What are the newest earbuds?
(Image Grado)
The latest earphones we’ve tested are the Oppo Enco X, which impressed with their direct sound and comfy fit – though they were let down by their lack of iOS support. There’s also a new entry at our top spot of the best wireless earbuds, the NuraLoop headphones.
In other wireless earbuds news, we’re expecting the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro to be announced imminently, with a rumored release date of January 14.
We’re still waiting on the elusive Apple AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2, with recent leaks suggesting 2021 release dates are on the cards.
Choosing the right earbuds for your needs and your budget can be a challenge. After all, there are so many different types vying for your attention, including wired models, neckbud-style wireless earphones, and true wireless earbuds. How do you know which one you should choose?
That’s why we’ve brought together this handy guide. The best earbuds of 2021 all come in a range of different form factors – the style you should choose depends on your needs. If you hate wires and have a decent budget, we recommend cable-free true wireless earbuds, like the Sony WF-1000XM3 and the AirPods Pro – many of which now come with extra features, including noise-cancellation.
Do you value security and audio fidelity above all else? Check out the wired earphones on our list below. Or, opt for something that has the best of both worlds with a pair of the best wireless earbuds. These styles are able to connect to your phone via Bluetooth but still retain a cord between the two buds themselves, which means less chance of accidents.
Something that all the best earbuds of 2021 have in common is that they’re compact, sound fantastic, and are super-convenient to use compared to bulky over-ear headphones.
[Update: There are lots of cool true wireless earbuds coming out of CES 2021, including the JBL Tour Pro+, the Mobvoi Earbuds Gesture, the Edifier TWS NB Pro, and the Anker Soundcore Liberty Air Pro 2.
If you’re interested in wired earbuds, you’ll want to check out the audiophile-friendly Sennheiser IE 300, too.
Plus, we’re expecting to see the rumored Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro on January 14, with the new buds rumored to be launching alongside the Galaxy S21. Check out our guide on how to watch the Samsung Unpacked event for the latest from the South Korean tech giant.]
Our top earbud picks
1. 1More Triple Driver In-Ear Headphone
The best earbuds you can buy in 2021
Specifications
Acoustic design: Closed
Weight: N/A
Cable length: N/A
Frequency response: 20 – 40,000Hz
Drivers: N/A
Driver type: Dynamic
Sensitivity: 99 dB at 1KHz
Impedance: 32 ohms
Battery life: N/A
Wireless range: N/A
NFC: N/A
Reasons to buy
+Lush sound quality+Excellent build and design+Unmatched value
Reasons to avoid
-Plastic remote feels cheap
If you like your earbuds to come with a wire, the 1More Triple Driver in-ear headphones are the best earbuds you can buy in 2021. After spending a few weeks with both the 1MORE Triple Driver in-ear headphones and the 1MORE Quad Driver in-ear headphones we were blown away at just how much value each one gave in their prospective price ranges.
For $100 / £100 (around AU$168), it’s hard to think of a better sounding pair of earbuds than the 1MORE Triple Driver. That said, if you want just that little extra refinement and luxury materials, the 1MORE Quad Drivers are still a bargain at twice the price.
There’s very little we can fault the Triple Drivers for. Their rubber cable is annoying and its remote control feels cheap but these are just nitpicks.For their price, it’s impossible to do better than 1MORE’s Triple Driver in-ear headphones.
Read the full review: 1More Triple Driver In-Ear Headphone review
2. Sony WF-1000XM3 True Wireless Earbuds
Noise-cancelling earbuds that made our dreams come true
Specifications
Acoustic design: Closed
Weight: 70g
Frequency response: 20-20,000Hz
Drivers: 6mm
Driver type: Dome Type
Sensitivity: N/A
Impedance: N/A
Battery life (on-board): 6 hours
Battery life (charging case): 18 hours
Wireless range: 30ft
NFC: Yes
Reasons to buy
+Efficient noise-cancellation+Inconspicuous looks+Great fun to listen too
Reasons to avoid
-Not suitable for sports
Considering it’s still rare to get noise cancelation in wired earbuds at all, the fact that Sony has managed to pack it into a pair that are not only wireless, but true wireless is very impressive indeed.
The Sony WF-1000XM3 manage to offer a level of noise-cancellation that’s exceedingly good for a pair of earbuds – they won’t offer the same isolation as a pair of over-ear headphones, but its a worthy trade off for that sleeker form.
Battery life is above average, and that compact charging case is pretty slick too. On-ear volume controls similar to the PowerBeats Pro have just been introduced via a firmware update, making them even better than they were at launch and cementing their place among the best earbuds of 2020.
