A good pair of earbuds is fairly easy to find, but finding a good pair of affordable earbuds can be a challenge. The Pixel Buds 2a are surprisingly good for their price point, which makes this Prime Day deal even better, bringing the earbuds down to their lowest price since launch.

The Pixel Buds 2a are less than a year old, launching in August 2025 and hitting stores in October for a retail price of $129. There have been a few price dips since then, but now you can get them for just under $100.

• Prime Day returns June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You own a Pixel smartphone and/or want an affordable pair of earbuds with good sound, great ANC, and a sweat-resistant design.

❌Skip this deal if: You don't own a Pixel smartphone or you want earbuds with support for higher-quality audio codecs.

I've been using the Pixel Buds 2a for some time, and despite them being the epitome of everything I don't like about many earbuds today, I can't seem to put them down. I even own the Powerbeats Pro 2, which I bought specifically for the gym, but before I go out, I grab the Pixel Buds 2a.

A big reason is that, despite their low price point, the audio quality is surprisingly good, and ANC does a great job of blocking out most noise, especially at the gym. They're also incredibly light, fit well in my ears, and are sufficiently sweat-resistant, so I don't have to worry about them during runs.

They may not support high-quality audio codecs like higher-end earbuds, but I'm no audiophile, so I'm content with how they sound. And if you're willing to spend just $99 on a pair of great earbuds, these are the ones.

I became a Powerbeats user with the Powerbeats2 Wireless — they came out 12 years ago — and I've used every model released since. The Powerbeats Pro 2 are the most well-rounded workout earbuds yet, and I bought two pairs of the Nike collab for $250 each for me and my sister.

I don't regret spending that much on them, but I'm happy to report that you can get them for $70 off during Amazon Prime Day. At only $180, these sporty earbuds pack a ton of features. They share internals with the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods Pro 3, but work just as good on iOS as on Android.

I've run thousands of miles with Powerbeats earbuds in my ears, and they're the only ones I'd recommend for fitness buffs as we kick off summer.

• Prime Day 2026 ends TONIGHT: see the full list of deals

✅ Recommended if: you need a pair of workout earbuds with a secure fit and ear hooks for stability; you want earbuds that can move between iOS and Android easily; you value on-earbud controls, like playback and volume buttons.

❌ Skip this deal if: you don't like the Powerbeats Pro 2's large design; you want earbuds with a smaller charging case.

The feature that always sold me on Powerbeats is their included ear hooks. These wrap around your ear, ensuring that even if the ear tips slip out, the Powerbeats Pro 2 won't fall out of your ear. Another great perk is the physical volume rocker and play/pause button. No one wants to fight with gesture controls in the gym or on the track with sweaty hands.

With the Powerbeats Pro 2, I don't have to. And both the left and right earbuds have the physical buttons, so I can wear just one without missing out on features. This is great for safety, as I stay aware of my surroundings while I run. Since the earbuds have ANC and transparency mode support, I can also use the latter to maintain awareness while working out.

Beats is owned by Apple, but it's worth emphasizing that the Powerbeats Pro 2 work just as good on Android as iOS. They get a companion app on Android, and every feature is available across both platforms. In fact, if you've always wanted AirPods but needed better Android support, these are the earbuds to get. The Powerbeats Pro 2 share the same Apple H2 chip as the AirPods Pro 2.

And, the Powerbeats Pro 2 have the same optical heart-rate monitor as the AirPods Pro 3. That's right — you can use these earbuds to track your heart rate during workouts without needing a smartwatch or chest strap, pairing them to your Android phone.

It's clear that they were built from the ground up with fitness buffs in mind, and that's why I love them as a runner. At $180, they're a no-brainer if you love to work out.

All Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

I test every mainstream pair of wireless earbuds that come out, and my buying advice is simple: grab the pair that matches your phone. More often than not, it really is that easy. If you have an iPhone, get AirPods. If you have a Samsung Galaxy phone, get Galaxy Buds. Google Pixel users are lucky enough to get the Pixel Buds Pro 2 — they're not just the best for Pixel, they're one of the best wireless earbuds overall.

While most premium earbuds start at $250 and up, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are just $229 at full price. That makes this Amazon Prime Day deal feel too good to be true. You can snag the Pixel Buds Pro 2 for only $160, and every Pixel user should consider it.

• Prime Day 2026 ends TONIGHT: see the full list of deals

✅ Recommended if: you want small and comfortable earbuds without a stem; you have a Google Pixel phone and want companion earbuds; you want incredible wireless audio under $200.

❌ Skip this deal if: you need physical on-earbud buttons (the Pixel Buds Pro 2 use swipe gestures); you're on a budget and would rather get the Pixel Buds 2a (also on-sale for Prime Day)

Most wireless earbuds on the market today offer great sound, and many bundle exclusive software features you only get with a matching phone. That's why the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 go great with, say, a Pixel 10 Pro. I've used the Pixel Buds Pro 2, and there's one thing that makes them stand out among the competition.

