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Best Wireless Headphones For 2021

April 28, 2021 - Tech Gear

Best true wireless earbuds for 2021

Here are the top wire-free models you can buy right now.

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David Carnoy Aug. 31, 2021 3:21 p.m.

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The market for true wireless earbuds has exploded over the last few years. Sure, Apple’s AirPods and AirPods Pro remain best sellers in the category, but plenty of excellent competitors are available, several of which are new for 2021 and offer superior audio quality, battery life and performance. And some of these buds are more suited for Android users who can’t take advantage of the AirPods’ and AirPods Pro’s Apple-only features such as hands-free Siri and spatial audio with head-tracking, in the case of the AirPods Pro. 

The best wireless earbuds have an ergonomic design that not only creates a secure fit but makes the buds comfortable to wear over long periods. A tight seal is also crucial for optimizing sound quality and noise-canceling performance if you’re using noise-isolating earbuds with ear tips like the AirPods Pro (the standard AirPods have an open design). If you can’t get a snug fit with in-ear headphones, you’ll likely feel disappointed and ripped off, which is why I suggest buying your wireless earbuds from a vendor with a decent return policy, such as Amazon. This also helps if the earbuds don’t meet your expectations when it comes to anything from noise cancellation (and noise reduction during calls) to how well the touch controls work or how long the buds last on a single charge. 

This list focuses on the overall best wireless earbuds. We also have lists for wireless headphones, the best-sounding true wireless earbuds and the best cheap true wireless earbuds under $100. I’ll update this list regularly as we review new wireless earbuds.rAs good as it getsSony WF-1000XM4

David Carnoy/CNET

No earbuds are perfect, of course, and not everybody will love the fit of the Sony WF-1000XM4 buds or be able to afford their high price. But if you’re looking for great-sounding earbuds with great noise canceling, solid voice-calling capabilities and good battery life, these buds check all the boxes.

Water-resistantYes (IPX4 rating — splash-proof).

Read our Sony WF-1000XM4 review..$278 AT WALMART$280 AT BEST BUY$278 AT AMAZON

Watch this: Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds review: Big-time upgrade 9:49Still hard to beatApple AirPods Pro

Sarah Tew/CNETED I T O R S ’ C H O I C ENOV 2019

Even if they don’t sound quite as magical as you’d hope a $249 model would, the Apple AirPods Pro still manage to be a great pair of true wireless earphones with noise cancellation. That’s largely due to their winning design and fit, improved bass performance and effective noise canceling — and now these true wireless headphones have been updated with spatial audio, a new virtual-sound mode for watching movies and TV shows (only works with iPhones and iPads running iOS 14).

They’re an excellent Apple device choice when you want to make a call or listen to music during your workout. Yeah, they’re expensive at $250, but the good news is they tend to sell in the $200 to $220 range.

Water-resistantYes (IPX4 rating — splash-proof).

Read our Apple AirPods Pro review.$197 AT AMAZON$195 AT EBAY$119 AT ADORAMABetter-fitting SamsungSamsung Galaxy Buds 2

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Available in four color options, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 hew more closely to the newer Galaxy Buds Pro and Galaxy Buds Live, both of which have eye-catching glossy curved designs and the same compact charging case as this new model. In fact, it’s the Buds 2’s design and fit — they’re 15% smaller and 20% lighter than the Buds Plus — that make them a potentially more likable alternative to the slightly better-sounding Buds Pro.

Like the Buds Pro, the Buds 2 are equipped with active noise canceling. That means all the latest Galaxy Buds models now feature some form of active noise canceling, though it’s slight with the Buds Live, which have an open design sans ear tips. While the Buds 2 look more like shrunken versions of the Buds Pro, I found them more akin to the Buds Live in that they barely stick out of your ears and are fairly discreet. Because they sit more flush with your ears — and have that curved design — they also pick up less wind noise. 

Water-resistantYes (IPX2 rating — sweat-resistant).

Read our Galaxy Buds 2 review.$150 AT SAMSUNG$150 AT SAMSUNG$146 AT AMAZONExcellent noise cancelingBose QuietComfort Earbuds

David Carnoy/CNETED I T O R S ’ C H O I C EDEC 2020

It took Bose quite a while to get them into stores, but the new $279 noise-canceling QuietComfort Earbuds are finally here. In many ways, they’re excellent true wireless earbuds, particularly when it comes to their great sound and noise canceling, which is arguably the best out there right now in a set of earbuds. Performance-wise, they clearly have a leg up on Apple’s best-selling AirPods Pro true wireless noise-canceling earbuds. However, the AirPods Pro’s smaller design, somewhat more comfortable fit and superior voice-calling capabilities make it hard to declare the Bose the straight-up champ. Ultimately, it depends on what your priorities are.

Water-resistantYes (IPX4 rating — splash-proof).

Read our Bose QuietComfort Earbuds review.$279 AT BOSE$279 AT CRUTCHFIELD$279 AT WALMARTTop-notch budsSennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2

Sarah Tew/CNETED I T O R S ’ C H O I C EMAR 2020

The second-generation Momentum True Wireless 2 aren’t cheap, but this truly wireless earphone choice is better all around than the originals, with a slightly smaller, more comfortable design, active noise canceling that rivals that of the AirPods Pro, improved battery life (up to seven hours versus the original’s four) and better noise reduction during calls. And if you don’t like these Bluetooth earbuds in black, a white version is now available. Most importantly, though, the Momentum True Wireless 2 have the same stellar sound — for true wireless earbuds, anyway — offering clearly superior sound quality to the AirPods Pro. They earned a CNET Editors’ Choice Award in 2020.

These use Bluetooth 5.1 with support for the AAC and aptX codecs (for devices that have aptX, like Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones).

Water-resistantYes (IPX4 rating — splash-proof).

Read our Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 review.$250 AT CRUTCHFIELD$248 AT WALMART$200 AT BEST BUYSamsung’s flagship noise cancelingSamsung Galaxy Buds Pro

Samsung

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Pro are slightly superior to the new, slightly more affordable Galaxy Buds 2 — at least when it comes to sound, noise-canceling performance and water-resistance (they’re fully waterproof). They also have a couple of features missing from the Buds 2, including Samsung’s new 360 Audio virtual surround feature that’s similar to Apple’s spatial audio (360 Audio only works with certain Galaxy devices, but the list is growing). 

The Buds Pro are mostly impressive, although just how good you think they are will ultimately depend on how well they fit your ears. For some people, the smaller Galaxy Buds 2 will be the better fit — and better choice. 

Water-resistantYes (IPX7 rating — fully waterproof).

Read our Galaxy Buds Pro review.$170 AT SAMSUNG$152 AT AMAZON$149 AT WALMART.COMBest soundBowers & Wilkins PI7

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After a long wait, Bowers & Wilkins has finally released a couple of sets of true wireless earbuds — the PI7 ($399) and PI5 ($249) — both of which are excellent and feature active noise canceling along with a transparency mode. The flagship PI7 has a different driver design and sounds slightly more detailed and refined with a little more bass energy. They both sound excellent, but if you’re looking for the absolute best sounding set of earbuds, the PI7 are arguably just that, besting the Sony WF-1000XM4 by a small margin. (They also sound slightly better than the excellent Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless II and Master & Dynamic MW08.)

