This is the TOP 15 best tested of wireless earbuds with AptX Adaptive and AptX Lossless codecs — TWS and over-ear. Both codecs are developed by Qualcomm, so only phones and tablets on the Snapdragon platform support them. Devices on MediaTek, Samsung’s Exynos, Huawei’s HiSilicon Kirin, and Google’s Tensor platforms do not support the codec and are unlikely to get support in the foreseeable future.
Check aptX codec compatibility. Bluetooth headphones, phones, and other devices on the official Qualcomm website.
Which codec is better: aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, or aptX Lossless?
Learn moreComparison table of key codec parameters:
| Launch year | < 2009 | 2016 | 2018 | 2021 |
| Bitrate | 352 kbps | 576 kbps | 279–420 kbps (dynamic) | ~1.1–1.2 Mbps (dynamic, up to 860 kbps lossy + lossless layer) |
| Bit depth | 16-bit | 24-bit | 16 / 24-bit | 16 / 24-bit |
| Sampling frequency | 44.1 / 48 kHz | 44.1 / 48 kHz | 44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz | 44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz |
| Compression type | Lossy (4:1) | Lossy (4:1) | Lossy (5:1–10:1, adaptive) | Lossless CD (16/44.1) + lossy Hi-Res |
| Signal latency | ~150–200 ms | ~150–200 ms | ≈ 50–80 ms | ~80 ms |
| aptX Voice | No | No | Yes | Yes |
From the table, it’s clear aptX Lossless is the best codec. However, aptX Lossless isn’t a standalone codec; it’s an add-on for aptX Adaptive. You can’t select sound quality parameters in Android settings, and aptX Lossless only activates under specific conditions:
- Phone and headphones support Snapdragon Sound.
- Clear airwaves—no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi interference.
- The aptX Lossless option is enabled (if your phone has such a setting).
If these conditions aren’t met, and you only have a single SoC with aptX Lossless support, audio is transmitted via the aptX Adaptive codec. The aptX Adaptive codec also activates when interference is present. Often, nearby Wi-Fi hotspots in apartment buildings are enough.
More about audio codecs.
How do you get aptX Adaptive or aptX Lossless?
Learn moreIf your headphones support the required codec, but your phone, tablet, or PC doesn’t, you can use a USB adapter. A device the size of a Bluetooth adapter plugs into your phone or PC’s port. Then, connect your headphones to the adapter, and they will receive the signal with the appropriate codec.
Which adapter to choose?
- QCC Dongle Pro2 – if you want it all at once. The adapter supports: LHDC 5.0, LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX Lossless; LE Audio and Auracast are claimed.
- FiiO Air Link – a universal adapter, just cheaper. Codec support: SBC, aptX, aptX Low Latency, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, and aptX Lossless.
- 1Mii B03Pro: a desktop transmitter/receiver unit supporting SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX LL, and aptX Adaptive.
- UGREEN BT701: a compact, universal unit. Codec support includes Classic Bluetooth (SBC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive-LL, aptX Adaptive-HQ) and LE Audio (Auracast, Unicast-Low Latency, Unicast-Lossless).
- UGREEN BT501: a simplified version of the BT701, supporting SBC, aptX, aptX Low Latency, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive.
See our ranking for more on USB adapters — Best Bluetooth Adapters for PC and Earbuds.
EMMA — Experts + Methodology + MyChoozers + Algorithm.
Every model goes through identical tests; the score is calculated automatically with fixed weights — a spot in the rating cannot be bought.
TOP 15: Best Wireless Headphones with AptX Adaptive and AptX Lossless Codecs – Ranking
1. Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless 9.15Best wireless over-ear headphones – for sound and features
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless — the best wireless over-ear headphones with three main reasons to buy: best sound under $300, top-tier noise cancellation, robust and reliable build quality. With aptX HD and aptX Adaptive codecs, the sound improvement is only 10-15%, as the sound system already delivers maximum performance. Downsides include clamping force above average and the need for a break after 1-2 hours of use.
The overall sound score is calculated using the formula:
Frequency Balance + Detail + Stage + Naturalness / 4 = overall sound score.
. 9.55 These wireless headphones offer the best sound among over-ear models under $300. You get a pleasant bass-heavy sound featuring intimate mids and moderately bright highs. The soundstage feels spacious and full-bodied, avoiding artificial timbre or noticeable harshness, and detail retrieval is sufficient for catching subtle nuances. Minor flaws consist of a slight excess in the bass, a shortfall in the highs, and a slight lack of transparency.Learn more.
Microphone — the quality rating of speech transmission. We test the microphone in 2 main usage scenarios: quiet and noisy environments.
Quiet environment — recording indoors with minimal background noise. Noisy environment — recording outside near a 6-lane road with maximum traffic noise.
. 9.25 In quiet environments: 9.5 In noisy environments: 9 The headphones house 4 microphones, with 2 on each ear cup. Recorded voices sound detailed. In noisy environments, the quality dips while remaining clear.Overall feature score — this is the overall score for all device features. This score comes from individual feature ratings (battery life, controls, app, connection stability, and others) and shows how easy and smart the device is for daily use.