It's their comfort. While many earbuds are chunky or feature long stems, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are minuscule by comparison. They are 27% smaller than the original Pixel Buds Pro, and they're also 24% lighter. Better yet, they have an included stabilizer that keeps the Pixel Buds Pro 2 locked in place.

Google did something clever to let you know when you've found the perfect fit: the "G" logo on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will be upright when they're twisted in place. I have AirPods and Galaxy Buds slip out of my ears all the time, and that's never happened with the Pixel Buds Pro 2.

At their $160 sale price, these earbuds are priced like a base-model pair, with the specs of a flagship. They have a custom Tensor A1 audio processor to handle sound and active noise-cancelation. They can also do spatial audio and multi-device switching, connecting with Google Find Hub for tracking.

I don't think you'll find a better pair of wireless earbuds at this price point — but this deal won't last forever. Prime Day ends today, so move fast.

All Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

Indeed, Prime Day is often the perfect time to pick up the more expensive products on your wishlist, especially if you're looking for earbud deals. For instance, these Bang and Olufsen Beoplay Eleven earbuds are 30% off for Amazon Prime Day, bringing the premium-level buds' price tag down to just $419.30. This is actually the lowest price these earbuds have ever seen, making them a worthwhile option to consider for audiophiles.

It's no secret that Bang and Olufsen makes some of the best audio products out there today, which is a huge part of why the maker's price tags are typically so high. These come with fairly large drivers for being earbuds, resulting in a really nice and balanced audio profile across a broad frequency range. They also come with user-friendly touch controls, water and dust resistance, and a fairly long battery life with or without active noise cancellation. You can get this deal on the Eucalyptus Green version of the earbuds, while there is currently a smaller discount available for the Copper and Natural Aluminum colors.

✅Recommended if: you want earbuds with highly competitive audio quality, but don't want to pay a $500-plus price tag; you're looking for a pair of buds with ANC, easy hands-free voice assistant and calling, and easy-to-use touch controls; you would prioritize a top-notch ANC and audio profile over having industry-leading battery life.

❌Skip this deal if: you need something with more than six hours of battery life with ANC; you're not looking toward the best wireless earbuds category and you'd rather grab something lower-quality with a more affordable price tag.

The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay Eleven are a certified pair of good earbuds, but the $600 price tag hurts a little, to be frank. Fortunately, they feel extremely competitive at the discounted price, featuring 20 hours of battery life with ANC off or six with it toggled on, a frequency range of 20 to 22,000Hz, and 9.2mm drivers that offer some highly compelling audio, even amongst today's top rivals.

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

Prime Day is full of deals. Some are genuinely worth your attention, while others are easy to skip. But I may have just found a wireless earbuds deal that's worth a closer look. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro scored 4.5/5 stars in our review, and they're now down to their lowest price ever at just $210 during Amazon's Prime Day sale.

As we noted in our Galaxy Buds 4 Pro review, if you own a Samsung Galaxy smartphone and want the best wireless earbuds experience to go alongside it, these are very hard to beat. At nearly 20% off, they're also much easier to recommend than they were at launch. I've checked pricing across Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, and right now, Prime Day is offering the best deal.

• Prime Day is back June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: you want wireless earbuds that work seamlessly with Samsung Galaxy phones, deliver excellent sound quality, offer strong ANC, and come with an unusually generous warranty.

❌Skip this deal if: you need multipoint connectivity across multiple Android devices or don't own a Samsung Galaxy phone.

Samsung launched the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro alongside the Galaxy S26 series earlier this year. While they don't look dramatically different from the previous generation, Samsung made several meaningful upgrades. Sound quality is noticeably better, ANC has improved, and the overall experience feels much more refined.

One of the biggest highlights, according to our reviewer Tshaka Armstrong, is the fit. He noted that the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are among the few stem-style earbuds that stayed securely in place even during workouts and more intense movements like burpees.

And if you're already in Samsung's ecosystem, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro become even more compelling. They support Samsung's SSC codec, which enables up to 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution audio. You also get Galaxy AI features like Interpreter Mode for real-time translation, along with automatic device switching across Samsung products.

Another underrated benefit is the warranty. Samsung includes a two-year warranty with the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro in the U.S., whereas most competing earbuds still come with only a standard one-year warranty. If you're planning to keep your earbuds for a while, that's a nice bit of extra peace of mind.

Of course, they're not perfect. The lack of proper multipoint connectivity remains frustrating, and many of the best features only really shine when paired with a Samsung Galaxy phone.

But if you're looking for earbuds that sound great, fit comfortably, offer strong noise cancellation, and integrate deeply with Samsung's ecosystem, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are very hard to overlook at $210.

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

What you need to know

• Rumors claim Nothing is working on a new pair of budget earbuds, called the Ear 3a.
• These buds could feature a similar price to a previous budget model at €99 (~$114 USD) in black, white, yellow, and pink colorways.
• There's little information about the earbuds' specifications; however, the device could see teasers/a possible debut later this year.

