The best earbuds 2024: wireless and wired buds for all budgets

PRICE
VERDICT
REASONS TO BUY
REASONS TO AVOID
VERDICT
REASONS TO BUY
REASONS TO AVOID

The best earbuds are essential for easy-to-fling-in-a-pocket music on the go. Motivational soundtrack to get you through a 10k? Classical music on a long-haul flight? Motivational podcast for the commute? Earbuds are a top shout – and the best earbuds can immerse you in a cocoon of sound, blocking out the rest of the world.

These days, you don't need to sacrifice battery life, extra perks or sound performance to get that tiny form factor either. We’ve tested literally hundreds of pairs and we still rate the slightly older Sony WF-1000XM4 wireless earbuds as our overall top pick – although actually, the Sennheiser EAH-AZ80 equal them across the board (and even offer triple device multipoint connectivity). The newer Sony WF-1000XM5 buds have since been released, but for us, XM4 are still the best all-rounders if you want to go Sony. Stock has been a little low of late, but Sony has assured us they're still very much a current model in 2024 – so if you find a pair, know that you're still getting the best of Sony.

Want to prioritise active noise cancellation? Our best noise-cancelling earbuds guide is well worth a look. Don’t like the intrusive nature of earbuds? Read our best wired headphones or best wireless headphones guides instead. Of course, check out our budget wireless earbuds guide if you like the design and portability, you’re just looking for cheaper options. 

Senior audio staff writer Becky Scarrott, in a field
Becky Scarrott

Becky is a senior TechRadar writer (which she has been assured refers to expertise rather than age) focusing on all things audio. Before joining the team in early 2022, she spent three years at What Hi-Fi? reviewing everything from wallet-friendly wireless earbuds to huge high-end sound systems.

The quick list

Want to cut straight to the best earbuds around? We like it – you're busy and your time is precious. You'll find a roundup of our top choices here. You can also jump to a more in-depth review for each product, along with our price comparison tool, so you can discover the best deals.

The best earbuds of 2024

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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

The sony wf-1000xm4 true wireless earbuds in black pictured in their charging case on grass

(Image credit: TechRadar)
The best earbuds for most people

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed
Weight: 7.3g
Frequency response: 20-40,000Hz
Drivers: 6mm
Battery life : 8 hours (earbuds) 16 hours (charging case)

Reasons to buy

+
Rapid, full-bodied and eloquent sound
+
Truly useful features
+
Impressive call quality

Reasons to avoid

-
Unremarkable battery life
-
No aptX support
BUY THEM IF

✅ You need the best all-round true wireless earbuds:
The WF-1000XM4 can be beaten for sound quality, noise-cancelling and comfort – but only by a combination of rivals.

You know a great control app when you use one:
The Sony Headphone app is a tour de force of stability, functionality and general usefulness.

DON'T BUY THEM IF

Noise-cancelling is more important than sound quality: The WF-1000XM4s cancel noise well. But other true wireless buds (Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2) do it better.

You think aptX is the pinnacle of wireless sound quality: Sony doesn’t agree. LDAC is a good alternative and is supported by most newer Android phones (sorry, iPhone).

The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are our top pick overall, despite a June 2021 release date – hey, they're just that good. They may lack aptX support, but they make up for it with a whole host of features, including active noise cancellation (with polyurethane ear tips to improve passive noise reduction), a ‘speak to chat’ feature that pauses your music when you make a noise, great call quality and excellent in-app features.

In our review, we note, “There’s vigor and enthusiasm to their presentation, but it’s tempered by unarguable control.” 

The size of the XM4s has also been reduced over the previous XM3-suffixed model, with the charging case coming in at a full 40% smaller, or 41g. Positioning the buds may take a little while by today's standards (we found them fiddly initially), but once we got used to them, we found them secure and easy to wear – and the sound quality is emphatically worth it. 

They’re not the cheapest buds around even now (despite their age, you'll struggle to find much of a discount), but because Sony got it right here by combining performance, ergonomics and build quality so effectively, we still think they’re excellent value. A quick note on availability: this has varied of late, but Sony has confirmed to us in January 2024 that the WF-1000XM4 are still very much in its current lineup of noise-cancelling earbuds, so don't worry that they're being phased out any time soon. 

