Earbuds go by many different names, including earphones, in-ear headphones, in-ear monitors or simply buds. They also come in all shapes and sizes and can be both wired or wireless, with some variations. Probably the most widely known (and worn) earbuds are the AirPods, which Apple launched in 2016.
Compared to over-ear and on-ear headphones, they offer a more compact, lightweight design that’s easier to set up and store. Earbuds are often cheaper too (usually), and have better stability. Being small does have its disadvantages - namely with sound quality, which can’t match wired headphones - but every music lover should own at least one pair all the same.
Latest about Earbuds & Airpods
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A ridiculous price for great earbuds
4 things you’re probably doing wrong with your budget earbuds and how to fix them
Even the most cheap and cheerful earbuds can sound a lot better, if you follow these 4 tips
4 reasons the cheap Nothing Ear (a) are still my top budget earbuds, despite myriad 2025 releases – and they’re discounted again ahead of Prime Day
I don't want to tell you what to do, but did I consider a 'Forget Prime Day, this is the only earbuds deal you need!' headline? Oh, I absolutely did…
Apple's all-new AirPods 4 drop to a record-low price ahead of Prime Day
The Apple AirPods 4 are a great choice for Apple owners on a budget, and the earbuds are on sale for under $100 right now at Amazon.
Audio-Technica’s new wireless earbuds have a genuinely mind-blowing upgrade that leaves my AirPods feeling utterly inadequate
Audio-Technica's new earbuds promise 65 hours of battery life and feature an unusual magnetic switch
Yes, you can get AirPods updates early in July's iOS 26 public beta. No, you probably shouldn't
Apple's optional download will drop in July to make your AirPods beta, but are you sure you want to risk it?
AirPods Pro 3: all the latest rumors and leaks, plus everything else we know
Updated Apple's third-generation Pro AirPods aren't here, but the rumor mill is turning – and with big hints in iOS 26 (after WWDC on June 9), we could be gearing up for a September 2025 release.
Apple may not get around to launching the AirPods Pro 3 until 2026
We had heard rumors that the AirPods Pro 3 would arrive this year, but a new leak contradicts them.
