Anyone looking for the best earbuds for small ears knows that it isn't as simple as switching to the smaller ear tips supplied in the box. We, the small-eared music lovers, know that the narrowness of our ear canals is just one issue at play here. Actually, the size of our concha (that recess in the middle of our outer ear) and tragus (the pointy bit above it, at the opening of the ear canal) and what they can accommodate are far more pressing issues when it comes to finding non-painful earbuds for smaller ears.
Pocketable 'buds that won't stay in without excessive force are no fun. I know this because I've been testing the best earbuds across all prices – including the best budget wireless earbuds – for years now, often having to wedge, twist and adjust earpieces to try to get bigger units just to stay put. It's no good stuffing extra mics into each headshell to support ANC and juicier batteries if the wearer cannot truly glean the benefit.
The good news is, it can be done. What follows is is my pick of the best earbuds for smaller ears, for every budget and whatever your priority, based on that experience. I can sport these earbuds without issue for long listening sessions, so I'm confident you can too.
The quick list
Want to cut to the good bit – ie. exactly which earbuds are best for smaller ears? Below, you’ll find a concise roundup of the models that get our collective nod. You can also jump to a bigger write-up of each product.
The best earbuds for small ears overall
Lightness, supreme security and Sony's stellar ANC – and you don't even have to forego battery life! They're marginally short on oomph sonically, but it's a small price to pay…
The best budget earbuds for small ears
The fact that JLab has put a keyring on the case gives you an indication of their size and, frankly, pricier keyrings exist – but don't be fooled; the sound is better than the price suggests.
The best high-end earbuds for small ears
They're stunning and they'll fit beautifully in both your bijou ears and your skinny jeans pocket, offering a neutral, refined and effortlessly classy sound – and a price tag to reflect that.
The best small earbuds for budget noise cancellation
Sony's diminutive, inexpensive buds have no business sounding this good (and nixing this much noise) for the money. No hi-res audio support, but that's fair for the price.
The best Apple earbuds for smaller ears
Apple's Pro buds offer seamless perks with Apple devices, the noise cancellation is aces, and despite their (relative) weight, this now ubiquitous design does work for small ears.
The best wired earbuds for small ears
Want to stick to wires in case one falls out, despite your best efforts? Here's an inexpensive option with great sound that actually landed in 2018, so in today's landscape, it's a classic…
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The best USB-C wired earbuds for small ears
For high-quality audio in a comfortable, lightweight and tiny wired design, you can't go wrong with this pair of buds that represent excellent value for money.
The best small buds without ANC
There's no ANC here, but everything else about these low-cost buds shines, including energetic sound, 360 Reality Audio support and solid in-bud battery life.
I've reviewed over 150 audio products since becoming a tech journalist, ranging from super-budget earbuds to high-end Hi-Res Audio music players. Before joining TechRadar, I spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing everything the world of audio had to offer; before that, I was a professional dancer. I have small ears, as proven by Sennheiser's 3D mapping of my auricles and self-made impressions, thanks to Ultimate Ears' heat-to-fit earbuds, and this guide is based on my real-world use of these buds.
May 16, 2025
Added 'Buy it if' and 'Don't buy it if' sections to each entry so that readers can get a quick look at which devices are right for them. Also added scorecards under each entry, based on our expert testing.
The best earbuds for small ears
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The best earbuds for small ears overall
✅ You value detail and balance: They offer a well-balanced, impressively nuanced sound that keeps you clearly clued in, no matter what you’re listening to or where.
✅ You want lots of smart features: There are lots of good control option in the app, and active noise cancellation, of course.
❌ You want your music to feel energizing: They hold back when it comes to impact, which means they’re not the most dynamic or lively listen. Take a look at the Apple AirPods Pro 2 at #5 in this guide for more bite.
❌ You need multipoint connectivity: One of the only key features missing here is the ability to connect to two Bluetooth devices at once for instant switching. For budget multipoint smarts, consider the JLab JBuds Mini at #2.
I know, I know: Sony's earbuds didn't start out small – some of us struggled to achieve a secure fit and seal with early WF-1000XM iterations, didn't we? But Sony listened to our feedback, and things have changed. The LinkBuds S are small and beautifully designed, to the point that they sit practically flush with my tragus when worn, so no gust of wind can dislodge them.
