The perfect earbuds for small ears 2024, all examined by a petite-eared audio knowledgeable
Anybody searching for the very best earbuds for small ears is aware of that it is not so simple as switching to the smaller ear suggestions provided within the field. We, the small-eared music lovers, know that the narrowness of our ear canals is only one problem at play right here. Truly, the scale of our concha (that recess in the course of our outer ear) and tragus (the sharp bit above it, on the opening of the ear canal) and what they will accommodate are much more urgent points relating to discovering non-painful earbuds for smaller ears.
Pocketable ‘buds that will not keep in with out extreme power are not any enjoyable. I do know this as a result of I have been testing the very best earbuds throughout all costs – together with the very best price range wi-fi earbuds – for years now, usually having to wedge, twist and modify earpieces to attempt to get greater models simply to remain put. It is no good stuffing additional mics into every headshell to assist ANC and juicier batteries if the wearer can not tru;y glean the profit.
The excellent news is, it may be finished. What follows is is my choose of the very best earbuds for smaller ears, for each price range and no matter your precedence, based mostly on that have. I can sport these earbuds with out problem for lengthy listening classes, so I am assured you possibly can too.
The fast listing
Wish to lower to the nice bit – ie. precisely which earbuds are greatest for smaller ears? Under, you’ll discover a concise roundup of the fashions that get our collective nod. You may as well leap to a much bigger write-up of every product.
The perfect earbuds for small ears total
Lightness, supreme safety and Sony’s stellar ANC – and you do not even should forego battery life! They’re marginally quick on oomph sonically, but it surely’s a small value to pay…
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The perfect price range earbuds for small ears
The truth that JLab has put a keyring on the case offers you a sign of their measurement and, frankly, pricier keyrings exist – however do not be fooled; the sound is healthier than the worth suggests.
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The perfect high-end earbuds for small ears
They’re beautiful and so they’ll match superbly in each your bijou ears and your skinny denims pocket, providing a impartial, refined and effortlessly stylish sound – and a price ticket to replicate that.
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The perfect small earbuds for price range noise cancellation
Sony’s diminutive, cheap buds don’t have any enterprise sounding this good (and nixing this a lot noise) for the cash. No hi-res audio assist, however that is honest for the worth.
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5. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Professional
The perfect earbuds for Samsung house owners with smaller ears
Samsung’s 2022 buds supply a compact design, nice sound, plus hi-res assist and wonderful head-tracked spatial audio when you have a Samsung Galaxy cellphone.
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The perfect wired earbuds for small ears
Wish to persist with wires in case one falls out, regardless of your greatest efforts? This is a reasonable choice with nice sound that really landed in 2018, so in immediately’s panorama, it is a traditional…
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The perfect Apple earbuds for smaller ears
Apple’s Professional buds supply seamless perks with Apple gadgets, the noise cancellation is aces, and regardless of their (relative) weight, this now ubiquitous design does work for small ears.
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The perfect USB-C wired earbuds for small ears
For top-quality audio in a cushty, light-weight and tiny wired design, you possibly can’t go incorrect with this pair of buds that characterize wonderful worth for cash.
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The perfect small buds with out ANC
There is not any ANC right here, however every thing else about these low-cost buds shines, together with energetic sound, 360 Actuality Audio assist and stable in-bud battery life.
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Becky Scarrott
I’ve reviewed over 150 audio merchandise since changing into a tech journalist, starting from super-budget earbuds to high-end Hello-Res Audio music gamers. Earlier than becoming a member of TechRadar, I spent three years at What Hello-Fi? testing every thing the world of audio needed to supply; earlier than that, I used to be knowledgeable dancer. I’ve small ears, as confirmed by Sennheiser’s 3D mapping of my auricles and self-made impressions, because of Final Ears’ heat-to-fit earbuds, and this information relies on my real-world use of those buds.
December 16, 2024
Rewrote the intro to this information. Added the brand new Sony LinkBuds Match and JLab Go Pop ANC to this information inside the related product entries to elucidate why they have not but outmoded the fashions right here.
The perfect earbuds for small ears
Why you possibly can belief TechRadar We spend hours testing each services or products we overview, so that you will be certain you’re shopping for the very best. Discover out extra about how we check.
