Top-rated Android Earbuds of the Future: 2025’s Ultimate Picks

Justified or not, Apple’s AirPods have become the default choice for most iPhone owners in the market for new wireless earbuds. If you’re shopping for an Android phone, however, the top picks aren’t so obvious. That’s where we can help: We’ve tested dozens of wireless earbuds over the years, so we’ve broken down our top recommendations for Android users below. Whether you want powerful noise cancellation, a pair that’ll survive in the gym or just something that works particularly well with a Galaxy or Pixel phone, here are our favorite AirPods alternatives for Android.

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Best Android earbuds for 2025

Photo by Billy Steele / Engadget

Active noise cancellation: Yes | Wireless charging: Yes | Water resistance: IPX4 | Multipoint connectivity: Yes (2 devices) | Wear detection: Yes | Max battery life (rated): 12 hrs, 24 hrs w/ case | Codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | Warranty: 1 year

Read our full Sony WF-1000XM5 review

The Sony WF-1000XM5 hit on just about everything we want from a premium set of Bluetooth earbuds. Their small, rounded design should feel comfortable and secure in most ears. They’re nearly unmatched at muting outside noise, thanks to a powerful ANC feature and memory foam eartips that do a remarkable job of isolating sound passively. They sound great out of the box, especially if you like a warmer profile with elevated bass, but you can easily customize the EQ curve through Sony’s app, and they do well to draw out treble-range detail either way. They’re also loaded with extra features, including multipoint connectivity, Google Fast Pair, LDAC and spatial audio support, the ability to swap between ANC and ambient sound (or “transparency”) modes automatically and more. The wireless charging case is conveniently tiny, while the eight- to 12-hour battery life gives little to complain about.

Still, the XM5s still aren’t a total slam dunk. The built-in mics aren’t the clearest for phone calls. The IPX4 water-resistance rating could be higher. Some people might find the memory foam eartips a little too full-feeling. They also have a list price of $330, which is far from affordable. But no other wireless earbuds we’ve tested have managed to tick so many boxes.

Pros

• Strong, customizable audio quality
• Should be comfortable to most
• Loads of handy bonus features
• Stellar noise isolation

Cons

• Expensive
• Memory foam eartips aren’t for everyone
• No battery life improvement over predecessor

$248 at Amazon

Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

Active noise cancellation: Yes | Wireless charging: Yes | Water resistance: IPX4 | Multipoint connectivity: Yes (2 devices) | Wear detection: No | Max battery life (rated): 10 hrs, 50 hrs w/ case | Codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC | Warranty: 18 months

Read our guide to the best budget wireless earbuds

If you don’t have hundreds to spend, our favorite wireless earbuds in the budget bracket are the Anker Soundcore Space A40. Frequently priced between $45 and $60, this pair has the kind of features we’d expect from earbuds that cost twice as much: genuinely powerful ANC, multipoint connectivity, wireless charging, a solid eight to ten hours of battery life, LDAC support, decent (if not great) IPX4 water resistance and a usable ambient sound mode. They don’t have the most resolving or detail-rich sound of the box, unsurprisingly, but their warm profile offers pleasant, thumpy bass without totally blowing out the low-end. If you want to add more treble presence, you can customize the EQ through a clean and easy-to-read companion app. The actual earpieces are small, round and comfortable as well.

The main trade-off is call quality, as the built-in mic can lose your voice in noisy environments and doesn’t handle sibilant sounds very well. There’s no wear detection either, so your music won’t auto-pause when you remove an earbud. They also don’t support Google’s Fast Pair tech, though the earbuds should remember your device and automatically reconnect after you pair them for the first time.

However, given its price point, it’s difficult to find fault with it. The drop-off in audio quality from iOS to Android isn’t as significant with the Powerbeats Fit compared to AirPods, although there is no hi-res codec support. The lightweight design and bendy silicone fins of the Powerbeats Fit ensure a secure fit during workouts, with the new fins being softer and more flexible for added comfort. The earbuds also come with an extra small set of tips and have an IPX4 water-resistance rating suitable for most gym activities. Physical buttons for volume adjustment and track skipping are preferred over touch controls for ease of use during workouts. The punchy sound of the Powerbeats Fit, with a balanced push in bass and treble, is energetic and well-suited for gym sessions.

