Best In-Ear Earbuds of 2026

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 11, 2026

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In-ear earbuds are a popular choice for music lovers who crave high-quality sound and portability. These small, lightweight earbuds fit snugly in the ear canal and are designed to block out external noise, allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves in their favorite tunes. Many in-ear earbuds also come with a built-in microphone and remote, making them ideal for hands-free phone calls and voice commands. With a wide range of colors, styles, and price points available, there is sure to be a pair of in-ear earbuds that suits every taste and budget.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Apple EarPods with USB-C Plug Cover #TOP 1
Apple EarPods with USB-C Plug
ftb score rating icon 9.8
kurdene Wireless Earbuds Cover #TOP 2
kurdene Wireless Earbuds
ftb score rating icon 9.7
TOZO A1 Mini Wireless Earbuds Cover #TOP 3
TOZO A1 Mini Wireless Earbuds
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 In-Ear Earbuds

Apple EarPods with USB-C Plug

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Apple EarPods with USB-C Plug Cover
Apple EarPods Headphones with USB-C Plug, Wired Ear Buds with Built-in Remote to Control Music, Phone Calls, and Volume

The Apple USB-C EarPods are designed for superior comfort, fitting the natural shape of your ears better than traditional earbuds. This ergonomic design allows for longer listening sessions without discomfort. You will also enjoy high-quality audio, as the engineered speakers focus on maximizing sound output while minimizing loss. The built-in remote lets you easily adjust volume, control music playback, and manage calls, all with a simple pinch of the cord. Plus, these earbuds are compatible with any device featuring a USB-C port, making them a versatile choice for your audio needs.

What We Like
Clear, balanced sound quality
Comfortable ergonomic fit
Reliable wired connection
Durable build quality
Convenient in-line controls

kurdene Wireless Earbuds

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kurdene Wireless Earbuds Cover
kurdene Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.3 in Ear Buds Light Weight Headphones,Deep Bass Sound,Built in Mics Headset,Clear Calls Earphones for Sports Workout

The kurdene Earbuds offer an impressive audio experience with their powerful deep bass sound, thanks to oversized 8mm drivers. You can enjoy your favorite music without missing a beat. Their ultra-lightweight design ensures comfort, making them perfect for long workouts or daily use without discomfort. With superior call quality, these earbuds feature noise-canceling technology that allows you to communicate clearly, even in noisy environments. Additionally, Bluetooth 5.3 technology provides fast and easy pairing with your devices, ensuring you stay connected effortlessly.

What We Like
Excellent sound quality
Long battery life
Comfortable and secure fit
Strong value for price
Durable construction

TOZO A1 Mini Wireless Earbuds

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TOZO A1 Mini Wireless Earbuds Cover
TOZO A1 Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.3 Light Weight in Ear IPX5 Waterproof Headphones 2 Mic for AI Calls, Immersive Premium Sound Bass Headset with Charging Case, 32 Presets EQ Customization via App

The TOZO A1 Mini Wireless Earbuds are ultra lightweight and compatible for small ears, providing a powerful and wide sound range with Bluetooth 5.3 technology. The earbuds have a long battery life of 5.5 hours and the charging bin lasts 22 hours for 3 charges. The earbuds have smart touch control and come with 4 different size tips for a comfortable and secure fit. Customers have praised the product for its great size, comfort, sound quality, and Bluetooth connection.

What We Like
Excellent value for price
Good sound quality
Customizable app features
Comfortable fit for most
Long battery life
#TOP 4

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds

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Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds Cover
Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Live Translation, Heart Rate Sensing, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, USB-C Charging

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 offer excellent noise cancellation that blocks out twice as much background noise as the previous model, helping you focus on what matters. Their advanced sound system delivers rich, immersive audio with deep bass and clear vocals, perfect for music lovers and audiophiles. You can also monitor your heart rate and calories burned during workouts, making these earbuds a great companion for fitness enthusiasts. Plus, the live translation feature breaks down language barriers, allowing you to communicate easily in different languages, making travel and conversations much more convenient.

What We Like
Advanced noise cancellation
Immersive 3D audio
Heart rate monitoring
Live language translation

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds

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Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds Cover
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Personalized Spatial Audio, Sweat and Water Resistant, USB-C Charging Case, H2 Chip, Up to 30 Hours of Battery Life, Effortless Setup for iPhone

The Apple AirPods 4 offer a remarkable listening experience with features designed for your comfort and convenience. Their ergonomic design ensures all-day wearability, making them perfect for long listening sessions. Personalized Spatial Audio immerses you in sound, enhancing your enjoyment of music and movies alike. The advanced H2 chip improves call clarity, allowing you to communicate effortlessly even in noisy environments. Additionally, with voice commands for Siri, you can control your music and calls hands-free, making your daily tasks more manageable.