While the PI7’s noise canceling is quite decent, the Sony’s noise canceling is superior. I also thought the Sony did better with voice calling (it has better noise reduction so people can hear you better in a noisier environments) and it has better battery life.

The PI7’s case does transform into a Bluetooth transceiver, so you can plug it into your laptop for AptX streaming or an in-flight entertainment system. That’s a nice bonus feature (the PI5 doesn’t have it), but the Sony is the overall better value. However, if sound quality is your priority, the PI7 is worth considering if you can afford them. Hopefully they come down in price over time.

The PI5 buds also sound excellent and are a touch lighter than the PI7. At $250, the PI5 competes directly with the $280 Sony 1000XM4. As with all in-ear headphones, you have to try them to see how they fit your ears. Bowers & Wilkins’ buds may fit your ears better than Sony’s and vice versa. 

Water-resistantYes (IP54 rating — splash-proof). 

Read our Bowers & Wilkins PI7 first take.$399 AT CRUTCHFIELD$399 AT AMAZONLightweight and compactBeats Studio Buds

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The Beats Studio Buds look a lot like the rumored stemless AirPods we’ve been waiting for. Geared toward both iOS and Android users, they are missing a few key features on the Apple side of things (there’s no H1 or W1 chip), but they’re small, lightweight buds that are comfortable to wear and offer really good sound. While their noise canceling isn’t as good as the AirPods Pro’s they do have a transparency mode and they’re decent for making calls. Ultimately, their fit and sound quality are their strongest selling points — and they are about $50 cheaper than the AirPods Pro.

Water-resistantYes (IPX4 rating — splash-proof). 

Read our Beats Studio Buds review.$150 AT AMAZON$150 AT APPLELots to like for $60Edifier TWS 330NB

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Edifier has a few different new true-wireless earbuds and most, including the TWS 330NB, are very good values. While the TWS 330NB buds are missing a sensor that automatically pauses your music when you take them out of your ears, they feature very good sound quality for the money, decent active noise canceling with a transparency mode, and solid voice calling (they have three microphones in each bud for noise canceling and noise reduction during calls).

They fit my ears well — they’re essentially AirPods Pro clones — and while the touch controls are a little limited, they are programmable using the Edifier Connect app for iOS and Android (you can also set their level of touch sensitivity). They have an IP54 rating, which means they’re splash- and dustproof, and battery life is rated at four hours with noise canceling on and five hours with it off (at moderate volume levels). That’s only OK, but you do get an additional two charges via the charging case. They’re also available in black. 

Water-resistantYes (IP54 rating — splash-proof).$60 AT EDIFIERAffordable SennheiserSennheiser CX

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Sennheiser last year released the CX 400BT True Wireless, a more affordable alternative to its excellent Momentum True Wireless 2 earbuds. I liked the CX400BT but thought the $200 list price was high and felt there was some room for discounts based on their build quality. Sure enough, their price quickly dropped to $150, then sporadically hit $100 on Amazon, and bottomed out at $80 for Prime Day 2021. Now we get the new Sennheiser CX, which have essentially the same design as their predecessors but offer some small improvements, along with a lower $130 price tag. They sound very good for their price point but do stick out of your ears a little more than some buds. 

The buds are equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 and presumably an upgraded chipset. Battery life is up to nine hours at moderate volume levels (the slightly bulky charging case stores an additional three charges) versus seven hours for the previous model. The CX also adds an extra microphone on each bud, which does improve the voice-calling experience and makes it easier for callers to hear you speak, even in noisy environments. To be clear, however, these are not active noise-canceling earbuds, they simply offer noise reduction for calls. 

Water-resistantYes (IPX4 rating — splash-proof).

Read our Sennheiser CX first take.$130 AT CRUTCHFIELD$130 AT AMAZONPremium design and soundMaster & Dynamic MW08

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Master & Dynamic’s earlier MW07 and MW07 Plus delivered top-notch sound for truly wireless, but they were a little lacking in the features department and weren’t so great for making calls. The new-for-2021 MW08 offers some significant improvements, including the addition of solid noise canceling and call quality, that make it one of the top models for 2021. Alas, they’re expensive at $299.

Battery life has improved a bit (up to around 12 hours of battery life at 50% volume versus 10 hours for the MW07 Plus), and the earbuds are equipped with Bluetooth 5.2, active noise cancellation with three microphones on each earbud (noise reduction during calls isn’t up to the level of the AirPods Pro, but overall call quality has improved). The noise-canceling on the MW07 Plus was pretty weak; the MW08’s is much more effective.

You can opt for two levels of noise cancellation in the new M&D Connect app for iOS and Android, as well as two levels of transparency that let you hear the outside world to varying degrees. The app currently has no way to tweak the sound profile (I’m OK with that because the sound profile is just fine for my tastes). Each earbud has a physical button to control playback, not touch controls.

These buds may not fit everyone’s ear equally well, but they certainly have a distinct look, as well as excellent sound and a great listening experience if you can get a tight seal (I was able to get a secure fit with the largest tip). They deliver more of an audiophile sound profile, with smooth, well-balanced sound and well-defined bass. This model has new 11mm drivers, which add a bit of punch to the bass and a touch better clarity. The MW08 works well with all genres of music.

Available in a variety of color options for $300, like their predecessors, the MW08 includes a swanky stainless-steel charging case (it charges via USB-C) that’s compact but carries more weight than your typical buds case. I prefer the matte finishes of the cases that come with the black and blue versions, and you also get a secondary pouch for safekeeping (yes, the charging case can get scratched up if you leave it in a bag).

These truly wireless earbuds now support both the aptX and AAC audio codecs and have an extended range of more than 20 meters, according to Master & Dynamic.

Water-resistantYes (IPX5 rating — withstands sustained spray).$299 AT MASTER & DYNAMICAnker’s AirPods Pro alternativeAnker Liberty Air 2 Pro

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Anker’s Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro ($130), the company’s first earbuds to feature active noise canceling, are mostly an excellent set of true-wireless earbuds that measure up pretty well against Apple’s AirPods Pro for significantly less money.

While I had an issue with the included ear tips and had to use some other tips (it’s crucial to get a tight seal or both noise canceling and sound quality will suffer), they should fit most people comfortably. Sound quality is better than Anker’s earlier Liberty Air 2 and the noise canceling is effective. These also work well as a headset for making calls and are available in multiple color options. Their price sporadically drops to $100, so look to buy them on the dip

Water-resistantYes (IPX4 rating — splash-proof). 

Read our Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro review.$129 AT WALMART.COM$100 AT AMAZONInnovative designSamsung Galaxy Buds Live

Say what you will about the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live’s bean-shaped design, but they might just be the most innovative new true wireless earbuds of the year. Like the standard AirPods, they have an open design — you don’t jam an ear tip into your ear — and they’re quite comfortable to wear and fit my ears more securely than the AirPods. That said, they won’t fit everybody’s ears equally well. These wireless buds are discreet and basically sit flush with your ear without a little white pipe extending out from them.

They deliver good sound and work well as a headset for making calls, with good background noise reduction so callers can hear you clearly even when you’re in noisier environments. While they feature active noise canceling, it’s mild compared to the noise canceling in earbuds that have a noise isolation design. In other words, buy them for their design and sound, not their noise-canceling features.

