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10 Best Earbuds 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Live Translation, Heart Rate Sensing,Hearing Aid Feature,Bluetooth Headphones,Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, USB-C Charging, White

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 earbuds offer excellent sound quality with a new design that delivers richer bass and clear, detailed audio. They stand out in noise cancellation, removing twice as much background noise compared to the previous generation, which helps you focus on music or calls even in noisy environments. The earbuds come with five sizes of ear tips for a secure and comfortable fit, improving both comfort and sound performance.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,371
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Battery Life

Most important from
5020 reviews

Sound Quality
The sound quality delivers rich, clear audio that impresses even first-time AirPods users.
Comfort and Fit
The earbuds provide a secure and comfortable fit with five different ear tip sizes, catering well to various ear shapes.
Battery Life
Battery life supports extended use with up to 8 hours of playback with noise cancellation enabled.
Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is outstanding, effectively blocking background noise and creating an immersive listening experience.
Microphone Quality
Microphone quality is clear and reliable, improving call experiences compared to competing models.
#2
9.4 score

Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) - Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds with Mic, Immersive Audio, USB-C Charging, Up to 6 Hours Battery, IPX4 Rating, Midnight Violet - Limited Edition Color

The Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Earbuds (2nd Gen) deliver impressive sound quality with deep bass and immersive spatial audio that makes your music feel natural and rich. Thanks to CustomTune technology, they adapt to your ears for a personalized listening experience and excellent noise cancellation, considered among the best for earbuds. The noise control options include Quiet Mode for full blocking of outside noise and Aware Mode to stay alert to your surroundings, which is handy in different environments.

Rating
9.4
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Battery Life

Most important from
1543 reviews

Sound Quality
Sound reproduction is rich and accurate with deep bass and clear highs, creating an immersive music and movie experience.
Comfort and Fit
The earbuds fit securely and comfortably for extended wear, with multiple tip and band options that help prevent ear fatigue.
Battery Life
Battery life supports long use with quick recharging in the wireless charging case, lasting well over a day for typical users.
Noise Cancellation
The noise cancellation delivers almost complete silence even in noisy environments like flights and busy streets.
Controls and Connectivity
Connectivity is strong with seamless switching between devices and a better range than similar products.
Microphone Quality
Call quality is clear and free of distortion, even in windy or noisy settings, thanks to advanced noise-rejecting microphones.
#3
9.1 score

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, with Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging Case, Wireless Charging, H2 Chip

The Apple AirPods 4 are designed to offer a comfortable fit with a refined shape and shorter stem, making them suitable for all-day wear. They feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that effectively reduces background noise, while Transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings when needed. Thanks to the advanced H2 chip, you get personalized spatial audio that creates an immersive listening experience by adjusting sound based on your head movements. Sound quality is improved with a custom driver and adaptive EQ, delivering clear music and voice calls. Call quality is enhanced by Voice Isolation, which minimizes background noise during conversations.

Rating
9.1
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Battery Life

Most important from
39409 reviews

Sound Quality
The sound is fuller and more balanced than previous generations, delivering a noticeably elevated listening experience with Active Noise Cancellation and Personalized Spatial Audio.
Comfort and Fit
The fit is comfortable for long wear, even for hours at a time, although some find the earbuds less secure than earlier models during movement.
Battery Life
Battery life holds up well under regular daily use, with some users charging only once a week despite heavy usage.
Noise Cancellation
Active Noise Cancellation effectively mutes background noise, creating a focused listening environment without the discomfort sometimes associated with in-ear designs.
Controls and Connectivity
Seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem makes pairing and switching between devices effortless, enhancing overall convenience.

Top 10 Best Earbuds 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Live Translation, Heart Rate Sensing,Hearing Aid Feature,Bluetooth Headphones,Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, USB-C Charging, White

Sound Quality: richer bass, clear detailed audio
Comfort and Fit: five ear tip sizes for comfort
Battery Life: up to 8h noise cancel, 10h transparency
Noise Cancellation: removes twice background noise vs prior
Controls and Connectivity: touch, voice, Bluetooth, Apple device switch
Water and Sweat Resistance: water-resistant and sweatproof
Microphone Quality: clear, supports calls and voice commands

