The best earbuds I recommend for every budget, all TechRadar tested
By Becky Scarrott
PUBLISHED 07 May 2026
We pride ourselves on our independence and rigorous real-world testing process, so you can trust every one of the 1,600+ reviews we publish each year
TechRadar’s expert team has been testing the best earbuds since 2006, reviewing more than 300 pairs along the way. In my time here, I’ve reviewed more than 170 audio products myself. These days, I can barely keep up with the stream of new models landing on my desk – and I test quickly. The upside is the market is now more affordable, competitive and varied than ever, which is great news if you're buying.
With that much choice, it's not always easy to decide. But every pair of earbuds in this guide has been thoroughly tested as part of TechRadar's rigorous earbuds testing process and awarded a full star-rated review. I don’t just want you to get a decent pair, I want you to get the best your budget allows.
Right now, my top wireless pick are the Technics EAH-AZ100 buds, which deliver excellent sound quality and triple-device multipoint connectivity. On a tighter budget, the Nothing Ear (a) buds often drop well under $100/£100. Or, for something every so slightly more upmarket, our latest mid-range buds of choice - the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 - are seriously difficult to beat when it comes to offering a near-premium audio experience for less.
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Why you can trust TechRadar's choices
Every pair of earbuds in this guide has been thoroughly tested by TechRadar – guided and assigned by me, Becky Scarrott, TechRadar's Audio Editor. I work with our Managing Editor for Entertainment, Matt Bolton, to craft our buying guides, and between us we have decades of combined experience in the audio tech industry.
We worked closely with our expert reviewers on a process that combines objective and comparative testing, including ANC performance, clarity, and battery longevity, with the all-important subjective listening experience, because we know you can't judge how earbuds truly sound or feel based on numbers alone.
May 7, 2026
Moved some products around, including the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 which has been renamed to 'best premium' and moved further up the list. We've also added the Shokz OpenFit Pro as our new 'best open earbuds' sitter, and added the EarFun Clip 2 to our 'also tested' section.
The best earbuds of 2026
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you're buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best earbuds in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
The best earbuds overall
✅ You need the best sound around: Like their older siblings, there’s nothing artificial about the way the Technics EAH-AZ100 sound; they offer a convincingly detailed and dynamic listen whatever music we feed them.
✅ You want to switch between devices: Triple-point connectivity is a world-first in a product like this, and it’s brilliantly convenient
❌ You need earbuds that last long into the night: Even at its best, the battery life available here is nothing special, though it's not bad.
❌ You need the ultimate in ANC: There are many less-capable noise-cancelling earbuds, but if silence is imperative look to the Bose buds at #4 on this list.
The 2025-issue Technics EAH-AZ100 buds feel premium (because they are), are packed with features, offer triple-point connectivity, a lovely small earpiece and a sound that really needs to be heard to be believed in a wireless design.
In pretty much every aspect we tested, the Technics EAH-AZ100 made a rock-solid case for themselves, solidifying Technics' spot at the top of the wireless earbuds tree. They look excellent, their control options work flawlessly, comfort is impressive, and they sound engaging, exciting and thoroughly musical. From their thorough specification (which covers everything from adaptive ANC to Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity with LDAC compatibility) to a design that's smaller, lighter and yet somehow no less premium in look and feel to their slightly bigger EAH-AZ80 siblings, the Technics EAH-AZ100 are ready to do battle – and for us, they win out in almost every respect.
Unless you prefer stellar battery life or bubble-of-silence noise-cancellation over top-tier sound quality, the EAH-AZ100 are the real deal. One other thing of note while we're on the topic of noise cancelling: we'd advise keeping it switched on to get the best quality audio (and here we assure you, you won't be disappointed). Switch ANC off and the punchy, beautifully-handled low frequencies somehow lose a modicum of bite and substance somehow, which is why they didn't achieve the full five stars despite their considerable sonic talents, comfort and features.
Read our full Technics EAH-AZ100 review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Sound quality | Balanced, vibrant and detailed, but low frequencies do lose some substance with ANC off. | 4.5/5 |
Fit & comfort | Small, light and five ear tips ensure a perfect fit, you'll also find responsive voice and touch controls. | 5/5 |
Value | Premium buds through and through with tactile materials, let down only with ANC turned off, which isn't a deal-breaker. | 4.5/5 |
The best budget earbuds
✅ You want strong noise cancellation: At this price, this is the best noise-blocking power we've heard.
✅ You're serious about sound: These are a fun and responsive set of buds, with wireless hi-res support via LDAC as a bonus.
❌ You really want spatial audio: It's not here, but the similarly priced Sony WF-C710N will give it to you (well, those offer Sony 360 Reality support)
❌ You need a big battery life: The 5.5-hour battery with ANC is not very impressive – the Sony earbuds mentioned above offer up to 7.5 hours.
The Nothing Ear (a) rocketed the company from being an audio also-ran to 'these are the best value buds you can get for the price' – and that goes double following reductions in price. As an added bonus, they're available in black, white or a fun yellow color too.
They were our top mid-range pick here for a while, but they've since fallen in price, which means you can now find them for around $75/£65 and sometimes even less. As I wrote in my review: "For the money, Nothing has tweaked its recipe to near perfection here" – the sound is as detailed and agile as you could want from earbuds at this price, and is great fun to listen to.
The noise cancellation is as good as I've tested for the price. You also get smart features such as wearer detection (to auto-pause them when you take them out), multi-point pairing for instant switching between devices, a Find My mode and LDAC higher-res support over Bluetooth. The only thing missing is device agnostic spatial audio, but that's hardly standard on very affordable buds even now, is it?
The 5.5-hour battery life is the only element that's a tad below average, honestly, but I think we can totally live with that – though if you want longer, look at the Sony WF-C710N.
While I'm mentioning other buds, it's worth flagging that these have been superseded by the Nothing Ear (3). The newer set are very good (yes, I reviewed them too), but they're almost double the price. What I'm trying to say is that it's tough to justify the extra outlay when the Ear (a) – the model you're looking at here – exist.
