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
Sony's Black Friday headphones deals started arriving early – get Sony headphones and earbuds from just $38 / £30!
5 great-value buds and cans that are genuinely worth buying before Black Friday begins
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 through to buy – I won't do that, because I'm TechRadar's Audio Editor and I want you to buy better
AirPods Pro 2 are down to a new record-low price, and I'd choose them over the AirPods Pro 3
Apple's earbuds hit a new low price in both the UK and US, which makes them a better value than the newer model
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 4 design and features just leaked in a big way
It looks as though the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are going to bring a new design and some new features too.
These are the only early Black Friday earbuds and headphones deals worth buying – and I know because I tested them all (and rated them highly) in 2025
On Black Friday, there are earbuds deals that save you a bit of money, and there are genuine bargains – so let's go for option two, shall we?
Earfun Air Pro 4 Plus review: a solid and fully-featured effort, but the audio quality isn't as good as this money can buy
The Earfun Air Pro 4 Plus are more solid earbuds from the brand, with a few rough edges.
These new clip open earbuds cost just $50 at launch, and come from one of the best budget earbuds makers – who needs Black Friday?
Soundpeats' new Clip1 are incredibly affordable anyway for headphones with hi-res specs, and are going in hard at launch
Final Audio's new earbuds will inspect your ears to tune your tone to perfection
Final Audio's TONALITE earbuds promise personalized timbre to deliver a more accurate and lifelike sound
