Audio

The best open-ear earbuds for most people are the Huawei FreeClip 2 ($199.99): light clip-on buds, IP57, and about 9 hours per charge. iPhone owners should look at the Sony LinkBuds Clip ($229.99). For the best sound and features, Bose’s new Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) ($299) arrived on October 1, 2026, and runners should consider the new Bose Sport Open ($199). On a budget, the EarFun Clip 2 ($79.99, often $59.99) last up to 11 hours.

Check the Huawei FreeClip 2 on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ official specifications plus published reviews and measurements, mainly from SoundGuys’ clip-on earbuds tests (linked in each pick). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices are list prices at the time of writing and change often. See how we choose products.

Best open-ear earbuds compared

Battery figures are SoundGuys’ measurements where available, otherwise the maker’s rating. Prices and “often” sale prices are from SoundGuys’ and retailers’ listings at the time of writing.

What are open-ear earbuds?

Open-ear earbuds sit on or around your ear instead of sealing inside the ear canal, so you can still hear traffic, colleagues and announcements. Most new models are clip-on (a small cuff that hugs the edge of the ear, like an earring). Others use an ear hook that wraps over the top of the ear, and bone-conduction headphones such as Shokz’s OpenRun send sound through your cheekbones instead.

• Good for: running and cycling near traffic, the office, long wear (nothing presses into the ear canal), and people who find in-ear earbuds uncomfortable.
• Not good for: flights, trains or noisy streets, because they don’t block noise; deep bass, which needs a seal; and quiet rooms, where people next to you may hear your music at high volume.

The best open-ear earbuds in 2026

1. Huawei FreeClip 2: best overall

SoundGuys picks the FreeClip 2 as the best clip-on earbuds overall: robust, fashionable and feature-rich, with an IP57 rating against water and dust and about 9 hours per charge in its testing, for $199.99.

Good to know: Huawei is a smaller brand in the US, so check the seller’s return policy and warranty, and which app features work with your phone.

Check the Huawei FreeClip 2 on Amazon →

2. Sony LinkBuds Clip: best for iPhone

SoundGuys’ pick for iPhone users is the Sony LinkBuds Clip, which it describes as having abundant features for both iOS and Android. They’re clip-on, last about 9 hours per charge in its testing, and cost $229.99.

Good to know: they’re the most expensive pick after the Bose Ultra Open, and like every open-ear design they can’t block noise.

Check the Sony LinkBuds Clip on Amazon →

3. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen): best sound and features

Bose announced the second-generation Ultra Open on September 17, 2026, and they went on sale on October 1 for $299. They keep the cuff design and add up to 9 hours per charge, lower lag and a redesigned case that charges wirelessly (Bloomberg), plus aptX Adaptive, Bose’s Immersive Audio with head tracking and Cinema Mode, Bluetooth 5.4 multipoint, and Google Fast Pair and Find Hub (Android Authority).

Good to know: they’re the most expensive open earbuds here, and full reviews of the second generation were still arriving at the time of writing. The original Ultra Open, SoundGuys’ “best for Android” pick, are often discounted to about $199 and are a cheaper way into the same design.

Check the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds on Amazon →

4. Bose Sport Open: best for running

The Bose Sport Open ($199), announced alongside the new Ultra Open, are built for training: a lightweight cuff fit, IP54 sweat and dust resistance, textured physical buttons that are easier to use mid-run than touch controls, and up to 7 hours per charge (Bloomberg). They also have multipoint and Google Fast Pair, and our Bose Sport Open specs page has the full details.

Good to know: battery life is the shortest of the picks, and there’s no Immersive Audio or aptX. If you don’t need sport-specific buttons, the Soundcore AeroClip cost less.

Check the Bose Sport Open on Amazon →

5. Soundcore AeroClip: best for workouts

SoundGuys names the AeroClip its best clip-on earbuds for workouts, with about 8 hours per charge, and Tom’s Guide calls them essential for fitness lovers who value comfort and audio quality. List price is $169.99, but they often sell for about $130.