. 9.04 Top-tier active noise cancellation that does not affect sound quality. Transparency mode is close to reference-quality. And up to 60 hours of battery life will last a week of heavy listening. Controls are combined, mostly via gestures on the right ear cup. Navigation is convenient, you just need a couple of days to get used to it. The app is useful: you can enable the aptX codec on Android, tweak the EQ, and adjust the environment mode.Learn more.
Final build quality score is the overall score for build quality and materials: comfort, durability, and design. It shows how nice the device is to hold and use, and how long it will last.
. 8.33 The build is solid and reliable, the finish is slightly prone to fingerprints and smudges. The clamping force of the ear cups is above average, which is enough for 1-2 hours of use before you feel like taking a break. The headphones look good and are available in 5 colors.Learn more.
- Best sound under $300
- Top-tier noise cancellation and transparency on par with reference-quality
- Detailed microphone
- Sturdy and reliable build
- Ear cups apply noticeable pressure
2. Noble Audio Fokus REX5 8.43Best true wireless earbuds – #1 for sound quality
The Noble Audio Fokus REX5 are the best true wireless earbuds and rank #1 for sound quality on MyChooz. Their reference sound excels in detail retrieval, naturalness, and soundstage. They surpassed the Technics EAH-AZ100, and the 5 drivers in the earbuds are more than just for show. You will need to adjust the sound with an EQ, and sound tuning and ear tip selection will be covered in the full review. However, the ANC, transparency mode, and microphone quality are on par with models under $100.
Overall, this model is for those seeking the absolute best true wireless earbuds and uncompromising sound quality.
The overall sound score is calculated using the formula:
Frequency Balance + Detail + Stage + Naturalness / 4 = overall sound score.
. 9.29 The Noble FoKus REX5 delivered the highest level of sound quality among all TWS earbuds I have ever heard, setting a new benchmark 0.5 points ahead of the Technics EAH-AZ100. However, they aren’t the benchmark in every category. The overall soundstage is wide, detailed, bright, and clean, with a 3D effect. Strengths include reference-grade mid-range, reference-grade detail retrieval, and an impressive soundstage for TWS earbuds. There are flaws, though; the main one is that the highs can sometimes become piercing.Learn more.
Microphone — the quality rating of speech transmission. We test the microphone in 2 main usage scenarios: quiet and noisy environments.
Quiet environment — recording indoors with minimal background noise. Noisy environment — recording outside near a 6-lane road with maximum traffic noise.
. 7.50 In quiet environments: 8 In noisy environments: 7Overall feature score — this is the overall score for all device features. This score comes from individual feature ratings (battery life, controls, app, connection stability, and others) and shows how easy and smart the device is for daily use.
. 7.40 Noise cancellation suppresses light background noise, and transparency mode is minimally sufficient for comfortable chatting. Earbud battery life in our tests ranges from 4.5 to 7.5 hours depending on the codec. Touch controls manage 3 actions: play/pause, track switching, and volume. The companion app keeps things simple with 2 equalizers and personal sound tuning.Learn more.
Final build quality score is the overall score for build quality and materials: comfort, durability, and design. It shows how nice the device is to hold and use, and how long it will last.
. 7.83 Choosing the right eartips is important for these earbuds, as primary retention relies on them. Otherwise, the earbuds are comfortable and cause no discomfort after 2 hours of use. They have a metal construction, with zero complaints regarding build quality and materials. The appearance is nice and neat, and the bright coloring isn’t off-putting.Learn more.
- Best sound and reference-quality detail retrieval among wireless earbuds
- Metal charging case and headphone bodies
- 2 EQs with mergeable settings; Audiodo personal sound profiling
- Secure fit provided by ear tips. You have to readjust the headphones if the tips don’t fit right
- The headphones cool down quickly in the cold
- Average functionality
3. Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 8.41Large over-ear Bluetooth headphones – stylish and with a bright sound
Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 – large over-ear Bluetooth headphones with deep bass and bright sound. My main reason to buy: top-tier sound – detailed and natural, premium quality materials, robust and reliable build. The model has no critical drawbacks.
The overall sound score is calculated using the formula:
Frequency Balance + Detail + Stage + Naturalness / 4 = overall sound score.
. 8.67 The sound is high-frequency focused with a cold tint. The bass is precise and detailed, and instruments are easily distinguished by their timbre. High-frequency instruments are clear, though sharp and quick to fatigue — this is the most significant flaw in the sound. Additionally, the soundstage felt insufficiently spacious. I liked the mids: the sound is open, with the vocalist positioned right in front, and only a minimal lack of transparency. There is no noticeable harshness or grain in the sound.Learn more.
Microphone — the quality rating of speech transmission. We test the microphone in 2 main usage scenarios: quiet and noisy environments.
Quiet environment — recording indoors with minimal background noise. Noisy environment — recording outside near a 6-lane road with maximum traffic noise.
. 7.75 In quiet environments: 8.5 In noisy environments: 7Overall feature score — this is the overall score for all device features. This score comes from individual feature ratings (battery life, controls, app, connection stability, and others) and shows how easy and smart the device is for daily use.
. 7.98 Noise cancellation suppresses up to about 40% of noise. In transparency mode, you can converse, though your surroundings sound a bit muffled. Button controls handle basic media navigation and call management. Inside the companion app, the only useful features are a 5-band EQ and linking music streaming services.Learn more.