If it feels like we should have another set of Nothing earbuds on the way, you might be right. Rumors surface, claiming to have found its next budget edition.

Early details about Nothing's development of the Ear 3a are coming to light. Rumors from Dealabs (French) discuss the potential pricing situation consumers could see once these earbuds debut (via GSMArena). The publication claims Nothing could keep the price of the Ear 3a close to its predecessor at €99 (~$114 USD). At the moment, this is all the post could dig up about the Ear 3a.

There's mostly speculation circling right now about the device. In particular, there are hopes that Nothing will amp up the Ear 3a's capabilities with more welcome upgrades to its noise cancellation, etc. Rumors continue on an aesthetic note for the Ear 3a. The post alleges Nothing is working on four colorways, such as white, black, yellow, and pink.

Nothing debuted its Ear 3 buds in September 2025. Considering the timing of these rumors, there's a chance we're looking at a repeat—but make it budget.

Keeping it clear

The design of the Ear 3a is an aspect we're curious to see. So far, Nothing's kept its earbuds relatively close. The Nothing Ear 3 features a bulbous main body with silicone tips and transparent stems/stabilizers. It's worth noting that these buds cost $30 more than previously. So, it might be nice to hear the opposite for the Ear 3a, as Nothing could look to keep things affordable.

If we take a look back at a more likely comparison, the Nothing Ear a debuted in 2024 with 11mm audio drivers and a 500mAh case. The earbuds themselves feature 46mAh cells. In our review, the Ear a performed well, especially if you're a bass lover. The device got a little wonky with higher-frequency electric guitars, but perhaps this is an area the Ear 3a can improve. We're in June now, and Nothing typically starts teasing its next devices toward the end of summer.

If the company continues this trend, we might see something new appear late in August or early September.

Cheap earbuds don't always come with the top-tier features, which is why it's a smart move to keep an eye out for deals on higher-end models. Right now, for example, Amazon has slashed the price of the Beats Studio Buds Plus by 41%, though the retailer says the deal will only last a little bit longer.

The Beats Studio Buds Plus offered some key improvements upon previous generations, namely including better compatibility with Android devices, and an upgraded active noise cancellation profile. They also sport a long-lasting battery, high-quality calling, and an overall comfortable fit.

They also come at a cheaper normal price point than many premium-level earbuds, while still boasting a pretty powerful audio profile.

This particular deal is available for the buds in all three of the device's available color combos: Black and Gold, Ivory, and my personal favorite, Transparent.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a powerful set of earbuds with high-quality audio, high-resolution listening, and a long-lasting battery, but you'd prefer to keep the budget around $100; you want a pair of earbuds that is comfortable and will effectively help mute your surroundings; you need a pair of earbuds with reliable, user-friendly button controls for playback and volume.

❌Skip this deal if: you'd rather upgrade to some of the best wireless earbuds on the market, and you have the budget to do so without scoring a big deal; you need earbuds with their own built-in EQ capabilities, rather than just using those on your device; you're looking for earbuds with wireless charging.

The Beats Studio Buds Plus are well-liked for a number of reasons, but especially for their high-quality audio profile, their powerful ANC mode, their long-lasting battery, and the cool colorway options that offer something unique for everybody.

Beats says these will offer users up to nine hours of battery life without ANC, or up to seven hours with the mode activated. The case offers users up to three charges when fully charged itself, while five-minute charging sessions will yield about an hour of playback.

To be sure, these don't include built-in EQ options, which is a feature that many prefer. However, given that most devices today have their own EQ options, this may not be such a dealbreaker for casual users.

Getting a good wireless earbuds deal doesn't have to be a workout, especially when Amazon discounts like this are floating around. For a limited time, the retailer is chopping 20% off the price of our favorite workout earbuds, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2.

We love the Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds for their high-end sound quality, onboard heart rate monitoring, spatial audio support, and more. They also offer ample battery life for frequent exercisers, improved sound from previous generations of the model, and wireless charging. Typically, these wireless earbuds are priced at $250, so the 20% discount takes a nice $50 chunk out of that.

It's also worth noting that the deal is available for the Powerbeats Pro 2 in all four color options, including Jet Black, Hyper Purple, Quicksand, and, my personal favorite, Electric Orange.

✅Recommended if: you want the best earbuds for workouts on the market today, and you specifically need something with built-in heart rate monitoring; you want to utilize features such as spatial audio while working out; you prefer earbuds with an ear-hook-style design that makes it easy to keep them in your ears while exercising, and you have a budget of around $200.

❌Skip this deal if: you'd rather save even more money on a pair of earbuds and you don't need high-tier features like spatial audio or heart rate monitoring; you prefer a pair of buds with a tiny case that offers the utmost in portability; you like earbuds without the sporty ear clip, and you'd rather go with something that has a classic stalked design.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are a perfect pick for workout lovers across the sports spectrum, offering a long battery life, spatial audio, heart rate monitoring, and an overall powerful sonic profile.