Leaving their tiny size to one side for a moment, the May 2022-issue LinkBuds S use the same V1 processor to combine noise cancellation and audio processing as the one in the (more expensive, and bigger) former flagship Sony WF-1000XM4, but here it's working with a new 5mm full-range dynamic driver – which is also smaller than the XM4.
What makes them my top choice for most people with small ears? While the LinkBuds S may be small, their spec-sheet is pretty big. With the exception of multipoint pairing, it's basically a full house as far as perks go. Noise cancellation can be turned on or off using the capacitive touch surface on each earpiece (which works well, despite their diminutive size) and an Ambient sound option offers 20 different increments, handled by Sony's Headphone Connect app – again, the same one as used by Sony's flagship earbuds.
Why the less-than perfect review score? Sonically, they could benefit from an extra ounce of zeal, verve and punch. That said, they're perfectly musical and enjoyable thanks to the relatively detailed sound, openness across the frequencies, and reassuringly chunky performance through the low-end – I'd just like more dynamic potency through the leading edges of notes). Yes, it's splitting hairs, but that's my job…
Oh, and the keen-eyed will note the new LinkBuds Fit are now in town, having launched in early October 2024 – and with cute squishy 'supporters' (read: fins) to slip into more bijou ears and supersede the original LinkBuds S. Will they take this spot in the guide? We're working on that…
Read our full Sony LinkBuds S review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
Features | Packed with options – the Sony app puts a lot of control at your fingertips. The only thing lacking is multipoint connectivity. | 4/5 |
Sound quality | They're crisp and well-balanced, but a little short on punch and spark. | 4/5 |
Design | Tiny, featherlight, and incredibly comfortable – these buds are such a joy to wear. | 4.5/5 |
Value | A solid purchase overall, though similarly priced rivals can edge them on sound. | 4/5 |
The best budget earbuds for people with small ears
✅ You're short on cash: They're super-affordable, yet still come with a good array of features – there's no ANC, though.
✅ You love all things cute: The JBuds Mini totally lean into their adorable, Instagram-friendly design – and honestly, we’re here for it.
❌ You want strong bass: They punch above their price in sound quality, but if you're chasing deep, booming bass, you’ll be left wanting.
❌ You need ANC: They do a decent job of blocking out noise, but without active noise cancelling, they’re not ideal for really noisy settings. We'd recommend taking a look at the Apple AirPods Pro 2 at #5 for top-tier ANC.
Just quickly glance at the stat above, the one that says 3.3g. Isn't that incredible for the weight of a driver-housing, battery toting true wireless earbud? It's not only 1.5g lighter than the Sony LinkBuds S' weight per bud (listed above as our top choice for smaller ears), but the lightest we've ever heard of.
For reference, the Sony WF-1000XM4 weigh 7.3g each, more than twice as heavy. At the other end of the scale, the January 2022-issue 1More ComfoBuds Mini previously got the nod for the lightest earbuds we've ever tested, at just 3.7g per earpiece, but each JLab JBuds Mini earpiece comes in at almost half a gram lighter – and when it comes to something that sits inside the delicate creases and wells of your smallish ear for many hours, it actually counts.
These September 2023-launch earbuds are enough to bring on an attack of cute aggression they're so tiny; put the case on your keyring (JLab has thoughtfully supplied one, in the box) and you'll barely notice your listening gear is there.
And if they're going to live next to your keys, it helps to know you're getting an IP55 rating for rain and dust ingress. You also get multipoint (something much pricier flagship earbuds still lack – Bose, we're looking at you) and a very good companion app. What don't you get? Active noise cancellation, which will be a deal-breaker for many – although the passive isolation is better than you'd expect. And for such a low price, we wouldn't really expect it anyway.
Sonically speaking, they're good – and that is nothing short of incredible for this money, aided by the option to tweak the EQ in the app. They suffer just fractionally through the low end for clout and impact, but it's a minor shortfall at this ultra-budget level.
While you're here, we also love the October 2024-launch JLab Go Pop ANC and they're just as great for smaller ears, but at the time of writing, they aren't widely available in a few regions… if you do see them, they're well worth a look too.