Final build quality score is the overall score for build quality and materials: comfort, durability, and design. It shows how nice the device is to hold and use, and how long it will last.
. 8.40 The headphones have medium ear cup clamping force, and you’ll want to take a break around the 2nd to 3rd hour of listening. They feature premium materials like leather and metal, along with flawless build quality. The headphones look nice and come in 2 colors.Learn more.
- Top-tier sound – detailed and natural
- Premium quality materials
- Sturdy and reliable build
- Transparency mode and microphone noise cancellation are above average.
4. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 8.17Wireless bluetooth earbuds for $299 — balanced sound and features
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4: These are the Bluetooth earbuds for you if your phone supports the aptX codec and you prefer a balanced sound profile without excessive bass. The Sennheisers offer natural, detailed sound with a decent soundstage. The bass is punchy and natural, and the highs are bright, though they can occasionally be a bit much on certain tracks. They feature good ANC, excellent transparency, a good microphone, and an excellent app, controls, and battery life. If balanced sound is your priority, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 are excellent wireless earbuds you’ll enjoy.
The overall sound score is calculated using the formula:
Frequency Balance + Detail + Stage + Naturalness / 4 = overall sound score.
. 8.19 This is your best option if you want a balance of analytical sound and musicality. It suits genres like classical, folk, blues, jazz, instrumental, and vocals best. The sound is top-tier and excellent, even if it is not quite the absolute best, pushing these earbuds into the 8+ rating league. Sennheiser took steps in the right direction compared to the 3rd version. Once you pick the right ear tips and use the aptX Adaptive codec, you will get a sound you’ll thoroughly enjoy.Learn more.
Microphone — the quality rating of speech transmission. We test the microphone in 2 main usage scenarios: quiet and noisy environments.
Quiet environment — recording indoors with minimal background noise. Noisy environment — recording outside near a 6-lane road with maximum traffic noise.
. 8.00 In quiet environments: 9 In noisy environments: 7Overall feature score — this is the overall score for all device features. This score comes from individual feature ratings (battery life, controls, app, connection stability, and others) and shows how easy and smart the device is for daily use.
. 8.21 Active noise cancellation mostly suppresses low-frequency noise, and the transparency mode feels comfortable. Playback time reaches 7.5 hours, extending to 30 hours with the charging case. Touch controls feature 4 actions per earbud for managing playback and surroundings. The app is convenient, functional, and regularly updated.Learn more.
Final build quality score is the overall score for build quality and materials: comfort, durability, and design. It shows how nice the device is to hold and use, and how long it will last.
. 8.07 The earbuds are bulky, and the bullet-style form factor won’t suit everyone. Build quality and materials are flawless, and the design feels sturdy and reliable. They look good without being overly exciting, and they are available in 4 colors.Learn more.
- Pleasant and engaging sound
- Sturdy and reliable build quality
- Top-tier transparency mode
- Background noise in transparency mode and a rustling sound.
- Bullet-style form factor, won’t suit everyone in terms of comfort
5. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 8.10Best wireless earbuds with noise cancellation – for sports
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds— best noise-cancelling earbuds of 2025 among in-ear TWS models and a benchmark formychooz.com. Main reason to buy: reference noise cancellation, pleasant bass sound, comfortable fit for sports, and the best spatial audio mode. With the aptX Adaptive codec, an increase in sound quality of up to 15%. Downsides: poor microphone noise cancellation and an inconvenient proprietary app.
The overall sound score is calculated using the formula:
Frequency Balance + Detail + Stage + Naturalness / 4 = overall sound score.
. 8.26 Low frequencies with a slight excess of bass and mids. If desired, the sound can be adjusted via the built-in EQ to get a comfortable sound for attentive listening. Vocals and instruments are clear, with no noticeable artificiality or grain. Only the soundstage feels slightly congested, just a bit wider than the head. Otherwise, there is detail in width and depth with good separation.Learn more.
Microphone — the quality rating of speech transmission. We test the microphone in 2 main usage scenarios: quiet and noisy environments.
Quiet environment — recording indoors with minimal background noise. Noisy environment — recording outside near a 6-lane road with maximum traffic noise.
. 6.50 In quiet environments: 9 In noisy environments: 4 Each earbud features 4 microphones and a noise cancellation feature. In a quiet room, the recording is detailed and clear, with a slight echo. In noisy environments with a hand vacuum, voices cannot be made out, and noise cancellation performs poorly. An additional test near the road will be coming later.Overall feature score — this is the overall score for all device features. This score comes from individual feature ratings (battery life, controls, app, connection stability, and others) and shows how easy and smart the device is for daily use.
. 7.92 The earbuds feature reference-level active noise cancellation, and transparency mode is on par with the reference. Claimed battery life is 6 hours and 24 hours with the case. Controls are convenient, allowing basic player actions. The app is inconvenient, and features are duplicated 2-3 times. Connection stability is good, with Aptx Adaptive there are rare dropouts at a distance of 8-9 meters.Learn more.
Final build quality score is the overall score for build quality and materials: comfort, durability, and design. It shows how nice the device is to hold and use, and how long it will last.
. 8.00 The earbuds fit securely in the ears and do not fall out while running or exercising. After 2-3 hours of use, minor fatigue sets in. Materials and build are flawless, though the coating is prone to fingerprints and gets dirty quickly. The earbuds look good, nothing too exciting.Learn more.
