Best Wireless Headphones (2026): I Compare Bose, Apple, Sony and More
February 25, 2026 at 11:30 AM
By Wired
From workout-ready earbuds to gaming over-ears, these WIRED-tested picks sound like a million bucks.
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From workout-ready earbuds to gaming over-ears, these WIRED-tested picks sound like a million bucks From workout-ready earbuds to gaming over-ears, these WIRED-tested picks sound like a million bucks. Monitor developments in Best for further updates.
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From workout-ready earbuds to gaming over-ears, these WIRED-tested picks sound like a million bucks
From workout-ready earbuds to gaming over-ears, these WIRED-tested picks sound like a million bucks.
Ryan WaniataGearFeb 25, 2026 6:30 AMThe Best Wireless HeadphonesFrom workout-ready earbuds to gaming over-ears, these WIRED-tested picks sound like a million bucks.CommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyFeatured in this articleBest Wireless HeadphonesSony WH-1000XM6Read more$458 AmazonBest Earbuds for iPhonesApple AirPods Pro 3Read more$249 $229 (8% off) AmazonBest Earbuds for AndroidGoogle Pixel Buds 2aRead more$129 AmazonBest Travel HeadphonesBose QuietComfort Ultra 2Read more$449 $425 (5% off) AmazonWhether you're listening to the latest episode of a podcast or jumping on a transatlantic flight, or hitting the trail with Taylor Swift on repeat, the best wireless headphones can make your day. The only problem is that there are so many to choose from, with more arriving almost daily. I am constantly testing new models, with hundreds in our wake over the years. These are the best wireless headphones I've found.Be sure to check out all our audio buying guides, like the Best Wireless Earbuds, Best Workout Headphones, Best Noise-Canceling Headphones, Best Open Earbuds, and Best Cheap Headphones. Want to check out our latest headphone coverage and reviews? As always, check out our Headphones page.Updated February 2026: We've added the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3, Google Pixel Buds 2a, and the Sony Linkbuds Clip.Best Wireless HeadphonesPhotograph: Ryan WaniataSave to wishlistSave to wishlistSonyWH-1000XM6$458 Amazon$458 Best Buy$458 $368 (20% off) WalmartSony's latest flagship headphones are an easy choice to top my list. The WH-1000XM6 have seven times the processing power of Sony's previous XM5 model, providing the best noise reduction on Earth. Couple that with 30 hours of battery life, multipoint Bluetooth pairing, and a brand-new set of dynamic drivers with bold and joyous tuning, and these are the best wireless headphones we've ever tested overall.The latest model features a new, smaller case and folding ear cups, which makes them even better for travel, and the replaceable faux leather earpads are very comfortable, thanks to a liberal use of memory foam.SpecsConnectivityBluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm headphone jackBattery life (ANC)30 hoursWater/dust resistanceN/ABest Earbuds for iPhonesPhotograph: Parker HallReview: Apple AirPods Pro 3Review: Apple AirPods Pro 3ChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistAppleAirPods Pro 3$249 $229 (8% off) Amazon$250 Best Buy$249 AppleThe AirPods Pro 3 reaffirm their position as the top-tier headphones for iPhone users. While the familiar design sees only minor tweaks, the fit is improved with new foam-lined ear tips and a wider range of sizes, enhancing comfort for more ears.The most welcome upgrade to long-term users is the extended battery life, now offering eight hours with active noise canceling on. The noise cancellation itself is excellent, muffling everything from office chatter to simulated airplane cabin roar. New health and connectivity features, like real-time translation and a surprisingly accurate heart rate monitor, add significant value through Apple's robust software support.While the sound profile is distinctly bass-forward—perfect for pop and hip-hop—and competitors like Bose and Sony have their merits, the AirPods Pro 3 deliver an unrivaled, seamless experience within the Apple ecosystem. For iOS users seeking the best combination of fit, features, and usability, they are the definitive choice and a compelling upgrade. —Parker HallSpecsConnectivityBluetooth 5.3Battery life (ANC)8 hours, 24 with caseWater/dust resistanceIP57Best Earbuds for AndroidPhotograph: Parker HallPhotograph: Parker HallPhotograph: Parker HallChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistGooglePixel Buds 2a$129 Amazon$129 Best Buy$129 Google StoreGoogle’s plucky Pixel Buds 2a offer everything you need from modern wireless earbuds in a light and affordable package. You’ll get solid noise canceling, a clear and expansive soundstage with great stereo spacing, instant pairing with Android phones, and seamless access to advanced features like Google Translate and Gemini AI.While they’re made for Android first, they even work reasonably well with iPhones. Their intuitive design blends slick ergonomics and good weatherproofing with responsive (if basic) controls. You could pay nearly twice as much for flagship buds, but as Parker Hall noted in his Pixel Buds 2a review, these get you nearly all the good stuff at a great price.SpecsConnectivityBluetooth 5.4Battery life (ANC)7 hours, 20 hours with caseWater/dust resistanceIP54Best Travel HeadphonesPhotograph: Ryan WaniataPhotograph: Ryan WaniataPhotograph: Ryan WaniataPhotograph: Ryan WaniataChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistBoseQuietComfort Ultra 2$449 $425 (5% off) Amazon$449 Walmart$459 B&H$449 $399 (11% off) BoseIf you’re going to make iterative upgrades to a current model, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is a great pair to build on. The QuietComfort Ultra 2 headphone
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