The perfect earbuds for small ears total
I do know, I do know: Sony’s earbuds did not begin out small – a few of us struggled to realize a safe match and seal with early WF-1000XM iterations, did not we? However Sony listened to our suggestions, and issues have modified. The LinkBuds S are small and superbly designed, to the purpose that they sit virtually flush with my tragus when worn, so no gust of wind can dislodge them.
Leaving their tiny measurement to 1 facet for a second, the Might 2022-issue LinkBuds S use the identical V1 processor to mix noise cancellation and audio processing because the one within the (costlier, and greater) former flagship Sony WF-1000XM4, however right here it is working with a brand new 5mm full-range dynamic driver – which can be smaller than the XM4.
What makes them my best choice for most individuals with small ears? Whereas the LinkBuds S could also be small, their spec-sheet is fairly massive. Except for multipoint pairing, it is principally a full home so far as perks go. Noise cancellation will be turned on or off utilizing the capacitive contact floor on every earpiece (which works effectively, regardless of their diminutive measurement) and an Ambient sound choice provides 20 totally different increments, dealt with by Sony’s Headphone Join app – once more, the identical one as utilized by Sony’s flagship earbuds.
Why the less-than excellent overview rating? Sonically, they might profit from an additional ounce of zeal, verve and punch. That mentioned, they’re completely musical and pleasing because of the comparatively detailed sound, openness throughout the frequencies, and reassuringly chunky efficiency by the low-end – I would similar to extra dynamic efficiency by the main edges of notes). Sure, it is splitting hairs, however that is my job…
Oh, and the keen-eyed will be aware the brand new LinkBuds Match are actually on the town, having launched in early October 2024 – and with cute squishy ‘supporters’ (learn: fins) to slide into extra bijou ears and supersede the unique LinkBuds S. Will they take this spot within the information? We’re engaged on that…
Learn our full Sony LinkBuds S overview
The perfect price range earbuds for folks with small ears
Simply rapidly look on the stat above, the one that claims 3.3g. Is not that unimaginable for the load of a driver-housing, battery toting true wi-fi earbud? It isn’t just one.5g lighter than the Sony LinkBuds S’ weight per bud (listed above as our best choice for smaller ears), however the lightest we have ever heard of.
For reference, the Sony WF-1000XM4 weigh 7.3g every, greater than twice as heavy. On the different finish of the size, the January 2022-issue 1More ComfoBuds Mini beforehand received the nod for the lightest earbuds we have ever examined, at simply 3.7g per earpiece, however every JLab JBuds Mini earpiece is available in at virtually half a gram lighter – and relating to one thing that sits inside the fragile creases and wells of your smallish ear for a lot of hours, it really counts.
These September 2023-launch earbuds are sufficient to convey on an assault of cute aggression they’re so tiny; put the case in your keyring (JLab has thoughtfully provided one, within the field) and you will barely discover your listening gear is there.
And if they are going to stay subsequent to your keys, it helps to know you are getting an IP55 ranking for rain and dirt ingress. You additionally get multipoint (one thing a lot pricier flagship earbuds nonetheless lack – Bose, we’re you) and an excellent companion app. What do not you get? Lively noise cancellation, which might be a deal-breaker for a lot of – though the passive isolation is healthier than you’d count on. And for such a low value, we would not actually count on it anyway.
Sonically talking, they’re good – and that’s nothing wanting unimaginable for this cash, aided by the choice to tweak the EQ within the app. They endure simply fractionally by the low finish for clout and impression, but it surely’s a minor shortfall at this ultra-budget stage.
Whilst you’re right here, we additionally love the October 2024-launch JLab Go Pop ANC and so they’re simply as nice for smaller ears, however on the time of writing, they don’t seem to be extensively out there in just a few areas… in case you do see them, they’re effectively price a glance too.
Learn our full JLab JBuds Mini overview
The perfect high-end earbuds for small ears
Should you like good issues (and there is completely nothing incorrect with liking good issues), you may like Montblanc’s bijou and superbly crafted earbuds. There’s hi-res codec assist – aptX Adaptive, to be exact – and the sound has been tuned by designer (of legendary headphones, together with the Sennheiser HD 600) Axel Grell. Sure, it is high-end stuff.
