Best earbuds that support spatial audio 2021

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.

Samsung ventured into spatial audio with the Galaxy Buds Pro in the form of 360 Audio, the company’s take on creating the effect. You do need a Samsung device running on One UI 3.1 or later to make it work, but if you have the requisite gear, you can listen to any compatible content that way.

Apple coined the term “spatial audio” for its compatible products. Chief among them are the AirPods Pro, which includes head tracking technology, so you always hear the proper surround effect anytime you look away. It works with Dolby Atmos on any Android device supporting it, plus Apple Music if you subscribe to that.

These earbuds support all the spatial audio goodness the AirPods do, including head tracking, so you get the same virtual surround experience on a pair of earbuds emblazoned with the Beats logo. And like the AirPods, certain features may be for Apple devices, but spatial audio can work on Android just the same.

Anker adds 3D Surround as an option when listening with these earbuds, but it’s not the same technology the others offer. It emulates virtual surround, especially for music and video content. Across the board, though compatibility isn’t specific to content mastered that way, so if you’re looking for a free-for-all, these buds are it.

When you want to feel a game through the ambient sounds, spatial sound can mean the difference between staying alive or starting over. Razer made these gaming earbuds with that in mind, courtesy of THX-certified sound and virtual surround options within the mobile app. So that’s how you’ll know where those footsteps are coming from.

Apple didn’t leave its latest earbuds out of the spatial audio mix, so if you’re looking to get that same treatment, it’s in full effect with these 3rd-generation AirPods, too. The technology doesn’t really work any differently, though. Unlike the AirPods Pro, these don’t use ear tips to help seal off ambient noises in case you want to truly immerse yourself.

For what you pay, you get plenty of value with these earbuds. Made with gaming and movies in mind, the Xround Lite virtual surround tries to emulate the effect, and while results can vary, it’s not easy to find this level of intricacy at such a bargain price. The companion MyTune app has a full EQ to tailor the sound further.

If you’re cool with plugging in with a 3.5mm jack, you can try the virtual surround effect in these wired earbuds. Keep your expectations measured, and you may come away surprised. Of course, the surround sound audio applies to anything you listen to, so mileage will probably vary, but at least you can utilize it as an option.