Wireless Earbuds

Short answer: Galaxy Buds are good for mobile gaming on a Samsung phone or tablet, where Samsung’s Gaming mode reduces their audio delay. On an iPhone, another Android phone or a Windows PC they’re ordinary Bluetooth earbuds: fine for casual games, laggy in fast shooters. They can’t connect to a PS5 or Xbox, and their mic doesn’t work for chat on the Switch 2. On a Galaxy phone, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are the best pick; for PC and console gaming, earbuds with their own dongle, such as the Sony INZONE Buds, work better.

Check the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on Samsung’s own support documentation, platform documentation from Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo, and published reviews (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. See how we choose products.

Galaxy Buds Gaming mode: what it does

Samsung’s Gaming mode “adjusts the audio delay” so game sound stays closer to what’s on screen. It works on the Galaxy Buds+ and newer models, but only when they’re connected to a Samsung phone or tablet through the Galaxy Wearable app. It isn’t available on iOS (Samsung).

To turn it on: open the Galaxy Wearable app, tap Earbuds settings, swipe to Labs, and switch on Gaming mode.

Even without Gaming mode, Galaxy Buds do well on a Galaxy phone because they use Samsung’s own Seamless Codec. SoundGuys’ review of the Buds 4 Pro says Android users “should not notice issues with latency, as SSC and AAC both have fairly minimal lag” (SoundGuys). Samsung doesn’t publish latency figures, so we don’t quote one.

Galaxy Buds for gaming, platform by platform

Which Galaxy Buds are best for gaming?

Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: best for gaming on a Galaxy phone

Samsung’s newest flagship earbuds (February 2026, $249.99) use Bluetooth 6.1 with SBC, AAC and the Samsung Seamless Codec on Galaxy devices, plus Auracast (SoundGuys). The silicone tips seal well, so quiet game sounds stand out, and the noise cancelling helps on a commute. They don’t support aptX or LDAC, which doesn’t matter on a Galaxy phone but means no low-latency codec on other Android phones. Our best earbuds for Samsung Galaxy guide covers them in full.

Check the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro on Amazon →

Galaxy Buds 3 FE: best value

The Buds 3 FE (September 2025, $149.99) have silicone ear tips, noise cancelling and the Samsung Seamless Codec for less money (SoundGuys). For mobile gaming on a Galaxy phone, they’re the sensible cheaper pick.

Check the Galaxy Buds 3 FE on Amazon →

Galaxy Buds 4: open fit, less isolation

The regular Galaxy Buds 4 ($179.99) have an open fit with no ear tips. They work with Gaming mode like the others, but they let in more room noise, which makes footsteps and other quiet game sounds harder to hear (SoundGuys).

Galaxy Buds on a Windows PC

Galaxy Buds pair with Windows like any Bluetooth earbuds, without Gaming mode, so expect standard Bluetooth delay (roughly 150–200 ms on most devices; see our Bluetooth headphones for gaming guide). The bigger problem is chat: when Discord or a game turns on the earbuds’ microphone, Windows switches to its “Hands-Free” profile and game audio drops to mono call quality (BGR, describing the same issue with AirPods). To keep good sound, choose the stereo “Headphones” output and use your laptop’s or webcam’s mic for chat.

Galaxy Buds on PS5, Xbox and Switch 2

• PS5 and Xbox: neither console supports Bluetooth audio, so Galaxy Buds can’t connect (What Hi-Fi?). You can join party voice chat through the PlayStation App or the Xbox app on your phone with the Buds connected to the phone (Xbox Support), but game sound stays on the TV. A Bluetooth transmitter in the controller’s 3.5 mm jack can send game sound to the Buds, with added delay and usually no mic.
• Nintendo Switch 2: Bluetooth audio works for game sound, but Bluetooth microphones aren’t supported for GameChat, only two wireless controllers can be used while the Buds are connected, and Nintendo warns of possible audio delay (Nintendo). See our best headphones for Switch 2.

Better earbuds for PC and console gaming

The Sony INZONE Buds skip Bluetooth on a PC, PS5 or Switch 2 with their own USB-C dongle, which also makes the mic work where Galaxy Buds can’t. The PlayStation Pulse Explore connect to a PS5 over Sony’s PlayStation Link and to your phone at the same time (PlayStation). The EarFun Air Pro 4 ($89.99) are a budget option with a low-latency game mode, plus LDAC and multipoint (SoundGuys).

