePlus Buds Pro 2 |
| Best for Audiophiles | Final ZE8000 MK2 |
What Is the Difference Between Wireless Earbuds and True Wireless Earbuds?
This question is something many people ask. We’ve had wireless earbuds for a while now, so what’s the difference between the two?
Wireless Earbuds
These are usually subcategorized into wireless earphones connected via a neckband, on-ear headphones, and over-the-head headphones. The main thing is that they are not connected to the device with a wire, hence called wireless models. However, they often have a wire or band connecting the two earbuds.
True Wireless Earbuds
True wireless earbuds have no wires or cords at all. The earbuds are not even connected to each other. They are two independent pieces that you place in each ear, and they connect to your device via Bluetooth.
Contrary to popular belief, wireless earbuds don’t necessarily have better sound quality than TWS earbuds. The sound quality depends on the drivers used in the earbuds and the specific models.
What Are the Things to Consider When Buying True Wireless Earbuds?
When choosing the best TWS earbuds, consider the following factors to ensure you get the most out of your purchase.
1. Shape, Size, and Comfort
Make sure the earbuds fit comfortably in your ears and don’t cause pain over time. They should stay secure during use and not fall out, even during movement. A good fit enhances the overall listening experience and comfort.
2. Connectivity
Opt for earbuds with Bluetooth 5.0 or higher for the best connectivity. While Bluetooth 4.2 can work, anything below this might result in unstable connections and poor audio quality. Reliable connectivity ensures seamless audio streaming and fewer interruptions.
3. Listening Time
Choose earbuds that offer at least 3 hours of continuous listening time. Battery life is crucial, especially for extended use. Longer battery life means you can enjoy your music, podcasts, or calls without frequent recharging.
4. Charging Case
A good charging case should provide at least an additional 12 hours of charge. The best cases offer between 12 to 36 extra hours.
This ensures that your earbuds are always ready to use, even when you’re on the go.
5. Codec Support
Ensure the earbuds support popular audio codecs like AAC, SBC, and aptX. This compatibility allows you to use the earbuds with various devices while maintaining high audio quality.
Good codec support ensures better sound performance across different platforms.
6. Control Buttons
Look for earbuds with easy-to-use control buttons or touch controls. These controls should allow you to manage media playback, answer calls, and activate voice assistants without needing to reach for your device. Convenient controls enhance the user experience.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can find the best TWS earbuds that offer excellent performance, comfort, and durability.
Top 8 True Wireless Earbuds You’ll Love
Let’s now look at the detailed reviews of the top 10 true wireless earbuds on the market:
1. Hifiman Svanar
Best Overall True Wireless Earbuds
What Impressed Us
- Excellent sound quality with a balanced signature
- Comfortable and lightweight design
- Intuitive touch controls and smart features
- Good noise-canceling capabilities
- Long battery life
What Disappointed Us
- Bulky charging case
- No app support
- Sound quality may be affected by eartips if you are not able to find the right size
- High price point
We chose the Hifiman Svanar as the overall best TWS earbuds on the market due to their exceptional sound quality, innovative features, and superior build. These earbuds stand out for their remarkable audio performance, making them the top choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
The Hifiman Svanar boasts several features that make them the best overall. They offer state-of-the-art drivers that deliver crystal-clear sound with deep bass, balanced mids, and detailed highs.
The active noise cancellation effectively blocks out ambient noise, allowing for an immersive listening experience. Additionally, the earbuds feature high-resolution audio support, ensuring that every note is captured with precision.
Beyond their standout features, the Hifiman Svanar earbuds are designed with user comfort in mind. The sleek, ergonomic shape and compact size ensure a secure and comfortable fit for extended use.
They provide seamless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.2, offering stable and lag-free audio transmission. With up to 10 hours of listening time on a single charge and an additional 30 hours provided by the charging case, these earbuds are perfect for all-day use.
The support for high-quality codecs like aptX and AAC enhances the audio experience, while intuitive control buttons make managing playback and calls effortless.
