Finding a perfect pair of earbuds is no easy task, but I'm here to help you narrow down the options. As opposed to a pair of over-ear headphones, earbuds are more portable and better suited for being out and about. No matter if you're looking for a luxe experience with high-end noise-canceling features or just a solid pair of earbuds that'll be able to handle all your ear sweat at the gym, I've got you covered.
Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.
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The best noise-canceling earbuds Bose QuietComfort Ultra
When it comes to eliminating the racket of the outside world, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra come out on top. They are the best at tuning out low and high frequencies alike. The included ear tip options make it easier to ensure a snug fit, which is crucial for noise canceling. They have AptX Adaptive codec, so that you can hear high-quality streamed media. Like most Bluetooth earbuds these days, the earbuds have touch controls, letting you tap or swipe to control your media. They also have an IPX4 rating, which means you can splash water or sweat on them without worrying they'll get damaged. You can read more about them in PCMag's review here.
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The best noise-canceling earbuds for Apple users AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
The AirPods Pro are not very far behind the Bose earbuds and might work better for Apple users because of their seamless pairing and other features specific to Apple devices. This newest model, which came out in September 2023, is the first to feature charging via USB-C. They have a few new features, like adaptive transparency, but the change in the charging port is the biggest difference. You can expect solid battery life, with Apple claiming up to 30 hours of listening time on a single charge. You can read more about them in PCMag's review here.
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The best budget noise-canceling earbuds EarFun Air Pro 3
If you’re looking for a more wallet-friendly choice with ANC, consider the EarFun Air Pro 3. These EarFun earbuds do surprisingly well for their price point and you can normally find them under $100. They have one of the best ANC for earbuds at their price point. You can read more about them in PCMag's review here.
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Most comfortable earbuds Status Between 3ANC
If you plan on wearing your earbuds for a long time and want to forget they’re even there, consider the Status Between 3ANC earbuds. They are my personal favorite because of how customizable the silicone bits are, all but ensuring a great fit. Like most earbuds, you can choose between a small, medium, or large ear tip—but you can also choose the external silicone piece that lays flat against your ear.
You can choose any combination of these six pieces to get a great tight seal fit for your ear, leading to a very comfortable fit that stays on securely and gets a really crisp sound. You can read more about them in PCMag's review here.
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The best earbuds for overall sound quality Sony WF-1000XM5
Simply put, the Sony WF-1000XM5 offers the best streaming quality audio you can buy, as well as the ability to customize your sound with various EQ and personalization options in the accompanying app. If you're looking for the Android equivalent of the AirPods Pro in terms of overall quality, these are the ones. You can read more about them in PCMag's review here.
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The best earbuds for working out JBL Reflect Aero
If you want to bring your music on a run or to the gym, the JBL Reflect Aero earbuds will hang on for dear life. These earbuds have special tips with fins for an extra secure fit on your ear. They are also rated IP68 for their dustproof and waterproof capabilities. These earbuds also have ANC and ambient sound settings, just in case need to hear your surroundings. You can read more about them in PCMag's review here.
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The best earbuds for battery life JLab Epic Air Sport Gen 2
Battery life is a very important metric that often takes a back seat to ANC and other, sexier features. If you want the best earbuds that will last and last, then consider the JLab Epic Air Sport ANC Gen 2 earbuds. These bad boys sport a surprising 70 hours of battery life—broken down into 15 hours after a full charge and an extra 55 from the charging case. If you're in a rush, a quick 15-minute charge will provide an hour of playtime.
Yes, there are a lot of great options. That's a good thing for you, but it means you have to do some work on your end. Think about what your non-negotiables are, think of what you'll be mostly using them for, and stay within your budget. Then you can find the best earbuds for you. Hopefully, this roundup helps you do that. You can rest assured that any of the earbuds you'll find here will be a great choice.

Daniel is a Staff Writer for Lifehacker. He served in the U.S. Navy, where he reached the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class as a Logistic Specialist and was awarded a Navy Community Service Medal and Navy Letter of Commendation for his exemplary service aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier. He earned his bachelor's in Environmental Science from the University of California, Davis, and earned his master’s degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Daniel was a business reporter for the Miami Herald before joining Lifehacker. He lives in Atlanta, GA.