- Reference-level noise cancellation among true wireless earbuds
- Top-tier low-frequency sound
- Best spatial audio
- Comfortable fit for running and sports
- Poor microphone noise cancellation
- Inconvenient companion app
- IPx4 dust and water resistance. No case protection.
6. EarFun Air Pro 4 Plus 8.09BEST TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS UNDER $100 WITH LDAC AND APTX CODECS
Key selling point: detailed sound with superb vocal reproduction and excellent naturalness. The app offers sound settings. Includes LDAC and 3 aptX codecs. Features a translator for 146 languages and dialects. The earbuds are sensitive to EQ settings, so you’ll want to adjust the sound. These earbuds outperformed the Realme Buds Air 7 Pro in many aspects – which is saying a lot. Downsides: average noise cancellation and transparency, and controls that might not be to your liking.
The overall sound score is calculated using the formula:
Frequency Balance + Detail + Stage + Naturalness / 4 = overall sound score.
. 8.33 A strong suit of the EarFun Air Pro 4 Plus is the delightful vocal delivery in almost any track. If you want an emotional, live performance that touches the soul, that is what the Air Pro 4 Plus is all about. Naturalness of sound also reaches an excellent level, despite the slightly cool coloring of the balanced armature driver. Among the weak points, I should highlight the narrow soundstage, which brings non-critical yet present issues with detail and proper instrument placement. The earbuds also lack a bit of bass, though you can easily fix that in the EQ by selecting the ‘rock’ preset.Learn more.
Microphone — the quality rating of speech transmission. We test the microphone in 2 main usage scenarios: quiet and noisy environments.
Quiet environment — recording indoors with minimal background noise. Noisy environment — recording outside near a 6-lane road with maximum traffic noise.
. 7.50 In quiet environments: 8 In noisy environments: 7Overall feature score — this is the overall score for all device features. This score comes from individual feature ratings (battery life, controls, app, connection stability, and others) and shows how easy and smart the device is for daily use.
. 7.63 Noise cancellation does its job, suppressing about 40-50% of low-frequency noise, and the transparency mode offers good audibility. When talking while wearing the earbuds, it feels like your ears are plugged, and your own voice heavily echoes in your head via your inner ear. Playback time in our tests reaches up to 10 hours with the codec, plus another 30 hours from the case. Touch controls require 4 taps on each earbud. The companion app is convenient, featuring a built-in translator for 146 languages and dialects.Learn more.
Final build quality score is the overall score for build quality and materials: comfort, durability, and design. It shows how nice the device is to hold and use, and how long it will last.
. 8.17 The earbuds are comfortable, though minor fatigue sets in after a couple of hours of use. Build quality and materials have no flaws. The earbuds look good without causing overwhelming excitement, and you have 3 colors to choose from.Learn more.
- Detailed sound
- Sound customization: 10-band EQ, ready-made presets, and personal sound tuning
- Translator for 165 languages and dialects
- LDAC and 3 aptX audio codecs
- High frequencies are somewhat harsh
- Armature driver occasionally resonates
- Battery life is shorter than claimed
7. CREATIVE Aurvana Ace 2 7.97Best True Wireless Earbuds Under $100 with AptX Lossless and AptX Adaptive Codecs
Key selling point: top-tier sound with an EQ for analytical sound lovers and for various music genres. Includes aptX Lossless codec, a pleasant appearance, and with the right ear tips, good noise cancellation. Significant downsides include weak functionality: an average transparency mode, inconvenient controls, limited app functionality, no auto-pause, and no dual connection.
The overall sound score is calculated using the formula:
Frequency Balance + Detail + Stage + Naturalness / 4 = overall sound score.
. 8.63 The earbuds feature bright highs, great naturalness, and a wide soundstage. Cons include a lack of punchy and textured bass, alongside recessed mids and vocals. The model has strong EQ potential, and a ready-made preset fixes all those shortcomings except for the distant mids.Learn more.
Microphone — the quality rating of speech transmission. We test the microphone in 2 main usage scenarios: quiet and noisy environments.
Quiet environment — recording indoors with minimal background noise. Noisy environment — recording outside near a 6-lane road with maximum traffic noise.
. 7.00 In quiet environments: 8 In noisy environments: 6Overall feature score — this is the overall score for all device features. This score comes from individual feature ratings (battery life, controls, app, connection stability, and others) and shows how easy and smart the device is for daily use.
. 6.92 Active noise cancellation effectively removes background noise if you pick the right ear tips. Meanwhile, transparency mode is average and not suitable for daily use. Battery life in our tests reached up to 6 hours for the earbuds and up to 28 hours with the charging case. Touch controls require 3 taps per earbud, which is inconvenient to use. The appLearn more.
Final build quality score is the overall score for build quality and materials: comfort, durability, and design. It shows how nice the device is to hold and use, and how long it will last.
. 7.90 You get a good fit, and the earbuds don’t put uncomfortable pressure on your ears, though minor fatigue creeps in after 30-40 minutes of use. Build quality is of average sturdiness since they saved a bit on the amount of plastic used. There are no defects, though micro-scratches appear within the first week of use. Only 1 color is available: transparent copper.Learn more.
