Top 10 Earbuds

Updated March 2024

Choosing your perfect pair of earbuds does not have to very time-consuming. The main thing to decide is what you value the most. Are you an audiophile? Like to exercise? Work from home? Do you lose things often? The good news is we've shortlisted the top-performing products, so you only need to look through 10 rather than 100. Good luck!

DealAM thoroughly picks the best products on the market backed up by objective expert opinions and data-driven analytics to help our readers find the perfect match for any taste.

Earbuds Shopping Guide
 

Market demand for wireless earphones, also called earbuds, continues to grow as manufacturers rush to introduce new products with the best features. While wired earbuds for phone calls continue to be popular, more consumers are going after the convenience and advanced features that come with the latest wireless earphone models. Prices range from affordable to high-end, and depending on your needs. Different earbuds come with various specs. 

 

A good pair of earbuds would offer excellent audio quality, a sturdy, compact design, reliable Bluetooth connectivity, and a compact but durable design. High-quality models sometimes come with customizable tips if, for instance, you’re looking for earbuds for small ears. But most importantly, your lifestyle would also be an important factor in your decision. Earbuds can serve you well whether you want to use them while working out at the gym or during the commute. This buying guide will help you make an informed decision based on the bestseller lists, customer feedback, expert reviews, and market research.

 

Earbud Codecs

A codec is the compression technology that is used to interpret audio transmission signals that make their way over a data network onto your earbuds. Codecs also apply to video streaming, as well as music streaming. Different earbuds and other devices support varying codecs, and you may want to know if the earbuds you plan to buy are capable of supporting a codec that can produce high-resolution sound.  

 

For example, most earbuds in the lower price range only support the SBC codec, which produces sound at a lower resolution. Audio will have less depth because of the codec’s transmission speed limits. Apple devices support SBC as well as the higher-quality AAC codec. If you’re looking for earbuds for an Apple device, you need to make sure that the product supports the AAC codec. On the other hand, if you need earbuds for Android, you have more options. The operating system supports the Hi-Res aptX HD codec and most other Bluetooth audio codecs.

 

Noise Canceling Feature

Noise-canceling microphone earbuds bring many advantages when used for phone calls and audio listening. You get no interruptions during your office zoom call meetings and minimize distractions when you want just to sit back and relax while listening to your favorite music. Powerful noise-canceling technology can even cancel out noises as loud as passing aircraft or railroad trains. One disadvantage of this feature is that it consumes more power than regular wireless earphones. And due to the battery power required, noise-canceling buds may not precisely be the smallest wireless earbuds around.

 

Different Types of Ear Tips

People with earbuds quickly consider these devices as an extension to their phones. This is why you must choose the most comfortable pair to wear. If you’re looking for wireless earbuds for kids, you also need to be careful about choosing the right ear tips. If the tips are a bad fit, the sound quality would also be a bad fit. Many earbuds are equipped with silicone ear tips. These tend to be shallow and may not seal properly against your ear canal. Memory foam tips can be a better choice as these can expand according to the shape of your inner ear and seal the sound more effectively. But perhaps a useful earbud shopping tip you can remember is to search for earbuds that come with ear tips in varying sizes. Whether you’re looking for the most comfortable earbuds for sleeping or the right pair of earbuds for running, the right kind of ear tips should do the trick. 

 

Earbud Controls

Earbuds in the low price range don’t typically come with controls other than your phone itself. High-end earbuds may come with earpiece buttons or control pads for greater flexibility when you don’t have your smartphone in hand. You may also buy earbuds that stop streaming automatically when an earpiece is removed. Earbuds with responsive controls are a good investment.

 

Battery Life

Earbuds would have shorter battery life due to their tiny size. On average, you can expect a listening time of somewhere between four to six hours on your standard pair of earbuds. When you go shopping for earbuds, try to find out how long you can use your earbuds before it needs recharging on the charging case. When manufacturers quote battery life for their products, remember that this isn’t likely to represent the actual running time. The quoted number will probably also include additional power from the charging case. In most cases, the charging case often can store enough power to top up the charge about three to four times before it needs recharging. 

 

Charging Case

The quality of the charging case is just as important as the quality of your earbuds. It would help if you had a durable case that can withstand being carried around and protect the earpieces. The hinge of the charging case can sometimes be fragile. Look around for a charging case that is much tougher. 

 

Volume Levels

Wireless earbuds feature various volume levels. Some pairs would deliver your desired volume at 50%, while others may require to be turned up at maximum volume. Be sure to check volume levels as advertised because you can never go more than a hundred percent with an earbud compared to wired earphones connected to portable amplifiers. 

 

Connection Stability

The bluetooth connection between your device and earbuds can be a bit shaky with some low-end models. It’s a common issue about wireless earphones that you should be looking at. Some manufacturers have introduced Bluetooth 5.0 and newer firmware in their products. Many earbuds with older firmware might not be up to par in terms of solid connectivity.  

 

To many consumers, earbuds have become an essential smartphone accessory. They allow you the freedom to jam to your favorite tunes or podcasts without having to mind cables. For most of the current models, you can’t expect much battery life. And finding the right fit for your ears can also be quite tricky. When you’re buying earbuds for yourself or as a gift to someone, make sure to remember the pointers in this guide so you can make an informed choice. 

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About Our Rankings

Our editorial team went through hundreds of products and rated them based on user experience, delivery options, efficiency, performance, and value for money. These ratings were combined with results of data analysis of all available reviews online to deliver the most objective scores to our readers.