Earbuds & AirPods
Earbuds go by many different names, including earphones, in-ear headphones, in-ear monitors or simply buds. They also come in all shapes and sizes and can be both wired or wireless, with some variations. Probably the most widely known (and worn) earbuds are the AirPods, which Apple launched in 2016.
Compared to over-ear and on-ear headphones, they offer a more compact, lightweight design that’s easier to set up and store. Earbuds are often cheaper too (usually), and have better stability. Being small does have its disadvantages - namely with sound quality, which can’t match wired headphones - but every music lover should own at least one pair all the same.
Explore Earbuds & Airpods
Latest about Earbuds & Airpods
Earfun Air 2 NC review: budget earbuds that impress with tailored ANC and sound, though their design lacks refinement
By Harry Padoan published
If you’re looking for strong ANC and sound quality at an easy-to-swallow price, look no further.
Noble FoKus Rex5 review: well-built true wireless earbuds that err on the expensive and make you think – 'when is green too green?'
By Simon Lucas published
The Noble FoKus Rex5 true wireless earbuds have detailed sound and great build quality but average noise-cancellation and low-end issues make them so expensive.
The best AirPods 2025
By Matt Bolton last updated
Updated We put the best AirPods to the test, alongside the best Beats headphones.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: everything we know about the much-teased athletic earbuds
By Jacob Krol last updated
Updated Beats already teased that Powerbeats Pro 2 will arrive in 2025, so here's everything we know about the next sports-centric earbuds from the Apple subsidiary brand.
Beyerdynamic just released four IEMs pitched at different members of your band – yes, even the bassist
By Becky Scarrott published
All band members are equal in Beyerdynamic’s new four-strong range of IEMs, even the bass player.
Samsung and Meta are looking into earbuds with cameras, following Apple’s AirPods’ lead
By Carrie Marshall published
Big tech wants to put their eyes in your ears
Samsung and Google's Dolby Atmos rival is coming to Android – but I need it in earbuds before I get excited
By Matt Bolton published
Eclipsa Audio coming to Android is all well and good, but until support for earbuds and headphones lands, I'm on the fence.
You have to see Dark Matter's stunning wired earbuds, which have up to 8(!) drivers in stunning designs
By Carrie Marshall published
These high-end IEMs have more drivers than Fed-Ex
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