Our verdict: Sony WF-1000XM6 is the best pair of wireless earbuds for sound and noise cancelling. AirPods Pro 3 are the best for iPhone users, and EarFun Air Pro 4 is the best value at an $89.99 list price.
Every earbud brand promises "best-in-class ANC" and "studio-quality sound." We compared spec sheets, prices and published reviews for three of the most popular pairs: a premium pick, an iPhone pick and a budget pick.
AirPods Pro 3
EarFun Air Pro 4
The key numbers
Sony's WF-1000XM6 replaced the XM5 in February 2026, and AirPods Pro 3 replaced the Pro 2 in September 2025. Older models still turn up at big discounts, but the picks below are the current versions.
The 3 picks at a glance
- QN3e noise-cancelling processor
- LDAC hi-res and LC3 for LE Audio
- Multipoint for two devices
The catch: priciest here, and only IPX4.
AirPods Pro 3- Instant switching across Apple devices
- Heart rate sensor for workouts
- IP57, hearing health tools
The catch: AAC only, few features on Android.
- LDAC and aptX Lossless
- 35 hours total with ANC on
- Bluetooth 5.4 multipoint, IPX5
The catch: ANC trails Sony and Apple.
Prices and specs
Prices checked October 15, 2026, on each company's own pricing page.
| Feature | Sony WF-1000XM6 | AirPods Pro 3 | EarFun Air Pro 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $329.99 | $249 | $89.99 list |
| ANC | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Sound Quality | Exceptional | Very Good | Good |
| Battery (buds, ANC on) | 8 hrs | 8 hrs | 7.5 hrs |
| Battery (w/ case, ANC on) | 24 hrs | 24 hrs | 35 hrs |
| Weight (per bud) | 6.5g | 5.55g | Not listed |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Multipoint | Yes | Apple devices only | Yes |
| Codec Support | LDAC, LC3, AAC, SBC | AAC only | LDAC, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, AAC |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IP57 | IPX5 |
Feature checklist
| Feature | Sony | AirPods | EarFun |
|---|---|---|---|
| LDAC hi-res | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| aptX | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| LC3 / LE Audio | ✓ | – | Auracast |
| Multipoint | ✓ | Apple devices | ✓ |
| Heart rate sensor | – | ✓ | – |
| Hearing health tools | – | ✓ | – |
| IPX5 or better | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
– means the company hasn't said.
Sony WF-1000XM6: best sound and ANC
The XM6 launched in February at $329.99 with Sony's new QN3e noise-cancelling processor, four mics per earbud and an 8.4mm driver. Sony says the ANC is about 25% stronger than the XM5's, and reviews rank it among the best noise-cancelling earbuds you can buy.
LDAC is the big edge on Android: stream from Tidal, Qobuz or Amazon Music and you get more detail than AAC-only buds carry. On iPhone, LDAC doesn't work, so most of that edge goes away. The weak spots are the price, $30 more than the XM5 launched at, and an IPX4 rating.
AirPods Pro 3: best for iPhone
AirPods Pro 3 kept the Pro 2's $249 price and added a lot. Apple claims up to twice the noise cancellation, battery is up to 8 hours with ANC on, the rating jumped to IP57, and a heart rate sensor feeds the Fitness app. Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection carry over.
The weak point is codecs. AAC only caps fidelity, and Android users lose most of the features. Battery drops to 6.5 hours with heart rate sensing on, and Live Translation needs Apple Intelligence. For iPhone owners, nothing else switches between phone, Mac and iPad as smoothly.
EarFun Air Pro 4: best value
At an $89.99 list price, and often less on sale, the Air Pro 4 carries LDAC and aptX Lossless, neither of which the $249 AirPods support. Add Bluetooth 5.4 multipoint, Auracast, IPX5 and up to 35 hours of total battery with ANC on.
The ANC isn't Sony-level, but reviewers rate it well for office chatter and street noise. Sound is good rather than exceptional, and the build feels cheaper. It's the pick for students, budget buyers and anyone who loses earbuds.
What about the XM5, AirPods Pro 2 and Air Pro 5?
Sony WF-1000XM5 and AirPods Pro 2 are still good earbuds, but only worth it at a deep discount now that their replacements cost about the same. EarFun Air Pro 5 is announced for November 2026 at the same $89.99, so if you can wait a few weeks, you'll get the newer model or a cheaper Air Pro 4.
Which should you buy?
The verdict
Sony WF-1000XM6 is the best pair of wireless earbuds in 2026, with sound and ANC that lead the field, especially on Android. On iPhone, AirPods Pro 3 are the smarter daily pair for $80 less, and EarFun Air Pro 4 is the best value under $90.
FAQ
What are the best wireless earbuds in 2026?
Sony WF-1000XM6 is the pick for sound and noise cancellation at $329.99. AirPods Pro 3 at $249 is the pick if you live on an iPhone and want instant device switching, hearing features and a heart rate sensor. EarFun Air Pro 4 at a $89.99 list price is the budget pick, with LDAC, aptX Lossless and multipoint for a fraction of the price.
Sony WF-1000XM6 vs AirPods Pro 3: which is better?
Sony wins on sound detail, codec support (LDAC and LC3) and Android features. AirPods Pro 3 win on Apple integration, IP57 water resistance, workout heart rate tracking and hearing health tools, and they cost $80 less. Android users and audiophiles should get the Sony. iPhone users should get the AirPods Pro 3.
Are AirPods Pro 2 still worth buying in 2026?
Only at a deep discount. AirPods Pro 3 replaced them in September 2025 at the same $249 price, with Apple claiming up to twice the noise cancellation, 8 hours of listening with ANC on, IP57 rating and a heart rate sensor. If you can find Pro 2 well under the Pro 3 price, they're still good earbuds, but Pro 3 is the one to buy at full price.
What are the best budget wireless earbuds in 2026?
EarFun Air Pro 4, listed at $89.99 and often on sale for less. You get 50 dB adaptive ANC, LDAC and aptX Lossless, Bluetooth 5.4 multipoint and IPX5 water resistance. EarFun has announced the Air Pro 5 for November 2026 at the same $89.99, so watch for Air Pro 4 discounts once it ships.
Should I get earbuds for working out or commuting?
For workouts, AirPods Pro 3 are the strongest of the three: IP57 water resistance and a built-in heart rate sensor that works with the Fitness app. For commuting, Sony WF-1000XM6 has the strongest noise cancellation for trains and planes. EarFun Air Pro 4 covers both on a budget with IPX5 and multipoint.