Ranking updated
Headphone apps in 2026
Every big headphone brand has its own free app: JBL Headphones for JBL, Galaxy Wearable on Android for Samsung Galaxy Buds, HUAWEI AI Life for FreeBuds, Xiaomi Earbuds for Xiaomi, HeyMelody for OPPO and OnePlus, and Sony | Sound Connect for Sony. The app is where noise cancelling, the equalizer, tap controls and firmware updates live. Which one to install, below.
How we picked: headphone apps are not interchangeable, so the right one is the official app from your headphones’ brand. We took each brand’s own app, checked its store description for what it controls and which models it supports, and noted which platforms carry it.
Why headphones need an app
Pairing works over Bluetooth without any app, but the extras live in the brand’s app: switching noise cancelling and ambient sound, the equalizer, choosing what a double or triple tap does, battery of the earbuds and the case, and firmware updates. Xiaomi Earbuds also helps find lost earbuds, and HeyMelody adds personalised noise cancelling on some OPPO and OnePlus models.
Samsung and Huawei: which app on which phone
On Android, Samsung Galaxy Buds connect through Galaxy Wearable. On iPhone Samsung has a separate Samsung Galaxy Buds app, and its description lists Galaxy Buds+ and Galaxy Buds Live. HUAWEI AI Life is in the App Store; on Android, Huawei says to install it from AppGallery, which non-Huawei phones can add first.
| App | For headphones | Platforms | Price | What it controls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JBL HeadphonesApp StoreGoogle Play | JBL (Wave, Vibe, Tune, Live and more) | iOS, Android | free | ambient sound, noise cancelling, settings |
| Galaxy WearableApp StoreGoogle Play | Samsung Galaxy Buds | Android; on iPhone the Samsung Galaxy Buds app | free | connection, battery, noise cancelling, updates |
| HUAWEI AI LifeApp Store | HUAWEI FreeBuds | iOS; Android from AppGallery | free | earphones and other Huawei devices |
| Xiaomi EarbudsApp StoreGoogle Play | Xiaomi | iOS, Android | free | noise cancelling, gestures, finding the earbuds, updates |
| HeyMelodyApp StoreGoogle Play | OPPO and OnePlus | iOS, Android | free | battery, tap controls, sound effects, updates |
| Sony | Sound ConnectApp StoreGoogle Play | Sony headphones and speakers | iOS, Android | free | equalizer and noise cancelling modes |
Frequently asked questions
Which app do I need for JBL headphones?
JBL Headphones, free on iOS and Android, for JBL Wave, Vibe, Tune, Live and other models. JBL speakers use separate apps.
Which app do Samsung Galaxy Buds use?
Galaxy Wearable on Android; on iPhone, the Samsung Galaxy Buds app.
Do headphones work without the app?
Yes, they pair over Bluetooth. The app adds noise cancelling settings, the equalizer, tap controls and firmware updates.