Read our full Nothing Ear (a) review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Sound quality | As meaty, fun, zealous and accurate as this money buys – even then they're excellent value. | 4/5 |
Fit & comfort | Extremely comfortable to wear in a small and pocketable design. They're also very fun and stylish to look at. | 5/5 |
Value | Solid sound-per-pound value here, especially considering you can now find them much cheaper than they were at launch. | 5/5 |
The best mid-range earbuds
✅ You're after a brilliant AirPods alternative: Whether you're an Android user or simply after a cheaper mid-range alternative, the FreeBuds Pro 5 punch well above their weight.
✅ You want a premium touch for less: From sound and build quality to ANC and battery life, the FreeBuds Pro 5 offer a close to premium experience at a mid-range rate.
❌ You want lossless audio: The FreeBuds Pro 5 do support lossless audio, but only with Huawei phones. If you have one of those, you're golden. If not, and you absolutely desire lossless, a pair like the Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 would be a better fit.
❌ You're not keen on that stem design: The long stems of the Freebuds Pro 5 are definitely an acquired taste. You might want to consider our best overall choice - the Technics EAH-AZ100 - if you'd prefer something more compact.
It's somewhat of a miracle that the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 fly as close to the sun as they do while also keeping their wings. It can be difficult to find premium-feeling and sounding earbuds at a more wallet-friendly mid-range price, but that's exactly what the Chinese brand has managed here.
These are easily Huawei's best earbuds to date, offering fantastic well-rounded audio and some of the best ANC at this price point. In terms of sound quality, there's an especially impressive low-end here; even the included bass boost mode serves to enhance that presence without muddying the overall soundscape. Beyond the lows, audio quality is impressively clear throughout, too, handling layered vocals and instrumentation with clarity.
There have been numerous upgrades to build quality, too. The satin-esque finish of the charging case feels sublime in the hands, and the buds themselves are impressively durable. They're even ideal for workouts or muggier conditions with an IP57 waterproof rating.
Are there any compromises, then? Well, there are some nitpicks to be had, for sure. The buds do support lossless audio, but rather bizarrely, only with Huawei devices. That's understandable to a degree, but definitely a shame if you wanted to enjoy lossless tunes on your device of choice. Battery life with the buds is decent, at roughly 6.5 with ANC enabled, and 8 with it off. The case, however, offers an extra 38 hours of charge which is brilliant.
Read our full Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Sound quality | Incredible audio clarity for the price with rich lower ends being a particular highlight. | 4.5/5 |
Fit & comfort | A premium build and fit that almost betrays its mid-range price point. | 5/5 |
Value | Near-premium-level audio and build quality at a price that'll make you double take. | 5/5 |
The best premium earbuds
✅ Audio quality is important to you: Wonderful sound with great noise cancellation; if you want one of the best listening experiences from a pair of buds, you'll find it here.
✅ You want good travel buds: You can connect the case to any wired source, including in-flight movie systems, and it beams the sound to the buds. Convenient!
❌ You'd like to try spatial audio: The sound here is fantastic, but there's no spatial audio. If you've been keen to try it, look elsewhere.
❌ You want lots of on-ear controls: You'll have to decide if you want on-ear volume control or access to ANC options, not both.
Looking for the closest you'll get to sonic excellence in a pair of true wireless earbuds with the key mod cons? Meet the exceptionally accomplished Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 buds. Let's begin with the sound, which is outstanding. In every conceivable way, including musicality, balance and dynamic nuance, you're getting best-in-class audio. As you'd expect, higher quality streams from the likes of Qobuz and Apple Music sounded exceptional, but I rate these B&W buds for making the most of every music source they can get. In my review, I wrote: "everything was served up with a flourish" whether that was high-res audio files or Spotify tracks.
Noise cancellation is at the same impeccably high standard. As I said upon reviewing them: "That cocooned feeling of leaving the outside world behind kicked straight in but without any sense of wind-tunnel nausea or my eardrums being unceremoniously sucked into a vacuum." This is thanks to B&W's accomplished audio tech, as well as an incredibly snug and comfortable fit, creating the perfect seal for the ANC to work its magic.
Another nice added feature is that the charging case can double as a wireless audio re-transmitter in aptX Adaptive transmission (up to 24-bit/96kHz quality). What this means is you can plug it into a non-Bluetooth source (most usefully an in-flight entertainment system) and the audio will be transmitted to the buds. This makes them an excellent choice for long flights.
The buds are available in several color options, all with a premium matte plastic finish that, as I said at the time, "seems to murmur 'I'm expensive' when you pluck them from their small, pebble-shaped case." As well as looking delightful, they're among the most comfortable buds I've ever tested. This is down to B&W putting in considerable efforts into this particular redesign, and the result is buds that have very well distributed weight and require zero twisting or adjusting – this is extremely rare, even among the best buds I've trialled.
These buds are incredibly close to perfect. Battery life is a little average at 6.5 hours from the buds and a further 13.5 hours from the case, but it's a worthy sacrifice for everything else you get here. Which is excellent, high-quality audio in a comfortable and premium build. If audio quality is your top priority and you've got some cash to invest, these are the buds for you.
Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Sound quality | Genuinely some of the best sound we've ever heard from wireless buds – impossible to beat. | 5/5 |
Fit & comfort | A very comfortable fit that didn't require any twisting or faffing, at least in our experience. | 5/5 |
Value | You don't get all of the bells and whistles, like hearing tests, but if sound is your priority, which it should be, the value here is great. | 4.5/5 |
The best earbuds for noise cancellation
✅ You want best-in-class ANC: They deliver the most impressive bubble-of-silence noise cancellation we’ve heard in earbuds – even better than the previous model.
✅ You enjoy head-tracked, immersive audio: Choose between fixed or moving spatial sound, paired with your preferred ANC level, for a truly tailored listening experience.
❌ You already own the Ultras: If wireless charging, a new color, and a slight ANC upgrade don’t excite you then you can skip this refresh.