Water-resistantYes (IPX2 rating — sweat-resistant and protects against light splashes).$129 AT WALMARTImpressive for around $50EarFun Free Pro

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At one time, we had the cheaper EarFun Free on this list, but the newer and more feature-rich EarFun Free Pro buds are the ones I’m using more for sporting activity these days. They have active noise cancellation with a transparency mode, wireless charging and Bluetooth 5.2. Rated for seven hours of battery life without the noise-canceling function on, or about six hours with it on, they’re IPX5 water-resistant, which means they can withstand a sustained spray of water.

They sound very good for the money, with relatively clean, balanced sound and bass that has some kick to it — they’re pretty open-sounding. Lightweight and comfortable to wear, they have little fins that help keep them securely in your ears, and they’re fairly discreet-looking.

Don’t expect them to cancel noise as well as the AirPods Pro, but they do provide some decent muffling. It’s worth noting that you can use either the left or right earbud independently and there’s a low-latency mode for video watching (and presumably gaming). Call quality was decent, too: Callers said they heard some background noise but it wasn’t intrusive and they could hear my voice well. The touch controls were responsive. 

Water-resistantYes (IPX5 rating — can withstand a sustained spray of water).$60 AT EARFUNImproved over timeJabra Elite 75t

ED I T O R S ’ C H O I C EDEC 2020

While Jabra’s Elite 75t series has been out a while, they’re still one of the best true wireless earbuds out there and have added noise canceling via a firmware upgrade. Earlier firmware updates improved voice-calling performance. 

The Elite 75t isn’t quite as comfortable to wear as the AirPods Pro, but they arguably sound a touch better, with clearer overall sound and slightly better bass definition, so long as you get a tight seal. (The step-up 85t has more powerful bass).

The slightly more rugged Elite Active 75t is also available for about $20 more, but with the new Elite 85t’s arrival we are seeing some sales on the Elite 75t. 

Water-resistantYes (IP55 rating — can withstand heavy sprays of water).

Read our Jabra Elite 75t review.$98 AT AMAZON$150 AT WALMART$150 AT BEST BUYAndroid-centric earbudsGoogle Pixel Buds A-Series

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Google’s Pixel Buds A-Series are kind of unusual, in that they’re new but not exactly an upgrade. They look and sound very similar to last year’s Pixel Buds 2, which debuted at $179 but are now selling for less. However, instead of adding new features — like active noise canceling — they’ve actually lost a few. Why? They only cost $100: The “A” stands for affordability. That new lower price is the real story here and what makes these a bonafide true-wireless value, particularly for Android users.

Water-resistantYes (IPX4 rating — splash-proof).

Read the Pixel Buds A-Series review.$180 AT BEST BUYSecure fit for runnersJaybird Vista

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One of our top picks for runners, the Jaybird Vista is a good set of true wireless sports earbuds that lock in your ears and are fully waterproof. Jaybird recently released the Vista 2 ($200), which adds noise canceling and a transparency mode (their design and sound is similar to the originals). With the Vista 2 arriving, the Vista is being discounted and may be the better value. 

Water-resistantYes (IPX7 — fully waterproof and sweat-proof).

Read our Jaybird Vista review.$150 AT JAYBIRD$150 AT CRUTCHFIELD$149 AT WALMARTAirPods on steroidsBeats Powerbeats Pro

Sarah Tew/CNET

Yes, the Beats Powerbeats Pro’s jumbo charging case with its built-in battery is a notable drawback. But incorporating all the features that make Apple’s AirPods great while delivering richer sound and better battery life in a design that features ear hooks and won’t fall out of your ear is a winning proposition. Just make sure you buy these Beats Powerbeats earphones somewhere that has a good return policy, in case you’re in the small minority who have ears that aren’t quite a match for these Bluetooth headphones.

They use Bluetooth 5.0 with support for AAC but not aptX.

Water-resistantYes (IPX4 rating — splash-proof).

Read our Beats Powerbeats Pro review.$180 AT AMAZON$169 AT EBAY$185 AT WALMARTCNET TVS, STREAMING AND AUDIO

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Best-sounding wireless earbuds for 2021

Many people are happy with cheap true wireless headphones, but if you need something with top-notch sound, this is the list for you.

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David CarnoySept. 2, 2021 1:08 p.m. PT

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On the hunt for headphones with amazing sound? If you want to go easy on your wallet, we’ve got a list of the best cheap true wireless earbuds. But if you want to find the absolute best-sounding wireless earbuds, the hard truth is you’ll need to expect to spend more — a lot more, in some cases. However, in recent months we’ve come across a few models that cost less than $75 and still deliver surprisingly impressive sound, so we’ve now added them to this list.

The best wireless headphones tend to be on the bigger side because when it comes to the sound quality of a pair of true wireless earbuds, size does seem to matter. And that’s where the one big caveat comes into play: To achieve optimal performance, the best true wireless earbuds need to feel comfortable and fit right in your ear — and you need to get a tight seal. If you can’t get a snug fit with a pair of in-ear headphones, you’ll be sadly disappointed and think you got ripped off, which is why I suggest buying a pair from a store with a decent return policy, such as Amazon. I’d also like to add, if you have trouble finding earbuds that work for you, try ones that can accommodate an ear hook. It’s life-changing.

We wanted to make sure you know about your options beyond the ubiquitous Apple AirPods, especially if you’re not carrying an Apple device. Below is a list of the best-sounding wireless earbuds, with a breakdown of features, including performance, noise cancellation, battery life, audio quality and how comfortable the headphones are. 

READ MORE

Premium price, stellar soundBowers & Wilkins PI7

David Carnoy/CNET

Bowers & Wilkins, the venerable British audio company acquired last year by Sound United, has released its first true wireless earbuds. They are well worth the wait — if you can afford them. The new flagship noise-canceling PI7 earbuds sound terrific — they’re arguably the best sounding true-wireless earbuds out there right now — but cost a whopping $400. The step-down noise-canceling PI5 buds retail for $250.

Aside from stellar sound and very good noise canceling, the PI7 buds have a few bonus feature that may or may not help you rationalize paying $400 for them. For starters, they’re the first earbuds I’ve encountered where the wireless charging case converts into a transceiver, so you can plug the case into the headphone port on an airplane’s inflight entertainment system and wirelessly stream audio from the case to the earbuds.

Additionally, Bowers & Wilkins says the PI7 supports Qualcomm aptX Adaptive wireless transmission (which includes the aptX HD codec) from compatible mobile devices, allowing for “high-resolution music transmission from suitable streaming services, such as Qobuz.”

They’re IPX54 splash-proof and have four hours of battery life with noise canceling on (that’s a little disappointing), plus an extra four charges from the case. Read our Bowers & Wilkins PI7 first take.$400 AT CRUTCHFIELDSensational SonySony WF-1000XM4

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No earbuds are perfect, of course, and not everybody will love the fit of the Sony WF-1000XM4 buds or be able to afford their high price. But if you’re looking for great-sounding earbuds with brilliant noise canceling, solid voice-calling capabilities and good battery life, these buds check all the boxes.

For me anyway the traits of excellent sounding wireless headphones involve such adjectives as accurate, articulate, well-balanced, dynamic and smooth. These exhibit those traits and their sound is up there with the best-sounding models. They’re also splash-proof, with an IPX4 rating.

