Earbuds & AirPods
Earbuds go by many different names, including earphones, in-ear headphones, in-ear monitors or simply buds. They also come in all shapes and sizes and can be both wired or wireless, with some variations. Probably the most widely known (and worn) earbuds are the AirPods, which Apple launched in 2016.
Compared to over-ear and on-ear headphones, they offer a more compact, lightweight design that’s easier to set up and store. Earbuds are often cheaper too (usually), and have better stability. Being small does have its disadvantages - namely with sound quality, which can’t match wired headphones - but every music lover should own at least one pair all the same.
Explore Earbuds & Airpods
Latest about Earbuds & Airpods

iOS 26.3 adds AirPods features to third-party earbuds — but just in the EU
By David Nield published
You'll be able to use third-party earbuds more easily with an iPhone next year, if you're in an EU country.

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I used the thinnest noise-cancelling sleep earbuds for two weeks and it had one fascinating statistic
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Meet the Fitnexa SomniPods 3. They have some problems but look beyond them, and you'll find smartly-framed buds with a few interesting twists.

‘It’s a major flaw’: AirPods 3 Pro owners are still waiting for Apple to fix its annoying static problems — and users are getting impatient
By Rowan Davies published
Angry Reddit users are impatiently waiting for Apple to fix the AirPods Pro 3's static problems, but the company has been silent.

How to use AirPods as a video mic in iOS 26
By Axel Metz published
In iOS 26, your AirPods can double as a video microphone. Here’s how to enable the feature.

Don’t gift earbuds or headphones ‘til you read this! My job is testing audio – these are 6 best cheap buys for 2025
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My pick of the 3 top headphones and 3 best earbuds to give as gifts this Holiday season; all TechRadar approved – and no product over $80
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