As one of the most-used personal audio devices, earbuds have revolutionised the way we do so much in our professional and personal lives. Be it gaming, listening to audiobooks or music, and enduring long and tedious commutes, the best earbuds will go a long way in improving the quality of your experience. After putting numerous models to the test over the past ten years, spanning from low-cost to high-end flagship models, I can assert that the best earbuds hinge on your daily routine, personal audio preferences, and the features that are most important to you.
Since the improvement of wireless audio technology, the earbuds market has experienced a period of intense competition and innovation driven by new players investing into the industry. This makes for a myriad of options which while beneficial, can also be confusing.
The best earbuds must excel on multiple criteria such as comfort, sound quality, battery life, connectivity, and features optimised for specific use cases. For instance, there are music listeners who look for deep bass and clear mids alongside high-resolution audio support, while gamers prefer ultra-low latency and spatial sound. ANC is especially valued by commuters alongside a compact and comfortable fit.
Earbuds for Music Lovers: Deep Bass, Crystal Clarity, and Rich Detail
For audiophiles, as well as individuals who enjoy listening to music, the top priority is audio quality. Through personal experiences and over the years of trying out an assortment of earbuds ranging from budget-friendly to high-end models, I have come to realise that Sony WF-1000XM5 and Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 outperformed competitors.
Sony’s flagship earbuds provide warm and detailed sound with the best in the industry ANC for powerful immersion during travel. Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 3 is better for vocals and more classical and jazz genres due to the more neutral sound profile. Both EQs support high-res audio codecs which make a difference when streaming on TIDAL or Amazon Music HD by using LDAC or aptX Adaptive.
In my case, upgrading from standard earbuds to high-end models offered a complete re-discovery of some songs I had grown accustomed to, as I began noticing subtle instrumental layers and nuances previously hidden.
Earbuds for Gamers: Audiovisual Accuracy and Reduced Latency
The use of wireless audio technology is becoming commonplace in mobile and console gaming, and gaming earbuds have adapted to meet these demands. For competitive immersion, you will want earbuds featuring low-latency Bluetooth, spatial sound, and a clear microphone for voice communications.
For serious gamers, The Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Pro is an excellent choice. Its THX-certified audio paired with a Gaming Mode featuring 60 ms latency makes it powerful. Another top pick is HyperX Cloud MIX Buds. They offer long battery life, customisable EQ profiles, and strong noise-blocking.
My personal experience includes using Razer’s Hammerhead Pro for long sessions of PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile. The difference in audio delay was significant, especially during intense matches. Hearing and spatially detecting gunfire and footsteps was instantaneous and greatly enhanced my competitive performance.
Earbuds for Commuters: All-Day Comfort and Noise Cancellation
Daily commuters would appreciate earbuds that provide effective ANC, ensure a snug fit and strong Bluetooth connection, and also boast long battery life. After years of testing on packed subways, buses, and even during flights, my top recommendation remains the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II.
Along with excellent active noise cancellation (ANC) and the AirPods Pro 2’s integration with iPhones and laptops, their transparent mode aids in conversations and during announcements. Meanwhile, Bose’s earbuds arguably deliver the best active noise cancellation on the market—especially useful for drowning out engine noise or background chatter.
In my case, I found myself transformed by the differences I experienced during my commute. I no longer had to crank the volume to overpower noise and instead was able to listen at a comfortable level, with crystal clear audio and minimal ear fatigue.
Picking the Right Earbuds for You
Veterans confirm that reviews and specifications are helpful, but nothing beats personal testing. Here’s what I suggest you consider:
- For music lovers, prioritise sound quality, codec support, and EQ customisation.
- For gamers, latency rates, microphone quality and soundstage accuracy should be prioritised.
- For commuters, the primary focus should be on ANC, comfort, and battery life.
Recall that fit is important too. Earbuds that have the best sound quality in the world would serve no purpose if they are prone to falling out, or if they make the wearer uncomfortable after an hour. A good seal is achieved with multiple ear tips, or even foam tips, so models with those options should be sought after.
Read More: Noise-Cancelling Earbuds Buying Guide: Selecting Your Ideal Set
FAQs About The Best Earbuds
Are expensive earbuds really worth the price?
In many cases, yes. Premium earbuds offer better drivers, longer battery life, superior ANC, and overall durability. However, there are budget models that outperform expensive models if you’re selective.
Can wireless earbuds be used for gaming?
Yes. This also applies to those with low latency modes or aptX Adaptive support. Serious gamers do tend to lean towards wired headsets for the zero delay though.
How do I clean my earbuds to make them last longer?
Regularly wipe them with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Clean the ear tips with soap and water but ensure not to use sharp objects near the mesh or the driver opening.
What’s the average battery life for good earbuds?
Most high-end earbuds now offer 6-8 hours of playtime on a single charge, with an additional 20-30 hours from the charging case. Some models exceed those numbers with energy-efficient modes.
Which earbuds are most suitable for voice calls?
The AirPods Pro 2, Galaxy Buds2 Pro, and Jabra Elite 7 Pro are exemplary models which enable users to attend calls with great clarity owing to the beamforming microphones along with noise suppression.