Check the Sony INZONE Buds on Amazon →

Our verdict

If you game on a Samsung phone or tablet, Galaxy Buds are a good choice: turn on Gaming mode in Labs, and the Buds 4 Pro or Buds 3 FE will serve you well. Anywhere else they’re regular Bluetooth earbuds, fine for casual games but not for competitive play, and they can’t connect to a PS5 or Xbox. If you’re buying earbuds for PC or console gaming, get a pair with a dongle, such as the Sony INZONE Buds.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

• Bluetooth headphones for gaming: latency explained
• Are AirPods good for gaming?
• Best earbuds for Samsung Galaxy
• Best gaming headsets
• Best wireless earbuds for Android

On a loud job site, you need earbuds that are rated hearing protection, not just noise-cancelling earbuds. The ISOtunes PRO 2.0 ($109.99) are the best for most people: an ANSI-certified 27 dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), a volume limit of 85 dB, IP67 and up to 16 hours of battery. If you need to hear coworkers and alarms, the ISOtunes PRO Aware 2.0 let safe sounds through. Prefer earmuffs? The 3M WorkTunes Connect (NRR 24) are the cheapest rated option with Bluetooth.

Check the ISOtunes PRO 2.0 on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ published ratings and specifications and on guidance from OSHA (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level, and it isn’t safety advice for your specific workplace: follow your employer’s hearing conservation program and the protection it requires. See how we choose products.

Noise-cancelling earbuds are not hearing protection

This is the most important point on this page. OSHA says no regulation bans headphones at work, but hearing protectors must bring a worker’s exposure down to a safe level, and their protection is shown by a Noise Reduction Rating on the packaging. OSHA warns that consumer active noise-cancelling headphones “do not offer protection from sudden, explosive sounds,” and that it is not recommended to use consumer noise-cancelling headphones in place of laboratory-tested devices if they are not designed for hearing protection (OSHA).

For context, OSHA requires employers to provide hearing protection when workers are exposed to an 8-hour average of 85 dBA or more, and to make sure it’s worn at 90 dBA (OSHA). Every pick below except the AirPods has an ANSI-certified NRR.

Best earbuds for loud work environments compared

The best earbuds for loud work in 2026

1. ISOtunes PRO 2.0: best overall

ISOtunes makes Bluetooth earbuds that are certified hearing protection first. The PRO 2.0 ($109.99) have an ANSI-certified 27 dB NRR, IP67 dust and water protection, up to 16 hours of battery, Bluetooth 5.1 with dual pairing, and a noise-isolating microphone for calls. Their SafeMax technology limits audio to 85 dB, so music can’t add to your noise exposure. A comfort-fit ear hook keeps them in place (ISOtunes).

Check the ISOtunes PRO 2.0 on Amazon →

2. ISOtunes PRO Aware 2.0: best for hearing coworkers and alarms

Regular protective earbuds block everything, including the voice of the person next to you. The PRO Aware 2.0 ($169.99) use level-dependent “Aware” technology: they let you hear your surroundings, and ISOtunes says they react in about 2 milliseconds to protect you from sudden harmful noises. They’re rated NRR 26 dB with foam tips (25 dB with silicone), IP67, tested to MIL-STD 810H for shock, and last 24 hours in Aware-only mode or 15+ hours with Bluetooth. Bluetooth 5.4 supports dual pairing and two-way radios, and the volume is limited to 85 dB (ISOtunes).

Check the ISOtunes PRO Aware 2.0 on Amazon →

3. ISOtunes FREE 2.0: best true wireless

If you’d rather have nothing that could catch on machinery, the FREE 2.0 are fully wireless buds in a charging case. They’re rated NRR 25 dB with foam tips or 22 dB with the double-flange silicone tips, and limit audio to 85 dB. ISOtunes pitches them for people who work in tight spaces, in environments where noise stays below 112 dB (ISOtunes). Good to know: small separate buds are easier to lose on site than a corded pair.

