Earbuds 2025: Ultimate Sound and Comfort Comparison

Explore the top earbuds of 2025, focusing on sound quality and comfort to find your perfect wireless or wired fit.

Why Choose Earbuds?

Earbuds are incredibly portable compared to bulky over-ear headphones, making them perfect for blocking out background noise on the go. Whether you're hitting the gym, getting off the bus, or settling into the office, earbuds fit easily into your pocket and keep you immersed in your music.

After testing over 340 pairs, here's our detailed guide on the best wireless and wired earbuds in 2025. Note that "earbuds" and "earphones" are often used interchangeably, but technically, earbuds sit on the outer edge of the ear canal, while in-ear monitors (IEMs) have barrel-shaped tips inserted deeper inside the ear. This article focuses on in-ear earbuds, which are more common, though some find them less comfortable than earphones with a looser fit.

Best Overall Earbuds

Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless

• Sport & Fitness: 8.1
• Travel: 8.2
• Office Work: 7.6
• Wireless Gaming (WIP): 5.6
• Wired Gaming (WIP): 5.5
• Sound Accuracy: 7.9
• Noise Isolation: 8.6
• Microphone (WIP): 6.1
• Frequency Consistency: 8.1
• Bass: Boosted (+4 dB)
• Treble: Balanced (-1 dB)
• Sound Signature: Warm
• Type: In-ear
• Design: Closed
• Connectivity: True wireless
• Driver: Dynamic
• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Microphone: Yes

Sony’s WF-1000XM5 is the best in-ear earbud we tested, succeeding the WF-1000XM4 with improved design and performance. They’re smaller and rounder, with memory foam tips that significantly enhance noise isolation. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) effectively blocks low-frequency background sounds like bus and airplane engines. You might not notice much battery difference with ANC off due to excellent passive isolation.

However, memory foam tips aren't for everyone. While four sizes come included, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Truly Wireless offers a more comfortable alternative with a less invasive fit. Bose’s buds also feature stronger bass, ideal for EDM and hip-hop genres, along with a spatial audio function generating an immersive soundstage. Sony, meanwhile, offers 360 Reality Audio that customizes sound profiles by analyzing your ear shape—but this requires a subscription and has spotty support.

"If you want to save battery, turning off ANC doesn’t make a huge difference thanks to the passive isolation from the ear tips." – Expert Reviewer

Best Mid-Range Earbuds

Technics EAH-AZ80

• Neutral Sound: 7.3
• Commuting/Travel: 8.0
• Sport/Fitness: 8.3
• Office: 7.6
• Wireless Gaming: 5.7
• Wired Gaming: 5.6
• Phone Calls: 6.8
• Type: In-ear
• Design: Closed
• Connectivity: True wireless
• Driver: Dynamic
• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Microphone: Yes

If you want premium quality without overspending, Technics EAH-AZ80 are the best wireless earbuds we've tested in the upper mid-range price category. Their noise cancellation rivals Sony WF-1000XM5. Out of the box, they deliver a warm sound with extra bass, perfect for electronic music or funk. You can also adjust the sound profile using a graphic equalizer and presets in the companion app.

The Technics microphone captures your voice better than Sony's but doesn't isolate background noise as well. With ANC on, battery lasts just over seven hours. Technics stands out with features like tri-lens multipoint Bluetooth and adjustable ANC strength, even compared to our top pick.

Nothing Ear

• Sport & Fitness: 8.0
• Travel: 7.6
• Office Work: 7.4
• Wireless Gaming (WIP): 5.7
• Wired Gaming (WIP): 5.6
• Sound Accuracy: 7.6
• Noise Isolation: 7.5
• Microphone (WIP): 7.0
• Frequency Consistency: 7.8
• Bass: Slightly boosted (+2 dB)
• Treble: Slightly reduced (-2 dB)
• Sound Signature: Warm
• Type: In-ear
• Design: Closed
• Connectivity: True wireless
• Driver: Dynamic
• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Microphone: Yes

Nothing Ear are our favorites among the best Bluetooth earbuds in the mid-range price segment. At a reasonable price, they feature multi-device pairing and support for Bluetooth codecs like LDAC, LHDC, AAC, and SBC, meaning they can deliver high-resolution sound on both Android and iOS.

Their noise isolation isn’t as strong as the Technics EAH-AZ80 but still blocks low-frequency engine hum and medium-frequency chatter well. If isolation is a priority, consider Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless, although they tend to be pricier and their microphone is weaker.

The Nothing app allows easy EQ customization for the balanced sound profile. For example, boosting relatively low frequencies makes cymbals brighter and fuller. They’re comfortable, light, and stable. Unlike Sony’s foam tips, Nothing uses silicone tips that don’t seal as deeply but might be preferred by some for a freer fit. The earbuds have touch-sensitive controls that can be remapped. They have an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance; their case is rated IP55. Finally, they support multi-device connection and LDAC for high-quality streaming.

Best Low to Mid-Range Earbuds

Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless

• Neutral Sound: 7.1
• Commuting/Travel: 8.2
• Sport/Fitness: 8.0
• Office: 7.5
• Wireless Gaming: 5.6
• Wired Gaming: 5.4
• Phone Calls: 6.4
• Type: In-ear
• Design: Closed
• Connectivity: True wireless
• Driver: Dynamic
• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Microphone: Yes

If you need a more affordable option among the best earbuds, check out Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless. These Bluetooth earbuds aren’t as stable as Nothing Ear, but their noise cancellation is even better, easily blocking noises like engine hum and background conversations. They support pairing with multiple devices, allowing connection to your phone and computer simultaneously. Battery life reaches up to eight hours with a case providing four additional charges.

The default warm sound suits rock and jazz but lacks bass and some detail in vocals and instruments. You can customize sound with an app’s graphic equalizer and presets. If you want similar sound quality but a different design and more bass, consider Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Truly Wireless. They feature stems rather than rounded shapes, produce more booming bass, but the extra bass bleeds into mids and slightly distorts vocals and instruments.

Best Budget Earbuds

JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless

• Neutral Sound: 7.7
• Commuting/Travel: 7.3
• Sport/Fitness: 8.1
• Office: 6.9
• Wireless Gaming: 5.9
• Wired Gaming: 5.8
• Phone Calls: 6.5
• Type: In-ear
• Design: Closed
• Connectivity: True wireless
• Driver: Dynamic
• Noise Cancellation: No
• Microphone: Yes

If you're after budget-friendly earbuds, try JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless. They stand out from competitors at this price with useful features to customize sound. You can adjust their balanced sound profile using a graphic equalizer and presets in the app. They also offer audio and video modes to improve sound quality and reduce latency.

Unlike Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless, they lack active noise cancellation and rely on passive noise reduction, which works decently but struggles with engine drone during travel. They fit a bit deep but remain comfortable for most. Battery lasts about nine hours, with the case providing three extra charges. The case lacks a lid but has magnets to hold earbuds in place. For a sturdier case, consider JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless, similar in specs but with a lid and stems instead of buttons, which may feel less comfortable and stable.

Earbuds with Powerful Bass

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4

• Neutral Sound: 7.1
• Commuting/Travel: 8.0
• Sport/Fitness: 8.3
• Office: 7.5
• Wireless Gaming: 5.6
• Wired Gaming: 5.4
• Phone Calls: 7.3
• Type: In-ear
• Design: Closed
• Connectivity: True wireless
• Driver: Dynamic
• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Microphone: Yes

If you mainly listen to bass-rich genres like metal, hip-hop, or EDM, you'll need earbuds that deliver powerful, deep sound. While some earbuds boost bass excessively, causing distortion, Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 offer precise, balanced bass and muted treble. They reproduce lows with exceptional accuracy. If you want more bass, the companion app has an EQ and presets to personalize sound.

These earbuds are well-built and comfortable for most. With stable fit and IP54 dust and water resistance, they’re excellent for workouts. Adaptive noise cancellation rivals our top models, effectively blocking ambient noise. For a cheaper alternative, consider the previous model Momentum True Wireless 3, which offers similar sound and performance but less noise isolation.

Best Wired Monitoring Earbuds

MOONDROP Blessing 3

• Sport & Fitness: 6.8
• Travel: 7.1
• Office Work: 5.2
• Wireless Gaming (WIP): 4.2
• Wired Gaming (WIP): 6.2
• Sound Accuracy: 7.8
• Noise Isolation: 7.1
• Microphone (WIP): 0
• Frequency Consistency: 8.7
• Bass: Balanced (0 dB)
• Treble: Balanced (-1 dB)
• Sound Signature: Balanced
• Type: In-ear
• Design: Closed
• Wireless: No
• Driver: Hybrid
• Noise Cancellation: No
• Microphone: No

If wired earbuds with top sound quality are your preference, MOONDROP Blessing 3 are the best in-ear monitors we've tested. They lack features like noise cancellation or microphone, but an optional mic cable is available for calls. Their hybrid driver design enhances sound quality with a very balanced profile, accurately rendering bass, percussion, and lows with clear vocals and instruments.