Read our full JLab JBuds Mini review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
Features | You get all the core features you’d expect, plus a useful app that gives you more control than most at this price. | 3.5/5 |
Sound quality | They’re not flawless sonically, but solid noise isolation helps elevate the overall listening experience. | 4/5 |
Design | Extremely tiny and very light. They come with a keyring attachment and tiny case, too. | 4/5 |
Value | At this size and price, they’re a rare find – you'd have to spend more or accept bulkier buds to do better. | 4/5 |
The best high-end earbuds for small ears
✅ You want a fantastic look and feel: Just look at them. Sleek, premium, and seriously stylish. And the case is metal, not plastic – cool to the touch and every bit as luxurious as it looks.
✅ You're willing to pay for premium sound: With aptX Adaptive support, these earbuds are built for high-quality audio streams – think Tidal, Qobuz, or Apple Music.
❌ You like fit tests and personalized sound profiles: There’s a solid EQ and ANC here, but no full hearing-test-style personal sound tuning.
❌ You want best-in-class ANC: The ANC does a respectable job at quieting your surroundings, but for a bubble of silence look at the Apple AirPods Pro 2 at #5 instead.
If you like nice things (and there's absolutely nothing wrong with liking nice things), you'll like Montblanc's bijou and beautifully crafted earbuds. There's hi-res codec support – aptX Adaptive, to be precise – and the sound has been tuned by designer (of legendary headphones, including the Sennheiser HD 600) Axel Grell. Yes, it's high-end stuff.
You also get IPX4 water resistance and an app that offers a five band EQ tab, unusual noise cancellation and ambient features and auto-off wearer detection plus a lovely representation of the remaining battery life in each bud.
If you're happy to pay a premium for the quality build, finish and iconic snowcap emblem within earbuds that sound good, I support you – yes, sonically they tick all the boxes for depth and neutrality when listening to higher-resolution music files.
The only fly in the ointment is the MTB 03's noise cancellation, which is good rather than excellent. In lesser-priced earbuds it wouldn't be a huge issue, but for this money one might hope for the near 'bubble of silence' performance you get from the (much bigger) Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Ultra – because the Montblanc buds are priced to compete with the best. And in the battle for quietness, the clear winner is Bose… but as I mentioned above, those earbuds are pretty huge. Montblanc's will work nicely for small ears without sacrificing audio fidelity.
Read our full Montblanc MTB 03 review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
Features | ANC is decent, not standout – but the EQ, companion app, and on-ear controls are all well-executed. | 4/5 |
Sound quality | Balanced and musically coherent, though some rivals edge ahead on clarity and spaciousness. | 4/5 |
Design | Exceptionally crafted with a premium finish – truly top-tier in look and feel. | 5/5 |
Value | Let’s be honest, they’re pricey. You’re paying for luxury, not the best specs-per-pound. | 3.5/5 |
The best small earbuds for budget noise cancellation
✅ You have a Tidal account: Link it through the Sony Headphones Connect app to unlock 360 Reality Audio – Sony’s immersive sound tech, and trust us, it’s worth it.
✅ You’re after top-tier sound for your money: At this price, it’s hard to beat: punchy, fun sound paired with solid ANC makes this one of the best value audio experiences around.
❌ You prioritize on-ear volume control: No luck here – at least not out of the box. Sony says a firmware update will add the option via a multi-tap gesture. If you can go without ANC and still want budget, the JLab JBuds Mini at #2 do offer on-ear controls.
❌ You want auto-pause when you take them out: They don’t offer wear detection, so your music keeps playing when you remove them. A small miss for some, but a dealbreaker for others.
Remember, I have small ears. So believe me when I say that if it's affordable Sony noise-cancelling earbuds you're after and your ears are on the small side, you won't be disappointed with the Sony WF-C700N.
They're not the last word in audiophile-grade sound (you only get standard-quality SBC and AAC codec support rather than anything hi-res, although Sony has included in its entry-level DSEE upscaler to make Spotify tracks sound better) and if you want higher-resolution support in a design that celebrates a smaller ear, you will need to invest more. That said, you do get Sony 360 Reality support here, which is even better if you pay for Tidal – because that music streaming platform has a wealth of content presented in Sony's object-based immersive format.
What you need to know is that they're lovely and small and they simply shouldn't be this good for the money – specifically for sound and active noise cancellation. One key omission on the spec-sheet is auto-off feature when you remove them, but for this money it's a compromise I'm more than happy to make. It's also a shame that you only get one extra charge of them from the case, compared to two or three with most models here, but that's balanced out by them offering excellent longevity in the buds from each charge.