Beats says users will get up to 10 hours of battery life with just the earbuds, or up to 45 when intermittently charging using the case. As for fast charging, the buds can get around 1.5 hours of playback with a quick five-minute charge, while they also feature Qi wireless charging support.

What you need to know

• Nothing is launching a new blue version of the Ear (open) on May 11, adding a bolder option to its audio lineup.
• The update is purely cosmetic, with the same open-ear design and hardware staying intact.
• You still get 14.2mm drivers, AI-powered microphones, up to 30 hours of battery life, and IP54 dust and splash resistance.

Nothing is updating its most unconventional earbuds with a new look. Earlier this week, the company teased fans with a Pokémon-themed post featuring Flaaffy, a character previously linked to the Ear (open) launch. Now, Nothing has confirmed that a blue version of the Ear (open) is officially coming.

The new color will be available on May 11, joining the current white version, according to Nothing. This is not a full hardware update or a new model. Nothing is keeping the same open-ear earbuds for people who want to listen to music without blocking out their surroundings.

Open-ear design stays the focus

That means the Ear (open) sits just outside the ear and lets ambient sound pass through instead of sealing your ear canal. This design is better for runners, cyclists, commuters, or anyone who dislikes the isolated feeling of noise-canceling earbuds.

Nothing else seems to be changing inside. The earbuds still have the same lightweight open-ear design, 14.2mm dynamic drivers, AI-powered microphones, and up to 30 hours of playback with the charging case. They also have an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, so they are suitable for workouts and outdoor use.

These earbuds focus on awareness and comfort instead of complete immersion, and that is by design. Unlike sealed earbuds with active noise cancellation, they are made to keep you aware of traffic, conversations, and your surroundings, while still offering punchy bass for an open-ear style.

Recently, Nothing has been using color more as part of its brand identity. The company has tried special finishes on its phones and audio products before, and the new blue Ear (open) seems like another way to stand out in a market full of black and white earbuds.

What you need to know

• Pixel Buds users hit Google's subreddit to report an issue with their ANC and Transparency mode toggles.
• Users state their toggles are either gone entirely or take ~30 seconds to appear when using the Quick Audio settings menu.
• After Google's suggestions, users claim nothing has worked, meaning an alternative fix is required from the company.

Google's Pro-level earbud users are running into an issue, as key features are going missing without rhyme or reason.

A few days ago, reports started popping up on the Google Pixel subreddit, as one user reported that they can't see their Pixel Buds' ANC, Off, and Transparency modes (via Android Headlines). This problem seems to have targeted the Quick Audio settings for their device. They provided a screenshot as evidence, which clearly shows the lack of these notable features.

This has become a notable frustration for the user, as this menu can be quickly produced by tapping the three dots when changing your volume. It removes the necessity for diving into larger menus. Other users chimed in, stating that they've had this issue "for several months, as well." The user, with the Pixel Buds Pro 2, adds that the number of buttons that would appear in their Quick Audio settings can vary from two to three, or maybe four buttons. The issue here is that the bug is causing a consistency error. Some features are there one day and then gone the next.

Two other reports said that the features will surface, but it "takes a few seconds to populate." One comment says that they've been forced to wait ~30 seconds for their ANC/Transparency buttons to appear, which is annoying to deal with. It's not exactly clear when this issue first started, as some theorize the April update might've caused it, while others have had this for a few months.

Google responded to this thread, suggesting that users update their device or perform a reset. That hasn't exactly worked out for many users, meaning something more will be required from Google's end.

Struggling buds, too

Google Pixel Buds no longer showing the ANC/off/transparency modes toggle in the quick audio settings (when you click the 3 dots after changing volume) from r/GooglePixel

While this is a dark spot on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 for some users, there was some excitement a few months back when Google rolled out a key update. Head Gestures played a significant part in that Buds Pro 2 update, giving users a convenient way to accept and decline calls. Nodding your head will accept the call or begin a reply to a text message. The other side of that patch was Adaptive Audio and Loud Noise Protection to better defend against any inner ear damage.

Along the lines of this report, Google's been struggling elsewhere, such as an unusual battery drain affecting several Pixel generations. Following the April security patch, devices from the Pixel 6 series to the Pixel 10 have had their energy strangely depleted without much user interaction. Luckily, Google has acknowledged the issue and is working on a fix.

Android Central's Take

Google's Pixel Buds have been flying under the radar. They're earbuds, after all. While they're good, and good at doing what they need to, reports like this can be frustrating. What I've noticed are user comments to Google's suggestion on Reddit about how to solve the issue. Users aren't finding any help, and even encourage the company to check other reports on their community forum. Hopefully, Google can acknowledge these issues are begin working on a fix.

Wireless earbuds are a must-have accessory in this day and age, but you'll find that the best models can be pretty pricey without a good deal attached. Fortunately, Amazon is answering our prayers by slashing a straight $50 off the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2), a pair that we called "the best-sounding earbuds" that we've ever used — which is saying a lot considering the quality of Sony's latest models.

