Are you someone who wants impeccable sound in a small package when you’re listening to your favorite tunes? Earbuds are the way to go. These tiny little devices that are inserted into the ear have come a long way. Much different from ear canal headphones, they offer a lot of functionality and crisp sound quality.

The best earbuds are super convenient to use, and most people enjoy that they tend to be less painful to wear than ear canal headphones. One reason for this is that they are comparably smaller in size; that size not only helps with a more pleasing fit, but it also makes them easier to travel around and about with.

You will see that the earbud market features a wide range of prices. This comes down to the type of functionality you prefer as well as how many advanced features you want. That being said, you can find really good brands that work well, deliver that crisp sound quality you are looking for, and also aren’t extraordinarily expensive.

Keep reading to learn more about the best earbuds and why they should be considered when you are looking for your next pair.

The T6 True Wireless Earbuds by TOZO are intelligently designed and absolutely fantastic at delivering clear, uninterrupted sound. The gel-flexible silicone covering fits easily into the ear for a comfortable cushioning that is pain-free.

They are Bluetooth 5 compatible, and sound comes to you naturally with incredible bass. Connecting takes no time at all and is super easy to do. When not in use, simply put your earbuds in their case where they will charge and be ready for the next time you need to make a hands-free call or listen to your favorite songs. They are also waterproof, so you can literally drench the earbuds and they won’t stop performing.

The T6 True Wireless Earbuds by TOZO skimp on nothing; these earbuds feel and execute like a high-end model. They offer a significant amount of battery life with more than six hours of playtime. Touch controls help you pause instantly without having to take them out. There are three different sized ear tips that come with these earbuds so you can find just the right one.

These earbuds easily cancel outside sound, even when they’re turned down to the lowest volume; this allows you to have an enjoyable listening experience no matter how loud or soft you prefer your audiobook or music to be.

The T6 model is excellent for sports or exercise, and you can wash them, too, to keep them as hygienic as possible. When it comes time to charge the case, a cable is included to get the job done. The T6 True Wireless Earbuds by TOZO are a great option for earbuds. They are light and easy to use—an excellent choice!

Key Features
  • Lightweight
  • Waterproof
  • Hi-Fi Stereo
  • Ergonomic design
Specifications
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Cord Length: N/A
  • Water-Resistant: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: Yes
  • Battery Life: More than 6 hours
  • Brand: TOZO
Pros
  • Amazing battery life
  • Excellent noise cancelling capabilities
  • Amazing features
  • Very loud and clear sound
Cons
  • Can put pressure on inner ear

Apple products are beloved around the world. It’s likely that you even have more than one Apple device. If this is the case, then you’ll definitely want to go with the AirPods with Charging Case by Apple, because they set up easily and will have you connected to all of your other Apple devices for smooth streaming in no time.

Through the update of an Apple H1 chip, connection is not only unwavering, but it is also much faster and provides a stronger pairing. While the improvements to this product from the 1st generation AirPods isn’t extreme, the updates still make the Apple AirPods with Charging Case a superior product. The case that is made for these earbuds works very well, too, offering wireless pairing capabilities.

As soon as you insert these earbuds into your ears, you will hear a sound. That sound immediately ends when you take them out of your ears. As is common with Apple, the way that you can access the various features is unique. To skip forward, all it takes is a quick double-tap and you can use voice activation of Siri to access various functions such as making calls, getting directions, or adjusting the volume.

The accelerometer is key to drowning out background noise so that you get crisp sound and nothing less. They charge quickly to offer you hours of use. Apple products are always cutting-edge, modern, sleek, and well-built. The Apple AirPods are reliable, and they will keep you connected with ease. They are a great choice and a terrific purchase.

Key Features
  • Turns on and off automatically
  • Quick access to Siri
  • Quick tap control
  • Charging case
Specifications
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Cord Length: N/A
  • Water-Resistant: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: Yes
  • Battery Life: 5 hours
  • Brand: Apple
Pros
  • Improvements over 1st generation
  • Sleek look
  • Fast and stable pairing
  • Reliable sound quality
Cons
  • No noise cancelling
Best value

3. JVC Gumy Earbuds

9.44 / 10
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The JVC Gumy Earbuds come in a wide variety of vibrant colors and have an elastomer material that provides a soft cushion inside your ear for comfortable enjoyment of all your audio needs. You can keep these in even if you are laying down and they won’t pinch or push on your ear causing pain.

Included are multiple sized ear tips so that you can ensure the right fit for the shape of your ear. They have amazing noise-canceling abilities with great output. These will accommodate all of your audio needs, whether it be listening to music or enjoying an audiobook.

Their design ensures that the wires will stay connected to allow for even listening abilities without interruption. The hard plastic provides the perfect amount of protection for the wires, as well, and it also contributes to the JVC Gumy Earbuds’ durability.