Read the full review: Sony WF-1000XM3 review
3. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2
Great-sounding and noise-cancelling
Specifications
Acoustic design: Closed
Weight: 6g
Frequency response: 5 – 21,000Hz
Drivers: 7mm
Driver type: Dynamic
Sensitivity: N/A
Impedance: N/A
Battery life (on-board): 7 hours
Battery life (charging case): 28 hours
Wireless range: 30ft
NFC: Yes
Reasons to buy
+Incredible sound+Sleek design+Support for Hi-Res Audio
Reasons to avoid
-More expensive than rivals
The sound quality, battery life, and design of the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 are truly brilliant – and they’re a really good alternative to the Sony WF-1000XM3, particularly if your idea of the best earbuds are a little more flashy.
We did find that those with smaller ears sometimes find them a little uncomfortable, however, and their high price just stops them from beating the Sony’s to second place of this round up.
Otherwise? Sennheiser has pretty much knocked it out of the park with these earbuds, offering great noise cancellation alongside smart looks and stunning sound.
Read more: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 review
4. NuraLoop headphones
Improving on aural perfection
Specifications
Acoustic design: Closed
Weight: 25g
Frequency response: 20Hz – 20 kHz
Drivers: 8.6mm
Driver type: Dynamic
Sensitivity: N/A
Impedance: N/A
Battery life: 16 hours
wireless range: N/A
NFC: No
Reasons to buy
+Rich, adaptive audio+ANC and social mode+Rugged, sweatproof desig
Reasons to avoid
-Stiff neckband can get in the way
NuraLoop boils down the essence of the company’s first product, the Nuraphone, into a much more compact, rugged, and affordable package, and doesn’t lose much in the process.
The star of the show is its adaptive audio technology, which automatically determines a listening profile for the user and feeds them well-balanced, lush sound as a result.
On top of this, features like active noise-cancelling, social mode, an IPX3 rating, Immersion mode, a great battery life, and the ability to attach an analog cable for 3.5mm headphone jacks makes this pair of wireless earbuds truly shine.
Read more: NuraLoop headphones review
5. Optoma NuForce BE Sport4
Practically flawless wireless earbuds
Specifications
Acoustic design: Closed
Weight: 15.5g
Cable length: 58 ± 2cm
Frequency response: 20Hz – 20,000kHz
Drivers: 6mm
Driver type: Dynamic
Sensitivity: 92dB ± 3dB
Impedance: 32 ohms
Battery life: 10 hours
Wireless range: N/A
NFC: N/A
Reasons to buy
+Impressive audio+Customized eartips+Practical design
Reasons to avoid
-Not suited to one-ear listening
The NuForce BE Sport4 wireless earbuds are that rare find: earbuds that are good for basically all situations. While they’re specifically designed for use in the gym and on the track, the BE Sport4 do an awesome job isolating audio in a crowded city environment and are even good enough for home listening.
The BE Sport4 earbuds have claimed 10-hour battery life, which we found to be pretty close to the mark in our time with them, and from empty you can get two hours of use from just a 15-minute charge – ideal for those needing a quick top-up while they put on their trainers and pack a gym kit.
Consider this a warning shot fellow audio manufacturers: build and audio quality do not need to be sacrificed in order to keep earbuds affordable.
Read more: Optoma NuForce BE Sport4 review
6. Cambridge Audio Melomania 1
Mind-blowing sound without the wires
Specifications
Acoustic design: Closed
Weight: 9.2g
Frequency response: 20-20,000Hz
Drivers: 5.8mm
Driver type: Dome Type
Sensitivity: 9.8dB
Impedance: N/A
Battery life (on-board): 9 hours
Battery life (charging case): 36 hours
Wireless range: N/A
NFC: Yes
Reasons to buy
+Outstanding audio quality+Good value for money+Comfortable design
Reasons to avoid
-Control buttons can be annoying
The Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 come with an outstanding 45 hours of battery life, and combine the brand’s award-winning engineering with the convenience of truly wireless listening.
For a pair of true wireless earbuds, the sound quality offered by the Cambridge Audio Melomania 1s is sensational, winning it a place among the best earbuds of 2021.
They may not have the noise cancellation technology offered by the Sony WF-1000XM3 Wireless Earbuds, but they are $100 (around £80) cheaper – and have a superior battery life.
