Overview
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) With MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C)
Best for iPhone Users - Jump To Details
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Best Noise Cancellation Overall - Jump To Details
Sony WF-1000XM5
Best for Audiophiles - Jump To Details
Etymotic ER3 XR
Most Accurate Sound - Jump To Details
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Best Noise Cancellation Under $100 - Jump To Details
Shure Aonic 215 (Gen 2)
Most Effective EQ - Jump To Details
Tribit FlyBuds 3
Best Budget Fitness Buds - Jump To Details
Jabra Elite 8 Active
Best for Exercise Overall - Jump To Details
Nothing Ear (a)
Most Stylish
If you love music, chances are you won't be happy with any old earphones. Whether you prefer wireless or wired listening, our recommendations below cover everything from audiophile-friendly in-ear monitors to waterproof options for the gym. Our picks also span a wide price range, so you can stay on budget.
Need more buying advice? Make sure to scroll to the bottom to find out everything you need to know about the category.
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) With MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C)
Best for iPhone UsersWhy We Picked It
The second-generation AirPods Pro still closely rival the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds in the noise cancellation department. Sonically, they balance rich lows with crisp, sculpted highs, while top-notch extras like spatial audio and adaptive audio (transparency) modes add considerable value.
Who It’s For
If you own an iPhone (or any other Apple device), these earphones offer the most seamless audio experience by far. Brand loyalty (in this case) also gets you near unbeatable active noise cancellation.
Pros
- Rich, well-balanced audio performance
- Excellent active noise cancellation
- Conversation Aware feature adjusts your music volume when you speak
- Charging case has a built-in speaker, USB-C port
- Seamless integration with Apple devices
Cons
- No hi-res codec support
- EQ presets aren't adjustable
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Best Noise Cancellation OverallWhy We Picked It
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer the best active noise cancellation of any earphones we've tested. That alone qualifies them for this list, but we're also fans of their rich, engrossing audio experience, as well as their intuitive companion app. We like that they support the AptX Adaptive codec for Android users, too.
Who It’s For
If you care about blocking out noise more than anything else, you won't find a better option on the market. People who prefer an accurate sound signature might not enjoy the audio presentation here, but it's a reason why many people like Bose headphones.
Pros
- Best-in-class noise cancellation
- Crisp, full-bodied audio
- Active Aware feature blends noise cancellation and transparency modes
- Spatial audio support with head tracking
- Good Bluetooth codec support
Cons
- Case doesn’t support wireless charging
- No multipoint connectivity
Learn MoreBose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds ReviewSony WF-1000XM5
Best for AudiophilesWhy We Picked It
Sony's WF-1000XM5 earbuds are among the most premium you can buy. They support high-res playback via the LDAC codec, offer excellent noise cancellation (thanks to a combination of effective ANC circuitry and hybrid foam eartips), and work with a companion app with a customizable EQ and scores of personalization options. The quality of the onboard mic array is superb, too.
Who It's For
If you want top-notch streaming quality from your Android phone and nearly best-in-class noise cancellation, these Sony earphones are worth the high price.
Pros
- Rich bass response and crisp, detailed highs
- Adjustable in-app EQ
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Top-tier mic clarity
- Case supports wireless charging
- Hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons
- Expensive
- Some bloat in companion app
Learn MoreSony WF-1000XM5 ReviewEtymotic ER3 XR
Most Accurate SoundWhy We Picked It
Most earphones that claim to offer a flat response rely on some amount of sculpting to craft an engaging sound, but the Etymotic ER3 XR earphones buck that trend by sticking more closely to the ideal of clinical accuracy than any other pair under $500. Compared with the XP edition, this XR version extends the bass range ever so slightly, but not nearly as much as most consumer models.
Who It’s For
Engineers and musicians who need to hear the truth in their mixes aren't likely to find better earphones than the ER3 XR, especially for the price. These produce every detail throughout the frequency range and present the bass with precision.
Pros
- Accurate audio with deep, but clean, bass response.
- Detachable cable.
- Lightweight, secure in-ear fit with multiple eartip options.
Cons
- Not for those seeking big bass sound.
- No inline remote.
Learn MoreEtymotic ER3 XRAnker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Best Noise Cancellation Under $100Why We Picked It
Aside from producing robust lows and crisp highs, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC earphones benefit from a top-notch companion app with an adjustable EQ. They also deliver excellent active noise cancellation for the price, making them an excellent value choice.
Who It’s For
If you want to stick to your budget without compromising on audio quality, these Anker earbuds won't disappoint. You can customize the sculpted sound signature to taste, and Android users can take advantage of the audiophile-friendly LDAC codec. Their excellent battery life and wirelessly charging case are also ideal for people who are constantly on the move.
Pros
- Potent bass depth with bright highs
- Commendable noise cancellation for the price
- LDAC support for Android users
- Capable companion app includes EQ
Cons
- Default sound signature has noticeable sculpting
- Average water-resistance rating
Learn MoreAnker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC ReviewShure Aonic 215 (Gen 2)
Most Effective EQWhy We Picked It
The Shure Aonic 215 (Gen 2) earphones are a bit bulky, but they are one of the most versatile entries on this list: You can use them in either a wired or wireless mode. Our favorite feature, however, is the very flexible EQ you get in the companion app. It lets you adjust specific frequencies in a way that's just not possible with competing models.
Who It’s For
If you prefer to sculpt a custom sound signature, this is your best bet. Furthermore, if you have lots of high-quality local media files, the wired listening mode ensures you don't lose any detail in transmission (unlike with a Bluetooth connection).
