No, seriously — one set of wireless earbuds isn’t sufficient.
Phone, keys, wallet … headphones. For many, a set of truly wireless (TWS) earbuds or headphones is a necessity they carry daily. It’s logical — you want to enjoy videos, engage in gaming, listen to music, and experience audio without bothering others nearby. However, if you rely on just one set of headphones or earbuds for every occasion, you’re missing the mark.
For a comprehensive audio arrangement, three sets of headphones and earbuds are required. One set of wireless earbuds for daily use, another for sleep or exercising, and lastly, a set of over-ear headphones. If you possess one pair in each of these three segments, you’ll be ready for any situation.
You see, headphones and earbuds aren’t universally suitable for all occasions and activities. Sometimes, having the right tool for the task is essential. That tool could emphasize sound quality, comfort, fit, active noise-cancellation, or battery longevity based on the context. You can meet all these requirements with three sets, and here are my recommendations.
Daily usage: Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
The first set of headphones everyone should acquire is a pair of truly wireless earbuds for daily usage. These are the type of headphones most individuals possess, and for good reason — they’re indispensable. With a sleek design, respectable sound quality, and excellent battery performance, you can easily stow these in a pocket or bag and forget about them. When you require personal audio, it’ll be there, even at unexpected moments.
For the majority of Android users, the ideal TWS earbuds to choose are the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. They excel in numerous aspects while often retailing for less than their $250 retail price. To begin with, they’re the only earbuds I’ve tested that can rival the AirPods Pro 2 regarding active noise-cancellation. Moreover, I favor the sound quality of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro over that of Apple’s well-known earbuds.
The sound profile feels richer and louder, with more impactful bass without overpowering the rest of the audio. You’ll enjoy ample battery life, with six hours in the earbuds with ANC activated and a total of 26 hours with the charging case. By the way, the case charges via USB-C and also supports wireless charging.
You can download the Galaxy Wearable app on any Android device, so Galaxy Buds 3 Pro owners will enjoy a nearly full feature range even if they don’t have a Samsung phone. If you possess a Google Pixel or OnePlus phone, it might be wise to consider similar alternatives — like the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 or the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 — that may work more seamlessly with your device.
Regardless, your headphone essentials begin with a quality set of TWS earbuds, so those should be your initial focus for purchase.
Best overall earbuds
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are the top earbuds available for daily use. They’re comfortable, offer impressive sound quality with significant bass, and provide excellent active noise-cancellation. Additionally, they can be quite affordable with the right promotions.
Exercise earbuds: Powerbeats Pro 2
We’ve all likely attempted to use a regular pair of earbuds for workouts at some stage, and it probably didn’t end well. Truly wireless earbuds designed for everyday use simply aren’t made for rigorous runs, gym sessions, or fitness endeavors. They frequently lack the secure fit necessary for effective workouts, and some don’t have IP ratings that safeguard against moisture and perspiration.
That’s why, if you enjoy music or podcasts during workouts, you require a specialized pair of workout earbuds. The ultimate choice in 2025 is the Powerbeats Pro 2. They’re like if the AirPods Pro 2 were modified for a more secure fit, operated equally well on iOS and Android, and included a heart-rate monitor (HRM).
Apple, which owns Beats, took the best features of AirPods and reimagined them in a fitness-friendly design.
The large earhooks on the Powerbeats Pro 2 mean they probably won’t be ideal for everyday use, but that’s precisely what makes them fantastic for exercising. There’s no chance of a bud slipping out due to these hooks. Additionally, there are five sizes of ear tips included in the packaging to ensure an excellent fit. I used the original Powerbeats Pro for five years before the new version was released, and they are the best audio investment I’ve ever made.
If you enjoy running, exercising, or engaging in athletic activities, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are an essential audio accessory. If that doesn’t resonate with you, these can be replaced with a quality pair of sleep earbuds instead.
The best workout earbuds
For a secure fit during runs and gym sessions, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are the leading choice.
