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Personal audio lets you hear music from your favorite playlists to podcasts on demand, when you want it, where you want it, without disrupting others. Finding the right pair of headphones or earbuds lets you take a busy world and make it all about you.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) are our favorite pair of headphones. From the moment you put them on, the sound and noise cancellation transport you to a concert for one. They provide exceptional comfort and features suitable for all-day wear. If your budget is smaller or you have a less discerning ear, the 1More SonoFlow Pro can save you significantly and be all you need with good sound, comfort, and noise cancellation.
If you want something smaller, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 and the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro offer immersive sound, a stable fit, and noise cancellation that leaves the world behind. If your budget is smaller, the Nothing Ear Wireless provides a similar experience for less.
Since 2012, we've used and tested more than 150 headphones and earbuds. Whether it is commuting, working, or working out, we've been there and done that. During testing, we consider sound quality and comfort, noise blocking, call quality, and more.
Editor's Note: This review was updated in October 2026, with new information about award winners. July 2026 saw an update that included new award winners from our wireless headphone review, including 1More SonoFlow, Tozo, and more.
Who Is This Best For: The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) Headphones are the perfect companion for anyone looking for the unicorn in listening gear, where sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort come together, striking the perfect balance for sheer enjoyment. While some headphones might do one or two of these things well, the Bose excels at all three.
Why We Love It: We love the crazy-good comfort, with just enough clamp to keep them in place and plenty of cushion to cradle your head in a gentle spoon. The sound is unbelievably nuanced, and the noise cancellation is top-tier. We love that they work equally well with most devices and can be customized to personal preference.
Should You Buy It? Maybe. Look, these are exceptional, and we love them. But they are expensive, and we can see why that would be a hard pill to swallow. However, if you listen to headphones or use them for work and commuting for hours each day, the investment might be worthwhile for improving your quality of life. They are worth the price of admission. If you use headphones occasionally and could get by with less impressive noise cancellation or sound quality, then we think you could also save some cash and look elsewhere.
Who Is This Best For: Everyone. No really. Unless you have a bigger budget or absolutely require the best sound quality or noise cancellation to be satisfied, it is likely that the 1More SonoFlow Pro is all you need to happily listen to music or podcasts on a regular basis. They even make better-than-average phone calls.
Why We Love It: We love that the SonoFlows are comfortable, sound good, and have adequate noise cancellation. We love that they cost under $100 and still perform, feel, and look like higher-end headphones. Their battery life is life-alteringly long, and they are feather-light (for headphones).
Should You Buy It? Yes. Unless you have the ear of a trained audiophile or have spare cash for the top-of-the-line, we think you'll love the 1More. It isn't often we find an exceptional option at such a reasonable price, and we think these headphones are just that. Sure, if you have a bigger budget, there are better choices, but for most casual listeners with other things to buy, these are the pair we'd suggest to a friend.
The 1More offers some of the best noise cancellation and sound quality for the price. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The SonoFlow are lightweight and comfortable. Credit: Matt Lighthart
We love the 1MOre all-button control user interface, but there is a slight delay between pressing the buttons and the action completing. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Who Is This Best For: Anyone with very limited funds who desires better sound quality than their money can buy should consider the Tozo HT3. These headphones aren't perfect, but damn, for the price they are fantastic! We also think they are the perfect pair for teens who might be harder on gear or accidentally leave them behind; at this price, you could buy 6 pairs before meeting the cost of a higher-end pair.
Why We Love It: We love the clear and roomy soundstage, which surprised us. In less layered tracks, intimacy is created by the accuracy of the mids and the placement of the voices and instruments. We love how comfortable they are and think they might be peeking over the fence at the Bose in their design. We love the app, and the call quality is better than average, especially if you avoid chatting in crowded, noisy spaces.
Should You Buy It? Anyone who isn't worried about superior noise cancellation or who must have the absolute best sound. We think most casual listeners will love the Tozo and be glad they saved the money for other things, like gas and food. It really is remarkable to find something this impressive for under $50. That said, if you live in your headphones and hate going naked-eared, it might be worth saving up for an option that delivers a better overall mix and blocks more ambient noise.
