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The 5 best wireless earbuds for 2024
Apple, Bose, Jabra, Samsung, Sony
When it comes to streaming music, podcasts, audiobooks or any other type of audio, listening to audio content that’s stored on your mobile device or computer, participating in hands-free phone calls, or immersing yourself in audio from TV shows or movies, one of the best and most convenient private listening experiences is offered by wireless (Bluetooth) earbuds.
Some are waterproof and ideal for use when working out. Some offer enhanced spatial audio and Dolby Atmos support and are designed to provide a clear and enjoyable listening experience that allows you to drown-out ambient noise by taking advantage of advanced active noise cancellation. If you’re shopping for a high-quality and great sounding pair of wireless earbuds, you’ve come to the right place.
The best wireless earbuds for 2024
Our in-house team of consumer electronics experts have been testing many of the latest and most popular wireless earbuds — from a variety of well-known brands– and have curated this round-up of your best options.
The very best wireless earbuds are waterproof (or at least water resistant), easy to pair, offer spatial audio, provide noise cancellation, have a long battery life, come with a wireless charging case, and are comfortable to wear. They also offer multiple microphones to enhance noise cancellation and make hands-free calling sound great.
Best wireless earbuds overall: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Bose
Battery Life: Up to 6 hours (18 hours using the charging case) | Weight: 2.72 ounces per earbud | Driver Size: Not disclosed by Bose | Microphones: Not disclosed by Bose | Case: USB | Quick Charge: 20-minute charge = 2 hours playtime | Waterproof Rating: IPX4 | Spatial Audio: Yes | Dolby Atmos: No | Active Noise Cancellation: Yes | Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
The most feature-packed and highest-end wireless earbuds offered by Bose right now are the QuietComfort Ultras. They offer the superior active noise cancellation that the company is known for. However, this version of the earbuds also introduce spatial audio support, which is something older models don’t feature.
While these earbuds offer onboard touch controls, you’re able to customize your listening experience using the Bose Music app. Instead of just turning active noice cancellation on or off, you can adjust the level of ANC, as well as choose a specialized audio pre-set based on what you’re listening to. We love the sound quality from the QuietComfort earbuds. What’s missing, however, is wireless charging via the included case.
While providing extreme comfort, these earbuds do a remarkable job generating high-quality and clear audio while making full use of ANC and supporting spatial audio. They work particularly well in loud places.
Best wireless earbuds for Apple users: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Apple
Battery Life: Up to 6 hours (30 hours using the charging case) | Weight: 0.19 ounces per earbud | Driver Size: 11mm | Microphones: 1 per earbud | Case: Wireless | Quick Charge: 5-minute charge = 1 hour playtime | Waterproof Rating: IP54 | Spatial Audio: Yes, with dynamic head tracking | Dolby Atmos: Yes | Active Noise Cancellation: Yes | Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are the top-of-the-line wireless earbuds in Apple’s lineup. You get top features like adaptive audio, active noise cancellation, a transparency mode, a conversation awareness feature and onboard touch controls.
The most impressive feature offered by these AirPods is the active noise cancellation. It does a really good job fighting ambient noise, even when you’re not listening to audio. Spatial audio (with dynamic head tracking) helps deliver lossless sound with ultra-low latency, so the audio is far more robust and lifelike that other AirPod models or many competitors.
Thanks to the Adaptive Audio feature and Transparency mode, you can retain some real-world awareness. Use Transparency or Conversation Awareness mode to have a conversation with someone nearby; the noise cancellation still reduces loud noises. These earbuds also adapt to your preferences, so you’ll enjoy customized audio without having to tinker with the controls as much.
Another feature we really like: Touch controls that let you tap or slide your finger along the step of an earbud. Have Siri read incoming text messages or emails, or alert you of urgent app-specific notifications.
The suggested retail price is $249, we’ve seen them regularly on sale for $189. If you’re wondering what the difference is between AirPod models, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive buyer’s guide that explains the pros and cons of each model and what sets them apart.
