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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 tested these cheap wired earbuds from Sennheiser and never went back
These cheap wired earbuds from Sennheiser are among the best I’ve tested — and they’re the ideal pick for anyone who wants to take it back to the old school.
Every early Prime Day earbuds and headphones deal worth buying, as recommended by an audio editor
This Prime Day, there will be great earbuds and headphones deals, and there will be older products that are simply discounted to clear shelves – so let's go for option one!
The 9 best wireless earbuds for all budgets, all tested by our reviewers
Our reviewers spent over 600 hours testing these earbuds, so here’s my verdict on the best wireless earbuds for iPhone, Android or anything else.
Amazon and Walmart are battling it out to list the lowest price ever on the 'near-perfect' Apple AirPods Pro 3 — they've just hit $169
The AirPods Pro 3 have just hit a record low of $169 at Walmart — I was wrong about these 'near-perfect set of noise-cancelling earbuds' getting cheaper.
AirPods Pro 3 have hit a record-low price of $179 ahead of Prime Day — I doubt these 'near-perfect set of noise-cancelling earbuds' will get any cheaper
Walmart has just hit us with a brand new record-low price on the excellent AirPods Pro 3 ahead of Amazon Prime Day 2026.
Your pre-Prime Day audio roundup: 8 awesome portable hi-fi products
With not long to go 'til Amazon Prime Day, here's my pick of the recent portable audio kit you should look out for when the big day(s) arrive
AirPods are finally getting a custom EQ in iOS 27, this is not a drill!
Nearly 10 years since AirPods launched, they finally getting a custom EQ
The AirPods Max 2 are the 'best noise-cancelling iPhone headphones on the planet' — and they've just hit a new record-low price at Amazon
The AirPods Max 2 thoroughly impressed us when we tested them, and these stunning premium headphones have just hit a new record-low price.