- Top-tier sound with EQ
- Good noise cancellation if you pick the right ear tips
- Average transparency mode
- Inconvenient controls
- In the app, the only truly useful feature is the EQ
- No auto-pause and no dual connection
8. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 7.73Best over-ear headphones for noise cancellation under $300
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the best over-ear headphones for noise cancellation under $200. They offer the best spatial audio, class-leading transparency mode, and detailed sound via cable. With the aptX Adaptive codec, sound quality improves by up to 20%. A downside is the need to adjust the sound with an equalizer; I’ve included recommendations in the review.
The overall sound score is calculated using the formula:
Frequency Balance + Detail + Stage + Naturalness / 4 = overall sound score.
. 7.58 There is a solid bass emphasis, though you will notice a lack of transparency and airiness that makes the sound somewhat muffled and insufficiently bright. At the same time, the artist sings directly for you, standing right in front of you. The sound is natural with no noticeable artificiality, even though the cymbals have a tiny bit of grain. Detail retrieval is sufficient to parse textures, and the soundstage features good instrument separation and width.Learn more.
Microphone — the quality rating of speech transmission. We test the microphone in 2 main usage scenarios: quiet and noisy environments.
Quiet environment — recording indoors with minimal background noise. Noisy environment — recording outside near a 6-lane road with maximum traffic noise.
. 7.00 In quiet environments: 9 In noisy environments: 5 Recordings are clear in quiet environments, but background noise is poorly suppressed in noisy ones.Overall feature score — this is the overall score for all device features. This score comes from individual feature ratings (battery life, controls, app, connection stability, and others) and shows how easy and smart the device is for daily use.
. 8.13 The headphones offer top-tier noise cancellation and transparency. You get a detailed microphone in quiet environments, though loud noise suppression is weak. Battery life reaches up to 18 hours with maximum noise cancellation enabled. The controls are practical, featuring a volume swipe gesture, and the companion app is worth downloading to configure the EQ and noise cancellation modes. The connection holds up within 10 m without dropping.Learn more.
Final build quality score is the overall score for build quality and materials: comfort, durability, and design. It shows how nice the device is to hold and use, and how long it will last.
. 7.50 The ear cups clamp tightly enough that you’ll want to take a break after an hour. There’s no dust or water resistance rating, but the build feels sturdy and reliable. The finish attracts smudges and is tough to clean, and you can choose from 5 colors.Learn more.
- Best noise cancellation under $200
- Reference-level transparency
- Top-tier wired sound
- Reference-quality spatial sound
- Sound EQ tuning is needed
- Weak microphone noise cancellation
9. EarFun Air Pro 4 7.66Best True Wireless Earbuds with 2 Codec Families – LDAC and aptX Lossless
EarFun Air Pro 4 – best true wireless earbuds supporting 2 popular audio codec families: LDAC and aptX Lossless. Key selling point: a balanced model with no critical flaws. Bronze-league sound with tuning potential, reference battery life, a convenient app, and includes LDAC and aptX codecs, plus a spacious charging case. Downsides – bright sound out of the box, the proprietary app uses up to 1 GB of RAM, and poor microphone noise cancellation.
The overall sound score is calculated using the formula:
Frequency Balance + Detail + Stage + Naturalness / 4 = overall sound score.
. 7.63 The main strengths of the sound are an even presentation, good overall naturalness, and solid detail retrieval. The main drawback is the bright highs, which cause listening fatigue during longer sessions, along with a slightly colored and somewhat unnatural tuning and a slight lack of low-end. Detail retrieval drops in tracks with complex arrangements.Learn more.
Microphone — the quality rating of speech transmission. We test the microphone in 2 main usage scenarios: quiet and noisy environments.
Quiet environment — recording indoors with minimal background noise. Noisy environment — recording outside near a 6-lane road with maximum traffic noise.
. 5.85 In quiet environments: 7.7 In noisy environments: 4 The microphone captures a detailed voice in quiet conditions, though barely noticeable clicks appear in some spots on the recording. In noisy environments, the voice gets muffled quite a bit.Overall feature score — this is the overall score for all device features. This score comes from individual feature ratings (battery life, controls, app, connection stability, and others) and shows how easy and smart the device is for daily use.
. 7.33 Noise cancellation blocks about 40-50% of low-frequency noise. The transparency mode offers good audibility, but talking feels uncomfortable. Playback time in our tests surpassed the manufacturer’s claims, reaching up to 11 hours and 29 minutes, and stretching to 58 hours with the charging case. Touch controls support up to 4 taps on each earbud. The companion app is user-friendly, but it’s poorly optimized and can use up to 1 GB of RAM.Learn more.
Final build quality score is the overall score for build quality and materials: comfort, durability, and design. It shows how nice the device is to hold and use, and how long it will last.
. 8.23 The earbuds feel comfortable with the included ear tips, though minor fatigue emerges after an hour. Build and materials have no flaws—the finish is slightly prone to showing fingerprints, and seams are noticeable at the joints. In your hand, both the earbuds and the case feel solid, and they look good with 5 colors to choose from.Learn more.
- Good sound with tuning potential
- LDAC and aptX codecs
- Reference-quality battery life
- Roomy charging case
- Bright high frequencies right out of the box.
