5 Best Wireless Earbuds for 2025
The Crew put 2025’s most popular wireless earbuds to the test. We used them in the real world… in busy cafés, during sweaty gym sessions, and on a few long hikes.
Whether you need effective noise cancellation, workout-proof waterproofing, or just the best value, the options have improved significantly.
After testing 13 different models, we found a clear winner that excels in sound quality, battery life, comfort, and performance for the price.
Best Wireless Earbuds of 2025
Premium features without the price-tag mean this product stands head and shoulders above the rest. The EchoLabs earbuds are the clear winner for anyone who wants the best possible features for the lowest price.
If you are deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem and want the most advanced features, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 is a strong contender, but it comes at a high price.
The winged design of the Beats Fit Pro provides the most secure fit of any earbud we tested, making them a great choice for running and intense workouts.
The Bose QuietComfort excels at two things: top-tier noise cancellation and a highly customizable fit. If those are your main priorities, these earbuds are an excellent choice.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active is our recommendation if your top priority is durability. These earbuds are built to U.S. Military Standards, meaning they are designed to withstand drops, dust, and general wear and tear better than any other model we tested.
EchoLabs AudioBuds: Our stand-out choice for premium features without the premium price tag
You don’t need to spend £200 to get great wireless earbuds. After testing a dozen popular models, we found the EchoLabs AudioBuds are the best choice for most people looking for value. They pack features like a waterproof design and a massive 5 hour playback time (boosted by the charging case which has enough oomph to recharge the buds 5 times over), which easily stands up against the top priced options from Apple or Bose.
Premium features without the price-tag mean this product stands head and shoulders above the rest. The EchoLabs earbuds are the clear winner for anyone who wants the best possible features for the lowest price.
Why We Like The EchoLabs AudioBuds
During our testing, the EchoLabs earbuds consistently impressed us. The initial setup was simple, with instant pairing to both iPhone and Android devices. The fit was secure and comfortable, even during a long run, and we never worried about sweat or rain thanks to the waterproof design.
The sound from the Graphene drivers is balanced and clear, handling music and calls well. But the real standout is the feature set: a fully waterproof IPX7 rating and a charging case that holds 25 hours of power. Add to this the AI Voice Assist option which is no-nonsense and just works, no other earbud we tested offers this much bang for your buck.
While other earbuds forced us to look for a charger after a day or two, we went a full week without needing to charge the EchoLabs case. The digital battery display on the front is a simple but brilliant feature that tells you exactly how much power you have left. In our microphone test from a noisy cafe, our voices came through clearly to the person on the other end, thanks to the cVc 8.0 noise reduction technology.
The Competition
If you are deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem and want the most advanced features, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 is a strong contender, but it comes at a high price.
The main benefit of the Apple AirPods is the software. Apple’s active noise cancellation is excellent, effectively eliminating background noise. It adapts as your surroundings change, which is a feature we found works well in practice. The sound quality is clear and balanced, which many users describe as “crisp,” even in loud environments.
Apple also includes several innovative health features. The earbuds can monitor ambient sound levels to help protect your hearing. There is also a “Hearing Aid mode” which can enhance conversations for those with mild hearing loss.
However, this is not a medical device. Before relying on this feature, you should always consult an audiologist for a formal hearing test.
The winged design of the Beats Fit Pro provides the most secure fit of any earbud we tested, making them a great choice for running and intense workouts.
The Beats Fit Pro are our recommended buds for serious runners and those who need an exceptionally secure fit during intense activity.
The key feature is the flexible winged shape, which we found “locks” into the ear more effectively than any other model we tested. Combined with three sizes of ear tips, this ensures they stay in place during a workout.
They are also water-resistant, so they will handle rain and sweat without issue, but they are not fully waterproof for swimming. The noise cancellation is effective for blocking out gym sounds.
However, we found the sound quality is heavily focused on bass, which can overwhelm the mids and highs. It’s not as balanced as our main pick.
The Bose QuietComfort excels at two things: top-tier noise cancellation and a highly customizable fit. If those are your main priorities, these earbuds are an excellent choice.
In our testing, we found them to be more comfortable for long-term wear than many other models. This is largely thanks to the included “Bose Fit Kit,” which provides multiple ear tips and stability bands. This allows for nine different combinations, ensuring most users can find a secure, comfortable seal.
The sound quality is impressive, and the companion app is straightforward to use.
However, there are trade-offs. We found the battery life is a significant drawback compared to our main pick.
We also experienced occasional Bluetooth connectivity issues, particularly when switching between devices. While no connection is perfect, other earbuds on our list provided a more stable experience for important calls.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active is our recommendation if your top priority is durability. These earbuds are built to U.S. Military Standards, meaning they are designed to withstand drops, dust, and general wear and tear better than any other model we tested.
They feature effective active noise cancellation and a useful “HearThrough” mode, which we found is great for maintaining awareness while jogging or cycling in the city. The Bluetooth multipoint connectivity also worked reliably, allowing for easy switching between a phone and a laptop.
The 56-hour battery life is a strong point. However, sound quality is where this model is less consistent. It’s perfectly adequate for podcasts and general listening, but it doesn’t offer the rich, detailed audio of more sound-focused earbuds.
If you need a pair of earbuds that can survive a demanding, active lifestyle, these are an excellent choice. But if audio fidelity is your main concern, our top pick remains a better option.
Making The Right Choice
Choosing the right wireless earbuds depends on your specific needs and budget.
After our testing, we are confident that the Echolabs Audio earbuds are the best choice for most people, offering an unmatched combination of features, battery life, and sound quality for the price.
However, if you have specific priorities, other models excel in certain areas. The Beats Fit Pro is the best option for a secure fit during intense exercise. For those deep in the Apple ecosystem, the seamless connectivity of the Apple AirPods Pro 2 is a major advantage. If you need a rugged pair of earbuds that can withstand abuse, the Jabra Elite 8 Active is built to last. And for pure noise cancellation, the Bose QuietComfort remains a top performer, despite its flaws.
Ultimately, your choice comes down to what you value most. But for all-around performance and exceptional value, our recommendation stands: the Echolabs Audio earbuds are the smartest purchase you can make.
What To Look Forward To
The earbud market is always changing. We will continue to test new models as they are released, including upcoming models from Sony and Anker, and will update this guide with any new recommendations.
