If you love music, chances are you won't be happy with any old earphones. More specifically, if you listen on the go, you may prefer the lighter feel of in-ear buds to that of over-the-ear headphones. PCMag has been reviewing earphones for nearly three decades and true wireless earphones since the first pair arrived. Whether you prefer wireless or wired listening, our recommendations cover everything from audiophile-friendly in-ear monitors like the Etymotic Research ER3 XR to true wireless models like the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 for exercise. Each of our recommendations has its strengths, so click the links to read our full reviews. Last, be sure to scroll to the bottom to find out everything you should keep in mind when determining the best earbuds for you.
Overview
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![Apple AirPods Pro 3]()
Best for iPhone UsersApple AirPods Pro 3
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![Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)]()
Best Noise Cancellation OverallBose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
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![Etymotic ER3 XR]()
Most Accurate SoundEtymotic ER3 XR
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![EarFun Air Pro 4+]()
Best Affordable Noise CancellationEarFun Air Pro 4+
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![Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation]()
Best for TransparencyApple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation
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![Tribit FlyBuds 3]()
Best Budget Fitness BudsTribit FlyBuds 3
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![Shure Aonic 215 (Gen 2)]()
Most Effective EQShure Aonic 215 (Gen 2)
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![Sony WF-1000XM6]()
Best for AudiophilesSony WF-1000XM6
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![Beats Powerbeats Pro 2]()
Best for Exercise OverallBeats Powerbeats Pro 2
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![Nothing Ear (a)]()
Most StylishNothing Ear (a)
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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Credit: Eric Zeman
![Apple AirPods Pro 3]()
Best for iPhone UsersApple AirPods Pro 3
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The third-generation AirPods Pro deliver top-quality noise cancellation, wiping out deep, low-frequency rumble and more complex, higher-frequency sounds. Beyond the improved ANC, Apple's Adaptive Audio mode gives you a more natural way to monitor your surroundings without letting loud noises harm your hearing. The re-tuned audio is still rich but more balanced than before, providing a first-class listening experience. In addition, they include advanced features like live language translation, heart rate monitoring, workout tracking, and a bevy of hearing health tools—all for the same price as the old model.
Who It’s For
Apple lovers: First and foremost, if you want seamless integration between your earphones and iPhone or Mac, you will enjoy the AirPods Pro experience. Pairing is as simple as opening the case, while the iOS settings menu provides all the necessary controls and features.
Fitness enthusiasts: These earbuds can also serve as active, transparent earplugs and a fitness-tracking tool that doesn't require a smartwatch, thanks to their built-in heart rate monitoring sensors.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Battery Life Up to 8 hours for earbuds, and 24 hours with case Charging Support Lightning, MagSafe, Qi Wireless, USB-C Chip H3 headphone chip; U2 chip for case Connection Type Bluetooth Hands-Free Siri In-Canal Seal On-Ear Controls Volume swipes; press and press-and-hold gestures (ANC/Transparency selection, calls, playback, Siri, track navigation) Spatial Audio Personalized Spatial audio with Head tracking Transparency Mode Standard and Apdative Transparency True Wireless Type In-Canal Water Resistance IP57 Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Apple AirPods Pro 3 Review -
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![Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)]()
Best Noise Cancellation OverallBose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The second-gen Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds produce impressive results through a combination of calibration tests and subtle adaptive noise-cancelling tweaks. They're even more effective at low and high frequencies than the first generation, making them among the best ANC you can get from earbuds, along with the AirPods Pro 3. The Bose earbuds have an Active Aware mode that tamps down louder environmental noises while still allowing you to hear your surroundings. Support for the AptX Adaptive codec adds value, as does the new charging case, which can now recharge wirelessly.
Who It’s For
Cross-platform listeners: You should choose the second-generation QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds if you want the most effective noise cancellation on a mix of platforms (Android, Windows, and Apple products).
The situationally aware: Most transparency modes on noise-cancelling earbuds sound artificial and artifact-filled, meaning you only want to use them occasionally and briefly. Bose manages to keep ambient sounds natural even when reproduced, which is ideal if you need to keep tabs on your surroundings or order a latte.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Canal Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless -
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![Etymotic ER3 XR]()
Most Accurate SoundEtymotic ER3 XR
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Most earphones that claim to offer a flat response rely on some amount of sculpting to craft an engaging sound, but the Etymotic ER3 XR earphones buck that trend by staying closer to the ideal of clinical accuracy than any other pair under $500. Compared with the XP edition, this XR version extends the bass range by a very slight amount, but not nearly as much as most consumer models.
Who It’s For
Studio producers: Engineers and musicians who need to hear the truth in their mixes aren't likely to find better earphones than the ER3 XR, especially for the price. These reproduce every detail across the frequency range and deliver bass with precision.
Specs & Configurations
Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm Removable Cable Type In-Canal Learn More Etymotic ER3 XR Review -
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Credit: EarFun
![EarFun Air Pro 4+]()
Best Affordable Noise CancellationEarFun Air Pro 4+
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
These earphones are the full package for a budget price. They boast improved active noise cancellation, a more well-rounded audio profile, powerful bass, and surprisingly long battery life.
Who It's For
Bargain hunters: If you only want to spend around $100 on noise-cancelling earbuds, EarFun delivers. These earbuds offer impressive sound quality and battery life, intuitive controls, and an adjustable equalizer.
Gym bunnies: The earbuds feature an IP55 rating, ensuring they can withstand sweaty sessions on the treadmill or in the weight room. Given their low price, if you accidentally drop a dumbbell on them, it won't ruin your day entirely.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Ear Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More EarFun Air Pro 4+ Review -
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Credit: Tim Gideon
![Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation]()
Best for TransparencyApple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
For their price, the Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation earbuds effectively dial back low-frequency rumble and do a commendable job against the mids and highs—despite the open-ear design. Otherwise, they deliver a detailed audio signature and excellent transparency features. We also like that they work natively with Apple's iPhones.
Who It’s For
Open-ear design fans: These earbuds are ideal for anyone who wants an open-ear design but also needs decent noise cancellation.
Apple users on a budget: These earbuds offer the same seamless integration with Apple products as other AirPods, but cost $70 less than the AirPods Pro 3.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Battery Life Up to 4 hours with ANC Charging Support USB-C, MagSafe, Qi Wireless Chip H2 headphone chip Connection Type Bluetooth Hands-Free Siri On-Ear Controls Volume swipes; press and press-and-hold gestures (ANC/Transparency selection, calls, playback, Siri, track navigation) Spatial Audio Personalized Spatial audio with Head tracking Transparency Mode Standard and Apdative Transparency True Wireless Type Open-style earbuds Water Resistance IP54 for both earbuds and case Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless -
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![Tribit FlyBuds 3]()
Best Budget Fitness BudsTribit FlyBuds 3
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Tribit FlyBuds 3 have remained on our list for several years because no other budget model offers a more complete experience. These earphones sound quite good, can withstand heavy amounts of moisture, and ship with a case that provides an impressive 95 hours of extra battery life.
Who It’s For
Budget bud seekers: If you need gym earbuds and don't want to spend a ton, the FlyBuds 3 are a top choice. These deliver all the low-end power you need to energize your workouts.
Those who need durable buds: Because they are so inexpensive and durable, you don't need to worry too much about losing or breaking them.
Specs & Configurations
Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Canal Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Tribit FlyBuds 3 Review -
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![Shure Aonic 215 (Gen 2)]()
Most Effective EQShure Aonic 215 (Gen 2)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The second-gen Shure Aonic 215 earphones are a bit bulky, but they are one of the most versatile entries on this list: You can use them in either a wired or wireless mode. Our favorite feature, however, is the very flexible EQ you get in the companion app. It lets you adjust specific frequencies in a way that's just not possible with competing models.
Who It’s For
EQ adjusters: If you prefer to sculpt a custom sound signature, this is your best bet.
High-quality file listers: If you have lots of high-quality local media files, the wired listening mode ensures you don't lose any detail during transmission (unlike Bluetooth).
Specs & Configurations
Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Canal Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Shure Aonic 215 (Gen 2) Review -
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Credit: Christian de Looper
![Sony WF-1000XM6]()
Best for AudiophilesSony WF-1000XM6
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Sony's WF-1000XM6 earbuds are among the most premium you can buy. They support high-res playback via the LDAC and L3C codecs, provide excellent noise cancellation (thanks to a combination of effective ANC circuitry and hybrid foam eartips), and work with a companion app with a customizable 10-band EQ and scores of personalization options. The onboard mic is superb, too.
Who It's For
Audiophiles: The XM6 buds support two of the top Bluetooth codecs, giving them an advantage over most other earphones for high-quality audio streaming.
Tweakers: Not only do these earphones include a number of EQ presets, but the Sony Connect app features a 10-band, user-adjustable EQ that allows for endless customization.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Ear Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Sony WF-1000XM6 Review -
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![Beats Powerbeats Pro 2]()
Best for Exercise OverallBeats Powerbeats Pro 2
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earphones are focused on fitness and offer well-rounded features, such as noise cancellation, wireless charging, and heart rate monitoring. They can withstand sweaty workouts and deliver punchy bass to keep you motivated. Moreover, their over-ear hooks keep them stable whether you're jogging or cycling. Other highlights include up to 10 hours of battery life and native integration with Apple's iPhone.
Who It’s For
Fitness fiends: Get the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 if you want to eliminate noise during your workout routine or anywhere else.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Canal Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review -
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![Nothing Ear (a)]()
Most StylishNothing Ear (a)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Nothing Ear (a) earphones are distinctive thanks to their transparent earpiece and case design. We particularly like their vibrant yellow finish, though they also come in black or white. Otherwise, they produce detailed audio, support the AAC and LDAC codecs, and offer better-than-average durability. They don't cancel noise as well as the class-leading Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, but they can still help with the worst distractions.
Who It’s For
Nothing Phone owners: If your top priorities are audio quality, aesthetics, and affordability, these earbuds are worth a look. They are just as functional as they are stylish and work best with a Nothing Phone.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Canal Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Nothing Ear (a) Review -
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4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
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Best For | Best for iPhone Users | Best Noise Cancellation Overall | Most Accurate Sound | Best Affordable Noise Cancellation | Best for Transparency | Best Budget Fitness Buds | Most Effective EQ | Best for Audiophiles | Best for Exercise Overall | Most Stylish | Best for iPhone Users | Best Noise Cancellation Overall | Most Accurate Sound |
Type | In-Canal | In-Canal | In-Canal | In-Ear | Open-style earbuds | In-Canal | In-Canal | In-Ear | In-Canal | In-Canal | In-Canal | In-Canal | In-Canal |
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Connection Type | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Stereo 3.5mm | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Stereo 3.5mm |
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Active Noise Cancellation |
Buying Guide: The Best Earbuds (In-Ear Headphones) for 2026
What's the Difference Between Earphones and Earbuds?
The terms earbuds and earphones might seem interchangeable, but they usually indicate an important distinction. For our purposes, earbuds don't enter your ear canal but sit just outside. This design fits more loosely and can cause problems with accurate stereo imaging (in which both ears get the same amount of audio) and bass response.
In-ear earphones, meanwhile, have silicone or foam tips that fit in the ear canal and form a seal inside your ear, blocking outside noise while piping sound directly into your ears. These often come with eartips in different sizes that help ensure the best possible seal. Others ship with additional flexible fins that provide even more fit security.
The term earbuds has become synonymous with earphones and in-ear headphones, so the difference is ultimately academic. Whatever you call them and whatever they say on the box, you should look for earphones with tips that form a good seal inside your ear. They sound much better than models with plastic-covered drivers that rest loosely against your ear canal.
Should You Choose Wired or Wireless Earphones?
At this point, true wireless earbuds have become so prevalent that you won't come across many wired earphones (or even Bluetooth earphones with a wire connecting them) unless you seek them out. True wireless earphones consist of two individual earpieces that connect to your phone and each other over Bluetooth, so you don't have to deal with a cable at all. They're convenient and refined enough that you can find a pair to fit almost any need or budget (there are plenty available for under $50, for instance).
This doesn't mean that wired earphones are no longer worth considering. You can still get a pair of earphones that connect to your phone via a 3.5mm headphone jack or even a Lightning or USB-C connector. You don't need to charge them like wireless earphones, and many pricier models offer better fidelity for audiophiles.
Want to know more about sound signatures and audio quality? Check out our features on EQs and digital signal processing (DSP).
What Are the Best Earphones for Exercise?
Earphones might not be as eye-catching as headphones, but they can be much more convenient. Besides their size and weight advantages, earphones are often more resilient than headphones when it comes to moisture. Their IP rating indicates how much dust and water exposure they can handle. This is an important factor to consider if you want to listen to music at the gym. Sweat can soak and wear out earpads over time, so most full-on headphones aren't likely to stand up to the constant friction that comes with working out. Our story on the best true wireless earbuds for running has more details.
Not all earphones are workout-friendly, though; don't assume your earphones can handle everything you throw at them unless they explicitly list an IP rating (ideally IPX4 or higher). Really pricey earphones can be as fragile as really pricey headphones, and you don't want to accidentally ruin a $300 pair with sweat.
How to Care for Your Earphones
If you get wired earphones, make sure to use any included pouch or carrying case as often as possible to preserve their longevity. Balling them up, shoving them into a pocket, and then untangling them each time you want to listen does more to wear them out prematurely than just about anything else. Of course, this isn't a factor for true wireless earphones, which stow away inside a charging case. Don't assume the case has the same IP rating as the earphones; they often aren't nearly as durable. For more details, check out five easy tips to extend the life of your headphones and eight ways you're using your headphones wrong.
And if you're shopping on a budget, scan our picks for the best cheap true wireless earbuds.