Our picks at a glance
Paid link: buttons go to the retailer. Prices change often, so we link to the current price instead of listing one.
Comparison table
| Feature | Best sound and ANCSony WF-1000XM5 | Best for Samsung phonesSamsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro | Best budgetSoundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy | Consider | Buy |
| Typical price | £179–£279 | £159–£229 | £49–£89 |
| Best for | Sound quality | Galaxy phone owners | Budget pick |
| Key feature | Detailed sound and LDAC support | Deep Galaxy integration and 24-bit audio | Strong ANC and long battery for under £100 |
| Battery | Up to 8 hours with ANC | Up to 6 hours with ANC | Up to 10 hours with ANC |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IP57 | IPX4 |
| Codecs | AAC, LDAC, LC3 | — | — |
| Where to buy | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link |
Sony · Wireless Earbuds
Sony WF-1000XM5
Class-leading noise cancelling with rich sound and LDAC.
- Buy it if
- You care most about sound quality and want strong ANC on an Android phone or iPhone.
- Skip it if
- You have small ears that struggle with foam tips.
Pros
- Rich, detailed sound
- Small and light buds
- Strong noise cancelling
- LDAC for high-resolution audio on Android
Cons
- Foam tips don't suit everyone
- Glossy finish can be slippery
Key specifications
- Battery
- Up to 8 hours with ANC
- Water resistance
- IPX4
- Codecs
- AAC, LDAC, LC3
Samsung · Wireless Earbuds
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
Seamless switching and hi-fi codec on Galaxy phones.
- Buy it if
- You own a recent Samsung Galaxy phone and want features like 24-bit Hi-Fi audio and seamless switching.
- Skip it if
- You use an iPhone or a non-Samsung Android phone; others do more for less.
Pros
- Great sound with Samsung phones
- IP57 rating
- Clear stem controls
Cons
- Best features need a Galaxy phone
- Stem design won't fit every ear
Key specifications
- Battery
- Up to 6 hours with ANC
- Water resistance
- IP57
Soundcore · Wireless Earbuds
Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC
Real noise cancelling for well under £100.
- Buy it if
- You want good noise cancelling and long battery life on a tight budget.
- Skip it if
- You want premium sound tuning or fitness features.
Pros
- Strong noise cancelling for the money
- Long battery life
- Wireless charging case
Cons
- Plastic case feels cheap
- Bass-heavy default tuning
Key specifications
- Battery
- Up to 10 hours with ANC
- Water resistance
- IPX4
Compare more Wireless Earbuds on Amazon Paid link
Why look elsewhere?
AirPods Pro are at their best with an iPhone: instant pairing, spatial audio and Find My. On Android many of those extras disappear, so you pay for features you cannot use.