I A/B tested these with the Bowers & Wilkins PI7, which arguably have the slight edge — the PI7 may just be the best-sounding true-wireless earbuds out there right now. But the Sony WF-1000XM4’s noise canceling and headset performance is superior and they cost $120 less, so you may see the PI7 come down in price to compete with the Sony because it’s hard to justify spending the extra dough on the PI7, even if its charging case doubles as a Bluetooth transceiver and it does support the aptX Adaptive format. Read our Sony WF-1000XM4 review.$278 AT AMAZONNext-gen Master & DynamicMaster & Dynamic MW08

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Master & Dynamic’s earlier MW07 and MW07 Plus delivered top-notch sound for true wireless, but they were a little lacking in the features department and weren’t so great for making calls. The new-for-2021 MW08 offers some significant improvements, including the addition of solid noise canceling and call quality, that makes it one of the top models for 2021. Alas, it’s expensive at $299.

Battery life has improved a bit (up to around 12 hours of battery life at 50% volume versus 10 hours for the MW07 Plus), and the earbuds are equipped with Bluetooth 5.2, active noise cancellation with three microphones on each earbud (noise reduction during calls isn’t up to the level of the AirPods Pro but overall call quality has improved). The noise-canceling on the MW07 Plus was pretty weak; the MW08’s is much more effective.  

You can opt for two levels of noise cancellation in the new M&D Connect app for iOS and Android, as well as two levels of transparency that lets you hear the outside world. The app currently has no way to tweak the sound profile (‘m OK with that because the sound profile is just fine for my tastes) and the earbuds have a physical button on each bud to control playback, not touch controls.

The ‘buds may not fit everyone’s ear equally well, but they certainly have a distinct look, as well as excellent sound and a great listening experience if you can get a tight seal (I was able to get a secure fit with the largest tip). They deliver more of an audiophile sound profile, with smooth, well-balanced sound and well-defined bass. This model has new 11mm drivers, which add a bit of punch to the bass and a touch better clarity. The MW08 works well with all genres of music.

Available in a variety of color options for $300, like their predecessors, the MW08 includes a swanky stainless-steel charging case (it charges via USB-C) that’s compact but carries more weight than your typical buds cases. I prefer the matte finishes of the cases that come with the black and blue versions, and you also get a secondary pouch for safekeeping (yes, the charging case can get scratched up if you leave it in a bag).

These truly wireless earbuds now support both the aptX and AAC audio codecs and have an extended range of more than 20 meters, according to Master & Dynamic. They have an IPX5 rating and can withstand sustained sprays.$299 AT MASTER & DYNAMICBest JBLJBL Tour Pro Plus

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JBL has a few new true-wireless noise-canceling earbuds for 2021, including the Reflect Mini NC and Club Pro Plus. However, the flagship Tour Pro Plus ($200) is clearly the best of the bunch and among the best sounding true-wireless earbuds, with clean, dynamic, well-balanced sound with powerful bass and a relatively wide soundstage. Noise canceling and call quality are also quite decent. 

Like many of the other buds on this list, these are somewhat bulbous and do stick out of your ears a bit. But I found them pretty comfortable and got a secure fit with the largest ear tips. They’re IPX4 splash-resistant and have a battery life rating of six hours with noise canceling on and eight hours with it off, at moderate volume levels. $200 AT AMAZONTop-notch noise canceling with excellent soundBose QuietComfort Earbuds

David Carnoy/CNETED I T O R S ’ C H O I C EDEC 2020

It took Bose quite a while to get them into stores, but the $279 noise-canceling QuietComfort Earbuds are finally here. In many ways, they’re excellent true wireless earbuds, particularly when it comes to their sound and noise canceling, which is arguably the best right now in a set of earbuds.

The Bose are right up there with the best-sounding true wireless earbuds and go toe to toe with the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2. They work well for a variety of music genres but fans of hip-hop and EDM will find they have plenty of kick to their bass. They’re splash-proof, with an IPX4 rating.

Read our Bose QuietComfort Earbuds review.$279 AT BOSE$279 AT CRUTCHFIELD$279 AT WALMARTRich, detailed audio with noise cancelingSennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2

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The second-generation Momentum True Wireless 2 aren’t cheap, but since they’ve been out a while, they’re being discounted — we may very well see a Momentum True Wireless 3 in the near future. These buds are better all around than the originals, with a slightly smaller, more comfortable design, active noise canceling that rivals that of the AirPods Pro, improved battery life (up to seven hours versus the original’s four) and better noise reduction during calls. And if you don’t like these Bluetooth earbuds in black, a white version is available. Most importantly, though, the Momentum True Wireless 2 have the same stellar sound — for true wireless earbuds, anyway — offering clearly superior sound quality to the AirPods Pro. They earned a CNET Editors’ Choice Award in 2020.

These use Bluetooth 5.1 with support for the AAC and aptX codecs (for devices that have aptX, like Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones). They have an IPX4 water resistance rating, meaning they’re splash-proof. Read our Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 review.$220 AT SENNHEISERAffordable SennheiserSennheiser CX

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Sennheiser last year released the CX 400BT True Wireless, a more affordable alternative to its excellent Momentum True Wireless 2 earbuds. I liked the CX400BT but thought the $200 list price was high and felt there was some room for discounts based on their build quality. Sure enough, their price quickly dropped to $150, then sporadically hit $100 on Amazon, and bottomed out at $80 for Prime Day 2021. Now we get the new Sennheiser CX, which have essentially the same design as their predecessors but offer some small improvements, along with a lower $130 price tag. They sound very good for their price point but do stick out of your ears a little more than some buds. 

The buds are equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 and presumably an upgraded chipset. Battery life is up to nine hours at moderate volume levels (the slightly bulky charging case stores an additional three charges) versus seven hours for the previous model. The CX also adds an extra microphone on each bud, which does improve the voice-calling experience and makes it easier for callers to hear you speak, even in noisy environments. To be clear, however, these are not active noise-canceling earbuds, they simply offer noise reduction for calls. Splash-proof, they have an IPX4 rating.

Read our Sennheiser CX first take.$130 AT CRUTCHFIELD$130 AT AMAZONAudiophile-grade soundGrado GT220

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Known for its excellent sounding, retro-designed, open-back wired headphones, Grado has long been a favorite among audiophiles, earning extra points for building many of its headphones by hand in Brooklyn, New York, for over 60 years. But with the world moving to wireless audio, the company has slowly shifted into the Bluetooth headphone arena, first with its GW100 on-ear model (in 2018) and now with its first true wireless earbuds, the GT220 ($259). Grado says it’s been working for two years to fit them with its “signature” mini-drivers and tune them accordingly. The good news is they sound fantastic — for true-wireless earbuds anyway — and perform well as a headset for making calls.

Their more penetrating fit (the buds have to be jammed into your ears), which provides very good passive noise-muffling, may not work for everybody. But if you’re OK with it, these are easily among the best-sounding true-wireless earbuds out there — and maybe even the best-sounding.

Audiophile headphones are often associated with more of a flat or neutral sound profile that delivers “accurate” sound. These are well-balanced but they have a more exciting sound profile, with bass that’s a touch more forward and nice sparkle in the treble. They are more revealing and articulate than Sennheiser’s True Wireless Momentum II earbuds, which come across as warmer and a bit more open with slightly bigger sound.

