Earbud headphones have become one of the most popular gadgets on the market. That’s because they go wherever we go – whether it’s for a run around the park, a trip in a plane, or a day at the beach. We looked at the best earbud headphones that deliver exceptional sound, every time. 

Let's face it, not all earbud headphones are created equally. If you are constantly pulling at your ear, or adjusting the earpads because it feels like a spider has crawled into your ear then you’ve probably made a poor choice of device. Fit and comfort are two key elements needed in creating the perfect earbud headphones. 

Over-Ear, On-Ear & In-Ear

With so many headphones on the market, it can be tricky choosing which one is best suited for you. There are three types of headphones – over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear. The classic over-ear headphones cup your ears. They are huge, bulky, and awesome-looking, but just not suited to every life scenario, like exercising, for example. But if you’re sitting behind your computer and want to drown out the world, then over-ear headphones work pretty well. On-ear headphones are generally smaller and lighter than over-ear ones. While they generally deliver good sound, some users do complain that they add too much pressure on the ears, and can cause aching after a long day of use. Lastly, in-ear headphones are placed just where the name implies – inside your ears. More portable than the other two options, in-ear headphones are often made of sweat-resistant materials, making them a hygienic choice. Many higher-quality in-ear headphones come with little cases to put your earbuds in when you're not using them, so they won't get ruined or dirty. Breaking things up even further, and without getting too complicated, there is a ‘sub-category’ one can explore when talking about in-ear devices – those that are inserted into the ear canal, and those that rest outside the ear canal, but that’s a whole topic to explore all on its own.

When It Comes To Cost

Remember that you get what you pay for, and this rings especially true when it comes to headphones. While you don’t have to necessarily go for a well-known brand name, keep in mind that headphones with a higher price tag are more often than not made of higher quality materials and better engineering, improving the sound quality. Looking at the product’s specs such as frequency and sensitivity before making a purchase can be a quick telltale sign of quality. You want your headphones to last but you also don’t want to pay a small fortune for them either. If you want ultimate versatility and have a big budget, however, experts agree that true wireless is the way to go. Just like traditional wireless headphones, truly wireless headphones receive a Bluetooth signal from your phone via a 2.4GHz wavelength. Look for a pair that offer exceptional battery life and solid features.