Who Is This Best For: Music lovers and those just here for the joy of listening for extended hours will love the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless. If you have less need for noise cancellation but want to hear the finer details of every track with sparkling clarity as the artist intended, then the Momentum are the best of the bunch.
Why We Love It: We love the crisp overall sound, the elevated bass that is not jarring or disproportionate, the mids that are developed, thick, and hearty, and the highs that are vibrant without being piercing. We really appreciated hearing new sounds in tracks we thought we had memorized, like experiencing old favorites for the first time.
Should You Buy It? The Sennheisers are expensive, and their noise cancellation is lackluster. This makes them less ideal for some listeners and probably not worth the additional cost. However, if you are in the niche of sound-loving, nit-picky (nothing wrong with that) audiophiles that crave hearing and feeling every single sound, then they are worth their weight in gold and a shoo-in for your shortlist.
Who Is This Best For: The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the perfect companion for anyone looking to block out the world and get lost in a cacophony of their own making. Noise cancellation is the reason to buy, and it should be the top priority when putting these on your shortlist of contenders.
Why We Love It: We love the excellent mix and stronger bass (when compared to the Bose). We love the impeccable phone calls that feel like you're in the same room. We love the useful app that lets you dial in the headphones to suit your taste. But really, what we love most is the dynamite noise cancellation. We couldn't hear typing, fans, snapping, clapping, voices, even standing next to the garage as it opened was almost completely silent. They are so good, it is almost unnerving.
Should You Buy It? Maybe. If you have the budget for the Sony and you prioritize noise-cancellation performance over comfort, they are the perfect pair. However, we don't think they are very comfortable, and they pale in comparison to competitors in every price range. However, they weren't the worst, and we wore them for up to 7 hours. Plus, comfort is subjective, but we'd recommend buying them from a vendor that lets you return them if you aren't feeling the fit.
Who Is This Best For: Everybody? Perhaps a bold statement, but we think there is so much to love in the Apple AirPods Pro 3 even if you don't have an Apple device. Why? Well, they're good, nay, amazing, and the price isn't as high as some similar competitors.
Why We Love It: We love everything about these earbuds. Dare we call them perfect? Well, maybe we won't go that far, but the performance in every test was exceptional. They have some of the best noise cancellation we've seen in an earbud, and the sound that comes with that is expansive, lovely, balanced, but still thumpy. They are also so comfortable you can forget you're wearing them, and making calls is a seamless transition with crystal-clear vocals that will have you looking over your shoulder for the person on the other end.
Should You Buy It? Yes. While on the more expensive side, they aren't the most expensive, but they are the best-performing, making them worthy of the price. If your budget is tight, sure, we have other options we love, but if this is within your budget, we think happiness lies within these simple white buds.
Who Is This Best For: The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro are sleek buds are perfect for those with Samsung or Android phones. They have a reasonable price tag, a high water resistance, and are pretty darn stable. This makes them perfect for long-term wear and those who like being active.
Why We Love It: We love that these earbuds pair seamlessly with Android phones and offer cool features like loudness normalization and a robust EQ map. While they can be combined with Apple products, there is no app, and that makes most of the customization inaccessible. We also love how comfortable they are; with a design similar to the AirPods Pro3, they sit easily and firmly in the ear canal. We also love the improved sound quality and noise cancellation, though some contenders offer better sound quality and noise cancellation.
Should You Buy It? If you have an Android phone, we think these are some of the best earbuds you can buy. They sound amazing and block almost as much ambient noise as the best in the bunch. With a price that stays south of the most expensive option, we think it is an excellent contender. However, if your budget is tight, we also love the Google Pixel Buds 2a at half the price and think many casual listeners won't miss the slight bump in sound quality and noise-cancellation performance.
