The 27 best earbud headphones brands
Apple, Sony and Beats by Dr. Dre lead our ranking of 27 earbud headphones brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Earbud Headphones brands, ranked
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1
Apple
Wireless earbuds tuned to pair instantly across iPhone, iPad and Mac, with a tight ecosystem fit.
Top products: AirPods Pro 2· AirPods 2nd Gen· EarPods
Website: support.apple.com |Brands like Apple
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Sony
Lightweight LinkBuds and sweat-resistant sport models, with strong noise cancelling on the flagship range.
Top products: LinkBuds Fit· WF-C510· LinkBuds Clip
Website: sony.com |Brands like Sony
Popularity 8.0/10
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3
Beats by Dr. Dre
Bold-styled earbuds with fast Apple-linked pairing and punchy bass tuning.
Website: beatsbydre.com |Brands like Beats by Dr. Dre
Popularity 7.9/10
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4
JBL
Rugged sport earbuds with dust and waterproof ratings, plus budget-friendly Tune models.
Top products: Endurance Peak 4· Endurance Peak 3· Tune Flex 2
Website: jbl.com |Brands like JBL
Popularity 6.1/10
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5
Bose
Comfortable in-ear sport earbuds with a snug fit, popular for workouts and commutes.
Top products: SoundSport
Website: bose.com |Brands like Bose
Popularity 5.5/10
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6
JLab
Budget-friendly true wireless earbuds built for workouts, with ear hooks and long battery life.
Top products: Go Sport+· Go Air Pop+· Go POP+
Website: jlab.com |Brands like JLab
Popularity 4.8/10
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7
Skullcandy
Colourful earbuds with fashion-forward styling and sport-ready fits at accessible prices.
Website: skullcandy.com |Brands like Skullcandy
Popularity 4.7/10
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8
JVC
Compact in-ear headphones from a long-running audio maker, with bass-focused tuning.
Website: us.jvc.com |Brands like JVC
Popularity 3.8/10
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9
Samsung
Earbuds that pair closely with Galaxy phones, with active noise cancelling on the Buds3 Pro.
Top products: Galaxy Buds3 Pro· Galaxy Buds FE· Galaxy Buds+
Website: samsung.com |Brands like Samsung
Popularity 3.6/10
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10
Kz
Wired in-ear monitors in many colourways, with an emphasis on style for everyday wear.
Website: kz-audio.com |Brands like Kz
Popularity 3.4/10
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11
Sennheiser
Premium audiophile earbuds with carefully tuned sound and strong noise isolation.
Website: en-us.sennheiser.com |Brands like Sennheiser
Popularity 3.3/10
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12
Anker
Charging specialist whose earbuds are sold mainly under its soundcore sub-brand.
Website: anker.com |Brands like Anker
Popularity 3.1/10
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13
soundcore
Open-ear and sleep earbuds with adaptive noise cancelling, priced well below flagship rivals.
Top products: AeroFit 2· AeroClip· P31i
Website: us.soundcore.com |Brands like soundcore
Popularity 3.0/10
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14
Jabra
Elite-series buds add ANC and beamforming call mics for people on video calls all day.
Top products: Elite 85t· Elite 7 Active
Website: jabra.com |Brands like Jabra
Popularity 3.0/10
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15
TOZO
Budget-priced true wireless earbuds with hybrid noise cancelling and waterproof ratings.
Top products: NC20 Pro· NC9 Pro· NC9
Website: tozostore.com |Brands like TOZO
Popularity 2.7/10
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16
Monster
Based in California, Monster makes headphones, HDMI cables, AC adapters and computer chargers. Its headphones form the most visible part of the line, and the cables and chargers serve home theater and computer setups. Shoppers comparing cables should check the...
Popularity 2.6/10
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17
Panasonic
Matsushita Konosuke founded the Matsushita Electric Industrial Company to produce electric plugs and lamp sockets that he had designed. The 30s incorporated these products and experienced a rapid expansion of business. Over the years, various products such as irons, radios,...
Popularity 2.1/10
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18
Philips
Credibility and reliability go connected at the hip with the most innovative health and well-being brand, Philips. There are presumably very few people who have yet not given a shot at this brand, for it has been the most promising...
Website: usa.philips.com |Brands like Philips
Popularity 2.1/10
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19
Shure
Stage and studio microphones, wireless systems and in-ear monitors define Shure's range. The Illinois company's SM58 and SM57 dynamic microphones are widely recognised, and earphones for performers who monitor their own sound round out the line. Its gear is built...
