3 Best AirPods Alternatives, Tested by Our Audio Experts

The Good Housekeeping Institute Tech & Engineering Lab has spent hundreds of hours evaluating wireless earbuds, including AirPods alternatives from brands like Sony, Bose, Samsung, Beats, and more. To identify the top performers, our experts assess every aspect of the listening experience, from sound quality and active noise cancellation to comfort, battery life, and ease of use.

For this roundup, our analysts logged more than 300 hours of listening time across a wide range of models. During testing, we evaluate key performance factors including audio quality, microphone clarity, noise-canceling effectiveness, connectivity, and how securely earbuds stay in place during everyday activities. We also assess comfort by considering fit, weight, portability, and long-term wearability. To assess durability, we review each model's build quality, water- and sweat-resistance rating (IP rating), and overall resilience to everyday wear and tear. Additional features such as multipoint connectivity, wireless charging, companion apps, voice assistant compatibility, and customizable controls are also taken into account.

Whenever possible, we incorporate feedback from consumer testers to gain additional insight into real-world performance, comfort, and design preferences. Our final recommendations are based on a combination of rigorous Lab testing, hands-on evaluations, and continued hands-on evaluations of newer and updated models to ensure our picks reflect the best AirPods alternatives available today.

✔️ Pairing and compatibility: The best wireless earbuds should pair quickly and maintain a reliable Bluetooth connection. Before you buy, make sure the earbuds are compatible with your smartphone's operating system and check whether they offer platform-specific features for Apple or Android users.

✔️ Noise cancellation: If you frequently take calls, commute, travel, or work in noisy environments, look for earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC). ANC technology helps reduce unwanted background sounds so you can focus on your music, podcasts, or conversations with fewer distractions.

✔️ Water resistance: Planning to wear your earbuds during workouts or outdoor activities? Choose a pair with a water-resistance rating of at least IPX4 if you plan to wear your earbuds during workouts or outdoor activities, which can withstand sweat and light splashes. Higher IP ratings offer increased protection against water and dust.

✔️ Fit and ear tips: A secure, comfortable fit is essential for both sound quality and long-term wear. Ear tips that are too large, too small, or improperly shaped won't create a proper seal, which can negatively affect audio performance, noise cancellation, and overall comfort. Many models include multiple ear tip sizes to help you find the best fit.

✔️ Battery life: Most wireless earbuds offer around eight hours of listening time on a single charge, though actual performance can vary depending on volume levels, noise-canceling settings, and other features. Keep in mind that some brands advertise total battery life, which includes additional charges provided by the charging case.

✔️ Controls and features: Premium earbuds often include onboard touch controls or physical buttons that allow you to adjust volume, skip tracks, answer calls, and activate a voice assistant without reaching for your phone. Some models also offer companion apps with customizable EQ settings and additional features.

✔️ Charging case: Most AirPods alternatives include a charging case that stores and recharges the earbuds when not in use. If portability is important, look for a compact, durable case with features like wireless charging or fast charging support.

Senior Reviews Writer & Analyst Olivia Lipski covers everything from consumer electronics to parenting, home, travel, lifestyle, and more. She's covered audio over the years, writing about AirPods, noise-canceling headphones, and more. She continues to stay on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helps readers make better buying decisions by testing and reviewing the best headphones and earbuds available.