If you’re in the market for a new pair of earbuds, it’s likely that you’re overwhelmed with choice. Now that the cheapest pairs cost the same as a (nice) sandwich, you should expect they have the longevity to match. There’s also the plethora of knock-offs, fakes, and generic no-brand models to tempt the unwary with suspiciously consistent customer ratings and seductive imagery. Here are six pairs of the best earbuds – contemporary models you can rely on, with a choice of established names, innovative start-ups, environmentally-focused companies, or just straightforward, old-fashioned simplicity.
Six of the best earbuds for 2022
Sony LinkBuds
LinkBuds are Sony’s newest contribution to our always-on world. LinkBuds are wireless earbuds designed to be worn most of the time, with an adaptive volume control system and a ‘speak-to-chat’ facility that pauses the music when you talk. The open ring design reflects the LinkBuds’ ability to connect with your surroundings, while there are also built-in digital assistants for swift access to information.
UK: Buy for £150 / US: Buy for $180
Ear (1) Black by Nothing
New consumer tech company Nothing is gearing up for a busy 2022. In addition to a new colourway for its no-frills debut device, the Ear (1), the company has also announced the arrival of a new design director, Adam Bates, formerly head of design at Dyson. Bates will bring his 14 years of experience creating high-quality consumer electronics to the London-based Nothing. The Ear (1) Black is a new edition of the noise-cancelling earbuds, complete with the distinctive transparent charging case. The company has also achieved carbon neutrality and will print the carbon footprint of each Ear (1) – 1.78kg – on the packaging to draw attention to this increasingly important statistic.
UK: Buy for £100 / US: Buy for $99
Dóttir Freedom headphones
The Freedom headphones from Dóttir are named for their secure fit, designed by the company’s founders, Icelandic athletes Katrin Davidsdottir and Annie Thorisdottir, both two-time female champions at the CrossFit Games. Rugged, form-fitting, waterproof, and with a wraparound earhook for added security, Dóttir’s noise-cancelling headphones are perfect for sporting use, with hands-free controls, voice assistant and up to 72 hours of listening time when used with the charging case.
UK: Buy for £112 / US: Buy for $149
Soundcore by Anker Liberty 3 Pro
Soundcore, the audio brand created by accessories specialist Anker, has released the Liberty 3 Pro, the latest version of its active noise-cancelling earbuds. As well as the ability to create a personal sound profile through analysis of your ear canal, the earbuds also deliver a specially surround-sound effect for compatible films and games. The three-level noise-cancelling is joined by a ‘fully transparent’ mode, with the promise of an ‘enhanced vocal’ upgrade later in the year.
UK: Buy for £140 / US: Buy for $170
Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+
If you don’t need sculpted grips and elaborate casings, then Cambridge Audio’s minimally styled Melomania 1+ earbuds could be just the ticket. With an impressive nine hours of playback, the little bullet-shaped buds are also compatible with Siri and the Google Assistant, and have adjustable EQ settings through the Melomania app.
UK: Buy for £90 / US: Buy for $100
Google Pixel Buds A-Series
The A-Series Pixel Buds saw Google take its most sophisticated tech and put it right into your ear. Other earbuds might have Google Assistant, but if you pair the Pixel Buds with the Google Translate app, you can get real time translation. They’re not the only devices to offer this service, but the big G’s AI is typically ahead of the game, and they also make a good job of playing music.
-
Jaguar reveals its new graphic identity ahead of a long-awaited total brand rebootJaguar’s new ethos is Exuberant Modernism, encapsulated by a new visual language that draws on fine art, fashion and architecture
-
Olfactory Art Keller: the New York gallery exhibiting the smell of vintage perfume, blossoming lilacs and last night’s shameOlfactory Art Keller is a Manhattan-based gallery space dedicated to exhibiting scent as art. Founder Dr Andreas Keller speaks with Lara Johnson-Wheeler about the project, which doesn’t shy away from the ‘unpleasant’
-
Explore a barn conversion with a difference on the Isle of WightGianni Botsford Architects' barn conversion transforms two old farm buildings into an atmospheric residence and artistic retreat, The Old Byre
-
Alpange’s high-tech piano makes its New York debut. Does it hit the high notes?We lift the lid on Alpange’s high-tech digital piano, a blend of traditional craft and contemporary modelling technology
-
First look: Leica Cine Play 1 brings premium style and tech to the world of home cinemaLeica compresses its meticulous optic know-how into the ultra-compact Cine Play 1 4K projector
-
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition taps into the brand's creative followersThe unconventional features of Nothing Phone (2a)’s new limited edition come from a community-driven project to reshape the style and ethos of the smartphone
-
Epson’s Mini Laser Projectors with Google TV make light work of home cinemaThe Epson EF-22 is an ultra-compact, highly versatile laser projector that can fill a room with sound and images
-
Aarke has created the ultimate collection for caffeine lovers, the Aarke Coffee SystemThe new Aarke Coffee System consists of three elegant components, part of the Swedish company’s ongoing quest to reshape the world of appliances
-
Huawei’s new MatePad Pro 12.2-inch tablet is a game-changer for digital artistryWith pro-level creative features, from delicate brushwork to myriad surface choices, the Huawei MatePad Pro 12.2-inch makes extraordinary art a possibility and a pleasure
-
All-new Nothing Ear (open) offers up a different kind of listening experienceIf you find traditional earbuds cancel out too much of the outside world, Nothing has got you covered. We get down with the company’s new Ear (open) to experience this transparent new soundscape
-
Lasting impressions: the latest Beoplay H100 headphones from B&O are for keepsBang & Olufsen’s head of design, Tiina Karjalainen Kierysch, talks us through the new Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100, headphones designed to last a lifetime