Good to know: like all open earbuds, bass is lighter than sealed sport earbuds such as the Powerbeats Pro 2.

Check the Soundcore AeroClip on Amazon →

6. Shokz OpenDots 2: best battery life

Shokz is best known for bone-conduction headphones, and the OpenDots 2 (June 2026) are its newest clip-on earbuds. Shokz rates them at up to 10 hours per charge and 40 hours with the case, and Tom’s Guide found the battery lived up to those claims; five minutes of charging gives about two hours. The buds are rated IP57, and they cost $199.95, the same as the first-generation model at launch. Like all open-ear earbuds they block little outside noise, which Trusted Reviews noted. Good to know: the original OpenDots One is still sold, at about $140 on Amazon on October 10, 2026, and is the better buy if you don’t need the newest model.

Good to know: at full price they cost the same as the FreeClip 2, so they make the most sense on sale.

Check the Shokz OpenDots 2 on Amazon →

7. EarFun Clip 2: best budget

SoundGuys’ budget pick, the EarFun Clip 2, are a strong value for anyone who wants to try open-ear earbuds without spending much: up to 11 hours per charge, the longest here, plus LDAC hi-res audio on Android. They list for $79.99 and often sell for about $60.

Good to know: LDAC only helps on Android phones that support it; iPhones use AAC.

Check the EarFun Clip 2 on Amazon →

Also worth a look

• Shokz OpenFit Pro ($249.95): ear-hook open earbuds with a first-for-Shokz noise reduction mode. SoundGuys found the sound “really good for open-earbuds” and liked the fit and calls, but measured only about 13 percent noise reduction and found the pressure sensation uncomfortable (6.3/10). Worth it only if you want some dampening without sealing your ears.
• Bone conduction (Shokz OpenRun, OpenRun Pro 2): nothing touches the ear canal at all, which suits runners and people who find every earbud uncomfortable. See our bone conduction picks below.
• Apple AirPods 5: not open-ear, but an open fit with no ear tips, so they seal less than most earbuds while still adding noise cancelling. See our iPhone earbuds guide.

Best bone conduction headphones

Bone-conduction headphones rest on your cheekbones, in front of your ears, and send sound through vibration instead of a speaker aimed at your ear canal. Nothing touches or covers your ears, so you hear traffic and other runners clearly. The trade-off is sound: bass is thinner than from the open-ear earbuds above, and they’re easy to drown out in loud places. These are Tom’s Guide‘s picks (updated July 2026), with Amazon US prices from October 10, 2026:

• Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: Tom’s Guide‘s best bone-conduction headphones for most people, for comfort and sound quality. The 12-hour battery is the longest here. Tom’s Guide’s main complaint is that the fit can’t be adjusted.
• Shokz OpenRun: $50 cheaper, lighter (26 g) and more water-resistant (IP67) than the Pro 2, with shorter battery life. A good first pair for runners.
• Shokz OpenSwim Pro: Bluetooth doesn’t work underwater, so for laps you play music stored on the headphones. Out of the pool they work as regular Bluetooth headphones.
• Creative Outlier Free Pro: the cheapest way to try bone conduction, and also waterproof (IPX8).

Check the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 on Amazon →

Our verdict

For most people the Huawei FreeClip 2 are the best open-ear earbuds, with a light clip-on fit, IP57 and good battery life. iPhone owners should look at the Sony LinkBuds Clip, and the new Bose Ultra Open (2nd Gen) bring the most features if you can pay $299. Runners will like the Bose Sport Open or the cheaper Soundcore AeroClip, and the EarFun Clip 2 are the low-cost way to try open-ear listening.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

• Best earbuds for small ears
• Best noise-cancelling earbuds
• Best earbuds for iPhone
• Best wireless earbuds under $150
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The best noise-cancelling earbuds you can buy are the Apple AirPods Pro 3 ($249): SoundGuys measured a 90 percent average reduction in outside noise, the highest it has ever recorded. On Android, get the Sony WF-1000XM6 ($329.99, 88 percent) or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) ($299). For less, the Sony WF-C710N ($129.99) and the CMF Buds 2 Plus (about $59–79) cancel noise far better than their prices suggest.