- The EarFun Audio app consumes 1 GB of RAM on Android.
- Poor microphone in noisy environments
10. Edifier STAX Spirit S5 7.63Best headphones for the number of audio codecs
What to buy: a full set of codecs for wireless connection, a detailed microphone, up to 80 hours of battery life, and a user-friendly app. Downsides: boring sound, no active noise cancellation or transparency mode.
The overall sound score is calculated using the formula:
Frequency Balance + Detail + Stage + Naturalness / 4 = overall sound score.
. 7.67 The sound here is pretty polarizing. On one hand, naturalness, detail, mids, and highs are all handled very well. On the other hand, bass is critically lacking, even for planars. Plus, the soundstage is just plain narrow. These definitely aren’t for everyone.Learn more.
Microphone — the quality rating of speech transmission. We test the microphone in 2 main usage scenarios: quiet and noisy environments.
Quiet environment — recording indoors with minimal background noise. Noisy environment — recording outside near a 6-lane road with maximum traffic noise.
. 8.50 In quiet environments: 9 In noisy environments: 8 This is the first model I’ve tested that features aptX Voice, and the microphone audio is genuinely good.Overall feature score — this is the overall score for all device features. This score comes from individual feature ratings (battery life, controls, app, connection stability, and others) and shows how easy and smart the device is for daily use.
. 7.00 There is no active noise cancellation, leaving you with purely passive noise isolation, and transparency mode isn’t an option either. Battery life is rated at up to 80 hours. Controls rely on standard physical buttons, while the companion app features a 4-band EQ, codec switching, and bitrate selection.Learn more.
Final build quality score is the overall score for build quality and materials: comfort, durability, and design. It shows how nice the device is to hold and use, and how long it will last.
. 8.50 The headphones are comfortable and don’t cause fatigue even after three hours of continuous wear. The build is solid, reliable, and completely unremarkable in terms of flaws, while the overall look is thoroughly ordinary.Learn more.
- Accurate and natural sound
- Microphone – excellent in noise and silence
- Controls – convenient
- App – tolerable
- Battery life – at 80h, excellent
- Design – comfortable with no major complaints.
- Sound with a narrow soundstage and a lack of bass
- ANC and transparency mode – they are absent, passive only
- Non-critical cons: no auto-pause, available in black only.
11. SoundPeats H3 7.61Best affordable wireless earbuds under $100
The SoundPeats H3 offer a pleasant and detailed sound, but only after you adjust the EQ. Out of the box, the sound is too bass-heavy and quickly becomes fatiguing. I’m not sure who would enjoy this sound; it feels like the company just cranked up the bass instead of tuning it properly. The earbuds’ weak point is their features – they’re just… there. They can’t even compete with some budget models that offer triple multipoint, a translator, or over 10 hours of battery life. The build quality is flawless, though there’s nothing particularly special about it either. Plus, the stem-less design is an acquired taste. Overall, these earbuds are only good for music, and only if you tweak the EQ.
The overall sound score is calculated using the formula:
Frequency Balance + Detail + Stage + Naturalness / 4 = overall sound score.
. 8.18 These earbuds are on par with top models, but you have to unlock their potential yourself with an equalizer. The out-of-the-box tuning is excessively bassy and quickly becomes fatiguing. In bass-heavy tracks, it’s a continuous rumble with a lack of clarity and airiness. However, the sound is precise and discernible. The earbuds confidently earn a spot in the MyChooz silver league. And if you slightly reduce the bass in the EQ or try a couple of the ready-made presets, the sound gets close to the gold league. Higher up the ranking, competition comes from models with planar drivers and xMEMS, which have certain advantages over balanced armature. Even so, the SoundPEATS H3 are pleasantly surprising in sound quality and hold your attention after EQ adjustment.Learn more.
Microphone — the quality rating of speech transmission. We test the microphone in 2 main usage scenarios: quiet and noisy environments.
Quiet environment — recording indoors with minimal background noise. Noisy environment — recording outside near a 6-lane road with maximum traffic noise.
. 7.50 In quiet environments: 8 In noisy environments: 7 Speech comes through clearly in quiet spots. Noise cancellation does a poor job and picks up any background sounds, though it blocks out loud noises effectively. Speech stays clear despite sounding heavily muffled.Overall feature score — this is the overall score for all device features. This score comes from individual feature ratings (battery life, controls, app, connection stability, and others) and shows how easy and smart the device is for daily use.
. 6.83 This is a weak spot for the earbuds. Active noise cancellation is the only truly useful feature here; with the right ear tips, it handles light office noise comfortably without putting pressure on your eardrums. Battery life holds up to the specs, the connection remains stable, and microphone noise suppression is solid. Everything else falls flat: the app is useless, controls are imprecise, and transparency mode feels uncomfortable.Learn more.
Final build quality score is the overall score for build quality and materials: comfort, durability, and design. It shows how nice the device is to hold and use, and how long it will last.
. 7.33 The earbuds are comfortable once you pick the right ear tips; otherwise, they feel like they’re about to slip out. Build quality and materials are solid. They look fine, if a bit unremarkable.Learn more.
- Detailed sound with deep bass once you tune the EQ.
- Microphone noise cancellation comes close to flagship performance.
- Boomy sound out of the box.
- Clunky controls paired with a useless transparency mode.
