The latest AirPods Pro (8/10, WIRED Recommends) come with USB-C in the charging case and a revamped audio architecture, but otherwise they’re virtually identical to the previous generation. Along with six hours of juice and a case with a speaker to help use Apple’s “Find My” feature, they have touch controls for quick volume adjustments.

Noise canceling and call quality are among the top of the market, and make these excellent for both work and play. Plus, a new IP54 rating means they’re resistant to both dust and water (great for gym rats). Updates continue to evolve the buds, including new features like auto-adjusting volume while you’re talking (though it mostly makes me aware of how much I talk to my pets), adapting ambient audio to your environment, or even hearing aid functionality. If you own an iPhone and like to listen to songs at home or on the go, these are a really great choice.

Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) are itty-bitty earbuds that pair perfectly with whatever Android phone you have. They’re super comfortable, have excellent noise canceling, and boast much better battery life (eight hours) than the comparable AirPods Pro. You can choose between digital assistants and even open Google’s Gemini Live conversational AI with the catchphrase “Hey Google, let’s talk.” Sound quality is among the best in the category, with clear highs and a nice helping of punch in the bass without being overwhelming. They’re also IP54-rated, which makes them a carefree addition to your gym bag.

From workouts to handstands, the Powerbeats Pro 2 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) stay in place thanks to their iconic ear hooks, now with a comfier curl that’s 50 percent smaller. That’s just the tip of the update iceberg in a full Powerbeats revamp that adds previously omitted standards like noise canceling and transparency mode and fancy new options like spatial audio and a heart rate monitor built from Apple Watch tech. They utilize the H2 chip for Apple-friendly options like iCloud device switching, Find My, and hands-free Siri, while Androidians get a dedicated app, one-touch pairing, and basic customization. New drivers and amplifiers add some extra hi-fi to that brash Beats sound, and battery life of up to 10 hours per charge ranks toward the top of their class. —Ryan Waniata

★ A cheaper alternative: If the Powerbeats Pro 2 are too pricey or you’re not fond of ear hooks, the Beats Fit Pro (9/10, WIRED Recommends) are a great alternative. You’ll get similar Apple-friendly features, Android usability, and options like noise-canceling and transparency mode in a still-stable fit via bendy ear fins that keep the buds in place.

Open earbuds are a great option when you want to stay constantly aware of the world around you, but to borrow a football analogy, these aren’t “every down” buds. That’s why Soundcore’s reasonably priced Aeroclip (8/10, WIRED Recommends) are my top pick. They employ a titanium connector loop for a light and stable fit, along with responsive controls, and detailed yet warm sound with more bass than you’d expect from an open pair. Their case is tough and compact, and they pack solid battery life, adding up to the best open earbuds for most budgets. —Ryan Waniata

★ Open upgrade: If finances aren’t a concern, Bose’s aptly named Ultra Open Earbuds (7/10, WIRED Recommends) are a solid upgrade. They offer keener and more polished sound than our top pick in a unique, roll-tight design that clips to your ears and stays there. Their polished look is almost akin to high-tech jewelry, while advanced features like spatial audio and push-button controls ensure a pleasant experience, albeit at a premium price.

Technics’ follow-up to the fantastic EAH-AZ80 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) provides trickle-down driver technology from the brand’s hi-fi in-ears, the EAH-TZ700. The result for the AZ100 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is even richer and more detailed sound that digs deep into instrumental textures to reveal new dimensions in old songs. The buds add new features like Dolby-powered Spatial Audio and Bluetooth LE Audio support for futureproofing, along with old favorites like three-device multipoint pairing and mildly improved noise canceling. The slimmer design isn’t as ergonomic as the AZ80 to my ears, but they’re still comfy, and battery life of up to 10 hours per charge with ANC lets you listen long past Bose and Apple buds. —Ryan Waniata

★ A peppier alternative: Sound is subjective, and Sennheiser’s Momentum TW 4 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) are a great change-up. Their sound is similarly skilled, but with a slightly brighter touch packed in a bulkier design. I prefer the AZ100’s slimmer package and deeper instrumental textures, but Sennheiser’s pair is also an excellent performer.

