How to choose the best earbuds for you
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Earbuds come in dozens of varieties – from budget wired models to wireless buds with noise cancelling. The best earbuds are not automatically the most expensive ones, but the ones that fit your daily life. Four simple questions lead you to the right model.
Wired or Bluetooth?
Wired earbuds are the no-fuss choice: plug in and listen, no battery, no pairing. For the money you usually get better sound quality than from similarly priced wireless models, and when switching between phone and laptop there is no Bluetooth connection to juggle. The only thing that matters is the right plug – more on that below.
Bluetooth earbuds shine with freedom of movement: no cables tangling in your jacket, full freedom for sport and the daily commute. The included charging case protects the buds on the go and extends total listening time to usually 20 to 30 hours. In return, wireless models cost a bit more and need regular charging.
With or without noise cancelling?
If you commute by train or work in an open-plan office, active noise cancelling (ANC) is worth its weight in gold: it fades out engine hum and chatter so you can listen at a lower volume, more relaxed. If you spend a lot of time in road traffic, however, you should stay aware of your surroundings – a model without ANC is then perfectly fine and cheaper too. We explain how the technology works in our guide What is noise cancelling?.
The designs at a glance
| Design | Fit | Sound & bass | Surroundings audible |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-ear | In the ear canal, with silicone tip | Rich bass, good isolation | Barely |
| Earbuds | Resting loosely in the outer ear | Balanced, less bass | Yes |
| Open-ear | On the edge of the ear, canal stays free | Light, open sound | Fully |
In-ear buds seal the ear canal – ideal for bass lovers and noisy environments, but to be used with care in road traffic. Earbuds sit loosely in the outer ear and let ambient sound through – comfortable for long listening sessions. Open-ear models leave the ear canal completely free and are particularly suited to outdoor sports.
The right earbuds for every situation
- On the go & travelling: Bluetooth earbuds with charging case – compact, wireless, always charged.
- At home & home office: wired models deliver a lot of sound for the money and get through every video call without a battery.
- Office: models with ANC help you focus – voices fade into the background.
- Sport: look for an IP rating (e.g. IPX4) against sweat and rain and a secure fit.
Which connector fits your devices?
With wired models, the plug decides: USB-C for most current smartphones, Lightning for older iPhones or the classic 3.5 mm jack for laptops and hi-fi gear. Our guide Which port does your device have? shows you what is built into your device. And if the plug does not fit, audio adapters will help.
Now you are ready: think about where you listen most, pick design and connection – and browse our earbuds and headphones.