You additionally get IPX4 water resistance and an app that gives a 5 band EQ tab, uncommon noise cancellation and ambient options and auto-off wearer detection plus a beautiful illustration of the remaining battery life in every bud.
Should you’re joyful to pay a premium for the standard construct, end and iconic snowcap emblem inside earbuds that sound good, I assist you – sure, sonically they tick all of the bins for depth and neutrality when listening to higher-resolution music information.
The one fly within the ointment is the MTB 03’s noise cancellation, which is sweet reasonably than wonderful. In lesser-priced earbuds it would not be an enormous problem, however for this cash one may hope for the close to ‘bubble of silence’ efficiency you get from the (a lot greater) Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Extremely – as a result of the Montblanc buds are priced to compete with the very best. And within the battle for quietness, the clear winner is Bose… however as I discussed above, these earbuds are fairly enormous. Montblanc’s will work properly for small ears with out sacrificing audio constancy.
Learn our full Montblanc MTB 03 overview
The perfect small earbuds for price range noise cancellation
Keep in mind, I’ve small ears. So consider me once I say that if it is inexpensive Sony noise-cancelling earbuds you are after and your ears are on the small facet, you will not be dissatisfied with the Sony WF-C700N.
They don’t seem to be the final phrase in audiophile-grade sound (you solely get standard-quality SBC and AAC codec assist reasonably than something hi-res, though Sony has included in its entry-level DSEE upscaler to make Spotify tracks sound higher) and if you would like higher-resolution assist in a design that celebrates a smaller ear, you will have to speculate extra. That mentioned, you do get Sony 360 Actuality assist right here, which is even higher in case you pay for Tidal – as a result of that music streaming platform has a wealth of content material offered in Sony’s object-based immersive format.
What it’s good to know is that they are beautiful and small and so they merely should not be this good for the cash – particularly for sound and lively noise cancellation. One key omission on the spec-sheet is auto-off characteristic while you take away them, however for this cash it is a compromise I am more than pleased to make. It is also a disgrace that you just solely get one additional cost of them from the case, in comparison with two or three with most fashions right here, however that is balanced out by them providing wonderful longevity within the buds from every cost.
Sony’s Headphones Join app offers you management of the lively noise cancellation, together with Adaptive Sound Management optimized in accordance with what you are doing – sure, the C700N primarily learn the way you have a tendency to make use of them, then attempt to get with the schedule, so you possibly can have lighter noise blocking within the workplace than when travelling. And even then, you possibly can tweak all of it within the app. When ANC is on, all however the loudest noises are softened, leaving me genuinely immersed in my playlists. Given the scale of the earpieces, it is no imply feat.
Learn our full Sony WF-C700N overview
The perfect smaller earbuds for Samsung house owners
Till Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Buds 2 Professional, the corporate’s report with earbuds, er, wasn’t nice. However overlook shiny kidney bean-shaped buds and different quirky design thrives, the Professional 2 are compact, snug and all enterprise. Additionally, I do not advocate the newer, July 2024 Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Professional for smaller ears – I discovered the Toblerone-esque stem just a little too cumbersome to make the driving force housing really feel actually safe.
Again to the second-gen set I do advocate for these with smaller ears and the fundamentals are spot on: wonderful lively noise cancellation, voice detect, wearer detection and customizable on-ear controls – all of which work very effectively certainly – plus IPX7 water ingress safety.
However in case you personal a Samsung Galaxy system (and thus, entry to the Samsung Wearable companion app and home-screen widget) you additionally get straightforward spatial audio with elective head-tracking, plus end-to-end 24-bit high-res audio, which is kind of a rarity.
For the smaller-eared wearer, the improved match and lightness right here can be profitable – the Buds Professional 2 are 15% smaller than Samsung’s final effort and 0.8g lighter per earpiece (5.5g vs the 6.3g Buds Professional) – however extra importantly, the design matches me merely, with out having to repeat that overly-aggressive twist-and-hope-to-lock-em-in method a few of us know solely too effectively.