Chosen by 1371 this week

Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) - Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds with Mic, Immersive Audio, USB-C Charging, Up to 6 Hours Battery, IPX4 Rating, Midnight Violet - Limited Edition Color

Sound Quality: deep bass, spatial audio, CustomTune tech
Comfort and Fit: nine eartip and stability band combos
Battery Life: 6 Hours
Noise Cancellation: Active, Quiet, and Aware Modes
Controls and Connectivity: App control, Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint
Water and Sweat Resistance: IPX4
Microphone Quality: noise-rejecting mics, AI noise suppression

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, with Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging Case, Wireless Charging, H2 Chip

Sound Quality: Custom driver, adaptive EQ, spatial audio
Comfort and Fit: Refined shape, shorter stem, all-day wear
Battery Life: 4-5h ANC, 20-30h with case
Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Controls and Connectivity: Buttons, Siri voice, Bluetooth 5.3
Water and Sweat Resistance: IP54 dust, sweat, water resistant
Microphone Quality: Voice Isolation, dual beamforming mics

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 - Wireless Noise Cancelling Workout Earbuds with Secure- Fit Earhooks, Up to 45-Hour Battery with Charging Case, Sweat & Water Resistant, Heart Rate Monitoring - Jet Black

Sound Quality: Adaptive EQ, Personalized Spatial Audio
Fit and Comfort: Reinforced earhooks, multiple ear tips
Battery Life: 45h with case, 10h single charge
Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode
Connectivity: Class 1 Wireless Bluetooth
Water and Sweat Resistance: Water Resistant, IPX4
Controls and Features: Button, Touch, Voice, Siri, App control

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, H2 Chip, USB-C Charging

Sound Quality: Custom Apple driver, Adaptive Audio, Spatial Audio
Fit and Comfort: Multiple silicone tips (XS, S, M, L)
Battery Life: Up to 6 hours, 30 hours with case
Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, Apple H2 Chip
Durability and Water Resistance: IP54 (dust, sweat, water resistant)
Controls and Features: Press, swipe, voice control with Siri

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro AI True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds, Noise Cancelling, Sound Optimization, Redesigned Comfort Fit, White [US Version, Amazon Exclusive, 2Yr Warranty]

Sound Quality: Hybrid driver, adaptive equalizer
Comfort and Fit: Redesigned fit, snug and comfy
Battery Life: 6h, 26h with charging case
Noise Cancellation: Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation
Controls and Connectivity: Touch controls, Bluetooth 5.4, wireless
Water and Sweat Resistance: Water Resistant
Microphone Quality: Clear calls, real-time language translation

Beats Powerbeats Fit - Wireless Noise Cancelling Workout Earbuds with Secure-Fit Wingtips, Up to 30-Hour Battery Life, Sweat & Water Resistant, Apple & Android Compatible - Jet Black

Sound Quality: Personalized Spatial Audio, balanced powerful sound
Comfort and Fit: Secure, comfortable fit with unique wingtips
Battery Life: 7h charge, 30h total, 5min=1h
Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode
Controls and Connectivity: Touch, voice, app, Bluetooth support
Water and Sweat Resistance: IPX4 rating
Microphone Quality: Dual microphones reduce background noise

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds - Bluetooth Open Ear Earbuds with OpenAudio for Awareness, Clip-On Design for Comfort, Water Resistant, Up to 48 Hrs of Playtime, Driftwood Sand - Limited Edition Color

Sound Quality: Bose OpenAudio, Immersive Audio
Comfort and Fit: Clip-on style, hooks behind ear
Battery Life: 7h playback, 48h with charging case
Noise Cancellation: None
Controls and Connectivity: Physical buttons, app, Bluetooth 5.3
Water and Sweat Resistance: Water Resistant
Microphone Quality: Good for calls, picks background noise

JBL Vibe Beam - True Wireless JBL Deep Bass Sound Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.2, Water & Dust Resistant, Hands-free call with VoiceAware, Up to 32 hours of battery life (Blue)

Sound Quality: 8mm drivers, deep bass
Comfort and Fit: Ergonomic in-ear design
Battery Life: 32 hours total (8 earbuds + 24 case)
Noise Cancellation: Passive noise cancellation
Controls and Connectivity: Touch controls, Bluetooth 5.2, 10m range
Water and Sweat Resistance: IP54 earbuds, IPX2 case
Microphone Quality: Good for calls, no active noise reduction

