SONIC HARMONY: UNVEILING THE BEST WIRELESS EARBUDS OF 2024

It can feel like finding your way out of a maze as you explore the newest wireless earbuds. Entering 2024, headphone makers like Apple, Sony, Google and others promise to take your audio experience to new heights. Models like Sony’s WF-1000XM5 and the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) come with a symphony of features, designs and innovations. Let’s break down these audio instruments and help you choose the best pair for your lifestyle and your ears.

SONY WF-1000XM5: THE MAESTRO OF EARBUDS

Sony’s wireless earbuds are singing in harmony again, thanks to the SONY WF-1000XM5, which has set a new aural criterion for any wireless earbud that is worth buying at any price – about $240, which is fair for what is offered here. In our estimation, the WF-1000XM5 stands head and shoulders above the rivals. It is the best-balanced combination of quality sound, svelte design and smart features available to listeners who can manage an earbud in each ear.

Apple's AirPods Pro (2nd Gen): The iPhone's Best Companion

The latest version of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) is the clear winner for owners of iPhones who want earbuds with the best sound quality available to them from this company. At $190, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) is the best value for iPhone aficionados who want a good-sounding experience, along with the ability to quickly switch devices and automatically choose the best one.

Google Pixel Buds Pro: The Android Authority

For Android users who want a combination of deep, punchy bass, excellent active noise cancellation (ANC) and tactile touch controls, the $140 Google Pixel Buds Pro is the best, most excellent-sounding set of earbuds you can buy that will also work with your phone.

Anker Soundcore Space A40: The Budget-Friendly Gem

Anker’s Soundcore Space A40 proves that great sound doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and the $59 buds easily top the best budget wireless earbuds. Not only does Space A40 have great battery life and multipoint pairing, but its transparency mode rivals pricey competition to take the crown.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra: The Silence Savants

Bose also enters the noise-cancellation competition with the QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds ($249), which user tests usually love for their combination of excellent ANC and spatial audio.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4: For the Audiophiles

At the high end, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4, retailing for $300, are tuned for sound connoisseurs, with precision and clarity that can be enjoyed for hours on end, and deliver an audio experience that is the new reference for wireless audio quality.

Beats Fit Pro: The Athletic Audiophile's Pick

The Beats Fit Pro are the best true wireless gym earbuds. They’re lightweight, and stay snug and secure thanks to their smaller-than-usual buds and sturdy wingtips. They do a fine job of active noise-cancelling (ANC), they have phenomenal sound and strong support for Android devices, and they’re reasonably priced at $180.

SONY LinkBuds S: The Honorable Mention

While I don’t think it’s necessary to single out closers (second-string catchers, say), or the guys who get used only in punchouts (relievers), the SONY LinkBuds S (listed as $128, although sometimes less) deserves a tip of the hat. It’s very comfortable, it sounds great for the price, and comes with Speak-to-Chat, Adaptive Sound Control, and more. Sony recognises that not everyone will like every aspect of its headphones, and so has something for everyone.

Factors to Consider When Earbud Shopping

Design is the first and most obvious thing to consider, but you should also think about battery life, noise cancellation and, most importantly, sound quality. Features such as multipoint connectivity, transparency mode and support for high-resolution audio will all enrich your listening experience, and are definitely worth researching if you want to get the best from your new earbuds.

About SONY

Sony is known as a headquarters of excellence for audio and other electronic products. A pioneer in the development of audio technology, its audio gear is used as a reference in many cases, setting standards of excellence, not only in sound quality but its smart, ease of use ergonomic design. For all of these reasons, we’re beginning our 2024 roundup of the best wireless earbuds with Sony.