❌ You need long battery life: Battery performance is fine, but rivals like the Technics EAH-AZ100 at the top of this list last significantly longer.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) are my pick for the best noise-cancelling earbuds in this guide, and for good reason. They take the place of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds that came before them and although they perhaps don't add enough to justify an upgrade if you do already have the originals, for everyone else the second iteration is a much better proposition.
So let's start with the ANC, because these buds are great in other ways, but it's the bubble-of-silence ANC that truly sets them apart from the rest. It really is best-in-class – particularly on Android (Apple's newest AirPods Pro 3 are excellent in this department too and even add a fair few features, but only if you're a newer iPhone owner). Rivals at this level might come close, but can't beat them on ANC alone.
There are also different ANC 'modes' to choose from. The same level of battery life is carried over from the originals, which is 6 hours from the buds and 24 hours from the case. However, Bose adds wireless charging this time, as well as a new deep plum colorway.
These buds deliver fantastic audio. In my review, I noted that they're particularly suited to music lovers who want zealous, powerful audio quality – the kind of tuning that delivers an emotional listen. There are also excellent mics for call handling and another top selling point is the immersive, head-tracked audio. You get to choose whether you want your own personal surround-sound performance fixed or moving, and in conjunction with whatever level of ANC you want. They do miss a few features though, including LDAC support.
Design-wise, they're very similar-looking to the older model. One key difference is an 'embedded ear wax guard', which prevents any of the stuff produced naturally by our ears finding its way beyond the casework and into the driver housings. During testing, I didn't have an issue with this, or the fit and comfort; they were stable enough to shake my head, run, go upside down in an aerial silks class – and a fit test ensures you get the best fit and seal so that ANC performs at its best. Then again, the earpieces are still on the larger side, so worth noting if you've got very small ears (and my guide to the best earbuds for small ears is worth a look there) .
They're certainly not cheap, but then we'd never expect a bargain from Bose, especially with noise-nixing this good. Having said that, they might be expensive but they are excellent value if ANC is your top priority. They genuinely cannot be beaten.
Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Sound quality | Immersive audio is wildly fun and engaging but even with all profiles off, the sound is zealous and powerful. | 5/5 |
Fit & comfort | Maybe a little bulky for some still, but there's a good fit test and we found them to be secure and comfortable during testing. | 4.5/5 |
Value | For ANC, they're excellent value as it's best-in-class here. But they're not exactly cheap. | 4.5/5 |
The best earbuds for Apple features
✅ You're into fitness: They track your heart rate, you can ask Siri about your workout and you get Apple's Fitness+ for free if you're not subscribed already.
✅ You want the quietest possible experience: If you've got an iPhone and you want that incredible 'bubble of silence' ANC experience, it doesn't get better than this.
❌ You use Android: Yes, they're packed with features. But step outside of the Apple ecosystem and many of those great features vanish.
❌ You want all-day listening: Battery life here is fine. But even though it's improved over the Pro 2 buds, rivals still go further.
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are truly excellent earbuds and the best choice for Apple fans, provided they've a) got the money, and b) got a new Apple Intelligence-supporting iPhone. Active noise cancellation is one of their standout features. The Pro 2 were already great, but ANC has been boosted here to deliver double the bubble – of silence, that is. As I said in my in-depth review, they're "almost scarily good at sucking the noise out of your ear", but without the vacuum effect some solutions fall foul of.
They also include a built-in heart rate monitor, which is great news for fitness fans, plus live translation via Apple Intelligence (again, on newer iPhones) that is extremely useful – and quick – once you've got it set up correctly. As always with Apple's audio tech, you'll need to use them with an iPhone to unlock everything as Apple wants it. Pair them with anything else and you'll be limited to the basics.
Like the Pro 2, battery life is fine (and it is improved here), but can be beaten by rivals in this list. You'll now get up to eight hours with ANC on, dropping to around 6.5 hours with heat-rate tracking. The case is a tiny bit bigger than the previous version and, annoyingly for some, loses the handy reset button – you now have to double-tap the front of the case to do this, which isn't as easy as it sounds. But both buds and case now have an IP57 rating for better durability, which is both unusual and commendable.
Audio performance is frankly fantastic, with an expansive, exuberant soundstage and beautifully textured, three-dimensional vocals. And Apple's own brand of head-tracked Spatial Audio remains one of the company's most impressive tricks – especially with movies. Granted, they're not the last word in detail and neutrality, but that's not the point.
The AirPods Pro 3 are the perfect choice for iPhone users who want the full Apple feature set – and will actually use it, although the AirPods Pro 2 are still well worth considering. With the Pro 3 now out, you can expect some tempting discounts during upcoming sales events.
Read our full Apple AirPods Pro 3 review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Sound quality | Awesome sound quality here. It's zealous and powerful. Immersive audio is backed by exceptional ANC, | 4.5/5 |
Fit & comfort | A functional, easy-to-use shape that's been tweaked over previous versions. There are extra ear tips, making them a solid choice for smaller ears. | 4.5/5 |
Value | Packed with high-end features and ANC is the best you'll find for iPhone – though you will need to be locked into the Apple ecosystem. | 4.5/5 |
The best earbuds for Samsung features
✅ You have a Samsung phone: Tailor-made for Samsung smartphones, the features and app here make the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro your phone's best companion.
✅ You're after superb ANC: The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro excel at eliminating background noise. They're perfect if you frequent noisy environments.
❌ You want a pair of workout-friendly buds: One of the few downsides here, the relatively unreliable fit, makes the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro a poor choice for runners or gym enjoyers.
❌ You want all-day listening: Battery life here is acceptable, but falls short of even some cheaper models like the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5.
Let's not beat around the bush; if you own a Samsung phone, there are no better companions for audio than the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. They're practically tailor-made for your device, with a robust app that unlocks in-depth noise cancellation settings, and ancillary features like head gestures and Bixby integration.
These buds sound fantastic, and it's thanks to the tweeter and woofer drivers which both have their own dedicated amplifiers. That means you're getting wonderfully crunchy bass and impressively clear mids and highs for a detailed, rich soundscape across the board.