Who Is This Best For: The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) Earbuds are the perfect option for anyone looking for one bud to rule them all. These buds are not tied to any specific operating system and work equally well across platforms.
Why We Love Them: Listening to music with the Bose is a pure pleasure, and they block a significant amount of ambient sound, helping to create a contained, quiet listening experience where all you hear is what you choose. Being able to do this across systems without sacrificing customization or features is what makes them exceptional.
Should You Buy It? Maybe. The Bose are expensive and not the most comfortable. While they have great sound and noise cancellation, they are not the best at both. This means there are likely better choices if you choose a pair to marry with your operating system, like the AirPods or the Galaxy Buds. However, if you want exceptional sound and the features Bose offers, they are one of the best choices for those who use multiple operating systems.
Who Is This Best For: These are the perfect earbuds for deal-seekers who want the best sound they can buy on a budget. The Nothing Ear Wireless brings together a quality-feeling bud that looks like it should cost more, but doesn't. They bring listening pleasure to most wearers without breaking the bank, and their comfort is better than most.
Why We Love It: It is rare to find such a high-performing option at such a reasonable price. These buds feel good in the ear, and we appreciate the soundstage and mix. They have adequate noise cancellation, are suitable for most, and, combined, make a lovely listening experience perfect for most.
Should You Buy It? Yes. We think most earbud seekers will love these buds. While they aren't the best at anything, they are good at everything, and the money you can save is significant. Unless you have extra money and need the best sound or noise cancellation, we think most listeners will find plenty to love in the Nothing Ear.
Who Is This Best For: The CMF Buds 2 Plus are the best buds for anyone on the tightest of budgets who still longs for a wide soundstage, layered music, and a comfortable fit. They are also a potential choice for anyone who struggles to remember things and might misplace or lose them, as the sting will be significantly less than losing a pair over $200.
Why We Love It: We love the overall mix profile and think it has something very listener and genre of music. The noise cancellation is just enough to dampen and muffle distracting sounds, even if it falls short of blocking everything. We think they are very comfortable and appreciate the clear call quality in less distracting environments
Should You Buy It? Yes. This is a firm yes, as there is something here for almost everyone. Even if they are just a backup pair for locations where loss is more likely, we think they offer a nice combination of performance for the price. If you want better sound, noise cancellation, calls, or anything else, it will cost 4X as much or more, so the only folks who should consider the CMF are those who know they can afford more without feeling the economic pinch.
The simplicity of the CMF Buds allows their performance to rise above, with audio and noise cancellation that surpasses anything we've seen in this price range. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Who Is This Best For: The Bose Ultra Open are for anyone who wants to listen but still desires to hear the world around them. Call us paranoid or wanting to stay in the know, but some of us enjoy hearing our favorite songs and podcasts without losing touch with the outside world. Consider the Open Ultra the polar opposite of the noise cancellation cult.
Why We Love It: We love the superior ear-hugging comfort of the Open. They are so unintrusive we often forget they were on. They make a perfect workout companion as they stay put and let us hear others in the gym or out on the trail. We appreciate the clear phone calls, though they can be quiet with the outside world still front and center, and we think the sound is good, even without the in-ear bud.
Should You Buy It? These aren't the buds for everyone, and we get that. But if you don't like the feeling of a blocked ear canal, struggle to find buds that fit well and have all-day comfort, or you want to keep tabs on the world around you, we think the Open Ultra can't be beat, and for this niche audience, the price of admission might be worth saving up for.
The Bose Ultra Open is a compelling alternative to in-ear canal buds. Its open, airy feel is preferred by many with smaller ears or those seeking awareness. Credit: Natalie Kafader
In-ear vs Semi-in-ear Earbuds
Earbuds have two main designs: in-ear and semi-in-ear. In-ear designs have soft tips that seal inside your ear canal. This helps create a secure fit, better noise isolation, and bass. Semi-in-ear earbuds sit at the edge of the ear canal without sealing the opening. These have an airy feel and no noise cancellation.