Check the ISOtunes FREE 2.0 on Amazon →

4. 3M WorkTunes Connect: cheapest rated option

If earmuffs suit your work better than earbuds, the WorkTunes Connect are 3M hearing protectors with Bluetooth. They’re rated NRR 24 dB, last more than 30 hours per charge and have a built-in microphone for calls (3M). They also accept a 3.5 mm cable and often sell for under $50. Good to know: earmuffs are bulkier and warmer than earbuds, and can clash with hard hats or safety glasses.

Check the 3M WorkTunes Connect on Amazon →

5. Apple AirPods Pro 3: for moderately loud places, not the job site

The AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3 have a Hearing Protection feature, on by default, that reduces loud sounds in every listening mode. It’s useful on loud commutes, at concerts or on flights, but Apple is clear about the limits: it isn’t suitable for extremely loud impulse sounds such as gunfire, fireworks or jackhammers, or for sustained sounds above 110 dBA, and a poor fit reduces its effect (Apple). Apple’s data sheet also says it isn’t suitable for all workplaces and to check with your employer. Use AirPods only where your employer allows them; on a construction site, choose one of the rated picks above.

Check the AirPods Pro 3 on Amazon →

How to read an NRR

• Higher is more protection. NRR is in decibels and is printed on the package of every certified hearing protector.
• Real-world protection is lower. 3M notes that many users get less protection than the NRR because of fit and fitting skill, and recommends reducing the NRR by 50% when estimating protection, or following your local regulations (3M).
• Fit is everything. Use the tip size that seals fully. Foam tips usually give a higher rating than silicone, as the ISOtunes figures show.
• Keep music quiet. A volume limit such as ISOtunes’ 85 dB SafeMax stops your music from adding to the noise you’re exposed to.

Our verdict

For loud work, buy certified hearing protection that happens to play music, not consumer earbuds. The ISOtunes PRO 2.0 are the best all-rounder with a 27 dB NRR and an 85 dB volume limit; the PRO Aware 2.0 are worth the extra money if you need to hear people and alarms; the FREE 2.0 remove the cord; and the 3M WorkTunes Connect are the cheapest rated option. AirPods Pro 3 are fine for loud commutes and events, but not as a substitute for rated protection at work.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

• Best workout earbuds
• Best noise-cancelling earbuds
• Best earbuds for sleeping

The best AirPods Pro 3 alternative is the Sony WF-1000XM6: noise cancelling that rivals Apple’s, better passive isolation, and LDAC and multipoint on Android. On a Samsung phone, get the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro; on a Pixel, the Pixel Buds Pro 2. Instead of the $129 AirPods 5, the Beats Solo Buds ($79.99) work with one-tap pairing on both iPhone and Android, and the CMF Buds 2 Plus add strong noise cancelling for about $60–80.

Check the Sony WF-1000XM6 on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ specifications and published reviews from SoundGuys, What Hi-Fi? and others (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices are list prices at the time of writing. See how we choose products.

Best AirPods alternatives compared

What you gain and lose by skipping AirPods

For reference, the AirPods Pro 3 cost $249, last up to 8 hours with noise cancelling, add a heart-rate sensor and Live Translation on an iPhone, and are rated IP57 (Apple). The AirPods 5 (September 2026) cost $129, or $149 with a wireless case, and keep an open fit with no ear tips, now with noise cancelling on both models (Apple Newsroom).

• On Android, AirPods lose most of their smarts: no automatic device switching, no easy battery checks or settings in the phone, and features like heart-rate tracking and Live Translation are tied to the iPhone. Earbuds from Sony, Samsung or Google work properly on Android, often with hi-res codecs like LDAC.
• On an iPhone, alternatives still work well over Bluetooth (AAC), but you manage them in the maker’s app rather than in iOS Settings, and you lose Apple’s automatic switching between your iPhone, iPad and Mac.
• Fit is the other reason to switch: the AirPods 5 have no ear tips, so they can’t seal out noise like tip-based earbuds. If AirPods fall out of your ears, see our best earbuds for small ears.

Best alternatives to the AirPods Pro 3

1. Sony WF-1000XM6: best AirPods Pro alternative

Sony’s WF-1000XM6 (February 2026) are the closest rival to the AirPods Pro 3. SoundGuys measured an 88 percent average noise reduction and found their passive isolation, the noise blocked by the fit alone, is better than Apple’s. It also praises their sound and “outstanding” call microphones. They support LDAC 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 cost more than the AirPods Pro 3, and SoundGuys notes the larger buds may not suit smaller ears.

