ConsFirst / Wireless earbuds
Wireless earbuds: the downsides, first
Great sound is easy to find; earbuds that fit well, keep their battery and survive a year or two are harder. Here are the most popular wireless earbuds in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared31 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 wireless earbuds, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Soundcore (Anker)
Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro
$$Noise-cancellingScore 3.9/5
12%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Wirecutter's top pick for both everyday and noise-cancelling earbuds, with the best call mics it has tested. But battery life is short (about 6.5 hours with ANC), and the bass-heavy default sound needs EQ work.
Top complaints
- Battery shorter than rivalsVery common
Wirecutter got about 6.5 hours with ANC, and 4.5 hours with Dolby, ANC and voice commands all on. Amazon's summary says some owners find battery life 'horrible' while others call it amazing.
- Bass-heavy default soundMentioned often
SoundGuys lists the bass-heavy default tuning as a con, and Wirecutter found the bass and highs 'too hyped' out of the box until EQ'd. What Hi-Fi?'s review headline calls the sound mediocre.
- Fussy touch and voice controlsMentioned often
Wirecutter says single-tap is off by default to prevent misfires; with it on, she paused music while tucking her hair. The voice commands have no wake word, so they can trigger by accident.
- Reliability and Bluetooth hiccupsMentioned often
Amazon's review summary reports mixed experiences with reliability and Bluetooth connectivity.
What owners love
- Best call mics tested
Wirecutter says it has the best noise-reducing microphones it has ever tested, removing even short, high-pitched noises. Amazon shoppers praise its call clarity in noisy places.
- Excellent ANC
Wirecutter measured 26 dB of airplane-band reduction, among the best it has measured in earbuds. SoundGuys measured nearly 84%.
- Secure fit and a useful touchscreen case
Three wing sizes and five tip sizes give a stable fit (Wirecutter, SoundGuys). The case screen shows battery and switches modes.
Skip it if…- You need all-day battery without the case
- You want great sound with no EQ tweaking
- You dislike touch controls
Good for- Lots of phone calls in noisy places
- Strong ANC for well under flagship prices
- People who want a secure fit with wings
Scores (tap for why)
- Sound3.5
Why 3.5?
Fun and detailed after EQ (Wirecutter), but bass-heavy by default (SoundGuys), and What Hi-Fi? calls it mediocre. - Noise cancelling4.5
Why 4.5?
26 dB measured by Wirecutter; nearly 84% per SoundGuys. - Comfort & fit4.5
Why 4.5?
Secure and comfortable for long sessions (Wirecutter); stable at the gym (SoundGuys); Amazon owners say it fits securely. - Call quality5.0
Why 5.0?
Best noise-reducing mics Wirecutter has tested, though voices sound slightly compressed. SoundGuys heard an occasional crackle and reverb in wind. - Battery2.5
Why 2.5?
6.5 h with ANC (Soundcore, Wirecutter), or 4.5 h with all features on. A 5-minute quick charge gives 4 hours. - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
IP55 (Wirecutter, Soundcore). Reliability feedback on Amazon is mixed, and there is no long-term expert durability data.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick for best wireless earbuds and best noise-cancelling earbuds (updated 2026-09-11). Its flaws are short battery life and fussy tap controls.
- SoundGuys: 8.1/10, a strong pick under $200. The cons are the bass-heavy default tuning and ANC effects some listeners may notice.
- Tom's Guide: Only the Pro Max sibling (same buds, fancier case) is listed under 'Also tested', where Tom's Guide says the AirPods and WF-1000XM6 are still a better bet.
#2
Apple
Apple AirPods Pro 3
$$$Noise-cancellingScore 3.8/5
10%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Tom's Guide's top pick, with some of the strongest noise cancelling SoundGuys has measured and 8-hour battery life. The fit still slips for some ears, the squeeze controls annoy testers, and most of the extras only work with an iPhone.
Top complaints
- Fit can slip or hurtVery common
Wirecutter says the fit may be hard for small ears and the buds worked loose during high-impact exercise, especially when using the squeeze controls. SoundGuys found the tips and glossy shell still slipped as sweat built up. Amazon's review summary calls fit and comfort mixed, with some owners saying they fall out. A low-star Walmart review says they are too big and hurt.
- Apple-only extras and awkward controlsVery common
Wirecutter dislikes the squeeze-and-swipe controls, which can shift the buds in your ear, and notes most advanced features are exclusive to Apple users. Tom's Guide says Android users get very little control because there is no app, and Live Translation needs an iPhone with Apple Intelligence. SoundGuys lists Apple-exclusive features and some connection issues among its cons.