In conclusion, the Hifiman Svanar excels in performance, comfort, and convenience, making it the overall best choice for TWS earbuds. Their combination of superior sound quality, advanced features, and user-friendly design ensures an unparalleled listening experience.
View on Amazon: Hifiman Svanar
2. Bowers & Wilkins Pi7
Best for Premium Sound Quality
What Impressed Us
- Excellent sound quality with deep bass and clear treble
- Unique retransmitting charging case for versatile audio connectivity
- Comfortable design with IP54 dust and water resistance
- Supports aptX Adaptive for high-quality audio streaming
What Disappointed Us
- Expensive
- Large earbud housing may not fit comfortably for all users
- Limited battery life, with only four hours on a single charge
When it comes to premium sound quality, the Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 stands out as the top choice. We selected these earbuds for their superior audio performance and luxurious design, making them perfect for audiophiles who demand the best.
The Pi7 features advanced dual hybrid drive units and high-resolution audio support, delivering incredibly detailed and balanced sound. The adaptive noise cancellation and six microphones ensure crystal-clear calls and an immersive listening experience. The inclusion of aptX Adaptive codec further enhances the audio quality, providing a seamless and high-fidelity sound experience.
In addition to their exceptional sound quality, the Pi7 earbuds are elegantly designed and offer a comfortable fit for extended wear.
The sleek, compact charging case provides up to 20 hours of total listening time, and the earbuds themselves offer up to 4 hours on a single charge. The intuitive touch controls make it easy to manage playback and calls, while the seamless connectivity ensures a stable and reliable wireless experience.
In conclusion, the Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 delivers premium sound quality and a luxurious design, making it the best choice for those who seek top-tier audio performance in TWS earbuds.
View on Amazon: Bowers & Wilkins Pi7
3. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
Best for Design and Comfort
What Impressed Us
- Exceptional sound quality with accurate sound replication using Bluetooth
- Intuitive touch controls that are easy to use
- Excellent call quality, rivaling top-tier earbuds like AirPods Pro
- Good noise cancellation and passthrough modes
- Well-designed and visually appealing
What Disappointed Us
- Expensive
For those who prioritize design and comfort, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX is the best choice. We chose these earbuds for their elegant aesthetics and exceptional comfort, making them ideal for extended use.
The Beoplay EX features a sleek, minimalist design that is both stylish and functional. The ergonomic shape and lightweight construction ensure a secure and comfortable fit, even during long listening sessions. The premium materials and craftsmanship reflect Bang & Olufsen’s commitment to quality and design excellence.
In addition to their beautiful design, the Beoplay EX earbuds deliver impressive sound quality with rich bass, clear mids, and detailed highs. They offer seamless Bluetooth connectivity and support for high-quality audio codecs.
The battery life is robust, with up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge and an additional 20 hours provided by the charging case. The intuitive touch controls and quick pairing capabilities enhance the overall user experience.
In summary, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX combines stunning design and exceptional comfort with high-quality sound, making them the best choice for those who value aesthetics and long-term wearability.
View on Amazon: Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
4. Technics EAH-AZ80
What Impressed Us
- Excellent sound quality with a rich and dynamic sound profile
- Effective noise-canceling capabilities
- Comfortable and ergonomic design
- Supports multipoint pairing with up to three devices
- Good battery life with approximately 7 hours of use with ANC and a total of 24 hours with the charging case
- Customizable EQ settings and voice assistants through the Audio Connect app
What Disappointed Us
- Expensive
- Noise-canceling can compromise sound quality
- Voice-calling performance is decent but could be slightly better
The Technics EAH-AZ80 excels in noise cancellation, making it the best choice for those who need to block out ambient noise. We selected these earbuds for their advanced noise-canceling technology and superior sound quality.
The EAH-AZ80 features industry-leading active noise cancellation that effectively reduces background noise, allowing for an immersive listening experience. The earbuds are equipped with high-performance drivers that deliver clear and balanced sound across all frequencies.
With support for high-resolution audio, they provide a rich and detailed sound experience.