Value does diminish somewhat if you don't have a Samsung phone. In this case, you'll lose access to high-res audio options found in the buds' dedicated settings. Like the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5, this is another case of missing out if you don't already own the right hardware which is a bit of a shame.
On a more positive note, build quality is brilliant. The buds have seen a redesign, and they're wonderfully svelte and lightweight here. The comfort factor is high, too, though we did find they're best used in stationary environments where you're not moving around too much. That's because the fit is relatively insecure compared to some rivals. They won't be constantly falling out of your ears, but there's a chance they'll shake loose if you're a runner or on the move during a busy commute.
Quibbles aside, enhanced features and dedicated Samsung features are consistently making Galaxy Buds products harder to ignore, and that's reached a peak with the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. Like the AirPods Pro 3 for Apple devices, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro should absolutely be your first consideration if you want detailed high-res audio and robust customization and settings on your Samsung phone.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Sound quality | Fantastic across the board, especially if you have access to a Samsung phone and the enhanced audio features therein. | 4.5/5 |
Fit & comfort | A lovely lightweight design pairs with a high comfort factor. It's a shame that they can be a bit slippery, though. | 4/5 |
Value | You're getting superb audio and build quality for the price, but value diminishes somewhat if you're not teaming the buds with a Samsung device. | 3.5/5 |
The best open earbuds
✅ You prefer hearing your surroundings: Shokz’s noise reduction mode softens background noise enough for clearer calls and podcasts, while still letting you hear what’s going on around you — ideal if you need awareness while out and about.
✅ You wear earbuds for hours at a time: With a lightweight build and ear hook design, the OpenFit Pro sits comfortably for hours, even during workouts.
❌ You're on a budget: As open earbuds go, the OpenFit Pro are on the pricier side. The value is incredible here, but you'll be paying a lot more up front.
❌ You're not keen on peaky treble: While EQs can be modified, the buds' treble register is a bit on the eager side by default. Not a huge deal, and certainly doesn't make audio sound bad. But something to be aware of nonetheless.
Open earbuds have come a long way in recent years and the Shokz OpenFit Pro are among the best examples we've seen yet. They're pricey, but for runners, cyclists, and regular gym goers, they're one of the finest companions you can bring out with you.
We have to shout about the OpenFit Pro's noise reduction feature. It's not ANC, so it doesn't completely blot out background noise. Instead, it dims loud surrounding noises such as traffic or busy streets, giving you just enough to give you situational awareness and peace of mind, while still ensuring your audio is front of the queue.
Sound quality is surprisingly lively for an open design. The OpenFit Pro delivers crisp detail and a wide, roomy soundstage, especially when you dial in one of the five EQ presets in the companion app.
There’s a slight peakiness in the treble that can make some tracks sound a bit sharp, but vocals cut through, and Dolby Atmos-powered spatial audio adds a real sense of immersion absent from most open rivals. Bass is super strong here, too, which we think is ideal for those more intense workouts. Or, you know, if you just enjoy your audio with a side of punch.
Oh, and the cherry on top of all this? Stupendous battery life. With noise reduction off, you'll get roughly 12 hours on a single charge; the case providing an extra 50 or so. Though if you do want to make use of the noise reduction feature, you'll still get around 6-7 hours which isn't necessarily class-leading, but more than enough for a day out at the gym.
Read our full Shokz OpenFit Pro review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Sound quality | Superb noise reduction and Dolby Atmos support are great here. It's just treble that's a slight letdown. | 4.5/5 |
Fit & comfort | Incredibly lightweight and comfortable. You may even forget you're wearing them. | 4.5/5 |
Value | On the pricier side, but with sound quality and features to match. | 4.5/5 |
The best cheap USB C earbuds
✅ You want surprisingly good sound at a low price: Don't be fooled by their cheap price; the Sennheiser CX 80U offer fantastic audio for the price with clear mids and thumping bass.
✅ You want a cheap pair that still looks good: There's a classy minimalist look here that might lead you to believe the CX 80U cost more than they actually do.
❌ You like to have control: There are no volume control settings directly on the earbuds themselves, so you'll need to rely on your on-device settings for that.
❌ You want something waterproof: The CX 80Us aren't the best fit for poor weather conditions, cardio sessions, and the like.
We'd almost fall over ourselves in recommending the Sennheiser CX 80U USB-C earbuds. It's rare that such an affordable pair ticks all the boxes to a more than impressive degree, but the brand has managed exactly that here.
This is a true value-for-money product, offering great sound quality with surprisingly rich, detailed bass and crystal clear mids. Overall, it's some of the best sound quality we've heard at this low price point, and it's an easy recommendation if you're after something cheap and robust.
Available for $39.95 / £34.99 (around AU$57), the Sennheiser CX 80U are a classy pair, too. There's a great minimalist look here, and the metallic band wrapped around each earbud is a really nice touch. There's nothing goofy or cheap-looking about these budget-oriented earbuds.
The only notable drawbacks are some slightly tinny audio during phone calls, and there are no volume controls on the buds themselves, so you'll be relying on your phone or device of choice for that. But otherwise, this is a seriously impressive budget product that we can't recommend enough.
Read our full Sennheiser CX 80U review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Sound quality | Expect solid all-round audio here, which is good for the price and design – though it does sound a little thin at times. | 3.5/5 |
Fit & comfort | A sleek design that doesn't sacrifice comfort. Expect some cable noise though, which can be frustrating. | 4/5 |
Value | You get all the essentials here. Decent sound, a clean look and clear mic at a pretty low price. | 4.5/5 |
The best earbuds: score comparison table
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Sound quality | Fit & comfort | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
Technics EAH-AZ100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
Nothing Ear (a) | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
Apple AirPods Pro 3 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 3.5/5 |
Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
Shokz OpenFit Pro | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
Sennheiser CX 80U | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
Other earbuds we've tested
If our top picks aren't quite what you're after, you might find something to love below. Here, we've put together a list of honorable mentions, or earbuds that used to feature in this guide before being dethroned.
