Top-Rated Earbuds That Compete With AirPods Pro Across Platforms

WIRED’s article, written by Ryan Waniata, presents a curated list of high-performing alternatives to Apple’s AirPods Pro, highlighting options that offer broader compatibility, better value, or specific strengths. While the AirPods Pro are praised for their design and features, the article suggests that many alternatives can outperform or complement them, especially for non-Apple users.

The Nothing Ear (a) stands out as the best overall pick for its sleek design, great sound, and attractive price, despite slightly lower battery life. Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are recommended for their industry-leading noise canceling, though they come at a premium. For fitness enthusiasts, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 combine Apple ecosystem perks with a workout-friendly design, though touch controls may be finicky.

Soundpeats Capsule3 Pro+ earns praise for sound quality due to its unique driver setup, though its noise canceling isn’t the strongest. Another affordable standout, the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, balances features like spatial audio and customizable controls with a competitive price point. All recommended options support noise canceling, transparency mode, and interchangeable ear tips, and most offer Android compatibility, making them versatile options for a wide range of users.