• steve
• February 19, 2026
• 4 Comments

Last updated 2/19/2026. Original publish date: July 19, 2023. Previously updated January 11, 2024.

Earbuds and earphones is one of those categories that you’d think was long lost to China manufacturing. And to a large extent, it’s getting there, with an assist from the media. The New York Times’s Wirecutter named China-based Anker and EarFun, as well as China-made Beats, as their top earbud manufacturers, two dubious choices that make you wonder whether Wirecutter is truly objectively trying to identify the best or merely trying to maximize their profit by naming products that are cheap and “good enough” as their top picks.

Sadly, Bose has gone all-in on China and not coincidentally, this brand that used to be on top of the world is now struggling. I’ve had my own experiences with Bose headphones: before I got into this “not made in China” kick, I went through pair after pair of their top-of-the-line QC20 headphones, scratching my head at how they’d just disintegrate over time when the ones I used years ago are still going strong. Now I know why. JBL has a similar story.

The good news is that consumers are speaking with their wallets, and as much as the media tries to push sub-par Made in China products, it’s manufacturers who are staying away from cheap China manufacturing that are leading the market.

2026 Update

Sony had produced their WF-1000XM4 ear buds in Malaysia, but they’ve moved production of their newer WF-1000XM5 ear buds to China. They’re off the list.

Thankfully, not much else has changed since I last updated this except for the model numbers. They’re current as of February 2026.

I added a new model I found from Technics that’s made in Malaysia. I also found an iconic brand from Germany called Beyerdynamic that makes its flagship ear buds in Germany—only to find out that the company was sold to a China company a short time ago. Horrific.

Best Wireless Earbuds Not Made in China

1. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and Galaxy Buds 3 FE

Samsung seems determined to match the rest of the tech industry in coming up with confusing product names. Over the years we’ve had the Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Buds+, Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds 2, and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.

Here’s what actually matters today.

The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are Samsung’s current top-of-the-line earbuds (released in 2024). They replace the Buds 2 Pro as the flagship model.

Key features include Advanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Adaptive noise control, High-resolution audio support, Improved call quality with enhanced microphones, and an Updated stem design (a departure from the older “bud” shape)

These are the premium option in Samsung’s lineup and compete directly with AirPods Pro–class devices.

The Galaxy Buds FE (Fan Edition) are Samsung’s affordable model (released in 2023). They’re essentially the successor to the Buds2 in the “mainstream” tier.

Highlights include Active Noise Cancellation, Excellent battery life for the price, Comfortable wing-tip design for secure fit, and Strong everyday sound quality

They don’t have the ultra-premium audio features of the Pro line, but for most users, they deliver outstanding value.

Both models are made in Vietnam. No cute “we’ll make half in China and half in Vietnam” nonsense. Given their audio quality, their price point, and their popularity it’s easily our #1 pick.

2. Google Pixel Buds 2a and Pixel Buds Pro 2

Google was once heavily reliant on China for manufacturing, but in recent years it has shifted significant Pixel hardware production to Vietnam. That shift includes its earbuds.

Google’s current earbud lineup consists of two models: the Pixel Buds 2a and the Pixel Buds Pro 2. These replace older A-Series and first-generation Pro models.

The Pixel Buds 2a are Google’s more affordable earbuds. Unlike Google’s older budget models, these include active noise cancellation and transparency mode, making them far more competitive in today’s market.

They feature an 11mm driver for solid, balanced sound and are powered by Google’s Tensor chip for improved processing and call clarity. Battery life runs about seven hours with ANC enabled, with roughly 20 hours total using the charging case. The case charges via USB-C but does not support wireless charging.

In short, these are no longer “basic” earbuds — they offer real noise cancellation at a mid-tier price.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are Google’s flagship earbuds. They deliver stronger and more adaptive active noise cancellation, richer sound tuning, better microphone performance for calls, multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless charging support.

Battery life is longer than the 2a, and overall audio quality is more refined and immersive. They compete directly with Samsung’s Buds 3 Pro and Apple’s AirPods Pro in the premium tier. Both the Pixel Buds 2a and Pixel Buds Pro 2 are manufactured in Vietnam as part of Google’s broader hardware production shift away from China.

3. Apple AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3

Apple’s current wireless earbuds lineup in early 2026 consists of the AirPods 4 (in two versions) and the AirPods Pro 3. These are the latest earbuds Apple is actively selling and promoting.

The AirPods 4 are Apple’s mainstream earbuds. They come in a base model and a version with Active Noise Cancellation, both designed for comfort, strong integration across Apple devices, and solid everyday performance. They support Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking and deliver consistent sound quality and battery life typical of Apple’s modern earbuds.

The AirPods Pro 3 are Apple’s current flagship in-ear earbuds, introduced in late 2025. They feature what Apple calls the “world’s best in-ear Active Noise Cancellation,” heart rate sensing for workouts, improved fit and acoustic performance, personalized Spatial Audio, Adaptive Audio and Transparency modes, and expanded hearing health features. They also offer up to about eight hours of listening time with ANC enabled.

The manufacturing reality is that AirPods, including AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3, are assembled in both Vietnam and China, and Apple does not publicly disclose production percentages by country. Vietnam has become a significant production hub for Apple earbuds, but China continues to handle a large share as well.

Because Apple does not attach standardized model names tied to production country, the only reliable way to know where a specific pair was made is to inspect the retail box before purchase; the “Made in …” label will state whether it was assembled in Vietnam or China. Based on my own research, AirPods Pro 3 coming to the USA are predominantly made in Vietnam.

Most consumers buy whatever says “Apple” without thinking about supply chains. But Apple responds to scale. If enough buyers consistently choose Vietnam-assembled units when given the option, it reinforces diversification and reduces concentration risk.

Apple hasn’t fully moved. But consumer behavior can influence where it moves next.

4. Sennheiser Pro IE 900

If you’re looking for some of the very best sound quality available in an ear bud, Sennheiser is a name that many audiophiles have trusted for years. Unfortunately, they outsource their lower end lines to China, but the IE600 and IE900 appear to be made from their factory in Ireland. As you can probably tell from their $1000+ price point, these headphones are geared more towards professionals who work in audio and music production, but certainly no reason you can’t enjoy them if you’re got the money to spend on the very best.

5. LG Tone Style HBS-SL65 Bluetooth Wireless Stereo Earbuds

Last but not least, these earbuds from LG are made in Vietnam. The photo is a little misleading, as these look like on-ear or over-ear headphones, but they’re not. There are two ear buds that go into your ears which are attached to the black band which you wear around your neck. If you’ve ever had a pair of AirPods almost go into the toilet or fall into a ravine on a hike, you’ll appreciate these.

I had an old pair of these kinds of headphones, made by Bose, which literally collapsed because they were made in China. I trust that these will last you much longer.

6. Technics Premium Hi-Fi True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds

The Technics EAH-AZ80 are solid premium true wireless earbuds made in Malaysia—confirmed across listings on Amazon, Best Buy, and user reports. They deliver hi-res audio with LDAC support, effective hybrid ANC, clear calls via 8 mics, multipoint for 3 devices, about 7 hours per charge (18+ more from the case), IPX4 rating, and app EQ tweaks. The build feels premium with an aluminum case, and the sound is detailed and balanced without the usual hype.

As always, check the box on arrival since production can shift, but current ones are reliably Malaysian.

Do you know of other ear buds that have avoided the China trap? Let us know in the comments!