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Yes. The site receives a small commission from the stores when you purchase through the links, but this has no impact on the price you pay.

Which in-ear earbuds come out on top?

The JBL Tour Pro 2 is best in test, with the JBL Endurance Peak 4 named best for training.

Which open-ear earbuds come out on top?

The Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo Pro is best in test, and the JBL Sense Pro is named best for training.

Wireless Earbuds – Top 10 – Best in Test 2026! | Hardworkout Magazine

Key takeaways

- The earbuds in this 2026 test are ranked in three separate top-ten lists based on fit: in-ear, open-fit and open-ear.

- None of the products have been physically tested; the rankings are based on manufacturers' specifications, available product information and user experiences.

- The JBL Tour Pro 2 is named best in test among in-ear earbuds, scoring 24/25 for sound quality and offering 8 hours of battery life (40 hours with the case).

- The JBL Endurance Peak 4 is named best for training, with an IP68 rating, Bluetooth 5.4 and up to 48 hours of total battery life.

- Open-ear models such as the Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo Pro and JBL Sense Pro lack active noise cancellation, but let the wearer hear traffic and surrounding sounds.

Are you looking for new wireless earbuds for training, hikes, and conversations? Here you will find the best models to choose from in 2026, in various price ranges! You are sure to find a pair that will suit you!

Why are the earbuds split into three lists?

The market for wireless earbuds has evolved significantly in recent years, and there is no longer one type that fits all. The most important difference lies in the fit – that is, how the earbuds sit in or on the ear. This affects sound, comfort, and usage.

To make the overview clearer, we have divided it into three separate top lists, based on fit: [in-ear](in-ear), [open-fit](open-fit), and [open-ear](open-ear) wireless earbuds.

Further down in the article, you can read more about the criteria for the test, what distinguishes the different types of wireless earbuds, and what you should consider before purchasing.

How did we test the earbuds?

We at Hardworkout.no are committed to ensuring that the tests are independent and credible. The products have not been physically tested but evaluated based on the manufacturers' specifications, available product information, and user experiences. The criteria include, among other things, sound features, noise cancellation, battery life, comfort, features, and build quality.

The prices listed are recommended. If you click through the links, you will always get the updated price from the retailer, and in some cases, several alternative stores.

How do we earn money on this test?

When you purchase through the links in the article, we receive a small commission from the stores. This has no impact on the price you pay but helps us continue to create thorough tests and guides.

We greatly appreciate it if you use the links in the article.

In-ear Wireless Earbuds – Top 10

- Best in Test: [JBL Tour Pro 2](https://hardworkout.no/jbl-tour-pro-2-)

- Best for Training: [JBL Endurance Peak 4](https://hardworkout.no/JBL-Endurance-Peak-4)

Open-ear wireless earbuds – Top 10

- Best in test: [Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo Pro](https://hardworkout.no/Xiaomi-OpenWear-Stereo-Pro)

- Best for training: [JBL Sense Pro](https://hardworkout.no/JBL-Sense-Pro)

Open-fit wireless earbuds – Top 10

Criteria for the Test of Wireless Earbuds

The wireless earbuds in this test have not been physically tested by us and are evaluated based on the manufacturers' specifications and available product information.

Sound Quality (25)

Support for Hi-Res Audio and codecs (LDAC, aptX, AAC), driver size and type, as well as features like spatial sound and EQ adjustment in the app.

Noise Cancellation (20)

Type of noise cancellation (active or passive), as well as whether it has adaptive ANC or adjustable noise cancellation. Number of microphones and support for transparency mode.

Battery Life and Charging (20)

Stated playtime per charge and total battery life with the charging case. Charging time, fast charging, and the possibility of wireless charging.

Comfort and Fit (15)

Weight and size of the earbuds. Number of included ear tips (sizes) and how well they can be adjusted to fit different ears. For open wireless earbuds, how they are designed to stay stable over time is assessed.

Features and Usability (10)

App with EQ and sound settings, multipoint, controls (touch or buttons), automatic pause, and support for voice control.

Build Quality and Protection (5)

Material choice, water and sweat protection (IP rating), and stated durability.

Value for Money (5 points)

Price compared to specifications, features, and level in its price category, in each category of wireless earbuds.

Different Types of Wireless Earbuds – What’s the Difference?

In-ear wireless earbuds have silicone tips that go into the ear canal and seal it. This provides better noise cancellation, fuller bass, and a more enclosed sound experience.

This is the best choice for those who want to get the most out of their music or need good shielding from noise while traveling and exercising.

Open-fit wireless earbuds sit in the outer ear without sealing. They let in sound from the surroundings and are often perceived as more comfortable over time, as they do not create pressure in the ear canal.

The downside is less bass and weaker noise cancellation, which is often noticeable in noisy environments.

Open-ear wireless earbuds sit on or around the ear, often with a band or clip. They have no contact with the ear canal itself and allow you to hear your surroundings fully.

This makes them well-suited for running and outdoor activities, but they provide a completely different and less enclosed sound experience than the other two types.

What to Look for When Buying Wireless Earbuds

It's not just the design that determines how satisfied you'll be. The differences lie in sound, noise cancellation, battery life, and what features you actually get.

Sound Quality

Look for what kind of sound features the earbuds have. Support for codecs like LDAC or aptX provides higher sound quality on compatible devices.

Features like EQ in the app, adaptive sound, or spatial audio offer more options to customize the sound to your preferences.

Noise Cancellation (ANC)

There is a big difference in how effective the noise cancellation is. Some wireless earbuds have adaptive ANC that adjusts to the surroundings. Others have more basic noise cancellation.

The number of microphones and how the noise cancellation is structured greatly affects the result.

Battery Life and Charging

Most wireless earbuds have between 7 and 10 hours per charge with ANC, and 20–40 hours total with the case.

Also look for support for fast charging and wireless charging, which makes the earbuds more practical to use.

Comfort and Fit of the Earbuds

Fit is crucial, especially during workouts. In-ear wireless earbuds come with several sizes of silicone tips. While some have ear hooks or additional attachments for better stability.