Whether you need earbuds to wear while working at the office or for exercise, it’s important to find a model that suits your ears and lifestyle. You can choose from Bluetooth wireless models that connect to your smartphone or tablet via a neckband or true wireless earbuds that come with their own compact charging case. Many have a microphone that lets you use voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant. They can also play music, adjust volume, and answer or decline phone calls.
If you want to stream music, make sure your earbuds have a built-in audio codec. Most of the best models support high-resolution aptX or LDAC codecs that offer superior sound quality than standard Bluetooth. Some even have a battery-powered DAC in their case that provides extra power for streaming.
It’s also worth checking how comfortable the earbuds are and how well they fit in your ears. It’s possible that they won’t seal well, and that can negatively impact your listening experience and how much noise cancelling you get. Earbuds that are more comfortable and secure in your ears are less likely to fall out while you’re moving around or exercising.
You’ll also want to consider how much you’re willing to spend. While earbuds continue to improve in terms of price, premium models from Apple, Bose, and Sony can cost more than $200. Budget-friendly options, like the Noons ANC, can provide great sound for under $60. They’re also sweat-proof and have a long battery life, and they’re available in bright yellow to help you stay visible in busy environments.
If you’re looking for a pair of top-rated earbuds, the Technics EAH-AZ80 are an excellent choice. They have ANC that rivals the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless in common noisy scenarios. They have a good fit, come with three sets of ear cushions (small, medium and large), and include a case that charges them twice to give you up to four hours of listening time. They also have multi-device pairing and support the faster Google Fast Pair feature.
Another good option is the Sennheiser Momentum Truly Wireless 3. These buds have a premium build, and they’re a lot more affordable than the new AirPods Pro 2 or the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds. The buds have excellent sound, and their case has a built-in audio retransmitter that supports aptX Adaptive, which allows you to send the audio from them to non-Bluetooth devices like an in-flight entertainment system.
The JBL Live Pro 2 and Live Free 2 are the latest offerings from Samsung-owned JBL, which has been producing decent true wireless earbuds for a while now. The new earbuds have improved comfort, fit and noise cancellation, but they still don’t have the same features as the premium earbuds in our review. Nevertheless, they’re an excellent value, and their price is even lower when they go on sale. Be aware, however, that they’re not splash-proof or made for running or exercising. Their design is a little too big and they might not seal well in the ear canals of people with smaller ears.