Usually priced at $299, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) boast incredible sound with immersive bass and crystal-clear voice quality, plus you get premium features like powerful active noise cancellation (ANC) and gesture controls. Of course, even with a discount, these wireless earbuds aren't cheap, so why should you choose the second-generation QuietComfort Ultra over other models? Let's discuss.

• See the full list of deals at Amazon today

✅Recommended if: you want to use some of the best-sounding noise-cancelling earbuds on the market today; ANC, great sound, and a comfortable fit are the most important details for you when shopping for earbuds. 

❌Skip this deal if: you want earbuds with a super-compact and portable charging case; you're looking for a cheap pair of earbuds; battery life and AI integration are the most important details for you when buying earbuds. 

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) are easy to recommend to almost anyone, but you'll find the earbuds particularly impressive if you prioritize sound quality and active noise cancellation. 

Utilizing 9.3mm drivers, the Gen 2 buds boast a neutral sound profile and a ton of options for customization, with support for hi-res audio using aptX Adaptive, spatial audio, and more. The result is immersive sound that's built just for you, not to mention some of the most cutting-edge ANC technology in the business.

Of course, no device is perfect. The earbuds will only last about six hours before you need to use the admittedly bulky charging case (which can add up to 18 hours of additional usage). You also won't get as many integrated AI features as you would with, say, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.

Having said that, the best earbuds for you will depend on your habits and priorities. Do you mostly use wireless earbuds as an extension to your Android phone, focusing primarily on call quality and smart assistant features? Then you might want to look elsewhere.

But if you want some of the best sound in the business with cutting-edge noise cancellation and a ton of customizable settings, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) are a great choice, particularly when you slap on a $50 discount.

What you need to know

• Motorola has unveiled the Moto Buds 2 Plus, priced at $150 in North America.
• The buds stand out with Bose-tuned audio and a dual-driver setup (11mm dynamic + Knowles armatures) for better bass and clearer highs.
• Bluetooth 6.0 enables dual-device switching, but its real benefits are limited until more devices support it.

The wireless earbud market is crowded with similar designs and big promises that often fall short. To stand out, companies need to offer more than decent sound and a familiar brand. Motorola is aiming for the high-end market with its new Moto Buds 2 Plus.

Available on the Motorola website in North America starting April 30 for $150, these earbuds aim to address hardware limitations by combining advanced audio technology with robust on-device AI.

Looking at the acoustic hardware, standard single drivers often have trouble separating deep bass from clear highs. These earbuds feature an audio profile developed with Bose. Inside, they use dual 11mm dynamic drivers for strong bass and balanced armatures from Knowles for precise, clear high notes.

This dual-driver setup is key for delivering clear, high-resolution audio without distortion. Motorola also supports LHDC (both LHDC4 and LHDC5), as well as the usual AAC and SBC codecs. With Spatial Audio included, these specs are impressive for the price.

Advanced noise control

To help keep you aware of your surroundings, the earbuds offer Dynamic Active Noise Cancellation and a regular Transparency Mode. If you need to take a call in a noisy place, six built-in microphones use Environmental Noise Cancellation and a high signal-to-noise ratio to reduce background noise. The Moto Buds app also includes a CrystalTalk AI feature that uses advanced noise reduction to make your voice clearer.

In terms of specs, the earbuds are listed as having Bluetooth 6.0, which allows for smooth Dual Connection auto-switching. This means you can quickly move from a call on your laptop back to your phone.

There is also an Audio Share feature, letting two pairs of Moto Buds 2 Plus connect to the same device at once. The earbuds last up to 9 hours on a single charge, and the case extends total battery life to 40 hours. If the battery runs out, a 10-minute charge gives you two more hours of listening.

The earbuds have an IP54 rating for dust and splashes, but the charging case is only rated IPX2.

The main difference, though, is in the software. When you pair the earbuds with a compatible Motorola phone, holding down on the earbuds activates "Moto AI." This does more than just start a digital assistant. Features include "Catch me up" for notification summaries, "Pay attention" to record, transcribe, or summarize meetings hands-free, and "Remember this" to save and recall details later. You can also use AI-powered translation right in your ear.

Android Central's Take

Motorola's new earbuds offer a lot of useful features and come in a Pantone Silhouette finish, putting pressure on competitors with higher prices. Still, Motorola has to persuade buyers to pay for Bluetooth 6.0 before it becomes widely useful. The new standard should lower power use and work better with other wireless signals, but you won't see these benefits until more phones support it. For now, the earbuds' success depends on their sound quality and noise cancellation. With Bose and Knowles involved, that could be enough.

What you need to know

• Samsung is allegedly working on a new pair of earbuds called the "Galaxy Buds Able," which could feature an open-ear design.
• Rumors claim this design might also feature bone conduction to transmit sound via vibrations "through the user's cheekbones."
• It was stated that bone conduction can lack audio richness, which is what users overseas have praised the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro for, as the latest series saw positive sales.

Rumors about a new Galaxy Buds form factor are stirring speculation about how it will deliver sound.