Best wireless earbuds for Android: Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Samsung
Battery Life: Up to 5 hours (18 hours using the charging case) | Weight: 0.19 ounces per earbud | Driver Size: 10mm | Microphones: 3 per earbud | Case: Wireless | Quick Charge: 15-minute charge = 1.7 hours playtime | Waterproof Rating: IPX7 | Spatial Audio: Yes | Dolby Atmos: No | Active Noise Cancellation: Yes | Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
If you use any Android mobile device, the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro wireless earbuds are ideal audio companions. In addition to active noise cancellation, these earbuds support enhanced 360 Audio with Dolby Atmos and head tracking to generate 24-bit Hi-Fi sound that’s wonderfully immersive. These features work particularly well when listening to audio from movies.
When using these with any Android-based device, you can take advantage of Fast Pair; the earbuds will automatically pair to the device you’re using. You can also enjoy private listening from any Samsung TV. And if the buds get lost, simply use the SmartThings Find app to locate them.
The Buds2 Pro are 15% smaller than the original Buds Pro earbuds and they’re lighter too. Yet they offer even better sound and a more robust collection of features. The earbuds (and their case) come in a variety of colors.
Best wireless earbuds for everyday use: Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony
Battery Life: Up to 6 hours (24 hours using the charging case) | Weight: 0.21 ounces per earbud | Driver Size: 8.4mm | Microphones: 3 per earbud | Case: Wireless | Quick Charge: 3-minute charge = 1 hour playtime | Waterproof Rating: IPX4 | Spatial Audio: 360 Reality Audio | High-Resolution Audio: Yes | Dolby Atmos: No | Adaptive Noise Cancellation: Yes | Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
The WF-1000XM5s are Sony’s highest-end Bluetooth earbuds and they offer tremendous versatility. Use them for crystal-clear, hands-free calls or just to drown out noise so you can better concentrate on what you’re working on. They even adapt based on your real-time head movements.
Thanks to Sony’s proprietary QN2e chip, the WF-1000XM5s offer some of the best noise cancelling technology you’ll find in any wireless earbuds. Combined with Sony’s V2 integrated processor, you get 24-bit audio processing with hi-res audio wireless, DSEE Extreme and LDAC support. This means that the earbuds can process more data and AI for audio that’s clearer, richer and more authentic than competitors.
The WF-1000XM5s can enhance audio that would otherwise get lost in compression. Multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, with Google Fast Pair compatibility and on-board tap controls make these earbuds a pleasure to use. And with the Sony Headphones Connect app, you get plenty of control over your listening.
Best wireless earbuds for working out: Jabra Elite 8 Active
Jabra
Battery Life: Up to 8 hours (24 hours using the charging case) | Weight: 0.2 ounces per earbud | Driver Size: 6mm | Microphones: 3 per earbud | Case: USB | Quick Charge: 5 min charge = 1 hour playtime | Waterproof Rating: IP68 | Spatial Audio: Yes | Dolby Atmos: No, just Dolby Audio | Active Noise Cancellation: Yes | Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
For anyone who leads an active lifestyle, we highly recommend the Jabra Elite 8 Active. What sets these earbuds apart is their durability and waterproof rating.
These earbuds are waterproof and sweat proof (IP68 rated). They take advantage of what the company calls a “SnakeGrip” coating (a proprietary liquid silicone rubber) to hold the earbuds firmly in your ears in a way that also makes them very comfortable. After a few minutes, you’ll likely forget you’re wearing them.
In addition to making audio sound clear and rich, these earbuds do a nice job handling hands-free calls. Using the Jabra Sound+ app, you gain a lot of control over your listening experience. The buds support Fast Pair with Android devices. With Siri and Google Assistant support, you can use voice commands to control audio or calls. What we like most about these earbuds is their sleek, durable and comfortable design — but the audio quality is also on the higher-end.
