Best Wireless Earbuds and AirPods Alternatives in 2026: Picks by Need
Last updated: October 22, 2026. Picks, prices and buying advice come from CNET's wireless earbuds guide (updated October 7, 2026), battery figures from TechRadar's guide (updated October 16, 2026) and Apple's AirPods Pro page, all read October 22, 2026. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links below are affiliate links, which means this site may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Quick answer CNET names the Sony WF-1000XM6 ($328) its best overall and the Apple AirPods Pro 3 ($199) the best for Apple users. Lower-priced alternatives in CNET's guide include the EarFun Air Pro 4 Plus ($100), Baseus Inspire XP1 ($65) and Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE ($113). Match the earbuds to your phone, fit, noise cancellation needs, call quality and battery life, and check current retailer prices. AirPods are the default choice for many iPhone owners, but they are far from the only good option, and prices for alternatives range from w...