Now, a note on the newer Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds, which are smaller and very good sonically, but not in this list. Why? The ANC and connectivity suffered in the latest iteration. That's why we still rate the WF-1000XM4 as the best all-rounders. 

Read our full Sony WF-1000XM4 review

The best budget earbuds

JLab Go Air Pop on green grassy background

(Image credit: TechRadar)
The best budget earbuds

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed
Weight: 3.7g per earpiece
Frequency response: 20HZ-20kHZ
Drivers: 6mm drivers
Battery life (on-board): 32 in total (8 hours from buds)

Reasons to buy

+
Light design with small, comfortable earpieces
+
Reliable on-ear controls
+
Sounds better than anything else at this price

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the last word in sonic brilliance generally
-
Odd fitted charging cable
BUY THEM IF

✅ Your budget maxes out at $20 / £20 / AU$50 and you want true wireless: The JLab Go Air Pop are an incredibly affordable set of buds that boast features and sound no other solution to date has managed at this level.

You prioritize a long battery life: 32 hours of playtime, for $20. Let that sink in, while remembering the AirPods Pro will only give you a maximum of 24 hours of listening time

DON'T BUY THEM IF

You want full app support: They do amazing things without a companion app (on-ear volume control, EQ, etc.) but if you want a visual cue of their battery life, no dice. 

You want top quality sound and have the budget: If sound quality is top of your list and you can spend a little more, do that. This isn't audiophile territory.

The JLab Go Air Pop buds prove it’s possible to purchase a fantastic set of true wireless earbuds on a tight budget. They boast reliable Bluetooth connectivity and top battery life (eight hours from the earbuds and a whopping 32 hours from the buds and the case combined) plus on-device volume controls that work better than rivals more than double the price, and a triple tap to pick from three different EQ profiles.

Any meaningful sound comparison between these cheap in-ears and class-leading products at ten times the price really isn't fair, is it? But these JLab buds easily beat everything else in their price range for sound, features, build quality and reliability. Vocals are relatively well handled through the upper mids, the bass is sensibly refined, and the soundstage is surprisingly expansive.  

Design-wise, they’re lightweight at just 3.7g per earbud and incredibly small with three different types of eartips, which means they should suit almost everyone and we certainly found them incredibly comfortable to wear during our testing. 

Again, no they don’t beat flagship propositions from the likes of Sony, Apple, or Sennheiser. But they do punch well above their weight. The JLab Go Air Pop sound far better than you'd expect for their nominal ticket price tag and pack in some excellent features that make them fantastic value for money.

Read our full JLab Go Air Pop review

The best premium earbuds

Technics EAH-AZ80 on white background

(Image credit: Future)
The best premium earbuds for sound and features

Specifications

Weight: 7g
Frequency response: 40-20,000Hz
Drivers: 10mm
Battery life: (Up to) 7h (earbuds); (up to) 25h (charging case)

Reasons to buy

+
Poised, revealing sound
+
Triple-point connectivity
+
Outstanding comms and comfort

Reasons to avoid

-
Noise-cancelling and battery life are fine rather than exceptional
-
Could conceivably sound more animated
BUY THEM IF

✅ You prefer a neutral, lifelike sound
There’s nothing artificial about the way the Technics EAH-AZ80 sound; they offer convincingly realistic and coherent listening in all circumstances.

You want to switch between devices
Triple-point connectivity is a world-first in a product like this, and it’s brilliantly convenient for those of us who surround themselves with sources of audio.

DON'T BUY THEM IF

You intend to wear your earbuds all day: Even at its best, the battery life available here is nothing special – long-haul flights are a non-starter.

You have a lot of external noise to block out: While it’s true to say there are less capable noise-cancelling earbuds, it’s equally true that there are more capable alternatives. 

The Technics EAH-AZ80 buds sound fantastic and they’re packed with features. A standout is triple-point connectivity, which we found to be stable and useful, as well as Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC compatibility. And, thanks to ‘Just My Voice’ technology, these buds are far less prone to wind-noise interference than rivals. Their only minor shortcomings are battery life at only 7 hours from the buds and 25 from the case, and the ANC (which could be a tad more impressive). 

The sound they make is also accomplished – it's both swift and accurate, as well as balanced and detailed. In our review, we wrote: “The whole frequency range is really nicely balanced and coherent from top to bottom and very even-handed from the (deep, nicely textured) bass to the (clean, politely attacking) treble.” We also found the midrange to be both informative and eloquent, with high detail levels and a smooth, seamless, agile journey from ceiling to floor and back. 

