Overview
- Jump To Details
Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro
The Best ANC Under $100 - Jump To Details
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
Best for True Wireless Noise Cancellation - Jump To Details
Etymotic ER3 XR
In-Ear Audiophiles - Jump To Details
Apple AirPods Pro
Best for Apple Users - Jump To Details
Back Bay Audio American EQ 40
Affordable wired and wireless audio - Jump To Details
Jabra Elite Active 75t Earbuds
Best for Sports-focused, fully waterproof true wireless - Jump To Details
Tribit FlyBuds 3
Best for Bountiful features at a value price - Jump To Details
JayBird X4
Workout-Focused Audiophiles - Jump To Details
RHA T20 Wireless
Best for Wireless Audio Purists - Jump To Details
JBL UA True Wireless Flash
Rainy Day Runners - Jump To Details
Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Generation)
Best for Alexa Voice Control - Jump To Details
Amazon Echo Buds
Best for Alexa Users - Jump To Details
Beats Powerbeats Pro
Gym-Focused iPhone Users - Jump To Details
Google Pixel Buds A-Series
Best for Google Assistant Users - Jump To Details
Jaybird Vista
Best for Bass-Hungry Fitness Fans - Jump To Details
Wicked Audio Ravian
Best for Wired Listening
If you love music, chances are you won't be happy with any old earphones. Upgrade your listening experience with one of our top recommendations below and check out our buying advice for the category.
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro
The Best ANC Under $100Bottom Line:
The true wireless Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro earphones aren't perfect, but they deliver a sculpted, bass-forward sound signature and some of the best noise cancellation we’ve heard below $150.Pros
- Bass-forward and bright audio performance
- Solid noise cancellation for the price
- App has adjustable EQ and multiple ANC modes
- Numerous eartip options
- Water-resistant design
Cons
- In-ear fit can vary, affecting audio and noise cancellation
- Noise cancellation changes sound signature slightly
- Not for audiophiles
Learn MoreAnker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro ReviewBose QuietComfort Earbuds
Best for True Wireless Noise CancellationBottom Line:
The true wireless Bose QuietComfort Earbuds offer strong audio performance and the most effective noise cancellation we've tested in the category to date.Pros
- Best-in-class noise cancellation
- Rich, crisp, balanced audio
- Transparent listening mode can blend with ANC mode
- Secure fit
- Splash-resistant build
Cons
- Expensive
- Sound signature isn't for purists
- Bulky case
- On-ear controls could be more complete
Learn MoreBose QuietComfort Earbuds ReviewEtymotic ER3 XR
In-Ear AudiophilesWhy 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 XRApple AirPods Pro
Best for Apple UsersBottom Line:
Apple's true wireless AirPods Pro earphones are vastly superior to the standard model, with solid noise cancellation, quality audio performance, and a far better in-ear fit that justifies the extra cost.Pros
- Strong audio performance
- Quality active noise cancellation
- Secure in-ear fit
- Hands-free Siri access
- Wireless charging case
- Splash-resistant build
Cons
- Expensive
- No on-ear volume controls
- ANC and EQ aren't adjustable
Learn MoreApple AirPods Pro ReviewBack Bay Audio American EQ 40
Affordable wired and wireless audioBottom Line:
The affordable Back Bay Audio American EQ 40 earphones come with loads of accessories and connection options, and offer solid, balanced audio performance.Pros
- Inexpensive
- Solid, balanced sound
- Generous accessories
- Multiple connection options
Cons
- Wired connections sound weaker than Bluetooth
- Slight Bluetooth artifacts
Learn MoreBack Bay Audio American EQ 40 ReviewJabra Elite Active 75t Earbuds
Best for Sports-focused, fully waterproof true wirelessBottom Line:
Jabra's Elite Active 75t earphones improve upon the original pair with a more secure fit and a waterproof design for a real true wireless winner.Pros
- Powerful audio with thunderous bass and bright high
- Excellent in-app EQ
- Waterproof, dust-resistant design
- Super-secure in-ear fit
Cons
- Expensive
- Sculpted sound signature might be too much for some
Learn MoreJabra Elite Active 75t Earbuds ReviewTribit FlyBuds 3
Best for Bountiful features at a value priceWhy 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 in more expensive pairs, 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 ReviewJayBird X4
Workout-Focused AudiophilesBottom Line:
The wireless, exercise-focused Jaybird X4 earphones are supremely versatile, delivering booming bass or balanced audio depending on your EQ preferences.Pros
- Powerful audio performance that is completely customizable using the app's EQ.
- Excellent in-ear fit.
- Waterproof.
Cons
- Short, proprietary charging cable.
Learn MoreJayBird X4RHA T20 Wireless
Best for Wireless Audio PuristsBottom Line:
The RHA T20 Wireless is a terrific pair of Bluetooth earphones for anyone seeking accurate audio and an excellent in-ear fit.Pros
- Nice array of eartips.
- Includes swappable tuning filters to increase treble or bass.
- Detachable earpieces can be used wirelessly or with included cable for passive, wired listening.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Included cable lacks remote or mic.
Learn MoreRHA T20 WirelessJBL UA True Wireless Flash
Rainy Day RunnersBottom Line:
The JBL UA True Wireless Flash earbuds deliver strong audio performance and excellent exercise-focused features.Pros
- Powerful bass-forward but balanced audio performance.
- Solid mic clarity.
- Strong battery life.
- Waterproof.
- Includes one year premium membership to MapMyRun.
Cons
- Cuts off beginnings of newly navigated-to tracks and phone prompts.
- Minor hiss at low volumes.
