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Almost everyone owns some sort of earbuds, whether you are the sort of person who uses the buds included with your device, or you are constantly in search of the best earbuds. In this guide, you will find a number of the top options for a variety of different needs.
We’ve included options whether you’re looking for incredible value or audiophile quality.
Here are the best earbuds 2023:
1. Sony WF-1000XM3
The best true wireless earbuds
The audio quality and clarity on offer is more than good enough for casual listeners and audiophiles alike. The noise cancelling tech is a big bonus, too, making the Sony WF-1000XM3 some of the top-rated earbuds.
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These earbuds feature a ‘true wireless’ design which means that you don’t even have a cable connecting the two buds. This provides the ultimate flexibility.
As well as being exceptional earbuds, these even feature the QN1e noise cancelling technology. You usually only see this sort of technology in bigger headphones. As well as audio clarity, the Sony WF-1000XM3 has some brilliant, state-of-the-art tech features.
2. Sony MDR-XB50AP
The best affordable wired earbuds with extra bass
They’re not the very best for those who are uncompromising on quality, but the excellent little bass boost is great for the gym or exercising and listening to heavier genres of music.
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Sony has something for the bassheads out there, too. A lot of people love to listen to music with a little boost in the low end, and lots of headphone manufacturers like Beats offer this EQ boost.
Some earbuds struggle, as the small driver size doesn’t produce much power. However, the Sony MDR-XB50AP earbuds give an affordable choice with plenty of punch.
3. Bose SoundSport Free
The best true wireless in-ear headphones for exercise
For the most part, you know what you will get with Bose quality headphones. The SoundSport earbuds aren’t perfect for every use, but for an active lifestyle they provide a good option.
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If you are looking for true wireless earbuds that will stay in place comfortably during workouts then Bose might have the answer. Some earbuds aren’t sturdy enough to wear during a run or other exercise as they can fall out or just be uncomfortable. The SoundSport earphones are designed to tackle this.
The Bose brand normally means audiophile quality and high-quality components. This is exactly what’s on offer with the SoundSport earbuds.
4. Shure SE215-CL
The best in-ear headphones with noise isolation
If you are planning to listen in noisy environments, the noise isolating functionality of these earbuds can be hugely helpful. They’re some of the best rated wired earbuds on the market.
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These earbuds were originally developed for touring musicians as in-ear monitors. The noise isolating features block out the sounds without using “active noise cancelling technology”. This means musicians can hear their own audio mix in isolation. It translates into brilliant noise isolating headphones, though.
They can block 37 dB of outside ambient noise. This is combined with excellent Shure audio clarity for a great sound.
5. Avantree E171
The best budget earbuds with mic
For people on a budget who want earbuds that can make and receive calls, the Avantree E171 could be a good choice. Just be sure to check that they are compatible with your device.
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If you are looking for budget earbuds with a microphone included then the Avantree E171 could be a good option. These earbuds are great for sports, with a wraparound ear hook design to keep them sturdy while you are running or working out in the gym.
Though they won’t give you ultra high fidelity audio, these earbuds will stay in place easily, and also provide simple and easy calls. Inline controls let you accept or reject calls or even call the last dialed number without touching your phone. The mic is good quality, even if you are in a busy environment.
6. TBI Pro PowerPro Sport 5.0
The best battery life
They’re great earbuds if you plan on long listening spells, or for taking on your travels with you. If you want an elite audiophile sound then you might need to spend a little more, but for most, the PowerPro Sport 5.0 provides a good listening experience.
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This is one of the only sets of earbuds that is truly top-rated and not made by one of the most well-known audio brands. Though it doesn’t carry the brand reputation of Bose or Shure, these earbuds have some very modern features and amazing battery life.
The battery is 50 hours, but this does rely on it recharging using the charging case. The features and audio quality are surprising for the price, especially as these are true wireless earbuds.
7. Beats Powerbeats Pro
The best Beats earbuds
With high-tech features and an excellent, high-end design, it’s easy to see why Beats are so popular. These earbuds are great for the gym or for listening around the house or on public transport.
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There is a reason that Beats has become one of the powerhouse brands in the world of headphones in such a short space of time. The Powerbeats Pro are very highly rated, and the best Beats earbuds with a true wireless design.
8. TaoTronics TT-EP002
The best wired earbuds with ANC
For active noise cancelling on a budget, these can be a good option. For earbuds, they’re a bit bulky, but if you don’t mind carrying them around, the TaoTronics provide quality audio for the price.
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Active noise cancelling technology isn’t included in a huge number of headphones. The TaoTronics are one of the most affordable ways to get ANC technology, perfect for those who need to block out repetitive sound such as public transport.
These in-ear headphones are very highly rated, and they are great for the money. At the price point, you’ll struggle to find many better wired earbuds.
9. FiiO FH7 5-Drive
The best audiophile earbuds
Audiophiles are likely to be very satisfied by the excellent quality of these earbuds. The multiple drivers and high-tech design appeals to the music tech geek inside all of us. If you are looking to invest in high-end earbuds, the FiiO FH7 are worth looking into.
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If you are looking for sound quality, and you don’t mind spending extra to get it, the FiiO FH7 earbuds may be an exceptional choice. The manufacturers really have not compromised in any area when manufacturing these earbuds.
10. JBL Tune T110
A great budget option
If you are opting for the JBL T110 earbuds, it’s important to be prepared for the fact they aren’t the most elite model out there, but for those wanting good audio for a very affordable price tag, they are worth exploring as an option.
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If you are looking for cheap earbuds to do a decent job, and you aren’t too worried about an elite sound, then the JBL T110 earbuds might be an option.
JBL is a huge audio brand, and though these headphones are affordable, they are good enough for casual listening, and better than most cheap headphones.
Conclusion
Our earbud reviews span a variety of different price ranges and some of the top brands on the market. The industry is huge, and the choice can be overwhelming at times.
It’s worth doing some research to find the best option for you, whether you want noise cancelling, high fidelity audio or great value for money.