The Only 7 Earbuds Worth Buying in 2025
Tested through daily commutes, workouts, and marathon listening sessions, these earbuds deliver crystal-clear sound, perfect connectivity, and all-day comfort – so you can finally stop struggling with poor audio quality.
If you've ever thought your current earbuds were "good enough," this might change your mind. I've tested everything from $49 budget earbuds to the $300 premium models that audiophiles swear by – and honestly, I wasn't expecting a $99 pair to steal my loyalty. But after three months of testing – during daily commutes, workout sessions, and everything in between – I discovered something surprising: Not all earbuds are created equal. And the one I kept coming back to? It wasn't the most expensive.
Before we get to our top picks (spoiler alert: one particular pro-audio brand surprised us and beat the rest), let's talk about why great earbuds really matter – especially if you've been struggling with basic consumer earbuds. Unlike cheap wireless earbuds, proper quality earbuds are built for real-world use. They offer reliable connection – so there's no dropouts, no frustrating pairing issues, and your music stays exactly where it should be. They come with noise-isolating tips that block out traffic noise, office chatter, and background distractions. And the good ones? They're comfortable enough to wear during your entire workday without making you want to rip them out mid-meeting just to give your ears a break.
The right pair doesn't just sound better – it helps you focus better, enjoy your content more, and protect your hearing while doing it. And if you want to know which model made our entire test group give suspicious looks to their old earbuds? Keep reading. You're about to meet your new favorite.
How We Tested
Connection stability (monitored during calls, music, and video streaming)
Sound quality (tested across the full audible range, 20Hz–20kHz)
Noise isolation (tested under real-world noise conditions with dB measurements)
Comfort (evaluated after 4+ hour sessions)
Durability (tests for sweat, drops, and cable stress)
Value (based on sound, build quality, and included accessories)
The Best Earbuds for Everyday Use
Soundbrenner Wave
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Sony WF-1000XM5
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Shure SE215
Anker Soundcore Space A40
1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear
1. Soundbrenner Wave (9.5/10) — Best Overall
Price: $179
(or $99 when you catch the sale) – honestly, cheaper than replacing one lost AirPod
Driver Type: 10mm dual-magnet dynamic driver with balanced armature tweeter
Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Listen, I was fully ready to write these off. A $99 wired earbud from a metronome company? Cute. I figured I'd test them, shrug, and toss them in my drawer next to the earbuds that didn't make the cut. Plot twist: They haven't left my bag since they arrived.
Let me paint the scene. I'm in the middle of my daily commute on a packed subway train. The person next to me is blasting music from their phone speaker. Construction noise bleeding through from outside. My old earbuds are sliding around, I'm cranking up the volume, and I still can't properly hear my podcast. Frustration, fatigue, and that ringing in my ears afterward.
Then I switched to the Soundbrenner Wave. After one track, I could finally hear everything. And I mean everything. My content, clear as day, the ambient noise blocked out – locked in like I was in my own private bubble. No lag, no interference, no guesswork.
Why I'm Lowkey Obsessed
Actually zero lag: Bluetooth earbuds? Great for casual listening. Terrible for video calls and content. The Wave connects via 3.5mm and delivers sound instantly. Video stays in sync. Phone calls are crisp. No delay, no drift, just locked-in audio.
Noise isolation that works: The foam tips sealed out the chaos like someone hit mute on the world. I didn't need to crank the volume to compete. My ears thanked me later.
All-day wearing comfort: These come with six tip options – foam and silicone tips in multiple sizes. I found my perfect fit, put them in, and forgot they were there. No slipping, no pain, even after a full workday.
Built for real use, not gimmicks: Long braided cable. Over-ear design. Gold-plated detachable connectors. These aren't dressed-up consumer earbuds. They're genuine audio tools.
Room for Improvement
Hard to keep in stock: Like that one friend who's always running late but worth the wait, these earbuds tend to sell out quickly. If you see them in stock, don't think twice.