Activo Q1 hybrid IEM headphones: Part of the Astell & Kern high-end audio brand, these Activo buds are a fantastic option for audiophiles, but are a little specialist for this guide. If audio quality is a top priority for you, and you don’t mind paying for it, read our Activo Q1 hybrid IEM headphones review.
Activo Volcano: From Astell & Kern’s lifestyle sub-brand, these wired IEMs offer punchy bass, versatile connectivity, and a premium build – all at a price that’s surprisingly accessible (by A&K standards, anyway). For most people, they’re well worth a look – check out our Active Volcano review for the full breakdown.
Anker Soundcore AeroClip: Another strong contender for the best open earbuds pick. These Anker buds clip around your ear rather than sitting in or over it. We were impressed by both the sound quality and the fit, and while we think the Huawei FreeArc in the list are better value overall, this are our favorite affordable clip earbuds at the time of their release. Still, they’re well worth a look, check out our full Anker Soundcore AeroClip review for all the details.
Apple AirPods 4: We've reviewed Apple's cheaper AirPods 4, and found them to be… fine. They have fun and full audio quality, improved comfort, and great spatial audio – but they're lacking in detail and are a bit too expensive for their quality level. We explore it in-depth in our full AirPods 4 review.
Apple AirPods Pro 2: They were our top pick for Apple fans until the Pro 3s came out. But you know what? They're still an excellent choice. Especially considering they're an older model now so likely to be heavily discounted during the big sales events. Take a look at our full Apple AirPods Pro 2 review for all of the details.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024): Our full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) review raves about the noise cancellation and general sound quality here. The only drawbacks being the chunky case and lack of higher-res codecs. They may be a better option to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds for sheer bang-for-buck – if you want the best ANC for a mid-range price, consider these.
Bowers & Wilkins Pi6: There’s little wrong with these B&W buds – they sound great and have a lovely build – but it’s all about the competition, as there are similar options at the same price in this guide with more features and better connectivity. Read our Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 review.
Cambridge Audio Melomania A100: Once champion of our 'best mid-range' section, they're a little long in the tooth nowadays, but the Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 still offer incredibly energetic audio, great noise cancellation, and the sultry voice prompts of Matt Berry make for a fun extra touch. Read our full Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 review.
Earfun Clip 2: A really solid choice if you're looking for an affordable pair of open earbuds. Hi-res audio support and a cool AI translation feature make this model stand out, as does the comfy fit. Build quality could be better, though, and you'll likely have to do a bit of EQ fiddling to really get the best out of its sound quality. Check out our Earfun Clip 2 review for the full picture.
Edifier LolliClip: If you like the idea of open earbuds but you're not sure which to choose, these clip-on buds are a fun option. You get impressive sound and even some noise-cancelling. As you'll see in our Edifier LolliClip review, they also stand out with health-tracking features, like heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring. They fall short on EQ settings and app support, but overall they’re a unique alternative.
JLab Go Pop ANC: For a very cheap pair of buds that also (surprisingly!) deliver ANC, these from JLab are a great option. Take a look at our JLab Go Pop ANC review to find out why we rate them so highly.
JBL Live Beam 3: A handy on-case screen pairs with truly excellent battery life. Audio is no slouch either, as you'll find if you read our full JBL Live Beam 3 review.
Shure SE215: As you’ll see in our Shure SE215 review, these Shure wired earbuds are a very strong choice, with impressive bass. They might not beat the 1More buds in the list above in every respect for overall bang-for-buck, but if noise isolation is a priority, we’d recommend taking a look at them as alternatives.
Skullcandy Set USB-C: A cheap but reliable wired USB-C pair that are ideal if you need an affordable pick-up for work, study, or commutes. Audio is by no means top tier, but these certainly get the job done at their low price point. Read our full Skullcandy Set USB-C review for more info.
Sony WF-1000XM6: The long-awaited XM6 buds are here and they're quite a big deal. Overall, they're good – take a look at our Sony WF-1000XM6 review for the details. However, they're just not that good in 2026 owing to the lack of device (and service) agnostic spatial audio support and middling ANC.
Sony WF-C510: These Sony buds were our best budget pick before they were replaced by the Nothing Ear (a). As you'll see from our Sony WF-C510 review, they’re still a solid affordable option, offering clear sound support for Sony’s 360 Reality Audio, and an impressive 11 hours of battery life. However, with no ANC on board, the Ear (a) just edge them out overall – but the Sony are cheaper, so if you want something even lower-priced, we love them.
Sony WF-C710N: If you're in the market for affordable buds, take a look at our Sony WF-C710N review because they're a solid choice. ANC is the star of the show here – especially considering the price – but everything else is done well too.
Status Audio Pro X: Look, if you just want excellent audio, these buds are well worth considering. However, they're a little light on features and everything else to be deserving of a place in this guide. If that doesn't matter so much and you love a premium design, read our full Status Audio Pro X review.
Meet the team
Our audio tech team put hundreds of pairs to the test in a range of environments in order to determine if they're worth recommending or not. How do we know what to look for? Because we've collectively got years (make that decades) of experience reviewing all sorts of headphones, from expensive, noise-cancelling buds that block out the world to budget earbuds that are cheap and cheerful.
Becky Scarrott is the Audio Editor at TechRadar. She first joined the TechRadar audio team in 2022 as a Senior Staff Writer and has focused on all things audio and hi-fi since. Before joining the team, she worked for more than three years at What Hi-Fi? where she tested all of the latest audio tech devices, from affordable earbuds to high-end sound systems. Becky also has an MA in journalism.
Matt Bolton is the Managing Editor for Entertainment at TechRadar. In this role, he heads up the site’s movie and TV show coverage. He also oversees everything we write about headphones, soundbars, speakers and televisions. Matt has more than 10 years of experience in tech journalism before joining the team at TechRadar. He was the editor of T3 magazine and has written for MacLife, PC Gamer, Digital Camera World, Edge, PC Plus, MacFormat and many more.
