Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen), Google Pixel Buds Pro, Sony WF-1000XM4, and other top TWS earbuds of 2022, and what makes them the ‘best’

In 2022, we saw new iterations of popular TWS earbuds making a comeback and a few new contenders in the market. Apple introduced the second-gen AirPods Pro and third-gen AirPods, Google introduced the Pixel Buds Pro, Sony brought WF-1000XM4, Samsung introduced Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Sennheiser updated the Momentum with True Wireless 3 and Jabra refreshed its Elite lineup of earbuds. Meanwhile, we also saw some solid offerings from Xiaomi, OnePlus, Oppo, Vivo, Nothing, and others. Here are our top 15 picks during this year that team Gadgets Now regards as some of the top TWS earbuds of the year 2022.

1. AirPods Pro (second-generation) 

AirPods Pro 2 uses the H2 processor for improved Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Transparency, and longer battery life. The earbud design stays the same, but the charging case gets several quality-of-life improvements like Find My functions.

● H2 processor
● 6-hour battery with ANC
● Up to 30 hours with the charging case
● 2x better ANC
● Adaptive Transparency

Apple unveiled the AirPods Pro 2 during the Far Out Apple Event on September 9, 2022. The updated earbuds offer improved audio quality and functionality in the same first-generation design.

AirPods Pro 2 Features

The H2 processor is at the center of the new feature set of AirPods Pro 2. It offers high-bandwidth connectivity thanks to Bluetooth 5.3 and improved audio processing.

There wasn’t any word on official support for lossless audio, but rumors are promising. Apple could be working on a version of lossless that would work with Bluetooth 5.3.

Active Noise Cancellation is improved thanks to the H2 with twice as much noise canceled. Algorithms work with multiple microphones to determine what audio needs to be blocked.

The new Adaptive Transparency feature uses the same microphones and algorithms to eliminate unwanted audio while letting other sounds in. For example, a loud vehicle or construction noise would be canceled out while a person’s voice would be allowed.

2. Google Pixel Buds Pro 

The Google Pixel Buds Pro Truly Wireless is the upgraded variant of the Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless, adding a powerful noise canceling (ANC) system to help block out background noise wherever you go. While they’re a bit bulkier and more unwieldy than their earlier counterpart, they also have new features like multi-device pairing, a graphic EQ, and a volume EQ, which are welcome additions to their toolbelt.

1. Wireless Earbuds
2. Earbuds And In-Ears
3. Noise Cancelling Earbuds
4. Wireless Earbuds For Android
5. True Wireless Earbuds
6. Noise Cancelling Under $200

The Google Pixel Buds Pro is satisfactory for neutral sound. Although our graphs show that they have a reasonably flat sound, their real-life sound is more v-shaped. It’s likely due to the buds popping out of our test rig’s ears since even in their smallest size, they don’t fit the ears well. Subjectively, they deliver extra thump and rumble with extra brightness devoted to vocals, lead instruments, and sibilants. You can adjust their sound using their app’s graphic EQ and presets, though. Unfortunately, they’re closed-back in-ear headphones, so their passive soundstage doesn’t sound very immersive.

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3. Sony WF-1000XM4

The Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless is the next generation of the Sony WF-1000XM3 Truly Wireless. They come with many of the same features as their predecessor, including active noise canceling (ANC), support for Sony’s 360 Reality Audio feature for virtual surround sound, and an in-app graphic EQ and presets for sound customization. These headphones also support Google Fast Pair and Windows 10 Swift Pair for quick pairing with compatible devices. Unlike the previous generation, they support LDAC codec for high-resolution audio too.

PROS

• ANC can block out ambient chatter.
• Stable and a breathable fit.
• Low audio leakage at high volumes.

CONS

• Touch controls can be very sensitive.
• ANC struggles with bass-range noise.

The Sony WF1000XM4 is very good for commute and travel. These decently comfortable and lightweight in-ears can easily fit into most pockets or bags without a problem. They also have over 10 hours of continuous playback time, and there are two additional charges in their carrying case if you need them. While they have an ANC system, they do a sub-par job of blocking out bus and plane engine rumbles. They do a much better job of blocking out commuter chit-chat, though.

4. Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2

Consider the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro as your next pair of buds for its excellent active noise canceling (ANC) of low frequencies and comfortable fit. For Samsung users, the integration with your devices is handy and good for productivity. We wish Samsung gave listeners a longer leash regarding control and sound customization, but the limitations are expected.

