10 Best Compact Earphones 2026 in the United States

The Soundcore Sport X20 by Anker is a solid choice for gym-goers and fitness enthusiasts. These true-wireless earbuds come with adjustable ear hooks that can be rotated and extended, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit even during vigorous activities. The 11mm dynamic drivers and BassUp technology deliver deep, powerful bass, which is great for pumping up your workout sessions. Plus, the active noise cancellation feature is effective in blocking out ambient gym noise, helping you stay focused on your routines.

These earbuds are also waterproof, sweatproof, and dustproof (IP68 rating), making them highly durable and reliable for intense workouts. They offer impressive battery life, with up to 48 hours of playtime when combined with the charging case. Connectivity is robust with Bluetooth, and the touch controls add to the convenience by allowing easy adjustments without handling your device. However, some users might find touch controls less intuitive compared to physical buttons, and while the noise cancellation is good, it might not completely eliminate all sounds in very noisy environments.

Their build quality is solid, but the plastic material might not appeal to everyone. The Soundcore Sport X20 excels in durability, fit, and sound quality, making them a great companion for those with an active lifestyle.

The Beats Studio Buds + are a strong contender in the compact earphones category, offering a rich and immersive sound experience thanks to BEATS’ custom acoustic platform. They feature two distinct listening modes, including personalized Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency mode, providing flexibility for various environments. The earbuds come with up to 36 hours of total battery life, making them suitable for long listening sessions without frequent charging.

Enhanced compatibility with both Apple and Android devices ensures seamless pairing and a robust feature set for users of either ecosystem. These earbuds are designed with comfort in mind, offering four pairs of silicone tip sizes to ensure a secure and comfortable fit, essential for optimal acoustic performance and noise isolation. The inclusion of three larger voice-targeting mics helps in delivering clear call quality by filtering out background noise effectively.

Connectivity is robust with Class 1 Bluetooth, providing an extended range and fewer dropouts. Additionally, the IPX4 rating for sweat and water resistance makes them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities. The transparent design adds a unique aesthetic appeal. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The touch controls, while convenient, may not be as intuitive for all users, especially during physical activities. Although the noise cancellation is effective, it might not be as advanced as some higher-end models. Also, while the battery life is impressive, the carrying case adds a significant portion of this, meaning the earbuds alone have less playback time without recharging. These earbuds are ideal for users looking for a blend of sound quality, comfort, and extended battery life, particularly those using both Apple and Android devices.

The Beats Studio Buds offer a solid balance of sound quality with a custom acoustic platform for powerful, balanced audio. They include two listening modes: Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency mode, which are great for controlling your listening environment. Comfort is prioritized with three sizes of soft ear tips to ensure a snug and comfortable fit. The earbuds provide up to 8 hours of listening time on a single charge, with a total of 24 hours combined with the charging case, which is quite competitive.

Fast charging is also available, giving you an extra hour of playback from just a 5-minute charge. Connectivity is strong with Class 1 Bluetooth, reducing the chances of dropouts and extending range. The built-in microphones offer good call quality and voice assistant interaction. Durability-wise, they're IPX4-rated, making them sweat and water-resistant - ideal for workouts and outdoor use. However, it should be noted that they may not be as robust in very wet conditions.

The control options are versatile, including touch, button, and voice commands, which can be a bit of a learning curve for some users. The compatibility with both Apple and Android devices is a significant advantage. On the downside, the lack of a USB-C power adapter in the box might be an inconvenience for some. These earbuds are a strong choice for users looking for a balanced mix of sound quality, comfort, and advanced features in a compact design.