Best earbuds you can buy

Just because the headphone jack is under attack doesn’t mean that you should give up on earbuds. It’s hard to beat the convenience of the best earbuds since you can roll them up and stuff them back into your pocket. You don’t get that kind of utility from over-ears. Whether you want wired, wireless, or true wireless, we’ve got you covered with some of the best earbuds of 2021 that are currently available.

Editor’s note: this post was updated on July 13, 2022, to include the Bose Sport Earbuds as a top pick, replace the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus with the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2, address an FAQ, update the notable mentions, and update the article’s formatting. 

Why is the 1More Quad-Driver in-ears the best earbuds you can buy?

If you couldn’t tell by the name this headset contains four different drivers in each earbud, each tuned specifically to handle a different frequency range. Yeah, this pair of best earbuds is already off to a strong start. The extra drivers mean less overlap between frequency ranges, as there isn’t just a single driver trying to do everything at once. Now it’s worth mentioning, this headset isn’t cheap. However, you get a good bang for your buck with these buds.

Though the sound quality definitely favors the low-end, it’s not an overbearing experience. It keeps the fun sound that many of us like without overdoing it—or forgetting about the mids and the highs. The treble, in particular, has good detail but it does get kind of harsh at high volume. Luckily the headset also gets pretty loud. Just don’t crank it up too loud if you want to avoid noise-induced hearing loss.

You’ll get the same top-notch quality that was available in the previous Triple-Driver in-ears with an all-metal housing and Kevlar cable. Speaking of which the Triple-Drivers makes a great pair of buds too if you want to save some cash. Overall, we enjoy the sound of the Quad-driver and think most consumers will, too. There’s a reason it remains the best earbuds.

Get fit with the Bose Sport Earbuds

This IPX4 water-resistant pair of earbuds is an excellent companion for your workouts. It’s not fully waterproof like some workout earbuds on the market, but it should have no problem withstanding sweat. The Bose Sport Earbuds features a comfortable and secure fit thanks to its StayHear Max wing tips.

The outside of each earbud houses a touchpad for controlling your media playback. The presence of a touchpad rather than buttons makes it easier to adjust your volume or skip a track without having to pause your workout. The charging case isn’t the most compact we’ve seen but it’s smaller than the Bose SoundSport Free. The case also requires you to press a button in order to open it, which can protect your buds from getting lost if you accidentally drop the case.

When it comes to sound quality, the Bose Sport Earbuds performs a bit differently than many of the workout earbuds out there, supplying a neutral-leaning frequency response with only a bit of bass boost. Unfortunately, even if you download the Bose Music app, you won’t be able to set a custom EQ, but the baked-in sound signature is pretty sweet. To get a stronger bass response out of it, just make sure you’re wearing the best-fitting ear tips available.

The Etymotic ER4SR is the best earbuds for sound quality

If you’re going to be monitoring or mixing (or doing any kind of professional work really) with audio, a pair of in-ears with a flat response might be a worthy investment to make. And if you want accuracy, look no further than the Etymotic ER4SR in-ears.

It has a thin, smooth aluminum housing and triple flange ear tips so you can be confident that it won’t fall out. The minimalist design doesn’t allow any room for playback controls, but we’ll give it a pass. After all, it is specifically for professionals that work with audio, or anyone who doesn’t like to have an emphasis on certain aspects of the frequency range.

The cable is braided for extra durability. Though because the earbuds connect via MMCX connectors, you don’t have to worry too much about breaking the cable because you can just get another one.

Save some cash with the Linsoul Tin Audio T2

If you want a good pair of buds that aren’t going to break the bank, check out the latest pair of earbuds that have been making the rounds in the audio community: the Linsoul Tin Audio T2. These small earbuds are machined entirely from metal which gives them a build that won’t break or snap in your pockets. It’s also rocking MMCX connectors so if you have a favorite cable that you prefer, or even if the cable snaps at some point in the future, you can just replace it without needing to go out and buy a whole new pair of earbuds. That said, at just $49 it isn’t going to break the bank anyway and will also make a great for anyone that prioritizes good sound on the go.

The sound quality is also better than what you pay for, and while it doesn’t have a truly flat frequency response it emphasizes all the right parts. There’s some underemphasis in the low end, but the mids really get some extra juice so vocals and podcasts will sound great. If you want a pair of buds for your commute this is the way to go.

The best true wireless option is the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 is a step up from the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus. The Buds 2 uses Bluetooth 5.2 and seamlessly pairs to any Samsung device. The headset lasts about 5 hours with noise canceling enabled, and the charging case holds an additional 15 hours of battery life. If you have a Samsung device you can charge your Buds 2 with Wireless PowerShare, and regardless of what kind of smartphone you have, you can charge the buds with a Qi charging mat or the included USB-C cable.

