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
Samsung Galaxy Buds leak suggests two surprise models will be its next cheap earbuds – and I’m really confused
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
AirPods Pro 3: all the latest rumors and leaks, plus what we want to see
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.
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…
I tried the $1.8k 'hearable' earbuds and I fear ChapGPT may have left these niche brands behind
Sorry, but the Zohn-1 RTW are a hard sell now that Breggz has dropped its 'in-ear computer' tagline – and I'm worried they're just another ChatGPT casualty.
The best budget earbuds, all real-world tested by our expert audio team
Updated The best budget wireless and wired earbuds you can buy today, with options from Sony, Nothing, EarFun, JLab and more.
Astell & Kern's new titanium earbuds with planar magnetic drivers are the portable music upgrade of my dreams – but my wallet's nightmare
Astell & Kern's luxury IEMs are inspired by the moon and priced like a space rocket
AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 will get two useful free upgrades in iOS 26
Some AirPods models get clearer voice pickups and a handy new camera option – but not all.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 review: a solid budget alternative to the AirPods, but there’s better out there
I tested Anker’s rival to the AirPods 4 and it was a tighter contest than I’d anticipated.
Activo Volcano review: Astell & Kern’s offshoot brand delivers its cheapest IEMs to date and they're both solid and talented, but not without fault
The Activo Volcano are well-priced and deliver impressive low-end output, but they’re bested by rivals on instrument separation, comfort and design.