Wireless Earbuds

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 AirPods 5, the Beats Solo Buds work with one-tap pairing on both iPhone and Android, and the CMF Buds 2 Plus add strong noise cancelling for under $100.

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: 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 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 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 $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: they’re often discounted. 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 for the money.

Good to know: the sound changes when noise cancelling is on, and the newer Air Pro 4+ 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.

Specs from the makers, side by side

Every figure below comes from the manufacturer’s own spec page, taken from our earbuds and headphones spec database. “Not stated” means the maker doesn’t publish it, not that the feature is missing.

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: 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 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: 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 $100. 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 under $50, 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 →

Specs from the makers, side by side

Every figure below comes from the manufacturer’s own spec page, taken from our earbuds and headphones spec database. “Not stated” means the maker doesn’t publish it, not that the feature is missing.

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
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• Best noise-cancelling earbuds
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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 are the most comfortable sleep earbuds you can buy, according to SoundGuys, and last 14 hours. On a budget, the Soundcore Sleep A20 or a sleep mask with built-in headphones will do the job.

Check the Soundcore Sleep A30 on Amazon →

Check the Sleep A30 at Soundcore.com ($199.99) →

Soundcore.com code AFSC20: an extra 20% off full-price items (valid through Dec 31, 2026).

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’re often discounted (SoundGuys). They’re for sleep only, not everyday listening.

Check the Soundcore Sleep A30 on Amazon →

Check the Sleep A30 at Soundcore.com ($199.99) →

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. 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 are often discounted, 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 →

Check the Sleep A20 at Soundcore.com ($149.99) →

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.

Specs from the makers, side by side

Every figure below comes from the manufacturer’s own spec page, taken from our earbuds and headphones spec database. “Not stated” means the maker doesn’t publish it, not that the feature is missing.

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

Related guides

• Best earbuds for small ears
• Best noise-cancelling earbuds
• Best earbuds under $100
• Best open-ear earbuds

The best earbuds under $100 for most people are the EarFun Air Pro 4: adaptive noise cancelling, LDAC and aptX Lossless, multipoint and up to 52 hours of battery with the case. For the strongest noise cancelling at this price, get the CMF Buds 2 Plus. iPhone owners who don’t need noise cancelling should look at the Beats Solo Buds, and Galaxy owners at the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE.

Check the EarFun Air Pro 4 on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ specifications, published measurements and 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 under $100 compared

Battery figures are the makers’ ratings unless noted. Price ranges reflect typical street prices.

What you get for under $100

• Noise cancelling is now normal at this price. It won’t match $250 earbuds on a plane, but the CMF Buds 2 Plus come surprisingly close in SoundGuys’ measurements.
• Hi-res codecs help on Android only. LDAC (EarFun, CMF, Space A40) works on most Android phones. iPhones stream over AAC whatever earbuds you buy, so iPhone owners shouldn’t pay extra for LDAC.
• Multipoint (connecting to a phone and a laptop at once) is common on cheap earbuds now. The EarFun, Space A40, JLab and P30i all have it.
• What you give up: the deep phone integration of AirPods, Pixel Buds or Galaxy Buds Pro, the strongest noise cancelling and premium build. If those matter, see our best earbuds under $150.

The best earbuds under $100

1. EarFun Air Pro 4: best earbuds under $100

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. Battery life is up to 11 hours per charge (7.5 with ANC) and 52 hours with the case, and they’re rated IPX5. SoundGuys liked the sound, noise cancelling, comfort and feature-packed app for the money.

Good to know: SoundGuys notes that turning noise cancelling on changes the sound. EarFun has since released the Air Pro 4+, so the Air Pro 4 is often discounted.

Check the EarFun Air Pro 4 on Amazon →

2. CMF Buds 2 Plus: best noise cancelling under $100

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 on Android, a custom EQ in the Nothing X app, about 9 hours per charge and an IP55 rating.

Good to know: they’re often discounted. On an iPhone you manage them through the Nothing X app rather than iOS settings. They’re also the budget pick in our best noise-cancelling earbuds guide.

Check the CMF Buds 2 Plus on Amazon →

3. Soundcore Space A40: best battery and wireless charging

The Space A40 combine adaptive noise cancelling, LDAC and multipoint with up to 10 hours per charge and 50 hours with the case, and the case charges wirelessly, which is rare under $100. A 10-minute charge adds about 4 hours. They’re rated IPX4.

Good to know: they’re often much cheaper than list: Gizmodo reported them at a record low. The noise cancelling handles everyday noise well but can’t match premium earbuds on flights.

Check the Space A40 on Amazon →

4. Beats Solo Buds: best for iPhone under $100

AirPods cost more, so the Beats Solo Buds, from Apple-owned Beats, are the affordable alternative. They pair with one touch 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, which helps if you have small ears. Each bud weighs 5.7 g, and Beats rates them at up to 18 hours of playback, with about an hour from a 5-minute USB-C charge (Beats).

Good to know: there’s no noise cancelling, and the small case has no battery: it doesn’t recharge the buds, so you charge them over USB-C. TechRadar’s review praises the battery but finds the bass lighter than you’d expect from Beats. If you want noise cancelling on an iPhone, the CMF Buds 2 Plus or EarFun Air Pro 4 work fine over AAC.

Check the Beats Solo Buds on Amazon →

5. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE: best for Samsung under $100

The Galaxy Buds 3 FE (September 2025) replaced the original Buds FE (2023), which is being phased out. They borrow the stem design of Samsung’s Pro earbuds and seal with silicone tips, and SoundGuys measured about 86 percent noise reduction, slightly better than Samsung’s pricier Pro model of the same generation. Samsung rates them at up to 6 hours per charge with noise cancelling (8.5 off) and up to 24 hours with the case (30 off), with Bluetooth 5.4, 11 mm drivers and an IP54 rating.