What We Like
Outstanding sound quality
Seamless Apple integration
Long battery life
Lightweight and comfortable fit
Reliable connectivity

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds

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White
One Size
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds Cover
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, with Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging Case, Wireless Charging, H2 Chip

The Apple AirPods 4 deliver an enhanced listening experience with their redesigned comfort and stability. You will enjoy the Active Noise Cancellation feature, which effectively blocks outside distractions, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your music or calls. The innovative H2 chip also offers Adaptive Audio, blending noise cancellation and transparency modes for seamless interaction with your surroundings. Additionally, Voice Isolation significantly improves call clarity in noisy environments, ensuring that your voice is heard clearly by the person on the other end. With these features, you can enjoy music and conversations with exceptional quality and convenience.

What We Like
Exceptional comfort and fit
Impressive noise cancellation
Excellent sound quality
Lightweight and portable case
Easy user interaction
#TOP 7

USB C Wired Earbuds Ear Buds for iPhone 17 16 Pro Max 16e 16 Plus 16Pro 15 Pro Max 15 Plus 15Pro 15 USBC in-Ear Headphones Wired Type C iPhone 16 Earbud Earphones Headsets

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USB C Wired Earbuds Ear Buds for iPhone 17 16 Pro Max 16e 16 Plus 16Pro 15 Pro Max 15 Plus 15Pro 15 USBC in-Ear Headphones Wired Type C iPhone 16 Earbud Earphones Headsets Cover
USB C Wired Earbuds Ear Buds for iPhone 17 16 Pro Max 16e 16 Plus 16Pro 15 Pro Max 15 Plus 15Pro 15 USBC in-Ear Headphones Wired Type C iPhone 16 Earbud Earphones Headsets with Microphone for Samsung

Features
[Built-In Microphone & Volume Control] : The iPhone 16 Wired Earbuds Feature A High-Quality Built-In Microphone That Ensures Clear Communication Without Noise Interference During Calls. The Usb C Iphone 16e Headphones Control Button Allows You To Play Or Pause Music, Skip To The Next Or Previous Track, Answer, End Or Reject Call All Without Needing To Reach For Your Phone. Enjoy Easy Access To [+] [-] Volume Control On The Go And Effortlessly Answer Or End Calls.
[USB C Wired Headphone Compatibility] : This Usb C Earphones Is Compatible For Most Of The Type C Devices Without 3.5mm Jack Audio Port Including Phones, Tablets. The Usb C Headphones Wired Is Compatible With iPhone 17 Pro Max,17 Pro,17,iPhone Air, iPhone 16e, iPhone 16,16 Pro,16 Plus,16 Pro Max, iPhone 15,15 Pro,15 Plus,15 Pro Max;Samsung Galaxy A16 5G A26 A36 A56 A35 A55 S25 S25+ S25 Ultra FE Edge A54 A53 A33,Z Fold 6 5,Z Flip 6 5 S24 S23 S22 S21 S20 And Other Devices With USB C Audio Port.
[What You Get] : 1 Pack 4 Feet USB Type C Wired Headphones For iPhone 16 Pro Max (White) + 1 * Pairs Of Earplugs (S, M, L), 7x 24 Hours Friendly Customer Service, 12-Month Hassle-Free Warranty. If You Have Any Questions About Iphone 16 Pro Max Earphones Wired, Please Feel Free To Contact Us.
[Please Note Before Purchasing] : 1. This Is A USB-C Headphones. Please Ensure Your Phone Has A USB-C Port Without 3.5mm Jack. The Phone With A 3.5mm Jack Port Is Not Producing Sound, So The Volume Ons As Well As Microphone Do Not Work. 2. Please Ensure Your Phone Case Does Not Cover The USB-C Charging Port, Otherwise The Headphone's USB-C End Cannot Be Inserted. 3. Please Ensure The Earbud's USB-C End Is Full Inserted Your Phone, NO GAP Left.
[Enhanced Audio Quality] : Equipped With The Latest Digital DAC Chip, The Usb C Iphone 16 Earphones Wired Convert Standard Resolution Audio Into Superior Lossless Sound Quality, Providing Clearer And More Realistic Output. This Advanced Noise-Canceling Technology Envelops You In Music, Allowing For An Immersive Listening Experience. This Iphone 16 Earbuds Pairs 3 Sizes (S/M/L) Eartips So You Can Choose The Most Comfortable Size To Enjoy Your Music.
[Comfortable In-Ear Headphones, 4FT Wired Ear Buds Cord ] : The Ergonomic In-Ear Design Minimizes Discomfort And Fatigue Associated With Prolonged Use Of The Type C Iphone 16 Headphones Wired. Lightweight And Compact, The Iphone 16 Pro Max Wired Earphones Are 4 Feet Long And Comes With 1 Small Clip So They Won't Get Tangled Up In Everyday Use. Iphone 16 Wired Ear Buds Usb C Are Perfect For Commuting, Bus Rides, Running, Climbing, And Other Activities Where You Want To Enjoy Music Anywhere.