Who Is This Best For: The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are perfect for outdoor runners and other active people who need to stay aware of their surroundings. The bone conduction and speaker combination helps create more layered music, while the wraparound style keeps the ear and ear canal open to other sounds. Whether it is safety or convenience, this design matters for many.
Why We Love Them: We love that they have a higher, sweat-resistant IP rating and provide better sound than bone conduction alone. The unique shape and design create an ear-hugging experience that is both comfortable and stays in place mile after mile. The open design and excellent awareness increase safety and prevent discomfort caused by a slick silicone bud shifting in your ear canal.
Should You Buy It? If you need fabulous headphones for running, it is hard to find anything with better sound and awareness simultaneously. The Shokz combines enhanced safety and better sound with a cozy fit that motivates you to keep going and achieve your next milestone.
The Shokz OpenRun Pro2 is a comfortable and stable bud built to stay put, bring more awareness of surroundings, and be water-resistant for runners. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Who Is This Best For: Bargain-hunting music lovers or anyone willing to use a wired headset for better sound quality at a lower expense will appreciate the Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X. These are designed for listeners on a budget who want a discreet yet loud pair of earbuds. They offer remarkably clear calling capabilities and excel at video calls, making them great for tethering to a computer.
Why We Love It: These punch way above their price in performance. We love their enthusiastic bass, clear mids, and rich detail for a dirt-cheap price. They feel surprisingly well-built, with a comfortable, secure fit and a detachable braided cable. There are zero battery or Bluetooth worries, which means less frustration and more listening.
Should You Buy It? If you want wired headphones on a budget, the Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X are a go-to. For the cost of a pizza, you get a solid listening experience. They lack modern tech like wireless convenience and active noise cancellation, and you'll need a headphone jack or adapter. However, if you're fine with wires, these are unbeatable.
If wired earbuds are okay, and budget is your top priority, the Linsoul are practically perfect for the price. Credit: Natalie Kafader
We tested over 50 competitors in our various headphone and earbud reviews to bring a comprehensive list of compelling shortlist contenders. Credit: Matt Lighthart
How We Tested
We've been testing audio products since 2012. Most headphones and earbuds undergo the same tests, but with different metric weightings. We test with a panel of audio experts and casual enthusiasts to capture and encompass the thoughts of a broad range of users. We also utilize our state-of-the-art audio lab to support our findings.
Our headphone and earbud testing is broken into 5 test metrics:
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit (Stability for workout and running headphones)
Noise Cancellation
Ease of Use (App, Controls, and Customizations)
Call Quality
The features or functions that are important depend on how you plan to use them. Stability and comfort might be more critical to a runner than to someone sitting at a desk. Sound quality might be your strongest motivator if you love absorbing each musical note.
We used a panel of expert ears trained in music and audio production for our testers. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Why Trust GearLab
Our panel of audio experts has over 100 years of combined training and experience in the audio industry. Our audio testing is led by Senior Audio Analyst, Dave Berkman, with significant contributions from Senior Review Analysts Rachael Lamore, and Genaveve Bradshaw. Rachael conducts testing in our state-of-the-art studio to analyze sound, noise cancellation, call quality, and more. Gena holds a degree in Music from the University of New Mexico and has a passion for music, as well as training in classical singing. Dave is a musical producer with over 20 years of experience in production, recording, and composing for multiple television networks and tech companies.
Finding the right pair of headphones or earbuds largely depends on your listen style and how you plan to use them. Credit: Matt Lighthart
How to Pick the Best Headphones or Earbuds
Finding the right pair of headphones is often a delicate balancing act between achieving optimal performance for your goals and staying within your budget. Choosing among top-scoring contenders can be a no-brainer if money is no object. However, things can get a bit sticky if you hope to match your listening goals, how you plan to use them, and your budget.
Headphones help block out distractions and offer good sound quality, while earbuds are compact and easy to keep on hand for almost any need. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Types of Headphones
There are two primary types of wearable audio devices: headphones and earbuds. You can further break that down into wired and wireless options for both, but for the moment, let's focus on the different styles.
