Most Overrated vs Underrated Wireless Earbuds — Community Vote: Best Deals Inside

Most Overrated vs Underrated Wireless Earbuds — Community Vote: Best Deals Inside

4 November 2025 Views: 0

1️⃣Soundcore Liberty 4 NC

Community pick for most underrated. Killer ANC and crisp sound without the premium tax. Often discounted well under $100, it embarrasses pricier buds. If you love value, this is the stealth buy.

Address: Shenzhen, China

  • punchy ANC for the price
  • clear
  • lively tuning with app EQ
  • reliable multipoint Bluetooth
  • strong 10h battery per charge
  • comfortable all-day fit
  • frequent big discounts
  • case plastic feels basic
  • brand cachet is limited
  • touch controls can be too sensitive

2️⃣Jabra Elite 4 Active

Sweatproof, secure, and way cheaper than gym-famous brands. Call quality is excellent and the app is refreshingly simple. It flies under the radar but nails the fundamentals.

Address: Lautrupbjerg 7, Ballerup, Denmark

  • rock-solid fit for workouts
  • IP57 dust and water resistance
  • clear calls with 4-mic array
  • multi-point and fast pairing
  • clean app with useful presets
  • aggressive sale pricing
  • soundstage not the widest
  • ANC is good not best
  • no wireless charging on some versions

3️⃣AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

Great for iPhone users, but the price and ecosystem lock-in make them feel overrated by the crowd. ANC and transparency are excellent, yet customization is limited. You pay a premium for the seamless Apple experience.

Address: 1 Apple Park Way, Cupertino, California, USA

  • top-tier transparency mode
  • seamless iOS integration
  • magnetic Find My case
  • very pocketable design
  • very pricey for the hardware
  • Android support is compromised
  • limited EQ controls
  • fit still tricky for some ears

4️⃣Sony WF-1000XM5

Audiophile-friendly tuning and elite ANC, but the sticker shock is real. Touch controls can be finicky and the app is busy. Amazing tech, not amazing value.

Address: 1-7-1 Konan, Minato City, Tokyo, Japan

  • class-leading ANC
  • rich
  • customizable sound
  • LDAC for high-res on Android
  • solid battery life
  • expensive at retail
  • fit can be finicky with smaller ears
  • app feels cluttered
  • case scuffs easily

5️⃣Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

Comfort and ANC are superb, but the price and missing features leave many buyers cold. No multipoint at launch and inconsistent taps make them feel overrated today. Sales help, yet competitors catch up fast.

Address: 100 The Mountain Rd, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA

  • superb comfort
  • excellent noise cancellation
  • warm
  • easy listening sound
  • pricey compared to rivals
  • lacks advanced codecs
  • historically spotty multipoint
  • touch controls can misfire