Simon Lucas has been working as a tech journalist for more than 20 years. Throughout that time he's written about many different devices and industries with a focus on the audio and video tech that makes up your home entertainment system. Before going freelance, Simon was editor of What Hi-Fi? magazine and whathifi.com. He's also written for Wired, Metro, the Guardian, HiFi+, GQ and more.
Harry is one of TechRadar's Reviews Staff Writers. During his time on the team, he has reviewed all sorts of devices, covering everything from fun party speakers to the best portable battery packs. He particularly enjoys testing audio tech and gaming devices. Before joining the TechRadar team, Harry worked as a journalist covering innovation and sustainability.
How to choose the best earbuds
Two important things to consider when you’re choosing new earbuds is what you want to listen to and where you want to listen to it.
For example, if you like fairly quiet music and want to listen on the bus or train, you'll need effective noise cancellation.
If you're looking for a pair of the best running headphones, you should look for IPX4 water-resistance so they can withstand sweat and rain. Some of the top waterproof earbuds can even be used for swimming. The best bone-conducting headphones are popular for fitness fans too, because they don't block outside sounds.
If you're going to be wearing your earbuds for long periods, then comfort and weight are a top priority.
We’ve included both wired and wireless earbuds on this list, but you don't have to compromise on audio quality by going wire-free – the B&W Pi8 above are proof of that. If you do opt for wireless or true wireless earbuds, make sure the battery life is up to scratch, otherwise you may find yourself caught short without any music in the middle of your commute.
The best earbuds for you should sound good to your ears. Which means if you're a dedicated audiophile, look for buds that support Hi-Res Audio codecs, like LDAC and aptX HD Bluetooth for stellar connectivity.
We also recommend you consider your budget. If you want cheap earbuds you may have to sacrifice features, like ANC or a long battery life. It’s all about weighing up what’s more important to you.
Finally, the brand you choose will depend on what you're looking for – but we're careful with our lists. That means all of the earbuds and in-ear headphones above come from brands we trust. Still, if you're not sure where to start looking, respected brands like Sony, Apple, Cambridge Audio, Jabra, and Nura are good places to start.
Are earbuds waterproof?
Some are, but not all of them. Always check the IP rating. Many modern earbuds are water- and sweat-resistant to a point, which means they’re fine for workouts or getting caught in the rain but wouldn't survive a dip in a pool.
Look for ratings like IPX4 (mostly splash-resistant) or IPX7 (can survive full submersion) in our best waterproof headphones guide if you need something more rugged. Just remember that even waterproof buds often have cases that aren’t water-resistant.
Do earbuds emit radiation?
Sort of. But it’s very low-level and considered completely safe. Wireless earbuds use Bluetooth, which is a wireless technology that emits non-ionizing radiation (that's the same type used in Wi-Fi and mobile phones).
There’s currently no solid evidence that Bluetooth radiation from earbuds is harmful and it's far below the safety limits set by global health organizations.
What earbuds have the best bass?
If you love deep, punchy bass, then look for models specifically tuned for low-end performance. We commented on the solid bass from the Technics EAH-AZ100, Apple AirPods Pro 3, Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, and Nothing Ear (a) buds above, so take your pick depending on your other preferences.
If bass is a priority, then we'd also recommend that you look for earbuds that let you adjust EQ settings in their companion apps. That way you can dial in the exact sort of thump you want.
Do earbuds damage hearing?
Well, they can if you were to listen at high volumes for a very long time. Prolonged exposure to loud audio in any form is one of the leading causes of hearing loss, especially if you were to use earbuds that sit close to your ear canal.
However, it's worth mentioning that using noise-cancelling earbuds can actually help protect your ears, because you won’t need to crank up the volume to block out the world quite as much, and they can stop loud outside sounds from damaging your ears.
A good rule we've heard experts recommend is to listen at around 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time – though most earbuds here, you probably won't need the volume that high.
Do earbuds have microphones?
Yes, most modern earbuds – especially most of the wireless ones we're recommending here – come with built-in microphones.
But don't be spooked. These microphones are essential for phone calls, controlling voice assistants and even for effective noise cancellation. Because they listen for exterior sounds, like traffic or voices, and help the earbuds create an “anti-noise” signal to cancel it out before it reaches your ears. The more mics (and the smarter the tech to go with them), the better the noise-blocking tends to be.
How long should earbuds last?
That depends on how you use and care for them. As a general rule, most earbuds will give you two to three years of solid performance before the battery life starts to decline.
Taking care of the battery (not letting them fully run out of power, not leaving them in extreme heat) can help them last longer. Even once the battery starts to go, it usually just means a shorter total playing time, not that they stop working suddenly.
Wired earbuds can last much longer, sometimes even a decade or more, as long as you don't break the cable.
In both wired and wireless cases, however, water and/or sweat can be the silent killer. If you wear earbuds to the gym that don't promise any waterproofing, sweat may get in and damage them.
Which earbuds have the longest battery life?
Some of the best performers in our guide above include the Shokz OpenFit Pro and Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5.
But you'll want to look for the amount of battery you get from the buds themselves in a single charge as well as the amount you get from the case. Because some of the buds listed here deliver a relatively short amount of time from the buds, but hours and hours from the case.
For example, the Nothing Ear (a) only give you 5.5 hours from the buds, but 24.5 hours from the case. If you have an opportunity to stop listening and charge them, that shorter bud battery life won't be an issue.
But if you want guaranteed all-day-wear, the Shokz OpenFit Pro offer an impressive 12 hours from the buds and around 50 hours in total, including the case.
How we test the best earbuds
☑️ More than 2,400 audio reviews
☑️ 15 years of product testing
☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total
☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech
We've tested each of the top earbuds in this guide to make sure they tick some key boxes, which are reflected in our full review.
Audio: Most importantly, we want to be sure the sound is excellent, with clarity and a decent level of bass. We listen to music from a range of sources, from social apps and YouTube, to lower-quality streams from the likes of Spotify, to high-quality files from streamers such as Apple Music and Tidal. We'll listen to a range of genres, and we'll use a mix of new music and tracks we've known for years and in which we can hear all the subtle differences.