They might ruin your other headphones: I went back to my usual earbuds after using the Wave for a week. Instant regret. Everything felt wrong. Honestly, these spoiled me.
Real Talk Time
After three weeks of commuting, work calls, gym sessions, and binge-watching shows, I understand why more people are switching to quality earbuds – and why this particular model is gaining a following. It just works. There's no gimmick here. No "Bluetooth 8.9" or flashy app integrations. Just great fit, clean sound, real isolation, and zero lag – all at a price that won't make you feel like you need to sell something to afford it.
If you've been working with AirPods or whatever came free with your phone, this is the upgrade you didn't know you needed. Your ears (and your content) will thank you.
Final verdict? Best $99 I've spent on my daily experience in years. Skip the extra coffee this month. Get the gear that makes you sound like you know what you're doing. Just remember to buy from Soundbrenner's official site – there are already knockoffs appearing faster than fake designer bags.
The Runner-Ups: Still Great Picks, Just Not Quite Wave-Level
2. Apple AirPods Pro 3 (8.9/10) — Best for Apple Users
Price: $249
Driver Type: Apple-designed driver with H2 chip
Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Strengths:
Revolutionary 2x better noise cancellation compared to AirPods Pro 2
New heart rate monitoring during workouts
Live Translation feature powered by Apple Intelligence
Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem
Limitations:
Battery life still disappoints at 8 hours when competitors offer more
Easy to lose due to small case size – replacement costs add up quickly
Heart rate monitoring feels gimmicky and drains battery faster
Live Translation feature requires constant internet connection to work properly
Still requires Apple devices for full feature set, limiting versatility
Best for: Apple users who don't mind paying premium prices and can overlook some disappointing aspects for ecosystem integration.
3. Sony WF-1000XM5 (8.7/10) — Premium Sound with Caveats
Price: $300
Driver Type: 8.4mm dynamic drivers with V2 processor
Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 40 kHz
Strengths:
Good clarity and detail in audio reproduction
Active noise cancellation works well in most environments
25% smaller and 20% lighter than predecessors
LDAC support for high-resolution audio
Limitations:
Glossy finish becomes slippery and shows fingerprints constantly
Fit issues reported by many users, especially those with smaller ears
Touch controls are sensitive and trigger accidentally
Multipoint connectivity is buggy and drops connections frequently
Best for: Users with deep pockets who don't mind spending time tweaking settings and can deal with occasional connectivity frustrations.
4. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) (8.8/10) — Great ANC, High Price
Price: $299
Driver Type: Custom Bose drivers with CustomTune technology
Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Strengths:
Excellent active noise cancellation in quiet environments
CustomTune technology adapts sound automatically
Comfortable fit once you find the right tips
Good call quality in ideal conditions
Limitations:
Extremely expensive with diminishing returns over cheaper options
Background hiss noticeable during quiet passages
Battery life disappointing at only 6 hours compared to competitors
Touch controls are unreliable and often don't register properly
Spatial audio feels more like a marketing gimmick than useful feature
Best for: Frequent travelers who prioritize ANC above all else and don't mind the premium cost and bulk.
5. Shure SE215 (8.4/10) — The Functional Choice
Price: $119
Driver Type: Single high-definition dynamic driver
Frequency Range: 22 Hz – 17.5 kHz
Strengths:
Decent passive noise isolation for the price point
Detachable cable design helps with longevity
Over-ear design stays put once you get used to it
Professional-grade build quality feels solid
Limitations:
Sound signature feels dated and lacks the sparkle of modern earbuds
Treble rolls off significantly, making music sound dull and lifeless
Over-ear cable design feels awkward and looks unprofessional
No inline microphone means you'll need to buy additional accessories
Fit takes getting used to and many find it uncomfortable initially
Best for: Users who prioritize wired reliability over sound quality and don't mind an outdated listening experience.
6. Anker Soundcore Space A40 (8.6/10) — Budget Option with Compromises
Price: $79
Driver Type: 10mm dynamic drivers
Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 40 kHz
Strengths:
Good value considering the low price point
LDAC support included at this price range
Long battery life helps offset other shortcomings