Sony's Headphones Connect app gives you control of the active noise cancellation, including Adaptive Sound Control optimized according to what you're doing – yes, the C700N essentially learn how you tend to use them, then try to get with the schedule, so you can have lighter noise blocking in the office than when travelling. And even then, you can tweak it all in the app. When ANC is on, all but the loudest noises are softened, leaving me genuinely immersed in my playlists. Given the size of the earpieces, it's no mean feat.
Let me note here that the newer Sony WF-C710N are out now, with even better noise cancellation and they have the auto-pause feature I lament the lack of here. However, these earbuds are not available for record-low pricing, making them such a bargain that I'm keeping them in while stocks last, given that I also love the fit.
Read our full Sony WF-C700N review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
Features | There's a superb skillset of features on offer here. It's a shame there's no auto-pause, but it's a minor gripe. | 4.5/5 |
Sound quality | Audio here is agile, energetic and immersive as this money can buy. | 4.5/5 |
Design | These buds are comfortable, compact and supremely functional. | 4/5 |
Value | This is where the smart money goes. You get effective ANC alongside the most exciting and fun audio at this level. | 5/5 |
The best Apple earbuds for smaller ears
✅ You want great sound: They deliver impressive audio and excellent ANC. They lean a toward the safe side, but it’s a consistently enjoyable and immersive listen.
✅ You’re deep in the Apple ecosystem: Own an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or Apple Watch? These shine with seamless switching and tight integration.
❌ You’re looking to save money: They're very well-priced for premium earbuds, actually, but there are still more wallet-friendly options available here, like the Sony WF-C700N at #4 or the JLab JBuds Mini at #2 if you don't mind sacrificing ANC.
❌ You don’t use an iPhone: Android users won’t get the full feature set. Look at the Sony LinkBuds S at #1 for a more Android-friendly experience.
If you're leaning towards an Apple product, there's a reason this particular white stemmed design is so popular these days: it fits most people. And that includes those of us with smaller ears. Now, I don't think AirPods are the best design for smaller-eared wearers, but if it has to be Apple, this is the set I'd advise. Why? Because I find Apple's newer 'open ear' AirPods 4 design (which also comes in a noise-canceling variant) a little too wide for comfort in my smaller ears. Yes, the box is tiny; the driver housing of each bud is less so. Of course, fit is a personal thing and the design is emphatically different, so it's worth trying them, but for me the Pro-suffixed set gets the nod.
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 offer a powerful audio performance plus high-end noise cancellation in a build that's smaller and more lightweight than plenty of the regular competition. OK, they weigh 5.3g, which is a little heavy given the competition specifically within this bijou budded list, but that includes the well-weighted stem, as well as the driver housing. I've called said stem a 'toothbrush head shape' in previous iterations (up to and including the second-gen. Apple AirPods 2019), but here the tail is a little shorter and tapers around slightly to hug your cheek, which aids with a secure fit.
Noise cancellation? It's among the best in the business. Battery life? Not so much; six hours from the buds is distinctly average – although the 30 hours from the charging case is more impressive.
As always with Apple propositions, iPhone owners are the best-served customers here, thanks to unique features such as head-tracked spatial audio, Find My support including ultra-wideband precision location tracking (so your phone will literally point you to your lost buds) and seamless auto-switching between your Apple devices, which is basically the equivalent of multipoint connectivity on more devices than most – but remember, you need an Apple device to enjoy all of this (and ideally all Apple devices).
Read our full Apple AirPods Pro 2 review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
Features | An incredible set of features that work excellently – but only for Apple users, and there's no cross-platform multi-point. | 4.5/5 |
Sound quality | Sound quality is fantastic, as is the ANC. It does play it a little safe, but most people will be delighted with the sonic performance here. | 4.5/5 |
Design | An unmistakably Apple design that's clean, minimal and functional, with a shape that's easy to use and works well with smaller ears. | 4.5/5 |
Value | Lots more feature have been added since their launch, and the price is now regularly falls well below the official price – and all while rivals have become more expensive. | 4.5/5 |
The best wired earbuds for small ears
✅ You like the security of wired buds: Not everyone's top preference these days, but they're a top choice if you have smaller ears and want them wired, too.