A report from SammyGuru claims to have discovered an early glimpse at what Samsung's alleged "Galaxy Buds Able" could look like. The design, supposedly found via One UI's software, suggests the company is opting for an open-ear "clip design" for the Buds Able. While open-ear designs typically hug the user's ear, the publication alleges another aspect: bone conduction.

It's been reported that the Galaxy Buds Able might forgo standard audio drivers in favor of bone conduction technology. It explains that such a method relies on the transmission of vibrations "through the cheekbones" for sound. SammyGuru adds that this differs from drivers, which "push air" for sound. While "sound leakage" is reportedly lower with this audio method, the report adds that bone conduction lacks that heavy, head-rocking bass (something the latest Galaxy Buds were praised for).

What's shown in Samsung's software is what will likely be an illustration for explanatory purposes. The illustration is as detailed as one would like; however, it shows off two bulbous parts with a flat side, likely where they "clip" or press against the body. The publication alleges one side features a "grille," which could serve as its eventual microphone placement.

More Galaxy Buds

It was also reiterated that the "Galaxy Buds Able" were originally discovered in name only through an Android Authority discovery (via SammyGuru). Its name was found alongside Samsung's recent Galaxy Buds 4 series devices. Aside from this, there's nothing concrete to go on to form this product in our minds. What was strange to the publication was its model number: SM-U600. It states that the company typically uses "U" to denote phones for the U.S., but this has seemingly changed.

What's curious about this is the potential for Samsung to go the bone conduction route. As the publication said, the richness of sound is often a downside. The Galaxy Buds 4, specifically, the Buds 4 Pro, were praised for being a beast in sound quality. It was reported that 90% of the Buds 4 sold recently (over 100,000 units) were its Pro variant. Improved bass and treble were listed as positives that consumers talked about in South Korea.

Of course, Samsung could be trying to break into the open-ear market to appeal to a different set of consumers. Open-ears are pretty good for high activity, as running around and jumping might cause those in-ear versions to slip out.

Nothing launched its Ear 3 wireless earbuds with notable hardware upgrades, including larger drivers, LDAC support, and longer battery life. There's also the built-in case microphone that enables the "Super Mic" mode. With a higher price to match, the Nothing Ear 3 are a tougher sell at their full $179 price compared to mainstream options. However, there's one thing Nothing does better than almost any audio brand, and that's software.

The Nothing Ear 3 connect with your Android phone via the Nothing X app, and it's a dream for audio fans who want to personalize and customize their earbuds. There's an eight-band equalizer, personalized sound, and a bass enhancement mode to help you find the right sound signature. That's on top of classic features like ANC and spatial audio. These are the Ear 3 features in the Nothing X app that'll help you make the latest Nothing earbuds your own.

Personal sound

Everyone's hearing is different. There is a general audio frequency range for humans that gives us a general idea of what sounds people can actually hear. There's also something called the "Harman Curve," which shows the frequency response most people find enjoyable. However, these are just general guidelines rather than rules. To get a sound that someone will love, it needs to be personalized.

Nothing helps you do just that with a feature called Personal sound. It's an optional Nothing X feature that tests your hearing and automatically adjusts the Nothing Ear 3's sound profile accordingly. The test determines your ability to hear sounds at various frequencies along a distribution curve, and based on the results, the app applies an EQ setting to match your hearing profile.

To start, open the Nothing X app and tap Personal sound under your earbud's device settings. The personalization process takes roughly three minutes to complete. It works by playing tones intermittently. You have to tell the app whether you hear a tone or silence. By analyzing which tones you hear and which you miss, the app can identify the frequencies you can perceive. It then adjusts your earbuds' sound profile to match the results of the hearing test.

When you're finished, you get a Nothing Ear 3 sound signature personalized to your individual hearing capabilities.

Bass enhancement

Nothing headphones and earbuds are known to be on the bassy side, but there's a chance that's why you bought the Nothing Ear 3 in the first place. The rich, deep lows are what make the Ear 3 stand out in a crowded audio market. If you need even more bass than the earbuds provide by default, you can enable Bass enhancement in the Nothing X app. It'll place even greater emphasis on low frequencies to deliver the booming bass you're looking for.

To enable Bass enhancement, flip the toggle for it on in the Nothing X app with your earbuds connected. Then, tap it to choose a Bass enhancement level between one and five. The default setting is three, but you can move the slider up or down to make the enhancement more or less pronounced. To find the right setting, listen to your favorite songs — the ones you know the best — at various bass enhancement levels.

Find the one you like, and don't be afraid to keep the setting disabled if you think the Nothing Ear 3 sound better without it.

Low lag mode

This setting is simple, but it's important to keep it in your portfolio and pull it out when needed. It's called Low lag mode, and it reduces the amount of audio lag between the Nothing Ear 3 and your device. This is useful for certain applications, like gaming, where response times are crucial. While other earbuds hide this option behind gaming modes and experimental settings, it's right on the Nothing X home page when the Ear 3 are connected.

This option, when enabled, drops the input lag to under 120ms. It's turned on by default when Game Mode is active on a connected Nothing Phone. You should turn on Low lag mode when gaming or during other specialized tasks, but you can leave it off for daily listening.