- Charging and reliability failuresMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says some owners report them breaking after a month of use. Low-star Walmart reviews describe a left earbud that won't charge, a case that stopped charging the buds, and a pair that wouldn't charge past 1%. Many other 1-star Walmart reviews are about delivery problems, not the product.
What owners love
- Top-tier noise cancelling
SoundGuys measured an average 90% noise reduction, the best its author had measured in earbuds. Wirecutter rates it on a par with its Soundcore and Sony picks.
- Longer battery than before
Wirecutter and Tom's Guide cite about 8 hours with ANC, up from the previous model. SoundGuys measured 8 hours 42 minutes.
- Great sound, well liked by owners
Tom's Guide names it the best wireless earbuds overall, with more detail and bass than the Pro 2. Amazon shoppers praise the sound quality and noise cancellation, and it is the #1 Amazon best seller in earbuds.
Skip it if…- You use an Android phone
- AirPods have fallen out of your ears before
- You want physical buttons or a detailed EQ
Good for- iPhone owners who want hands-free Siri, heart-rate tracking and hearing features
- Commuters and flyers who want strong ANC
- Sweaty workouts and rain (IP57)
Scores (tap for why)
- Sound4.5
Why 4.5?
Wirecutter: sounds great. Tom's Guide: more detail and bass than before. Wirecutter warns the boosted consonant range can sound artificial to treble-sensitive listeners. - Noise cancelling4.5
Why 4.5?
SoundGuys measured 90% reduction, its best in earbuds. Tom's Guide says it gets close to Bose's but doesn't beat it. - Comfort & fit3.0
Why 3.0?
Tom's Guide finds it very comfortable, but Wirecutter and SoundGuys had it slip loose. Fit is mixed on Amazon. - Call quality3.5
Why 3.5?
Tom's Guide: better call mics. Wirecutter: callers always understood, but voices sounded compressed and synthetic in noise. SoundGuys heard crackling in wind. - Battery4.0
Why 4.0?
About 8 hours with ANC (Wirecutter, Apple); SoundGuys measured 8 h 42 min. - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
IP57 earbuds and case, but the case plastic scratches easily (SoundGuys). Some Amazon and Walmart owners report charging failures.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best pick for hardcore Apple users: great sound, above-average ANC and 8-hour battery life. The squeeze controls are irritating and the fit can be hard for small ears.
- Tom's Guide: Best overall (updated 2026-09-23). The cons are that Live Translation needs an Apple Intelligence iPhone, there's no charging cable, and Android support is limited.
- SoundGuys: 7.8/10, 'close to perfect' for iPhone users with 90% ANC. The cons are Apple-exclusive features, some connection issues, and Live Translation that needs work.
#3
EarFun
EarFun Air Pro 4
$Noise-cancellingScore 3.8/5
9%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The budget pick: ANC that Wirecutter measured close to $200+ earbuds, long battery life and well-liked by Amazon owners. But the stem design can slip from small ears, the touch controls misfire, and the sound is coarser than pricier pairs.
Top complaints
- Stem design may not seal or stay putMentioned often
Wirecutter says people with tiny or deep-set ear canals may not get a proper seal, and the stems may slip loose from small ears or during high-impact workouts. Amazon owners, by contrast, praise a secure fit during workouts.
- Touch controls misfireMentioned often
Wirecutter says the tap-and-hold commands take practice to learn and often registered a single tap when testers adjusted the buds.
- Sound and mics trail pricier budsMentioned often
Wirecutter says the highs are coarser and recordings less dimensional than pricier picks, and SoundGuys says ANC reduces sound quality. SoundGuys found the mics struggle in noisy settings, while Wirecutter found calls clear even in wind.
- Occasional connection failuresOccasional
Amazon's summary says connectivity is generally easy, but some customers report connection failures.
What owners love
- ANC far above its price
Wirecutter measured 24.9 dB of reduction, competitive with earbuds priced well above $200. SoundGuys measured 75%. Amazon shoppers praise the noise cancellation.
- Long battery
Wirecutter says a charge lasts about 11 hours; SoundGuys measured 8 hours 44 minutes, which it calls above average.
- Loaded with features
It has LDAC and aptX, multipoint, Auracast, a wireless charging case and an EQ app (Wirecutter, SoundGuys). Amazon owners like the app's EQ and the in-ear detection.
