Wireless earbuds, noise cancelling headphones and open-ear headphones. 14 products.
Last updated today
Daily from Amazon
Headphones & Earbuds Buying Guide
Editor's Note
Start with how you will use them. For commuting and flights, noise cancellation matters more than anything else. For the gym and running, fit and water resistance matter most, and open-ear headphones keep you aware of traffic. For calls, microphone quality is where cheap and premium models differ most. If you mainly play games, a gaming headset with a 2.4GHz dongle is a better fit than Bluetooth earbuds.
Hybrid active noise cancellation, a transparency mode and app EQ in over-ear headphones at a budget price, with a rating that holds up across more than 75,000 buyers. It is the easiest way into noise cancelling for travel and open offices.
Earbuds are smaller and easier to carry, and they suit commuting, the gym and phone calls. Over-ear headphones are usually more comfortable for long sessions, last longer on a charge and block more noise, which makes them better for flights, open offices and long listening at a desk. Many people own one of each.
What does active noise cancellation (ANC) do?
ANC uses microphones to listen to outside sound and plays an opposing signal to cancel it. It works best on steady, low-pitched noise such as engines, air conditioning and traffic, and less well on voices. Most ANC models also have a transparency or ambient mode that lets outside sound in when you need to hear what is around you.
Are budget wireless earbuds worth it?
For everyday listening, often yes. Brands such as Soundcore and TOZO now offer noise cancelling, app EQ and long battery life at low prices. Paying more usually gets you better call quality, stronger noise cancellation, better fit and seamless switching between devices, which matters most if you take a lot of calls.
Can I use wireless earbuds for gaming?
For casual games and videos, yes. Bluetooth adds a small delay, which can be noticeable in fast competitive games. For competitive gaming, a gaming headset with a 2.4GHz wireless dongle or a wired connection is the better choice, and it adds a boom microphone for team chat.
Do AirPods work with Android phones?
Yes, as standard Bluetooth earbuds, including noise cancellation that you control from the earbuds themselves. Features such as automatic switching between Apple devices, one-tap setup and some settings require an iPhone or other Apple device. Android users usually get more for their money from earbuds with an Android app.
Are the battery life numbers on listings accurate?
Read them carefully. Earbud listings often quote total playtime including recharges from the case, while a single charge in the ears is much shorter, and turning on noise cancellation shortens it further. Compare single-charge figures with ANC on where the listing gives them.
