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
Samsung is 'borrowing' another AirPods feature — but it's a worthy one
Watch out AirPods Pro, Samsung Galaxy Buds’ hearing aid tech just gained official US approval and should arrive in two Pro models by the end of 2026
Soundpeats is unveiling UU2 open earbuds with or without you
The Soundpeats UU2 are clip-style earbuds with physical touch controls and sound leakage avoidance.
'The chicification of surveillance is deeply concerning' — why our tech is getting far too close (and what you can do about it)
'The chicification of surveillance is deeply concerning'
The AirPods Pro 3 haven't been this cheap since Prime Day — the 'near-perfect' buds are $60 off today
If you've been waiting for a price cut on the AirPods Pro 3 - now's your chance for a great saving.
User shares $5 fix for AirPods Pro slipping out while running and chewing
This AirPods owner bought liquid silicone earbud replacement tips, and they've never looked back.
CMF's first clip-on open buds land, with low pricing and none of Nothing's elite surveillance tech
If the Nothing sub-brand's inaugural clip-style open earbuds can ace the ‘three point fit’ idea, I predict a class-leading set of LDAC-toting buds — especially for this crazy low price
The best wired earbuds, from cheap USB-C buds to audiophile monitors
Still craving a reliable connection, high-end audio, and no battery life anxiety? Here are the best wired earbuds you can buy today.
A fresh report points to new AirPods in 2026, but not Apple's camera-enhanced buds
A fresh report points to new AirPods set to be unveiled this year, but not Apple's much-touted camera-enhanced models (yet).
Best earbuds: top buys, all TechRadar-tested and recommended
TechRadar's carefully considered pick of the best earbuds in the business – including one or two new models you might not be familiar with.
Nothing Ear (3a) review: do folks buy Meta glasses because they like the frames? Well, these buds sound good, but their USP had me asking: 'Are they for music, or surveillance?'
Is everything coming up roses for Nothing's new $99 / £99 noise-cancelling earbuds? Depends on whether the USP sits well with you, I think…