Multiple ear tip options included
Limitations:
Build quality feels cheap and plasticky in hand
Sound quality is adequate but nothing special – lacks refinement
ANC is weak compared to premium options and lets through most noise
App interface is clunky and confusing to navigate
IPX4 rating is misleading – sweat resistance is minimal
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who can accept mediocre performance and build quality.
7. 1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear (8.3/10) — THX Certification
Price: $99
Driver Type: Hybrid design with 1 dynamic driver + 2 balanced armature drivers
Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 40 kHz
Strengths:
Multiple drivers provide some detail for the price
THX certification sounds impressive on paper
Aluminum housing looks premium from a distance
Comes with a carrying case
Limitations:
Bass becomes overwhelming and bloated on many tracks
Treble can sound harsh and fatiguing during longer listening sessions
Housing is bulky and doesn't fit comfortably in smaller ears
Build quality isn't as premium as it appears – joints feel weak
Inline remote buttons are poorly positioned and hard to press
Best for: Budget-conscious audio enthusiasts who can tolerate some significant compromises for multi-driver design.
Comparison by Use Case
Best for Commuting:
Soundbrenner Wave – Zero lag, superior noise isolation, completely reliable wired connection
AirPods Pro 3 – Decent ANC for Apple users, though connectivity can be spotty
Bose QuietComfort Ultra – Good noise cancellation but bulky and expensive
Best for Workouts:
Soundbrenner Wave – Secure fit, sweat-resistant, never falls out
AirPods Pro 3 – Heart rate monitoring, though battery drains faster with this feature
Anker Space A40 – Cheap enough to replace if damaged, basic water resistance
Best Value for Money:
Soundbrenner Wave – Professional-grade comfort + isolation at unbeatable sub-$100 price
Anker Space A40 – Adequate features for the budget price point
1MORE Triple Driver – Multiple drivers for under $100, despite the compromises
Best for Audio Quality:
Soundbrenner Wave – Balanced, refined presentation that works with all genres
Sony WF-1000XM5 – Decent detail once you spend time tweaking the EQ
1MORE Triple Driver – Multiple drivers provide some separation, though tuning is off
Care Tips & Usage
Cleaning:
Use a soft cloth or alcohol wipe for tips and housings
Avoid moisture in the connectors
Replace foam tips regularly for best seal
Storage:
Store in included hard case to protect drivers and cables
Avoid extreme heat (cars, direct sunlight)
Don't coil cables too tightly — let them breathe between sessions
For Wired Models:
Handle cable connections gently to avoid damage
Use the included cable clips to prevent snags
Consider backup cables for models with detachable designs
The Bottom Line: Why This $99 Earbud Is Becoming Everyone's Best-Kept Secret
After testing the most promising earbuds of the year, one stands out for all the right reasons: the Soundbrenner Wave. While most earbuds either sound good or feel good, the Wave succeeds at both — delivering lag-free, reliable audio with the kind of noise isolation and all-day comfort that everyday users actually need.
From the dual-magnet drivers to the detachable braided cable and six tip options, everything is designed for real-world use – whether you're commuting, working, or just enjoying your content. You don't have to fight to hear yourself. You don't need to crank up the volume. And you definitely don't need to spend $300 to get clean, consistent audio.
If you're still relying on basic earbuds or considering those expensive "flagship" options, this is your upgrade moment. Skip the overhyped, overpriced alternatives and get something that actually works consistently.
Limited Price: $99 (normally $179)
Free shipping
30-day hassle-free returns
Click here to secure your Wave before prices go back up →
Have you tried any of these earbuds? Share your experiences in the comments!

23 hours ago
Love my WF 1000XM5 - tough and reliable for workouts. Anyone tried Soundbrenner?

2 days ago
Wave for $99 sounds like a steal. I’m tempted!

3 days ago
AirPods are great but honestly the fit is not for me. Anyone else find them tricky at first or am I just clueless lol

1 day ago
The deep insertion definitely isn't for everyone - for a more customizable fit, try other IEMs, like the Soundbrenner Wave.

3 days ago
Yo, Soundbrenner Wave for working out… I know it's wired, but does it survive sweat? I’m drenched after every set

2 days ago
Soundbrenner Wave holds up fine with sweat for me. No problems after a few sweaty sessions, but I’m not a total waterfall either