How to pick the best wireless earbuds
Higher-end earbuds have wireless charging cases and a longer battery life; generate better audio; offer more extensive controls; take advantage of a mobile app; are waterproof (or at least water resistant) — and, of course, they’re comfy.
As you’re shopping for best wireless earbuds to meet your needs, here are some useful features and functions to seek out:
Battery life: Each wireless earbud has its own internal battery, which will last anywhere from four to eight hours. Use their wireless charging case to juice them back up a couple of times without requiring an external power source. Many earbuds also offer a quick-charge option.
Case and charging: All wireless earbuds come with a charging case. Consider is the size and weight of the case (since you’ll likely be carrying it in your pocket), and how many times it can recharge the earbuds before needing an external power source, and whether the case offers Qi wireless charging.
Microphones: The number of microphones within each earbud, which can range from between one and three, impacts the quality of the noice cancellation feature, as well as how clearly you’ll be heard during calls. Some of the better wireless earbuds even have microphones with integrated wind reduction.
Multipoint pairing: This is a convenient feature that allows one pair of wireless earbuds to be paired with multiple devices at the same time. So, as you switch between using your smartphone, smartwatch, tablet and computer, the earbuds will automatically pair with the equipment you’re using. Some earbuds can also establish a connection to a smart TV to offer a private listening experience.
Noise cancellation: This reduces or flat-out eliminates ambient sounds, so you can focus on your listening. We really like the noise cancellation offered by Bose, Sony and Apple — each of which uses different technology to successfully achieve the same objective.
Price: You should be able to get your hands on a high-quality pair of noise cancelling, Bluetooth earbuds from a well-known brand for around $200.
Spatial audio: This makes audio sound three-dimensional — like it’s originating from all around your head. Spatial audio (or Dolby Atmos support) adds a sense of immersion.
Waterproof rating: Not all Bluetooth earbuds are waterproof or even water-resistant. And even those that are waterproof are not designed to be used when swimming or participating in underwater activities. Waterproof earbuds, like the Jabra Elite 8 Active, can be fully submerged in water.
For even more advice on choosing the best tablet, Android-based tablet, Apple iPad, tablet for kids, desktop computer, wireless headphones or earbuds, laptop computer, budget-friendly laptop computer, Chromebook, Android smartphone or cell phone, be sure to check out our extensive and continuously updated tech coverage.
CBS News
Israeli soccer fans attacked in Amsterdam, with five reportedly hospitalized and dozens of suspects arrested
Amsterdam — Antisemitic rioters “actively sought out Israeli supporters to attack and assault them” after a soccer match in Amsterdam, authorities in the Netherlands said Friday, with police reporting five people hospitalized and 62 detained after a night of violence between. The police did not mention the nationality of any of those injured or arrested after the scenes of chaos in the Dutch capital.
Israel’s government said it was helping coordinate flights home for Israeli fans caught up in the violence.
Israel was “doing everything to ensure the safety and security of our citizens who were brutally attacked in the horrific anti-Semitic incident in Amsterdam,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement. “It was decided that it was not necessary to send a professional rescue mission to the Netherlands. Instead, the effort will be focused on providing civil aviation solutions for the recovery of our citizens.”
Israel’s airports authority said the first of two planes being sent to bring citizens of the country home had departed from Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv and was expected to arrive in Amsterdam within a few hours.
X/ iAnnet via REUTERS.
Dutch leaders also condemned the violence against the Israeli fans as antisemitic.
The attacks on fans of soccer club Maccabi Tel Aviv came after a Europa League soccer match between their team and the local Amsterdam team Ajax, but there had been clashes between the Israeli fans and locals before the game, too.
The violence erupted despite a ban on a pro-Palestinian demonstration near the soccer stadium imposed by Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema, who’d feared clashes would break out between protesters and supporters of the Israeli club.
