10 Best Earbuds in 2024

Comparable to the Apple Airpods Pro, these earbuds' wireless features impress even the most dedicated music listener! They have superb audio and are a remarkably good fit, with foam tips that conform to the shape of the ear better than most other products. You get eight hours of battery life on one single charge, which means you can charge them up the night before you plan to use them and get battery life for a full workday!

Who could say no to that? These come in a carrying case that also serves as a charger, to ensure your wireless headphones never run out of juice. They also feature a clever software with single- versus double touch - a great function to prevent mistakenly pressing something or doing something you did not mean to do.

Pros:
+ Secure and comfortable fit
+ Qualcomm chip for superior audio
+ 8 hours of playtime on a single charge
+ With touch control sensors

Why We Liked It - These true wireless earbuds for iPhone are lightweight, extremely comfortable, have superior audio quality, and you get a practical wireless charging case with your purchase.

These wireless earbuds were previously equipped with Bluetooth V4.2, but it has now been updated to Bluetooth V5.0, which will give you a faster transmission speed and overall a more reliable connection, something that's unbeatable in an earbud wireless product. The wireless charging case has a sleek and discrete design and you can easily carry it with you in your pocket thanks to the handy size.

It charges the earbuds fully in very little time, to give you up to six hours of interrupted playtime. With the case, you'll be able to re-charge the earbuds for an impressive total of 34 hours of listening time, and you can't really beat that. They are compatible with iOS and Android products, are low in weight for convenient transport and comfortable wear. The audio quality is dynamic and crisp.

Pros:
+ Improved with Bluetooth V5.0
+ 6 hours of uninterrupted battery life
+ Dynamic drivers and quality audio
+ Sleep and luxurious design

Why We Liked It - If you want a pair of good true wireless earbuds, where you will never have to worry about the battery life or the Bluetooth connection, then these are unbeatable.

The Apple Airpods Pro was a game-changer when they first came out, and they are still a product that few others can compete with. These are true wireless earbuds that you will barely feel when you're wearing them; they communicate with each other, with your device and with the charging case via Bluetooth, and you can use the Find my Airpods function with your Smartphone if you accidentally misplace them.

To access Siri, all you need to do is say, "Hey Siri," and then Siri will come to life to help you with the use of voice commands. The Airpods will also sync and connect automatically when you take them out of the case, saving you time and effort. They have great battery life and charge up quickly when placed in the case, and they are - according to many ratings - some of the absolute best earbuds you can get if you want to go wireless.

Pros:
+ Apple H1 headphone chip
+ Charges quickly in the charging case
+ Control functions with double-tap
+ Connects automatically

This may not be a full review, but it doesn't take many words to describe these superior audio quality earphones! They have a long battery life and the option to charge them again directly in the charging box (included with the purchase). They have a classy and expensive looking design, despite these earphones being quite affordable, a high rating in most reviews, dynamic drivers and a rich bass sound.

These in-line remote earbuds are among the best earbuds for anyone who wants to go wireless. You should never have to choose between good audio and design, and what better way to combine the two than with these affordable Bluetooth earphones?

Pros:
+ Good bass and dynamic driver
+ Gentle on sensitive ears
+ Reliable Bluetooth connection
+ Customer support line available

Why We Liked It - These are suitable for small and sensitive ears too, thanks to the foam tips, and a good option if you want deep bass and a Bluetooth connection you can count on.

Now, here we have something slightly different! These are also free from tangling cables and wires, and you charge up the Built-in 110mAh battery for a total of 8 hours of listening time. They're comparable to the PowerBeats Pro and the Jaybird Vista in terms of audio quality, full review ratings and battery time, but with a modernized design twist that makes them ideal for sports and working out.

These red and black earphones stay in your ears while still providing you with all the benefits of an in-ear product, with a good and secure grip so that you won't have to worry about them falling out or have to continuously readjust them.

Pros:
+ Pairs automatically
+ Available in black and red
+ Built-in 110mAh battery
+ Secure ear hook design

Why We Liked It - You deserve the best when it comes to earphones, and if you're into sports, or tend to work out then these have the perfect design for them to stay in properly.