- Bulky earbud and charging case design.
12. Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro 7.57In-ear noise-cancelling headphones – good for Android
Main reason to buy: top-tier active noise cancellation, a top-tier microphone in quiet environments, and a built-in voice recorder. Downsides: the sound is just above average, and the controls are awkward. The translator and high-bitrate audio only work on select Xiaomi phones. Plus, the charging case feels like it’s only worth about $20-25.
The overall sound score is calculated using the formula:
Frequency Balance + Detail + Stage + Naturalness / 4 = overall sound score.
. 7.25 The earbuds feature decent mids and highs, naturalness, and detail retrieval. The main flaw of the sound is a heavy low-frequency boost and a narrow soundstage. The sound is somewhat unnatural with a bassy tint. This is partially fixed with the EQ.Learn more.
Microphone — the quality rating of speech transmission. We test the microphone in 2 main usage scenarios: quiet and noisy environments.
Quiet environment — recording indoors with minimal background noise. Noisy environment — recording outside near a 6-lane road with maximum traffic noise.
. 7.75 In quiet environments: 9 In noisy environments: 6.5Overall feature score — this is the overall score for all device features. This score comes from individual feature ratings (battery life, controls, app, connection stability, and others) and shows how easy and smart the device is for daily use.
. 8.00 Top-tier active noise cancellation, lagging just slightly behind the references. Transparency mode is worse, though you can converse. Battery life in our tests reached up to 8 hours and 48 min for the earbuds and 42 hours with the case. Controls comprise 5 actions per earbud, executed by squeezing the stem — inconvenient. The app is not overloaded with fluff; useful features are present, including a voice recorder.Learn more.
Final build quality score is the overall score for build quality and materials: comfort, durability, and design. It shows how nice the device is to hold and use, and how long it will last.
. 7.73 The earbuds are comfortable with the included ear tips. Fatigue sets in after a couple of hours. Build quality and materials are flawless — only the case feels a bit “flimsy”, and they clearly cheaped out on materials. The earbuds look good, without causing much excitement.Learn more.
- Top-tier active noise cancellation
- Top-tier microphone in quiet conditions
- Built-in voice recorder
- Slightly above-average sound
- Inconvenient controls
- Translator and some other features are limited to certain Xiaomi devices
13. Beyerdynamic AVENTHO 300 7.54Good over-ear headphones — based on overall criteria
The Beyerdynamic AVENTHO 300 are good, reliable over-ear headphones with large earcups. What to buy: durable plastic earcups and metal hinges. They’re an ideal option if you’re considering headphones for 3-5+ years of active use. They have plenty of volume, and music is loud at 70% volume. In our tests, the model lasted 86 hours on battery life with the aptX Adaptive codec. Downsides include average sound quality and strong clamping force.
The overall sound score is calculated using the formula:
Frequency Balance + Detail + Stage + Naturalness / 4 = overall sound score.
. 7.46 The sound is dry, with an emphasis on mids and highs. Low- and high-frequency instruments remain distinguishable, and their textures read well. The artist sounds like they are sitting on a chair right across from you, practically shouting in your face, yet separated by a half-closed door. The sound is detailed and accurate with minimal artificiality, but the weakest point of the headphones is the soundstage. It lacks volume, sounding like a performance inside a small room, even though you get imaging in both width and depth. Your overall impression will be mixed: on one hand, the sound is engaging, but on the other hand, it feels congested, as if a massive data stream is hitting your ears faster than your brain can process it. Turning on the EQ makes the sound cleaner and more spacious, giving low- and high-frequency instruments more accent.Learn more.
Microphone — the quality rating of speech transmission. We test the microphone in 2 main usage scenarios: quiet and noisy environments.
Quiet environment — recording indoors with minimal background noise. Noisy environment — recording outside near a 6-lane road with maximum traffic noise.
. 6.35 In quiet environments: 7.7 In noisy environments: 5Overall feature score — this is the overall score for all device features. This score comes from individual feature ratings (battery life, controls, app, connection stability, and others) and shows how easy and smart the device is for daily use.
. 7.27 Noise cancellation suppresses about 30% of noise, and the transparency mode is practical for conversations. Playback time reached 86 hours in our tests using the aptX Adaptive codec. Controls combine buttons and touch, making them practical without needing customization options. The companion app is practical and isn’t overloaded with unnecessary features.Learn more.
Final build quality score is the overall score for build quality and materials: comfort, durability, and design. It shows how nice the device is to hold and use, and how long it will last.
. 8.17 The headphones are large and roomy. At the same time, the earcups press on the ears, causing discomfort after 20-30 minutes, and after an hour you’ll want to take a break. Build quality and materials are top-tier, offering reference-quality reliability. They look good and come in black and white.Learn more.
- Build reliability is top-tier among over-ear headphones.
- They respond well to EQ adjustments, featuring a dozen working presets.
- There is plenty of headroom, with 70% being the optimal level.
- Closed-in soundstage — lacking volume
- The earcups press on the ears, so you will need a break after an hour.
- The sound is dry out of the box, lacking bass and airiness.
- The noise cancellation is weaker than what competitors offer (Sennheiser, Bose, Sony).