In terms of design, there’s a resoundingly premium feel here and each bud feels more comfortable, stable and light (7g per earbud) than some rivals. What’s more, the accompanying charging case is an equally svelte 50g. Build quality hasn’t been compromised in order to keep the weight down either – the EAH-AZ80 feels like a product that will outlast its rivals. There are seven different earbud sizes to choose from too, which means you’re likely to get that perfect fit. 

The price of the Technics EAH-AZ80 is that of a premium product, for sure – but thankfully, so is the specification. Overall this is a pair of buds that delivers excellent sound quality, a fantastic fit and that industry-first triple device multipoint connectivity.

Read our full Technics EAH-AZ80 review

The best earbuds for Apple

AirPods Pro 2 in use

(Image credit: TechRadar)
The best earbuds for Apple

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed
Weight: 5.3g
Frequency response: Not listed
Drivers: Custom Apple design
Battery life : 6 hours (earbuds) 30 hours (charging case)

Reasons to buy

+
Fantastic active noise cancellation
+
Very strong audio quality
+
Great features when used with iPhone

Reasons to avoid

-
Average battery life
-
No lossless support
BUY THEM IF

✅ You want great sound: These sound brilliant and shut out the real world so well – if you want to treat yourself, then you'll really appreciate it.

You've got all manner of Apple things: If you've got an iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch or similar, then you'll really get the benefit from the seamless switching.

DON'T BUY THEM IF

You're looking to save money: With so many brilliant budget earbuds out there, these are perhaps an unnecessary expense. But they are a perfect 'big present'.

You don't have an iPhone: If you're in the Android world, you won't get as much benefit from these headphones (although it's not as bad as previously).

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are excellent earbuds that we think are the best option for Apple lovers. One of the top features here is ANC, which is significantly improved over the original Pro buds, blocking out almost all external noises. Transparency mode is now also more useful because it’s adaptive. In terms of battery, you get six hours with ANC on and 30 hours with the case too, which is now IPX4 water resistant – withstanding light showers and sweating – and has a speaker, handy if you lose them as you can activate a 'Find My' request.

Audio performance is also upgraded over the original Pros, with new drivers and amplifiers. During our testing, we rated the sound on offer from the Pro 2 as excellent – there’s rich audio across genres and a wide and expansive soundstage. 

Design changes are subtle between the Pro and Pro 2 models. You’ll find a typical Apple-esque look here, with slightly protruding stems, clean lines and a bright white finish. During our testing, we were happy to find there are now extra small ear tips, great news for those with smaller ears and should fit most people well. 

Like the Sony buds at the top of this guide, the AirPods Pro 2 are excellent all-rounders, packing fantastic audio and style into a pair of buds you could happily wear all day. Yes, they’re on the pricey side, but they’re a great choice if you have an iPhone – if you have a Samsung phone, check out the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro below instead. 

Read our full Apple AirPods Pro 2 review

The best earbuds for ANC

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 inside open case

(Image credit: TechRadar)
The best earbuds for stopping outside sounds

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed
Weight: 6.2g (per bud); 59.8g (charging case)
Frequency response: Not specified
Drivers: 9.3mm full-range dynamic drivers
Battery life: 6 hours (buds); 3 extra (charging case)

Reasons to buy

+
Smaller, more comfortable design
+
Best-in-class noise cancellation
+
Beautiful sound

Reasons to avoid

-
Call quality could be better
-
No support for high-def wireless codecs
-
No wireless charging
BUY THEM IF

✅ Noise cancellation really matters to you: If there’s one thing the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II do really well, it’s noise cancellation.

You want beautifully balanced sound: Whatever CustomTune is actually doing in the ear, it’s working remarkably well. The sound is very well balanced.

DON'T BUY THEM IF

You’re on a tight budget: It’s easy to argue that the ANC and sound performance of the QCE II are well worth every penny, but these are expensive earbuds.

You’d prefer high-definition wireless sound quality: With support for just low-definition wireless codecs, the QCE II may not be for everyone. 

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 are our favorite noise-cancelling earbuds. Yes, even though the newer Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds have essentially superseded them – because while the update involves new proprietary immersive audio tech, the design in is virtually unchanged and we're fans of the better value you'll now get from these (just slightly) older QCE II buds. 