While there aren’t any ear hooks as seen with the Beats Powerbeats Pro, the Galaxy Buds 2 has a few sets of ear tips and its companion app features an ear tip fit test. The IPX2 rating means it’s water-resistant and can handle being used for workouts. Outdoor athletes may enjoy enabling ambient mode, which allows ambient noise to travel through. This feature is good to use if you’re in a busy area as it’s important to remain aware of your surroundings. Unfortunately, the Buds 2 doesn’t feature “voice focus”, which further amplifies surrounding vocal frequencies. This feature is still only available on the original Samsung Galaxy Buds.

If you have an Android, you can use your Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 for one-touch access to Spotify. By squeezing one of the earbuds (which you select in the Galaxy Wearable app), Spotify will play a queue of recommended songs based on your listening preferences and history. Unfortunately, this feature is not available for iOS.

The frequency response is fairly neutral-leaning with a slight bass boost. The bass boost is not so intense that it reduces clarity in the mid and upper ranges or causes much auditory masking. The noise canceling on the Galaxy Buds 2 is pretty good, as it quiets low-frequency sounds to about a quarter of their original volume if you have ear tips that fit well.

Best earbuds: Notable mentions

• Anker SoundCore Liberty Air 2: This pair of true wireless earbuds supports aptX and AAC codecs. For under $100, it has excellent isolation and sound quality. If you find its sound signature to be too bass-heavy, you can change it in the SoundCore app.
• Apple AirPods Pro: If you have an iPhone, you’ll never find something more compatible with it than the Apple AirPods Pro. The H1 chip integration allows for streamlined connectivity, and the active noise canceling are some of the best you can find in in-ears.
• Beats Powerbeats Pro: If you have an iPhone, you’ll benefit from the H1 chip integration in the Powerbeats Pro. It also has a stable fit so it’s great for exercising, and unlike many Beats products, its sound quality is very good. If you want a more traditional wireless form factor, get the Beats Powerbeats instead.
• Beyerdynamic Soul BYRD: This is a great pair of lightweight earphones. It doesn’t offer anything fancy, but if you want something that’s comfortable and has a good mic system, get the Soul Byrd.
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds: The Bose QC Earbuds features stellar active noise canceling and unmatched comfort. This pair of IPX4 earbuds boasts nearly five and a half hours of playtime on a single charge with ANC enabled.
• Etymotic ER2SE: These in-ears reproduce extremely accurate audio comparable to what the ER4SR can pump out. If you’re working on a tight budget and want your money to go as far as possible, this is among the best earphones you can get for under $200.
• KZ ATE copper in-ears: If you’re not looking to spend too much but prioritize sound quality over all else, then this might do it for you.
• Nothing Ear 1: For just $100, this headset offers multiple ANC modes, an IPX4 rating, and is very comfortable. Its ANC isn’t the best we’ve seen, but it still helps dull out the world around you.
• OnePlus Type-C Bullets: If you have an Android phone that is no longer rocking a headphone jack, then you might want to check out the Type-C Bullet earbuds from OnePlus. For only $20, it offers a decent option that won’t break the bank. Alternatively, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless 2 is an excellent wireless option.
• Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 2: These earphones sound excellent and do a great job of blocking out background noise. Whether you’re a commuter or a remote worker, these earbuds will serve you well. If you don’t care for active noise canceling, you can check out its predecessor the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless which has similarly great sound quality.
• Shure SE-215: Shure makes plenty of audio equipment, but the Shure SE-215 buds just might be a classic. Its sound quality is identical to the Shure AONIC 215, and it is very good.
• Sony WF-1000XM3: These true wireless earbuds have beautiful sound quality and active noise canceling along with smart assistant integration. Though it doesn’t have any IP rating, it’s very comfortable for long listening sessions and have automatic ear detection along with intuitive touch controls.
• Sony WF-1000XM4: The newest iteration of the Sony WF-1000XM3 has even better active noise canceling, an IPX4 rating, polyurethane foam ear tips, and all of Sony’s smart feature like 360 Reality Audio and speak-to-chat. What’s more, this headset is built with Bluetooth 5.2 which means it’s preparing for the future of Bluetooth audio.
• V-Moda Forza Metallo: This is without a doubt an incredibly solid pair of all-around headphones.

What if you don’t have a headphone jack anymore?

Unfortunately, more and more phones are ditching the standard headphone jack in favor of USB-C. Besides not being able to charge and play music at the same time, this also means that your options are fairly limited if you want a good pair of wired earbuds to use every day. Of course, you could always use any of the earbuds on this list with a dongle, but if dongles aren’t your style then don’t worry. We have a list of the best USB-C earbuds you can get so make sure to check that out if none of these piqued your interest.

What you should know about the best earbuds

Chances are you’ve been using earbuds for years, but there are still things that you should be aware of when making a purchase decision. First and foremost: safety.

Though we usually say you should try and get your hands on a pair of headphones to try for yourself before buying, it’s a little harder with in-ears. You don’t want to be going to local electronics and just sticking things in your ears. Who knows who’s tried them out before you. It’s kind of gross if you think about it too much, but there are also infections that can be passed along that way. So, while it’s usually okay to go trying out over-ear headphones, you should take some precautions when it comes to in-ears like alcohol swabs or even your own pair of ear tips.