Comfort and fit are also priorities for the EAH-AZ80, with a lightweight design and multiple ear tip options ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
The battery life is impressive, offering up to 7 hours of listening time on a single charge, with an additional 21 hours provided by the charging case. The earbuds feature intuitive touch controls and seamless Bluetooth connectivity for easy use.
In conclusion, the Technics EAH-AZ80 is the best choice for noise cancellation, offering advanced technology and excellent sound quality in a comfortable and user-friendly design.
View on Amazon: Technics EAH-AZ80
5. Sony WF-1000XM5
Best for Battery Life
What Impressed Us
- Exceptional noise-canceling capabilities
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Advanced technologies for superior sound quality
- Extensive customization options through the Sony Headphones app
- Long battery life with active noise cancellation
What Disappointed Us
- Call quality may not meet expectations due to interference from noise reduction mechanisms
For those who need long-lasting battery life, the Sony WF-1000XM5 is the best option. We chose these earbuds for their exceptional battery performance and high-quality sound.
The WF-1000XM5 offers up to 12 hours of listening time on a single charge, with an additional 24 hours provided by the charging case.
This extended battery life ensures that you can enjoy your music all day without needing to recharge frequently. The earbuds also feature fast charging, providing up to 90 minutes of playback with just a 10-minute charge.
In addition to their impressive battery life, the WF-1000XM5 delivers excellent sound quality with deep bass and clear highs. The advanced noise-canceling technology effectively blocks out ambient noise, creating a focused listening environment.
The earbuds are comfortable to wear, with a secure fit and lightweight design. They also support high-quality audio codecs and offer intuitive touch controls for easy management of playback and calls.
In summary, the Sony WF-1000XM5 is the best choice for those who need long-lasting battery life and high-quality sound in their TWS earbuds.
View on Amazon: Sony WF-1000XM5
6. Aviot TE-ZX1
Best for Value
What Impressed Us
- Unique Tribrid 5-Driver system for enhanced sound quality
- Analog technology integration for improved audio experiences
- High-resolution audio capability with LDAC technology
- Long battery life with up to 8 hours of playtime and 20 extra hours with the charging case
- Water-resistant design
What Disappointed Us
- High price point, which may be a barrier for some consumers
For those seeking the best value, the Aviot TE-ZX1 is the top choice. We selected these earbuds for their excellent performance and affordable price, making them a great option for budget-conscious consumers.
The TE-ZX1 offers impressive sound quality with balanced audio across all frequencies. The earbuds feature high-performance drivers that deliver clear mids, rich bass, and detailed highs. They also include effective noise isolation, ensuring an enjoyable listening experience in various environments.
The TE-ZX1 earbuds are comfortable to wear, with a lightweight design and multiple ear tip options for a secure fit. They offer up to 9 hours of listening time on a single charge, with an additional 27 hours provided by the charging case.
The earbuds feature Bluetooth connectivity and support for high-quality audio codecs, providing a stable and reliable wireless experience. The intuitive touch controls make it easy to manage playback and calls.
In conclusion, the Aviot TE-ZX1 provides excellent value with its combination of sound quality, comfort, and affordability, making it the best choice for budget-conscious consumers.
View on Amazon: Aviot TE-ZX1
7. OnePlus Buds Pro 2
Best for Personalized Sound
What Impressed Us
- Excellent noise-canceling capabilities
- Comfortable and lightweight design
- Intuitive controls and smart technologies
- Good sound quality with a balanced signature
- Long battery life
- Supports CD-quality audio streaming over Bluetooth
- Bluetooth multi-point and independent earpiece use
What Disappointed Us
- Plastic-and-leatherette build may not be as durable as metal-enhanced alternatives
- May not be the best choice for audiophiles seeking high-fidelity sound
We chose the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 as the overall best TWS earbuds due to their exceptional sound quality, advanced features, and impressive design. These earbuds stand out in the market for their ability to deliver a personalized audio experience, making them ideal for music enthusiasts and audiophiles alike.
