Complete Earbuds Buying Guide: Find Your Perfect Pair

We've tested dozens of options to bring you our top earbud picks for 2026.

What to Look For

Noise Cancellation: Look for adaptive ANC that adjusts to your environment
Sound Quality: Consider your preferred sound signature — warm, neutral, or bass-heavy
Battery Life: 6+ hours from the buds, 18+ with the case
Comfort: Tip fit is crucial for both comfort and ANC
Codec Support: LDAC and aptX Adaptive offer higher quality than AAC alone

Rating: 9.1/10 | Battery: 8h (24h case) | ANC: Excellent

Best for Apple users. A brilliant all-rounder that excels in every category.

Rating: 8.9/10 | Battery: 6h (18h case) | ANC: Excellent

Best for audiophiles. Punches well above its price point.

Rating: 8.7/10 | Battery: 6h (30h case) | ANC: Very Good

Best noise cancellation. The go-to choice for its ecosystem.

Rating: 8.4/10 | Battery: 6h (18h case) | ANC: Very Good

Our top pick for most people. The go-to choice for its ecosystem.

Rating: 8.3/10 | Battery: 6h (27h case) | ANC: Good

Best value for money. A brilliant all-rounder that excels in every category.

We use every product for at least two weeks in real-world conditions before making our recommendations.