The one draw back right here on the time of writing is that an up to date iteration on these August 2022-issue earbuds is anticipated in August 2024 – this is what we all know concerning the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Professional to date. Then once more, which means we’re seeing some enormous reductions on this still-excellent older mannequin…
Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Professional overview
The perfect wired earbuds for small ears
Should you’ve ever nosed by an audiophile publication or Reddit thread, you may doubtless find out about these wildly profitable, multi-award profitable entry-level wired earbuds. Regardless of their 2018 launch date, they’re nonetheless serving up magical sound for the extent. Be aware that these are 3.5mm terminated (that means they use a daily headphone jack) however if you would like a USB-C model, that is known as the SoundMagic E11D.
For the smaller-eared amongst us, wires will be engaging for causes in addition to their improved sound high quality (ditching a Bluetooth connection nonetheless means better-quality audio; even an aptX HD connection incurs a level of ‘loss’ or compression) as a result of wires tether your treasured earbuds to one another – and naturally to your supply system. Anybody who’s ever needed to frantically search beneath their prepare carriage seat for a popped-out earbud simply as they pull into their cease is aware of the worth of this.
However to name the SoundMagic E11C a protected wager for moveable audio is to do these wired earbuds a disservice. Sure, their aluminum dark-metallic design makes them feel and look way more costly than they’re when slipped into your ears – however higher than that, they sound transfer costly too. They don’t seem to be the ultimate phrase in sonic brilliance, (bass and treble can each be less-than-totally-refined), however they’re spectacular for the worth, and it is easy to really hear what you are listening to because of good passive noise blocking.
The silver-plated copper cable is coated in TPE and other than the environmental advantages of any such coating (it is a type of thermoplastic rubber that SoundMagic says has “a diminished environmental impression in comparison with different generally used plastics”) it additionally means the cable feels sturdy and does not tangle, which anybody who makes use of Apple’s USB-C EarPods will quickly recognize…
Learn our full SoundMagic E11C overview
The perfect Apple earbuds for smaller ears
Should you’re leaning in the direction of an Apple product, there is a cause this explicit white stemmed design is so in style lately: it matches most individuals. And that features these of us with smaller ears. Now, I do not suppose AirPods are the very best design for smaller-eared wearers, but when it needs to be Apple, that is the set I would advise. Why? As a result of I discover Apple’s newer ‘open ear’ AirPods 4 design (which additionally is available in a noise-canceling variant) just a little too large for consolation in my smaller ears. Sure, the field is tiny; the driving force housing of every bud is much less so. In fact, match is a private factor and the design is emphatically totally different, so it is price attempting them, however for me the Professional-suffixed set will get the nod.
The Apple AirPods Professional 2 supply a strong audio efficiency plus high-end noise cancellation in a construct that is smaller and extra light-weight than loads of the common competitors. OK, they weigh 5.3g, which is just a little heavy given the competitors particularly inside this bijou budded listing, however that features the well-weighted stem, in addition to the driving force housing. I’ve known as mentioned stem a ‘toothbrush head form’ in earlier iterations (as much as and together with the second-gen. Apple AirPods 2019), however right here the tail is just a little shorter and tapers round barely to hug your cheek, which aids with a safe match.
Noise cancellation? It is among the many greatest within the enterprise. Battery life? Not a lot; six hours from the buds is distinctly common – though the 30 hours from the charging case is extra spectacular.
As all the time with Apple propositions, iPhone house owners are the best-served clients right here, because of distinctive options equivalent to head-tracked spatial audio, Discover My assist together with ultra-wideband precision location monitoring (so your cellphone will actually level you to your misplaced buds) and seamless auto-switching between your Apple gadgets, which is principally the equal of multipoint connectivity on extra gadgets than most – however keep in mind, you want an Apple system to take pleasure in all of this (and ideally all Apple gadgets).
Learn our full Apple AirPods Professional 2 overview
The perfect USB-C wired earbuds
The SoundMagic E80D are wonderful worth for cash, bringing you nice sound in a dependable and wired bundle prepared for USB-C telephones and laptops. They arrive with a built-in digital-to-analogue converter (DAC), delivering hi-res audio that is way more detailed than another pair of price range buds.