The buds sound the best when paired with a Samsung phone, and non-Samsung Android owners get the short end of the stick with fewer codec options. Android phone owners who have made peace with forgoing features like 360 Audio and Wireless PowerShare will grow to love the Buds 2 Pro.

PROS

CONS

• Case prone to scratches and nicks
• Battery life is just fine
• The app lacks custom EQ (has EQ presets)
• Many Samsung-exclusive features

Samsung introduces its latest flagship true wireless earbuds, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, with a bevy of updates and incremental improvements. This is fine and dandy, but major league features beget a major league price. We spent over a week with the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro to determine if current Galaxy Buds Pro owners should upgrade and, simply put if the Buds 2 Pro is any good.

Editor’s note: this Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro review was updated on October 6, 2022, to address how the headset compares to the Google Pixel Buds Pro. We also updated the scoring to reflect the results from our reader poll.

5. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 is the third generation of the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless. After the second generation’s release two years ago, these premium buds aim to improve and refine their predecessor’s performance and design. They have a new look that’s a lot more reminiscent of Sennheiser’s CX lineup, while their adaptive noise canceling (ANC) system automatically adjusts to your environment’s noise levels. They’ve re-tuned their sound, bringing them more in line with the manufacturer’s audiophile offerings.

PROS

• Good sound with interchangeable ear tips and ear fins
• Bluetooth 5.2; aptX Adaptive, aptX, AAC, SBC
• Good noise canceling
• Sound Zones are useful
• Wireless and USB-C charging with fast charge
• IPX4 rating

CONS

• Price is high
• EQ tool is only okay
• Connection is not as stable as expected
• Mic could be better

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 (or MTW3) represents an iterative update to the MOMENTUM True Wireless 2. It comes in a tweed-covered case with a USB-C charging connection (and USB-C cable), and four sets of silicone ear tips, which range from 10-15mm in diameter. Like the popular Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen), the MTW3 ships with three sets of silicone wings that wrap around the outer edges of the buds to lock in the fit. I use the 11mm (size small) set of ear tips and the largest stabilizers. Pleasingly, the ear tips are the most hassle-free to swap out I’ve ever experienced: they just fit over the 7mm earbud nozzles. You don’t have to exert any force trying to get them on. The same goes for the stabilizers.

6. AirPods (third-generation)

The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods’ spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware, so Android owners can keep moving.

General

PROS

• H1 chip
• Portable
• Adaptive EQ (iOS, Android, Windows)
• Spatial Audio with head tracking
• MagSafe case with wireless charging
• IPX4 rating

CONS

• Poor fit, no isolation
• Sound quality
• Features limited to iOS

If you attempted to blend the AirPods (2019) and AirPods Pro (1st generation) together, the end product would probably look something like the AirPods (3rd generation). The earbuds look almost identical to the AirPods Pro, with shorter stems that are less likely to catch on masks, though the latest buds retain the tip-less design. By now we’re all very familiar with the iconic glossy white design (and no, to our and Bruce Wayne’s discontent, the earbuds are still not available in black), and nothing here really shakes that up.

The charging case also feels like a step between the AirPods Pro and the smaller AirPods (2019) case, with a wider, but still small design. The earbuds magnetically fit into place, and the case snaps shut with a resounding click. Just like its predecessors, the AirPods (3rd generation) is one of the most portable and pocketable true wireless earbuds around.

7. Sony LinkBuds S

The Sony LinkBuds S follows a deeply flawed, but unique pair of truly wireless earbuds. It’s a lot more reliable, but also a lot less distinctive. This is a solid pair of noise-canceling earbuds, but it doesn’t handle the very specific use cases of the original LinkBuds as well.

General

PROS

• Noise-canceling
• Sound quality
• Sealing the ears means isolation is possible
• Comprehensive app

CONS

• Anonymous design
• Under-emphasized highs
• The design picks up dirt very easily

The familiar design makes wearing and using the LinkBuds S pretty straightforward. The earbuds come with four different sizes of ear tips; the buds themselves feature an ergonomic shape that sits in my ear very comfortably. Sealing the ear means you won’t be able to hear your surroundings nearly as well as the original LinkBuds, but it also means you can actually hear the bass in your music. Another benefit of the sealed fit: you shouldn’t have to crank the volume to unsafe levels during moments of loud environmental noise.