The super deep bass allows for profound sound quality, and the cords are long enough to accommodate all of your connection needs. The JVC Gumy Earbuds offer tremendous quality and affordability with really fun colors. They are reliable enough that you can plug them in all of your devices and have the peace of mind that you will clearly hear the sound.

There is really no going wrong with the JVC Gumy Earbuds, and because of the price, combined with the multiple color options, buying a few for the family or for backups to have at home and at the office is easy.

Key Features
  • Color options
  • 3.3 ft cord
  • Inner-ear design
Specifications
  • Wireless: No
  • Cord Length: 3.3'
  • Water-Resistant: No
  • Noise Cancellation: Yes
  • Battery Life: N/A
  • Brand: JVC
Pros
  • Very comfortable
  • No background sound
  • Latex-free
Cons
  • Better sound quality is available on the market

The Ergonomic Earbuds by Vogek offer a sleek, solid black or red and black color for an attractive and modern design. They are made to fit ergonomically, as the round earbuds attach at an angle to fit inside the ear.

The three-point fix surrounded by a soft comfortable exterior ensures a snug fit that won’t fall out during activity. The quality of structure and materials is incredibly well-thought-out and sound.

These earbuds will provide you with the range of sound you need to hear all of your favorite audio from audiobooks, to streaming movies and listening to music. These are compatible with Apple products, as well as many other electronic devices and are universally compatible with anything that uses a 3.5mm jack port.

There are three ear tip sizes to ensure proper positioning and strong seal to knock out ambient noises. The tangle-free cords offer supreme durability. If you have been a buyer of the popular Skull Candy Earbuds but want to make a change, the Vogek earbuds will give you the welcome switch-up you are looking for.

These lightweight earbuds don’t require batteries and you won’t have to struggle with pairing them to your many devices. The Ergonomic Earbuds by Vogek feature a construction that will ensure that you enjoy clear, clean, and uninterrupted sound for the long-term.

Overall, the fit of these earbuds with that angle may take a couple of days to get used to, but once you do, these are so comfortable you won’t even know you are wearing them. You can easily enjoy hours of listening without any discomfort and soreness when you are done.

Key Features
  • Angular design
  • Tangle-free cable
  • 3.5mm audio jack compatible
Specifications
  • Wireless: No
  • Cord Length: 47"
  • Water-Resistant: No
  • Noise Cancellation: Yes
  • Battery Life: N/A
  • Brand: Vogek
Pros
  • Great customer service
  • Good sound
  • Comfortable to wear for long periods of time
  • Loud volume doesn't have distortion
Cons
  • No microphone

For superior stereo sound quality, OKG offers deep bass and clear soundstages. Bluetooth compatible, you will spend no time connecting your device with the technology so you can have all your favorite hits and take calls with ease. These earbuds will connect with all of your devices and the microphone allows for clear sound. You will be seriously pleased with the OKG earbuds that have a nice ergonomic fit to comfortably set in your ear with no pain. They are a perfect option for fitness enthusiasts because they have a waterproof battery which also can last you for the duration of your day. When you are done with them, simply put them in their compact case and they will start recharging so that they are ready to go when you need them next.

If you are unhappy with your earbuds for any reason you have 90 days to return them, no questions asked. There is also a lifetime warranty. Sound levels allow you to tune out and listen to your music or call because there is a background noise suppression ability. You can also turn down the sound low enough to still hear your beats but be able to also hear another person speaking to you. These are exceptional wireless earbuds that come at an affordable price point. The quality and function make these OKG earbuds some of the best earbuds on the market because they are effective as well as sturdy and practical for almost all activities.

Key Features
  • Long battery life
  • Bluetooth compatible
  • Integrated microphone
  • Charging case
Specifications
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Cord Length: N/A
  • Water-Resistant: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: Yes
  • Battery Life: 24 hours
  • Brand: OKG
Pros
  • Excellent customer service
  • Comfortable
  • Connects to devices easily
  • Compact design
Cons
  • Not great for Podcasts and Audiobooks

Sound quality is always a consideration and a major factor when it comes to picking out the right audio gear. For earbuds, the Sephia SP3060 will not disappoint. Your music and all your audio will have tremendous clarity, isolate any outside noise, and provide the best quality of sound while offering a rush of deep bass. All the instruments, the melodies, and harmonies can be heard without distortion even when playing at the highest volume. They were designed not just to deliver optimum sound quality, but also to look good. The modern and sleek silver and black combination give them a high-end appearance, and they conveniently come with a helpful carrying case. For your comfort, there are a variety of different sized earbuds covered with an especially appealing foam material. The foam material makes a significant difference in wearability but it also allows for a better seal which is just one part of the reason as to why the sound is so good.