When you get headphones from a brand like Sony, you know you're in for a positive surprise! These are made with flat cords to avoid that incredibly enervating tangling. When you take your earbuds out your pocket or your bag, the 12mm dome type driver will set you up for a sound experience you simply cannot beat.

Products like the Powerbeats Pro and the Jabra Elite are both great in-ear earbuds, but there is something about a classic pair of wired Song earphones you can't really compete with, and that's what makes these ones right here such a great option when you want earphones that are made to last.

Pros:
+ Flat cord to avoid tangles
+ Choose between black, blue and red
+ 12-millimeter dome type driver
+ Smartphone playback control

Why We Liked It - The color options make it easier to customize your choice, and these have an improved flat cord to avoid tangling, and 12mm driver for premium sound.

For the sporty user who intends to use their earphones for running, working out at the gym, or when performing activities like hiking, backpacking and more, it's obvious that you need headphones that can keep up with you and your rhythm. The behind-the-head design of these earphones makes sure they stay in place, and they have control buttons to let you change the volume, skip songs, take calls and more without having to pull out your phone.

The IPX7 waterproof aspect is yet another thing that makes these great for sport, as it means you won't have to worry about sweat damaging the product, or about the rain suddenly starting to pour down. You have multiple color options to choose from, and there is something there for everyone, regardless of what color scheme you're normally drawn to.

Pros:
+ Incorporated control buttons
+ IPX7 waterproof features
+ 11mm vibrating diaphragm
+ Internal water-resistant nano-coating

Why We Liked It - Water and sweatproof with volume control buttons directly on the earbuds make these an excellent choice for the sporty and active individual.

This is a brand that has a reputation for making quality technological items, and these earbuds are no exception. They provide you with unlimited listening for a total of six hours, and can then do another seven if you charge them up with the included charging case (that can be converted into a wireless charging pad.) You get optimized drivers for superb sound and substantial base that will have even a professional bass player convinced.

The earphones do offer a couple of extra features (such as Ambient Aware mode) for Android users, but iOS users have the option to use Siri to compensate for this, and will therefore not miss out on any relevant features. This said Ambient Aware feature lets you control any exterior noise, similar to a noise-canceling feature, but where you decide what you want to hear and what you would rather be without.

Pros:
+ Substantial bass and optimized drivers
+ Compatible with both iOS and Android
+ 'Ambient Aware' mode for Android users
+ Six hours of uninterrupted battery life

Why We Liked It - These have some additional features for those who are using them with an Android device, but iOS users are able to use most features too.

These exclusive but cheap earbuds definitely stand out, and while they are 100% budget-friendly - they don't look cheap, and they are a great option when you don't feel like spending money on a pair of Jabra Elite, Powerbeats Pro or Jaybird Vista earphones. The nylon cord keeps it from tangling and breaking, providing a much more stable and reliable listening experience, and it's additionally great for receiving phone calls.

The jack, earbuds and the button are all made of lightweight and durable metal, which gives these earphones an exclusive feel while simultaneously qualifying as one of the best products in terms of quality.

Pros:
+ Solid metal earbuds, jack, and button
+ Extra durable Nylon cord
+ 10-millimeter drivers
+ Built-in voice control

Why We Liked It - These are not your average earphones, and they look like a custom made product, despite their surprisingly affordable price.

How about a classic pair of earphones like these wired Panasonic ear-pieces? They come in a variety of colors so you can pick your favorite, or even get more than one pair! The rich sound travels up through reinforced and tangle-free cords, providing wider frequency response, and it means you don't have to worry about things like battery life or recharging your earbuds.

It's a design that has been around for a long time but that remains equally popular, which is most likely a combined result of audio quality and simplicity since they don't need to be charged. Listen anywhere and for as long as you want with these powerful wired earphones.

Pros:
+ 3.6 feet long earbud cord
+ Good frequency response
+ Wired connectivity response
+ Impressive sound quality

Why We Liked It - Don't complicate things and get these wired headphones - some of the best on the market - so that you can listen uninterruptedly no matter where you are.

Earbuds Buyers Guide

A full review may be able to provide you with some pointers regarding which earphones will be the best fit for you, but there are also a number of aspects to consider before you make your decision. The most important thing is sound quality and overall product quality, and this is not necessarily associated with a sky-high price.