Check the WF-1000XM6 on Amazon →

2. Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: best for Samsung phones

What AirPods are to an iPhone, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are to a Galaxy phone. Launched with the Galaxy S26 in February 2026, they stream at up to 24-bit/96kHz over Samsung’s Seamless Codec, add 360 Audio with head tracking, head gestures and Gemini or Bixby by voice, and are rated IP57 (SamMobile). SoundGuys rates them 8/10 and measured about 84 percent average noise reduction.

Good to know: SoundGuys got just over 6 hours per charge with noise cancelling on, and most extras disappear on non-Samsung phones. More options in our best earbuds for Samsung.

Check the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro on Amazon →

3. Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: best for Pixel phones

On a Pixel, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 get Google’s new features first: Fast Pair, Find My Device and hands-free Gemini work out of the box, and Google’s Tensor A1 chip powers adaptive noise cancelling. Google skipped a Pixel Buds Pro 3 at the Pixel 11 launch and instead gave the Pro 2 a free update with more consistent noise cancelling, Gemini EQ controls and sleep detection. They last up to 8 hours with noise cancelling (30 with the case), have multipoint, and are rated IP54. Our best earbuds for Pixel guide covers them in detail.

Good to know: the Gemini and Pixel extras matter much less on other Android phones. If you want to spend less, the Pixel Buds 2a ($129) use the same Tensor A1 chip.

Check the Pixel Buds Pro 2 on Amazon →

4. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): best for noise cancelling and comfort

If noise cancelling is your priority, the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are the main rival to the AirPods Pro 3 on any phone. What Hi-Fi? praises their outstanding noise cancelling, design and punchy sound. 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: they list at $299 and have the shortest battery of the premium picks, but they’ve often been on sale for less.

Check the QC Ultra Earbuds on Amazon →

Best cheaper alternatives to the AirPods 5

5. Beats Solo Buds: best budget pick for iPhone and Android

The Beats Solo Buds come from Apple-owned Beats and cost $79.99, $49 less than the cheapest AirPods. They pair with one tap on both iPhone and Android, work with Find My (or Find My Device on Android), and come with four ear-tip sizes from XS to L. Each bud weighs 5.7 g, and Beats rates them at up to 18 hours of playback (Beats).

Good to know: there’s no noise cancelling, and the small case has no battery, so you charge the buds over USB-C. TechRadar found the bass lighter than you’d expect from Beats.

Check the Beats Solo Buds on Amazon →

6. CMF Buds 2 Plus: best cheap noise cancelling

For noise cancelling on a budget, 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”. They add LDAC on Android, a custom EQ in the Nothing X app, about 9 hours per charge and an IP55 rating.

Good to know: the list price is $79, but they often sell for about $59. On an iPhone you manage them in the Nothing X app.

Check the CMF Buds 2 Plus on Amazon →

7. EarFun Air Pro 4: most features for the money

The EarFun Air Pro 4 pack features you usually pay much more for: adaptive hybrid noise cancelling, LDAC and aptX Lossless, multipoint, a low-latency game mode and six microphones for calls. They last up to 7.5 hours per charge with noise cancelling (52 hours with the case) and are rated IPX5. SoundGuys liked the sound, noise cancelling, comfort and app at $89.99.

Good to know: the sound changes when noise cancelling is on, and the newer Air Pro 4+ ($99.99) means the Air Pro 4 is often discounted.

Check the EarFun Air Pro 4 on Amazon →

What about an AirPods Max alternative?

For over-ear headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM6 are the main alternative to the AirPods Max: Sony’s QN3 processor drives 12 microphones for noise cancelling, they last up to 30 hours with it on (against 20 for the AirPods Max), they fold into a compact case, and they have typically cost about $450 to $500. See our best noise-cancelling headphones for more.