Sturdy and heavy wires rival most any other brand on the market. This makes tangled wires a thing of the past. The packaging is well done, you’ll be impressed with the product. For all of the amazing functionality that the Sephia SP3060 offer, their pricetag won’t send you to the poor house. You could spend a lot of money on elite brands, but with the value and operational superiority that these earbuds provide, you don’t really have to. Everything you’d want and need is built-in to the Sephia SP3060 earbuds.

Key Features
  • Powerful bass
  • 3.5mm connector
  • Protective case included
  • Durable metal housing
Specifications
  • Wireless: No
  • Cord Length: 4'
  • Water-Resistant: No
  • Noise Cancellation: Yes
  • Battery Life: 5 hours
  • Brand: Sephia
Pros
  • Heavy bass
  • Look high-tech and durable
  • Excellent noise cancelling abilities
  • Defined sound quality
Cons
  • No microphone

Simply awesome, you will love the Betron DC950 earbuds for the serious music lover who not only enjoys their beats but must have clear sound to create their own. These noise-canceling earbuds allow you to enjoy audio clearly without having to turn the volume up to unhealthy levels. These simple earbuds offer a wide frequency response with a solid metal design that is complemented by the striking black and red colors of the cord and the tip. For their prices, these earbuds offer incredible sound sharpness without any of the bass changing. They look expensive but won’t cost you a bundle, and the packaging also displays that high-end feel without the high-end pricetag that many other products have. They also come with a handy travel pouch to keep them protected and make them much easier to find if you carry them in a crowded bag or purse.

You will have no problem wearing these for the long-term because the silicone ear tip provides enough comfort. There are different size silicone tips so that you have the option of finding the perfect fit. These earbuds are super lightweight and deliver punchy, yet quality audio you will appreciate. If you use your earbuds often, you will want a product that can hold up to that use, and the Betron DC950 earbuds will do just that. Clear sound production, fair price, strong bass, comfort, as well as outstanding materials and construction make the Betron DC950 one of the best earbuds to purchase.

Key Features
  • Tangle resistant cord
  • Includes carrying pouch
  • Gold-plated 3.5mm plug
  • Metal housing
Specifications
  • Wireless: No
  • Cord Length: 1.2 meters
  • Water-Resistant: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: Yes
  • Battery Life: N/A
  • Brand: Betron
Pros
  • Strong bass
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Durable for constant use
  • Comfortable fit
Cons
  • Can feel heavy in ears

When you just want to go warehouse wholesale and have backups for earbuds that go south, VPB offers a colorful four-pack in pastels that would make a perfect option for kids. They have a 3.5mm standard audio jack capability with a 4.72-foot cord. Easily attached to all audio devices such as iPod, MP3, DVDs, CD players, and any of your portable video game systems. They are light and easy to pack and use. The cost for this four-pack is pretty amazing and based on that you’d probably think they are poorly made. Quite the contrary, while they aren’t the most high-quality option you can buy, they have lasting power. Even if you are one of those people who listen to audiobooks or music before bed and you always seem to end up falling to sleep still wearing your earbuds, these can actually take that type of abuse and still perform the next day. On top of that, they are comfortable enough that they won’t abuse your ear when you wear them for a long period of time.

They can give you great audio, but they also have a built-in mic if you want to make calls, which is a nice feature for the price-range they fall in. They have good volume and a really decent quality of sound. They will stay in your ear without issue making them practical. Sure they don’t come with extra ear tips but for the price, the look, and the number of pairs you get, that’s nothing to get too upset about.

Key Features
  • Many different colors
  • 3.5mm audio jack
  • Smart microphone
  • Four pairs
Specifications
  • Wireless: No
  • Cord Length: 4.72'
  • Water-Resistant: No
  • Noise Cancellation: Yes
  • Battery Life: N/A
  • Brand: VPB
Pros
  • Amazing microphone
  • Good fit
  • Fairly durable
  • Pretty colors
Cons
  • No extra ear tip sizes

The innovative and highly sophisticated True Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 Earbuds by Aenloud are a product constructed from premium materials that are meant to last while providing comfort. Compatible with Bluetooth 5.0, you can access your wireless devices with an audio quality that is crystal clear.

IPX7 waterproof means that you can completely submerge these earbuds without a worry. The charging case is modern and advanced and will deliver extremely fast charging capability. A neat feature is that the case shows you how your earbuds are progressing through their charge, with digital numbers showing you the amount of juice they have.

These earbuds are lightweight and so comfortable you won’t even know you're wearing them. The True Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 Earbuds by Aenloud deliver some of the most distinct and delicious bass you are going to find.

These earbuds are effective and easy to use. Connecting them to your devices is fast and simple, and you won’t get a lost signal. If you want really nicely constructed wireless earbuds that fit well and offer quality sound, this pair by Aenloud is worth a look.