Check the Apple AirPods Pro 3 on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide ranks earbuds mainly on published noise-cancelling measurements from SoundGuys, which has measured more than 100 noise-cancelling earbuds, plus manufacturers’ specifications and other independent reviews (linked in each pick). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices are list prices at the time of writing and change often. See how we choose products.

Best noise-cancelling earbuds compared

Noise-cancelling figures are SoundGuys’ lab measurements (average reduction in outside noise across frequencies) and scores out of 10. Battery figures are the makers’ ratings with noise cancelling on, unless marked as SoundGuys’ measurement. Results depend on a good ear-tip seal, so your experience can differ.

The best noise-cancelling earbuds in 2026

1. Apple AirPods Pro 3: best overall

The AirPods Pro 3 have the strongest noise cancelling SoundGuys has measured in earbuds: a 90 percent average reduction, and a 9.0/10 noise-cancelling score that earns them its best-overall pick. Apple says they remove up to twice as much noise as the AirPods Pro 2. They last up to 8 hours per charge with noise cancelling on, are rated IP57, and come with five ear-tip sizes from XXS to L, which helps get the tight seal noise cancelling depends on (Apple specs).

Good to know: they’re made for the iPhone. On Android they cancel noise just as well, but you lose most of the smart features, such as automatic switching, Live Translation and the Ear Tip Fit Test. See our best earbuds for iPhone for more.

Check the AirPods Pro 3 on Amazon →

2. Sony WF-1000XM6: best for Android

Sony’s WF-1000XM6 (February 2026) are the closest rival to the AirPods Pro 3. SoundGuys measured an 88 percent average noise reduction, up from 87 percent on the XM5, and found their passive isolation, the noise blocked by the fit alone, is better than Apple’s. It also praises their sound and “outstanding” microphones for calls. They support LDAC hi-res audio and multipoint on Android, are rated IPX4, and last up to 8 hours per charge (24 with the case).

Good to know: at $329.99 they’re the most expensive pick, and SoundGuys notes the larger buds may not suit smaller ears. If that’s you, see our best earbuds for small ears.

Check the WF-1000XM6 on Amazon →

3. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): most comfortable

Bose’s earbuds are SoundGuys’ pick for Android and a long-time favourite for flights and commutes. What Hi-Fi? praises their outstanding noise cancelling and design, and the stability-band fit is comfortable for long wear. Bose rates them at up to 6 hours per charge (4 with Immersive Audio), with three more charges in a wireless-charging case, plus multipoint and IPX4 (Bose).

Good to know: battery life is the shortest of the premium picks, and SoundGuys calls the second generation a modest update over the first. They’re often discounted from $299.

Check the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds on Amazon →

4. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5: best sound, longest-lasting

The Momentum True Wireless 5 are for listeners who put sound first. T3 calls them comfortable and terrific to listen to, with great noise cancelling, at a fair $299.95. They have adaptive noise cancelling with automatic wind adjustment, aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive on Snapdragon Sound Android phones, four mics per earbud, and up to 6 hours per charge with noise cancelling on (40 hours in total with the case). Unusually, the batteries in the earbuds and case are replaceable, so they should last longer than most earbuds.

Good to know: on an iPhone they stream over AAC, so the hi-res codecs don’t help, and the AirPods Pro 3 cancel more noise for less money.