Our verdict

The Sony WF-1000XM6 are the best AirPods Pro alternative for most people, especially on Android. Choose the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro for a Samsung phone, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 for a Pixel, and the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds for the strongest noise cancelling. Instead of the AirPods 5, the Beats Solo Buds are an inexpensive option with one-tap pairing on both iPhone and Android, the CMF Buds 2 Plus add strong noise cancelling for less, and the EarFun Air Pro 4 pack the most features.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

• Best earbuds for iPhone
• Best earbuds for Samsung Galaxy
• Best noise-cancelling earbuds
• Best earbuds under $100
• Are AirPods good for gaming?

The best workout earbuds are the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 ($249.95): earhooks that don’t budge, noise cancelling, a built-in heart rate sensor and 10 hours of battery. They’re Tom’s Guide’s top running pick. If you prefer smaller buds, the Beats Powerbeats Fit ($199.95) are NBC Select’s top pick. iPhone owners should look at the AirPods Pro 3, runners who want to hear traffic at the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, and the JBL Endurance Race 2 are the best value under $100.

Check the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ specifications and published reviews from testers who run and train in these earbuds (linked below). 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 workout earbuds compared

Specs from the manufacturers, NBC Select and Tom’s Guide. Battery figures are rated, not measured.

How to choose workout earbuds

• Fit first: earhooks (Powerbeats Pro 2, JLab) are the most secure for running and HIIT. Wing tips (Powerbeats Fit, Pixel Buds Pro 2, JBL) are smaller and still stable. Plain in-ear buds like the AirPods Pro 3 work if they fit your ears well.
• Sweat and water rating: IPX4 handles sweat and splashes. A rating like IP55 or IP57 adds dust protection and stronger water resistance, and IP68 is the toughest here. None of these are made for swimming.
• Hear the world or block it out: noise cancelling helps in a loud gym, but outdoors you want a transparency mode or open-ear headphones so you can hear traffic. See our best open-ear earbuds for more.
• Heart rate: the Powerbeats Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 have built-in heart rate sensors, useful if you don’t wear a fitness tracker.
• Buttons vs touch: physical buttons, like those on the Powerbeats Fit, are easier with sweaty fingers or gloves than touch controls.

The best workout earbuds in 2026

1. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: best workout earbuds

Tom’s Guide‘s running writer, a 13-time marathoner, ran 150 miles in the Powerbeats Pro 2 before launch and names them the best running headphones, praising their comfortable, secure fit, good battery life and “dynamic, pulsing bass”. NBC Select calls them some of the most secure workout headphones it has tested. They’re slimmer and lighter than the originals, and add active noise cancelling, a transparency mode, physical controls, heart rate sensors in the earbuds and a wireless charging case. Battery life is up to 10 hours, or 45 with the case, and they’re rated IPX4.

Good to know: the charging case is large, and both reviewers found the heart rate sensor a little finicky to sync with workout apps.

Check the Powerbeats Pro 2 on Amazon →

2. Beats Powerbeats Fit: best compact workout earbuds

The Powerbeats Fit are the updated version of the popular Beats Fit Pro, and they’re NBC Select‘s top pick because they’re “supremely comfortable, secure and easy to use”. A small built-in wing tip holds them in place during runs, rides and gym sessions, and they’re far more compact than earhook models. You get noise cancelling and a transparency mode, physical buttons that work with gloves on, IPX4 sweat resistance and four ear tip sizes.

Good to know: battery life is shorter, rated at up to 7 hours, and there’s no wireless charging or multipoint.

Check the Powerbeats Fit on Amazon →

3. Apple AirPods Pro 3: best for iPhone

The AirPods Pro 3 aren’t sports earbuds, but they’re excellent for the gym if you have an iPhone. They added built-in heart rate sensors, so you can start a workout on your iPhone and track heart rate and calories without a watch, and an IP57 rating for dust, sweat and water. NBC Select praises their noise cancelling and a transparency mode good enough for full conversations, and Tom’s Guide picks them as the best everyday running headphones. Battery life is up to 8 hours with ANC on.

Good to know: they work best with Apple devices, and there are no wings or hooks, so try the fit before relying on them for hard runs. They also top our best noise-cancelling earbuds guide.

Check the AirPods Pro 3 on Amazon →

4. Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: best for Android

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 added mini wing-tip stabilisers that make them far better for exercise than the originals, according to NBC Select, which picks them as the best workout earbuds for Android. They have strong noise cancelling and transparency, multipoint, wireless charging and an IP54 rating, and the longest battery on NBC’s list: up to 8 hours with ANC on, 12 hours with it off.

