Best Earbuds
24 products ranked across 1028 cited reviews, videos and discussions · Updated 16 Oct 2026
On the stierproducts earbuds board, Sony WF-1000XM6 ranks #1 in S tier, ahead of Apple AirPods Pro 3 (#2, S tier) and Technics EAH-AZ100 (#3, S tier). The board ranks 24 earbuds from S (best) to F (avoid), last researched 16 Oct 2026, drawing on 1028 cited reviews, videos and discussions. Placed in the bottom tiers as ones to avoid: Bowers & Wilkins Pi8, Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4, Sony WF-1000XM5, and 4 others.
#18 1 of 6 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Bowers & Wilkins Pi8
#19 2 of 10 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4
#20 9 of 16 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Sony WF-1000XM5
#21 3 of 7 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Moved down from D to F on 10 Sept 2026 #22 3 of 7 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Apple AirPods 4 with ANC
#23 1 of 2 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. JLab JBuds Mini
#24 3 of 8 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2
What moved on this board
27 tier changes recorded between 22 Jul 2026 and 14 Sept 2026. The 5 most recent are below.
- 10 Sept 2026 Apple AirPods 4 with ANC moved down from D to F. 3 more research games. 6 sources added, 2 removed.
- 10 Sept 2026 Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC moved up from C to B. 1 more research game. 2 sources added, 2 removed.
- 10 Sept 2026 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) moved up from B to A. 2 more research games. 4 sources added, 1 removed.
- 10 Sept 2026 Technics EAH-AZ100 moved up from A to S. 2 more research games. 1 source added, 10 removed.
- 10 Sept 2026 Sony WF-1000XM6 moved up from A to S. 3 more research games. 6 sources added, 10 removed.
Each line shows what else changed at the same publish. It is not a statement of cause.
Frequently asked questions
Sony WF-1000XM6 sits at #1 in the S tier of our consolidated board, ranked across independent research runs over 1028 cited reviews, videos and discussions. the current Sony flagship reviews superbly and Sony's firmware support is dependable, but the WF line has a documented history of in-bud battery fade by year two or three, which caps it under this lens despite excellent everything-else.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 ranks #2 (S tier). Apple's firmware support cadence is the longest and most reliable in the category, which matters more over years than any spec. The sealed battery remains the ceiling on its lifespan, as with all TWS.
Our research places Bowers & Wilkins Pi8, Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4, Sony WF-1000XM5, Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, Apple AirPods 4 with ANC, JLab JBuds Mini, Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 in the bottom tiers (D/F). Bowers & Wilkins Pi8: The sound-quality flagship the specialist press keeps in its top group. Fewer citations only because fewer outlets test at this tier.
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