True wireless is called in-ear headphones without any physical connection between the left and right device. They are and will continue to be the hottest and most technologically advanced type of headphones now and in the future. The super success of AirPods caused the segment to explode with options and the big appeal of course lies in the fact that they make a very discreet impression and are much easier to carry with you everywhere compared to full-sized headphones with a headband.
The best true wireless headphones are not only packed with functionality such as active noise reduction and smart connection, the sound quality has also gone from being a major compromise factor to now being much more on par with “regular” in-ears.
We also see more and more strong alternatives in the lower price ranges as a natural consequence of technological development. Just keep in mind that if you’re looking for all-day battery life, optimal comfort, and truly immersive sound, it’s still full-size headphones that I’d recommend.
2. Sony WF-1000XM5 Wireless In-ear
Ideal for frequent travelers craving premium sound quality
Best True Wireless Headphones 2023:
Here you get an overview of the best true wireless headphones on the market right now, for different purposes.
The best True Wireless headphones for Apple users are Airpods Pro gen 2.The sound quality is top notch, the noise reduction as well and the adaptive transparency mode is in a class of its own. The design, packaging and comfort are great as before. They’re insanely flexible and user-friendly, they pair seamlessly and they add useful features such as charging with the Apple Watch charger, built-in AirTag function via the “Find” app and a small speaker on the case in case you lose them. And they’ve finally got both competitive battery life and volume controls right on the stems.
You see, the new Airpods Pro are simply insanely good and perfect, connected in-ear headphones for Apple users. For hard training, there are alternatives that fit more securely and with higher durability (e.g. Jabra), but otherwise these are an almost obvious companion for your iPhone, especially if you also have several other Apple gadgets.
Pros
- Top class in almost every category
- Ease of use
Cons
- Best with iOS devices, not optimal for hard training
2
Sony WF-1000XM5 Wireless In-ear
Ideal for frequent travelers craving premium sound quality
The best True Wireless headphones for Android users (and of course also really good for iPhone!) are the Sony WF-1000XM5.
They basically improve everything that needed to be improved from the previous XM4s. They are smaller, lighter and significantly more comfortable, especially for narrower ears. The sound quality has gone from “good” to top class, the call quality is better (especially in louder/noisier environments) and despite the size & weight reduction, both the battery life and the noise reduction are at least as good as before.
Finally a clean alternative to Airpods Pro 2 for Android users and/or those who just prefer something different. Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds II are even sharper in terms of noise reduction, but the sound experience both during music listening and calls is significantly worse overall.
The only real downside to the XM5 is that the comfort is still not 100% for long periods… and that the transparency mode remains totally superior in Airpods Pro 2.
Pros
- The sound, the noise reduction, the design
Cons
- Mediocre transparency mode, some are even more comfortable
3
Sennheiser Momentum True 3 Wireless In Ear
The best sounding earbuds for an audiophile
A cheaper alternative to the XM5 for those who value sound quality more than noise reduction is the Sennheiser Momentum TW3.
They have a refined, warm and slightly relaxed sound that lends itself well to HiFi listening. The Momentum TW3 has a user-friendly app, good and responsive touch controls and has received multi-pair connection support via an update some time ago.
They are also among the most satisfying true wireless headphones I have personally used in terms of the combination of comfort and firmness in the ears; thanks to refined ergonomics and new replaceable “wings” that let you customize the fit. Really good for the gym.
The noise reduction is now significantly more competitive than before and a big step forward from its predecessor. Not on par with Airpods Pro 2, Bose QC Earbuds II and Sony WF-1000XM5, but now fully adequate for most situations.
Disadvantages? The voice recording is nothing remarkable and it would have been nice to have lower background noise in the transparency mode. And the sound experience, although really good, is surpassed by both the XM5 and Airpods Pro 2 (especially if you factor in Spatial Audio)
But since they have fallen somewhat in price, they are very easy to recommend. Really nice premium headphones!
Pros
- Nice sound and fit
- Good ANC performance
- Multi-pair connection
Cons
- Just OK call sound
The best True Wireless headphones under SEK 2,000 are the Oneplus Buds Pro 2.They are pretty well matched against the Huawei Freebuds Pro 2, but the fit is better. Buds Pro 2 sit really firmly and comfortably in the ears, even for intensive training. They also have clearly better battery life and I prefer the matte, more understated design.
In terms of sound, they perform really well for the price, no Airpods Pro 2 killers but also nothing special to comment on. A bit bass-heavy perhaps, but it can be easily adjusted in the Melody app (everything directly in the settings of a compatible mobile phone such as Oneplus 11).
Like Huawei, you basically have all the functions you can think of, including smart touch sensors (which are a little messy sometimes), the latest Bluetooth standard, wireless charging, fast charging, multi-pair connection, IP55 water resistance and adaptive active noise reduction that performs well for the price.
The only thing I miss is actually a volume control function directly on the headphones that Huawei and Airpods Pro 2 have. Some audio geeks on the Android side will also point out that you’ll have to settle for SBC instead of aptX if you don’t have a phone compatible with the LHDC standard for high-definition streaming. But for most people, it’s not a concern.
Really nice, affordable and versatile headphones for all mobile platforms!
Pros
- Functional, the fit, IP55, good sound
Cons
- No volume controls, "Spatial sound" performs poorly
If you don’t like earplugs, don’t need noise reduction and/or don’t really feel like shelling out for a pair of Airpods Pro 2, you’ll get very far with the “regular” Airpods generation 3.
They don’t sound as good as the Pro, it must be said. But actually quite impressive for not having any acoustic closure via earplugs and significantly better than previous generations. They have a surprisingly full sound with balanced upper registers and decently deep bass despite their design.
And of course all the benefits you’d expect from a pair of Airpods, including full compatibility with “Spatial Sound”, the “Find” function and smooth/instant pairing with iOS & Mac devices. They have about the same battery life as the Pro 2 and the same sweat resistance (IPX4).
For about SEK 1,000 more, you get among the very best Active noise reduction (and with it also the decidedly best Transparency mode) on the market, volume controls directly on the headphones and better sound quality. Take your pick!
Pros
- good sound despite its acoustic design
- Intuitive, well built
Cons
- Relatively expensive for missing ANC, worse sound than Pro 2
Linkbuds S are Sony’s mid-range TW headphones. What distinguishes these is above all the comfort (they are record small and very light, barely felt in the ears!), the call sound and the transparency mode.
The latter is the earphones’ trump card, and the Linkbuds S is actually the option that, in my experience, comes closest to Airpods Pro on that point. This makes the headphones much more useful for those of you who want to be able to ‘open up’ to your surroundings for long moments at a time. This without wanting to take the headphones out of your ears because it sounds fake/artificial.
The noise reduction is really good, although not as good as the XM4 and XM5. The sound is also better on the top models. I would have liked a little better sound resolution in the Linkbuds S, otherwise they are ok.
The original Linkbuds were based on the idea of absolute comfort and transparency to the environment, but at the expense of sound characteristics and isolation when you needed it.
The Linkbuds S may not be the tonal master of the list, but I find them significantly more appealing than their fully open siblings and for many a better buy than the expensive XM5s.
Pros
- Great comfort & transparency mode
- Good ANC & call sound
Cons
- The sound lacks resolution
