In-ear headphones are much more portable than bulky over-ears, and many options also help block out background noise with a mix of passive isolation and active noise cancelling (ANC). They're easy to carry, useful at the gym or on a commute, and can slip into your pocket when you get off the bus or arrive at the office. The terms 'in-ear headphones' and 'earbuds' are often used interchangeably, even though earbuds technically rest at the edge of the ear canal, and in-ears have barrel-shaped tips inserted deep into the ear. For a more detailed breakdown, see our article on the differences between earbuds and IEMs.
This article focuses on in-ears, which tend to be more common, though some people find them uncomfortable and prefer the less intrusive fit of earbuds. We've tested over 365 pairs of in-ear headphones, and below are our recommendations for the best in-ear wireless headphones and wired in-ears to purchase.
If you're looking for more recommendations for in-ears or earbuds, check out the best true wireless earbuds, the best wireless earbuds, and the best-sounding wireless earbuds.
Our How We Test Headphones article takes you behind the scenes in our lab. You'll learn how we choose and purchase products and dive into the details of our review philosophy, from testing and scoring to writing and editing.
You can also discover how we produce recommendations like this one so that you can find the best headphones (or earbuds!) for your needs.
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Best In-Ear Headphones
TravelOffice WorkNoise Isolation - Full RangeSound SignatureWarmFrequency Response ConsistencySee all our test resultsRecording QualityThe best in-ear headphones we've tested are the Sony WF-1000XM6: the next generation of the Sony WF-1000XM5. The combination of their memory foam ear tips and Sony's ANC technology means they can provide a top-tier noise isolation performance that's rivaled only by the Apple AirPods Pro 3. They make light work of noisy environments, such as aircraft cabins and bustling urban intersections, so you can enjoy your audio without external distractions. Unlike the AirPods, you can make the most of all the Sony's extra features, like the graphic EQ, high-res codec support, and 'Background Music' mode, regardless of your device's OS. The built-in mic is a notable step up from the last generation, rendering your voice with plenty of detail and separating it from its background.
Their default sound profile delivers a healthy dose of bass and balanced mid- and treble-range reproduction, making these buds a great fit for rock, pop, and hip-hop. They last for a little over eight hours with the ANC enabled too, which should be enough for a workday or long-haul flight. Plus, there are two extra charges contained in their case, so you can top up as needed. Compatibility with Bluetooth LE helps future-proof your purchase too, as these buds can connect via next-gen protocols like Auracast or the LC3 codec. They're not as well-built as some of our other picks, though, and they can pop out of your ears if you have smaller ears.
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Best Upper Mid-Range In-Ear Headphones
TravelOffice WorkNoise Isolation - Full RangeSound SignatureWarmFrequency Response ConsistencySee all our test resultsRecording QualityThe Technics EAH-AZ100 are premium in-ears that come without the marquee price of the Sony WF-1000XM6. These high-end in-ears are the next generation of the Technics EAH-AZ80 and offer improved isolation performance and a refreshed design. They're frequently on sale below the retail price, but the previous-gen AZ80 are still a great alternative at a consistently lower price point. The AZ100 have a smaller and rounder shape than their predecessor, with a similar finish. Additionally, their active noise cancelling (ANC) feature blocks more bass-heavy background noises, such as bus and plane engines. The AZ100 also have a whopping 12.2-hour battery life, with ANC enabled, so they'll last you for a full workday or a decently long flight without issue.
Their deeper in-ear fit isn't comfortable for everyone, though. While the headphones come with five differently sized tips to help you achieve the right fit, many people will find the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) a more comfortable alternative, as they don't have as invasive an in-ear fit. The Bose also come with stabilizer options, making them potentially more useful for workouts. That said, the Bose's 6.5-hour battery life is about half the Technics'. The Bose also sound a bit harsher than the Technics out of the box, though both models offer a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization.
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Best Mid-Range In-Ear Headphones
TravelOffice WorkNoise Isolation - Full RangeSound Signature≈ Boosted BassFrequency Response ConsistencySee all our test resultsRecording QualityLooking for a broad feature set from earbuds that don't break the bank? Check out the Nothing Ear (3). For a reasonable price, they supply a robust feature set, including multi-device pairing and support for a range of Bluetooth codecs like LDAC, AAC, and SBC. That means they can deliver high-resolution audio and play nicely with Android and iOS devices alike. They don't isolate you from noise as effectively as the Technics EAH-AZ100 above, and their battery life is much shorter, but the Nothing still do a great job cutting down on bass-range sounds like engine rumble and mid-range noise like office chatter.