These use Bluetooth 5.0 with support for the AAC and aptX codecs (for devices that have aptX, like Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones). They have an IPX4 water-resistance rating, so they’re splash-proof. Read our Grado GT220 review.$259 AT AMAZON

Watch this: Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds review: Big-time upgrade 9:49Noise-canceling SamsungSamsung Galaxy Buds Pro

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I’ve been a fan of Samsung’s recent Galaxy true wireless earbuds. The Galaxy Buds Plus fit my ears really well and have become one of the better true wireless values, sometimes selling for less than $100 online. And the Galaxy Buds Live, also discounted a bit since their original debut, feature a discreet and innovative “open” design and I like to use them for running and biking. Now the $200 Galaxy Buds Pro — Samsung’s long-awaited active noise-canceling model — have arrived with upgraded sound and high expectations. (Yes, the Buds Live also have noise canceling, but it’s rather modest.)

The Buds Pro are mostly impressive, although just how good you think they are will ultimately depend on how well they fit your ears. The other caveat is that Samsung’s new 360 Audio virtual surround feature (similar to Apple’s spatial audio) only works with Samsung’s latest Galaxy S21 models. I do expect that over time firmware upgrades will offer small improvements and we’ll see some discounts sooner rather than later. They’re fully waterproof with an IPX7 rating.

Read our Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro review.$170 AT SAMSUNG$152 AT AMAZON$149 AT WALMART.COMBudget pickEdifier TWS 330NB

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Edifier has a few different new true-wireless earbuds and most, including the TWS 330NB, are very good values. While the TWS 330NB buds are missing a sensor that automatically pauses your music when you take them out of your ears, they feature really good sound quality for the money, decent active noise canceling with a transparency mode, and solid voice calling (they have three microphones in each bud for noise canceling and noise reduction during calls).

They fit my ears well — they’re essentially AirPods Pro clones — and while the touch controls are a little limited, they are programmable using the Edifier Connect app for iOS and Android (you can also set their level of touch sensitivity). They have an IP54 rating, which means they’re splash- and dust-proof, and battery life is rated at four hours with noise canceling on and five hours with it off (at moderate volume levels). That’s only OK, but you do get an additional two charges via the charging case. They’re also available in black.$48 AT AMAZONBest sounding sport-centric modelBeats Powerbeats Pro

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Yes, the Powerbeats Pro’s jumbo charging case with its built-in battery is a notable drawback. But incorporating all the features that make Apple AirPods great while delivering richer sound and better battery life in a design that won’t fall out of your ear ultimately is a winning proposition. Just make sure to buy these bluetooth headphones somewhere with a good return policy in case you’re in the small minority that doesn’t find them comfortable to wear.

They use Bluetooth 5.0 with support for AAC but not aptX. They’re splash-proof with an IPX4 rating.

Read our Beats Powerbeats Pro review.$180 AT AMAZON$169 AT EBAY$185 AT WALMARTCNET TVS, STREAMING AND AUDIO

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Best running earbuds and headphones to use for 2021

An assortment of top headphone options for both casual joggers and more serious runners.

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David CarnoyAug. 31, 2021 8:13 a.m. PT

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There are plenty of factors to take into consideration when choosing a pair of headphones for your run, but perhaps the most important one is fit. You want a pair that’s both comfortable and secure — you don’t want to lose an earbud, and you want ones that will stay in your ears even when you’re running at max speed.

There are other things to think about as well. Good sound quality is certainly important, as is durability, battery life and reliable performance with minimal dropouts. Needless to say, running headphones also need to be sweat-resistant and ideally even waterproof. And finally, some safety features are a big plus — by that I mean it can be important to be able to hear traffic if you’re running along roads with cars driving by. Open-style earbuds or headphones that don’t block out sound are good options, or in-ear noise isolating buds that have a transparency mode that lets sound in (most of these types have a noise-canceling mode as well). 

Watch this: Bose Sport Open Earbuds review: Quirky design, surprising… 6:16

Yes, some people still run with wired headphones, but these days most runners are looking for wireless earphones — and likely true wireless earbuds — because headphones with a wire are cumbersome by comparison.

The majority of the headphones on this best list are true wireless, but there are also a few other types, including on-ear and wireless bone-conduction headphones that are popular with runners and bikers because of their open design that allows sound in for safety reasons. I update the list periodically as I review new products.Best bone conduction headphonesAfterShokz Aeropex

David Carnoy/CNET

Water-resistantYes (IP67 rating — can withstand immersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes).

AfterShokz bone conduction wireless headphones aren’t quite what many people picture when they think of an earphone because they don’t go on your ears — these headphones actually deliver sound to your ear through your cheekbones. The big benefit of this technology as running earphones is that, thanks to its open design, you can hear ambient noise and what’s going on around you while listening to music or having a phone conversation through the wireless headphones. That openness allows runners to hear traffic sound, as being able to hear external noise and ambient sound is an important safety feature in any workout headphones. Also, some race coordinators don’t allow runners to wear anything in their ears, which is where over-ear headphones like this come in handy, particularly for people who need to listen to music while they run.

Aeropex ($160) over-ear headphones, which AfterShokz describes as its “lightest, highest-quality headphones yet,” were released in 2019. From my initial testing, sound quality in this pair of headphones is definitely better than the company’s previous flagship model, the Trekz Air — or the Air, as it’s now called. It’s also slightly more comfortable to wear with a comfortable fit. However, while AfterShokz continues to make small improvements to performance with each new iteration of its wireless headphones, the sound quality still can’t match that of a traditional headphone.

Read our AfterShokz Aeropex first take.$160 AT AMAZONAffordable bone conductionAftershokz OpenMove

David Carnoy/CNET

Water-resistantYes (IP55 rating — can withstand heavy sprays of water).

AfterShokz’ new entry-level OpenMove bone-conduction headphone lists for $100 but is currently selling for $80. It replaces the older Titanium model, which is still on sale (it also costs $80), and features some small design upgrades. I found it comfortable to wear and while it doesn’t sound great, it sounds relatively good for a bone-conduction headphone (again, keep your sound quality expectations in check or you’ll be disappointed). It’s very good for listening to podcasts, audiobooks and news broadcasts while you run (I have a tendency to listen to XM radio while running). 

This model charges via USB-C and includes a simple carrying pouch. Battery life is rated at up to six hours.$65 AT AMAZONGood valueEarFun Free Pro

David Carnoy/CNET

Water-resistantYes (IPX5 rating — can withstand a sustained spray of water).

We had the cheaper EarFun Free on this list, but the newer and more feature-rich EarFun Free Pro buds are the ones I’m using more for sporting activity these days. They have active noise cancellation with a transparency mode, wireless charging and Bluetooth 5.2. Rated for seven hours of battery life without the noise-canceling function on, or about six hours with it on, they’re IPX5 water-resistant, which means they can withstand a sustained spray of water.

They sound very good for the money, with relatively clean, balanced sound and bass that has some kick to it — they’re pretty open-sounding. Lightweight and comfortable to wear, they have little fins that help keep them securely in your ears, and they’re fairly discreet-looking.

Don’t expect them to cancel noise as well as the AirPods Pro, but they do provide some decent muffling. It’s worth noting that you can use either the left or right earbud independently and there’s a low-latency mode for video watching (and presumably gaming). Call quality was decent, too: Callers said they heard some background noise but it wasn’t intrusive and they could hear my voice well. The touch controls were responsive. $50 AT AMAZONSecure fitJaybird Vista 2

David Carnoy/CNET

Water-resistant: Yes (IP68 rating — dust-proof and fully waterproof)

Known for their secure fit, decent sound and durability, Jaybird’s Vista sport earbuds ($150) have been on our lists of best workout headphones and best running headphones since 2019. Now the Vista 2, an upgraded version that features a similar design and higher price tag ($200), has arrived with a couple of key upgrades missing from the original: active noise canceling and a transparency mode called SurroundSense, which allows you to hear the outside world, an important safety feature for runners and bikers. 