14. Xiaomi Buds 6 7.47In-ear earbuds with map search
The Xiaomi Buds 6 are essentially the previous generation with a couple of exceptions: better sound balance and less sensitivity to the sound source, plus a more comfortable noise cancellation mode. Minimal improvements in controls and microphone—on par with reference models. Although, the previous generation isn’t worse. Other aspects are unchanged or cosmetically different, and battery life has even decreased. Dictaphone capabilities haven’t changed at all, and there’s a translator for Xiaomi devices. Therefore, the previous generation looks more advantageous, especially considering the $120-160 price point.
The overall sound score is calculated using the formula:
Frequency Balance + Detail + Stage + Naturalness / 4 = overall sound score.
. 7.44 The sound is muffled with a general lack of clarity across the entire frequency range. You get enough detail to pick out primary and secondary tracks, but anything beyond that demands close listening. Their strong point is natural timbre since it’s hard to pick out structural sound flaws. The Xiaomi Buds 6 currently land in the MyChooz bronze league, and a couple of strong rivals will likely push these earbuds down the rankings.Learn more.
Microphone — the quality rating of speech transmission. We test the microphone in 2 main usage scenarios: quiet and noisy environments.
Quiet environment — recording indoors with minimal background noise. Noisy environment — recording outside near a 6-lane road with maximum traffic noise.
. 9.25 In quiet environments: 9.5 In noisy environments: 9 Microphone performance matches the previous generation, though you do get better voice isolation and an improvement in noisy environments.Learn more.
Overall feature score — this is the overall score for all device features. This score comes from individual feature ratings (battery life, controls, app, connection stability, and others) and shows how easy and smart the device is for daily use.
. 7.24 Moderate. There is no transparency mode, and noise cancellation is average—if you manage to get a tight seal right in front of the ear canal. Controls are slightly better than the previous generation. Strong points include the microphone and built-in voice recorder for phone calls. The app is user-friendly and the connection is stable.Learn more.
Final build quality score is the overall score for build quality and materials: comfort, durability, and design. It shows how nice the device is to hold and use, and how long it will last.
. 7.90 Lightweight and compact, with no defects. The finish is a fingerprint magnet and shows smudges in places. Also, the case and earbuds tend to slip in dry hands. The earbuds are comfortable and cause no discomfort after a couple of hours of use.Learn more.
- Voice recorder with 180 min of recording time.
- Find earbuds via Apple Find My and Find Hub.
- Microphone close to reference-quality
- Low detail retrieval.
- Translator works only on Xiaomi devices.
- Weak noise cancellation mode. No transparency mode.
15. Final Audio UX5000 7.46Large wireless headphones with a detachable design
The Final Audio UX5000 are interesting primarily for their sound and design. Sonically, these headphones compete with top-tier models, though their out-of-the-box sound is a bit muffled, and some headphones under $100 might feel more dynamically engaging. A couple of simple EQ tweaks unlock their full potential, making them noticeably more detailed with a wider soundstage, and better suited for critical listening. The build quality is robust and well-designed—earpads and the headband are easily replaceable, and swapping out the battery shouldn’t be an issue. However, in terms of features, the UX5000 are on par with budget models and feel about five years behind. They lack any strong features and have barely functional active noise cancellation, and that’s about it.
The overall sound score is calculated using the formula:
Frequency Balance + Detail + Stage + Naturalness / 4 = overall sound score.
. 8.01 Not bright and transparent enough. At the same time, bass and percussion aren’t fatiguing, with no noticeable artificiality or grainy treble. Overall, the sound is comfortable; the only things holding it back are a muffled quality and an excessive emphasis on the mids. The artist literally screams in your ears. With the EQ adjusted, the sound is more pleasant and better suited for focused listening. Final Audio UX5000 land in the silver league of MyChooz.Learn more.
Microphone — the quality rating of speech transmission. We test the microphone in 2 main usage scenarios: quiet and noisy environments.
Quiet environment — recording indoors with minimal background noise. Noisy environment — recording outside near a 6-lane road with maximum traffic noise.
. 6.00 In quiet environments: 8 In noisy environments: 4Overall feature score — this is the overall score for all device features. This score comes from individual feature ratings (battery life, controls, app, connection stability, and others) and shows how easy and smart the device is for daily use.
. 6.08 The quality and feature set are at a basic level. Comparable to headphones from 5-6 years ago or budget models. The transparency mode is useless, controls are basic, there’s no auto-pause, and the companion app only offers a 10-band EQ. The app itself is useless and clumsy. A free AI could generate a better program. On the bright side, you get decent noise cancellation combined with passive isolation, plus multipoint support. And up to 65 hours of battery life, though who is surprised by that anymore?Learn more.
Final build quality score is the overall score for build quality and materials: comfort, durability, and design. It shows how nice the device is to hold and use, and how long it will last.
. 8.17 Sturdy and reliable. There are no defects in build quality or materials, and the hinges visually inspire confidence. The headphones are comfortable, though the space inside the ear pads is a bit tight for large ears, leaving a lingering sense of confinement. Otherwise, the model is comfortable. The headphones look nice and neat.Learn more.
- Pleasant sound with straightforward EQ adjustment.
- Sturdy, serviceable design.
- Poor functionality: weak transparency mode, useless companion app, basic controls.
See more headphones in our overall ranking MyChooz TOP 100 Headphones