Good to know: they’re usually priced at $229, and IP54 is a lower rating than the AirPods Pro 3 or JBL. See our best earbuds for Google Pixel for more Android picks.

Check the Pixel Buds Pro 2 on Amazon →

5. Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: best for outdoor running

The OpenRun Pro 2 sit outside your ears instead of in them, using a mix of bone-conduction vibrations and directional speakers, so you can hear cars, bikes and other runners. NBC Select‘s editorial director uses Shokz for marathon training and races because she feels safer with her ears open. Tom’s Guide names them the best bone-conduction running headphones and notes improved sound quality. They’re rated IP55, last up to 12 hours and support multipoint.

Good to know: they don’t block any noise, so they’re a poor fit for a loud gym. The cheaper Shokz OpenRun has lesser sound and battery life.

Check the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 on Amazon →

6. JBL Endurance Race 2: best workout earbuds under $100

Tom’s Guide says the Endurance Race 2 “exceeded my expectations”, with a reliable, comfortable wing-tip fit on runs of any length and excellent battery life, all for under $80. JBL rates them at up to 12 hours, or 48 with the case, and the buds are IP68-rated, the toughest rating on this list.

Good to know: the noise cancelling is weak, the sound isn’t as good as pricier buds, and Tom’s Guide had issues with the ambient mode. The case is only IPX2, so keep it out of the rain.

Check the JBL Endurance Race 2 on Amazon →

7. JLab Go Sport+: cheapest earhook earbuds

For about $30, the Go Sport+ wrap securely around your ears and are rated IP55 for sweat and dust. NBC Select, which names them its best budget earhook pick, was surprised by their quality for quick outdoor runs, and the snug-but-not-sealed fit still lets you hear traffic. JLab rates the battery at 9+ hours (NBC lists up to 8), and the JLab app lets you adjust the sound.

Good to know: there’s no noise cancelling or wireless charging, and NBC found the sound quality only so-so.

Check the JLab Go Sport+ on Amazon →

Our verdict

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are the best workout earbuds for most people: an earhook fit that stays put, noise cancelling, heart rate tracking and long battery life. Choose the Powerbeats Fit for a smaller, lighter fit, the AirPods Pro 3 or Pixel Buds Pro 2 for one pair that also works all day with your phone, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 for outdoor running, the JBL Endurance Race 2 under $100 and the JLab Go Sport+ for the lowest price.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

• Best open-ear earbuds
• Best earbuds under $100
• Best earbuds for iPhone
• Best noise-cancelling earbuds
• Best earbuds for loud work environments

The best earbuds for sleeping are the Soundcore Sleep A30: tiny buds that sit flush in your ear for side sleeping, with active noise cancelling and snore masking, and Tom’s Guide’s top pick. If comfort matters more than blocking noise, the Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 ($279) are the most comfortable sleep earbuds you can buy, according to SoundGuys, and last 14 hours. On a budget, the Soundcore Sleep A20 ($149.99) or a sleep mask with built-in headphones will do the job.

Check the Soundcore Sleep A30 on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ specifications and published reviews (linked below). 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 earbuds for sleeping compared

What makes good sleep earbuds

• A flush, tiny fit: side sleepers need buds that don’t stick out of the ear, or the pillow pushes them in. Dedicated sleep earbuds are much smaller than normal earbuds.
• Noise cancelling vs noise masking: active noise cancelling (ANC) is best against low, constant sounds like traffic, fans and snoring. Noise masking plays soothing sound over disturbances instead. Ozlo deliberately skips ANC; Soundcore’s A30 combines both.
• Battery that lasts a full night: look for at least 8 hours per charge with your settings on.
• Sleep features: built-in sleep sounds that keep playing without your phone, in-ear alarms that won’t wake a partner, and sleep tracking.

The best earbuds for sleeping in 2026

1. Soundcore Sleep A30: best earbuds for sleeping

The Sleep A30 are small enough to sit flush in your ear whether you lie on your side, back or front, and they combine active noise cancelling with adaptive snore masking, which adds soothing sound when they detect snoring. Tom’s Guide names them the best sleep headphones overall, calling them “an incredibly thoughtful pair of sleep-focused buds”, and says they could be the answer for light sleepers or anyone with a snoring partner. The box includes four silicone tips, three memory foam tips and three sizes of stabilising wings.