Skip it if…- You have very small or deep-set ear canals
- You do high-impact workouts
- You make lots of calls in loud places (mixed mic reviews)
Good for- Strong ANC for under $100
- Long battery days
- Android users who want LDAC/aptX
Scores (tap for why)
- Sound3.5
Why 3.5?
Good for the price but hyped bass and highs and coarser highs (Wirecutter); ANC dulls the sound (SoundGuys). - Noise cancelling4.0
Why 4.0?
24.9 dB per Wirecutter (vs 26.0 dB for the Liberty 5 Pro); 75% per SoundGuys. - Comfort & fit3.5
Why 3.5?
Comfortable for hours (SoundGuys) and secure per Amazon owners, but risky for small or deep ears (Wirecutter). - Call quality3.5
Why 3.5?
Clear even in wind per Wirecutter; SoundGuys says the mics struggle in noisy places. - Battery4.5
Why 4.5?
About 11 h (Wirecutter) or 8 h 44 min (SoundGuys); either way, above average. - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
IPX5, and SoundGuys scored build 8.3. There is no Walmart owner data and little long-term evidence.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Budget noise-cancelling earbuds pick. Its flaws are fussy touch controls and a stem design that may not fit tiny or deep-set ears.
- SoundGuys: 8.4/10 and among the best at its price. ANC reduces sound quality and the mics struggle in noise (2024 review).
- Tom's Guide: 'Also tested' at 4.5 stars: solid ANC, great sound and a comfortable fit for under $100.
#4
Sony
Sony WF-1000XM6
$$$Noise-cancellingScore 3.9/5
27%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Wirecutter measured the strongest noise cancelling of any earbud it has tested, and SoundGuys ranks it #1. The catch is the fit: Wirecutter's testers couldn't seal the bulky buds with the included foam tips, and about 1 in 4 Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars.
Top complaints
- Bulky shape and hard-to-seal foam tipsVery common
None of Wirecutter's three testers got a good seal with the supplied foam tips. Sony's alternative silicone tips fit better but cut measured ANC from 30.4 dB to 23.3 dB. SoundGuys says the large size may not suit smaller ears and they're too wide for side sleeping. Amazon calls fit mixed, and low-star Walmart reviews describe pain and buds that stick far out of the ear.
- Disconnects and uneven battery drainMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says connectivity is a concern, with earbuds disconnecting, and that some owners see the right earbud drain too fast or unreliable performance.
- Price hike and an awkward caseVery common
Tom's Guide lists the odd case design (hard to pocket) and the price increase over the XM5 as its only cons. SoundGuys lists price as a con at a $329.99 MSRP, and Amazon shoppers say they aren't worth the price. Walmart reviewers complain of weak case magnets and charging-pin trouble.
What owners love
- Best measured noise cancelling
Wirecutter measured 30.4 dB of airplane-band reduction with the included tips, the most of any headphone or earbud it has tested. SoundGuys measured 88%.
- Excellent sound and mics
Tom's Guide praises the well-balanced, crisp sound with LDAC. SoundGuys calls the mics excellent and a big step up from the XM5.
- Long battery
SoundGuys measured 9 hours 41 minutes; Tom's Guide cites 8 hours with ANC plus 24 hours from the case.
Skip it if…- You have small ears or sleep on your side
- You can't easily return earbuds that don't fit
- You need more than IPX4 water resistance
Good for- Maximum noise blocking on planes and trains
- Android users who want LDAC and a full-featured app
- Long listening sessions (about 8-10 hours per charge)
Scores (tap for why)
- Sound4.5
Why 4.5?
Tom's Guide: well-balanced, crisp. SoundGuys: great sound, though it changes with ANC off. - Noise cancelling5.0
Why 5.0?
30.4 dB, the best Wirecutter has measured (with a good seal); SoundGuys measured 88%. - Comfort & fit2.5
Why 2.5?
Wirecutter's testers couldn't seal them, and fit is mixed on Amazon. Tom's Guide and SoundGuys found them comfortable for hours. - Call quality4.0
Why 4.0?
SoundGuys: excellent and strong in wind, though loud vehicles sometimes break through. Wirecutter: slightly clearer calls than the XM5. - Battery4.5
Why 4.5?
9 h 41 min measured by SoundGuys; some Amazon owners report one bud draining fast. - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
SoundGuys likes the matte finish and metal case hinge, but it's only IPX4. Amazon flags reliability, and Walmart owners report weak case magnets.
What experts say
- SoundGuys: Best overall (roundup updated 2026-09-11) and 8.4/10 in its review. The cons are the price, sound that changes with ANC off, and a size that may not suit small ears.