The ANC is supremely effective here, thanks to what Bose calls CustomTune, which uses an audio signal – picked up by a mic inside each bud – to automatically calibrate ANC and sound frequency to suit your ear. Unfortunately there’s no wireless charging or multi-point connectivity (there isn't in the newer set either, which is an oversight from Bose), and battery life is acceptable rather than excellent, at 6 hours or up to 24 hours in total, using the case. 

Luckily, Bose's ANC improvements aren’t at the expense of sound quality, and whatever the CustomTune tech is doing behind-the-scenes here made these buds an extremely enjoyable listen during our testing. In our review, we wrote: "We can’t stress this enough – the sound is very well balanced, with a heck of a lot of details and textures coming through.” If you’d still like to tweak the audio output, you can via the EQ in the Bose app. 

Design-wise, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 are 30% smaller than previous generations with a more compact and lighter charging case. However, we did find the fit took some getting used to and is unlikely to suit everyone at first. 

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 are Bose earbuds, which means they're typically on the expensive side. But if you can afford them, these are arguably the best noise-cancelling true wireless earbuds you can get today. 

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 review

The best earbuds for affordable ANC

Sony WF-C700N earbuds close-up in a hand, on gray background

(Image credit: Future)
The best earbuds for mid-price active noise cancellation

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed
Weight: 4.6g per earbud
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Drivers: 5mm
Battery life: 7.5 hours (buds) 15 hours total (with case) with ANC on

Reasons to buy

+
The most detailed, immersive audio at the level
+
Incredibly comfortable and secure
+
Great app and 360 Reality Audio support

Reasons to avoid

-
No on-ear volume control
-
No LDAC support
BUY THEM IF

✅ You have smaller ears
These earbuds are some of the most secure and comfortable I've worn – think Sony LinkBuds S, but that little bit more secure.

You want the best sound-per-pound value on the market
There it is: you get effective ANC alongside the most exciting and fun audio at this level.

DON'T BUY THEM IF

You prioritize on-ear volume control: No dice here, sadly – although Sony says that following a firmware update, it will be possible, by pressing either earbuds multiple times.

You want the track to turn off when you remove them: This isn't a feature of the WF-C700N. No problem for some people, but an annoyance for others.

The Sony WF-C700N are the ideal choice if you're looking to add ANC to the mix at an affordable price. The N addition here does indeed stand for Noise cancellation, and these buds mark Sony's new entry-level for ANC earbuds. Also, they're a huge hit! Their talents include Adaptive ANC and Sony's 360 Reality Audio support – guided by the same premium Sony Headphones Connect app that's used for Sony's flagship XM4 and XM5 earbuds. Multi-point connectivity and adaptive sound control are also onboard (you get to choose 'Walking', 'Waiting', 'Travelling' or 'Registered places' in the app, which is seldom seen at this level) plus you get Sony's standard DSEE audio 'upscaling' engine, so even low-res files will sound better. 

Those with a Tidal account are in for a real treat thanks to that aforementioned 360 Reality Audio support, but even when we streamed lossy Spotify tracks or much better Apple Music streams during our testing, the WF-C700N put on a resoundingly agile, meaty, enthusiastic performance. 

There's less protrusion than with Sony's more affordable buds (Sony WF-C500, all eyes on you), because they're 37% lighter and 38% smaller than the top-tier WF-1000XM4. It should come as no surprise that we found these to be some of the most easy to wear, comfortable earbuds we've ever had the pleasure of fitting in our ears – and they stay put for hours on end. 

Can the Sony WF-C700N be bettered by rivals? Yes of course, but not for this money. You'll have to set your sights much farther up the food chain if you want to beat them. For features, design and most-importantly sound quality, these cannot be bettered for this price, which makes them excellent value in our books. 

Read our full Sony WF-C700N review

The best earbuds for Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro held in a hand on white background

(Image credit: TechRadar)
The best earbuds for Samsung

Specifications

Weight: 5.5g
Frequency response: 20-20,000Hz
Drivers: Custom Coaxial 2-way
Battery life: 5 hours (buds) 18 hours (case)

Reasons to buy

+
Vastly improved hi-res sound quality
+
Solid ANC
+
Classy, comfortable design and finish

Reasons to avoid

-
Battery life is only average
BUY THEM IF

✅ You own a Samsung Galaxy smartphone: A no-brainer. The Buds 2 Pro present themselves on your Galaxy device for easy pairing and give you handy home-screen widgets.