✅ You're on a budget: The JLab JBuds Mini at #2 are our top budget pick, but these are the same price. Decide based on whether wired or wireless are for you.
❌ You want top sound and separation: There's power here, but they're not the last word in sonic performance. Consider the Montblanc MTB 03 at #3 if you're looking for excellence.
❌ You need USB-C: They're designed for those folks who haven't left the 3.5mm aux club. For USB-C, take a look at the SoundMagic E80D at #7 below.
If you've ever nosed through an audiophile publication or Reddit thread, you'll likely know about these wildly successful, multi-award winning entry-level wired earbuds. Despite their 2018 release date, they're still serving up magical sound for the level. Note that these are 3.5mm terminated (meaning they use a regular headphone jack) but if you want a USB-C version, that's called the SoundMagic E11D.
For the smaller-eared among us, wires can be attractive for reasons besides their improved sound quality (ditching a Bluetooth connection still means better-quality audio; even an aptX HD connection incurs a degree of 'loss' or compression) because wires tether your precious earbuds to each other – and of course to your source device. Anyone who's ever had to frantically search under their train carriage seat for a popped-out earbud just as they pull into their stop knows the value of this.
But to call the SoundMagic E11C a safe bet for portable audio is to do these wired earbuds a disservice. Yes, their aluminum dark-metallic design makes them look and feel much more expensive than they are when slipped into your ears – but better than that, they sound move expensive too. They're not the final word in sonic brilliance, (bass and treble can both be less-than-totally-refined), but they're impressive for the price, and it's easy to actually hear what you're listening to thanks to good passive noise blocking.
The silver-plated copper cable is coated in TPE and aside from the environmental benefits of this type of coating (it's a kind of thermoplastic rubber that SoundMagic says has “a reduced environmental impact compared to other commonly used plastics") it also means the cable feels durable and doesn't tangle, which anyone who uses Apple's USB-C EarPods will soon appreciate…
Read our full SoundMagic E11C review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
Features | For wired earbuds, their feature list is fine – it's just short. | 3.5/5 |
Sound quality | Good volume levels. Surprisingly impressive noise isolation. Not audiophile-grade sound, but solid considering the design and price. | 4/5 |
Design | Very small. A silver-plated copper cable and a high standard of build and finish. | 4/5 |
Value | Look, feel and sound way better than they should for this low price. | 5/5 |
The best USB-C wired earbuds
✅ You don’t want to spend a fortune on hi-res audio: The SoundMagic E80D offer impressive audio for the price. It’s not premium-tier, but it’s a solid hi-res option without draining your bank account.
✅ You need wired buds that cut some noise: There’s no ANC here, but noise isolation is decent. Most distractions stay out, letting you focus. If you do want ANC, we recommend looking at the wireless Sony WF-C700N at #4 in this guide.
❌ You like your music loud: The E80D don’t reach ear-splitting volume levels, which could disappoint anyone who loves cranking it up to the max.
❌ You want workout-friendly earbuds: Cable noise can be an issue when moving around, making these less ideal for workouts. Consider wireless options instead, like the Sony WF-C510 at #8, which serve up energetic sound, perfect for workouts.
The SoundMagic E80D are excellent value for money, bringing you great sound in a reliable and wired package ready for USB-C phones and laptops. They come with a built-in digital-to-analogue converter (DAC), delivering hi-res audio that's much more detailed than any other pair of budget buds.
This makes them ideal for anyone who wants hi-res audio but doesn't have the high-end budget to match. The SoundMagic E80D might not bring you truly premium sound, but you do get impressive hi-res audio that punch above their price, making them a great option if you want an affordable pair of buds that sound great.
Granted, we found that they don't get very loud in our testing, and you don't get active noise cancellation to compensate for that, but there's solid noise isolation. We found that the E80D keep any surrounding noises low enough in general, so you can stay focused when you're listening to music and podcasts or watching videos.
The SoundMagic E80D have a simple, wired design. During testing, we found that they were comfortable to wear, and the tiny buds size makes them good for the small-eared. We happily kept them in for hours over many times in an office and walking home. They also come with additional ear tips included in small and large sizes, as well as a double-layered option (the default ear tips are standard, medium-sized gels). Whichever ear gels you use, they're also lightweight at 16g.