Using the Nothing's companion app, you can easily tweak their stock boosted bass sound profile. For instance, you can quickly cut their active bass output if you want a less boomy sound. Their fit is comfortable, lightweight, and stable. They also feature good pressure-sensitive controls on their stems, allowing you to remap most of them to your liking. They're rated IP54, so they'll withstand water splashes and some dust exposure; the case is also rated IP54. That said, their battery life is pretty short, clocking in at 5.3 hours with ANC on; if that's a concern for you, you could check out the Nothing Ear instead. The previous generation Ear have a 7.5-hour battery, though their ANC isn't quite as effective as the Ear (3).
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Best Lower Mid-Range In-Ear Headphones
TravelOffice WorkNoise Isolation - Full RangeSound SignatureWarmFrequency Response ConsistencySee all our test resultsRecording QualityIf you're willing to give up the Nothing Ear (3)'s more detailed sound customization options in exchange for stronger noise isolation, check out the OnePlus Buds 4. Their ANC does an amazing job blocking out noise across the whole frequency range, from rumbly airplane engines to coworkers taking calls or clattering away at their keyboards. They also don't leak much audio, so they're a solid choice for commutes and desk work in shared spaces. These comfortable buds are also lightweight and stable enough to stay put with little adjustment, though they don't have ear hooks or stability fins for very intense workouts.
Their warm sound adds plenty of thump and rumble, but vocals and lead instruments still sound clear and present. You can adjust the sound with their six-band graphic EQ and presets in the companion app. The app works on iOS and Android, though some extras, like AI Translation and LHDC 5.0, are limited to compatible OnePlus phones. Their biggest trade-off against more expensive picks on this list is battery life: they last just under five hours with ANC on. They also don't have wireless charging, and their Bluetooth multipoint can be inconsistent with a laptop, so the Nothing are still a better pick if convenience matters more than isolation and call quality.
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Best Budget In-Ear Headphones
TravelOffice WorkNoise Isolation - Full RangeSound SignatureWarmFrequency Response ConsistencySee all our test resultsRecording QualityIf your top two concerns are price and ANC performance, the Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless are an easy recommendation for the best in-ear earbuds in the budget price bracket. Compared to the OnePlus Buds 4 above, the Anker have even stronger overall noise isolation performance and longer battery life, with eight hours of continuous playback and four additional charges in the case. While the OnePlus are the better pick if you want a very stable fit and stronger real-world call quality, the Anker make more sense if you want to spend less and stretch each charge further. They also have multi-device pairing, meaning you can stay connected with your phone and computer simultaneously.
By default, the Anker have a warm sound profile that works well for genres like rock and jazz, but their audio lacks low bass, and voices and instruments are missing some detail. Still, you can use a graphic EQ and presets in their companion app to adjust the sound to your taste. If you're looking for similarly performing buds with a different physical design and more bass, consider the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Truly Wireless. They have a stem design, which some people may prefer to the Space A40's rounded shape, and they deliver a lot more thump, rumble, and boom. However, the added bass seeps into their mids and slightly muddies vocals and instruments.
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Best Cheap In-Ear Headphones
TravelOffice WorkNoise Isolation - Full RangeSound SignatureWarmFrequency Response ConsistencySee all our test resultsRecording QualityIf you're looking for a taste of more premium features in versatile, wallet-friendly buds, try the Anker Soundcore P31i. These buds stand out from many competitors at this price point thanks to their inclusion of adjustable ANC, spatial audio features, Bluetooth multipoint, and even LDAC codec support. The buds have a default warm sound characterized by two broad peaks in the mid-bass and upper-mids. Still, enthusiasts have the option to use the in-app graphic EQ to adjust the sound to taste.
While the buds have ANC, their noise isolation isn't as effective as the Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless above. Still, they're well-built and stable, have great comfort, and last a respectable 7.3 hours with four extra charges in the case. Plus, the Anker Soundcore P31i's overall mic performance is notably better than the Anker's, making them a competitive, flexible option.
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Best In-Ear Monitor Headphones
TravelOffice WorkNoise Isolation - Full RangeSound SignatureBalancedFrequency Response ConsistencySee all our test resultsRecording QualityIf you're looking for wired in-ears that prioritize sound quality, the MOONDROP Blessing 3 are the best in-ear monitors (IEMs) we've tested. These wired in-ears don't have features like ANC or a mic, but you can buy a separate cable with an in-line mic if you want to make calls. However, unlike most earbuds, they use a hybrid driver design to improve sound quality and have a balanced sound profile. They accurately reproduce the bass's thump, punch, and boom, while instruments and vocals sound clear and accurate. They're very well-built and comfortable, with earbuds made of plastic and stainless steel. Despite the lack of ANC, they passively block out an impressive amount of mid-range and high-pitched noise, so you won't hear as much background chit-chat and clinking glasses in a cafe.