You want Samsung's best sound-per-pound audio quality: We didn't expect to enjoy Samsung's immersive, expressive, head-tracked 24-bit audio as much as we did. 

DON'T BUY THEM IF

You prioritize a long-lasting battery: Five hours with ANC deployed (or eight without it) won't get you through a long-haul flight without charging, will it? 

You own an iPhone: For a seamless experience within Apple's ecosystem, you need to be looking to earbuds that offer a dedicated app for iOS. 

Samsung has a formidable reputation in the smartphone market, but its Galaxy Buds never quite hit a home run. That’s changed with the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. These earbuds are packed full of useful perks, including excellent ANC, voice detect, wearer detection and customizable on-ear controls – all of which work very well indeed – plus IPX7 water ingress protection. This would have been an almost perfect list of specs, marred only by the disappointing five-hour battery life. 

The headline-grabbing feature, if you own a Samsung Galaxy device, is 360 audio with optional head-tracking, thus allowing you to use your phone as the focal point to direct more of that new end-to-end 24-bit high-res audio to whichever ear you prefer. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro sport a two-way driver design, with a 10mm woofer and 5.4mm tweeter in each earbud. It's a formidable improvement on Samsung's previous earbud releases. 

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are refreshingly smaller and lighter than most rivals – and a huge improvement over previous Galaxy buds (remember the jewels and kidney bean shaped buds? These are nothing like those and we're happy about it). The result is a stylish, minimalist, secure and ergonomic look and fit that almost feels as if you're not wearing earbuds at all – or at least that was our experience during testing. 

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro squeeze an incredible amount in here for only mid-range money. There are a few minor things lacking, (the ability to tweak ANC in increments on a slider in the app would be lovely), but forgive this and it's hard to quibble with the sound-per-pound value. 

Read our full Galaxy Buds 2 Pro review

The best wired earbuds

1More Triple Driver In-Ear Headphone

(Image credit: Future)
The best wired earbuds for most people

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed
Weight: N/A
Frequency response: 20 - 40,000Hz
Drivers: Dynamic
Battery life: N/A

Reasons to buy

+
Lush sound quality
+
Excellent build and design
+
Unmatched value

Reasons to avoid

-
Plastic remote feels cheap
BUY THEM IF

✅ You want a pair of wired earphones: Whether you're worried you'll lose true wireless or you don't like the feeling of big and bulky over-ears, it's good to have the option.

You're on a tight budget: These earbuds were available for around the £100/$100 price mark initially but now can be picked up for nearly half that. 

DON'T BUY THEM IF

You want wireless: It goes without saying that if you've become accustomed to wireless earbuds, you're not going to be happy with these.

You want ANC: There's decent noise isolation here, but nothing like the levels of ANC and immersion you'd find from buds specifically designed with ANC in mind. 

The 1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones are a simple pair of wired headphones. As you'd expect given their design, they aren't packed with features, but there's a handy three-button remote that works with both Android and iOS – and already that's something not every headphone can do. 

During our testing we found that they deliver a solid and enjoyable audio performance, noting in our review: "Music is exquisitely detailed with a good sense of space. Instruments are layered and complex songs don’t sound muddled as each instrumental layer remains audible." 

Design-wise, these are simple in-ear earphones that look relatively sleek and refined, albeit within a budget. They come with both foam and silicone ear tips, although we found only the foam ones gave a good enough seal for proper testing. Their rubber cable can be annoying, and the remote control feels a tad cheap, but this is perhaps a little unfair given the ticket price. Then again, if you're looking for luxury materials, the 1MORE Quad Driver in-ear headphones that are a step up from these are still a bargain at twice the price. 

After spending a few weeks with both the 1MORE Triple Driver in-ear headphones , we were blown away at the value. Although you'll find more detailed and better-sounding in-ear headphones much farther up the food chain, you'll have to pay a hefty premium for a significant boost in performance. 

If you want earbuds that sport a cable to keep them secure, the 1More Triple Driver in-ear headphones are among the best value wired earbuds you can buy today. 

