Not a fan of the bulk that often comes with over-ear headphones? Check out the best in-ear models we’ve tested.
If you love music, chances are you won’t be happy with any old earphones. More specifically, if you listen on the go, you may prefer the lighter feel of in-ear buds rather than over-the-ear headphones. PCMag has been reviewing earphones for nearly three decades and true wireless earphones since the first pair arrived. Whether you prefer wireless or wired listening, our recommendations cover everything from audiophile-friendly in-ear monitors like the Etymotic Research ER3 XR to true wireless waterproof models like the Jabra Elite 8 Gen 2 for exercise. Each of our recommendations has its strengths, so click the links to read our full reviews. Last, make sure to scroll to the bottom to find out everything you should keep in mind when determining the best earbuds for you.Why We Picked It
The second-generation AirPods Pro still closely rival the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds in the noise cancellation department. Sonically, they balance rich lows with crisp, sculpted highs, while top-notch extras like spatial audio and adaptive audio (transparency) modes add considerable value.Who It’s For
If you own an iPhone (or any other Apple device), these earphones offer the most seamless audio experience by far. Brand loyalty (in this case) also gets you near unbeatable active noise cancellation. Why We Picked It
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer the best active noise cancellation of any earphones we’ve tested. That alone qualifies them for this list, but we’re also fans of their rich, engrossing audio experience, as well as their intuitive companion app. We like that they support the AptX Adaptive codec for Android users, too.Who It’s For
If you care about blocking out noise more than anything else, you won’t find a better option on the market. People who prefer an accurate sound signature might not enjoy the audio presentation here, but it’s a reason why many people like Bose headphones.Why We Picked It
Sony’s WF-1000XM5 earbuds are among the most premium you can buy. They support high-res playback via the LDAC codec, offer excellent noise cancellation (thanks to a combination of effective ANC circuitry and hybrid foam eartips), and work with a companion app with a customizable EQ and scores of personalization options. The quality of the onboard mic array is superb, too.Who It’s For
If you want top-notch streaming quality from your Android phone and nearly best-in-class noise cancellation, these Sony earphones are worth the high price.Why We Picked It
Most earphones that claim to offer a flat response rely on some amount of sculpting to craft an engaging sound, but the Etymotic ER3 XR earphones buck that trend by sticking more closely to the ideal of clinical accuracy than any other pair under $500. Compared with the XP edition, this XR version extends the bass range ever so slightly, but not nearly as much as most consumer models. Who It’s For
Engineers and musicians who need to hear the truth in their mixes aren’t likely to find better earphones than the ER3 XR, especially for the price. These produce every detail throughout the frequency range and present the bass with precision. Why We Picked It
Aside from producing robust lows and crisp highs, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC earphones benefit from a top-notch companion app with an adjustable EQ. They also deliver excellent active noise cancellation for the price, making them an excellent value choice.
