Rankings
The Sony WF-1000XM5 are premium true-wireless earbuds delivering market-leading ANC, high-resolution audio support and a compact, lightweight design. Their IPX4 rating and premium price are trade-offs for the top-tier performance. Best for audiophiles and travelers who prioritize noise isolation and sound quality over cost.
The Soundcore Space A40 combines adaptive ANC, 50 h total battery life and LDAC support in a mid-range package. Its treble response and lack of a tracking chip keep it from competing with high-end models. Best for commuters and budget-conscious users who want strong noise reduction and long playtime.
EarFun Air Pro 4+ packs premium features such as aptX Lossless, LDAC, 50 dB adaptive ANC and a total of 52 hours of battery life in a compact, wireless-charging case. Some advanced functions require firmware updates and the ANC, while strong, falls short of flagship levels. Perfect for Android users wanting high-resolution audio and robust ANC without a flagship price.
The SoundPEATS C30 are budget true-wireless earbuds offering LDAC Hi-Res audio and strong hybrid ANC with up to 52 hours of total playback. The trade-off is that enabling LDAC disables some features like multipoint and gaming modes, and its ANC, while good for the price, falls short of premium flagships. Ideal for Android users seeking high-resolution sound and long battery life at a low price.
The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro combine dual coaxial drivers, LDAC support, and up to 52 dB of active noise cancellation in a lightweight 42.8 g package. While they provide premium sound and ANC, they lack wireless charging and have an unspecified battery endurance per earbud. They target users who want high-resolution audio and ANC without a premium price tag.
SoundPEATS Air5 Lite offers a lightweight open-fit design with a 13 mm driver, LDAC support, mild ANC and multipoint connectivity, delivering up to 30 hours total playback. Its ANC is modest and the open-fit may slip during intense activity. Great for users who prioritize comfort, battery life, and Android high-res audio.
The EarFun Air 2 offers long battery life, IPX7 waterproofing and wireless charging, making it ideal for active users. It lacks active noise cancellation and has limited codec support, which may disappoint audiophiles. Best suited for budget-focused gym-goers who value durability over premium sound features.
Technics EAH-AZ80-A provides dual-hybrid ANC, quick 15-minute charging, and a lightweight 7 g design with IPX4 protection. Battery life drops to 4.5 hours with ANC, and the case lacks water resistance. Targeted at active-lifestyle users who need fast charging and robust ANC despite shorter playback.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) earbuds combine AI-enhanced ANC, CustomTune personalization and multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 support. Their battery life is modest, especially when immersive audio is active, and the case charges slowly. Best for travelers and audiophiles who value adaptive sound and seamless device switching.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
— | 8 hours | 11 hoursbest | 7 hours | 9 hours | 8 hours | 8 hours | 6 hours | 4.5 hours | |
38 hours | 24 hours | 52 hoursbest | 35 hours | 47 hours | 42 hours | 22 hours | — | 12 hours | |
10 meters | 10 meters | 10 meters | 15 metersbest | 10 meters | — | — | 9 meters | 10 meters | |
| ↓ lower better | 42.8 gbest | 50.3 g | 60 g | 45 g | 44 g | 58.2 g | 44 g | 80 g | 64 g |
— | — | — | — | 40,000 Hzbest | — | — | — | 40,000 Hzbest | |
— | 8.4 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm | 12 mm | 10 mm | 13 mmbest | — | 10 mm | |
— | 1 years | 1.5 yearsbest | 1.5 yearsbest | 1 years | 1.5 yearsbest | 1 years | 1 years | 1 years | |
3 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 4 | — | 8best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Connectivity(2) | |||||||||
Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.4 | 5.3 | 6.0 | 5.2 | 5.4 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
Bluetooth Range (meters) | 10 meters | 10 meters | 10 meters | 15 meters | 10 meters | — | — | 9 meters | 10 meters |
Build & Design(2) | |||||||||
IP Rating | — | IPX4 | IPX5 | IPX7 | IP54 | IPX4 | — | IPX4 | IPX4 |
Total Weight (including case) (g) | 42.8 g | 50.3 g | 60 g | 45 g | 44 g | 58.2 g | 44 g | 80 g | 64 g |
Battery & Power(2) | |||||||||
Battery Life (Earbuds) (hours) | — | 8 hours | 11 hours | 7 hours | 9 hours | 8 hours | 8 hours | 6 hours | 4.5 hours |
Battery Life (Charging Case) (hours) | 38 hours | 24 hours | 52 hours | 35 hours | 47 hours | 42 hours | 22 hours | — | 12 hours |
General(1) | |||||||||
Warranty Period (years) | — | 1 years | 1.5 years | 1.5 years | 1 years | 1.5 years | 1 years | 1 years | 1 years |
Audio(5) | |||||||||
Supported Audio Codecs | LDAC | AAC/LC3/LDAC/SBC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, aptX LL, LDAC, LC3 | LDAC, SBC, AAC | AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC | LDAC,aptX Adaptive | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
Driver Size (mm) | — | 8.4 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm | 12 mm | 10 mm | 13 mm | — | 10 mm |
Frequency Response (Hz) | — | 20-20000 Hz | — | — | 40000 Hz | — | — | — | 40000 Hz |
Active Noise Cancellation | true | true | true | false | true | true | true | true | true |
Microphone Count | 3 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 4 | — | 8 |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional commentary from Xiaomi's own site emphasizes the earbuds' coaxial dual drivers for accurate sound, the high-grade 52 dB ANC for strong noise suppression, and AI-enhanced call performance that remains clear even in windy conditions.
