Best wireless earbuds 2023: budget and premium

Choosing the best wireless earbuds is very similar to choosing the best noise cancelling headphones. The obvious difference is size, with earbuds better suited for discreet listening and portability.

However, while their diminutive profile gives them the edge in those areas, wireless earbuds have to compromise on driver and battery size. In this guide to the best wireless earbuds, we show you how to compare earbuds with very similar specs and choose the one best suited for how you want to use them.

Choosing the best wireless earbuds

Here are the 9 criteria you should consider before you buy a pair of wireless earbuds.

1. Driver: Larger drivers deliver deeper bass and smaller drivers create better treble and midrange clarity. Look for dynamic drivers as they deliver rich bass and usually feature a larger diaphragm.

2. Battery: A larger battery means longer listening periods without recharging. Look for earbuds that offer enough playtime for your needs. A larger battery in the earbuds case means more listening time between complete recharges.

3. Noise cancelling technology: Wireless earbuds with active noise cancelling (ANC) generate sound waves that cancel out ambient noise. Passive noise cancelling uses physical design and materials to block out external noise. ANC is generally more effective.

4. Connectivity: Virtually all modern wireless earbuds use Bluetooth connectivity. The latest Bluetooth standards offer better performance and faster connection.

5. Microphones: If you plan to use your wireless earbuds for phone calls or virtual meetings, choose a model that has multiple microphones and noise reduction features.

6. Comfort: Comfort is crucial, especially if you plan to wear your wireless earbuds for extended periods. Look for soft, form-fitting material and the tip size for your ears.

7. Controls and Features: Choose wireless earbuds that work with your preferred method of control (touch, button and/or voice commands). Some even offer customisable touch controls while auto-pause/play when you remove/insert them are convenient features.

8. Compatibility: Ensure the earbuds work well with your devices (iOS, Android, PC, etc.). Some may have exclusive features for specific operating systems.

9. Price: High-end earbuds often offer more features but there are also affordable options with good quality. Balance the two to find which wireless earbuds are the best for you.

Best wireless earbuds in Singapore

Here are the best wireless earbuds in Singapore based on the 9 criteria we listed above.

1. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2

• ANC: Yes, adjustable

• Driver: Dynamic, 9.3 mm

• Frequency Range: Not released

• Bluetooth Version: 5.3

• Microphones: 8

• Battery Life (buds, case): 6 hours, 18 hours

• What we love: Immense clarity and its 8 microphones

Buy now from S$325 on Lazada Shopee

2. Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation

• ANC: Yes, adaptive

• Driver: 11 mm

• Frequency Range: 20-20,000 Hz

• Bluetooth Version: 5.3

• Microphones: 4

• Battery Life (buds, case): 6 hours, 30 hours

• What we love: Its 11 mm drivers produce great sound

Buy now from S$318 on Lazada Shopee

3. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro

• ANC: Yes, adjustable

• Driver: Dynamic dual, 10 mm

• Frequency Range: Not released

• Bluetooth Version: 5.3

• Microphones: 3

• Battery Life (buds, case): 8 hours, 30 hours

• What we love: Dynamic dual 10 mm drivers and 30 extra hours of juice in the case

Buy now from S$331 on Samsung Lazada

4. Sony WF-1000XM5

• ANC: Yes, adjustable

• Driver: Dynamic 8.4 mm

• Frequency Range: 20-40,000 Hz

• Bluetooth Version: 5.3

• Microphones: 6

• Battery Life (buds, case): 6 hours, 16 hours

• What we love: Vast frequency range means you get the best of every type of sound

Buy now from S$398 on Lazada Shopee

5. Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC

• ANC: Yes

• Driver: 11 mm

• Frequency Range: 20-40,000 Hz

• Bluetooth Version: 5.3

• Microphones: 6

• Battery Life (buds, case): 10 hours, 50 hours

• What we love: Massive 50 hours of juice at a steal of a price

Buy now from S$130 on Lazada Shopee

6. JBL Tour Pro 2

• ANC: Yes

• Driver: Dynamic, 10 mm

• Frequency Range: 20-20,000 Hz

• Bluetooth Version: 5.3

• Microphones: 6

• Battery Life (buds, case): 10 hours, 40 hours

• What we love: Smart Case with 1.45″ Display and 50 hours of play

Buy now from S$349 on Lazada Shopee

7. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3

• ANC: Yes, hybrid adaptive

• Driver: Dynamic, 7 mm

• Frequency Range: 5-21,000 Hz

• Bluetooth Version: 5.2

• Microphones: 6

• Battery Life (buds, case): 7 hours, 28 hours

• What we love: Impressive low frequency range for good overall sound

Buy now from S$249 on Lazada Shopee

8. Google Pixel Buds Pro

• ANC: Yes

• Driver: Dynamic, 11 mm

• Frequency Range: Not released

• Bluetooth Version: 5.0

• Microphones: 6

• Battery Life (buds, case): 11 hours, 20 hours

• What we love: Giant 11 mm drivers at an affordable price

Buy now from S$149 on Lazada Shopee

9. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

• ANC: Yes, adaptive

• Driver: 9.2 mm

• Frequency Range: 20-20,000 Hz

• Bluetooth Version: 5.2

• Microphones: 6

• Battery Life (buds, case): 8 hours, 28 hours

• What we love: Great combo of effective ANC and clear sound delivery

Buy now from S$599 on Lazada Shopee

10. Apple AirPods 3rd Generation

• ANC: No

• Driver: 11 mm

• Frequency Range: Not released

• Bluetooth Version: 5.0

• Microphones: 6

• Battery Life (buds, case): 6 hours, 30 hours

• What we love: Huge 11 mm drivers create deep bass

Buy now from S$223 on Lazada Shopee

11. Jabra Elite 3

• ANC: No

• Driver: 6 mm

• Frequency Range: 20-20,000 Hz

• Bluetooth Version: 5.2

• Microphones: 4

• Battery Life (buds, case): 7 hours, 28 hours

• What we love: The low, low price

Buy now from S$68 on Jabra Lazada

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