The 9 Best Wireless Headphones to Buy in 2026

I can’t help but gush about the AirPods Pro 3. After Apple claimed to have the world’s best noise cancellation in earbuds, I was admittedly skeptical. But when I tested it in a loud, chatty office, I was blown away, shocked by how well they cut out noise.

And when you want to hear sound, these earbuds are superb. The bass is punchy and controlled (rather than boomy), mids are smooth and detailed, and highs have just enough bite to keep things exciting without ever sounding too sharp.

I call the AirPods Pro 3 the “Swiss Army knife of earbuds” because it has multifaceted capabilities. (Esquire commerce director Krista Jones approves as well.) They also have built-in sensors for tracking heart rate, Live Translation for translating languages in real time, and FDA-approved hearing-health tools, like Conversation Boost to amplify voices around you. Is there anything these earbuds can’t do?

The only concern I have about the AirPods Pro 3 is fit. For me, they tend to fall out. But for others, they’re perfectly secure. It helps, though, that the AirPods Pro 3 have a wider range of ear-tip sizes than previous generations, making it easier for most people to dial in a better fit.