Which true wireless earbuds (TWS) are better?

To break free from the hassle of tangled wires, true wireless stereo (TWS) earphones have become an essential mobile device for many people during commuting, workouts, or work. With a wide variety of models and price ranges available on the market, consumers often find it difficult to know where to start. Recently, the Hong Kong Consumer Council, in collaboration with the International Consumer Research and Testing (ICRT), tested 55 in-ear true wireless stereo earphone models available in Hong Kong and published a comprehensive evaluation report.
Which true wireless earbuds (TWS) have the best review scores? If you’re on a tight budget, which one should you pick? Here’s a roundup and overview:

Which true wireless earbuds (TWS) are the best? The International Consumer Research and Testing (ICRT) tested 55 models of true wireless in-ear earbuds available in Hong Kong and released a complete evaluation report. Below are summary videos and detailed descriptions of the five top-rated models and four best-value affordable true wireless earbuds.

The Hong Kong Consumer Council, in partnership with the International Consumer Research and Testing Organization (ICRT), released in June 2026 (Issue 596) [55 True Wireless Earbuds Tested: Sound Quality, Noise Cancellation, and Battery Performance全面睇Tested 55 models of in-ear true wireless earphones available in Hong Kong, with sample prices ranging from HK$219 to HK$4,498. The results showed significant differences in sound quality and battery performance among the samples, with some lower-priced models also delivering respectable performance.
ICRT’s review weights for true wireless earbuds are: sound quality (40.5%), noise cancellation (15%), battery performance (15%), ease of use (14%), comfort (6%), build quality and accessories (5%), and noise isolation and leakage prevention (4.5%)—seven evaluation criteria in total.

1. Which true wireless earbuds (TWS) product has the best review scores?

According to ICRT’s comprehensive review results, five models received the highest score of 4.5 stars: Apple AirPods Pro 3, Bose QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), Sony WF-1000XM6, JBL Tour Pro 3, and Beats Powerbeats Pro 2.
In the audio quality testing section, after five professional judges listened to speech, classical, rock, and jazz music, they awarded Apple AirPods Pro 3 and Sony WF-1000XM6 a perfect score of 5 points. The judges found the balance between highs, mids, and lows to be excellent, with precise sound quality and dynamic performance.
In the noise cancellation performance section, active noise cancellation tests were conducted in simulated environments including airplane cabins, trains, streets, and noisy restaurants. The best performers in reducing ambient noise were the Apple AirPods Pro 3, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), and Huawei Freebuds Pro 5, all receiving a perfect score of 5.
In terms of battery life, the Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 has the largest built-in battery capacity, delivering over 17 hours of playback. Among the five earphones that earned 4.5 stars, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 and Apple AirPods Pro 3 offer the best battery life, both exceeding 9 hours. The Bose QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and SONY WF-1000XM6 both only manage about 6.5 hours, which is relatively poor.
The five true wireless earbuds rated 4.5 stars by ICRT are all priced between NT$7,000 and NT$9,500, proving that you get what you pay for.

2. With a limited budget, which one should I choose?

True wireless earbuds are easy to accidentally lose, and quality models can be pretty pricey. What are some cost-effective options worth recommending?
In the ICRT test report, four models received an overall rating of 4 stars and have a Taiwan price under $2,000, including the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5, Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro, Xiaomi Redmi Buds 8 Pro, and JBL Wave Beam 2.
Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 is priced at just $745 in Taiwan, with multiple ratings of 4 stars and excellent value for money; the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro offers an impressive battery life of 10 hours and 51 minutes, making it ideal for users who need to wear them for extended periods; the Xiaomi Buds 8 Pro scores 4.5 points for audio quality, suitable for those with high demands for music quality, but its battery life of only 4 hours and 27 minutes is its biggest drawback; the JBL Wave Beam 2 delivers 4.5 points in audio quality along with 8 hours of battery life, offering a more balanced performance but at a slightly higher price.