10 Best Earbuds 2026 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 earbuds offer excellent sound quality with a new design that delivers richer bass and clear, detailed audio. They stand out in noise cancellation, removing twice as much background noise compared to the previous generation, which helps you focus on music or calls even in noisy environments. The earbuds come with five sizes of ear tips for a secure and comfortable fit, improving both comfort and sound performance.

Battery life is strong, providing up to 8 hours of listening time with noise cancellation on, and up to 10 hours in transparency mode, which is good for long use without frequent recharging. Controls are easy with touch and voice commands, and seamless switching between Apple devices adds convenience if you use multiple gadgets. They also include useful extras like heart rate sensing and live translation, which might appeal if you want more than just earbuds. The AirPods Pro 3 are water-resistant and sweatproof, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use.

Microphone quality is clear, supporting calls and voice commands well. On the downside, the package does not include a USB-C charging cable, so you need to use one you already own or buy separately. These earbuds are best suited for users invested in the Apple ecosystem to get the most out of features like spatial audio and device switching. The AirPods Pro 3 are a solid choice if you want premium sound, effective noise cancellation, and extra smart features wrapped in a comfortable, sporty design.

The Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Earbuds (2nd Gen) deliver impressive sound quality with deep bass and immersive spatial audio that makes your music feel natural and rich. Thanks to CustomTune technology, they adapt to your ears for a personalized listening experience and excellent noise cancellation, considered among the best for earbuds. The noise control options include Quiet Mode for full blocking of outside noise and Aware Mode to stay alert to your surroundings, which is handy in different environments.

Comfort is well thought out with nine combinations of eartips and stability bands, helping users find a snug fit that stays secure and reduces outside noise without discomfort. Battery life offers up to 6 hours of playback per charge, and the charging case provides around three extra charges with the convenience of wireless charging. Connectivity is strong with Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint support, allowing seamless switching between devices like your phone and laptop. The earbuds are rated IPX4 for water resistance, which means they can handle sweat and light rain, making them suitable for workouts or daily use.

Microphone quality is good, equipped with noise-rejecting mics and AI noise suppression for clear calls even in windy or noisy settings. A possible downside is that the 6-hour battery might feel short compared to some competitors offering longer playtime, especially if immersive audio modes are used that reduce battery further. Additionally, while the Bose app enhances control and updates, it may add a slight learning curve for users not comfortable with apps. These earbuds represent a solid choice for anyone seeking premium noise cancellation, customizable fit, and versatile wireless features, particularly those who value clear calls and sound quality in everyday use.

The JBL Vibe Beam earbuds offer strong bass performance thanks to their 8mm drivers and JBL’s Deep Bass Sound, making them a good pick for bass lovers. Their ergonomic, in-ear design provides a comfortable and secure fit that helps block out some outside noise naturally, though they rely on passive rather than active noise cancellation. With an impressive total battery life of up to 32 hours (8 hours in the earbuds plus 24 in the charging case), these earbuds are great for all-day use and even support quick charging for when you’re in a hurry.

Bluetooth 5.2 ensures a stable wireless connection within about 10 meters, and touch controls make it easy to manage music or calls. Speaking of calls, the VoiceAware feature lets you adjust how much of your own voice you hear, which can make hands-free conversations feel more natural. The earbuds have an IP54 rating, meaning they resist water splashes and dust, so they’ll hold up well during workouts or light rain, though the charging case is only IPX2 rated, offering less water protection. Microphone quality is suitable for regular calls but may not be ideal for noisy environments since there’s no active noise reduction for voice input.

These earbuds are well suited for users seeking deep bass sound, long battery life, and a durable design for everyday listening and casual workouts. However, if strong noise cancellation or premium call clarity is a priority, other options might be more appropriate.