(checked 2026-10-10)
Tom's Guide's top pick, with some of the strongest noise cancelling SoundGuys has measured and 8-hour battery life. The fit still slips for some ears, the squeeze controls annoy testers, and most of the extras only work with an iPhone.
Top complaints
- Fit can slip or hurt
Wirecutter says the fit may be hard for small ears and the buds worked loose during high-impact exercise, especially when using the squeeze controls. SoundGuys found the tips and glossy shell still slipped as sweat built up. Amazon's review summary calls fit and comfort mixed, with some owners saying they fall out. A low-star Walmart review says they are too big and hurt.
- Apple-only extras and awkward controls
Wirecutter dislikes the squeeze-and-swipe controls, which can shift the buds in your ear, and notes most advanced features are exclusive to Apple users. Tom's Guide says Android users get very little control because there is no app, and Live Translation needs an iPhone with Apple Intelligence. SoundGuys lists Apple-exclusive features and some connection issues among its cons.
- Charging and reliability failures
Amazon's review summary says some owners report them breaking after a month of use. Low-star Walmart reviews describe a left earbud that won't charge, a case that stopped charging the buds, and a pair that wouldn't charge past 1%. Many other 1-star Walmart reviews are about delivery problems, not the product.
What owners love
- Top-tier noise cancelling
SoundGuys measured an average 90% noise reduction, the best its author had measured in earbuds. Wirecutter rates it on a par with its Soundcore and Sony picks.
Source: SoundGuys review, Wirecutter - Longer battery than before
Wirecutter and Tom's Guide cite about 8 hours with ANC, up from the previous model. SoundGuys measured 8 hours 42 minutes.
- Great sound, well liked by owners
Tom's Guide names it the best wireless earbuds overall, with more detail and bass than the Pro 2. Amazon shoppers praise the sound quality and noise cancellation, and it is the #1 Amazon best seller in earbuds.
- You use an Android phone
- AirPods have fallen out of your ears before
- You want physical buttons or a detailed EQ
- iPhone owners who want hands-free Siri, heart-rate tracking and hearing features
- Commuters and flyers who want strong ANC
- Sweaty workouts and rain (IP57)
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best pick for hardcore Apple users: great sound, above-average ANC and 8-hour battery life. The squeeze controls are irritating and the fit can be hard for small ears.
- Tom's Guide: Best overall (updated 2026-09-23). The cons are that Live Translation needs an Apple Intelligence iPhone, there's no charging cable, and Android support is limited.
- SoundGuys: 7.8/10, 'close to perfect' for iPhone users with 90% ANC. The cons are Apple-exclusive features, some connection issues, and Live Translation that needs work.