- Tom's Guide: Best alternative to the AirPods Pro 3, with great sound, battery and ANC. One tester still heard traffic, which Tom's Guide blames on eartip fit.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not a pick: the best ANC Wirecutter has measured, but none of its testers could get a good seal with the supplied tips. If they fit you, you'll probably love them; buy where returns are easy.
#5
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro
$$$Noise-cancellingScore 3.5/5
10%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Excellent sound and strong ANC make it the pick for Galaxy phone owners in Tom's Guide and SoundGuys. Outside the Samsung ecosystem you lose many of the features and multipoint, and battery life trails the AirPods Pro 3.
Top complaints
- Best features locked to Galaxy phonesVery common
SoundGuys lists Samsung-exclusive features and no multipoint as cons. Tom's Guide says headline AI and call-enhancement features need a Galaxy S23 or newer, and the app for other phones is just 'fine'. Wirecutter lists auto-pairing, voice, gestures and translation as Galaxy-only.
- Fit and squeeze controlsMentioned often
Wirecutter says people with deep ear canals or small ears may struggle with the stemmed design, and each squeeze can reposition the bud. SoundGuys notes limited tip options and says a poor fit hurts both ANC and mics. Amazon calls fit mixed.
- Battery and reliability gripesMentioned often
SoundGuys measured 6 hours 1 minute and calls that below average at this price; Tom's Guide says it lags the AirPods Pro 3. Amazon shows mixed battery and connectivity feedback. Low-star Walmart reviews describe buds that stopped working after 3 weeks, a case that won't charge, and buds that stay connected in the case and drain.
What owners love
- Rich, detailed sound
Tom's Guide says the sound is 'utterly divine', with rich bass and great vocals. Sound quality is the top praise on Amazon.
- Strong ANC
SoundGuys measured about 84% attenuation; Tom's Guide says it matches Apple and Sony.
- Light and well built
SoundGuys says the 5.1 g buds are comfortable for long sessions, scores durability 9/10, and notes the IP57 rating.
Skip it if…- You use an iPhone or a non-Samsung Android phone
- You switch between two devices often (no multipoint)
- You have small ears or deep ear canals
Good for- Samsung Galaxy phone owners
- Bass lovers who still want clarity
- Rain and sweat (IP57)
Scores (tap for why)
- Sound4.5
Why 4.5?
Tom's Guide: excellent and better than Bose's; Amazon owners praise the sound. - Noise cancelling4.0
Why 4.0?
84% per SoundGuys. Wirecutter says it is effective but the tips let voices through. - Comfort & fit3.0
Why 3.0?
Light and comfortable (SoundGuys), but the stem design is hard for small ears or deep canals (Wirecutter). Fit is mixed on Amazon. - Call quality3.0
Why 3.0?
Strong in ideal conditions but worse with a poor fit (SoundGuys); a Walmart owner says voices sound distorted to callers. - Battery3.0
Why 3.0?
6 h 1 min measured (SoundGuys); Tom's Guide cites about 7 hours with ANC. - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
IP57 and a 9/10 durability score from SoundGuys, but some Walmart owners report failures within weeks or months.
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Best for Samsung phones. The cons are a slight static hum with ANC on and no music, and no major improvements over the last generation.
- SoundGuys: 8/10, a solid buy for Samsung owners. The cons are Samsung-exclusive features, no multipoint and limited tip options.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Worth considering for Galaxy users. The supplied tips don't muffle voices well, and the squeeze controls are annoying.
#6
Beats
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
$$$SportScore 3.7/5
17%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The expert pick for workouts thanks to secure ear hooks, a 10-hour battery and heart-rate tracking. Owners split on sound, comfort and connection, and about 1 in 6 Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars.
Top complaints
- Ear hooks don't suit everyoneMentioned often
Amazon's summary calls fit and comfort mixed, with some owners saying they don't stay in place or are uncomfortable. SoundGuys felt pressure behind the ears after a few hours, and Tom's Guide says they can be a challenge to get in place. Low-star Walmart reviews also mention discomfort.
- Inconsistent soundMentioned often
Amazon owners are split, with some calling the sound terrible. SoundGuys found it sounds different with ANC off, and Tom's Guide notes an upper-midrange dip. Walmart 1-star reviews mention static, distortion and poor sound for the price.