Website: shure.com |Brands like Shure
Popularity 2.0/10
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20
HTC
HTC, a Taiwanese electronic company, has been creating smartphones with a tint of its own uniqueness. The company also holds the title of designing the world’s first metal body mobile phone and, since then, has been in the pursuit of...
Website: htc.com |Brands like HTC
Popularity 2.0/10
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21
BASEUS
The rise in technology resulted in the development of several electronic devices to be used daily. Devices like chargers, cables, earphones, and several other equipment were bought into development. Baseus came up with high-quality and reliable accessories for all your...
Website: baseus.com |Brands like BASEUS
Popularity 2.0/10
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22
AfterShokz
AfterShokz produces bone conduction headphones that rest on the cheekbones and leave the ears open, so wearers can still hear traffic and conversation. The range includes headphones for running, swimming and communication, along with standard, magnetic and USB charging cables....
Website: us.aftershokz.com |Brands like AfterShokz
Popularity 1.9/10
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23
Vivitar
With its rich heritage of over 80 years, Vivitar has curated some favorable consumer electronics. Their digital still cameras and other accessories are popular among large crowds across the globe. Bestselling STEAM toys that help make learning fun for kids...
Website: vivitar.com |Brands like Vivitar
Popularity 1.9/10
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24
Magnavox
Magnavox is the company that enhances the quality of your home entertainment. Magnavox works hard to provide you with the premium-quality goods available. The devices are intended to provide a better viewing experience, whether watching TV or using one of...
Website: magnavox.com |Brands like Magnavox
Popularity 1.8/10
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25
Lenovo
From China, Lenovo sells laptops, desktop computers, tablets and monitors, along with PC parts such as AC adapters and USB 3.0 accessories. The company traces its roots to 1984, when it was founded as Legend Holdings. It later took over...
Website: lenovo.com |Brands like Lenovo
Popularity 1.8/10
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26
Maxell
Japanese company Maxell makes batteries, recording media and storage products. Its lineup includes coin cells such as LR44 and LR41, watch batteries, and blank cassette tapes. The company was an early developer of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries and alkaline cells.
Website: maxell.eu |Brands like Maxell
Popularity 1.8/10
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27
Technics
Feel the beat, re-create it and remember. Technics is for music lovers who want to Rediscover Music. Technics is dedicated to bringing you the world's most musical and musical experience. With Technics, music lovers everywhere can rediscover the joy of...
Website: technics.com |Brands like Technics
Popularity 1.8/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | support.apple.com | – | – | @AppleSupport | – |
| Sony | sony.com | – | – | – | – |
| Beats by Dr. Dre | beatsbydre.com | /beatsbydre | beatsbydre | @beatsbydre | – |
| JBL | jbl.com | /JBLIndia | harmanindia | @harmanindia | HarmanIndiaChannel |
| Bose | bose.com | /Bose | bose | @Bose | Bose |
| JLab | jlab.com | /jlabaudio | jlabaudio | @jlabaudio | JLabAudio |
| Skullcandy | skullcandy.com | /Skullcandy | skullcandy | @skullcandy | SKULLCANDYTV |
| JVC | us.jvc.com | /JVCMobileEntertainment | jvc.headphones.usa | @jvc_usa | UCCd84CmvdEHJGsmcsQ6QZyA |
| Samsung | samsung.com | /SamsungUS | samsungmobileusa | @SamsungUS | – |
| Kz | kz-audio.com | – | – | – | – |
Earbud Headphones Buying Guide
Earbuds are a popular option for listening to music, podcasts, and other audio. They are compact, lightweight, and easy to use. There are many options on the market, including wireless and wired earbuds, noise-canceling earbuds, and sport earbuds. In this article, we will break down the key features to consider when shopping for earbuds, so you can make an informed decision.
Wired vs. Wireless Earbuds
The first factor to consider when shopping for earbuds is whether to opt for a wired or wireless pair. Wired earbuds come with a 3.5mm headphone jack that connects to your device, while wireless earbuds connect to your device via Bluetooth. There are pros and cons to both options:
Wired Earbuds
Pros:
- Generally more affordable than wireless earbuds
- Don't require charging
- Often have better sound quality than wireless earbuds
Cons:
- The cord can get tangled, especially if it is not tangle-free
- The cord can get in the way during exercise or other activities
- You cannot move too far away from your device while wearing wired earbuds
Wireless Earbuds
Pros:
- No cords to get tangled or in the way
- Freedom to move about while wearing the earbuds
- Many wireless earbuds come with a carrying case that also charges the earbuds, so you don't have to worry about running out of battery
Cons:
- Generally more expensive than wired earbuds
- Need to be charged regularly
- Some wireless earbuds have lower sound quality than wired earbuds
Sound Quality
The next factor to consider is sound quality. The goal of earbuds is to deliver high-quality audio to your ears, so you want to make sure you choose a pair that delivers impressive sound. There are a few things to look for when assessing the sound quality of earbuds:
Frequency Response
Frequency response refers to the range of audio frequencies that a pair of earbuds can produce. For example, some earbuds may have a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, meaning they can produce all sounds between 20Hz and 20kHz. Generally, the wider the frequency response, the better the sound quality. However, keep in mind that the human ear can only hear a range of frequencies up to about 20kHz, so a wider range may not make much of a difference.
