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
The best noise-cancelling earbuds 2024
Updated These best noise-cancelling earbuds block out the world without the bulk of over-ear headphones.
The best earbuds for small ears 2024
Our pick of the best earbuds for those with a smaller ear canal, tragus or concha, however much you're able to spend.
The best budget wireless earbuds 2024
Updated The best budget wireless earbuds you can buy today, with options from Sony, Nothing, EarFun, JLab and more.
JLab Go Pop ANC review: some of the best ultra-cheap noise cancelling earbuds on the market
The JLab Go Pop ANC pack in a huge amount of quality at a mouth-wateringly low price.
JBL Tour Pro 3 earbuds review: 'feature-packed' is an understatement, but JBL's own cheaper version makes them a tough sell
JBL's Tour Pro 3 are a serious set of feature-packed earbuds, but should you pay the significant price hike over the also-very-good Live Beam 3?
You can get the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro for just $129 today - here's how
You'll need to trade-in, but this is a seriously good deal for premium earbuds
Your Samsung Buds 3 Pro will get a free upgrade with audio and reliability improvements
Samsung has provided a free update to fix bugs and improve audio in its flagship earbuds
The best earbuds 2024
Our pick of the best earbuds, including wired, wireless and true wireless devices.