The updated earbuds essentially have the same design as the originals. However, Jaybird has added some fabric to the outside of the buds, which helps cut down on wind noise (think of the fabric as a dampener). There’s also an ear-detection sensor, so your music automatically pauses when you take the buds out of your ears.

The Vista 2 buds have an IP68 water resistance rating, which means they’re both dust-proof and fully waterproof. Jaybird says they’re also sweat-, crush- and drop-proof. And the compact case is now splash-proof and dust-resistant, with an IP54 rating.

They sound quite good once you tweak the EQ settings to your liking, but their sound quality isn’t quite up to the level of some other premium earbuds in the $200 price range. Their noise canceling, transparency mode and voice-calling are decent though unspectacular (the AirPods perform better in all departments). But if you’re buying these, you’re buying them for the secure fit and durability.$180 AT AMAZONLightweight BeatsBeats Studio Buds

David Carnoy/CNET

Water-resistant: Yes (IPX4 rating — splash-proof)

The Beats Studio Buds look a lot like the rumored stemless AirPods we’ve been waiting for. Geared toward both iOS and Android users, they are missing a few key features on the Apple side of things (there’s no H1 or W1 chip), but they’re small, lightweight earbuds that are comfortable to wear and offer very good sound. While their noise cancellation isn’t as good as you get from the AirPods Pro, they do have a transparency mode that lets ambient sound in and they’re decent for making calls. Ultimately, their fit and sound quality are their strongest selling points — and they are about $50 cheaper than the AirPods Pro.

They fit my ears securely (I ran with them without a problem), but you could get some slippage if you sweat a lot. In that case, it may be a good idea to invest in some foam ear tips, which improve grip a little (I use them with the AirPods Pro). Read our Beats Studio Buds review.$150 AT AMAZONOpen design made for runnersBose Sport Open Earbuds

David Carnoy/CNET

Water-resistantYes (IPX4 rating — splash-proof).

As far as headphones go, Bose’s Sport Open Earbuds are pretty funky. Not to be confused with the company’s more traditional in-ear Sport Earbuds and QuietComfort Earbuds, they feature an open design without a tip, meaning the earpiece sits on top of your ear and doesn’t penetrate your ear canal. 

Geared toward runners and bikers who want their ears open to the world for safety reasons — or to people who don’t like to have any sort of bud in their ears — they sound surprisingly good. I ended up liking them, but their design isn’t for everybody, and how comfortable you find them will determine how much you like them.

Read our Bose Sport Open Earbuds review.$199 AT BOSEBest noise-canceling headphones for runnersApple AirPods Pro

Angela Lang/CNETED I T O R S ’ C H O I C ENOV 2019

Water-resistantYes (IPX4 rating — splash-proof).

While they’re not advertised as sports earbuds, the AirPods Pro are very good truly wireless headphones for running. That’s largely due to their winning lightweight design and fit, improved bass performance, effective noise cancellation and excellent call quality. While I can’t run with the standard AirPods (those in-ear headphones don’t fit my ears securely), I had no trouble running with the AirPods Pro, which have a noise-isolating design with a silicone tip that sits snugly in your ear. That said, I got an even more secure fit by using a pair of Comply foam ear tips ($25).

For runners, it’s worth noting that there’s a transparency mode that allows sound to leak in. You’ll still have to lower the volume of your music to hear the sound of traffic noise. The AirPods Pro are also officially rated as being sweat-resistant.

Read our AirPods Pro review.$197 AT AMAZON$195 AT EBAY$119 AT ADORAMABest with ear hooksBeats Powerbeats Pro

Sarah Tew/CNET

Water-resistantYes (IPX4 rating — splash-proof).

Yes, the Beats Powerbeats Pro’s jumbo charging case is a notable drawback. But the combination of incorporating all the features that make Apple’s AirPods great while delivering richer sound quality and better battery life in a wireless earbuds design that won’t fall out of your ear (ear hooks for the win!) ultimately is a winning proposition for earbuds for running. Just make sure you buy these running earbuds somewhere that has a good return policy in case you’re in the small minority that has ears that aren’t quite a match for the bluetooth earbuds. Note that these headphones are frequently reduced from $250 to $200 or even less — don’t pay the full price if you’re buying them.

Read our Beats Powerbeats Pro review.$180 AT AMAZON$169 AT EBAY$185 AT WALMARTGood for Android usersGoogle Pixel Buds A-Series

David Carnoy/CNET

Water-resistant: Yes (IPX4 rating — splash-proof)

Google’s Pixel Buds A-Series are kind of unusual, in that they’re new but not exactly an upgrade. They look and sound very similar to last year’s Pixel Buds 2, which debuted at $179 but are now selling for less. However, instead of getting new features — like active noise canceling — they’ve actually lost a few. Why? The “A” stands for affordability: They only cost $100. That new lower price is the real story here, making these a bona fide true-wireless value, particularly for Android users. And the integrated stabilizer arcs (aka sport fins) help keep the buds securely in your ears during sporting activities. Read our Pixel Buds A-Series review.$100 AT BEST BUYBest audio sunglassesBose Frames (Tempo)

Bose

Water-resistantYes (IPX4 rating — splash-proof).

The Bose Frames is one of those products you have to try to fully appreciate — or dismiss. The concept is you’re getting a decent pair of sunglasses with a pair of headphones that don’t actually go in your ears. Rather, integrated micro speakers in each arm direct a beam of sound to your ears. That design could be appealing to people who don’t like having headphones in or on their ears, and also offers a degree of safety for runners and bikers who want their ears open to the world.

Bose has updated its line of audio sunglasses with three new models, including the Tempo sports model, which offers better sound and battery life than the more traditional-looking Tenor and Soprano. The Tempo has better specs all-around, with USB-C charging and larger 22mm drivers. It also delivers up to eight hours of battery life.

Their sound is definitely improved from the original Frames. Bose says the Tempo plays “deeper and louder — loud enough for cycling at 25 mph — while still able to hear traffic and your training partners.” They’re sweat-, weather-, scratch- and shatter-resistant, according to Bose and fit under most protective helmets. (I had no problem using them with a couple of bike helmets.) They also work really well for making calls, thanks to a new dual-microphone system. Optional lenses are available for $39 and you can order prescription lenses through Lensabl.

Read our Bose Frames review.$249 AT BOSESolid under $50TaoTronics SoundLiberty P10

David Carnoy/CNET

Water-resistant: Yes (IPX8 rating — fully waterproof)

TaoTronics’ SoundLiberty P10 earbuds are another AirPods Pro knockoff, but they’re one of the better ones out there for the money, with good sound and decent headset performance for making calls. The noise canceling isn’t up to the level of the AirPods Pro, but it’s reasonably effective and there’s also an ambient mode that lets sound in (the equivalent of the AirPods Pro’s transparency mode, just not quite as natural-sounding), as well as an anti-wind mode.