Read our full 1More Triple Driver In-Ear Headphone review

The best earbuds for supreme sound

Final ZE8000 MK2 held in a hand, in their case, outside

Final ZE8000 MK2 earbuds in their case, held in a hand (Image credit: Future)
The best earbuds for audiophiles at a reasonable price

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed
Weight: 104g total
Frequency response: Not listed
Drivers: 13mm
Battery life (on-board): 5hrs (earbuds), 15hrs (case)

Reasons to buy

+
Multi-layered, spacious sound
+
Lossless audio support that works
+
Refreshingly effective ANC

Reasons to avoid

-
Battery life is so-so
-
Slightly disappointing app
-
They're big and unusual-looking
BUY THEM IF

✅ You want the best sound quality in a wireless design
This is among the most detailed and just best audio you can buy in a set of truly wireless buds – and the ANC is surprisingly good too. 

You pay for a proper music subscription
With aptX Adaptive and Snapdragon Sound onboard, you're going to want to pay for a decent Tidal, Qobuz or Apple Music subscription to get the goods here. 

DON'T BUY THEM IF

You like an all-singing, all-dancing app
Truth be told, the companion app is an area for improvement with these Final buds

You want small earbuds to slip in a pocket
These earbuds are a fair bit larger than many of the current heavy-hitters

OK, if ever the term '8K Sound+' could apply to something you hear rather than see, that is what you'll get with these earbuds. We're not saying we approve of the term used by Final, but nevertheless you should know that the sound quality here is excellent. You're getting a zealous, expansive, and glorious soundstage that has us living happily in our heads, and forgetting the cost. 

So why the less than perfect star rating? These excellent earbuds are marred only by a slightly disappointing battery life (which is five hours tops or 15 including the case, but closer to four when you deploy 8K Sound+) plus an app that supplies the basics rather than the premium, all-seeing all-dancing experience you might expect at this level.

The four noise cancellation modes and volume step optimizer (which gives you better precision when tweaking the volume level) work very well indeed and add value, plus there's a four-band EQ tab, but forget hearing tests, spatial audio support, wearer detection or the option to customize the on-ear controls – and in our tests, we sometimes found the app a little unreliable in that it failed to fire up or chose not to recognise the earbuds it was connected to. 

Then again, we keep coming back to their sound. Honestly, the sound is among the best we've ever heard in a true wireless design, and at a price comparable to the best buds from Sony and Bose, despite sounding clearly better. The lack of features (and the large size) may not be for everyone, but if you value music above all else, you must consider them.

Read our full Final ZE8000 MK2 review

The best earbuds for working out

The Beats Fit Pro true wireless earbuds against a silky red surface.

(Image credit: Future)
The best earbuds for sports

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed
Weight: 5.6g (earbuds), 55.1g (case)
Frequency response: 20Hz - 20000Hz
Drivers: N/A
Battery : 8 hours (30 hours with case)

Reasons to buy

+
Secure and comfortable fit for sport
+
Some great smart features

Reasons to avoid

-
Sound is beaten by others here
-
ANC is good, but not great
BUY THEM IF

✅ You don't want to miss out on features: There's ANC, there's spatial audio with Apple devices, there's fast pairing with iOS or Android, there's Apple Find My support.

You want a rock solid fit in a smaller bud: The in-ear fit combined with a fin, and a fairly light bud overall, means that once these are in, they don't come out unless you want them to. 

DON'T BUY THEM IF

You need best-in-class noise cancellation: They have it, and it works fine, but you can tell it's from buds that are a few years old now.

You want high-quality sound: Again, they sound absolutely fine, but the likes of Apple's own AirPods Pro 2 or other premium buds are a clear step up.

When it comes to earbuds especially for working out, there's a shift in importance. Sound quality and other features are still a big factor, but none of it matters if the earbuds don't stay in your ears when you're mid-run, mid-row or mid-set.

Beats Fit Pro were released in 2021, and so are beginning to show their age compared to the wider earbuds competition – for a little more money you can step up to the more premium buds here, which will offer you better sound quality and noise cancellation – but we still really rate them for how they balance a secure fit with the sound and features.

The design has both an in-ear tip plus a fin that fits against the arches of your ear, connected to a reasonably small and light but, which means they hold in place absolutely securely. They're extremely hard to dislodge accidentally, and their on-device buttons are easy to push without loosening the fit. 