Comfort: Next is comfort and wearability. You need to know you'll be able to pop the best in-ear buds in your ears for hours at a time, so they have to feel secure and comfortable. Some seem naturally designed for a snug fit, others come with different silicone tip options to help you get the fit just right. In terms of design, we also look for compact buds, those that don't stick out of your ear too much and (in the case of true wireless designs) earbuds that come with a small charging case for slipping into a backpack, handbag or even a pocket.
Comparison: We completed a new testing procedure for earbuds to enable us to add more direct comparison between buds, to make it easier for you to choose which one will suit you best. In mid 2024, we re-tested our then-favorite earbuds using the new system, which we use for reviews now – and will in the future. You can read the full information about how we test earbuds at TechRadar at that link, but the crucial part is that we added certain real-world tests that all of our reviewers can use, so we know we're getting a fair and even comparison between earbuds.
Features: A huge part of our testing is features – whether the review sample we have up for review compares well to other earbuds in the same price for elements such as connection options, smart app controls, active noise cancellation and battery life. We test all these features in different ways. We try the active noise cancellation in different real-world environments, and we check battery life by running them down and tracking the timing.
Microphone quality testing: We'll also test the microphone quality for picking up speech by recording us talking, and we'll make those recordings available to hear on the site, so you can compare them yourselves, if you want. And we'll detail exactly how long the battery lasts in real-world use, and provide that information for easy comparison too, in tables.
Sound quality testing: The major part of this is a particular playlist that will be used for sound-quality testing, from a specific source device and music service. Our reviewers will also test other songs and sound sources, but this playlist provide a baseline comparison, and you can copy the playlist to make your own comparisons, if you like.
Value: And when we've tested all this, we judge them on their value, which essentially means how all of the above balances against their price, and the price of other earbuds.
Latest updates to the best earbuds
April 7, 2026
Refreshed the introduction. Several new products have been added to the guide. The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 replace the Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 as our 'best mid-range' choice, and the Sennheiser CX 80U are our new 'best cheap USB-C earbuds' in place of the Skullcandy Set USB-C. The replaced buds have been moved to our 'also tested' section, as we think they're still worth recommending. Finally, a new 'best for Samsung features' category has been created for the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro.
20 February, 2026
Refreshed the introduction. Added several new options to the 'Other earbuds we've tested' section, based on recent reviews. Checked all copy is up to date.
19 January, 2026
Refreshed the introduction and added several new choices to the guide's 'also consider' section, based on recent testing. These include the Google Pixel Buds 2a and also the Soundpeats Clip 1. I also updated our score comparison table to ensure all of the products and ratings are up to date.
19 December, 2025
Refreshed the introduction. Added several new products to our 'More earbuds we've tested' section, based on recent reviews.
4 November 2025
Replaced the Apple AirPods Pro 2 with the newer AirPods Pro 3 and renamed this category as 'Best for (Apple) features'. Added details into our Nothing Ear (a) entry about the newer Nothing Ear (3) buds. Removed our 'best for Samsung' category and took out the Galaxy Buds Pro 3, switching them for a new 'Best affordable audiophile buy' category and featured the SoundPeats H3 as our top pick. Took out the 1More Triple Driver buds in our 'Best wired buds' slot and replaced them with the Meze Audio Alba. Added a bunch of recently tested options to our 'Also consider' section, including the Creative Aurvana Ace 3 and JLab Go Pods ANC.
See more updates…
8 August 2025
Refreshed the introduction. Switched the original Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds for the newer Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) as our 'Best for ANC' pick. Added several new entries to our 'Other earbuds we've tested' section. Checked the whole guide for older products and made sure everything is up to date.
3 July 2025
Expanded the introduction with more information about our testing. Updated the Nothing Ear (a) entry to be our 'best budget' pick, based on long-term changes to its price. Added the Cambridge Melomania A100 as our new 'best mid-range' choice, following its recent review. Updated all of our entries to reflect the market in 2025, and added scorecards to each, so readers can see how they compare at a glance. Added several new entries into our FAQs section. Added some recently reviewed earbuds into our list of other products we've tested.
1 June 2025
Swapped the Shokz OpenFit for the Huawei FreeArc as our 'best open earbuds' pick, based on recent testing. Added several new options we've reviewed this month into our list of other earbuds we've tested, including the AKG N5 and OpenRock S.
1 May 2025
Added the Shokz OpenFit as our 'best open earbuds' pick. Updated the 'also consider' section to include several of the earbuds we've tested recently that are great but don't quite make the cut for this guide.
3 April 2025
Rewrote the introduction and included a mention to the upcoming Sony WF-C710N, which we're currently reviewing. Added the LG xboom Buds to our 'also consider' section.
7 March 2025
Refreshed and tightened up the introduction. Edited the 'also consider' section to condense down our recommendations.
10 February 2024
Checked all recent reviews against the options on this list, and updated the list of other earbuds we've tested we've recently.
9 January 2024
Replaced the Technics EAH-AZ80 with the Technics EAH-AZ100 in the top spot in this guide. Rewrote the intro to reflect this and added other options to our 'also consider' section
19 December 2024
Checked all entries against our latest reviews, and updated the 'Also Consider' section with recent reviews of earbuds that didn't make onto our curated list.
21 November 2024
Added the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds in as our 'best for ANC' pick, removing the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 that are currently out of stock in most places so not worth recommending.
7 November 2024
Refreshed the introduction. Added new images to each entry to give readers a better look at the devices. Itemized our 'how we test' section to add more clarity about our reviewing process. Added a 'meet the team' section to give you an insight into our combined tech knowledge and expertise. Added news and suggestions to several of our entries, like the JBL Tour Pro 3 in our JBL Live Beam 3 entry. Added some extra recommendations into our 'also consider' section, like the Edifier Stax Spirit S10.