Equalizer

For manual tweaks to the Nothing Ear 3, the Nothing X app offers an eight-band equalizer. Essentially, this means there are eight sections of the audio frequency spectrum that you can increase or decrease in volume. Instead of adjusting the earbud volume, you can pick specific sound ranges to limit or enhance individually, like bass or treble.

The Nothing X app equalizer is really robust, with three modes: Simple, Advanced, and Explore. Using the Simple mode gives you quick, self-explanatory EQ presets including Balanced, More Bass, More Treble, and Voice. There are also custom EQs you can build in the Simple mode using a graphic visualizer. The Advanced tab offers the more sophisticated toggles, with individual sliders for the eight bands listed across the frequency spectrum.

As one final trick, there's an Explore tab with EQ profiles curated by Nothing and created by experts. In other words, you can instantly download and apply a customized EQ profile made by an audiophile that takes the work out of your hands.

Dual connection

Finally, there's Dual connection, which helps you seamlessly switch your Nothing Ear 3 between devices. It works by letting your earbuds connect to multiple host devices. Then, in the Nothing X app, tap the Dual connection toggle and flip it on. Open the menu, and check the boxes beside the device names you want to use the Dual connection feature. For example, I chose my Nothing Phone 3a Pro and Google Pixel 10 Pro.

Then, the earbuds will automatically switch between audio sources while maintaining a connection to both phones. Nothing Ear 3 will prioritize the sources that are currently playing audio or are on a phone call. This feature saves you the hassle of manually switching Bluetooth connections between multiple devices.

It's one of the many Nothing Ear 3 features that help enhance your sound or improve daily device connection. The Nothing X companion app is one of the best parts of daily driving a pair of Nothing headphones or earbuds, so you'll want to start using it.

Buying wireless earbuds is easier than you might think. There are the legacy audio brands like Bose and Sony with compelling options, and phone brands typically make earbuds that go great with their latest Android flagships. If you have a Google Pixel phone or tablet, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 might be the best wireless earbuds on the market. You'll get stellar sound, a comfortable fit, and exclusive Google features that will go great with your Pixel devices.

The best thing about the Pixel Buds Pro 2 might be their affordable price. They're cheaper than the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, AirPods Pro 3, and certainly premium options from Bose and Sony. That's at full price — this Amazon Big Spring Sale deal takes things to the next level. Pixel Buds Pro 2 usually cost $229, but for a limited time, they're just $169 on Amazon. You can save $60 on the best earbuds for Pixel users.

• See the full list of deals during Amazon's Big Spring Sale - ends March 31st

✅ Recommended if: you own a Google Pixel phone and want earbuds with exclusive features; you don't like earbuds with stems and prefer a low-key fit; you want excellent Gemini AI integration.

❌ Skip this deal if: you want earbuds that work better outside the Google ecosystem; you prefer tactile on-earbud controls; you need hi-res audio compatibility

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 aren't new, but they've continued to receive exciting updates. Just last year, Google brought Adaptive Audio and Loud Noise Protection to the Pixel Buds Pro 2, significantly improving the earbuds' active noise-cancelation capabilities. Under the hood, these earbuds are powered by a custom Tensor A1 audio processing chip and dual 11mm dynamic drivers.

They support SBC, AAC, Opus audio codecs, as well as Bluetooth 5.4 and Low Energy Audio support. That means you can use the Pixel Buds Pro 2 with Auracast and Android 16's Audio Sharing feature to connect multiple earbuds to a single device for shared listening.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are one of the few earbuds to not have a stem, which some users find more comfortable. Instead, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 have a stabilizer that rests inside your outer ear to ensure the earbuds don't fall out. They're comfortable and easy to insert — when the "G" logo on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is perfectly horizontal, you know they're in your ear correctly.

These earbuds are already a great value at full price, but who doesn't want to save another $60 on an excellent pair of Pixel earbuds?

I test tens of wireless earbuds each year, and the Powerbeats Pro 2 are my undisputed champions for fitness and workout performance. There are some earbuds, like the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4, that I wouldn't trust to stay in my ears during a brisk walk — let alone an intense workout. Models with a slightly better fit can handle everyday wear, but conquering the gym or a track workout is a completely different story.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 stand alone as the only earbuds that feel tailor-made for fitness buffs. They have large and flexible ear hooks for stability, tactile on-earbud controls, and a built-in heart rate monitor for standalone workout tracking. Just over a year after Powerbeats Pro 2 first debuted, Beats is here with a limited-edition variant that immediately caught my attention. If somehow you haven't been sold on the Powerbeats Pro 2 yet, this special colorway might just be the thing that seals the deal.

Beats has always been a culture brand, and it often releases limited-edition variants of its popular products. There's even a dedicated page on the Beats website that highlights recent collaborations. We've seen team-ups with Alo, Kim Kardashian, and Minecraft in the past, but we've never seen anything like the Beats x Nike collab for the Powerbeats Pro 2.

