Best wireless earbuds 2023: budget and premium (2024)

Choosing the best wireless earbuds is very similar to choosing the best noise cancelling headphones. The obvious difference is size, with earbuds better suited for discreet listening and portability.

However, while their diminutive profile gives them the edge in those areas, wireless earbuds have to compromise on driver and battery size. In this guide to the best wireless earbuds, we show you how to compare earbuds with very similar specs and choose the one best suited for how you want to use them.

Choosing the bestwireless earbuds

Here are the 9 criteria you should consider before you buy a pair of wireless earbuds.

Driver: Larger drivers deliver deeper bass and smaller drivers create better treble and midrange clarity. Look for dynamic drivers as they deliver rich bass and usually feature a larger diaphragm.
Battery: A larger battery means longer listening periods without recharging. Look for earbuds that offer enough playtime for your needs. A larger battery in the earbuds case means more listening time between complete recharges.
Noise cancelling technology: Wireless earbuds with active noise cancelling (ANC) generate sound waves that cancel out ambient noise. Passive noise cancelling uses physical design and materials to block out external noise. ANC is generally more effective.
Connectivity: Virtually all modern wireless earbuds use Bluetooth connectivity. The latest Bluetooth standards offer better performance and faster connection.
Microphones: If you plan to use your wireless earbuds for phone calls or virtual meetings, choose a model that has multiple microphones and noise reduction features.
Comfort: Comfort is crucial, especially if you plan to wear your wireless earbuds for extended periods. Look for soft, form-fitting material and the tip size for your ears.
Controls and Features: Choose wireless earbuds that work with your preferred method of control (touch, button and/or voice commands). Some even offer customisable touch controls while auto-pause/play when you remove/insert them are convenient features.
Compatibility: Ensure the earbuds work well with your devices (iOS, Android, PC, etc.). Some may have exclusive features for specific operating systems.
Price: High-end earbuds often offer more features but there are also affordable options with good quality. Balance the two to find which wireless earbuds are the best for you.

Best wireless earbuds in Singapore

Here are the best wireless earbuds in Singapore based on the 9 criteria we listed above.

1. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2

Best wireless earbuds 2023: budget and premium (1)

ANC: Yes, adjustable
Driver: Dynamic, 9.3 mm
Frequency Range: Not released
Bluetooth Version: 5.3
Microphones: 8
Battery Life (buds, case): 6 hours, 18 hours
What we love: Immense clarity and its 8 microphones

Buy now from S$325 on LazadaShopee

2. Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation

Best wireless earbuds 2023: budget and premium (2)

ANC: Yes, adaptive
Driver: 11 mm
Frequency Range: 20-20,000 Hz
Bluetooth Version: 5.3
Microphones: 4
Battery Life (buds, case): 6 hours, 30 hours
What we love: Its 11 mm drivers produce great sound

Buy now from S$318 on LazadaShopee

3.Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro

Best wireless earbuds 2023: budget and premium (3)

ANC: Yes, adjustable
Driver: Dynamic dual, 10 mm
Frequency Range:Not released
Bluetooth Version: 5.3
Microphones: 3
Battery Life(buds, case): 8 hours, 30 hours
What we love:Dynamic dual 10 mm drivers and 30 extra hours of juice in the case

Buy now from S$331 onSamsungLazada

4. Sony WF-1000XM5

Best wireless earbuds 2023: budget and premium (4)

ANC: Yes, adjustable
Driver: Dynamic 8.4 mm
Frequency Range: 20-40,000 Hz
Bluetooth Version: 5.3
Microphones: 6
Battery Life (buds, case): 6 hours, 16 hours
What we love: Vast frequency range means you get the best of every type of sound

Buy now from S$398 on LazadaShopee