Headphones can help create an immersive sound experience that lets the distractions of the world float away. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Headphones
Headphones are often preferred by those who listen primarily at home or the office. They are also favored by those who commute or travel and want better noise-blocking capabilities so they can find calm amid the surrounding noise. Typically, we experience better sound quality and noise cancellation with headphones, and true audiophiles will tell you these are the go-to for long listening sessions where a vast soundstage is vital for full immersion.
Key Metric Scores of Wireless Headphones
Product
Sound Quality
Comfort
Noise Cancellation
Call Quality
Bose Ultra (2nd Gen)
8.6
9.5
9.2
8.0
Sony WH-1000XM6
8.5
6.8
9.5
8.7
Sennheiser M4
9.0
9.5
6.0
8.2
Sony WH-1000XM5
8.4
5.9
8.9
8.0
Bose QuietComfort
7.2
8.6
7.3
7.7
Apple AirPods Max 2
8.5
4.6
9.5
7.1
Focal Bathys
9.3
4.2
7.2
7.5
1More SonoFlow Pro
6.8
7.7
6.9
6.4
JBL Tour One M3
5.9
4.6
8.8
7.9
Tozo HT3
6.7
7.3
5.2
7.2
Sony WH-CH720N
7.0
6.7
5.1
7.6
Tozo HT2
6.2
7.7
5.1
5.8
Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2
5.2
4.6
8.0
6.1
JLab JBuds Lux ANC
6.1
5.9
5.0
6.2
Soundcore Space One
3.5
5.9
6.2
6.4
Beats Studio Pro
7.3
3.7
3.6
6.5
JBL Tour One M2
5.1
2.8
6.1
6.5
Sony WHCH520
5.6
2.4
2.4
5.2
JBL Tune 720 BT
4.1
2.4
3.7
4.1
Beats Solo 4
4.3
1.5
2.6
3.1
Beribes
1.6
4.2
2.0
2.4
Wireless headphones, such as the Sony WH-1000XM6, allow you to live untethered in the world. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Wired headphones are usually the most affordable way to get top-tier sound quality, but they come with the hassle of long cables. They're ideal for at-home listening or studio work, but less practical for everyday mobility. Going wireless means increased mobility, living untethered. However, their size limits their use for traveling light, and sweaty or rigorous activities.
Over-ears vs On-ears
Over-ear headphones feature large, cushioned cups that fully surround your ears without direct contact, providing enhanced all-day comfort and improved noise isolation and cancellation. On-ear models sit directly on the ears. They are typically more compact and lightweight, but they don't seal out noise as well and can become uncomfortable quickly.
Earbuds are ideal for on-the-go lifestyles and multitasking. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Earbuds
Earbuds are small and fit in your ear. They are perfect for travel, mobility, and discretion, and usually come with their own case. People favor them for their size, transportability, and the ease of wearing them with glasses and earrings, resulting in fewer conflicts. While they typically do not provide noise cancellation or sound quality on par with popular headphones, they can keep most loud noises at bay and offer versatility in how and when you can wear them. Doing housework? Check. On the subway? Check. At the Gym or running? Check, check.