Learn MoreJBL UA True Wireless FlashAmazon Echo Buds (2nd Generation)
Best for Alexa Voice ControlBottom Line:
The second-generation Echo Buds improve upon Amazon's original true wireless earphones with a smaller, lighter design and active noise cancellation.Pros
- Solid, balanced audio quality
- Active noise cancellation
- Hands-free Alexa voice control
Cons
- Doesn't offer particularly deep bass or crisp highs
- Overly sensitive touch controls
Learn MoreAmazon Echo Buds (2nd Generation) ReviewAmazon Echo Buds
Best for Alexa UsersBottom Line:
Amazon's Echo Buds are wire-free earphones with a lot of functionality for $130, including hands-free Alexa voice control and Bose-tuned active noise reduction.Pros
- Hands-free Alexa voice control
- Good active noise reduction
- Clear, balanced sound
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- Somewhat weak lows and highs
- Limited controls
- Not waterproof
Learn MoreAmazon Echo Buds ReviewBeats Powerbeats Pro
Gym-Focused iPhone UsersBottom Line:
A secure fit, easy operation, and a bass-forward sound signature make the Powerbeats Pro ideal true wireless earphones for Beats fans.Pros
- Powerful audio performance with intense bass depth and bright highs.
- Strong battery life.
- Exceptionally secure in-ear fit.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Wildly sculpted sound signature.
- Auto-play feature isn't for everyone.
Learn MoreBeats Powerbeats Pro ReviewGoogle Pixel Buds A-Series
Best for Google Assistant UsersBottom Line:
The true wireless Google Pixel Buds A-Series earphones offer good sound quality and hands-free Google Assistant voice control for an affordable price.Pros
- Clean, balanced audio performance
- Hands-free Google Assistant voice control
- Comfortable
Cons
- Bass could be stronger
- Case doesn't support wireless charging
Learn MoreGoogle Pixel Buds A-Series ReviewJaybird Vista
Best for Bass-Hungry Fitness FansBottom Line:
The Jaybird Vista true wireless earphones deliver powerful audio performance in a waterproof, gym-friendly build with EQ you can adjust to taste.Pros
- Strong audio performance with boosted bass and crisp highs.
- App features user-adjustable EQ.
- IPX7 waterproof.
- Secure fit for exercise.
Cons
- Limited on-ear controls.
Learn MoreJaybird Vista ReviewWicked Audio Ravian
Best for Wired ListeningBottom Line:
Wicked Audio's wired Ravian earphones provide quality USB-C audio for all of your devices that lack a standard headphone jack.Pros
- Strong, bass-forward audio with crisp, clear highs
- Excellent mic clarity
- Secure fit
- Affordable
Cons
- USB-C connectivity only
- Light on accessories
Learn MoreWicked Audio Ravian Review
Buying Guide: The Best Earbuds (In-Ear Headphones) for 2021
If you're a music lover, chances are you're not happy with your phone or media player's bundled earphones. Most of the time, they sound pretty dismal. Some devices don't come with any earphones at all, but even the models that do include them tend not to offer a high-quality listening experience. Your music and video can definitely benefit from an upgrade.
Earphones vs. Earbuds
Technically speaking, earbuds are not earphones, as they don't enter your ear canal. Instead they sit just outside of it, where it's easy to become loose and cause problems when it comes to accurate stereo imaging (in which both ears get the same amount of audio) and bass response. Earphones, meanwhile, fit in the ear canal and form a seal inside your ear, blocking outside noise while piping sound directly into your ears. They're much smaller and lighter than headphones, since they don't need to fit on or over your ears and don't require any outside support (though some have stiff wire sections or flexible fins to keep them in place without getting in the way). Plus they won't mess up your hair.
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 that form a good seal inside your ear with silicone or foam eartips. They'll sound much better than plastic-covered drivers cupped against your ear canal.
Wired, Wireless, or Wire-Free?
Earphones can connect to your smartphone through a 3.5mm cable or wirelessly over Bluetooth, depending on the model. Wired earphones are generally less expensive, and you don't need to worry about keeping them charged. Bluetooth earphones are more convenient because you don't have to physically connect them to your smartphone, but they need battery power to work. For the most part, you won't find a 3.5mm port and removable cable on Bluetooth earphones; when they're out of power, they're out of commission until you charge them again.
There's also true wireless earbuds, which we also call wire-free. These are essentially Bluetooth earphones, but with no cable connecting the individual earpieces. Typically wire-free earphones are more expensive than conventional wireless earphones, but there are now several compelling pairs available for under $100.
Good for Workouts
Earphones might not be as eye-catching as headphones, but they can be much more convenient. Besides their size and weight, earphones are often more resilient than headphones when dealing with moisture. This is important if you want to listen to music at the gym. Earpads can get soaked and worn with a solid sweat, and they aren't built to withstand the regular, constant friction that comes with working out. Earphones can be built to be water- and sweat-resistant, and hold up much better to activity.
Besides the rugged factor, earphones are also much better for staying on your head while you're in motion. A good set of headphones will feel comfortable when you're sitting or walking around, but when you start running or biking they can easily shake free of your ears. Fitness-oriented earphones often have stabilizing fins built in to them to ensure that they'll stay in place no matter what you do at the gym. For the best options, check out our lists of The Best Headphones for Running and The Best True Wireless Earbuds for Running.
Not all earphones are workout-friendly, though; don't assume your earphones will handle what you throw at them unless they're fitness-oriented earphones, or at least are explicitly listed as water- and sweat-resistant. Really pricey earphones can be as fragile as really pricey headphones, and you don't want to accidentally ruin a $200 pair with ear sweat.
Caring for Your Earphones
Whichever model you choose, make sure to use the included pouch or carrying case as often as possible in order to preserve the longevity of your earphones. 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. For more details, check out Five Easy Tips to Extend the Life of Your Headphones.
And if you're shopping on a budget, scan our picks for the Best Headphones Under $50 and the Best Cheap True Wireless Earbuds.
