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
Audio-Technica’s new wireless earbuds have a genuinely mind-blowing upgrade that leaves my AirPods feeling utterly inadequate
Audio-Technica's new earbuds promise 65 hours of battery life and feature an unusual magnetic switch
Yes, you can get AirPods updates early in July's iOS 26 public beta. No, you probably shouldn't
Apple's optional download will drop in July to make your AirPods beta, but are you sure you want to risk it?
AirPods Pro 3: all the latest rumors and leaks, plus everything else we know
Updated Apple's third-generation Pro AirPods aren't here, but the rumor mill is turning – and with big hints in iOS 26 (after WWDC on June 9), we could be gearing up for a September 2025 release.
Apple may not get around to launching the AirPods Pro 3 until 2026
We had heard rumors that the AirPods Pro 3 would arrive this year, but a new leak contradicts them.
The best noise-cancelling earbuds for all budgets, chosen by our reviewers
Updated These best noise-cancelling earbuds block out the world without the bulk of over-ear headphones.
Wait, did Samsung just forget the Galaxy Buds 2 FE? Because it certainly looks that way…
The latest Galaxy Buds Controller app has name-dropped two new Samsung Galaxy Buds monikers, in what has been an odd month for tech naming strategies generally.
Bose unveils next-gen QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds with better noise cancellation, plus 2 new portable speakers – all in color options I love
The best noise-cancelling earbuds just got even better, and more fun
Maybe AirPods Pro 3 really are coming this year, based on a hint in iOS 26
We've had mixed reports about Apple next-gen earbuds, but a picture is starting to form…