Impedance
Impedance refers to the resistance that the earbuds provide to electrical current. In simpler terms, it determines how much power it takes for the earbuds to produce sound. Earbuds with high impedance require more power to produce the same volume as earbuds with low impedance. If your device does not provide enough power to the earbuds, the sound quality may suffer. As a general rule, earbuds with a low impedance (around 16-32 ohms) are good for portable devices like smartphones, while earbuds with a higher impedance (around 100 ohms) are better suited for home stereo systems or professional audio equipment.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity measures how efficiently the earbuds convert electrical signals to sound. Earbuds with high sensitivity require less power to produce the same volume as earbuds with low sensitivity. Sensitivity is measured in decibels per milliwatt (dB/mW). A higher dB/mW rating means the earbuds will produce a louder sound with less power. Look for earbuds with a sensitivity of around 100dB/mW for good sound quality.
Noise-Canceling Earbuds
Noise-canceling earbuds use sophisticated technology to block out external noise, allowing you to focus on your music or other audio. They are particularly useful in noisy environments like airplanes, trains, or busy streets. However, noise-canceling earbuds are generally more expensive than non-noise-canceling options. There are two types of noise-canceling earbuds:
Passive Noise-Canceling Earbuds
Passive noise-canceling earbuds use physical barriers to block out external noise. They typically have a tight seal that fits snugly in your ear, preventing sound from leaking in. Passive noise-canceling earbuds don't require any batteries or advanced technology, which makes them more affordable than active noise-canceling earbuds. However, passive noise-canceling earbuds are typically only effective for blocking out low-frequency sounds.
Active Noise-Canceling Earbuds
Active noise-canceling earbuds use advanced technology to block out external noise. They have built-in microphones that pick up external sounds and an internal processor that creates a sound wave that cancels out the external noise. Active noise-canceling earbuds are more effective at blocking out all types of noise than passive noise-canceling earbuds. However, they are more expensive and typically require a battery.
Sport Earbuds
Sport earbuds are designed for use during exercise and other physical activity. They are typically sweat-resistant, lightweight, and secure, so they won't fall out of your ears during a workout. Here are some features to look for when shopping for sport earbuds:
Sweat Resistance
Sweat resistance is an essential feature for sport earbuds. Look for earbuds that are rated IPX4 or higher. A higher rating means the earbuds can withstand more exposure to sweat and water without being damaged.
Secure Fit
A secure fit is crucial for sport earbuds, as you don't want them falling out of your ears during exercise. Look for earbuds that come with different sizes of ear tips, so you can find the perfect fit for your ear. Some sport earbuds also come with ear wings or fins that help hold them in place.
Wireless Connectivity
Sport earbuds are usually wireless, which means you won't have to worry about the cords getting in the way while you exercise. Look for earbuds with Bluetooth connectivity, so you can connect them to your smartphone or other device wirelessly.
Additional Features
Finally, there are a few additional features to consider when shopping for earbuds:
Microphone and Controls
Many earbuds come with a built-in microphone and controls, allowing you to answer calls, adjust the volume, and skip tracks without having to take your phone out of your pocket. Look for earbuds with intuitive control buttons and a high-quality microphone for clear calls.
Battery Life
If you opt for wireless earbuds, battery life is an important consideration. Look for earbuds with at least 4-6 hours of battery life, and consider a pair with a carrying case that can charge the earbuds on the go.
Compatibility
Make sure the earbuds you choose are compatible with your device. Most earbuds work with smartphones, tablets, and computers, but some may not work with older devices or other types of electronics.
Conclusion
Earbuds are a versatile, convenient, and popular option for listening to music and other audio. When shopping for earbuds, be sure to consider features like wired vs. wireless, sound quality, noise-canceling options, sport features, and additional features like microphone and battery life. By weighing the pros and cons of each type of earbud and considering your own needs, you can choose the perfect pair of earbuds for your lifestyle.
