Earbuds are a convenient way to listen to music or make calls on the go, engage in video calls, or get a music playlist going while exercising.
Earbuds come in all shapes and sizes nowadays, from true wireless buds that pop into each ear and do away entirely with wires to more affordable wired models that connect to a mobile phone or another device for a reliable and simple plug-and-play experience. There are others, too, like bone conduction headphones that rest on the neckbone or in front of the ears as opposed to in them while still allowing for a personal listening experience.
It's tough to find the perfect pair of earbuds, especially with so much variety. But there are some models that are beloved by owners and reviewers, come at great prices, and meet various wearer needs. And many are available to purchase on Amazon.
For a seamless wireless experience with an Apple iPhone, the Apple AirPods are unmatched. But for a wired option that can come in handy when the battery dies or for specific use cases, the Apple EarPods with a Lightning connector are a great option.
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Offering sound isolation, they connect directly to an Apple iPhone or iPad and the cord includes controls for volume, music playback, video, and even to answer and end calls: all that’s required is to pinch the cord. This pair is only for iOS device users but it’s a welcome addition to a tech bag.
For something simple and affordable as a backup pair, Amazon offers its own branded earbuds in the Amazon Basics In-Ear Wired Headphones. Available in three colors with a 3.5mm gold-plated plug, you’ll need to use them with a mobile device that has a 3.5mm port or get a separate adapter.
The 3.9-foot cable can be easily threaded through clothing or a bag or backpack and the buds come with a one-year warranty and upgraded circuitry compared to the previous generation models. Don’t expect HiFi sound like what would be offered from one of the best over-ear wireless headphones. But for a spare pair to throw into a backpack, briefcase, or purse, these buds can be a lifesaver.
To express personal style, the iLuv TB100 Wireless Earbuds come in a variety of color options, from elegant rose gold to bold crimson red. They have the advantage of being wireless so they fit right in the ears and recharge in the included charging case.
Shipping with three eartips to ensure the perfect fit, these buds get up to six hours of playtime, 20 hours total with the case and an extra two hours with a 20-minute quick charge. They also include IPX6 waterproof protection and have a built-in mic for making and receiving phone and video calls. Need to answer a call or control the music? Simply tap the buds.
Skullcandy, which also makes one of the best bass headphones in the Skullcandy Crushers, is a brand that appeals to the younger generation thanks to its funky design concepts and cool color options. And the Skullcandy Jib In-Ear Earbuds are no exception. Available with six pairs of silicone ear gels in small and medium sizes, they have a 3.5mm jack for connecting to compatible mobile devices.
Featuring a noise-isolating fit, microphone, and call and track controls, you’ll need an adapter if the device does not have a 3.5mm jack. These earbuds help wearers show off both style and personality.
A brand that’s always reliable when it comes to audio is Sony, and the Sony MDREX15AP In-Ear Earbud Headphones are no exception, offering sound isolation, single speaker design, and hybrid silicone earbuds in small, medium, and large sizes.
The 9mm dome-style drivers provide great treble and midrange, says Sony, with powerful bass response as well. Great for sports, commuting, or private listening anywhere, the Y-type cord and cord slider help prevent tangling. These buds require a 3.5mm jack.
The sweat-resistant Shokz OpenRun Pro bone conduction Bluetooth headphones are an open-ear design that sits over top of the ears versus inside them for a comfortable and unobtrusive fit. Designed for workouts and offering deep base, they include a built-in mic for making and receiving phone calls, too.
Available in three color options, they are perfect for those who don’t like sticking buds inside their ears or covering their ears with on-ear headphones, allowing for a comfortable experience while running, working out, and more. The lightweight, wraparound titanium frame will keep the buds in place during even intense training. Get up to 10 hours of listening per charge, and a quick five-minute recharge will afford up to another hour-and-a-half when in a rush.
Bose is one of the leaders when it comes to noise-canceling headphones, and the Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Earbuds come in sleek black with an IPX4 water-resistant design so they can be worn while sweating, running in the rain, or even by the pool.
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With volume control and a microphone feature, they are totally wireless using Bluetooth to connect to a mobile device or another audio source. The QuietComfort buds come with a charging case, various sized StayHear Max eartips that offer a secure fit, and a USB-C audio cable. Get up to six hours per charge plus an additional 12 using the included case.
Another pair of neckband earbuds for those who want to keep their ears completely free, the LG Tone Style HBS-SL5 Bluetooth Wireless Stereo Neckband Earbuds actually wrap around the neck, yet still emit sound for personal listening. They are tuned by audio company Meridian as well to offer crisp and clear HiFi sound.
Recharging via USB Type-C, get up to eight hours of music playback or talk time, and recharge in just 10 minutes to get an extra three hours — ideal if you need them in a pinch for a quick run or commute home. With dual mics, conversations are comfortable and clear while vibration alerts advise when a call or message is incoming.
Featuring an Apple H1 headphone chip, the Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds, named among the best wireless running headphones, more resemble Bluetooth headsets with ear hooks that clip around the back of each ear and four sizes of eartips from which to choose. They provide stereo sound while listening to music and making calls thanks to the built-in mic.
With up to nine hours of listening time per charge, a total of 24 with the included charging case, get an extra 1.5 hours after just a five-minute charge. They are sweat and water-resistant for wearing even while working out. For added accidental damage protection, opt in for AppleCare with purchase. Choose a pair in one of four cool colors.
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A professional writer and editor with 20 years of experience, Christine, who shifted to working freelance in 2014, is a self-professed TV fanatic with tastes that vary considerably from comedies to dramas, sci-fi, and more. She can usually be found binging a new show at night, a glass of red in hand. With a long history writing in the field of consumer tech, she now also writes on topics from entertainment to parenting, lifestyle, marketing, and business. She resides in Toronto, Ontario in Canada with her husband and son.