Best Wireless Earbuds with Spatial Audio: Top Picks

1. Anker Soundcore P31i

We put these wireless earbuds to the test, and the extended playtime is genuinely impressive, easily lasting through multiple days of moderate use without needing a charge.

The active noise cancellation is decent, effectively muffling low-frequency hums like airplane cabins or office air conditioners. However, I noticed it struggles a bit with higher-pitched, sudden noises, letting some through.

The sound quality is acceptable for casual listening, offering a balanced profile that doesn’t lean too heavily on bass. The fit in my ears was secure, though the included ear tips could offer more variety for a perfect seal.

This product is ideal for long-haul travelers or those who work in noisy environments and prioritize battery life. However, audiophiles seeking nuanced sound reproduction might find them a bit lacking.

2. Apple Airpods 4

Testing the new AirPods 4, the personalized Spatial Audio feature is a standout, creating an immersive soundstage that truly envelops you. Music and movies come alive with a sense of depth and directionality.

The overall sound profile is bright and clear, typical of Apple products, making vocals pop and instruments distinct. I found the connection to my Apple devices to be as reliable as expected, switching between them without a hitch.

While the comfort is generally good for extended wear, the fit isn’t the most secure for vigorous activity; I felt a slight looseness during my runs.

These are perfect for existing Apple ecosystem users who want an easy-to-use, high-fidelity listening experience. If you’re not invested in Apple’s ecosystem or need earbuds for intense workouts, you might want to explore other options.

3. Apple Airpods Pro 3

Our evaluation of the AirPods Pro 3 revealed a significant leap in Active Noise Cancellation, effectively silencing a wide range of ambient sounds, from city traffic to chattering crowds. This makes them a strong contender for the best wireless earbuds with spatial audio, providing a pristine canvas for immersive sound.

The Spatial Audio implementation here is refined, offering dynamic head tracking that makes the audio feel like it’s coming from fixed points in space. I noticed the bass response has improved, adding a satisfying punch without overpowering the mids and highs.

The transparency mode is also remarkably natural-sounding, allowing you to hear your surroundings without much artificiality. However, the touch controls on the stem can be a bit too sensitive, leading to accidental pauses or skips when adjusting the fit.

These are for discerning listeners within the Apple ecosystem who demand top-tier ANC and a premium spatial audio experience. Those on a tighter budget or who prefer physical buttons might find these overkill.

4. Anker Soundcore P31i

The Soundcore P31i earbuds deliver a surprisingly robust audio experience for their price point, with a sound profile that leans towards a warmer, bass-forward signature. We found the accompanying app to be quite useful for customizing EQ settings to your preference.

The ANC is present and does a passable job of reducing background noise, though it’s not as potent as higher-end models. I noticed the charging case feels a bit lightweight, which could be a concern for long-term durability.

Comfort-wise, they fit reasonably well, and the battery life is respectable for daily commutes and moderate listening sessions. The call quality was clear in quiet environments, but struggled a bit in windy conditions.

These are a solid choice for budget-conscious individuals looking for decent ANC and a pleasing sound for everyday use. If you require class-leading noise cancellation or crystal-clear calls in all conditions, you might need to invest more.

5. Anker Soundcore P20i

Testing the Soundcore P20i, the 10mm drivers provide a noticeable boost in bass response, offering a punchy and energetic sound that’s great for genres like hip-hop and electronic music. The overall clarity is good for casual listening.

The connection stability was excellent throughout our testing, with no dropouts even in crowded areas. I found the touch controls to be responsive and easy to learn, allowing for quick management of music and calls.

While the sound is enjoyable, the lack of ANC means these are best suited for quieter environments. The fit is comfortable and secure enough for walking, but I wouldn’t recommend them for intense workouts without extra ear hooks.

These are ideal for individuals who prioritize strong bass and a reliable connection for everyday listening and calls in calm settings. Anyone seeking active noise cancellation or superior performance during strenuous exercise should look elsewhere.

6. Anker Soundcore P30i

We put the Soundcore P30i through its paces, and for their price point, they deliver a surprisingly robust audio experience. The active noise cancellation is quite effective at muting low-frequency hums, making commutes more tolerable. I found the sound signature to be well-balanced, with a satisfying warmth that doesn’t overpower the mids and highs.