The violent clashes reportedly occurred around midnight local time, with numerous fights and acts of vandalism in central Amsterdam.
There were clashes before the game, too, as Maccabi fans were among hundreds to march through central Amsterdam in a pro-Israel demonstration, during which flares were lit and Palestinian flags hung on some streets were reportedly torn down amid chants of “death to the Arabs.”
Mouneb Taim/Anadolu/Getty
In an earlier statement, Netanyahu’s office had said that the prime minister ordered two “rescue planes” to be sent to Amseterdam to evacuate Israeli citizens, but that decision was later reversed. Netanyahu’s office also barred any members of the country’s military from flying to the Netherlands for an indefinite period.
“The harsh pictures of the assault on our citizens in Amsterdam will not be overlooked,” Netanyahu’s office said, adding that Israel’s government “views the premeditated antisemitic attack against Israeli citizens with utmost gravity.”
Netanyahu’s office demanded the Dutch government take “vigorous and swift action” against those involved.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said on social media that he followed reports of the violence “with horror.”
“Completely unacceptable antisemitic attacks on Israelis. I am in close contact with everyone involved,” he added, saying he’d spoken with Netanyahu and “emphasized that the perpetrators will be tracked down and prosecuted. It is now quiet in the capital.”
In a post on the social media platform X, Israeli President Isaac Herzog Israel denounced the attacks as a “pogrom,” referring to the historic racist attacks on Jews in Russia and eastern Europe, and said they were reminiscent of the Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel that sparked Israel’s ongoing wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
The Israeli Embassy in Washington said on X that “hundreds” of Maccabi fans were “ambushed and attacked in Amsterdam tonight as they left the stadium following a game,” according to AFP. The embassy blamed the violence on a “mob who targeted innocent Israelis.”
Geert Wilders, the far-right nationalist lawmaker whose Party for Freedom won elections in the Netherlands last year and who’s a staunch ally of Israel, reacted to a video apparently showing a Maccabi fan being surrounded by several men.
“Looks like a Jew hunt in the streets of Amsterdam. Arrest and deport the multicultural scum that attacked Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters in our streets. Ashamed that this can happen in The Netherlands. Totally unacceptable,” Wilders said.
A Qantas plane made an emergency landing Friday due to what the airline said was a “contained engine failure” soon after taking off from Sydney Airport, sparking a grassfire on a nearby runway and causing several flights to be diverted.
The Qantas flight, QF520, was bound for Brisbane and was circling for a “short period of time” before landing safely back at Sydney Airport, Qantas Chief Pilot Captain Richard Tobiano said in the statement.
There was no initial word on the number of people on board.
DAVID GRAY / AFP via Getty Images
“Qantas engineers have conducted a preliminary inspection of the engine and confirmed it was a contained engine failure,” the airline said. “While customers would have heard a loud bang, there was not an explosion.”
The Reuters news agency explains that in a contained engine failure, the engine’s parts stay inside the protective housing meant to keep them from flying out. If they do, they could cause severe damage to the main body of a plane.
Airservices Australia, the government’s aviation regulator, said the engine failure caused “a grass area adjacent to the runway to catch fire” that was swiftly extinguished by firefighters.
DAVID GRAY / AFP via Getty Images
The Airservices’ National Operations Management Centre enacted a 47-minute ground stop at Sydney Airport to ensure the plane could land as quickly as possible, the regulator said in a statement, adding that no one was hurt.
Reuters reports that the airport said all its runways had re-opened by Friday afternoon after the parallel runway had been closed for inspection because of the fire.
The aircraft is a 19-year-old Boeing 737-800, Reuters said, citing Flightradar24. That type of twin-engine passenger plane is designed to be able to fly using only one engine in an emergency, Reuters noted.
Passenger Georgina Lewis said she heard a “bang.”
“One of the engines appeared to have gone. The pilot came on 10 minutes later to explain that they had a problem with a right-hand engine on takeoff,” she told local outlet Channel Nine.