Something that carries over from the original LinkBuds WF-L900 is the matte textured plastic of the LinkBuds S and its charging case. On one hand, the texture feels nice, and it’s hard to imagine it ever slipping from your grasp. However, it’s also extremely quick to pick up dust, dirt, and grime—that’s true of the ear tips, too. If you don’t like cleaning your earbuds regularly with rubbing alcohol, swabs, and the works, you’ll have to get used to a perpetually dirty pair of earbuds. It certainly makes photographing them for a review trying.

8. OPPO Enco X2

The Oppo Enco X wireless earbuds were one of the best in the segment. They were comfortable, had solid active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency, and had very good sound quality. All of this combined for the Enco X to punch above its weight (around $150) to be compared with the heavyweights in the earbuds market, like the AirPods Pro or the Sony WF-1000XM3, which cost almost 50% more. The Oppo Enco X2 earbuds are no different. They pack all the bells and whistles, but everything can’t be top-notch, right? Or is it?

General

PROS

• Excellent sound for the price
• Ability to play 24-bit audio
• Good ANC
• Comfortable to wear
• Good call quality
• Bluetooth multipoint connectivity

CONS

• Pressure-sensitive controls can be a bit tricky

The Oppo Enco X2 features 11mm dynamic drivers and 6mm planar diaphragm drivers with support for LHDC, LDAC, SBC, and AAC codecs. LHDC and LDAC are both hi-res capable codecs, which means that if you’re listening to high-quality music like lossless audio, you should be able to hear a difference.  LHDC is automatically enabled with Oppo phones.  You can switch between different audio profiles in the HeyMelody app like ‘Dynaudio Real,’ ‘Dynaudio Crisp and Clear’ and more.

The Oppo Enco X2 is the best earbuds you can purchase for under $170 / 170 euros / 10,999 Indian rupees that you can buy today. They punch above their weight and compete with flagship earbuds from Apple and Sony, which cost at least 50% more.

9. Jabra Elite 4 Active

Jabra brings active noise canceling to affordable earbuds with the Jabra Elite 4 Active. With best-in-class IP57 durability protection, these earbuds handle any adventure. While there aren’t a lot of frills, the Jabra Elite 4 Active delivers where it matters most.

PROS

• Good sound quality
• Solid noise canceling
• IP57 rating
• Useful companion app
• Bluetooth 5.2; SBC and aptX

CONS

• Button controls cause discomfort
• Can’t customize controls
• No AAC support

Overall build quality of the Jabra Elite 4 Active is slightly less premium than the Jabra Elite 7 Active or Elite 7 Pro. Still, the all-plastic construction is typical compared to similarly priced true wireless earbuds. There are no ear wings and you don’t get a grippy coating to secure the earbuds in place, but Jabra includes three sizes of silicone ear tips in the box.

The shape of the earbuds inserts the ear tips deep into the ear canal, creating a secure fit in most people’s ears. The earbuds feel secure in my ears, but your experience may vary depending on your ear shape.

The charging case is slightly larger than other Jabra earbud models, but still small enough to fit in most pockets. You can listen in mono mode to a single earbud while the other earbud remains inside the case to charge. Wireless charging is absent from the Jabra Elite 4 Active, as is Bluetooth multipoint for connecting to multiple devices.

10. Vivo TWS 2

Vivo is a well-known brand for smartphones. The brand has grabbed the audience with its camera-centric phones that retail at affordable prices. But Vivo has also strengthened its portfolio with other consumer-centric IoT products such as smart wearables, smart TVs, and audio accessories. The Vivo TWS 2 is the brand’s latest edition of the wireless audio product category we reviewed at Giznext.

The Vivo TWS 2 is an ANC true wireless earbud that costs Rs. 5,999 in India. The budget pricing and the Active Noise Cancellation make it one of the most potent TWS earbuds in the Indian market.

General

PROS

• Active Noise Cancellation feature at an affordable price point
• Good sound stage with decent bass
• Good battery backup

CONS

• Charging case and earbuds pick up fingerprints and dust quickly
• ANC is not super powerful as its premium counterparts

The Vivo TWS 2 ANC is the company’s latest true wireless headset, priced to compete in the mid-range against competition from brands such as OnePlus, Oppo, and JBL. The TWS 2 ANC earphones have active noise cancellation and support the Qualcomm aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec. Although ANC is customizable and app support is decent on Android, the earphones fall a bit short on performance, offering just an ordinary listening experience.

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