The fit is generally secure, with multiple ear tip sizes included to help you find a good seal. However, the touch controls can be a bit finicky; I occasionally registered accidental taps when adjusting the earbuds. The companion app offers a decent EQ to fine-tune the sound, which is a welcome addition at this price.

This is a great option for budget-conscious students or anyone looking for solid ANC without breaking the bank. If you’re an audiophile seeking nuanced sound reproduction or demand the absolute best in noise cancellation, you might want to look elsewhere. But for everyday listening and travel, they punch above their weight.

7. Jbl Tune Buds 2

When considering the best wireless earbuds with spatial audio, the JBL Tune Buds 2 present an interesting, albeit imperfect, proposition. The sound quality is punchy and energetic, typical of JBL’s signature, making genres like pop and electronic music come alive. Spatial audio is present, and while it adds a sense of immersion, it’s not as refined or as widely supported as on higher-end models.

I found the earbuds comfortable for extended wear, and the charging case is compact and pocketable. The battery life is respectable, easily getting through a full day of intermittent use. My main gripe lies with the microphone quality for calls; it tends to pick up a lot of background noise, making conversations less clear in busy environments.

These are best suited for casual listeners who enjoy a lively sound profile and want to experiment with spatial audio without a significant investment. If crystal-clear call quality is a top priority, or if you demand the most convincing spatial audio experience, you should steer clear of the Tune Buds 2.

8. Jbl Tour Pro 3

The JBL Tour Pro 3 aims for the premium segment, and in many ways, it succeeds. The adaptive noise cancellation is a standout feature, dynamically adjusting to your surroundings to provide excellent quiet. The audio fidelity is impressive, offering a detailed and dynamic soundstage that audiophiles will appreciate. I particularly enjoyed the clarity in the higher frequencies.

The fit is snug and secure, thanks to the ergonomic design and multiple ear tip options. The touch controls are responsive and customizable via the JBL Headphones app, which is a definite plus. However, the charging case, while functional, feels a bit generic and lacks a premium heft that you might expect at this price point.

These are an excellent choice for frequent travelers or commuters who demand top-tier noise cancellation and refined audio. If you’re on a tighter budget or prefer a simpler, no-frills audio experience, the Tour Pro 3 might be overkill. The price point places them in direct competition with some of the best in the market.

9. Jbl Tune Flex 2

JBL’s Tune Flex 2 offers a unique open-ear design, which is a significant departure from traditional earbuds. This design allows for situational awareness, letting in ambient sounds while still delivering audio. The sound quality is surprisingly robust for an open-ear model, with a decent bass presence that doesn’t sound tinny. I found the transparency mode to be very effective for hearing my surroundings.

Comfort is a strong suit here; the earbuds are lightweight and barely noticeable. The battery life is adequate for daily use, and the compact charging case makes them easy to carry around. My primary concern is the lack of a proper seal, which means noise cancellation is virtually non-existent, and bass response can suffer in noisy environments.

These are perfect for runners, cyclists, or anyone who needs to stay aware of their environment while listening to music or podcasts. If you’re looking for immersive audio with strong noise cancellation, you should definitely avoid the Tune Flex 2. This product caters to a very specific use case.

10. Beats Studio Buds +

The Beats Studio Buds + have refined the formula with improved active noise cancellation and a more expansive soundstage. The ANC is notably better than its predecessor, effectively silencing a wider range of ambient noise. I was impressed by the clarity and detail in the music, especially in the mid-range frequencies, making vocals shine. The spatial audio implementation here is quite good, offering a convincing sense of depth.

The fit is secure and comfortable, and the earbuds feel premium in the ear. Battery life is solid, easily lasting through a typical workday. However, the touch controls, while responsive, lack the tactile feedback I prefer, making them feel a bit too sensitive at times. The charging case, while functional, is still a bit on the larger side compared to some competitors.

These are an excellent choice for iPhone users who appreciate the Apple ecosystem integration and want a stylish, capable pair of earbuds with strong ANC and good spatial audio. If you’re an Android-only user and don’t need the specific Apple features, or if you prioritize physical buttons over touch controls, you might find better value elsewhere.