Check the Momentum True Wireless 5 on Amazon →

5. Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: best for Samsung

On a Galaxy phone, the Buds 4 Pro are the natural choice. SoundGuys measured an 84 percent average noise reduction, 5–10 dB better than the previous model, and they add Samsung’s 24-bit/96kHz codec, head gestures and an IP57 rating. Battery life is up to 6 hours per charge with noise cancelling on.

Good to know: many of the extras only work with a Samsung phone, and there’s no true multipoint. Our best earbuds for Samsung Galaxy has more Samsung options, including the cheaper Buds 3 FE.

Check the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro on Amazon →

6. Sony WF-C710N: best under $150

SoundGuys names the WF-C710N its best budget noise-cancelling earbuds, scoring the noise cancelling 8.5/10. You also get multipoint, IPX4, about 9 hours per charge in SoundGuys’ testing and up to 30 hours with the case, for $129.99.

Good to know: they don’t have the hi-res codecs or the call quality of Sony’s flagship. For more options at this price, see our best earbuds under $150.

Check the Sony WF-C710N on Amazon →

7. CMF Buds 2 Plus: the cheapest that are still good

The CMF Buds 2 Plus, from Nothing’s budget brand, cut outside noise by 83 percent on average in SoundGuys’ testing, “comparable to earbuds that cost twice as much”, and score 8.3/10 for noise cancelling. They add LDAC hi-res audio on Android, a custom EQ in the Nothing X app, about 9 hours per charge and an IP55 rating. The list price is $79, and they often sell for about $59.

Good to know: LDAC only helps on Android, and on an iPhone you manage them through the Nothing X app rather than iOS settings. They’re also the top noise-cancelling pick in our best earbuds under $100. For even cheaper options, see our best earbuds under $50 for Android.

Check the CMF Buds 2 Plus on Amazon →

Will they last your flight on one charge?

Flights are where noise cancelling matters most, and earbuds can’t play for as long as over-ear headphones. So we checked each pick’s battery life per charge with noise cancelling on against two common trips: a coast-to-coast US flight of about 6 hours and a transatlantic flight of about 8 hours. These are best-case figures at moderate volume, and boarding and taxiing add time, so treat “Only just” as “probably not”.

Two things stand out. The cheapest picks, the Sony WF-C710N and CMF Buds 2 Plus, last longest per charge, though their figures come from SoundGuys’ tests rather than maker ratings, so they aren’t measured the same way. Among the premium picks, the AirPods Pro 3 and WF-1000XM6 only just cover a transatlantic flight, and the Bose, Sennheiser and Samsung won’t make it in one go. On a long-haul flight of 11 hours or more, every pair here needs at least one break in the case. The easy fix is a short top-up in the case during the meal service.

Watch: AirPods Pro 3 vs Sony WF-1000XM6

Our top two picks are close, and the right one mostly depends on your phone. SoundGuys, whose noise-cancelling measurements we use in the table above, compare them side by side in this 14-minute video.

How to get the most from noise-cancelling earbuds

• The seal matters most. Noise cancelling works with the ear tip, not instead of it. If the tip is too small or too big, low rumble leaks in and the cancelling sounds weak. Try every tip size, and use a fit test if your earbuds have one.
• Expect rumble to vanish, not voices. Noise cancelling is best at steady, low sounds like engines, trains and air conditioning. Voices and sudden noises are harder to cancel, even on the best earbuds.
• Battery drops with it on. Every pick here lasts longer with noise cancelling off, often by an hour or more per charge.
• For long flights, consider over-ear headphones. The best earbuds now come very close, but over-ear headphones are often more comfortable for hours at a time and last longer per charge. See our best noise-cancelling headphones.

Also worth a look

• Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE: SoundGuys measured about 86 percent noise reduction, more than Samsung’s pricier Pro model of the same generation, for $149.99 (often less). Best on a Samsung phone; no multipoint or wireless charging.
• Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: strong noise cancelling in a very small, light design; the pick for Pixel owners. See our Pixel earbuds guide.
• Soundcore P30i: the cheapest way to get noise cancelling, usually well under $50, though it’s well behind every pick above.