However, the Blessing 3's price matches their status as premium IEMs. As an alternative, the Meze ALBA are a more budget-friendly wired design option. Their balanced sound signature is very similar to the MOONDROP's, although the Meze do deviate more in the treble range, with a couple of big peaks and dips that can render cymbals dull or piercing depending on their pitch. Still, the Meze come with a convenient USB-C-to-analog adapter, making them versatile with a variety of devices.
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Best In-Ears For iPhone
TravelOffice WorkNoise Isolation - Full RangeSound SignatureWarmFrequency Response ConsistencySee all our test resultsRecording QualityIf you want premium in-ears to pair with your iPhone or Apple devices, try the Apple AirPods Pro 3. Like their predecessor, the Apple AirPods Pro 2, they've got a few features you won't find anywhere else on this list, like an H2 chip for seamless pairing with devices in your Apple ecosystem and Spatial Audio for a more immersive audio experience. Their noise isolation is comparable to the Sony WF-1000XM6, but their sound customization features, including EQ presets, are only available to iOS users. This isn't a problem if you're deeply embedded in Apple's ecosystem, but it's worth bearing in mind if you're a cross-platform user.
The Apple are well-built and comfortable enough for long listening sessions, but some people prefer the fit of the previous Pro 2 in-ears. The Pro 3 have a sound profile that changes based on factors like your listening level, but their flat mid-range suits most types of audio content, rendering voices and instruments alike with accuracy. Apple also improved on the battery life with this generation, as they last nine hours, a worthwhile improvement on the Pro 2's six, though not quite on par with the Technics EAH-AZ100's 12 hours. Still, if you're an Apple fan, the convenience of sticking with AirPods probably trumps those extra three hours.
Notable Mentions
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Technics EAH-AZ80:
The Technics EAH-AZ80 are the predecessor to the Technics EAH-AZ100. They're typically available at a heavily discounted price compared to the newer EAH-AZ100 while still supporting many of the same features found on the newer flagship, like three-way Bluetooth multipoint. That said, their ANC isn't as effective, and they have a shorter 7.3-hour battery life.
See our review -
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2:
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are sporty headphones with an ear-hook design, so they won't fall out during tough runs or workouts. This newer iteration of the Powerbeats Pro line also features ANC, which competes with that of the Technics EAH-AZ100. That said, they drain through their battery faster, lasting 7.1 hours compared to the Technics' 12.2 hours.
See our review -
Sennheiser IE 200:
The Sennheiser IE 200 are a less expensive alternative to the MOONDROP Blessing 3 with a conventional dynamic driver design. They're less premium-feeling, but they come with a wide selection of memory foam and silicone ear tips. Their tuning is warmer than that of the MOONDROP.
See our review -
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro:
The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro are the Samsung equivalent to the Apple AirPods Pro 3. Their features are somewhat more open than those of the Apple, with access to an app on both iOS and Android. However, certain features like their spatial audio and the Samsung Seamless Codec are locked behind the Samsung device ecosystem.
See our review
Recent Updates
Jun 11, 2026:
We've added the OnePlus Buds 4 as a new lower mid-range pick for their amazing noise isolation performance.
Apr 24, 2026:
We've made a few updates to the article: the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro were added to the Notable Mentions, the Nothing Ear (3) replace the Nothing Ear as the mid-range pick, and the Anker Soundcore P31i replace the JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless as our cheap option.
Mar 18, 2026:
We've updated this article to include the Sony WF-1000XM6 as the new top pick, due to their superb ANC and OS-agnostic features. The Technics EAH-AZ100 are the new upper mid-range pick, with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd gen) mentioned as an alternative. Otherwise, we've made minor changes throughout the text in this article.
Feb 18, 2026:
We removed the TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO: RED from our Notable Mentions because they're not widely available online.
Dec 12, 2025:
Holiday pricing means the price of earbuds is fluctuating almost daily. With that in mind, we've left the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless as our upper mid-range pick, although they're currently priced very similarly to the Technics EAH-AZ100. Still, we've added the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 as an alternative to the Sony, since the Sennheiser are usually a bit cheaper.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best in-ears and earbuds to buy for most people in each price range. We factor in the price (cheaper headphones win over pricier ones if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no headphones that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you'd would like to choose for yourself, here is the list of all our reviews for earbuds and in-ears. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There are no perfect headphones. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection.