Whether you’re out and about, doing sport or lying comfortably on the sofa listening to music: True wireless headphones are all the rage. We present the best in-ear headphones 2025 in detail in our buying recommendation.
The best in-ear headphones 2025 with ANC
Most modern in-ear headphones are equipped with an ANC function. ANC stands for “Active Noise Cancellation”, which is active noise suppression. In addition to the passive attenuation of external noise, which the best in-ear headphones in particular achieve through their fit in the ear canal and corresponding silicone ear inserts, ANC intervenes at a technical level and further reduces external noise.
Sony WF-1000XM5
No other manufacturer offers such convincing active noise suppression as Sony. The Sony WF-1000XM5 are the manufacturer’s current top model in the in-ear segment. They impress with a combination of first-class sound quality, powerful noise suppression and high wearing comfort.
Thanks to the new “Dynamic Driver X” and high-resolution audio supported by the integrated LDAC codec, crystal-clear, detailed sound is made possible, promising quality even with wireless streaming. The DSEE Extreme algorithm (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) improves compressed audio files by enhancing details and dynamics in the sound image.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
The top model from Sennheiser, the Momentum True Wireless 4, are also absolutely worth the money. These are high-class wireless in-ear headphones that are known for their excellent sound quality, versatile ANC functions and long wearing comfort. They offer an excellent combination of fidelity, comfort and practical features.
The Momentum True Wireless 4 offer a very precise, detailed sound, which is supported by the 7 mm TrueResponse drivers. These deliver a balanced sound with clear highs, powerful mids and rich bass.
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 are an excellent choice for anyone who values modern and future-proof features. The in-ears already use the new Bluetooth 5.4 standard and are based on the Qualcomm S5 Sound Gen 2 platform with Snapdragon Sound, which promises excellent, high-resolution sound.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Bose completes the top 3 with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. They score points with an outstanding Actice Noise Cancellation function, are easy to use and also impress from a sound perspective.
Bose is known for its excellent noise-canceling technology, and the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds take this to a new level. The ANC intelligently adapts to the ambient noise so that users have an optimal listening experience in both quiet and noisy environments. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer a 3D audio function that makes the sound experience even more immersive and as if the sound is coming from different directions, making listening to music a spatial experience.
Cambridge Audio Melomania M100
The Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 are the right choice for those who place particular value on sound. 10 mm drivers work under the housing of the earbuds, which are supported by a class A/VB amplifier. The new earbuds score points with a rich sound that is immediately catchy and captivating. Throughout the entire sound spectrum, on the other hand, the detailed sound is particularly impressive, combining deep and controlled bass with natural and wide mids and impressive clarity in the highs.
One of the most outstanding features of the Melomania M100 is their impressive battery life. They offer up to 9 hours of playback time on a single charge, and the charging case provides an additional 36 hours, giving a total runtime of up to 45 hours. However, the wearing comfort is not entirely convincing.
Bowers & Wilkins PI8
Bowers & Wilkins PI8 true wireless headphones belong to the premium segment and are known for their outstanding sound quality, innovative technology and luxurious design. The PI8 use a unique dual-driver technology where each headphone has two separate drivers for high and low frequencies. These are equipped with individually adjustable amplifiers for exceptionally clear and powerful sound.
The headphones support high-resolution audio codecs such as aptX Adaptive, which enables low-loss and high-quality wireless transmission. The result is a detailed, dynamic sound that remains clear and precise, especially in the treble and bass. The Bowers & Wilkins PI8s are equipped with a total of six microphones, which ensure exceptionally clear voice quality during calls. The microphones reduce background noise so that the user’s voice remains clear even in noisy environments.
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
With the new Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, the manufacturer has hit the bull’s eye. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are characterized by the new Tensor A1 processor, which was specially developed for these headphones. This chip not only ensures excellent audio quality, but also optimizes noise suppression and connectivity. Thanks to this technology, audio processing is more efficient and the overall listening experience is improved.
In addition to the technical features, the active noise cancellation (ANC) is also a highlight of the Pixel Buds Pro 2. This has been further improved compared to the previous models and now adapts even better to the ambient noise. The earbuds are said to adjust the noise suppression a full three million times per second.
There is also a full 30 hours of battery life, as well as 8 hours for the earbuds alone and future-proof features with Bluetooth 5.4 and LE Audio.
Apple AirPods Pro 2
There’s no way around the Apple AirPods Pro 2 in the Apple ecosystem. They are known for their combination of seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem, excellent sound quality and intelligent noise cancellation. The AirPods Pro 2 feature dual noise cancellation that is up to 2 times more powerful than the first generation. This is made possible by the new H2 chip, which reduces unwanted noise even more precisely and effectively dampens noise even in louder environments.
The new H2 chip not only improves noise cancellation, but also provides a more detailed and dynamic sound. The AirPods Pro 2 offer clearer highs and deeper bass, expanding the overall soundstage for an immersive listening experience. They personalized 3D audio that is tuned to the user’s individual ear shape using the iPhone’s TrueDepth camera. This allows for more precise sound placement and an immersive listening experience that feels like the sound is coming from different directions.