Our verdict

For the strongest noise cancelling in earbuds, get the AirPods Pro 3, especially with an iPhone. On Android, the Sony WF-1000XM6 come within a whisker and add LDAC and excellent mics, while the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds are the most comfortable. Sound lovers should look at the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5, and Samsung owners at the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. On a budget, the Sony WF-C710N and CMF Buds 2 Plus deliver real noise cancelling for a fraction of the price.

Black Friday 2026: what to expect

Black Friday 2026 is November 27, with many deals starting the week before and running through Cyber Monday (November 30). For reference, these are the Black Friday 2025 prices of our top noise-cancelling picks.

• The Sony WF-1000XM6 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro launched in 2026, so they have no Black Friday history yet; judge them against their list prices and Prime Big Deal Days prices.
• Budget picks like the CMF Buds 2 Plus are often discounted all year (about $59 against a $79 list), so don’t overpay for a “Black Friday” label.
• Compare against the price history, not the “was” price.

Frequently asked questions

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• Best noise-cancelling headphones (over-ear)
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The best earbuds for small ears are the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 ($229): each bud weighs 4.7 g, they come with four ear-tip sizes from XS to L, and a twist-to-adjust stabilizer holds them in place. iPhone owners should get the AirPods Pro 3 ($249), which include an XXS ear tip. On a budget, the Sony WF-C510 (about $60) are Sony’s smallest closed earbuds at 4.6 g, and the Soundcore Space A40 add strong noise cancelling for under $100.

Check the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ official specifications (earbud weight and ear-tip sizes) plus published reviews from independent outlets (linked in each pick). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level, and ears differ, so fit can vary from person to person. Prices are list prices at the time of writing and change often. See how we choose products.

Best earbuds for small ears compared

Weights are the makers’ or reviewers’ published figures where available. Not every brand publishes its earbud weight, so for those we describe the size as reviewers do.

The best earbuds for small ears in 2026

1. Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: best overall for small ears

Google made the Pixel Buds Pro 2 27 percent smaller than the first generation, and each bud weighs just 4.7 g (TechRadar). They come with four ear-tip sizes, from extra-small to large, and a small “twist-to-adjust” stabilizer: twist the bud one way for a looser fit, the other for a snug one when you’re moving. Reviewers consistently single out the comfort and stability, which is what matters most for small ears.

They also have strong noise cancelling, up to 8 hours per charge with it on (30 hours with the case) and an IP54 rating. Good to know: they work with any phone, but most smart features need an Android phone, and they do the most on a Pixel; see our best earbuds for Google Pixel guide. They’re often discounted well below $229.

Check the Pixel Buds Pro 2 on Amazon →

2. Apple AirPods Pro 3: best for iPhone

The AirPods Pro 3 are the only earbuds here with an XXS ear tip: Apple includes five sizes, XXS, XS, S, M and L (Apple specs). That extra-small option makes them a much better fit for small ears than earlier AirPods Pro. iOS also has an Ear Tip Fit Test for AirPods Pro, which checks the seal in each ear and suggests a different size if needed.

You also get Apple’s strongest noise cancelling, up to 8 hours per charge with it on, IP57 water resistance and heart-rate sensing for workouts. Good to know: at 5.55 g per bud (Apple) they’re heavier than the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Sony WF-C510, so if even the XXS tips feel too big, try the Pixel Buds Pro 2 or Sony WF-C510. Most features need an iPhone; see our best earbuds for iPhone guide.

Check the AirPods Pro 3 on Amazon →

3. Sony WF-C510: best cheap earbuds for small ears

Sony calls the WF-C510 its smallest closed-type earbuds ever, and at 4.6 g per bud they’re even lighter than the Pixel Buds Pro 2. What Hi-Fi? praises their compact, comfortable design and solid, musical sound, and they support multipoint, last up to 11 hours per charge (22 with the case) and are rated IPX4, for about $60.