Good to know: they’re over $100 at list price, so they fit this guide only when discounted, which is often. The Seamless Codec, Auto Switch and Quick Panel controls need a Galaxy phone; on other phones they stream over AAC like most earbuds here. For more Samsung earbuds, see our best earbuds for Samsung Galaxy guide.

Check the Galaxy Buds 3 FE on Amazon →

6. JLab Go Sport+: best for workouts

The JLab Go Sport+ stay put thanks to over-ear hooks, and IP55 sweat and dust resistance makes them a reliable pick for runners and gym-goers. Multipoint keeps switching simple, a Be Aware mode lets in outside sound on the road, and battery life is 9+ hours per charge and 35+ hours with the case. The JLab app adds a custom EQ.

Good to know: there’s no noise cancelling, and the hooks make them bulkier to carry than regular earbuds.

Check the JLab Go Sport+ on Amazon →

7. Soundcore P30i: cheapest noise cancelling worth buying

The P30i bring real noise cancelling to a very low price, with up to 10 hours per charge (6 with ANC on) and up to 45 hours with the case. Multipoint lets you switch between a phone and a laptop, the Soundcore app adds a custom EQ, and the case doubles as a phone stand. IP54 makes them fine for commutes and the gym.

Good to know: the noise cancelling is well behind the CMF Buds 2 Plus, and there’s no wireless charging. For more under $50, see our best earbuds under $50 for Android.

Check the Soundcore P30i on Amazon →

Check the P30i at Soundcore.com (from $24.99) →

Soundcore.com code AFSC20: an extra 20% off full-price items (valid through Dec 31, 2026).

Earbuds under $100 on Black Friday

Black Friday (November 27, 2026) is the best time of year to buy earbuds in this range. Two tips:

• Know the usual sale price. The CMF Buds 2 Plus and Space A40 are discounted often, so a “deal” that only matches their usual sale price isn’t special.
• Check pricier earbuds too. Big sales can push earbuds from our under-$150 list, such as the EarFun Air Pro 4+ or Pixel Buds 2a, close to $100. Compare them before you settle.

Specs from the makers, side by side

Every figure below comes from the manufacturer’s own spec page, taken from our earbuds and headphones spec database. “Not stated” means the maker doesn’t publish it, not that the feature is missing.

Our verdict

For most people the EarFun Air Pro 4 are the best earbuds under $100, with noise cancelling, hi-res codecs, multipoint and long battery life for $89.99. Choose the CMF Buds 2 Plus if noise cancelling matters most, the Space A40 for wireless charging, the Beats Solo Buds for a simple iPhone pick, the Galaxy Buds 3 FE for a Samsung phone, the JLab Go Sport+ for workouts and the Soundcore P30i if you want noise cancelling for as little as possible.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

• Best wireless earbuds under $150
• Best earbuds under $50 for Android
• Best noise-cancelling earbuds
• Best earbuds for iPhone
• Best earbuds for sleeping
• Best workout earbuds
• Best headphones under $100
• Best headphones for teens
• Best earbuds for gaming

The best open-ear earbuds for most people are the Sony LinkBuds Clip: light clip-on buds with about 9 hours per charge and plenty of features on both iPhone and Android. For the best sound and features, Bose’s new Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) arrived on October 1, 2026, and runners should consider the new Bose Sport Open. On a budget, the EarFun Clip 2 last up to 11 hours. SoundGuys’ overall favorite, the Huawei FreeClip 2, is hard to buy in the US (see below).

Check the Sony LinkBuds Clip 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. Sony LinkBuds Clip: best overall

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 and last about 9 hours per charge in its testing. That makes them our pick for most people: SoundGuys’ overall favorite, the Huawei FreeClip 2, is hard to buy in the US (see #7), and on sale the LinkBuds Clip cost less than the other main picks.

Good to know: they’re the most expensive pick after the Bose Ultra Open, so buy them on sale; like every open-ear design they can’t block noise.

Check the Sony LinkBuds Clip on Amazon →

2. 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. 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 and are a cheaper way into the same design.

Check the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds on Amazon →

3. Bose Sport Open: best for running

The Bose Sport Open, 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 →

4. 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. They’re often discounted.

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 →

Check the AeroClip at Soundcore.com ($129.99) →

Soundcore.com code AFSC20: an extra 20% off full-price items (valid through Dec 31, 2026).

5. 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 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, usually for less, and is the better buy if you don’t need the newest model.

Good to know: at full price they cost about the same as the Bose Sport Open, so they make the most sense on sale.

Check the Shokz OpenDots 2 on Amazon →

6. 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’re often discounted.

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

Check the EarFun Clip 2 on Amazon →

7. Huawei FreeClip 2: SoundGuys’ favorite, hard to buy in the US

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.

Good to know: Huawei has little US retail presence. If you find them from another seller, check the return policy and warranty, and which app features work with your phone.

Also worth a look

• Shokz OpenFit Pro: 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):

• 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 →

Specs from the makers, side by side

Every figure below comes from the manufacturer’s own spec page, taken from our earbuds and headphones spec database. “Not stated” means the maker doesn’t publish it, not that the feature is missing.

Our verdict

For most people the Sony LinkBuds Clip are the best open-ear earbuds you can easily buy in the US, with a light clip-on fit, good battery life and features on both iPhone and Android. The new Bose Ultra Open (2nd Gen) bring the most features if you can pay more. 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

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