Try these earbuds on if you want virtual surround sound
When it comes to spatial audio, it’s not just over-ear headphones that get to have all the fun. Even among the best wireless earbuds, you’ll find pairs that support a virtual audio holographic effect, emulating 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound to make content feel like it’s coming to your ears from every direction. But not all of them are on that list, and the ones included here may use different terms to describe spatial audio. Either way, when you want to hear more than just stereo, these earbuds have the goods.
Top dog
Sony WF-1000XM4
Staff Pick
These earbuds routinely make it to lists, counting it among the best you can place in your ears, and one of their coolest features is Sony’s own 360 Reality Audio, which can work with most Android devices. Subscribe to Tidal HiFi, Deezer HiFi, or Amazon Music HD, and you can hear tunes mastered for surround sound.
$248 at Amazon $248 at Best Buy $248 at B&H
Samsung’s best
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
Samsung ventured into spatial audio…