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.
-
‘Just beneath the surface there’s another world’: How David Lynch used hair and make-up to create his singular universeFrom Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive to Twin Peaks, David Lynch used hair and make-up in his films as a narrative device, writes Laura Havlin
-
Burns Night 2025: where to celebrate in LondonIt is time to raise a wee dram to Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns on Burns Night (25 January). Here is our pick of places to enjoy an evening of generous speechmaking, toasting, and drinking around London
-
Tag Heuer unveils sporty new collections at LVMH Watch Week 2025Tag Heuer has announced a series of new watches at LVMH Watch Week, including Formula 1 and Carrera editions
-
Loop’s quiet revolution: design-conscious earplugs that really workThe makers of Loop earplugs offer ever-more colourful and functional options to allow anyone to turn life down a little
-
Leica’s SL3-S is its newest camera, an upgrade of its pro-grade full-frame systemPhotographers and videographers are catered for by the Leica SL3-S’ performance upgrades and expanded compatibility
-
Shine on: Yaber brightens home entertainment with two new compact projectorsYaber showcased new projectors at CES 2025 – its first ultra-short-throw device, as well as an ongoing collaboration with the estate of Keith Haring
-
Year in review: top 10 gadgets and tech of 2024, as chosen by technology editor Jonathan BellThe very best of 2024’s gadget and technology launches and stories, from emerging AI to retro gaming, laser projectors and musician’s side projects
-
New Revox B77 MK III reel-to-reel tape recorder, and more cassette tape-based trickeryThe new Revox B77 MK III might be the ultimate analogue flex. In response, we’ve explored the outer reaches of cassette tape design
-
A treasure trove of tech history goes online with the unveiling of the Nokia Design ArchiveAalto University launches the Nokia Design Archive, an online repository that charts the pioneering history of Finland’s legendary mobile phone manufacturer
-
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
