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.
Latest about Earbuds & Airpods
Here’s your first hands-on look at the Star Wars: Grogu, Mandalorian, R2-D2, and Darth Vader earbuds
Star Wars has collaborated with Audio-Technica for four custom earbuds, and TechRadar has your exclusive first-look hands-on experience with all four.
Cleaned your Pixel Buds Pro 2 recently? If not, you might be getting worse sound
If your songs aren't singing your Pixel Buds may be minging. But there are instructions to fix it, thankfully.
Sony WF-C710N earbuds land, and I think they'll be the 2025 budget buds to beat
I loved the inexpensive April 2023 Sony WF-C700N and now, a new 2025 model is in with improved battery, wearer detection, and a colorway I adore.
Huawei FreeArc review: simply the best-sounding open-ear headphones
The Huawei FreeArcs are the first great example of open-ear headphones: they sound great, fit well and don’t break the bank.
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are the earbuds I love and they're down to their lowest price this year
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are some of the best earphones around for Apple users and they're at a great price right now in the Amazon Spring Sale.
AirPods with cameras for Visual Intelligence could be one of the best personal safety features Apple has ever planned – here's why
Here's why Apple putting eyes in your ears could be great – if it ever pulls off its AirPods-with-camera plans
I’m an open-ear headphones naysayer, but the Honor Earbuds Open won me over for sound
The Honor Earbuds Open aren’t just good open-ears, but they’re good earbuds period.
The best wired earbuds 2025, from cheap USB-C to audiophile-grade IEMs – all tested by TechRadar
Still craving a reliable connection, high-end audio, and no battery life anxiety? Here are the best wired earbuds you can buy today.
