Quick picks
What to look for
With earbuds, the difference between a pair you love and a pair you leave in a drawer usually comes down to fit and battery, not the spec sheet.
Fit comes first
Look for ear tips in several sizes. A good seal gives fuller bass and blocks more noise on its own.
Battery: buds and case
Check hours per charge and the total with the case. Quick charging is a bonus for busy days.
Noise cancelling, honestly
ANC handles steady noise like traffic and fans well. Read reviews rather than trusting the decibel number on the box.
Codecs that match your phone
AAC suits iPhones. LDAC or aptX only help if your Android phone supports them.
Sweat and rain
IPX4 or higher handles sweat and light rain, which matters for the gym and commutes.
Microphones for calls
If you take calls outdoors, look for reviews that mention wind and street noise.
Our picks in detail
01 · Best overall
True wireless noise-cancelling earbuds
[WHY WE PICKED IT: two or three sentences in plain words.]
Full reviewView on Amazon
02 · Best for the gym
Open-ear sport earbuds
[WHY WE PICKED IT: two or three sentences in plain words.]
Full reviewView on Amazon
Questions buyers ask
It helps most with steady sounds such as fans, traffic and engine hum. Don't expect it to silence voices. A good seal from the right ear tip matters just as much.
Only if your phone supports them. Many Android phones do. iPhones use AAC, which already sounds very good, so these codecs won't make a difference there.
Their batteries slowly hold less charge over the years. A clear warranty, spare ear tips and a brand with app updates all help a pair last longer.