Read more: Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 review
[Update: We’ve spent some time getting to know the latest Cambridge Audio wireless earbuds. The Cambridge Audio Melomania Touch come with a 50-hour battery life, upgraded audio, and a new app to boot – and so far, we’re impressed. Stay tuned for our full review in the next week.]
7. Grado GT220
Few true wireless earbuds sound this good
Specifications
Acoustic design: Closed
Weight: N/A
Frequency response: 20-20,000Hz
Drivers: 8mm
Driver type: Polyethylene terephthalate full-range
Sensitivity: N/A
Impedance: 32 ohms
Battery life (on-board): 6 hours
Battery life (charging case): 36 hours
Wireless range: N/A
NFC: No
Reasons to buy
+Hugely impressive sound in every respect+Responsive touch- and voice-control+Light and fairly comfortable
Reasons to avoid
-No active noise-cancelling
On paper, the GT220 seem to have their work cut out. $259 / £250 / AU$365 for small, humdrum-looking true wireless earbuds with no active noise-cancelling and no control app.
But, by performing with absolute confidence and assurance, they stand head and shoulders above the majority of true wireless earbuds on the market today. They extract every shred of information from digital files of your favorite music and deliver it with such authority, and in such a complete and coherent manner, that it sounds fresh even if you’ve heard it a thousand times before.
Read more: Grado GT220 review
8. Bowers & Wilkins PI3 Wireless Headphones
Neckbuds with phenomenal sound
Specifications
Acoustic design: Closed
Weight: 31g
Frequency response: 10Hz – 30kHz
Drivers: 9.2mm
Driver type: N/A
Sensitivity: 96 dB
Impedance: N/A
Battery life: 8 hours
NFC: No
Reasons to buy
+Comfortable design+Excellent sound quality
Reasons to avoid
-No waterproofing-Average battery life
The Bowers & Wilkins PI3 are the first neckband headphones for the company, and they’re a great start. Well-designed, comfy, and simple to use, their great sound makes them some of the best earbuds you can buy today.
Thanks to dual drivers, these buds sound fantastic, with crisp highs, lively mids, and plenty of powerful bass. Look past the fairly unremarkable battery life and limited features, and you’ll be mostly very impressed by what these offer.
Read the full review: Bowers & Wilkins PI3 Wireless Headphones review
9. Sennheiser CX Sport wireless earphones
No fuss running buds with fantastic audio
Specifications
Weight: 15g
Battery life: 6 hours
Heart rate monitor?: No
On-ear controls?: No (in-line remote)
Reasons to buy
+Fantastic audio quality+Sports-friendly design
Reasons to avoid
-Not the cheapest option-Mids could be richer
With a lively, bass-heavy presentation, and a comfortable fit, the Sennheiser CX Sport wireless earphones make an excellent pair of running headphones as well as some of the best earbuds of 2021.
They don’t come with a heart rate monitor, but the inclusion of ear fins and sporty neon color scheme makes them ideal for casual workouts.
With a battery life of six hours, they’re great for your average running session, or even your daily commute – but marathon runners will want to look elsewhere.
Read the full review: Sennheiser CX Sport Wireless earphones review
10. OnePlus Bullets Wireless 2
Amazing wireless earphones for the price
Specifications
Acoustic design: closed
Weight: 13 gram
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Drivers: 6 mm
Driver type: dynamic
Sensitivity: 96 dB +/-3 dB at 1 kHz
Impedance: 16 Ohms
Battery life: 8 hours
wireless range: N/A
NFC: No
Reasons to buy
+Magnetic on/off switch +Lively sound+Strong wireless connection
Reasons to avoid
-Terrible carrying case
OnePlus is most known for its “flagship killer” phones like the OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro, but the company also makes headphones – the best example of which are the company’s excellent Bullets Wireless 2, which offer an incredible value in the neckbud earphones category.
In terms of audio quality, they boast a lively sonic presentation and an accurate-feeling soundstage, although bass-heads may want to look elsewhere for headphones that pack a bassier punch.
They’re comfortable to wear too, but it’s just a shame that they don’t have a waterproof rating and the inline remote is so fiddly, because otherwise they could make a decent pair of running headphones.
They may be $30 more expensive than their predecessors, but the improved battery life and sound quality makes up for that; it also makes it worth upgrading if you have the originals and are due a new pair of wireless earbuds.