Everyday users consistently commend the earbuds for their long battery endurance, lightweight comfort, clear calls, and the privacy-focused leakage driver, especially for workouts and outdoor activities. Recurring criticisms focus on weaker bass compared to in-ear options and occasional sound leakage in very quiet settings, with some wishing for deeper app customization.
“pronounced punchy bass, clean mids/highs... solid build, IPX7, wireless charging... secure controls,”
“Exceptional battery (real-world 6-7 hours)”
“best wireless earbuds under $50”
Select the Air Pro if ANC and codec support are priorities; otherwise, the standard Air offers better waterproofing, lighter weight, and lower cost.
Professional reviewers praise the WF-1000XM5 for its market-leading ANC, real-world battery performance that exceeds specifications, and the significant size and weight reductions that enhance portability.
Professional reviewers consider the Air Pro 4 a budget disruptor, lauding its premium codec support (aptX Lossless, LDAC), 50 dB adaptive ANC, six-mic AI call processing, 10 mm drivers and 50 ms ultra-low latency. They note the solid, compact case, fast charging and wireless-charging capability as strong points, while acknowledging that the ANC still trails flagship units and that some features need a firmware update.
Everyday users echo the experts' enthusiasm for the long battery life, solid fit and IPX5 durability, often highlighting the low latency for gaming and the convenience of wireless charging. The most common praise centers on value-for-money, while recurring concerns involve occasional ANC variability and the need for firmware updates to unlock newer features.
Professional reviewers commend the EarFun Air for its impressive battery endurance, IPX7 waterproofing, comfortable lightweight fit, solid build with wireless charging, and a lively sound signature that delivers punchy bass and clear mids. However, they note the lack of active noise cancellation, an EQ app, and advanced Bluetooth codecs as drawbacks that keep the earbuds from competing with higher-end models, especially for users who need refined audio or noise reduction.
Everyday users echo the professional praise for long battery life, comfortable secure fit, and reliable waterproof performance during workouts. They also appreciate clear call quality and the convenience of single-ear mode, while recurring complaints focus on bass becoming muddy at high volumes, occasional touch-control misfires, and the absence of ANC or an app for sound tuning.
Professional reviewers praise the C30 for delivering premium-class ANC, LDAC Hi-Res audio and exceptional battery life at a sub-$50 price point. Scarbir and Tech With Korey both give high marks to the adaptive 52 dB ANC and note the stable Bluetooth 6.0 connection, while WhatGadget highlights codec support. The app's deep customization and fast charging are also repeatedly commended, though reviewers flag that LDAC disables several useful modes.
Everyday users, though few in number, consistently highlight the earbuds' value-for-money, strong ANC silence and long battery life. A Versus.com reviewer rates them 9/10 as the best sub-$50 option, emphasizing the "overwhelming silence" from ANC and the LDAC advantage, while no major complaints have surfaced due to limited review volume.
Professional reviewers commend the Space A40 for its adaptive ANC that intelligently adjusts to ambient noise, delivering up to 98% reduction, and for its impressive 50-hour total battery life. The double-layer diaphragm design is highlighted for delivering detailed sound with strong bass, while the HearID Sound 2.0 app and 8-band EQ add valuable customization. However, critics note that the treble can be inconsistent, the isolation is not as complete as foam earplugs, and the lack of a tracking feature is a missed opportunity for a product in this segment.
Everyday users consistently praise the Space A40 for its strong ANC performance, long battery life, comfortable fit, and reliable multipoint connectivity. Common themes include appreciation for the IPX4 water resistance and the variety of ear-tip sizes. Recurring complaints focus on residual mechanical noises, the absence of a locating chip, and occasional treble dullness, especially among listeners seeking high-fidelity sound.
Professional reviewers consider the Air5 Lite a standout budget option, lauding its 13 mm driver, LDAC support, robust AI microphones and mild ANC, while noting the ANC is modest and the treble can become harsh at high volumes.
Everyday users consistently praise the lightweight comfort, strong bass response, and effective call performance, but they also flag occasional ear fatigue, slip-prone fit, limited ANC and occasional app glitches as recurring concerns.
Professional reviewers consider the 2nd Gen QuietComfort Ultra earbuds a solid evolution of Bose's flagship wireless line, applauding the AI-driven CustomTune personalization and the class-leading ANC, while noting the battery penalty of Immersive Audio and the modest codec selection keep the product from being a clear market leader.
The source material does not provide direct user reviews, but the emphasis on multiple eartip sizes, stability bands, and the Bose app suggests the design aims to address common consumer concerns about fit, comfort, and personalization.
Professional reviewers consider the EAH-AZ80 a strong contender for active-lifestyle users, praising its precise stereo balance, lightweight comfort, and robust ANC performance. The high-resolution audio capabilities and superior call quality further position it as a premium option for audiophiles and professionals who need reliable wireless connectivity across multiple devices.