With iOS 18, the AirPods Pro 2 can also be used as a hearing aid if you suffer from impaired hearing. The in-ears offer up to 6 hours of playback time with ANC activated, which is one hour longer than the first generation. Together with the charging case, users get a total of up to 30 hours of playback time.
The best in-ear headphones without ANC
Those who can or want to do without an ANC function sometimes benefit from lower prices or a longer battery life. This can be very interesting, as in-ear headphones without ANC also score points with strong sound. However, these models are now dying out and are rare to find.
Apple AirPods (4th generation)
Apple has just added a 4th generation to its AirPods in-ear headphones. With an optimized driver, the AirPods 4 offer a fuller, clearer sound. Thanks to spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, users can experience music and movies immersively, which is particularly ideal for Dolby Atmos content. The H2 chip ensures a more precise and dynamic sound.
For even more convenience, the charging case can now be charged via USB-C, is over 10 percent smaller than the previous model and still delivers up to 30 hours of battery life. Users can access Siri directly via head movements, for example with a nod for “yes” or a shake of the head for “no”. The AirPods 4 also offer clear voice quality during calls thanks to “Voice Isolation” technology, which minimizes background noise.
Sennheiser Sport True Wireless
The Sennheiser Sport True Wireless are characterized by a combination of excellent sound quality, robust design and special functions for athletes. Sennheiser is renowned for its high-quality audio technology, and the Sport True Wireless are no exception. With dynamic 7 mm drivers, they offer clear, detailed sound with deep bass and balanced mids and highs. In addition, the Sennheiser Smart Control app allows you to customize the equalizer to tailor the listening experience to your preferences.
The Sennheiser Sport True Wireless offer a battery life of up to 9 hours per charge, and with the charging case, use is extended to up to 27 hours in total. A quick-charging function ensures that the headphones are ready for use again after a short charging time – ideal for spontaneous training sessions.
Nothing Ear Stick
When it comes to value for money, Nothing can hardly hold a candle to any other manufacturer. The Nothing Ear Stick stand out in the true wireless headphone segment with their unique design and a range of sophisticated features.
The Nothing Ear Stick have a striking, transparent design that makes the inner components visible and gives the headphones a futuristic look. A special highlight is the cylindrical charging case, which can be twisted open like a lipstick. This case is not only stylish, but also compact and practical, making it easier to use in everyday life.
The headphones are equipped with a 12.6 mm driver that delivers clear and detailed sound. They offer an appealing bass response and clear treble, which is remarkable for the price range. The Ear Stick offer a battery life of up to 7 hours of music playback and a total of 29 hours with the charging case.
Buying in-ear headphones: What do you need to look out for?
There are a few things to consider when buying true wireless in-ears, because although the basic technology is largely the same across manufacturers, there are still some important differences that set the best in-ear headphones 2025 apart. Here we’ll tell you what these are and what you should look out for when buying.
Design: in-ear or earbuds?
Two different types of design have now emerged. The biggest difference is how the headphones fit in your ear.
Classic in-ear headphones are inserted directly into the ear canal, while earbuds are simply hooked into it. On the one hand, this has a direct effect on the sound, as in-ear headphones seal the ear canal and therefore suppress ambient noise. The result is a richer, fuller sound with more powerful bass.
On the other hand, some people find this type of seal uncomfortable. Earbuds, on the other hand, fit more loosely, don’t seal as well and allow you to hear more of your surroundings.
Noise suppression: with ANC or without?
Active noise canceling, or ANC for short, has proven its worth in recent years. In addition to the passive attenuation of external noise, which the best in-ear headphones in particular achieve through their fit in the ear canal and corresponding silicone ear inserts, ANC intervenes on a technical level and further reduces external noise.
In short, active noise cancellation emits a counter-sound. Microphones on the outside of the headphones pick up the sound, measure it and generate a corresponding counter-signal in the same frequencies internally via a chip.
In theory, this should almost completely suppress ambient noise. In practice, this usually works much better with low, monotonous noises – such as street noise.
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However, due to their design and small dimensions, the best in-ear headphones do not achieve the level of ANC that larger over-ear headphones are capable of. But a lot has happened here too in recent years. The lead has definitely melted away.
As with the design, however, some people find active noise cancellation uncomfortable. Some headphones create a slight pressure in the ear, while some people don’t like the sheer attenuation of the noise.
However, anyone who travels a lot in noisy environments, often takes the bus or train, flies or works in an open-plan office will quickly appreciate the benefits of ANC.
Important to know: With most modern in-ear headphones with ANC, you can simply switch off the active noise cancellation. They then behave in exactly the same way as models without the ANC function.
The counterpart: transparency mode
While ANC suppresses ambient noise, there is of course also a corresponding counterpart. Depending on the manufacturer, this is called transparency, ambient or environmental mode, although other names are also commonly used.
It does exactly what the name promises: ambient noise is amplified, which ensures greater safety in road traffic, for example, or allows you to hold conversations with headphones in.
Particularly high-quality models also differentiate between various transparency modes, which additionally amplify voices, for example. It is important that the transparency mode reproduces voices as realistically and in as much detail as possible so that you can understand the other person.