This makes them superb for anybody who desires hi-res audio however does not have the high-end price range to match. The SoundMagic E80D may not convey you actually premium sound, however you do get spectacular hi-res audio that punch above their value, making them an important choice if you would like an inexpensive pair of buds that sound nice.
Granted, we discovered that they do not get very loud in our testing, and you aren’t getting lively noise cancellation to compensate for that, however there’s stable noise isolation. We discovered that the E80D maintain any surrounding noises low sufficient usually, so you possibly can keep targeted while you’re listening to music and podcasts or watching movies.
The SoundMagic E80D have a easy, wired design. Throughout testing, we discovered that they have been snug to put on, and the tiny buds measurement makes them good for the small-eared. We fortunately stored them in for hours over many instances in an workplace and strolling residence. In addition they include further ear suggestions included in small and enormous sizes, in addition to a double-layered choice (the default ear suggestions are normal, medium-sized gels). Whichever ear gels you utilize, they’re additionally light-weight at 16g.
Learn our full SoundMagic E80D overview
The perfect small buds with out ANC
Some folks need ANC to dam the noise of busy workplaces, flights, or commutes, however not everybody desires it. And why pay for one thing you will not ever use? Typically, it is safer to remain totally conscious of your environment, and a few folks even discover ANC just a little nauseating – no two people are similar, as we’re all conscious.
Anyway, my prime choose for price range earbuds with out ANC is the Sony WF-C510. The keen-eyed will be aware that they’re just like the WF-C700N listed above (Sony is a reputation that is that includes rather a lot within the realm of bijou buds, is not it? I do not make the foundations; it is simply how it’s), however practically half the worth, so in case you’re joyful to forego noise-cancellation, there is a discount available right here.
You gained’t get audiophile-level sound high quality, precisely, however the WF-C510 nonetheless supply a extremely pleasing pay attention. That is thanks partly to Sony’s DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine), which goals to open out and upscale compressed audio from streaming companies. An edge over different price range choices, I believe you may agree.
In our overview, we famous: “the buds caught in my ears just like the Abba songs they performed stayed caught in my head.” This safe match is because of the “grippy” materials on the ideas and the light-weight construct – simply 5g per bud. And the case is one other factor about them that is compact and light-weight, although it solely provides one additional cost, which is a tad disappointing. Nonetheless, with 11 hours of battery life on a single cost, they’re nonetheless aggressive for stamina.
Learn our full Sony WF-C510 overview
How to decide on the very best smaller earbuds for you
Which earbuds form is greatest for small ears?
Quick reply: one thing compact and both teardrop-shaped or pill-shaped, since that is essentially the most ergonomically correct design for many ears.
That mentioned, I’ve really been shocked by the safety and match I’ve skilled sporting some bigger wanting earbuds – specifically the Technics EAH-AZ80 – which work as a result of consideration has been paid to the brand new ‘concha’ design. The burden these earbuds carry (a not insubstantial 7g) is effectively distributed throughout the housing, in order that they virtually really feel as in the event that they hug the ear to remain put.
It is price noting that some customers with smaller ears discover an open-ear design is greatest, since this avoids the difficulty of reaching a seal – there isn’t any neck of the bud having to slot in your ear canal. Examples of this could be the AirPods 3 (which sit in your ear effectively or tragus, however do not should be pushed additional into the ear canal) or a totally open-ear design such because the Bose Extremely Open Earbuds, which match virtually like an ear cuff.
As all the time, all ears are totally different and whereas we are able to level you in the proper path, there’s going to be a level of trial and error right here. What we are able to let you know is, there is a set of earbuds on the market for you even when you have small ears – and it is effectively price experimenting to search out them.
Ought to I contemplate over-ears as an alternative?
It is an excellent query, though the reply, as with so many issues, will come down to private choice and the way (or when) you prefer to hearken to your music.
Even 5 years in the past, I might need urged that if you would like a superb match and you’ve got very small ears, you most likely should be over-ear headphones, however because of unimaginable developments in onboard mics, batteries, Bluetooth chipsets (with anti-phase tech for ANC) and driver manufacture, ever-smaller earbuds – with ever-improving spec sheets – are arriving every day.