Look at Bluetooth codec compatibility

Although there are plenty of wired picks listed, some companies have cut the cord. If you’re looking to do the same, get the most out of your Bluetooth streaming by investing in earbuds with high-quality codec support.

If you don’t have time for a detailed breakdown of how codecs work, here’s the abridged version: they determine how data is transmitted from your smartphone to your wireless headphones. Different codecs make different compromises in quality and efficiency. SBC is the lowest common denominator of the Bluetooth codecs. Its support is required by all Bluetooth audio products.

Android users shouldn’t settle for AAC support as its performance is dubious at best unless used with an iPhone. Additionally, LDAC isn’t as high-res as we’re lead to believe. Ultimately, though, if you’re short on cash and can’t afford wireless earbuds with aptX or AAC support, you can rest easy knowing that most of our ears are too old or damaged to perceive a difference.

Isolation plays an important role

Which brings us to the next thing that you should know when buying a pair of buds: fit. Regardless of whether you’re using in-ears or over-ears, isolation is extremely important. In the case of earbuds, you don’t have the luxury of large cups and leather to block out sound. If the earbud tip isn’t a good fit, you’re not only going to have a hard time keeping them from falling out of your ear, but you’re going to be letting in all kinds of outside noise.

However, if you’re looking for earbuds specifically for working out, it might beseech you to look for earbuds that have an ambient aware mode or ones that don’t isolate super well. This will allow you to remain aware of your surroundings while exercising, whether that’s in the gym surrounded by other people and heavy machinery, or on a run outside in the midst of traffic.

Luckily, earbuds usually come with a few different options so you can mix and match until you get the perfect fit, but one thing I’ve learned in my experience is just to invest in a good set of comply memory foam tips for yourself. Not only are they super comfortable and keep the buds in your ears, they also do a solid job of blocking outside noise. This is of course not possible with true in-ears like the Etymotic ER4SR, but those also don’t have this problem because of how far into your ears they sit.

One thing about wired earbuds that gets overlooked is just how damn good sound quality is. Sure, Bluetooth is more convenient and has plenty of benefits but dollar-for-dollar, some of the best earbuds blow away their wireless competition. Bluetooth sound quality is OK, and there are plenty of options out there—but wired headphones aren’t limited by data transfer speeds in the same way that Bluetooth ones are. Plus if you happen to keep your source files on the device, it’s actually not limited by data transfer speeds at all.

Noise-induced hearing loss

Unfortunately, we as humans don’t hear perfectly. The typical human range of hearing is 20Hz-20kHz. Depending on your age or how often you’ve been subjected to loud noises (like going to concerts), you might not be able to hear everything in that range. There really isn’t any way to avoid this as we’re surrounded by loud noises and are aging by the minute, but you can prevent the worst of it.

Some types of hearing loss are irreversible, but you can equip yourself with knowledge of how it occurs by reading our explainer piece. You can still take care of your remaining hearing by limiting volume levels to 85dB. That’s the recommended limit for safe-listening, and because earbuds are much closer to your ears than the speakers at a concert it’s even more important to keep that limit in mind.

How we chose the best earbuds under $50

Disclaimer: Regardless of what we put on this list, we definitely missed some great options. That isn’t because we decided to ignore them, but because there are hundreds of great buds out there. Picking five came down to a few main things. First: affordability. You can go deep down the rabbit hole when it comes to in-ear headphones.

Spending hundreds of dollars on a pair of buds isn’t an easy decision and we don’t take it lightly, but when the alternative is spending thousands on insanely high-end IEMs we consider these relatively affordable. At the same time, you’ll eventually get to a point of diminishing return. It’s true you’ll find some amazing headphones if you spend upwards of $1,000, but are they really $800 better than our top pick? We don’t think so.

After price, the most important feature quickly becomes sound quality. Luckily, there are plenty of options here. Unlike Bluetooth headphones, in-ears are all about the hardware rather than software. And companies have had decades to fine-tune the sound for the best experience, resulting in plenty of great sounding buds that won’t cost you too much.

Comfort is important too, but there are a lot of variabilities there. Not all of our observations are going to hold true for everyone. Consequently, we didn’t spend a ton of time waxing poetic about this feature, because your experiences will differ from ours; you have different ears, after all! Additionally, there remain some third-party foam tip options for you to consider—offering even better isolation and fit than the standard silicone tips. Good ear tips will make even the best earbuds sound even better.

Why you should trust SoundGuys

We believe that audio is both an objective and subjective experience and our work speaks to that. We make sure to perform relevant testing to all products we directly review and approach each unit from the standpoint of the intended user. This perspective allows to have a greater understanding of any potential faults or features worth praising.

Truly, all we want is for you to enjoy your purchase if one is made. While we do operate via affiliate links, no writer may benefit from recommending product A over product B. If a purchase isn’t made, we do hope that you walk away with a greater understanding of audio and if you’re still curious or just want to window shop, check out the lists below.

Frequently asked questions about earbuds