Construction uses plastic and stainless steel. The cables wrap over ears to keep earbuds secure during active movement. Despite lacking ANC, they block substantial mid and high-frequency noise passively, so you won’t hear chatter or clinking glasses in cafes.

Their price reflects their premium status. Alternatives include the more budget-friendly TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO: RED, which provide balanced sound but less premium build, a less precise treble range, and weaker noise blocking.

Best Earbuds for iPhone

Apple AirPods Pro (Gen 2)

• Sport & Fitness: 7.9
• Travel: 8.4
• Office Work: 7.7
• Wireless Gaming (WIP): 5.7
• Wired Gaming (WIP): 5.5
• Sound Accuracy: 7.8
• Noise Isolation: 9.2
• Microphone (WIP): 5.9
• Frequency Consistency: 8.0
• Bass: Balanced (0 dB)
• Treble: Underpowered (-5 dB)
• Sound Signature: Warm
• Type: In-ear
• Design: Closed
• Connectivity: True wireless
• Driver: Dynamic
• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Microphone: Yes

If you want a premium product for pairing with your iPhone or Apple devices, try Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation). Like their predecessor, they feature unique functions such as the H2 chip for seamless Apple ecosystem pairing and Spatial Audio for immersive sound. Their noise isolation in real-world use is slightly better than Sony WF-1000XM5, but sound customization features like EQ presets are only available on iOS, which may be a consideration if you use multiple platforms.

Apple earbuds are well-built and comfortable for long listening, but can occasionally fall out, which can be annoying. The warm sound profile makes instruments and vocals clear but not harsh, suitable for most content. Battery life is under six hours, but the case provides four extra charges.

Also Consider

• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Truly Wireless: Wireless earbuds that are predecessors to Bose QuietComfort Ultra. More comfortable than similarly priced Sony earbuds but lack spatial audio, have less noise isolation, and no multi-device support.
• Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless: Sport earbuds with ear hooks that stay secure during intense workouts but lack noise cancellation and block less background noise than Technics EAH-AZ80.
• Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro: Stylish earbuds with better real-world noise isolation than Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless, bass-rich but balanced sound; app works only on Android; shorter battery life.
• Skullcandy Dime 3 True Wireless: Affordable earbuds with balanced sound and multi-device support but less comfortable and customizable than JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless.
• MOONDROP x Crinacle DUSK: Wired in-ear earbuds notable for a USB-C DSP-powered cable allowing sound customization and calls. More expensive and less balanced sound than Blessing 3.
• Sennheiser IE 200: More affordable alternative to MOONDROP Blessing 3 with a standard dynamic driver. Includes many foam and silicone tips. Balanced sound with slightly warmer treble than MOONDROP.

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Conclusion

With so many great earbuds available in 2025, choosing the right pair depends on your priorities—whether it's premium noise cancellation, powerful bass, budget-friendly options, or seamless integration with Apple devices. Which feature tops your list when picking earbuds?

FAQs

• What makes in-ear earbuds better than over-ear headphones for portability?
  In-ear earbuds are compact and easily fit in pockets, making them ideal for on-the-go use compared to bulkier over-ear models.
• Are memory foam tips more comfortable than silicone tips?
  Memory foam tips provide better noise isolation and a secure fit but might feel intrusive for some, while silicone tips offer a looser, more comfortable fit for others.
• Do all earbuds support high-resolution audio codecs?
  Not all, but many mid to high-end models support codecs like LDAC, LHDC, AAC, and SBC for high-res sound quality.
• Can earbuds be used simultaneously on multiple devices?
  Some earbuds, like Technics EAH-AZ80 and Nothing Ear, support multipoint Bluetooth connections, allowing connection to several devices at once.
• Is active noise cancellation essential in earbuds?
  ANC greatly reduces background noise and improves listening in noisy environments but may slightly reduce battery life. Passive isolation also plays a key role.

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