I’ve tried many TaoTronics headphones over the years and these may be the company’s best earbuds yet. While they’re not fancy, they fit my ears well, their case is compact and the instructions clearly spell out how to use the touch controls. They’re equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 and are fully waterproof with an IPX8 rating. Battery life is rated at six and a half hours with noise canceling on and volume at 50%.$40 AT WALMARTComfortable fitSamsung Galaxy Buds Live

Juan Garzon/CNET

Water-resistantYes (IPX2 rating — sweat-resistant and protects against light splashes).

Say what you will about the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live’s bean-shaped design, but they might just be the most innovative new true wireless earbuds of the year. Like the standard AirPods, they have an open design — you don’t jam an ear tip into your ear — and they’re quite comfortable to wear and fit my ears more securely than the AirPods. These wireless buds are discreet and basically sit flush with your ear, which reduces wind-noise while biking. I regularly use them for running and biking, and they’re great for sporting activities if they fit your ears well, but one warning: Some people won’t get a secure fit, so buy them from a retailer that has a good return policy.

They deliver good sound and work well as a headset for making calls, with good background noise reduction so callers can hear you clearly even when you’re in noisier environments. While they feature active noise canceling, it’s mild compared to the noise canceling in earbuds that have a noise-isolating design. In other words, buy them for their design and sound, not their noise-canceling features.

Read our Samsung Galaxy Buds Live review.$130 AT SAMSUNG$128 AT AMAZON$169 AT WALMARTGood sound, secure fitBose Sport Earbuds

David Carnoy/CNET

Water-resistantYes (IPX4 rating — splash-proof).

Both Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds and Sport Earbuds make good workout headphones, thanks to their StayHear Max tips and secure fit, but the Sport Earbuds are more compact and lighter and also more affordable (the QuietComfort Earbuds do have excellent active noise canceling, however).

They have the same IPX4 splash-resistant rating as the QuietComfort Earbuds, are equipped with Bluetooth 5.1 (my connection was rock solid) and share a similar design aesthetic, with three color options available. Unlike their step-up sibling, they have no active noise canceling and an hour less of battery life — five hours instead of six — as well as no wireless charging. While they do stick out from your ears, they’re noticeably smaller and lighter than the QuietComfort Earbuds and their case is about 30% to 40% smaller. The case still isn’t as small as the cases for such competitors as the AirPods Pro, Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus, Galaxy Buds Live and Jabra Elite 75t. But it feels reasonably compact.

Read our Bose Sport Earbuds review.$179 AT BOSE$179 AT AMAZON$179 AT WALMARTSony sports earbudsSony WF-SP800N

David Carnoy/CNET

Water-resistant: Yes (IP55 splash-proof)

Sony’s WF-SP800N “sports” earbuds have been regularly discounted over the last year, and they recently hit a new low of $78 on Amazon and Best Buy. This could very well be a sign that we’re going to see new Sony true-wireless sports earbuds in the near future.

No, the noise canceling and sound aren’t as good as you get from the WF-1000XM4 (or WF-1000XM3 for that matter), but there’s still a lot to like about these ‘buds, including very good sound, solid noise canceling and good call quality. The “arcs” (sports fins) lock the earbuds in your ears but you just have to make sure you get a tight seal from one of the included ear tips, or else both the sound and noise canceling will be lackluster.

Read our Sony WF-SP800N review.$198 AT AMAZON$200 AT BEST BUY$200 AT TARGETAll-around performerJabra Elite 75t

Sarah Tew/CNETED I T O R S ’ C H O I C EDEC 2020

Water-resistantYes (IP55 rating — can withstand heavy sprays of water).

Jabra has just announced new earbuds for 2021, including its new Elite 7 Active earbuds (shipping Oct. 1). That means big discounts on the older Elite 75t, which will stick around for a while and is still one of the better sets of true wireless earbuds out there. Last year, it added noise canceling via a firmware upgrade and earlier firmware updates improved voice-calling performance. 

The Elite 75t buds aren’t quite as comfortable to wear as the AirPods Pro, but they do sound better, with clearer overall sound and better bass audio quality definition, so long as you get a tight seal.

The slightly more rugged Elite Active 75t is also available for about $20 more, but with the new Elite 85t’s arrival we are seeing some sales on the Elite 75t.

Read our Jabra Elite 75t review.$98 AT AMAZON$150 AT WALMART$150 AT BEST BUYGood value bone-conduction headphoneAfterShokz Air

Sarah Tew/CNET

Water-resistantYes (IP55 rating — can withstand heavy sprays of water).

If you don’t want to shell out $160 for AfterShokz’s top-of-the-line Aeropex bone-conduction wireless headphone, the Trekz Air — or simply Air, as it’s now called — retails for about $40 less. This pair of around-the-neck headphones was AfterShokz’ top model a couple of years ago and isn’t a big drop-off from the Aeropex, but has less battery life (up to six hours instead of eight) and is a little less water-resistant (IP55 vs. IP67 for the Aeropex). Still, the Air sounds good for a bone-conduction headphone. However, again, keep in mind that the sound doesn’t measure up to that of a traditional headphone.

Read our AfterShokz Trekz Air review.$100 AT WALMART$120 AT BEST BUY$95 AT EBAYCNET MOBILE

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More headphone recommendations 

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Top weekend deals: Sennheiser earbuds, Lego space station and 20% off our new favorite budget router

Here’s a quick roundup of the best deals we’re seeing right now.

Robin Mosley headshot

John Falcone headshot

Robin MosleyJohn FalconeSept. 11, 2021 9:28 a.m. PTLISTEN- 00:17

DEALSAVINGSPRICE

Welcome to the weekend. We’re pulling together some of our favorite deals from the past week that are still available, including a newly discounted set of true wireless earbuds on which we previously bestowed an Editors’ Choice award. And for good measure, we’ve got a newly spotted sale on our favorite new router. Let’s jump to the deals!TP-Link Archer AX21 routerSave $20

Ry Crist/CNET

Hot off the CNET testing bench is the TP-Link Archer AX21, our new top pick for best budget Wi-Fi 6 router. We loved it at $100, and it’s currently got a $20 instant savings coupon at Amazon, saving you 20% right off the bat. $80 AT AMAZONTile Slim trackerSave $55

Tile

Are you always misplacing your wallet or keys? A Bluetooth tracker is just the ticket to solve your problems — and right now, the Tile Slim tracker is just $15 on Daily Steals. This older model fits neatly into wallets where the pricier Apple AirTags won’t, and it’s also compatible with Android phones.$15 AT DAILY STEALSLego space station building kitSave $13

Lego

Lego building kits aren’t just for children. For $57 on Amazon, this Lego rendering of the International Space Station includes a whopping 864 pieces that — when built to completion — looks like a pretty great replica, including the ability to move its solar panels any way you want. This Lego set also comes with astronaut microfigures, a NASA space shuttle and a mini cargo spacecraft. It’s within $1 of its all-time low on Amazon, too.$57 AT AMAZONSennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 earbudsSave $20

This is a 2020 model, and we may well see its sequel soon. But if you want top-notch audio quality — good enough to make the AirPods Pro blush — you be hard-pressed to do better than these Sennheiser earbuds, now hovering at $200. That’s $20 below their previous Amazon price, and $100 below their original list price. Read our Momentum True Wireless 2 review$200 AT AMAZONCNET CHEAPSKATE

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Best PC gaming headset for 2021

Our top picks from SteelSeries, Razer, Logitech, HyperX and more.

