The Best Earphones
Whether you're searching for an easier way to have hands-free phone calls or just love music playing in the background, you need a good pair of earphones. There's a pair for everyone, too. From wireless to wired, over-ear to buds, and colorful to simple white, you can find a set that meets your needs and preferences. We're here to make that happen.
What to Look For
As most music lovers and podcast enthusiasts know, headphones can make a huge difference in your experience. That’s why it’s essential to focus on sound quality, volume levels, price, and style. For example, the versatile Apple Airpods Pro is the ideal choice for all-day users that only remove their earphones for bed. However, the over-ear Skullcandy Crusher headphones are a dream if you want to hear the nuances in every song. If you’re looking for the best options on the market, read on.
Apple Airpods Pro
The gold standard
Apple Airpods Pro are designed to pair with your iPhone to make life easier. As with any earphones, you can use them to listen to music, podcasts, or your favorite shows as they play on your phone. Transparency mode allows you to hear everything around you without removing them, while noise-canceling blocks it. And that’s not all. Other premium features enhance your experience even more.
Pros:
- The included charging case helps you keep them powered between uses.
- Once synced up with your devices, these Airpods easily and intuitively switch between devices. You usually don’t have to do anything.
- Transparency mode helps you stay safely aware of your surroundings.
Cons:
- The battery life depends heavily on how you use them, so you may have to charge them after four to eight hours.
Tozo T6 True Wireless Earbuds
Conveniently compact
These wireless T6 earbuds from Tozo are a fabulous choice if you like to keep your buds in while at work or school. They have excellent battery life, and the slim charging case can quickly top them up if they run low. Smart touch controls help you skip songs, answer calls, adjust the volume, and more. And the color range makes finding a set that matches the rest of your gear effortless.
Pros:
- These earphones are super affordable compared to other models of similar quality.
- The sound is crisp, and they have a surprising bass range for earbuds.
- Soft buds make them very comfortable to wear, which is a must if you like to keep yours in all day.
Cons:
- The battery indicator on the case isn’t always very accurate.
Sony In-Ear Wired Earbuds
Classic style, modern design
To avoid pesky wireless connections and dead batteries, you may want to check out the Sony in-ear wired earbuds. They have a built-in microphone for phone calls and voice controls and several different silicone buds you can switch between to find a good fit. Fun colors and a simple design make them an all-around affordable, high-quality option. Even if you use wireless earphones, you can tuck a set of these away for emergencies.
Pros:
- The sound quality is decent, especially considering the price point of these earphones.
- You can roll them up and tuck them into any pocket, bag, or drawer between uses.
- They have a mic with a button you can use to answer or end calls or pause and play music.
Cons:
- The wires limit your mobility. You can’t move away from your device, and you may pull them by accident.
Skullcandy Crusher Over-Ear Headphones
Instant immersion
Over-ear headphones usually offer a more nuanced sound experience, making them the better choice for music. The Skullcandy Crushers are a superb example. They have 40 hours of battery life, a built-in microphone, call, track, and volume controls, and super comfortable padding. The immersive bass and app adjustable equalizer gives you complete control over your sound experience.
Pros:
- These headphones charge in a flash and have a super long runtime before you need to charge them again.
- Durable construction ensures they hold up to heavy use, falls, and kids.
- They’re incredibly comfortable, and you can easily wear them for hours without irritating your ears.
Cons:
- You may not want to wear these to the gym. They can wiggle around a bit.
Jabra Elite 7 Active Earbuds
Stay-put convenience
If you spend your days at the gym or on the go, the Jabra Elite 7 Active Earbuds have you covered. They use ShakeGrip technology to keep them perfectly in place as you run, walk, jump, and move around. They’re also waterproof and sweatproof for maximum durability. Intelligent noise control enables you to adjust how much of the outside world you hear, and four microphones ensure your calls are crystal clear.
Pros:
- You can connect these to multiple devices at once for added versatility.
- They stay in almost anyone’s ears. Even if you’ve had trouble finding a good fit in the past, these will probably work for you.
- You can download an app to give you even more control over the sound. But you can use them without the app if you’d prefer.
Cons:
- The noise-canceling isn’t the best in class, though it can make a noticeable difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose in-ear or over-ear earphones?
In-ear and over-ear earphones use very different designs to do the same job. In-ear models send the voices and music right into your ears and can often provide you with decent sound without taking up too much space. They’re slimmer and have a lot less bulk. Over-ear headphones tend to have better sound quality because they have more space for specialized drivers and speakers. But they’re also in the way and fall off of your head easier. If you prefer a sleek look and lower sound, in-ear ones have you covered. On the other hand, if you want volume, over-ear options may be best.
How do I connect my Bluetooth headphones?
To connect most Bluetooth headphones, you have to follow a few steps. First, you have to check your manual to find out what the earphone’s name will show up as on your Bluetooth list. Next, turn them on and follow your manual to set them to search. Finally, head into your Bluetooth settings and search. Once you see the name of your headphones, tap it, and they should connect. Once you’ve hooked them the first time, it should be automatic every time you turn them on.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.