Pros
- Accurate audio performance with rich lows and clear highs
- Class-leading EQ
- Customizable controls
- Water-resistant design
Cons
- Expensive
- Bulky build and case
Learn MoreShure Aonic 215 (Gen 2) ReviewTribit FlyBuds 3
Best Budget Fitness BudsWhy We Picked It
The Tribit FlyBuds 3 have remained on our list for several years because no other budget model offers as complete an experience. These earphones sound quite good, can withstand heavy amounts of moisture, and ship with a case that provides an impressive 95 hours of extra battery life.
Who It’s For
If you need earbuds for the gym and don't want to spend a ton of money, the FlyBuds 3 are a top choice. Sure, you can get better audio quality from more expensive options, but these deliver all the low-end power you need to energize your workouts. And because they are so inexpensive and durable, you don't need to worry too much about losing or breaking them.
Pros
- Bass-forward, powerful audio performance
- Excellent battery life for true wireless earphones—can charge external devices, too
- Affordable
- IPX7-rated waterproof
- Excellent fit stability, with multiple eartip options
Cons
- Ho-hum design
- Wildly sculpted sound signature
- No app, so no EQ to tame the audio
Learn MoreTribit FlyBuds 3 ReviewJabra Elite 8 Active
Best for Exercise OverallWhy We Picked It
Jabra's Elite 8 Active earbuds are our top pick for fitness fanatics. First and foremost, they have an excellent IP68 rating, which means they are fully dustproof and can survive being submerged in water. We also like their bass-forward audio signature, adjustable in-app EQ, effective transparency mode, and above-average active noise cancellation.
Who It’s For
Whether you prefer to exercise in the gym or the great outdoors, these durable Jabra earbuds won't let you down when it's time to get wet or dirty. Even the charging case can withstand the elements thanks to its IP54 rating.
Pros
- Powerful, bass-forward audio
- Quality noise cancellation
- Fully waterproof, dustproof build
- Water-resistant case
- Intuitive app includes adjustable EQ
Cons
- Sculpted sound signature won't appeal to purists
Learn MoreJabra Elite 8 Active ReviewNothing Ear (a)
Most StylishWhy We Picked It
The Nothing Ear (a) earphones are distinctive thanks to their transparent earpiece and case design. We particularly like their vibrant yellow finish, though they also come in black or white. Otherwise, they produce detailed audio, support the AAC and LDAC codecs, and offer better-than-average durability. They don't cancel noise quite as well as the class-leading Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, but can still help take care of the worst distractions.
Who It’s For
If your top priorities are audio quality, aesthetics, and affordability, these earbuds are worth a look. They are just as functional as they are stylish and work best with a Nothing Phone.
Pros
- Bass-forward, relatively balanced audio
- Unique, transparent design
- Adjustable in-app EQ
- Good codec support
Cons
- Top competitors have better noise cancellation
Learn MoreNothing Ear (a) Review
Buying Guide: The Best Earbuds (In-Ear Headphones) for 2024
What's the Difference Between Earphones and Earbuds?
The terms earbuds and earphones might seem interchangeable but they usually indicate an important distinction. For our purposes, earbuds don't enter your ear canal and instead sit just outside of it. This design fits more loosely and can cause problems when it comes to accurate stereo imaging (in which both ears get the same amount of audio) and bass response.
In-ear earphones, meanwhile, have silicone or foam tips that fit in the ear canal and form a seal inside your ear, blocking outside noise while piping sound directly into your ears. These often come with eartips in different sizes that help ensure the best possible seal. Others ship with additional flexible fins that provide even more fit security.
All that said, the term earbuds has become synonymous with earphones and in-ear headphones, so the difference is ultimately academic. Whatever you call them and whatever they say on the box, you should look for earphones with tips that form a good seal inside your ear. They sound much better than models with plastic-covered drivers that rest loosely against your ear canal.
Should You Choose Wired or Wire-Free Earphones?
At this point, true wireless earbuds have become so prevalent that you won't come across many wired earphones (or even Bluetooth earphones with a wire connecting them) unless you seek them out. True wireless earphones consist of two individual earpieces that connect to your phone and each other over Bluetooth, so you don't have to deal with a cable at all. They're convenient and refined enough that you can find a pair to fit almost any need or budget (there are plenty available for under $50, for instance).
This doesn't mean that wired earphones are no longer worth considering. You can still get a pair of earphones that connect to your phone via a 3.5mm headphone jack or even a Lightning or USB-C connector. You don't need to charge them like wireless earphones and many pricier models offer better fidelity for audiophiles.
Want to know more about sound signatures and audio quality? Check out our features on EQs and digital signal processing (DSP).
What Are the Best Earphones for Exercise?
Earphones might not be as eye-catching as headphones, but they can be much more convenient. Besides their size and weight advantages, earphones are often more resilient than headphones when it comes to moisture. Their IP rating indicates how much dust and water exposure they can handle. This is an important factor to consider if you want to listen to music at the gym. Sweat can soak and wear out earpads over time, so most full-on headphones aren't likely to stand up to the constant friction that comes with working out. Our story on the best true wireless earbuds for running has more details.
Not all earphones are workout-friendly, though; don't assume your earphones can handle everything you throw at them unless they explicitly list an IP rating (ideally IPX5 or higher). Really pricey earphones can be as fragile as really pricey headphones and you don't want to accidentally ruin a $300 pair with sweat.
How to Care for Your Earphones
If you get wired earphones, make sure to use any included pouch or carrying case as often as possible to preserve their longevity. Balling them up, shoving them into a pocket, and then untangling them each time you want to listen does more to wear them out prematurely than just about anything else. Of course, this isn't a factor for true wireless earphones which stow away inside a charging case. Don't assume the case has the same IP rating as the earphones; they often aren't nearly as durable. For more details, check out five easy tips to extend the life of your headphones and eight ways you're using your headphones wrong.
And if you're shopping on a budget, scan our picks for the best cheap true wireless earbuds.