Wireless Earbuds Metrics
Product
Sound
Comfort
Noise Cancellation
Call Quality
Apple Airpods Pro 3
8.2
8.5
8.9
9.6
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro
8.2
8.1
8.3
7.2
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) Earbuds
8.7
6.2
8.4
8.0
Sony WF-1000XM6
8.5
6.7
9.0
6.9
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
7.5
8.4
7.6
7.3
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
8.8
6.9
7.4
6.8
Google Pixel Buds 2a
7.5
8.6
7.4
6.2
Nothing Ear Wireless
7.6
7.7
6.6
7.6
Sony WF-1000XM5
7.4
8.0
8.6
5.1
Bose QuietComfort
7.6
6.3
8.0
6.7
CMF Buds 2 Plus
6.7
7.4
6.6
5.8
Beats Studio Buds +
5.0
6.7
6.4
7.6
Bose Ultra Open
6.5
8.6
2.0
8.5
EarFun Air Pro 4
6.7
6.1
7.1
5.0
Technics EAH-AZ100
7.6
6.3
7.7
3.2
JLab Go Pop+
5.7
4.9
6.7
5.5
Beats by Dre Powerbeats Pro
5.8
5.5
4.7
5.8
TOZO T10
5.3
4.5
5.6
6.0
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
5.8
4.5
7.5
2.7
JBL Vibe Beam
3.2
4.9
5.6
6.1
Soundcore P20i
3.6
5.0
6.0
4.6
Earbuds with clips, wings, bands, and hugging designs are ideal for activities like running and working out. Credit: Elizabeth White
Wired Earbuds are often cheaper, don't require charging, provide decent sound, and are portable; however, they tend to tangle easily or get in the way. Additionally, depending on your device, you may need to use an adapter. Alternatively, wireless earbuds offer more freedom, are discreet, and are better suited for workouts or life on the go. However, their compact size makes them easier to lose, and finding a comfortable fit can be particularly challenging for those with smaller ears and ear canals. They also have battery limitations you don't have in wired earbuds.
True Wireless vs Wireless Earbuds
“True wireless” earbuds have no cables at all, whereas some “wireless” earbuds use a short cord or band to connect the two earpieces. Both work via Bluetooth, but a tethered design can hang around your neck and are harder to lose.
Choosing between headphones and earbuds is a personal choice often based on reasons outside of how they function or their strong suits. Credit: Matt Lighthart
What Type Do You Need?
Determining the type of headphones you need depends on how and where you plan to listen, as well as what you will be doing while listening.
Headphones typically offer better noise cancellation, and the mere sight of them can help keep others from bothering you. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Feature Comparisons
Product Type
Battery Life
Wireless Charging
Connectivity
Noise Cancellation
Wireless Headphones
20+ hrs
No
Bluetooth
Some have passive wired
1
2
3
4
5
Wireless Earbuds
3-15 hrs
Some
Bluetooth
1
2
3
4
5
Wired Earbuds
NA
NA
Wired
1
2
3
4
5
For most listeners, wireless headphones are the best option if you listen frequently while sitting or in loud environments where you need help keeping the world at a distance. If you love noise cancellation and a broad, expansive soundstage with unbelievable clarity in music, then headphones will be a must-have, as they provide peace from distractions and a musical party in your ear.
Earbuds typically come in compact cases that let you easily take them with you for spontaneous use when you find breaks for listening. Credit: Matt Lighthart
If you love music but don't want your head trapped in a clamp or the bulkiness that headphones bring, earbuds are likely the better bet. Music, podcasts, audiobooks, and phone calls are all easily accessible with a great pair of buds. Their compact design is ideal for travel, activities, and pairing with glasses or earrings. While you might sacrifice some sound quality, and the noise cancellation isn't as effective as that of headphones, the trade-offs for those who listen while living and multitasking are worth the slight loss, and we suspect most everyday listeners won't notice what is missing.
Depending on your needs, one pair might be able to do it all. However, if your goals are vast, a set of headphones and earbuds might be in order. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Can One Pair Do It All?
No. In short, no headphone or earbud can do everything. However, one pair might be able to do all that YOU need. If you want a noise blocker for work and commuting but still appreciate hearing detailed nuances in music, there is a pair for that. If you need good calls, excellent active noise cancellation, and a wide soundstage, yes, one pair can deliver that. If you desire transparency while running, noise cancellation while working, a compact size for travel, a stable fit for working out, and audiophile levels of sound quality, you'll likely need more than one pair to meet all of these needs (though the Apple AirPods Pro 3 is pretty good at all these things). Earbuds or headphones can't do everything. Solving this issue depends on the type of listener you are and your specific goals.
