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For anyone seeking new earbuds, the market is flooded with choices. While this diversity is exciting, it can quickly become overwhelming.
Earbud prices vary widely, from under $10 to professional-grade models exceeding thousands. Most consumers will find themselves in the $300 range, making it important to find the right pair.
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No matter your needs—whether for work, travel, or everyday use—our in-depth analysis has revealed the top earbuds available right now. If none of these meet your criteria, consider expanding your search to include headphones as well.
Are wired or wireless earbuds better?
While wireless earbuds dominate the market, the choice ultimately hinges on personal preference. Wired options are budget-friendly and alleviated battery concerns, but tend to lack the advanced features found in their wireless counterparts, such as active noise cancellation (ANC). If ANC is a priority, going wireless is recommended.
To aid in your decision, we tested a variety of wired and wireless models, highlighting the best options below.
Best earbuds for sound: Sony WF-1000XM5
Who they’re for:
These earbuds are perfect for individuals seeking exceptional sound quality combined with effective noise cancellation.
Why they were chosen:
The Sony WF-1000XM5 impresses with its rich audio experience, featuring a customizable equalizer and an intuitive app that enhances your sound experience. The secure fit and superior ANC make these earbuds a standout choice for discerning listeners.
Battery life: 7-8 hours per charge (24 hours with case) | Ear tip sizes: XS, S, M, L
Best noise-cancelling earbuds: Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Who they’re for:
For users prioritizing noise cancellation, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers an unparalleled ANC experience.
Why they were chosen:
Recognized for its superior ANC capabilities, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds excel in blocking out noise, making them a popular choice among users. The customizable stability bands ensure a snug fit for prolonged comfort.
Battery life: 6 hours per charge (24 hours with case) | Ear tip sizes: S, M, L | Stability band sizes: S, M, L
Best for Apple users: Apple AirPods Pro (USB-C)
Who they’re for:
Apple users will benefit from the seamless integration and impressive ANC offered by the AirPods Pro.
Why they were chosen:
The AirPods Pro feature a rich sound profile, commendable noise cancellation, and convenient device pairing, making them ideal for users within the Apple ecosystem.
Battery life: 5.5 to 6 hours per charge (30 hours with case) | Ear tip sizes: XS, S, M, L
Best wired earbuds: Marshall Mode
Who they’re for:
For those who prefer the reliability of wired earbuds and want a budget-friendly option, Marshall Mode delivers quality performance.
Why they were chosen:
Despite being wired, these earbuds offer impressive audio quality at a competitive price, making them a solid choice for users who appreciate traditional wired technology.
Battery life: N/A | Ear tip sizes: S, M, L, XL
Best budget earbuds: Anker Soundcore P20i
Who they’re for:
Ideal for budget-conscious consumers who prioritize affordability without sacrificing quality, the Anker Soundcore P20i is a practical choice.
Why they were chosen:
These earbuds offer impressive features and sound quality at an affordable price point, making them a surprisingly competitive option.
Battery life: 9.5 to 10 hours per charge (30 hours with case) | Ear tip sizes: S, M, L
Best workout earbuds: Beats Fit Pro
Who they’re for:
For fitness enthusiasts who require a secure fit and reliable battery life, the Beats Fit Pro are ideal.
Why they were chosen:
With a wingtip design that ensures a snug fit during workouts, these earbuds deliver outstanding sound quality and resilient battery performance.
Battery life: 6 hours per charge with ANC (24 hours total) | Ear tip sizes: S, M, L
How we tested the best earbuds
Each earbud model was thoroughly evaluated based on factors such as battery life, sound quality, comfort, microphone performance, and unique features. Our findings inform our recommendations, ensuring consumers make informed choices when selecting their next pair of earbuds.