Soundpeats isn’t a household name, but the company has been killing it lately when it comes to offering fantastic sound for the money. In his review, WIRED editor Parker Hall gave the Capsule3 Pro+ a rare 10/10, based largely on their astonishing sound performance. The secret is their mix of a traditional dynamic driver and a next-gen xMEMs driver that combine for vivid detail and rich bass. Android users can access Sony’s LDAC high-resolution audio support for even better fidelity.

Their AirPods-clone design isn’t exactly inspiring, but the buds finish the package with solid noise canceling, IPX4 water resistance, and a handy app for control and settings adjustments. If you’re after the best sound you can buy for under $100, look no further. —Ryan Waniata

JLab continues its budget-buy dominance with the Go Pop ANC, a shockingly loaded pair for less than a takeout dinner for two. The big headline at this price is noise canceling that’s strong enough to significantly relieve low rumbles like HVACs and even high-register noises with music playing. I was even more impressed with the transparency mode, which does a great job balancing music and podcasts with environmental sounds.

You’re also getting surprisingly clear sound, IP55 water and dust resistance, and loads of features, from an adjustable EQ and programmable controls via the JLab app to strong battery life and even multipoint pairing. I noticed some minor connection hiccups (oddly confined to one area of my neighborhood), and the case’s tiny USB-C cable is more hindrance than help. But did I mention these cost just under $30? Whether you’re on a tight budget or just looking to dip a toe into the wireless waters, you simply won’t find more for less. —Ryan Waniata

Deft, absorbing sound is the centerpiece of acclaimed audio brand Bowers & Wilkins’ Pi8 earbuds (8/10, WIRED Recommends). These premium phones cost a pretty penny, but they reward you with excellent noise canceling, bold audio reproduction, and a useful retransmission case feature, which lets you plug the case into a source and transmit to the earbuds. This makes these perfect for travels, where sometimes planes, trains, and automobiles don’t have a built-in Bluetooth connection. Call quality is great, thanks to the same beam-forming mics that are used to block out the outside world. If you’re a businessperson who doesn’t want to lug around over-ear noise-canceling headphones, these might be the ticket.

These buds from Audio Technica (8/10, WIRED Recommends) boast 15 hours of battery life with noise canceling on, which is the longest we’ve tested in a pair of earbuds. Despite a somewhat bulky appearance, they actually remain very ergonomic, with multiple pairs of included eartips to guarantee a good fit. A cool magnetic feature allows you to clip the buds together when they’re not in their wireless charging case to engage standby mode.

These aren’t the best-sounding buds for the money, nor do the have the best noise reduction, but if you want a pair that will last you throughout multiple workdays (or one really long one), these are a great option. (Note: These have been in and out of stock on Amazon.)

Sony’s fifth generation WF-1000XM5 (7/10, WIRED Review) earbuds are again the best it has ever made, with a more sculpted and ergonomic case, as well as some of the best noise reduction I’ve ever heard from a pair of regular-sized wireless earbuds (read: everything other than the bulky Bose models). They cost a bit more than the outgoing XM4 model, but these new headphones boast some of the most advanced functionality in terms of EQ, touch controls, and adaptive noise canceling available on the market. They even sound decent on calls.

You get eight hours of battery life with noise canceling on, 12 with it off, and two additional full charges in the wireless charging case (which happens to be one of the sleeker cases on the market).

These teeny tiny earbuds from JLab are meant to be stored on your keychain, allowing you to always have a pair of headphones in a pinch. But I like them for another reason: They’re perfect for all the small-eared folks who complain they can’t get a good fit from a pair of wireless headphones.

At $40, these are worth a shot for anyone who can’t seem to find a pair small enough for them. They even come in five cool colors, which makes them easy to match your vibe. An IP55 rating keeps them safe from dust and water, with three sizes of tips to make sure they seal well in your ears. The only downside? Battery life, which is just 5.5 hours per charge, or 20 hours total with the case.

If you want an audiophile-like wireless listening experience, check out this no-frills pair from Grado Labs. The Brooklyn brand is known for its excellent headphones and turntable cartridges and has branched out to truly wireless earbuds. The GT220 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) are comfortable, ergonomic, and deliver a quality version of the company’s transparent sound. What’s more, WIRED reviewer Adrienne So says they fit so well you don’t need noise canceling.

An IPX4 rating and six hours of battery life outside the included charging case are respectable specs, and they look nondescript enough to take with you anywhere, unlike Grado’s larger, flashier headphones.