Read our full SoundMagic E80D review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
Features | Impressive noise isolation, imperfect but functional three-button controller. Otherwise, it's a fairly simple setup here. | 4/5 |
Sound quality | Clear, defined audio, but volume levels a little low. | 4/5 |
Design | Decent look, lightweight, offer a comfortable fit that's perfect for smaller ears. | 4/5 |
Value | Built-in DAC, included case, strong overall design. | 5/5 |
The best small buds without ANC
✅ You like clear, forward audio: If you prefer crisp treble and detailed vocals over heavy bass, these Sonys deliver – especially on acoustic or classical tracks.
✅ You’re on a budget: Affordable and reliable, they’re a great pick if you want solid performance without stretching your spend.
❌ You need ANC: These Sonys skip ANC. You’ll have to rely on passive isolation and ambient mode to manage background noise. Consider Sony WF-C700N at #4 if ANC is a deal-breaker.
❌ You’re heading off-grid: Battery life is solid for daily use, but the case doesn’t hold enough charge for multi-day trips. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 at #5 are the best in this list for charging case power.
Some people want ANC to block the noise of busy offices, flights, or commutes, but not everyone wants it. And why pay for something you won't ever use? Sometimes, it's safer to stay fully aware of your surroundings, and some people even find ANC a little nauseating – no two humans are identical, as we're all aware.
Anyway, my top pick for budget earbuds without ANC is the Sony WF-C510. The keen-eyed will note that they’re similar to the WF-C700N listed above (Sony is a name that's featuring a lot in the realm of bijou buds, isn't it? I don't make the rules; it's just how it is), but nearly half the price, so if you're happy to forego noise-cancellation, there's a bargain to be had here.
You won’t get audiophile-level sound quality, exactly, but the WF-C510 still offer a highly enjoyable listen. This is thanks in part to Sony’s DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine), which aims to open out and upscale compressed audio from streaming services. An edge over other budget options, I think you'll agree.
In our review, we noted: "the buds stuck in my ears like the Abba songs they played stayed stuck in my head." This secure fit is thanks to the "grippy" material on the tips and the lightweight build – just 5g per bud. And the case is another thing about them that's compact and lightweight, though it only offers one extra charge, which is a tad disappointing. Still, with 11 hours of battery life on a single charge, they're still competitive for stamina.
Read our full Sony WF-C510 review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
Features | Great in-bud battery life. No ANC but there is a 'sound control' feature. No wear detection either. | 3.5/5 |
Sound quality | We enjoyed the clean, forward audio on offer here, which is improved by some Sony tech. | 4/5 |
Design | The case is incredibly lightweight and the buds have a pleasing fit and buttons. | 4.5/5 |
Value | These are among the best earbuds you can get at this price. | 5/5 |
How to choose the best smaller earbuds for you
Which earbuds shape is best for small ears?
Short answer: something compact and either teardrop-shaped or pill-shaped, since that's the most ergonomically accurate design for most ears.
That said, I've actually been surprised by the security and fit I've experienced wearing some larger looking earbuds – namely the Technics EAH-AZ80 – which work because attention has been paid to the new 'concha' design. The weight these earbuds carry (a not insubstantial 7g) is well distributed across the housing, so they almost feel as if they hug the ear to stay put.
It's worth noting that some users with smaller ears find an open-ear design is best, since this avoids the issue of achieving a seal – there's no neck of the bud having to fit in your ear canal. Examples of this might be the AirPods 3 (which sit in your ear well or tragus, but don't need to be pushed further into the ear canal) or a completely open-ear design such as the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, which fit almost like an ear cuff.
As always, all ears are different and while we can point you in the right direction, there's going to be a degree of trial and error here. What we can tell you is, there's a set of earbuds out there for you even if you have small ears – and it's well worth experimenting to find them.
Should I consider over-ears instead?
It's a very good question, although the answer, as with so many things, will come down to personal preference and how (or when) you like to listen to your music.
Even five years ago, I might have suggested that if you want an excellent fit and you have very small ears, you probably need to be looking at over-ear headphones, but thanks to incredible advancements in onboard mics, batteries, Bluetooth chipsets (with anti-phase tech for ANC) and driver manufacture, ever-smaller earbuds – with ever-improving spec sheets – are arriving daily.
That said, some people still find the nature of an in-ear design hard to get used to. I've had emails from readers who find almost all earbuds painful, intrusive or even nauseating, regardless of their ear size. Others don't experience any issues at all. We are wonderfully unique, you see.