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Lori GruninSept. 2, 2021 4:00 a.m. PTLISTEN- 01:14

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You’re likely gaming more than ever these days, so it may be time to think about upgrading your audio. After all, you probably can’t find a graphics card to spend your money on right now and you’re already spending more time on video calls, so treating yourself to a new PC gaming headset is a way to satisfy your work brain and your play brain without blowing a ton of money. 

It’s also a great way to improve your stats by blocking out background noise and giving you the means to better communicate with your gamer friends. But there are a lot of PC gaming headset options to choose from. To help narrow down the options, here’s our first wave of recommendations.

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Read more: The best Xbox gaming headset for 2021

Keep in mind that analog headsets with 3.5mm jacks can work on almost any device — Xbox Series X or S, PS5, Nintendo Switch and so on — in addition to Windows PCs. But you may not get the full set of features, such as surround sound, mic monitoring/sidetone and other software-driven capabilities. I’ve used all of these with both the PC and Xbox.

Also, if you’re a gamer looking to update other aspects of your gaming rig, be sure to check out our picks for best gaming keyboardsgaming micegaming laptops and other gaming essentials, like a gaming router or a fast VPN.

Read more: The best VR games for escaping to other worldsBest wireless gaming headset for Xbox and PCSteelSeries Arctis 9X

Lori Grunin/CNET

This excellent wireless headset supports both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connections for simultaneous lag-free gaming and audio monitoring, with a bunch of excellent perks. These include the ability to use it wired or while it charges over USB, a Discord-certified noise-canceling retractable microphone, swivel ear cups to let it sit on your shoulders, and support for DTS Headphone:X v2.0 and Windows Spatial audio. Its pucklike dongle has an analog 3.5mm input for game audio and a line out to the headset, which expands its usefulness. My only significant quibble with the Arctis 9X is it feels a little too tight on my head (which is odd, since all the other Arctis models feel fine). Its big brother, the Arctis Pro Wireless, garners rave reviews as well, but it’s significantly more expensive as well as relatively old; it’s due for an upgrade and I think it’s a bit overkill for many gamers, anyway.

Read SteelSeries Arctis 9 first take.$192 AT AMAZONMost comfortable wired headset under $100Razer BlackShark V2

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These aren’t the absolute best in gaming headsets, but the newest generation of Razer’s BlackShark headsets — the wired BlackShark V2 ($99) and V2 X ($50) and the Wireless V2 Pro ($180) — offer well-rounded option if you need a single headset for both work and play. I prefer the V2 over the V2 X for its extra PC features, like support for THX Spatial Audio, microphone settings in Razer’s Synapse utility and a USB dongle. Plus, it has a better cord, removable mic with foam cover and breathable fabric on the ear cup padding. But if you’re on a tighter budget, the analog-only V2 X has all your platforms covered for half the price.

Read BlackShark V2 and V2 X first take.$100 AT BEST BUYBest analog wired headset under $75Nacon Rig 500 Pro HX

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The first time I saw the Rig series of gaming headsets — well before the brand was bought by gaming and accessory company Nacon — I was so turned off by the aesthetic I didn’t even take the headset out of the box. I powered through this time, and although I’m still not fond of the appearance, it’s turned out to be one of my go-to headsets in why-doesn’t-my-pc-see-my-wireless-headset emergencies. 

You get a lot for the money. It’s comfortable and relatively light with good sound, pretty decent mic quality, good noise isolation and an inline volume control that’s neither too far down the cable or too far up. The mic is both removable and flip-up, which you rarely see.

The last generation of the headset got complaints about build quality, but I’ve been using it for months with no issues. Its flat rubber cable is a step up from competitors: Flatness makes it tangle-free and less susceptible to damage when I roll over it with my chair. To adjust size, there’s a combination of three notches on the headband — you basically pop out the earcup to move it, so if it comes under stress it just pops out — and a basic suspension band.

It doesn’t come with a headphone/mic splitter cable, a common omission in budget headsets, and the short-ish cable’s not removable, but it’s a good length if you’re going to plug it into a controller for use with the Xbox. But you do get a an activation card for a Dolby Atmos subscription (mine was for a year but it’s possible that period’s been cut back in the interim) for Windows 10 and Xbox One or later. $70 AT BEST BUYBest dual-wireless headset under $100 for PC and XboxMicrosoft Xbox Wireless Headset

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Even though it has some design and feature quirks, for $100, the Xbox Wireless Headset is a good deal. Simultaneous wireless and Bluetooth and chat-mix balance are usually only found in more expensive models, so here the performance and sound quality are worth the money. At the last update of this story, it was strangely out of stock at both Microsoft and Amazon; I left the Microsoft link in just in case it comes back.

Read Xbox Wireless Headset first take.$98 AT AMAZON$98 AT WALMARTMost comfortable wireless headset under $100HyperX Cloud 2 wireless

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It’s priced on the high side for a virtual 7.1 surround headset lacking in many features, but what the lightweight Cloud 2 Wireless is missing in capabilities it makes up for in comfort and performance, such as a 60-foot signal range and good battery life. You can use it wirelessly with a PS4/PS5 and Nintendo Switch as well as a PC.

Read HyperX Cloud 2 Wireless first take.$150 AT BEST BUYBest headset under $100 with BluetoothCorsair HS70 Bluetooth gaming headset

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The ability to monitor your phone (or other audio) via Bluetooth with your headset while simultaneously using a separate, lag-free connection for gaming is a useful capability, but that frequently adds a premium onto the price. By adding Bluetooth to an otherwise wired headset — usually it’s only available in wireless models — Corsair manages to avoid that trap. The stereo HS70 supports USB for laptops and desktops, along with 3.5mm analog cabling to connect to all consoles. The battery is rated for about 30 hours, and the noise-canceling microphone is detachable. The company’s iCue app for Windows or MacOS to access EQ presets or adjust mic and sidetone levels. Though it’s not as pricey as most gaming headsets with Bluetooth on the side, it is relatively expensive for an otherwise basic model. And oddly, the HS70 Wireless, which lacks Bluetooth but incorporates a 2.4GHz connection, is the same price.

Read Corsair HS70 first take.$100 AT BEST BUYBest wired gaming headset that’s a little differentMeters Level Up

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The Level Up’s comfy, retro-ish style — with on-ear cup illuminated VU meters, full-bodied stereo and 7.1 virtual surround sound for music and gaming — lead me to recommend it for people who aren’t necessarily looking for cutting-edge gaming features, but who want something cool and different. You can use it with any 3.5mm-jack-bearing console or system, but you don’t get the customizable surround setup unless you’re connected via USB on Windows, since it requires a proprietary app.

Read Meters Level Up first take.$130 AT AMAZONBest wireless gaming headset for chat under $150Logitech G733 LightSpeed

The G733’s generally an above average lightweight wireless gaming headset, but it’s got one advantage over much of the competition: an excellent mic backed by an insane level of customizability via Blue Yeti-powered software.

Read Logitech G733 first take.$125 AT AMAZONBest wireless gaming headset for multiple platformsSteelSeries Arctis 7X

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Though it’s part of the Designed for Xbox program, the 7X also works wirelessly at 2.4GHz with the PC, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation (through PS5) rather than resorting to an analog wired connection for those secondary platforms. It has the great audio and design of the more-expensive 9X, but feels a tad more comfortable.

Read Arctis 7X first take.$149 AT WALMART

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