That mentioned, some folks nonetheless discover the character of an in-ear design laborious to get used to. I’ve had emails from readers who discover virtually all earbuds painful, intrusive and even nauseating, no matter their ear measurement. Others do not expertise any points in any respect. We’re splendidly distinctive, you see.
Do you carry a small bag to work? Earbuds, which will be saved simply of their diminutive case and eve thrown in a pocket, are tempting aren’t they? These massive ‘do not speak to me’ over-ears want a much bigger tote bag on the very least.
My recommendation, as all the time, is to not rush this buy. You and your earbuds might be spending a variety of time collectively, in any case. Ask your self which listening type most closely fits your life-style in addition to your physicality, learn our opinions and, when you have the time, go to a bricks-and-mortar retailer to strive your shortlisted choices on before you purchase.
Are there any earbuds I ought to keep away from if I’ve smaller ears?
OK, actual speak. Main on from the purpose above, earbuds are solely getting smaller now. Since their arrival not but a decade in the past, producers are seemingly in a race to squirrel drivers, batteries, spatial audio processing and mics into ever lowering true wi-fi earpieces. Take the 2015 Onkyo W800BT, the primary extensively out there true wi-fi earbuds proposition. Every earbud got here in at 8.5g – spectacular on the time, enormous by immediately’s requirements (contemplate the three.3g earpiece JLab has supplied with the 2023 JBuds Mini for reference).
What I am saying is, it pays to search for newer merchandise since manufacturers usually search to raised earlier choices with every contemporary iteration – and measurement is a superb spec to start out with.
Some folks discover Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds 2 and newer Earbuds Extremely (a really comparable proposition bodily, at the very least) just a little on the cumbersome facet. That mentioned, others suppose Bose’s distinctive ear suggestions, which cowl the entire housing reasonably than simply the neck of the bud, notably safe.
Once more, it’s good to discover what works for you.
How we check the very best earbuds for small ears
Why you possibly can belief TechRadar
☑️ Greater than 2,400 audio merchandise reviewed
☑️ 15 years of product testing
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☑️ Almost 200,000 hours testing tech
Each yr, we check scores of earbuds at TechRadar, which suggests we all know exactly which perks, options, specs and earbud weights stand out as uncommon and noteworthy – and naturally, we recognise wonderful sound-per-pound worth after we hear it.
We arrive on the totally star-rated verdicts inside our opinions by evaluating the capabilities (together with consolation, sound high quality, options, battery life, total design, noise cancellation and spatial audio processing) of every set of every set of earbuds not simply in isolation, however in opposition to the easiest reference units on the stage – and by ‘stage’ we imply ‘for across the similar value’. Our cause for being is to know the very best product at every price-point, so whether or not you’ve gotten $1,500 or $15 to spend, we wish you to purchase the very best factor inside your price range.
We additionally check the audio efficiency utilizing myriad musical genres and by streaming from a number of reference sources (together with the gamut of music streaming companies, plus downloaded music from devoted hi-res audio gamers), utilizing rigorously curated playlists which we have been including to and finessing over a few years.
To check lively noise cancellation and transparency modes, we use real-world environments equivalent to public transport, our personal bustling workplaces, flights or our residence cities beneath strict, managed, like-for-like assessments. We do that to make sure that no choice unfairly outshines its competitors.
We put our all into what we do (if it is health earbuds we’re testing, you’d higher consider we’re on the market working that 5k over lunch) and we’re actually assured that our star-rated opinions are the very best indication of the standard and luxury of the earbuds on this listing.
The newest updates to this information
December 16, 2024
Rewrote the intro to this information. Added the brand new Sony LinkBuds Match and JLab Go Pop ANC to this information inside the related product entries to elucidate why they have not but outmoded the fashions right here.
October 17, 2024
Added the Sony WF-C510 as an inexpensive no-ANC choice, up to date the intro to replicate our selections and up to date copy all through.
July 1, 2024
Checked all merchandise in opposition to our newest opinions. Added the Soundmagic E80D as the very best USB-C wired choice.
30 March, 2024
This information was created, to assist folks select the very best earbuds for wearers with small ears, proper now.