TOZO NC9 2024 Wireless Earbuds

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TOZO NC9 2024 Wireless Earbuds Cover
TOZO NC9 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds, 6 Mics ENC Clear Call, IPX8 Waterproof, in Ear Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones Stereo Bass Ear Buds 59H Playtime with LED Display 32 EQs via APP

The TOZO NC9 Earbuds offer a remarkable listening experience with their advanced features. With hybrid active noise cancelling, you can immerse yourself in your favorite music without outside distractions, allowing for undisturbed enjoyment. The six microphones enhance call quality by filtering out background noise, ensuring clear conversations even in bustling environments. Additionally, the transparent mode keeps you aware of your surroundings, making it safer to use while outdoors. Lastly, the earbuds deliver rich stereo bass sound, enhancing your audio experience whether you're enjoying music, movies, or taking calls.

What We Like
Excellent sound quality
Customizable EQ options
Comfortable fit
Effective noise cancellation
Great battery life

JBL Endurance Run 2 Wired

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JBL Endurance Run 2 Wired Cover
JBL Endurance Run 2 Wired - Waterproof Wired Sports in-Ear Headphones, JBL Pure Bass Sound, Hands-Free Calls, Never Hurt. Never Fall Out. (Black)

JBL Wired Earbuds are designed to enhance your workout experience. The FlipHook feature allows you to wear them in-ear or behind-the-ear for a comfortable fit. With TwistLock and FlexSoft technologies, these earbuds never hurt and never fall out, ensuring stability during any exercise. They are sweatproof with an IPX5 rating, making them perfect for intense workouts in any weather. The hands-free calls feature lets you focus on your workout while staying connected, and the magnetic buds offer easy cable management when not in use.

What We Like
Exceptional sound quality
Comfortable for long wear
Secure fit in the ear
Great value for price
Low microphonics

SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds FE

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Graphite
one size
SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds FE Cover
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds, Comfort and Secure in Ear Fit, Auto Switch Audio, Touch Control, Built-in Voice Assistant, Graphite [US Version, 1Yr Manufacturer Warranty]

The Samsung Wireless Earbuds, or Galaxy Buds FE, come with a 1-year warranty and innovative features. Communicate in different languages with the Interpreter feature on your Galaxy phone. Break language barriers with Live Translate during calls or reservations. Enjoy all-day comfort with the wing-tip design. Benefit from Active Noise Cancellation to control what you hear. Easily pair with your Galaxy devices and switch audio automatically for convenience.

What We Like
Real-time translations
All-day comfort
Active Noise Cancellation
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is better earbuds or in-ear?

There's one key difference between earbuds and earphones. Earbuds rest on the concha – the opening outside the ear canal. Earphones – also known as in-ear headphones – are inserted in the ear canal. While this may seem like a minor detail, one is better for comfort, durability, and sound quality.

2. Are in-ear earbuds harmful?

If not cleaned regularly, earbuds can easily introduce bacteria to the ears when placed directly in the ear canal. Earbuds also block the air passage in the ear, which allows bacteria to further thrive. Together, these factors risk bacterial transfer to more sensitive parts of the ears.

3. What is the difference between an IEM and an earbud?

Earbuds and IEMs are rather similar in that they're both small, portable audio devices that are inserted directly into the ear. The biggest difference between the two is that IEMs are inserted into the ear canal, while earbuds rest on the outer ear.

Editor's Notes

During our in-ear earbud research, we found 24 in-ear earbud products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,182,270 customer reviews through our big data system to write the in-ear earbuds list. We found that most customers choose in-ear earbuds with an average price of $47.04.

The in-ear earbuds are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of in-ear earbuds, including Apple, kurdene, TOZO, ABCPOW, JBL. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.