They are designed with ergonomics in mind to fit your ear naturally, and just one charge can give you up to six hours of quality listening time. They won’t fall out, even through rigorous activity. These earbuds are moderately priced, they look good, work well, are waterproof, keep a strong charge, and fit nicely. An added bonus is the one-year hassle-free warranty. Also, the case is pretty cool.

Key Features
  • Charge indicator
  • Bluetooth compatible
  • IPX7 waterproof
Specifications
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Cord Length: N/A
  • Water-Resistant: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: Yes
  • Battery Life: 4-6 hours
  • Brand: Aenloud
Pros
  • Convenient charging case
  • Quick and easy pairing
  • Light and small
  • Great bass
Cons
  • Can fall out

Another model of earbuds that offer a wide range of unique and attractive color options, the Panasonic ErgoFit Earbuds are quite eye-catching, especially when you combine the various finishes with the rainbow of color choices.

The clear sound with low bass provides stable access to your favorite audio. They will easily connect to your Apple, Android, or Blackberry devices, making them versatile and functional. The cords are flexible, and these earbuds are light. They have a nice fit, and while they won’t cancel all the noise out unless you have the volume up very high, they will still get you a decent sound quality.

They are fairly durable and with the built-in mic, you can make calls. They won’t fall out of your ears and the cord is very long at 3.6 feet, which is nice. The price of the Panasonic ErgoFit Earbuds is very attractive, and while they don’t have all the super fancy features that some of the higher-end models do, if you want earbuds that are comfortable, fit, and can provide you the ability to make calls and listen to music in a colorful affordable package, the Panasonic ErgoFit Earbuds is where it’s at.

If you are working remotely these days (as many of us are), these earbuds make for an inexpensive purchase to help you get your job done more effectively. You can wear them for the duration of your workday and not have aching ears once you are all finished. While they won’t do so well during a major sweat session, they will still hold up for less intense cardiovascular activities, delivering uninterrupted sound.

Key Features
  • Variety of colors
  • Ergonomic design
  • 3.5mm audio jack
Specifications
  • Wireless: No
  • Cord Length: No measurement
  • Water-Resistant: No
  • Noise Cancellation: No
  • Battery Life: N/A
  • Brand: VOGEK
Pros
  • Comfortable with long-term wear
  • Amazing sound
  • Quality feel
  • Great shipping
Cons
  • Interchangeable covers hard to change

Earbuds, headsets, and ear canal headphones are all coveted for one purpose: we like to hear our audio clearly, but others don’t need to. Out of all the personal audio options we have, earbuds have really taken off in popularity recently. Whether it be to enjoy a private Zoom call, work remotely, go to school remotely, listen to your beats while working out, or fall asleep to a good audiobook, earbuds are a necessary tool to help you accomplish your sound goals.

It may seem like a straightforward prospect when you are in the market to buy the best earbuds, but in reality, there are several considerations to think about.

Do you want wireless or wired earbuds? What do you need your earbuds to do? What are you looking for in terms of detailed sound? How much is the fit, and is an attractive appearance important to you? How many features do you need your earbuds to accommodate—for example, should they be able to take a hit of water? What is your budget? How long do you need the battery to last, and is quick charging important?

This is just a sample of the many questions and functions to ponder when you’re in the market for the perfect earbud.

Every earbud manufacturer has taken all of these questions into account and has developed what they believe is the best earbud product for addressing many of these concerns. Earbuds can be as cheap as $5 and as expensive as $200. The cool thing about earbuds is that sure, the more expensive and elite earbuds offer a ton of cool features, but even at the low end of the price range, you can still find comfortable earbuds with excellent performance.

What Is the Difference Between Wired Earbuds and Wireless Earbuds?

Probably the most obvious difference between wireless and wired earbuds is, yes, the wires. Do you want them hanging down and about as you use your earbuds? The other important factor to think about between the two is that wired earbuds should be able to plug into most of your devices but depending on the length of the wires you could be limited in location. Maybe the best part about those wires is that they don’t need batteries or recharging downtime to work; as long as you have them plugged in, they should work indefinitely.

Wireless earbuds most often use Bluetooth technology, so finding an option that is compatible with the most recent update of your technology is essential. Of course, you get rid of those annoying wires tying you up, but for some products, there can be interruptions in the signal and therefore interruptions in sound. Also, you will have to be taking the time to charge them, which means they can run out of power. Wireless earbuds will only have a limited amount of time that they will work.

What Is the Best Earbud for You?

Finding the best earbuds really depends on your budget and your preference. There are a tremendous number of really well-functioning, dependable, and quality earbuds with and without wires. There is also a fairly good range when it comes to price.

It also comes down to what features you need and want. For some, simple audio alone will do but then there are those who need a built-in mic. Before choosing your earbud, decide what you need it to do and how much you want to spend, and you should be able to scale down the massive amount of options to just a few that meet your requirements.

ResourcesWi-Fi Alliance, US Department of Homeland Security, Stanford University

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