Another passenger, Mark Willacy, a journalist with Australia’s national broadcaster ABC, said the plane struggled to get airborne following the “loud bang” noise.
“That big bang as the wheels were leaving the ground and the shudder, that was like nothing I have ever felt,” he told ABC. “When we landed, there was a lot of applause and cheering amongst the passengers.”
Tobiano said his staff members were “highly trained” to respond to such emergency situations.
“We understand this would have been a distressing experience for customers and we will be contacting all customers this afternoon to provide support,” he said in the statement. “We will also be conducting an investigation into what caused the engine issue.”
Customers were being moved to alternate flights, Qantas said.
Eleven domestic flights were cancelled and four diverted to other airports, a Sydney Airport spokesperson said.
CBS News
Netanyahu sends 2 planes to Netherlands to bring out Israeli soccer fans after violence surrounding match in Amsterdam
Amsterdam — Leaders of Israel and the Netherlands on Friday condemned what they called antisemitic attacks on fans of soccer club Maccabi Tel Aviv before and after a Europa League soccer match between their team and Ajax, and Israel said it was sending planes to fly supporters home from the Dutch capital.
The violence erupted Thursday despite a ban on a pro-Palestinian demonstration near the soccer stadium imposed by Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema, who’d feared clashes would break out between protesters and supporters of the Israeli soccer club.
Amsterdam police had no immediate comment on the violence or numbers of arrests and injuries.
But Halsema said supporters of the Israeli team were hurt and the extent of the violence and number of arrests were still being sorted out, according to the Reuters news agency.
Agence France-Presse reported that a Dutch police spokesperson told the Dutch ANP news agency 57 people had been arrested.
AFP said social media platforms were inundated with unverified images supposedly showing the violence, but authorities offered few confirmed details.
AFP said AT5 reported that the clashes occurred around midnight with numerous fights and acts of vandalism in the center of Amsterdam. “A large number of mobile unit vehicles are present and reinforcements have also been called in,” AT5 said.
X/ iAnnet via REUTERS.
Details were unclear, but Israel ordered that two planes be sent to the Dutch capital to bring the Israelis home.
“The Prime Minister has directed that two rescue planes be sent immediately to assist our citizens,” said a statement from Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
It added that “the harsh pictures of the assault on our citizens in Amsterdam will not be overlooked,” and that Netanyahu “views the premeditated antisemitic attack against Israeli citizens with utmost gravity.” He demanded that the Dutch government take “vigorous and swift action” against those involved.
Netanyahu’s office added that he had called for increased security for the Jewish community in the Netherlands.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said on X that he followed reports of the violence “with horror.”
“Completely unacceptable antisemitic attacks on Israelis. I am in close contact with everyone involved,” he added, saying that he had spoken to Netanyahu and “emphasized that the perpetrators will be tracked down and prosecuted. It is now quiet in the capital.”
The Israeli Embassy in Washington said on the social media platform X that “hundreds” of Maccabi fans were “ambushed and attacked in Amsterdam tonight as they left the stadium following a game,” according to AFP. The embassy blamed the violence on a “mob who targeted innocent Israelis.”
Geert Wilders, the hard right nationalist lawmaker whose Party for Freedom won elections in the Netherlands last year and who is a staunch ally of Israel, reacted to a video apparently showing a Maccabi fan being surrounded by several men.
“Looks like a Jew hunt in the streets of Amsterdam. Arrest and deport the multicultural scum that attacked Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters in our streets. Ashamed that this can happen in The Netherlands. Totally unacceptable,” Wilders said.
Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, also condemned the violence in a post on the social media platform X.
Israeli soccer fans attacked in Amsterdam, with five reportedly hospitalized and dozens of suspects arrested
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Israeli soccer fans attacked in Amsterdam, with five reportedly hospitalized and dozens of suspects arrested
Voters in Detroit Lakes OK sales tax for $17.3M beachfront pavilion