The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 excels in providing personalized sound, thanks to its adaptive sound technology that adjusts the audio profile based on your hearing.
This feature ensures that every note and beat is tailored to your preferences, offering a rich and immersive listening experience. The earbuds also support high-resolution audio codecs, ensuring top-notch sound quality.
In addition to their personalized sound capabilities, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 are wireless and feature active noise cancellation, effectively blocking out ambient noise for a more focused listening experience.
The compact and lightweight design makes them highly portable, perfect for use on the go. The sound quality is impressive, with deep bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. The wireless charging case adds convenience, ensuring the earbuds are always ready for use.
In conclusion, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 are the overall best TWS earbuds for their superior sound quality, advanced features, and personalized listening experience. Their combination of active noise cancellation, portability, and high-quality audio makes them an excellent choice for anyone seeking the best in wireless earbuds.
View on Amazon: OnePlus Buds Pro 2
8. Final ZE8000 MK2
Best for Audiophiles
What Impressed Us
- Exceptional sound quality with detailed and nuanced audio
- Advanced noise control modes for various listening environments
- Comfortable design with proprietary ear tips for a secure fit
- High-resolution audio support with aptX Adaptive
- Sleek and premium build quality
What Disappointed Us
- Battery life could be improved, with only five hours from a single charge
- The case design, while premium, is larger than some competitors
- The proprietary ear tips may not fit all users comfortably
For audiophiles, the Final ZE8000 MK2 is the ultimate choice. We selected these earbuds for their exceptional sound quality and high-fidelity audio performance, making them perfect for discerning listeners.
The ZE8000 MK2 features advanced drivers and high-resolution audio support, delivering incredibly detailed and accurate sound. The earbuds provide a wide frequency response with deep bass, clear mids, and sparkling highs. The soundstage is expansive, creating a rich and immersive listening experience.
In addition to their superior sound quality, the ZE8000 MK2 earbuds are designed for comfort, with a lightweight and ergonomic shape that ensures a secure fit.
They offer up to 8 hours of listening time on a single charge, with an additional 24 hours provided by the charging case. The earbuds feature Bluetooth connectivity and support for high-quality audio codecs, providing a stable and reliable wireless experience. The intuitive touch controls make it easy to manage playback and calls.
In conclusion, the Final ZE8000 MK2 is the best choice for audiophiles, offering unparalleled sound quality and high-fidelity audio performance in a comfortable and stylish design.
View on Amazon: Final ZE8000 MK2
Frequently Asked Questions About True Wireless Earbuds
Yes, it is. Whether you love listening to music or have an active lifestyle, true wireless earbuds offer a great listening experience and ease of use. While they are not cost-effective, they are worth the price.
Yes, true wireless earbuds are good as long as you invest in good quality models. These are expensive compared to wireless models, but the ones with active noise cancellation are the best bet.
The answer depends on what your priorities are. If you want hassle-free, tangle-free earbuds with decent sound quality and ease of use, wireless earbuds are indeed better than wired models.
Yes, they are, given that you choose the right model and the right design for your requirements. Most models come with different-sized silicone ear tips so that a pair of TWS earbuds can fit people with different ear sizes.
Final Words
After evaluating numerous TWS earbuds, we found the Hifiman Svanar and the Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 to be the best choices.
The Hifiman Svanar impressed us with their exceptional sound quality, advanced noise cancellation, and ergonomic design. They provide a comfortable fit and seamless Bluetooth connectivity, making them an excellent all-around choice. We were particularly happy with their long battery life and high-resolution audio support, which deliver a superior listening experience.
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 stood out for their premium sound quality and luxurious design. They offer detailed and balanced audio with advanced noise-canceling capabilities. During our test, we felt they provided an immersive audio experience and a comfortable fit. While the battery life is slightly shorter and the price is higher, their performance and build quality justify the investment.
Both models deliver outstanding features and high-quality performance, making them the top picks for anyone seeking the best TWS earbuds. We were impressed with their overall capabilities and are confident they will meet the needs of most users.
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