- Connection, battery and Android quirksMentioned often
Amazon calls battery and connectivity mixed. Walmart reviewers report one bud dying before the other, buds connecting while closed in the case, and pairing trouble with a Samsung phone. SoundGuys notes there is no multipoint, and Tom's Guide saw heart-rate glitches and occasional app crashes on Android.
- Large case that isn't water-resistantMentioned often
Tom's Guide lists the large charging case as a con. Beats says only the earbuds are IPX4; the case is not sweat- or water-resistant.
What owners love
- Stays put during workouts
Tom's Guide and SoundGuys found the ear hooks kept the buds secure with no slipping. Wirecutter names it its workout pick and praises its physical controls.
- 10-hour battery
Tom's Guide confirmed the 10-hour claim (45 hours with the case).
- Heart-rate tracking that works on Android too
Wirecutter suggests it for Android users who want heart-rate monitoring in earbuds. SoundGuys lists the heart-rate monitor as a pro.
Skip it if…- You wear glasses or find ear hooks uncomfortable
- You switch between two devices (no multipoint)
- You want a pocketable case
Good for- Running, gym and other high-movement workouts
- iPhone users who want heart-rate tracking in earbuds
- Long sessions (10 hours per charge)
Scores (tap for why)
- Sound3.5
Why 3.5?
Energetic but not hi-fi, with a midrange dip (Tom's Guide). It changes with ANC off (SoundGuys), and Amazon owners are split. - Noise cancelling3.5
Why 3.5?
83% reduction per SoundGuys. Wirecutter rates it below the AirPods Pro 3 and XM5. - Comfort & fit4.0
Why 4.0?
Very secure for exercise (Tom's Guide, SoundGuys), but some find the hooks uncomfortable after hours (SoundGuys, Amazon). - Call quality3.0
Why 3.0?
Excellent noise filtering with an iPhone but struggled in wind on a PC (SoundGuys). A Walmart owner rates calls below the AirPods Pro. - Battery4.5
Why 4.5?
10 hours confirmed by Tom's Guide; Beats says 36 h total with ANC and Transparency on. - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
IPX4 buds with a case that isn't water-resistant (Beats); SoundGuys scored build 8/10. Some Walmart owners report static and battery imbalance.
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Best for fitness. The cons are a large charging case, some audio quality issues and heart-rate monitor hiccups.
- SoundGuys: 7.6/10 and best for workouts in its roundup. It sounds different with ANC off, has no multipoint and no custom EQ, and works best with an iPhone.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Wirecutter's workout pick. Pricey, and its ANC isn't as effective as the AirPods Pro 3's, though the sealed fit blocks high frequencies better.
#7
Bose
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
$$$Noise-cancellingScore 3.5/5
20%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Tom's Guide calls it the best noise cancelling you can get in earbuds. But the buds are large, battery life is only about 6 hours, and about 1 in 5 Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars.
Top complaints
- Big buds that don't fit everyoneVery common
Wirecutter says the earbuds are very large, so people with medium or small ears will likely feel discomfort over several hours. SoundGuys advises against them for small ears. Amazon calls fit mixed, with some owners saying they fall out. A Walmart side-sleeper compared them to 'a tiny brick' in the ear.
- Short battery lifeVery common
Tom's Guide calls battery the weak point at 6 hours, unchanged from gen 1. SoundGuys measured 5 hours 34 minutes, and Bose says Immersive Audio cuts it to 4 hours. Amazon owners are mixed, with some saying it doesn't last 6 hours.
- One earbud failing, connection drops, noiseMentioned often
Amazon's summary mentions an earpiece that stopped working after a week and constant disconnections. Low-star Walmart reviews describe a right bud that wouldn't charge, poor laptop and app connections, and static or popping noises after a couple of months.
What owners love
- Class-leading ANC
Tom's Guide calls the ANC the best around. Wirecutter says it is superlative at reducing airplane noise. SoundGuys measured about 85%.
- Comfortable for those it fits
Tom's Guide finds them extremely comfortable and secure with the fins; SoundGuys scored comfort 9/10 for larger ears.
- Better calls than gen 1
Tom's Guide lists clear call quality as a pro, and Wirecutter says Bose fixed the original's call-quality problems.
Skip it if…- You have small ears or sleep on your side
- You need more than 6 hours per charge
- You want detailed EQ control
Good for- Frequent flyers who prioritize ANC above all
- People with medium-to-large ears
- Wireless-charging and multipoint users
Scores (tap for why)
- Sound4.0
Why 4.0?
Tom's Guide: refined but still bass-heavy, best after EQ. SoundGuys: poor EQ options. - Noise cancelling5.0
Why 5.0?