JBL Vibe Beam 2 - True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds with JBL Pure Bass Sound & Smart Ambient Technology, 4mics for Crisp, Clear Calls, up to 40Hrs of Playback, IP54 Dust & Water Resistant (Pink)

Sound Quality: 8mm drivers, JBL Pure Bass
Comfort and Fit: 3 ear tip sizes, may feel bulky
Battery Life: 40h total, 10-min charge = 3h
Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancelling, Smart Ambient
Controls and Connectivity: Touch controls, JBL app, Bluetooth 5.3
Water and Sweat Resistance: IP54-rated, water resistant
Microphone Quality: 4 mics, clear calls in noise
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Buying Guide for the Best Earbuds

Choosing the right earbuds can greatly improve your listening experience, whether you're into music, podcasts, gaming, or simply taking calls. Since earbuds come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and features, it's important to consider how and where you plan to use them. Think about your lifestyle: do you need something for workouts, commuting, or mostly home use? Understanding your main needs will help you sift through the options and avoid being overwhelmed by marketing claims.
Sound QualitySound quality refers to how good the audio coming from the earbuds will be in terms of clarity, balance, and richness of music or voice. This is important because better sound quality means a more enjoyable listening experience. Sound quality often varies in terms of bass (low tones), mids (voices and instruments), and treble (high tones). Some earbuds emphasize bass for genres like hip-hop, while others give a more neutral sound for all-around use. If you love deep bass, look for earbuds praised for strong low-end sound. If you value clarity and detail, a more balanced sound might suit you more. Try to find reviews or user feedback describing the sound profile, and think about the type of audio you listen to most.
Comfort and FitComfort and fit are about how the earbuds feel in your ears and how securely they stay in place. This is crucial, especially if you wear them for long periods or during physical activity. Earbuds come in different shapes, sizes, and with various tip materials (like silicone or foam). A good fit helps with both comfort and blocking outside noise. If you have sensitive ears or plan to wear earbuds for hours, look for ones known for their ergonomic design and multiple tip sizes. For workouts, stay-put designs or wing-tips may be better. Ultimately, consider your ear shape and usage habits when deciding.
Battery LifeBattery life measures how long the earbuds can be used before they need to be recharged. This matters because it affects convenience—fewer charges mean less hassle. Earbuds can have several hours of use on a single charge, with the charging case providing additional charges. Short battery life (around 3-4 hours per charge) may be enough for quick errands, while longer battery life (6-10+ hours per charge) is better for travel or extended listening. Pick according to how long you'll typically use them between charges—if you're often away from a charger, prioritize higher battery life.
Noise CancellationNoise cancellation is a feature that reduces unwanted background sounds so you can focus on your audio. There are two main types: passive (simply blocking the ear) and active (using microphones and speakers to cancel noise electronically). Active noise cancellation (ANC) is helpful if you use your earbuds in noisy places like airplanes, public transport, or busy offices. If you mostly use earbuds in quiet areas, you might not need this feature. Choose ANC if blocking noise is important for your comfort and concentration.
Controls and ConnectivityThis relates to how you interact with your earbuds—such as adjusting volume, skipping tracks, or taking calls—and how the earbuds connect to your devices. Many earbuds offer touch controls, buttons, or even voice commands. Some have quick-pairing features with certain devices or support for multiple device connections. Simpler controls are better if you want ease of use, while more advanced controls might appeal to tech-savvy users. Consider how much you value seamless connection and hassle-free controls in your daily routine.
Water and Sweat ResistanceWater and sweat resistance refers to how well the earbuds can handle moisture, which is especially important during workouts or in rainy weather. Earbuds are often rated with 'IP' numbers that show their protection level. For casual listening at home, this may be less important, but for outdoor or fitness use, look for earbuds with at least basic sweat or splash resistance. Think about your likely situations—if you exercise often or might get caught in the rain, water resistance is a must.
Microphone QualityMicrophone quality determines how clearly your voice is picked up during calls or when using voice assistants. This is significant if you make a lot of phone calls or attend virtual meetings. High-quality microphones with noise reduction make your voice clearer to others, even in busy environments. If calls are a priority, look for earbuds noted for excellent call quality. If you mostly use your earbuds just for listening, this may matter less.

FAQ