Read the full review: OnePlus Bullets Wireless 2 review
11. Lypertek Tevi
Incredible, affordable buds
Specifications
Acoustic design: Closed
Weight: N/A
Frequency response: 20-20,000Hz
Drivers: 6mm
Driver type: Graphene
Sensitivity: N/A
Impedance: N/A
Battery life (on-board): 10 hours
Battery life (charging case): 70 hours
Wireless range: N/A
NFC: No
Reasons to buy
+Incredible value+Neutral audiophile-like sound+Great battery life
Reasons to avoid
-Design is a bit plain
If you’re looking for budget-friendly true wireless earbuds, then the Lypertek Tevi are a great choice – they’re among the best earbuds we’ve tried, especially given their low price tag ($130 / £99 / AU$185).
With USB-C charging, a well-balanced sound, lengthy battery life, and waterproofing, they tick every box you could ask for, from what are basically a pair of budget buds.
The Lypertek Tevi, surprisingly, might just blow you away, punching well above their weight and rivaling the best earbuds from some of the biggest audio brands on the planet.
Consider us pleasantly surprised.
Read more: Lypertek Tevi true wireless earbuds review
12. 1More Quad Driver In-Ear Headphones
More expensive than the Triple Drivers, but More powerful too
Specifications
Acoustic design: Closed
Weight: 18.5 g
Cable length: 1.25 m
Frequency response: 20 – 40,000Hz
Drivers: N/A
Driver type: Dynamic
Sensitivity: 99 dB at 1KHz
Impedance: 32 ohms
Battery life: N/A
Wireless range: N/A
NFC: N/A
Reasons to buy
+Beautifully balanced sound+Luxurious build quality+Remote controls work on
Reasons to avoid
-Cheaper sibling is better value
They’re expensive, but the 1MORE Quad Driver in-ear headphones are worth every penny. 1MORE hit it out of the park with this flagship pair of in-ear headphones with its balanced sound build quality, smartphone compatibility and price. These in-ear headphones will make mobile audiophiles very happy.
The only reservation that we have is that the Quad Drivers face tough competition from 1MORE’s own cheaper Triple Driver sibling which costs half the price (which sit pretty at the number one spot on our list).
In terms of value, the 1MORE Triple Driver headphones are the winner, but if you’re willing to spend a little more on build and sound quality, the 1More Quad Drivers are among the best earbuds you can buy.
Read the full review: 1More Quad Driver In-Ear Headphones
13. Apple AirPods Pro
The perfect earbuds… for Apple fans
Specifications
Acoustic design: Closed
Weight: 5.4g
Frequency response: 20-20,000Hz
Drivers: N/A
Driver type: Dynamic
Sensitivity: N/A
Impedance: N/A
Battery life (on-board): Up to 5 hours
Battery life (charging case): 24 hours
Wireless range: N/A
NFC: Yes
Reasons to buy
+Good noise cancellation+Better fit than AirPods (2019)
Reasons to avoid
-More expensive than better rivals-USB-C charging cable in box
Apple’s noise-cancelling true wireless earbuds, the AirPods Pro, deliver a much better fit and an improved design compared to the original AirPods.
However, at $249 / £249 / AU$399, they’re pretty pricey too, and as such can’t be called the very best true wireless earbuds in terms of value for money – but they may be the best true wireless earbuds for Apple fans. That said, AirPods Pro deals are becoming more commonplace as the buds age.
These snug-fitting earbuds offer a great sound, and the additional microphones provide strong noise-cancelling (particularly when commuting), as well as a useful Transparency mode, which really does let the outside world in. They even support Dolby Atmos immersive sound, following an update in September 2020.
Apparently, there’s a new AirPods model set to join the original buds and the newer Pros. The AirPods Pro Lite are rumored to be a new, cheaper variant of the company’s popular true wireless earbuds, and they could be released in early 2021.
Read more: Apple AirPods Pro review
14. SoundMAGIC E11BT
Magic bullets that sound deceptively good
Specifications
Acoustic design: Closed
Weight: 24.7g
Cable length: N/A
Frequency response: 20 – 20,000Hz
Drivers: 10mm
Driver type: Dynamic, Neodymium
Sensitivity: 100dB
Impedance: 42 ohms
Battery life: 20 hours
Wireless range: 13m
NFC: No
Reasons to buy
+Fantastic price+Elegant design+Comfortable
Reasons to avoid
-Treble tones can sound harsh
The SoundMagic E11BTs are an extremely capable pair of wireless in-ear earphones, and given their low price, it really is difficult to fault them – the audio quality is fantastic and they look very elegant.
They’re comfortable to wear thanks to ergonomically designed eartips and a flat neckband that won’t irritate you while running or working out – and with an IPX4 rating, they should withstand sweaty sessions.