Earbuds are small and discreet. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Headphones provide better noise cancellation and could suit office spaces and noisy environments. Credit: Matt Lighthart
One solution could be an excellent pair of headphones that invests enough money to deliver good sound, a functional call-making ability, and better noise cancellation at a budget-friendly price. Headphones are great for inside activities and long listening sessions. Still, their size can make them less desirable for movement, commuting, and travel, where you might need to tuck them away. Then pair them with a stable-fitting set of earbuds that prioritize environmental awareness for running, workouts, and public spaces where you need to be aware of what and who is moving around you. Luckily, better-performing and compelling options in each type can allow you to own both for less than the cost of a single premium product.
While everyone has their preferences, we prefer earbuds over headphones for workouts. Headphones can get slippery and lack the stabilization we typically see in buds, especially buds with features to help them stay in place. Credit: Natalie Kafader
What About Workouts or Running?
If you want headphones or earbuds primarily for exercise, durability and fit become the top priorities. The best workout headphones are, at the very least, sweatproof and stay securely in place even during intense activity. Many movement-focused earbuds include stabilizing ear fins or hooks, and they tend to prioritize lightweight, comfortable designs over advanced features or perfect sound reproduction. However, depending on your budget or intensity level, a great pair of budget earbuds can serve as a suitable alternative to pricier running or workout-specific choices that might be more than the casual weekend warrior needs.
The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are runner-approved for stability, comfort, and awareness with sound loud enough to motivate. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Some workout-specific buds include clips that extend over and behind your ear to help keep them in place when things get rigorous or sweaty. Credit: Natalie Kafader
If you plan to use your earbuds or headphones in sweaty or wet environments, it's essential to be aware of Ingress Protection (IP) ratings and their meaning. While most casual wearers won't need to know much about this, if you might get sweaty or be exposed to rain or other moisture sources, it should be a factor you consider, as the ratings indicate how resistant they are to liquids and dirt. An IP has two Xs. The first X represents the product's protection against solid objects like dust and dirt, and the second represents the protection levels against moisture/liquids. Here is the breakdown of the water ratings:
IPX0 — No protection
IPX1 — Dripping water
IPX2 — Dripping water at 15 degrees
IPX3 — Up to 60 degrees vertical spraying water
IPX4 — Splashing water from all directions
IPX5 — Low-pressure water jets from all directions
IPX6 — High-pressure water jets from all directions
IPX7 — Temporary submersion in water for up to 1 meter for 30 min
IPX8 — Continuous submersion; depth and duration defined by the manufacturer.
Earbuds suitable for running often include features designed to secure them in place, so you never lose a bud while moving at speed. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Earbud Hooks and Wings
Most active earbuds use stabilizers, either over-ear hooks or in-ear wings, to keep them from falling out during workouts. Over-ear hooks provide maximum security but add some bulk, while small silicone in-ear wings tuck into ear folds for extra grip without the heft of a full hook.
Budget often drives buying decisions, and our lineup includes some intriguing contenders with wallet-friendly prices. Credit: Matt Lighthart
What Your Budget Buys - And Why You Might Spend Less
Premium audio comes at a premium price. While we can argue that some higher-end models more than justify their cost with impeccable sound quality, a comfortable fit, and superior noise cancellation, we suspect most listeners should focus on their reasons for wanting headphones and their budget. It doesn't matter how well a pair performed during testing if they don't meet your needs or buying them breaks the bank.
We suggest honing in on your main goal to find a good price-to-value for your needs, rather than settling for the “best” you can afford. This can save you money and make you happy. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Once you've honed in on the type of product you want and how you plan to use it, you'll likely have only a handful on your shortlist. The price range of this list varies from $20 to $700. That's a huge spread. If you are a casual listener who enjoys music, podcasts, or streaming movies, a comfortable pair that fits well with average or above sound quality will likely bring you joy. Choosing the less expensive model could save you money, and you may never know what you are missing. Alternatively, if you love music and are moved by hearing every nuanced flutter in soulful vocals accompanied by instruments spread around you, a comfortable fit and average sound might be a devastating disappointment.
After extensive testing with a panel of expert listeners and casual users, we believe most people won't realize what they are missing by opting for a more affordable option, and will be glad they're not spending more money. Finding a cheaper option that meets your needs is all you need. We don't think there is any reason to assume that the highest-scoring, highest-priced item on the list is the key to blissful listening.
The Focal Bathys are very heavy and not the most comfortable for longer listening sessions. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The copper finish of the Momentum gives it a fancier vibe than traditional plastic minimalist designs. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Other Notable Headphones
We've tested many compelling contenders for headphones and earbuds. While we outlined our absolute favorites at the top, there are other noteworthy options that could work well for listeners with more niche needs.
Focal Bathys — These premium headphones offer the absolute best sound quality, with an expansive soundstage that places instruments seemingly 360 degrees around you. While they are heavy and cost a fortune, they could be a must-have for true audiophiles.
Closed-back vs Open-back
Open-back headphones have grilles or vents on the ear shell that allow air and sound to pass, creating a spacious, natural audio, but they leak sound; others can hear your music, and you can hear them. Closed-back headphones are more common and practical for most.
Sony WH-1000XM5 — This older Sony offers impressive sound quality and noise cancellation. While the XM5 might not be as comfortable as the XM6, it can save you money over the newest thing without sacrificing much.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 True Wireless Earbuds are a super compelling premium earbud with spectacular sound. If your main goal is sound quality, it is hard not to consider them. However, given the higher price tag, lackluster ANC, and quirky iOS interactions, they aren't the right pair for most listeners.
Sony WF-1000XM6 - These impressive buds give some of the best noise cancellation paired with unbelievable sound. While we did enjoy listening to them, they are more expensive, the call quality is meh, and the fit wasn't very comfortable for some testers. But if a high-performing set of earbuds is your jam and money is no object, they are worthy of a place on your shortlist. If you value comfort and still want Sony quality, the Sony WF-1000XM5 are more comfortable, have similar noise-blocking abilities, but offer slightly less impressive sound. However, the XM5 makes clearer calls.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds — The QuietComfort original is a compelling contender that can save you about $100 (sales depending) over the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) Earbuds. While it didn't perform as well as the Ultra, it still offers immersive sound, good call quality, and some of the best noise cancellation in the earbud biz.
Google Pixel Buds 2a - These budget Android buds are ridiculously comfortable, and the price feels cozy too. With impressive sound for the price and noise cancellation that will work for most listeners, they are an intriguing choice for Android users on a tighter budget.
EarFun Air Pro 4 — The EarFun are a compelling set of budget buds we think could be a good match for some listeners. While they cost more than the CMF Buds and didn't perform quite as well as the Nothing Ear overall, we enjoyed these feature-filled budget-friendly buds and thought the sound was playful, and the noise cancellation is better than both the CMF and Nothing Ear.
JLab Go Pop+ — These ultra-cheap earbuds come in vibrant colors and a handy carry case. They have good sound and call quality for a low price, but lack active noise cancellation. Those with a tighter budget or a tendency to lose things might be very pleased with the average performance and the below-average price.
Shokz OpenMove — These over-ear band running buds are remarkably stable, have an IP55 rating, and offer impressive environmental awareness. However, the sound quality is only so-so, and not everyone is a fan of bone-conduction technology. However, we believe many runners will be more than pleased with what they receive for the price.
The headphone world doesn't need to send you spiralling. We have the details to help you find a pair you'll love. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Conclusion
The world of personal audio is vast and full of words and wonders that might be new to you. Choosing a pair of earbuds or headphones can feel daunting, given their higher price tag and the risk of disappointment. Our testing is designed to help you find the right pair for your lifestyle, activities, listening goals, and wallet. In the end, listening to what you want, when you want, can elevate your life, even just a little, and we think that is priceless.
—Rachael Lamore, Genaveve Bradshaw, and Alex Hocevar-Smith