Do you carry a small bag to work? Earbuds, which can be stored easily in their diminutive case and eve thrown in a pocket, are tempting aren't they? Those big 'don't talk to me' over-ears need a bigger tote bag at the very least.
My advice, as always, is not to rush this purchase. You and your earbuds will be spending a lot of time together, after all. Ask yourself which listening style best suits your lifestyle as well as your physicality, read our reviews and, if you have the time, visit a bricks-and-mortar store to try your shortlisted options on before you buy.
Are there any earbuds I should avoid if I have smaller ears?
OK, real talk. Leading on from the point above, earbuds are only getting smaller now. Since their arrival not yet a decade ago, manufacturers are seemingly in a race to squirrel drivers, batteries, spatial audio processing and mics into ever decreasing true wireless earpieces. Take the 2015 Onkyo W800BT, the first widely available true wireless earbuds proposition. Each earbud came in at 8.5g – impressive at the time, huge by today's standards (consider the 3.3g earpiece JLab has offered with the 2023 JBuds Mini for reference).
What I'm saying is, it pays to look for newer products since brands typically seek to better previous offerings with each fresh iteration – and size is a great spec to start with.
Some people find Bose's QuietComfort Earbuds 2 and newer Earbuds Ultra (a very similar proposition physically, at least) a little on the bulky side. That said, others think Bose's unique ear tips, which cover the whole housing rather than just the neck of the bud, particularly secure.
Again, you need to find what works for you.
How we test the best earbuds for small ears
☑️ More than 2,400 audio products reviewed
☑️ 15 years of product testing
☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total
☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech
Each and every year, we test scores of earbuds at TechRadar, which means we know precisely which perks, features, specs and earbud weights stand out as unusual and remarkable – and naturally, we recognize excellent sound-per-pound value when we hear it. Read our full guide about how we test earbuds. Otherwise, here are the essentials we're looking out for:
Audio performance testing: We test the audio performance using myriad musical genres and by streaming from several reference sources (including the gamut of music streaming services, plus downloaded music from dedicated hi-res audio players). We ask reviewers to start with a particular playlist, to ensure a clear comparison point across all of our writers, who will then dig into their personally preferred musical choices to get into the nuance of each pair of earbuds. Our consistent playlist is available publicly, with notes on what to listen for, if you want to try at home.
ANC: To test active noise cancellation and transparency modes, we use real-world environments such as public transport, our own bustling offices, flights or traffic in cities.
Rigorous real-world testing: We put our all into what we do (if it's fitness earbuds we're testing, you'd better believe we're out there running that 5k over lunch) and we're truly confident that our star-rated reviews are the best indication of the quality and comfort of the earbuds in this list.
Design and comfort: We always pay special attention to how a pair of earbuds look and how they feel in all sorts of environments. But this is a key consideration in this guide, as we want to be sure our recommendations are best suited for those with smaller ears and have struggled to find the correct fit or right amount of stability in the past.
Comparison: We arrive at the fully star-rated verdicts within our reviews by comparing the capabilities (including comfort, sound quality, features, battery life, overall design, noise cancellation and spatial audio processing) of each set of each set of earbuds not just in isolation, but against the very best reference sets at the level – and by 'level' we mean 'for around the same price'. Our reason for being is to know the best product at each price-point, so whether you have $1,500 or $15 to spend, we want you to buy the best thing within your budget.
The latest updates to this guide
May 23, 2025
Added 'Buy it if' and 'Don't buy it if' sections to each entry so readers can get a quick look at which devices are right for them. Also added scorecards under each entry, based on our expert testing.
February 17, 2025
Checked all products against our latest reviews and for current availability. Removed Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro due to lack of stock. Expanded information about how we test earbuds.
December 16, 2024
Rewrote the intro to this guide. Added the new Sony LinkBuds Fit and JLab Go Pop ANC to this guide within the relevant product entries to explain why they haven't yet superseded the models here.
October 17, 2024
Added the Sony WF-C510 as a cheap no-ANC option, updated the intro to reflect our choices and updated copy throughout.
July 1, 2024
Checked all products against our latest reviews. Added the Soundmagic E80D as the best USB-C wired option.
30 March, 2024
This guide was created, to help people choose the best earbuds for wearers with small ears, right now.