Earbuds go by many different names, including earphones, in-ear headphones, in-ear monitors or simply buds. They also come in all shapes and sizes and can be both wired or wireless, with some variations. Probably the most widely known (and worn) earbuds are the AirPods, which Apple launched in 2016.
Compared to over-ear and on-ear headphones, they offer a more compact, lightweight design that’s easier to set up and store. Earbuds are often cheaper too (usually), and have better stability. Being small does have its disadvantages - namely with sound quality, which can’t match wired headphones - but every music lover should own at least one pair all the same.
Latest about Earbuds & Airpods
I'm choosing the best Black Friday earbuds and headphones deals, based on our hands-on experience – these are only the best buys
From super-cheap earbuds to elite over-ears, plus Bluetooth speakers, these are the best Black Friday audio deals live now
The best earbuds for small ears 2025
My pick of the best earbuds for those with a smaller ear canal, tragus or concha, however much you're able to spend.
Bose Black Friday deals: 5-star Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) at their lowest-seen price? Run!
Bose offers the best ANC in the business and now, Black Friday prices make them much more viable for all – thanks, sales season!
Sennheiser's Black Friday headphones deals are live and sell-out risk is high(!)
Just waking up to Sennheiser's Black Friday deals rollout? Have at them now before everyone else notices, music lover
Good lord, the AirPods Black Friday deals are even better than I hoped – mostly
Sweet deals are made of this: get the best AirPods for less
Nothing and Sony budget earbuds both hit record-low Black Friday deals – I tested both, and there’s a clear winner
Sony's WF-C710N are a great set of budget noise cancelling earbuds, but how do Nothing's newer Ear (a) marry up against 'em (and the deals) this Black Friday?
This Black Friday deal saves you 30%-off the Shokz earbuds I use every day
My favorite open earbuds are down to their cheapest ever price right now, and my fiancée’s are too.
7 Black Friday headphones and earbuds deals I advise you not to buy, from TechRadar's Audio Editor
Most sites might simply pile the deals high and let you click to buy – I won't do that, because I'm TechRadar's Audio Editor and I want you to buy better