Good to know: battery is the main weakness: Tom’s Guide got about nine hours per charge with ANC on, with about 45 more from the case. They list at $229.99 (SoundGuys) and often sell for about $180. They’re for sleep only, not everyday listening.

Check the Soundcore Sleep A30 on Amazon →

2. Ozlo Sleepbuds 2: most comfortable, with sleep tracking

Ozlo was founded by former Bose engineers, and the Sleepbuds 2 (July 2026) are among the smallest earbuds made for sleep. SoundGuys calls them “the most comfortable sleep earbuds you can buy, with battery life that lasts a full night”. Ozlo rates them at up to 14 hours per charge, up from 10 on the originals. They detect when you’ve fallen asleep and switch from your podcast or music to noise masking, track your sleep, and the case measures room noise, light and temperature. There’s also an in-ear alarm and an airplane mode.

Good to know: there’s no active noise cancelling, which Ozlo leaves out on purpose, and no wireless charging, at $279. If snoring or traffic is the problem, the Sleep A30’s ANC does more for less. Tom’s Guide found them comfortable in all sleep positions.

Check the Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 on Amazon →

3. Soundcore Sleep A20: best budget sleep earbuds

The Sleep A20 cost $149.99 and, according to SoundGuys, are comfortable and stay in place for side sleepers, with several ear tip and wing sizes. Battery life is excellent: Soundcore claims 14 hours playing the built-in sleep sounds or 10 hours streaming over Bluetooth, with up to 80 more hours from the case.

Good to know: they have no active noise cancelling, and SoundGuys found the sound quality mediocre. They block noise with a passive seal and masking sounds, which is fine for a quiet bedroom but not for loud snoring.

Check the Soundcore Sleep A20 on Amazon →

4. MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones: cheapest option, blocks light too

If you don’t want anything in your ears, a sleep mask with thin headphones built in is a cheap alternative. Tom’s Guide picks the MUSICOZY as its best budget sleep headphones, at “a tenth of the cost” of the other picks: the padded eye cups block light, the thick material dulls some noise, and the battery lasts about 14 hours.

Good to know: there’s no noise cancelling, and the sound is best for white noise, ambient sounds and quiet meditations rather than music.

Check the MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones on Amazon →

5. Bose QuietComfort Headphones: best for back sleepers and flights

Over-ear headphones only work if you sleep on your back, but for back sleepers and travellers they’re very comfortable. Tom’s Guide’s reviewer describes wearing the Bose QuietComfort Headphones “like a gentle head hug”, praises their reliable noise cancelling and warm, smooth sound, and got about 26 hours of battery with ANC on, enough for three nights.

Good to know: they’re no good for side sleeping. For more over-ear options, see our best noise-cancelling headphones.

Check the Bose QuietComfort Headphones on Amazon →

Can you sleep with regular earbuds?

You can, especially on your back, but most regular earbuds stick out far enough to press into your ear when you lie on your side, and their batteries may not last the night with noise cancelling on. If you want one pair for day and night, choose the smallest earbuds you can find. Our best earbuds for small ears guide lists the most compact options, and our best noise-cancelling earbuds ranks the strongest ANC.

Sleeping with earbuds safely

• Keep the volume low. Sleep sounds work at quiet levels, and hours of loud audio can harm your hearing.
• Think about alarms. Noise-blocking earbuds can make it harder to hear a phone alarm or a smoke alarm. Use the in-ear alarm features, and don’t rely on earbuds if you need to hear a baby monitor or an emergency alarm.
• Keep them clean. Wipe the tips regularly and let your ears breathe; stop if you get soreness or irritation.

Our verdict

The Soundcore Sleep A30 are the best earbuds for sleeping for most people, especially if a snoring partner or traffic keeps you up, thanks to their noise cancelling and snore masking. Choose the Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 for the most comfortable fit, the longest battery and sleep tracking, the Soundcore Sleep A20 on a budget, a MUSICOZY sleep mask for the lowest price, and the Bose QuietComfort Headphones if you sleep on your back or on planes.

Frequently asked questions

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