Good to know: there’s no active noise cancelling, only an ambient sound mode that What Hi-Fi? rates as “only okay”, and the build feels cheap. For small ears on a small budget, they’re still the easiest recommendation.

Check the Sony WF-C510 on Amazon →

4. Soundcore Space A40: best noise cancelling under $100

SoundGuys picks the Space A40 as the best noise-cancelling earbuds for small ears, scoring the noise cancelling 8.5 out of 10 and measuring about 10 hours per charge. They also support multipoint and Sony’s LDAC codec on Android phones. They list for $99.99 but often sell for $49–$79.

Good to know: they launched in 2022, so they lack some newer features, and LDAC only helps on Android (iPhones use AAC). For more cheap options, see our best earbuds under $50 for Android.

Check the Soundcore Space A40 on Amazon →

5. Google Pixel Buds 2a: small, with noise cancelling, for less

The Pixel Buds 2a are Google’s cheaper earbuds, and they’re small too: Engadget highlights their very small, comfortable fit. They’re the first A-series Pixel Buds with noise cancelling, use the same Tensor A1 chip as the Pro 2, and last up to 7 hours with noise cancelling on (10 with it off), for $129.

Good to know: there’s no wireless charging and no volume control on the buds, and like the Pro 2 they do the most with an Android phone.

Check the Pixel Buds 2a on Amazon →

6. JLab JBuds Mini: smallest and cheapest

SoundGuys names the JBuds Mini the smallest earbuds on its list: they’re tiny, very easy to carry and rated IP55, for $39.99. JLab now also sells the JBuds Mini ANC ($42.99), which it calls the smallest true wireless earbuds with active noise cancelling, with 25+ hours of total playtime (JLab).

Good to know: at this price, sound and call quality are basic compared with the Sony and Soundcore picks. They’re best as a cheap pair for kids, teens or the gym.

Check the JLab JBuds Mini on Amazon →

How to get earbuds to fit small ears

• Try the smallest tips first, and test each ear separately. Most people’s ears are slightly different sizes, so you may need a different tip in each ear. If the bud pushes out or sits loose, go down a size.
• Use the seal test if your earbuds have one. The Ear Tip Fit Test in iOS (AirPods Pro) and the ear-tip seal check in the Pixel Buds app both tell you when a tip isn’t sealing.
• Consider foam tips. Memory-foam replacement tips squash down and expand to fill the ear canal, which helps when silicone tips are either too big or too loose. Check that the brand makes them for your model.
• Lighter is usually more comfortable. Buds under about 5 g, like the Sony WF-C510 and Pixel Buds Pro 2, put less pressure on the outer ear over long sessions.
• Look for a stabilizer or wing. A small fin, like the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s twist-to-adjust stabilizer, holds the bud in place without needing a bigger tip.

Also worth a look

• Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: bone-conduction headphones that sit in front of the ears, so nothing goes in the ear at all. A good option if no earbud is comfortable, and SoundGuys’ pick for small ears in this style. Rated IP55, with up to 12 hours of battery. For clip-on alternatives, see our best open-ear earbuds.
• Apple AirPods 5: an open fit with no ear tips. Some people with small ears find them comfortable because nothing seals the ear; others find they slip. See our iPhone earbuds guide.
• Beats Flex: a neckband style with light earbuds, so a loose fit doesn’t mean losing a bud. SoundGuys’ neckband pick for small ears.

Our verdict

For small ears, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are the best all-round earbuds: light at 4.7 g, four tip sizes and a stabilizer that keeps them in place. iPhone owners should get the AirPods Pro 3 for their XXS tip. On a budget, the Sony WF-C510 are tiny and comfortable for about $60, the Soundcore Space A40 add strong noise cancelling under $100, and the JLab JBuds Mini are the smallest and cheapest of all.

Frequently asked questions

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