The best ANC per Tom's Guide; superlative on airplane noise per Wirecutter. - Comfort & fit3.0
Why 3.0?
Comfortable for large ears (Tom's Guide, SoundGuys), but too big for small or medium ears (Wirecutter). Amazon owners are mixed. - Call quality3.5
Why 3.5?
Clear per Tom's Guide, but in a SoundGuys reader poll most rated the mic only 'Okay' or 'Good'. - Battery2.5
Why 2.5?
6 h rated, 5 h 34 min measured (SoundGuys), 4 h with Immersive Audio (Bose). - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
IPX4. Amazon and Walmart owners report single-bud failures and charging issues, and SoundGuys warns a dislodged fin can block charging.
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Best for noise cancelling (4.5 stars). The cons are that the buds are still quite large and battery life didn't improve.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not a pick: superlative ANC, but very large. Worth $300 only for people with large or pressure-tolerant ears.
- SoundGuys: A 'boring update': excellent ANC and comfort for larger ears, poor EQ options, and battery measured at 5 h 34 min.
#8
Sony
Sony LinkBuds Fit
$$$StandardScore 3.3/5
30%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Wirecutter's runner-up for small, comfortable everyday earbuds, but it has the weakest Amazon reception here (3.6 stars, about 30% 1-2 stars), with complaints about noise cancelling, touch controls and dropouts.
Top complaints
- Weak noise isolation and ANCVery common
SoundGuys calls it a 'remarkably poor isolator'. Expert Reviews found the ANC weaker than Sony's WF-1000XM5, especially on low rumble, and Wirecutter says the tips let high-pitched sounds through. Amazon's summary says noise cancellation gets negative feedback, and a Walmart reviewer agrees.
- Touch controls miss tapsVery common
SoundGuys says the touch controls often failed to register, and Expert Reviews says many taps went unrecognized. Amazon owners call the controls terrible and inconsistent. Wirecutter disagrees, calling the tap controls forgiving and reliable.
- Dropouts and intermittent failuresVery common
Amazon's summary says connectivity issues are common, with frequent disconnections, pairing problems and earbuds that stop working intermittently. Owners also find them overpriced.
- Modest battery, no wireless chargingMentioned often
Wirecutter got 5-6 hours per charge and notes the case has no wireless charging. SoundGuys measured 6 hours 46 minutes; Expert Reviews cites 5.5 hours with ANC on.
What owners love
- Very comfortable, secure wings
Wirecutter says the soft hollow wings hold the buds in place without pressure, and a tester who hates earbuds was converted. SoundGuys scored comfort 9.5/10.
- Balanced, adjustable sound
Wirecutter likes the balanced, full-bodied sound and the Sony app's EQ options.
- Natural hear-through and hands-free voice control
Wirecutter says the hear-through mode sounds natural and the built-in voice control works with any phone. Expert Reviews calls the voice commands accurate and quick.
Skip it if…- You want strong noise cancelling
- You need dependable touch controls
- You want wireless charging
Good for- People whose ears reject most earbuds
- Hearing your surroundings while listening
- Small, discreet buds
Scores (tap for why)
- Sound3.5
Why 3.5?
Wirecutter: great once tuned. Amazon and Walmart owners are mixed, with some reporting sharp, piercing sounds. - Noise cancelling2.5
Why 2.5?
SoundGuys calls it decent ANC with poor isolation, and Expert Reviews rates it below the XM5. It gets negative Amazon feedback, though Wirecutter measured it almost as well as the Soundcore's. - Comfort & fit4.0
Why 4.0?
Experts rate the comfort highly, but the short nozzle doesn't always seal (SoundGuys), and some Amazon owners say they slip out. - Call quality3.5
Why 3.5?
Wirecutter: clear, with good wind and background reduction. SoundGuys: street noise and echo handled poorly. - Battery3.0
Why 3.0?
5-6 h (Wirecutter) to 6 h 46 min (SoundGuys), with no wireless charging. - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
IPX4. Amazon owners report intermittent failures; SoundGuys scored build 8.5.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Runner-up for smaller earbuds: comfortable and great-sounding, but battery is short and the mics don't block intermittent noise as well as the Liberty 5 Pro's.
- SoundGuys: 8/10: very comfortable, but a poor isolator with unreliable touch controls and limited multipoint.
- Expert Reviews: Great for comfort and awareness; the ANC could be better, the touch controls are fussy and the fit takes fiddling (UK review, 2024).