Read the full review: SoundMAGIC E11BT
15. Jaybird Tarah Pro
Well-crafted wireless earbuds for endurance athletes
Specifications
Acoustic design: closed
Weight: 18 grams
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Drivers: 6 mm
Driver type: dynamic
Sensitivity: 95 dB +/-3 dB at 1 kHz
Impedance: 16 Ohms
Battery life: 8 hours
wireless range: N/A
NFC: No
Reasons to buy
+ Excellent adaptable sound +Durable and compact design
Reasons to avoid
-Proprietary charging dock -Fiddly eartips
The Jaybird Tarah Pro headphones are wireless sport headphones for the endurance runners, athletes and fitness nuts out there. With a neck cable to keep the earbuds together, they aren’t quite ‘true wireless’, but will be practical for those concerned about dropping and losing a costly earbud in the heat of a race or training session.
As the first in Jaybird’s new ‘Pro’ range of Bluetooth earbuds and aimed at offering higher quality audio and materials, the Tarah Pro will suit anyone not willing to sacrifice audio quality in harsher outdoor conditions or indoor workouts and who don’t mind spending a bit more to get a premium product.
Read the full review: Jaybird Tarah Pro review
Tips and tricks
How to choose the best earbuds for you
Which headphones style is best for you?
The best earbuds need to feel ultra-comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, and must fit securely in your ear for decent noise isolation.
If you’re looking for a pair of running headphones, your new earphones should have an IPX4 water-resistance rating or above; this means that they’ll be able to withstand a little sweat as well as a spot of rain.
There are wired and wireless earbuds on this list, but newer models can be completely wire-free. Our current favorite true wireless earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM3 go one step further, combining truly wireless sound with high quality noise cancelation tech.
If you do opt for wireless or true wireless earbuds, make sure the battery life is up to scratch, otherwise you could find yourself caught short without any music in the middle of your commute.
Most importantly, the best earbuds for you should sound good to your ears. If you’re a dedicated audiophile, look for buds that support Hi-Res Audio codecs like LDAC and aptX HD Bluetooth for stellar connectivity.
FAQs
The best earbud and in-ear headphones FAQ: quick questions answered
Which brand has the best earbuds? That totally depends on what you’re looking for – but we’re careful with our lists. That means all of the earbud and in-ear headphones below come from brands we trust. Still, if you’re not sure where to start looking, respected brands like Sony, Apple, Cambridge Audio, JBL, and Optoma are good places to start.
What are the best cheap earbuds? At least half of the buds in this list are below the $80 / $80 mark, which makes them ideal for those who need a new set of headphones but can’t justify a splurge. We recommend the 1More Triple Drive In-Ear Headphones – but if they’re still too pricey for your current budget, then check out our guide to the best cheap headphones of 2021.
Which is better, earbuds or headphones? It’s up to you. Some people love the feel and immersive sound experience of over-ear headphones, others prefer the freedom and compact size of in-ear headphones and earbuds. It all depends on what your priorities are.
How do I keep my earbuds from falling out? Although most of the high-end in-ear buds and headphones are designed to stay put, everyone’s ears are different. Which means there’s still a chance they’ll fall out – especially if you’re running or moving. If this keeps happening, we recommend opting for a pair built with sports in mind, these tend to have better support and even a different design that anchors them into your ear better.
Should I buy wireless earphones? Wireless and true wireless earbuds are a great option for those who want to listen to music on the go without the hassle of tangled cables getting in their way. However, some audio purists think that the sound quality afforded by Bluetooth connections still doesn’t compete with traditional wired models.
Best earbuds 2021, at a glance:
1More Triple Driver In-Ear HeadphoneSony WF-1000XM3 True Wireless EarbudsSennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2NuraLoop headphonesOptoma NuForce BE Sport4Cambridge Audio Melomania 1Grado GT220Bowers & Wilkins PI3Sennheiser CX Sports WirelessOnePlus Bullets Wireless 2Lypertek Tevi1More Quad Driver In-Ear HeadphonesApple AirPods ProSoundMAGIC E11 BTJaybird Tarah Pro
Earbud deals
Round up of today’s best deals
1MORE Triple Driver BT in-Ear…
Sony Sony WF-1000XM3 True…
Sennheiser Momentum True…
NuraLoop – Wireless Bluetooth…
Optoma NuForce BE Sport4…
Cambridge Audio Melomania 1…
Grado GT220 True Wireless…
Bowers & Wilkins PI3 in Ear…
Sennheiser CX Sport Bluetooth…
Original OnePlus Bullets…
