Finding a perfect pair of earbuds is no easy task, but I'm here to help you narrow down the options. As opposed to a pair of over-ear headphones, earbuds are more portable and better suited for being out and about. No matter if you're looking for a luxe experience with high-end noise-canceling features or just a solid pair of earbuds that'll be able to handle all your ear sweat at the gym, I've got you covered.
When it comes to eliminating the racket of the outside world, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra come out on top. They are the best at tuning out low and high frequencies alike. The included ear tip options make it easier to ensure a snug fit, which is crucial for noise canceling. They have AptX Adaptive codec, so that you can hear high-quality streamed media. As with most Bluetooth earbuds these days, the earbuds feature touch controls, letting you tap or swipe to control your media. They also have an IPX4 rating, which means you can splash water or sweat on them without worrying they'll get damaged. You can read more about them in PCMag's review here.
The AirPods Pro are not far behind the Bose earbuds and might work better for Apple users because of their seamless pairing and other features specific to Apple devices. This newest model, which came out in September 2023, is the first to feature charging via USB-C. They include a few new features, like adaptive transparency, but the change in the charging port is the biggest difference. You can expect solid battery life, with Apple claiming up to 30 hours of listening time on a single charge. You can read more about them in PCMag's review here.
If you plan on wearing your earbuds for a long time and want to forget they’re even there, consider the Status Between 3ANC earbuds. They are my personal favorite because of how customizable the silicone bits are, all but ensuring a great fit. As with most earbuds, you can choose between a small, medium, or large ear tip—but you can also choose the external silicone piece that lays flat against your ear.
You can choose any combination of these six pieces to get a great tight seal fit for your ear, leading to an extremely comfortable fit that stays on securely and sounds crisp. You can read more about them in PCMag's review.
Simply put, the Sony WF-1000XM5 offers the best streaming quality audio you can buy, as well as the ability to customize your sound with various EQ and personalization options in the accompanying app. If you're looking for the Android equivalent of the AirPods Pro in terms of overall quality, these are the ones. You can read more about them in PCMag's review.
If you want to bring your music on a run or to the gym, the Powerbeats Pro 2 will hang on for dear life. These earbuds have an earhook for an extra secure fit and have an ear tip fit test to find your best fit to improve audio quality and noise cancellation. They are also rated IPX4 for sweat and water resistance. These earbuds also have great ANC and transparency modes, in case you need to hear your surroundings. You can read more about them in our review here.
Sometimes ANC eabuds are not the move. If you want to be able to hear your surroundings for safety, or because you don't feel like taking off your earbuds to have a conversation, open ear design earbuds are great. I've been using the Soundcore by Anker, AeroFit Open-Ear Headphones for over a year, and they're my go-to for comfort and practicality. They're easy to use, responsive, and sound good. My only issue is that although they're fully waterproof, I can't use them in the shower—they use touch controls, and the water activates their functions.
A good pair of earbuds can be pricey—but you can still get very good ANC earbuds even if you're not willing to shell out the big bucks. The Soundcore by Anker Space A40 give you as many features and even better ANC than some high-end pairs without the excessive price tag. The main place where these earbuds fall short is in capturing your voice when making calls. But if you're on a tight budget, the Soundcore by Anker Space A40 do a great job.
Yes, there are a lot of great options. That's a good thing for you, but it means you have to do some work on your end. Think about what your non-negotiables are, think of what you'll be mostly using them for, and stay within your budget. Then you can find the best earbuds for you. Hopefully, this roundup helps you do that. You can rest assured that any of the earbuds you'll find here will be a great choice.
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