There are many good options out there also for a smaller budget, and the better you know the product you're considering, and the more you understand about the technical aspects and how this is related to performance, the easier it will be to find a type of earbud that will check all the boxes. Let's have a look at some of the things you can look for when trying to make your choice, to help you say yes to the perfect in-ears.

Sound Quality

The quality of the sound coming out of your in-ear headphones is about so much more than just sounding good, and you need to consider what type of sound you generally tend to be drawn towards. There are different kinds of sounds - neither better than the other, so take this into consideration:

Are you a person who likes to hear every single small sound in an audio recording, or would you rather have a softer and more rounded sound experience? How important is a strong bass for you?

Understanding your own listening preferences will be a great help when trying to find the best wireless headphones or in-ear earbuds, and it may earn you some invaluable insight to what would sound great to you in terms of audio.

Comfortable Fit & Design

When shopping for the best earbuds, you obviously want them to be comfortable, and especially if they are in-ear headphones, as these can quickly start causing discomfort and even pain if not fitted right. If you know that you often struggle to find earbuds that fit, consider getting a pair with exchangeable tips (tend to come included) in various sizes since this will allow you to pick the size that goes best with your ear canal.

Also, try opting for a design that properly fits the intended purpose. If you will be listening mostly when you are out running or exercising - get a pair that are sure to stay in while you move, which usually comes down to choosing the right size as well.

Volume Controls

Volume control buttons are actually not standard on all earbuds, and especially not on all wireless earphones, so it's something worth checking for right away! The benefit of volume controls is that you don't have to reach into your pocket, pull the phone out and change the volume from there, and instead you can get a balanced sound volume by simply clicking on either the cord or directly on the earbuds.

There are so many situations where it might not be convenient to take out your phone or other devices, such as when you are out for a run or have your hands full, and the best wired and wireless earphones will have buttons for volume control.

Noise Cancellation

In-ear headphones might seem like they will automatically shut the exterior sound out, but not all do. Noise cancelation can be active, where technology is used to alter the frequencies to prevent disturbance from exterior noise, but this is more common in over-ear headphones.

It can also be passive noise reduction or cancellation, where it's the design, materials, and construction that keeps sound out for a pleasant listening experience. Noise cancelation isn't just useful for you when you listen to music and participate in important phone calls, as it will also assure the sound quality for the person on the other end remains great and the best that it can be.

Microphone

Do you need your headphones to have a mic? This is important if you'll be using them to receive phone calls, but also if you want to use app functions like voice memos, record audios or commands, so it's a good idea to get earbuds that have a microphone in case the need would ever arise.

In-ear headphones usually come with a built-in microphone, both true wireless earbuds, and earbuds with a cable, but make sure to double-check this before you hit the 'Confirm Purchase' button. Reviews and product descriptions will provide you with this information.

Water-Resistant Features

Truly wireless and wired earbuds are often water-resistant, which is a great feature if you use them for sports, as sweat could damage earbuds that weren't made to resist water. You could also get stuck in the rain unexpectedly, or spill something on your earbuds when you're not using them, and this could be catastrophic even for the best earbuds if they are not water-resistant. Keep in mind that water resistance isn't the same as the earbuds being waterproof, and they usually aren't made to be submerged in water.

Conclusion

An earphone, wireless or not, can be a challenge to find when you're looking for quality and comfort, and mostly because of the hundreds and thousands of options available. How do you know which ones live up to their promises and which ones are better to avoid? Well, that's what this article is here to help you with, to ensure you buy earbuds that are going to get you the kind of good audio experience you deserve.

Whether you want to go truly wireless, with long battery life, or stick with wired in-ear headphones. Regardless of how much you want to spend, there are good options out there, and perhaps even better ones than you anticipated originally. Use this guide as a helping hand when trying to find the best earbuds for you!

Expert Tip

Foam ear tips are very comfortable, as the material adapts and conforms to the shape of your ear, providing a customized fit.

Did You Know

It's important to keep your earbuds clean to prevent bacterial spreads and infections, but only about 8% of earbud users clean their products as often as they should.

If you've enjoyed this review by Music Critic, please leave a positive rating: