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In-ears or earbuds can be much more portable than bulky over-ears and help passively block out background noise for those on the go. They can be great at the gym and are easy to toss into your pocket when you get off the bus or arrive at the office. While earbuds technically rest at the edge of the ear canal and in-ears have barrel-shaped tips inserted deep into the ear, people often use the two terms interchangeably. In-ears tend to be more common, though some people find them uncomfortable and prefer the less intrusive fit of earbuds.
We've tested over 310 pairs of earbuds and in-ear headphones. Below are our recommendations for the best in-ears and earbudsto purchase. Check out our picks for thebest truly wireless earbuds, thebest wireless earbuds and in-ears, and thebest sounding wireless earbuds.
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Best Earbuds
Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless 81
Neutral Sound
7.1
Commute/Travel
8.5
Sports/Fitness
8.3
Office
7.7
Wireless Gaming
5.7
Wired Gaming
5.5
Phone Calls
6.8
Type In-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Truly Wireless
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling Yes
Mic Yes
See all our test results
The best in-ears we've tested are the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless. These premium in-ears are the next generation of the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless, offering improved performance and design. They have a smaller and more rounded shape than their predecessor, with memory foam ear tips that improve their noise isolation performance. There's also an ANC feature to help block out more bass-heavy background noises like bus and plane engines. You may not experience a significant difference between ANC on and off, though, since they have a high passive isolation due to their ear tips.
Their memory foam ear tips aren't comfortable for everyone, though. While the headphones come with a couple of different sizes of tips to help you get the right fit, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless are a more comfortable alternative since they don't have such a deep in-ear fit. They have a less neutral default sound profile, which isn't ideal for everyone, but you might appreciate the extra rumble and punch for genres like EDM and hip-hop. Both models offer a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization, and the Bose support a spatial audio feature thatcreates a more immersive soundstage. However, only the Sony earbuds have 360 Reality Audio, which analyzes your ear shape to create a custom sound profile.
See our review
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Best Upper Mid-Range Earbuds
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless 22
Neutral Sound
7.4
Commute/Travel
8.2
Sports/Fitness
8.3
Office
7.3
Wireless Gaming
5.8
Wired Gaming
5.6
Type In-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Truly Wireless
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling Yes
Mic Yes
See all our test results
If you still want a premium design but don't want to pay top dollar, try the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless. Like their predecessor, the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless, they've got a few features you won't find anywhere else on this list, like an H2 chip for seamless pairing with devices in your Apple ecosystem and Spatial Audio for a more immersive audio experience. While their noise isolation isn't quite on par with the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless, they still do an excellent job of tackling hard-to-block noise like rumbly plane engines and ambient chatter. With their ANC on, they last just under six hours continuously, though their case holds four extra charges if you need it.
Overall, they're well-built andcomfortable enough for long listening sessions. Their design can wiggle out of your ears over time, which is annoying. They have a warm sound profile, making vocals and instruments seem cozy; this means they're well-suited for most kinds of content. However, they lack built-in EQ or presets to help you tweak their sound, so if this matters, check out the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 instead. They offer similar noise isolation and sound customization features via their companion app. However, they aren't as comfortable.
See our review
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Best Mid-Range Earbuds
Google Pixel Buds Pro Truly Wireless 12
Neutral Sound
7.4
Commute/Travel
8.0
Sports/Fitness
8.0
Office
7.2
Wireless Gaming
5.5
Wired Gaming
5.4
Phone Calls
6.0
Type In-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Truly Wireless
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling Yes
Mic Yes
See all our test results
The Google Pixel Buds Pro Truly Wireless are the best in-ear headphones at the mid-range level we've tested. Despite the smaller price tag, these earbuds still have plenty of useful extra features. They support multi-device pairing, meaning you can stay connected with your phone and computer simultaneously, and they have an ANC feature that does an excellent job of blocking out noise. Google Pixel users can also take advantage of the Spatial Audio feature meant tocreate a more immersive soundstage.
The earbuds have a solid continuous battery life of around seven hours and come with a case with two extra charges. Their slightly V-shaped sound profile emphasizes the thump and rumble of low bass, while instruments and lead vocals sound clear and bright. However, they can pop out of your ears over time. This can be annoying and affect their bass delivery if you can't achieve a consistent fit. The Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless are another good mid-range option. They're more comfortable for most people and not as prone to slipping out of place, but their ANC doesn't block bass-range noise like rumbling engines as effectively.
See our review
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Best Lower Mid-Range Earbuds
Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless 17
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Neutral Sound
6.8
Commute/Travel
8.3
Sports/Fitness
8.0
Wireless Gaming
5.5
Wired Gaming
5.3
Phone Calls
6.4
Type In-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Truly Wireless
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling Yes
Mic Yes
See all our test results
Consider the Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless if you want a more affordable option. These earbuds do sacrifice some higher-end features, like virtual surround sound. Out of the box, they also have a less neutral sound profile than the Google Pixel Buds Pro Truly Wireless. Still, thanks to their adaptive ANC feature, they have a fantastic noise cancelling performance, which canblock out noise like rumbling engines and background conversations. They support multi-device pairing, meaning you can stay connected with your phone and computer simultaneously. They have a solid eight hours of continuous battery life and come with a case with four additional charges.
By default, the Anker have a warm sound profile that works well for genres like rock and jazz, but mixes lack low-bass, and voices and instruments are missing some detail. Still, you can use a graphic EQ and presets in the companion app to adjust the sound to your taste. If you're looking for similarly performing buds with a different physical design and more bass, consider the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Truly Wireless. They have a stem design, which some people may prefer compared to the Space A40's rounded shape, and they deliver a lot more thump, rumble, and boom. However, the added bass seeps into their mids and slightly muddies vocals and instruments.
See our review
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Best Budget Earbuds
JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless 5
Neutral Sound
7.2
Commute/Travel
7.7
Sports/Fitness
8.1
Office
7.1
Wireless Gaming
5.8
Wired Gaming
5.6
Phone Calls
6.6
Type In-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Truly Wireless
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling No
Mic Yes
See all our test results
If you're looking for wallet-friendly buds, try the JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless. These buds stand out from their competitors at this price point as they have some handy features to help you customize their performance. Their excited sound profile can be adjusted thanks to the companion app's graphic EQ and presets. The buds also have an audio mode that canimprove audio quality in addition to a video mode for lowering latency. That said, unlike the Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless, they lack noise cancelling and rely on their passive capabilities to reduce ambient sound. They do an okay job in this regard overall but struggle to block out rumbly engine noise during commutes. Their in-ear fit is a bit deep, but they're decently comfortable.
On the upside, they're well-built and last under nine hours continuously. Their carrying case also offers an extra three charges if you need it. While the case lacks a lid, there are magnets to hold the buds in place. If you prefer earbuds with a more secure carrying case, try the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless. They offer a similar overall performance to the Vibe Buds but their case has a lid. They also have a stem design instead of a completely rounded bud, making them feel less comfortable and stable.
See our review
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Best Earbuds For Bass
Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 11
Neutral Sound
7.1
Commute/Travel
8.1
Sports/Fitness
8.2
Office
7.6
Wireless Gaming
5.6
Wired Gaming
5.4
Phone Calls
7.0
Type In-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Truly Wireless
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling Yes
Mic Yes
See all our test results
If you mostly listen to bass-heavy genres, like metal, hip-hop, and EDM, then you want earbuds that can pack a solid punch and thump. While other earbuds might try to do this by overemphasizing the bass in the mix, this can cause distortion and create sound artifacts that make the listening experience less pleasant. Instead, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 have an extremely neutral bass profile and an underemphasized treble range. As such, they can reproduce bass-range audio with outstanding fidelity. If you'd prefer a different mix, their companion app has a graphic EQ and presets to help you personalize their sound.
These headphones are also lightweight, well-built, and have an IPX4 rating for protection against water splashes, making them a good choice for moderate workouts. If you're using them for your daily commute, they will keep you isolated from the low rumble of bus engines and the noisy chatter from nearby commuters. However, it doesn't perform as well as the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless in this regard.
See our review
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Best In-Ear Monitor Headphones
MOONDROP Blessing 3 15
Neutral Sound
7.8
Commute/Travel
5.7
Sports/Fitness
6.5
Office
5.8
Wireless Gaming
4.3
Wired Gaming
6.4
Phone Calls
2.3
Type In-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless No
Transducer Hybrid
Noise Cancelling No
Mic No
See all our test results
If you're looking for wired in-ears with high sound quality, the MOONDROP Blessing 3 are the best in-ear monitors (IEMs) we've tested. These wired in-ears don't have features like ANC or a mic, although you can buy a separate cable with an in-line mic if you want to make calls. However, unlike most earbuds, they use a hybrid driver design to improve sound quality and have a very neutral sound profile. They accurately reproduce the bass's thump, punch, and boom, while instruments and vocals sound clear and accurate. They're very well-built and comfortable, with earbuds made of plastic and stainless steel. Their cables loop around your ears to keep them in place even if you shake your head. Despite the lack of ANC, they block out an impressive amount of mid-range and high-pitched noise, so you won't hear as much background chit-chat or humming from an A/C unit.
However, the price might be a bit much if you're not looking for a premium pair of IEMs. The MOONDROP Aria are much more budget-friendly and have a similar wired design. Their sound is also quite neutral, but they don't reproduce bass as well and have a less well-balanced mid-range, which can make instruments and vocals sound pushed back. They lack the Blessing 3's premium build and won't block out nearly as much noise. Still, they offer good audio quality and a versatile sound profile at a more affordable price.
See our review
Recent Updates
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Feb 02, 2024: We've checked to ensure all our picks remain up-to-date and in stock.
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Jan 05, 2024: We've replaced the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless with the JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless as the Vibe Buds have a more comfortable and stable in-ear fit, though both buds otherwise perform similarly. We've replaced the Jabra Elite 7 Pro True Wireless with the Jabra Elite 10 True Wireless and the Skullcandy Dime 2 True Wireless with the Skullcandy Dime 3 True Wireless in Notable Mentions.
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Nov 22, 2023: Replaced the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Truly Wireless with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless as a more comfortable alternative to the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless.
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Oct 25, 2023: Confirmed product picks. Some text edits for clarity.
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Sep 26, 2023: We've added a comparison between the Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless and the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Truly Wireless, as both buds have similar price points and performances but with different looks. We've also moved the Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless to Notable Mentions.
All Reviews
Our recommendations aboveare what we think are currently the best in-ear headphonesand earbuds to buy for most people in each price range. We factor in the price (cheaper headphones winover pricier ones if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no headphones that are difficult to findor almostout of stock everywhere).
If you would like to choose foryourself, here is the list of all our reviews for earbuds and in-ears. Be careful not togetcaught up in the details. There are no perfect headphones. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection.