They also have smart features for both Apple and Android – on both platforms, you get fast pairing and music playback. On Android, you also have the Beats app, which enables you to customize the controls, check the battery easily, and take a fit test to make sure you're getting the best from the ANC. On Apple, they offer spatial audio, auto-switching between devices, and audio sharing with other Beats or AirPods.

The IPX4 rating means they should resist sweat, though this won't make them the most resistant to accidental drops in water or wearing our in heavy rain – if you need something more hardcore, check out the Jabra Elite 7 Active.

Read our full Beats Fit Pro review

The best earbuds for design

Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW earbuds out of case, on red background

(Image credit: Future)
The best earbuds for funky and fashionable design

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed
Weight: 5.2g per earbud
Frequency response: 20-20,000Hz
Drivers: 5.8mm dynamic
Battery life : Earbuds 6.5 hours, 13.5 hours in the case (20hr total)

Reasons to buy

+
Chic buds with reliable on-ear volume control
+
Useful low latency/hear-through modes
+
Sounds far better than most at this price

Reasons to avoid

-
No companion app
-
No active noise cancellation
BUY THEM IF

✅ You want the best-sounding true wireless buds for $79: This incredibly affordable proposition boasts sonic chops no other solution has managed at this level.

You like to look good (and a little bit alternative): Are these the coolest little earbuds on the planet? Hard to say. But the way they look and their colors are a big step up. 

DON'T BUY THEM IF

ANC is top of your list: There's no active noise cancellation here, sadly, although the hear-through feature works beautifully to stay aware of your surroundings. 

You really want app support: Audio-Technica's earbuds do excellently well without a companion app, but if you want a visual cue of the features, you won't get it here.

The Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW are a budget pair of buds that look very cool indeed. They offer exclusive 5.8mm drivers, an "IPX4-equivalent" splashproof design and user-friendly features. There’s dual connectivity onboard, so you can connect to your laptop and phone at the same time which is nice at this budget-friendly level.

Touch controls? Yes, they work well and you can use them to deploy low-latency mode or use the hear-through function. Battery gives you 6.5 hours of use with the headphones fully charged, plus an additional 13 hours of juice from the charging case, for a total of 19.5 hours. There’s no active noise cancellation or a companion app, but at this level (and thanks to the impressive levels of passive isolation provided by the buds), we don't miss these perks. 

Sound-wise, we can’t compare these budget in-ears to class-leading products from big brands. But the audio is solid. We found that what the Audio-Technicas lacked in precision and timing across the frequencies (which was a very minor shortfall) they made up for in energy and good old fashioned fun. They’re not shy or reticent, in any way. If a recording is poorly mastered, you'll also be getting that with no holds barred – they'll shine a light on your chosen streaming services, bands and vocalists in ways you may not have heard before. Give them your music and they'll celebrate it to the best of their plucky little ability – and we have to say we're big fans. 

These buds are cubist, cool and refreshingly different. Audio-Technica hasn’t copied any earbuds from competing brands here, and we love the Tokyo audio outfit for it. They’re also available in no fewer than six delicious-sounding colorways (Caramel, Popsicle, Cupcake, Blueberry, Liquorice and Popcorn). Not only is this a beautiful product, it fits comfortably, too. 

As long as a lack of companion app and active noise cancellation aren't deal-breakers, these inexpensive earbuds should be on your list – ultimately, the sound is very, very good for the money. 

Read our full Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW review

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. Our current favorite true wireless earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM4 combine class-leading sound with high quality noise cancellation tech.

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.

How we test the best earbuds

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.

One of these is the features – whether they compare 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.

Most importantly, we also 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.

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. 

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

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

Becky Scarrott
Senior Audio Staff Writer

Becky is a senior staff writer at TechRadar (which she has been assured refers to expertise rather than age) focusing on all things audio. Before joining the team, she spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing and reviewing everything from wallet-friendly wireless earbuds to huge high-end sound systems. Prior to gaining her MA in Journalism in 2018, Becky freelanced as an arts critic alongside a 22-year career as a professional dancer and aerialist – any love of dance starts with a love of music. Becky has previously contributed to Stuff, FourFourTwo and The Stage. When not writing, she can still be found throwing shapes in a dance studio, these days with varying degrees of success.  

With contributions from