However, if you’re not specifically looking for workout earbuds, there are better options available. The Powerbeats Fit lack wireless charging, multipoint connectivity, and customizable EQ settings. The built-in microphones are average for phone calls, and the six-hour battery life is adequate but not exceptional. The ANC mode is decent for reducing gym noise but falls short compared to top-of-the-line options. Consider the older Beats Fit Pro if you can find them at a lower price, as the differences between the two models are minimal. The Powerbeats Fit Pro offers a smaller charging case and redesigned wingtips.

Another alternative to consider is the Beats Fit Pro, which features an around-the-ear hook design, a more advanced Apple H2 chip, and heart rate tracking for a higher price point.

In contrast, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are optimized for use with Pixel devices, offering unique features like remote ringing, customizable EQ, and automatic device switching. While compatible with other Android devices, the full range of functionalities is best experienced on Pixel phones. The earbuds themselves provide decent ANC, eight hours of battery life, and good sound quality with punchy bass and extended treble. However, for a premium audio experience and superior noise cancellation, other options like Sony and Noble may be more suitable. Google recently introduced the more affordable option at $129, lacking several features found in the Pixel Buds Pro 2, such as wireless charging, longer battery life, onboard volume controls, and support for more. On the other hand, the Pixel Buds Pro 2, priced at $217 on Amazon, offer a tight integration with Pixel phones, a tiny and comfortable design, and agreeable sound.

Similarly, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, priced at $170 on Amazon, are designed to complement Galaxy phones with features like hi-res Samsung Seamless codec, real-time translation tool, and Game Mode. The earbuds offer spatial audio, a graphic EQ, a lost device finder, adaptive ANC, simplified voice commands, and automatic switching between Samsung devices. However, the stem-style design resembles AirPods Pro and the ANC is not as advanced as Sony XM5s. The battery life is shorter, and there is no hi-res codec support for non-Samsung phones. Despite these drawbacks, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro provide great audio quality, a comfortable fit, and natural ambient sound.

When looking for wireless earbuds for Android devices, key features to consider include active noise cancellation, wireless charging, water resistance, multipoint connectivity, wear detection, battery life, codecs supported, and warranty coverage. Quality sound, a comfortable fit, and long battery life are essential factors to consider when looking for wireless earbuds. Additionally, having water resistance for workouts and a reliable microphone for calls are also important features to look for. As you move into the $100 price range, you can expect to see additional features like active noise cancellation (ANC), wireless charging, ambient sound mode, and multipoint connectivity.

For Android users, there are a few extra considerations to keep in mind. Having a dedicated app for your earbuds that allows you to customize sound modes, adjust settings, and locate your earbuds is highly preferred. Features like Google Fast Pair or NFC-based pairing can make connecting your earbuds to your device much easier. Some Android devices also support higher-quality Bluetooth codecs like aptX Adaptive or Sony’s LDAC, which can enhance audio quality and reduce latency.

The diversity of Android devices means that some wireless earbuds may work better with certain brands. For example, Samsung earbuds offer specific perks when used with Galaxy phones. It’s important to choose earbuds that are compatible with your device to maximize functionality.

When testing earbuds, wearing them consistently over a period of one to two weeks allows for a thorough evaluation of sound quality. Testing various genres of music and podcasts helps assess how the earbuds handle different frequencies. Microphone quality, battery life, companion app features, and comfort are also important factors to consider during testing.

Recent updates in the wireless earbuds market include the release of new models like the Beats Powerbeats Fit and Google Pixel Buds 2a. It’s essential to stay informed about the latest products and updates to ensure you’re choosing the best earbuds for your needs.

By following these guidelines and staying informed about the latest trends and updates in the wireless earbuds market, you can make an informed decision when selecting the right pair for you. Prioritize features that are important to you, such as sound quality, comfort, and compatibility with your device, to ensure a satisfying listening experience. Transform the following:

“Change is hard but necessary for growth.”

into:

“Growth requires change, even if it is difficult.” Please convert the following text.