Bowers & Wilkins PI7 S2: In 2023, Bowers & Wilkins has improved its fantastic-sounding PI7 noise-canceling headphones. The new S2 model has better battery life and better Bluetooth range, now up to 25 meters (double the previous range). Additionally, the headphones now integrate with the new Bowers & Wilkins Music app for iOS and Android and provide a much-improved setup experience. Learn more in our full Bowers & Wilkins PI7 review.
JBL Live Pro 2: Over the years, JBL has released some decent truly wireless earbuds, but nothing that really excited me. This finally changed with the arrival of the new product from the Samsung brand. Live Pro 2 And Live for free 2 buds. Both sets of earbuds – the Live Pro 2 have stems while the Live Free 2 has a pill-shaped design – offer a comfortable fit as well as strong noise cancellation, very good sound quality and performance. voice calling, plus a robust set of features including multi-point Bluetooth pairing, an IPX5 splash-proof rating, and wireless charging.
Master and dynamics MW09: Master & Dynamic headphones and earphones have always featured unique and eye-catching designs that include premium materials like aluminum, sapphire glass, and Kevlar. Its latest flagship MW09 earbuds ($349) look a lot like its previous MW08 earbuds, but feature some improvements inside that deliver better performance, especially when it comes to noise cancellation. The headphones sound great but are mysteriously out of stock everywhere, so we removed them from the best list. If they come back in stock we will add them to this list again.
Sony LinkBuds S: Unlike “open-back” LinkBuds, LinkBuds S are traditional noise-isolating headphones with tips that fit into your ears. They’re more compact and lighter than Sony’s previous flagship, the WF-1000XM4, and also feature Sony’s V1 processor (Sony has since released the more compact WF-1000XM5). Their sound and noise cancellation isn’t quite on par with the XM4s or XM5s, but they’re still pretty good. These are Sony headphones aimed at people who can’t afford Sony’s flagship headphones, but want 80% of the features and performance of these headphones for much less money. I’ve fully reviewed the Sony LinkBuds S and gave them a appreciable 8.4 out of 10.
Sony WF-1000XM4: Released in 2021, Sony’s WF-1000XM4 won a CNET Editors’ Choice Award. These are still great headphones, but now Sony has launched the next-generation WF-1000XM5. They can be a good option if you find them at a good price. I posted a full review of the Sony WF-100XM4 headphones when they were released if you think budget headphones are for you.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3: The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 were among the best new truly wireless earbuds of 2022. They are still among the best truly wireless earbuds, but Sennheiser has released the improved Momentum True Wireless 4. The AirPods Pro 2 and Sony WF-1000XM5 headphones are arguably superior, so only look to buy the Momentum True Wireless 3 when they’re significantly discounted. Learn more about the headphones in my Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 review.
JBL Tour Pro 2: JBL’s Tour Pro 2 earbuds have received a lot of attention for bringing something new to truly wireless earbuds: a color touchscreen built into the case that lets you access the earbuds’ key features and control playback as well as adjust volume levels. It’s a bit of a gimmick but also useful. The headphones might sound slightly better for their list price, but overall the JBL Tour Pro 2 are very good headphones that offer a good fit, a robust feature set, strong battery life, as well as a solid noise cancellation and voice call performance. I’ve taken a look at the feature-rich headphones in 2023 and have written a full review of the JBL Tour Pro 2 which you can read here.
Beyerdynamic Free Byrd: Beyerdynamic may be late to the game, but it has finally introduced its first truly wireless earbuds, featuring active noise cancellation, up to 11 hours of battery life (with noise cancellation turned off), and Impressive sound quality. Read my full review of the Beyerdynamic Free Byrd headphones to learn more.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2: Available in four colors, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 noise-cancelling headphones don’t offer as good sound or noise cancellation as the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, but they are compact (15% smaller and 20% lighter than the previous ones Buds Plus, they barely protrude from your ears) and cost significantly less. Because they sit more in line with your ears – and have that curved design – they also pick up less wind noise. They are IPX2 sweatproof while the upgraded Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are fully waterproof (IPX7). My full review of the 2021 Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 has more information about the earbuds.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX: Bang & Olufsen’s $399 Beoplay EX earbuds are the company’s best truly wireless earbuds. They offer a comfortable, secure fit (except perhaps for those with really smaller ears), top-notch build quality, great sound, good noise cancellation, and improved voice call performance over to B&O’s EQ headphones, with three microphones in each earbud that they help with. reduce background noise while still picking up your voice. They’re out of most people’s price range, they’re arguably the best earbuds with buds and offer slightly better sound than the AirPods Pro 2 with better clarity, deeper, more powerful bass, and better sound. richer and more precise. I reviewed the B&O Beoplay EX headphones ahead of their 2022 release and included some additional information.
Anker Liberty 4 Soundtrack: Their sound isn’t quite up to par with high-end headphones like Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 that cost a lot more, but the Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 headphones have a set full of features, including a spatial audio mode with head tracking, multi-point Bluetooth pairing, up to nine hours of battery life, wireless charging, and support for Sony’s LDAC audio codec which can offer sound enhancements if you have the right configuration. Read more in my Anker Liberty 4 review for more information on the mid-range headphones.
Sennheiser CX Plus: The Momentum True Wireless 3 are Sennheiser’s flagship truly wireless headphones. If you can’t afford it, the Sennheiser CX Plus (which offers very good sound and decent noise cancellation) is a good alternative for a lot less money. The step-down CX, without active noise cancellation, costs even less. Learn more about budget headphones in my full Sennheiser CX Plus review.