11 October 2024
Swapped the JLab JBuds Mini for the Sony WF-C510 as our 'best budget' pick. Switched the Samsung Buds 2 Pro for the Samsung Buds 3 Pro based on our review as our 'best for Samsung' choice. Swapped the Final Audio ZE8000 Mk2 out for the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 in our 'best for sound' category. Added several recent reviews to our 'Also consider' section, including AirPods 4 and OnePlus Buds Pro 3.
3 September 2024
Added the 1More Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones as our 'Best wired' pick based on our review, and recent testing of the competition.
30 July 2024
Added the JLab JBuds Mini as the best super-cheap option, and updated the 'Also Consider' section with information on the latest products that didn't make it into this list.
1 July 2024
Added the JBL Lve Beam 3 as our top choice for battery life, thanks to their 48-hour total. Removed the older 1More Triple Driver wired set, since the Skullcandy Set USB-C occupy that wired space extremely well, if you're looking for something inexpensive and wired.
7 June 2024
We added the Skullcandy Set USB-C wired earbuds as the best super-cheap wired buds that we'd actually recommend buying, based on testing of several big-name budget options.
9 May 2024
Swapped the Sony WF-C700N for the Nothing Ear (a) as the best mid-range option. They're extremely close in quality, but the Nothing's slightly better noise cancellation and hi-res support just win out.
8 April 2024
Considered adding the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 to this guide, but after discussing with the team, we've decided that while these 2024-issue earbuds are very good indeed, other products narrowly edge them in each key aspect (ie. sound, ANC, battery life, feature set) – so there's no clear reason for their inclusion. Updated the intro here to reflect the WF-1000XM4 being no longer readily available, hence their departure from this list, and explained why the Technics EAH-AZ80 are now our top pick. Added new links to the buying guides to better direct readers.
19 March 2024
Removed the Sony WH-1000XM4 due to stock running out at last. Technics EAH-AZ80 moved to number 1, Sony WH-C700N moved to number 2, JLab Go Air Pop moved to number 3.
8 February 2024
Added the Beats Fit Pro as our best workout buds, reflecting what's in our dedicated guide.
22 January 2024
Added Final ZE8000 MK2, and removed the now-discontinued Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 Plus. Updated all copy throughout.
10 November 2023
Added more information about how we test, and added a link to our Black Friday earbuds deals coverage.
8 October 2023
Checked all entries against current reviews to ensure list is relevant.
6 September 2023
Refreshed entries to reflect current prices/value ahead of sales events later in the year.
30 August 2023
Changed the main image.
24 August 2023
Rewrote each product entry to summarize the features, sound quality, design and value of each review, including adding in 'buy it if' and 'don't buy it if' boxouts.
19 December 2024
Checked all entries against our latest reviews, and updated the 'Also Consider' section with recent reviews of earbuds that didn't make onto our curated list.
21 November 2024
Added the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds in as our 'best for ANC' pick, removing the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 that are currently out of stock in most places so not worth recommending.
7 November 2024
Refreshed the introduction. Added new images to each entry to give readers a better look at the devices. Itemized our 'how we test' section to add more clarity about our reviewing process. Added a 'meet the team' section to give you an insight into our combined tech knowledge and expertise. Added news and suggestions to several of our entries, like the JBL Tour Pro 3 in our JBL Live Beam 3 entry. Added some extra recommendations into our 'also consider' section, like the Edifier Stax Spirit S10.
11 October 2024
Swapped the JLab JBuds Mini for the Sony WF-C510 as our 'best budget' pick. Switched the Samsung Buds 2 Pro for the Samsung Buds 3 Pro based on our review as our 'best for Samsung' choice. Swapped the Final Audio ZE8000 Mk2 out for the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 in our 'best for sound' category. Added several recent reviews to our 'Also consider' section, including AirPods 4 and OnePlus Buds Pro 3.
3 September 2024
Added the 1More Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones as our 'Best wired' pick based on our review, and recent testing of the competition.
30 July 2024
Added the JLab JBuds Mini as the best super-cheap option, and updated the 'Also Consider' section with information on the latest products that didn't make it into this list.
1 July 2024
Added the JBL Lve Beam 3 as our top choice for battery life, thanks to their 48-hour total. Removed the older 1More Triple Driver wired set, since the Skullcandy Set USB-C occupy that wired space extremely well, if you're looking for something inexpensive and wired.
7 June 2024
We added the Skullcandy Set USB-C wired earbuds as the best super-cheap wired buds that we'd actually recommend buying, based on testing of several big-name budget options.
9 May 2024
Swapped the Sony WF-C700N for the Nothing Ear (a) as the best mid-range option. They're extremely close in quality, but the Nothing's slightly better noise cancellation and hi-res support just win out.
8 April 2024
Considered adding the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 to this guide, but after discussing with the team, we've decided that while these 2024-issue earbuds are very good indeed, other products narrowly edge them in each key aspect (ie. sound, ANC, battery life, feature set) – so there's no clear reason for their inclusion. Updated the intro here to reflect the WF-1000XM4 being no longer readily available, hence their departure from this list, and explained why the Technics EAH-AZ80 are now our top pick. Added new links to the buying guides to better direct readers.
19 March 2024
Removed the Sony WH-1000XM4 due to stock running out at last. Technics EAH-AZ80 moved to number 1, Sony WH-C700N moved to number 2, JLab Go Air Pop moved to number 3.
8 February 2024
Added the Beats Fit Pro as our best workout buds, reflecting what's in our dedicated guide.
22 January 2024
Added Final ZE8000 MK2, and removed the now-discontinued Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 Plus. Updated all copy throughout.
10 November 2023
Added more information about how we test, and added a link to our Black Friday earbuds deals coverage.
8 October 2023
Checked all entries against current reviews to ensure list is relevant.
6 September 2023
Refreshed entries to reflect current prices/value ahead of sales events later in the year.
30 August 2023
Changed the main image.
24 August 2023
Rewrote each product entry to summarize the features, sound quality, design and value of each review, including adding in 'buy it if' and 'don't buy it if' boxouts.
