WIRED just updated its definitive wireless earbuds buying guide for 2025, showcasing the latest from Apple, Sony, and Bose. With monthly product launches pushing battery life and features forward, the publication's experts curated picks across every price point, from budget-friendly options under $100 to premium models exceeding $300.
The wireless earbuds market keeps evolving at breakneck speed, and WIRED's latest comprehensive buying guide reflects just how crowded the field has become. Every month brings new models promising longer battery life, advanced features, and more compact designs, making it increasingly difficult for consumers to navigate their options.
Parker Hall's updated guide doesn't just focus on the obvious choices. While Apple's AirPods Pro remain a standout for iPhone users, the guide digs deeper into alternatives that deliver comparable performance at various price points. The Beyerdynamic Amiron 300 earns an 8/10 WIRED Recommends rating for its "fantastic vocal definition," though Hall notes they lack the superlative qualities of top-tier picks.
Budget-conscious buyers get serious consideration too. The Soundcore Space A40 at $60 still delivers "good features, clear sound, and excellent noise canceling for their price class," according to the review. It's a reminder that premium audio doesn't always require premium pricing.
Samsung's Galaxy Buds ecosystem gets mixed treatment in the guide. While the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro ($100-200) remain "among the best buds to pair with a Samsung phone" despite their aging five-hour battery life, the newer Galaxy Buds 3 receive harsh criticism. Hall calls them "a Cybertrucked pair of AirPods clones" that "work worse than they already look," earning just a 5/10 WIRED Review score.
The guide also tackles the YouTube influencer favorite Raycon Everyday Earbuds, which surprisingly earn a 7/10 WIRED Review despite their association with sponsored content. "They are small and light, and they come with an IPX6 rating, which makes them great for workouts," Hall notes, suggesting that even heavily marketed products can deliver genuine value.
Sony's Linkbuds Fit represent the kind of specialized approach that's becoming more common. Positioned as a "wear anywhere" solution with "rich and punchy sound" and "naturalistic transparency mode," they skimp on battery life with just 5.5 hours per charge. It's the kind of trade-off that reflects how fragmented the market has become, with manufacturers targeting increasingly specific use cases.
