The Best Earbuds We’ve Tested for 2026

The third-generation AirPods Pro deliver top-quality noise cancellation, wiping out deep, low-frequency rumble and more complex, higher-frequency sounds. Beyond the improved ANC, Apple’s Adaptive Audio mode gives you a more natural way to monitor your surroundings without letting loud noises harm your hearing. The re-tuned audio is still rich but more balanced than before, providing a first-class listening experience. In addition, they include advanced features like live language translation, heart rate monitoring, workout tracking, and a bevy of hearing health tools—all for the same price as the old model.

Apple lovers: First and foremost, if you want seamless integration between your earphones and iPhone or Mac, you will enjoy the AirPods Pro experience. Pairing is as simple as opening the case, while the iOS settings menu provides all the necessary controls and features.

Fitness enthusiasts: These earbuds can also serve as active, transparent earplugs and a fitness-tracking tool that doesn’t require a smartwatch, thanks to their built-in heart rate monitoring sensors.

The second-gen Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds produce impressive results through a combination of calibration tests and subtle adaptive noise-cancelling tweaks. They’re even more effective at low and high frequencies than the first generation, making them among the best ANC you can get from earbuds, along with the AirPods Pro 3. The Bose earbuds have an Active Aware mode that tamps down louder environmental noises while still allowing you to hear your surroundings. Support for the AptX Adaptive codec adds value, as does the new charging case, which can now recharge wirelessly.

Cross-platform listeners: You should choose the second-generation QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds if you want the most effective noise cancellation on a mix of platforms (Android, Windows, and Apple products).

The situationally aware: Most transparency modes on noise-cancelling earbuds sound artificial and artifact-filled, meaning you only want to use them occasionally and briefly. Bose manages to keep ambient sounds natural even when reproduced, which is ideal if you need to keep tabs on your surroundings or order a latte.

Most earphones that claim to offer a flat response rely on some amount of sculpting to craft an engaging sound, but the Etymotic ER3 XR earphones buck that trend by staying closer to the ideal of clinical accuracy than any other pair under $500. Compared with the XP edition, this XR version extends the bass range by a very slight amount, but not nearly as much as most consumer models.

Studio producers: Engineers and musicians who need to hear the truth in their mixes aren’t likely to find better earphones than the ER3 XR, especially for the price. These reproduce every detail across the frequency range and deliver bass with precision.

These earphones are the full package for a just-above-budget price. They boast improved active noise cancellation that closes the gap with the Apple Airpods 4 With ANC, and more well-rounded audio quality, along with powerful bass and surprisingly long battery life.

Bargain hunters: If you only want to spend around $100 on noise-cancelling earbuds, Anker delivers. These earbuds offer impressive sound quality and battery life, intuitive controls, and an adjustable equalizer.

Gym bunnies: The earbuds feature an IP55 rating, ensuring they can withstand sweaty sessions on the treadmill or in the weight room. Given their low price, if you accidentally drop a dumbbell on them, it won’t ruin your day entirely.

For their price, the Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation earbuds effectively dial back low-frequency rumble and do a commendable job against the mids and highs—despite the open-ear design. Otherwise, they deliver a detailed audio signature and excellent transparency features. We also like that they work natively with Apple’s iPhones.

Open-ear design fans: These earbuds are ideal for anyone who wants an open-ear design but also needs decent noise cancellation.

Apple users on a budget: These earbuds offer the same seamless integration with Apple products as other AirPods, but cost $70 less than the AirPods Pro 3.

The second-gen Shure Aonic 215 earphones are a bit bulky, but they are one of the most versatile entries on this list: You can use them in either a wired or wireless mode. Our favorite feature, however, is the very flexible EQ you get in the companion app. It lets you adjust specific frequencies in a way that’s just not possible with competing models.

EQ adjusters: If you prefer to sculpt a custom sound signature, this is your best bet.

High-quality file listers: If you have lots of high-quality local media files, the wired listening mode ensures you don’t lose any detail during transmission (unlike Bluetooth).

The Tribit FlyBuds 3 have remained on our list for several years because no other budget model offers a more complete experience. These earphones sound quite good, can withstand heavy amounts of moisture, and ship with a case that provides an impressive 95 hours of extra battery life.

Budget bud seekers: If you need gym earbuds and don’t want to spend a ton, the FlyBuds 3 are a top choice. These deliver all the low-end power you need to energize your workouts.

Those who need durable buds: Because they are so inexpensive and durable, you don’t need to worry too much about losing or breaking them.

Sony’s WF-1000XM6 earbuds are among the most premium you can buy. They support high-res playback via the LDAC and L3C codecs, provide excellent noise cancellation (thanks to a combination of effective ANC circuitry and hybrid foam eartips), and work with a companion app with a customizable 10-band EQ and scores of personalization options. The onboard mic is superb, too.

Audiophiles: The XM6 buds support two of the top Bluetooth codecs, giving them an advantage over most other earphones for high-quality audio streaming.

Tweakers: Not only do these earphones include a number of EQ presets, but the Sony Connect app features a 10-band, user-adjustable EQ that allows for endless customization.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earphones are focused on fitness and offer well-rounded features, such as noise cancellation, wireless charging, and heart rate monitoring. They can withstand sweaty workouts and deliver punchy bass to keep you motivated. Moreover, their over-ear hooks keep them stable whether you’re jogging or cycling. Other highlights include up to 10 hours of battery life and native integration with Apple’s iPhone.

Fitness fiends: Get the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 if you want to eliminate noise during your workout routine or anywhere else.

The Nothing Ear (a) earphones are distinctive thanks to their transparent earpiece and case design. We particularly like their vibrant yellow finish, though they also come in black or white. Otherwise, they produce detailed audio, support the AAC and LDAC codecs, and offer better-than-average durability. They don’t cancel noise as well as the class-leading Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, but they can still help with the worst distractions.

Nothing Phone owners: If your top priorities are audio quality, aesthetics, and affordability, these earbuds are worth a look. They are just as functional as they are stylish and work best with a Nothing Phone.