It's easily the best-looking Powerbeats Pro 2 model available, featuring Nike's classic black and Volt colors.

Nike delivers the flashiest and sportiest Powerbeats Pro 2 colorway yet

Nike and Apple have worked together for decades across various partnerships, including iconic collabs like Nike+iPod and Apple Watch Nike Edition. Those hardware partnerships are no more, as the two companies have recently opted for smaller collabs, like Nike Apple Watch bands and watch faces. The Beats x Nike version of the Powerbeats Pro 2 flips the script, as it's arguably Beats' most thorough limited-edition collaboration to date.

As soon as you catch a glimpse of the Beats x Nike earbuds, you'll see what I mean. The left earbud predictably sports the Beats logo, but the right one swaps it for the classic Nike swoosh. It's the first time ever that another brand logo has appeared in place of the Beats "b." It's fitting that Nike is the one to make history in this fashion, considering the company's storied history with Apple.

You might not care about the intricacies of the partnership as a potential buyer, but you will care about the Powerbeats Pro 2's striking appearance. The Beats x Nike version of the earbuds features a two-tone finish with matte black and Volt colors. For those unfamiliar, Volt is a staple Nike color, a high-visibility neon yellow. It's often paired with black for contrast, and that look is certainly found on the Powerbeats Pro 2 special edition here.

Fans will probably find the idea of owning a Nike-branded pair of workout earbuds pretty exciting. Even those less interested in the brand name might appreciate the look of the Beats x Nike special edition Powerbeats Pro 2.

I've been waiting for a neon yellow colorway for the Powerbeats Pro 2, as we saw similar options appear on the original Powerbeats Pro and the Beats Fit Pro. Newer models like the Powerbeats Pro 2 and Powerbeats Fit are available in colors like orange, purple, and pink — but not yellow.

The included charging case is matte black with a speckled Volt design sprinkled in, plus a white Beats logo. It supports wireless charging and USB-C for power, just like the standard version. When you flip the case open, you're met with the "Just Do It" slogan. Nothing like seeing a motivational catchphrase as you pop in the Powerbeats Pro 2 before your next set at the gym.

I say that partially in jest, because of course, the Beats x Nike collab is purely a cosmetic one. You get the same audio drivers, active noise-canceling quality, and heart-rate monitoring support as the standard Powerbeats Pro 2. Still, I think there's a market for the Nike special edition of the Powerbeats Pro 2 on multiple fronts.

The Beats x Nike is about more than just looks

The truth is, looks are only a small part of what makes this Beats x Nike collab special. If you use Nike gear to train, it's neat to have a pair of earbuds that perfectly match. However, Nike makes more than just clothes and shoes. They also make training software in the Nike Run Club and Nike Training Club apps, available on both iOS and Android.

I use the Nike Run Club app to track my runs, and with nearly 2,000 miles in the books, it's an important part of my training. The cool thing about the Nike special edition of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is that it connects with the NRC app using the built-in heart rate monitor. So, you can pair the Beats x Nike Powerbeats Pro 2 to the NRC app and use them together to enhance your workouts.

Sure, you can do the same with the regular Powerbeats Pro 2. However, it's pretty awesome to use Nike-branded earbuds with Nike fitness apps. Throw in Nike shoes or watch bands, and you'll look like a workout pro with a matching kit in no time.

A pair of Powerbeats Pro 2 that stand out from the crowd

The Beats x Nike version of the Powerbeats Pro 2 costs $250 — the same as the other four colorways. Considering you can find them on sale for as low as $200 with frequent deals, you might not want to pay full price for the Nike version. That's fair, but as a counterpoint, it's nice to have a pair of workout earbuds that stand out in a gym or at a race.

These Beats collabs typically sell out, so it's worth jumping on this Powerbeats Pro 2 variant early if you're interested. They're already my favorite workout earbuds, and a handful of folks at Android Central use them. Getting a Nike-infused facelift simply sweetens the deal.

I’m a fan of the “Lord of the Rings” films and books. In the movie, an evil force creates several magic “Rings of Power” to be worn by different “heroes” of Middle-earth. Then, unbeknownst to the wearers of those rings, the malevolent force creates one, all-powerful ring that controls the others and those who wear them.

I’m finding that, no matter my activities, Sony’s new WF-1000XM6 are the one ring pair of earbuds to rule them all, and there’s a lot to unpack with that statement.

The new Sony WF-1000XM6 ANC earbuds arrive in minimalist packaging. You get a very small box, and inside you’ll find a manual, a laughably short charging cable, and three additional pairs of ear tips. Though I found a good fit with one preinstalled medium and one small ear tip, I’d like to see more options for a flagship product.

The USB-C and wireless charging-enabled case is pocketable, but it’s on the larger side compared to direct competitors like the Technics EAH-AZ100 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. Its charging light sits behind the front face, like some of its competitors, although I had no problem seeing it when charging.

This year, it’s also taller and more angular than the previous gen. It has a very fine-grained texture that resists slipping in the hand, and laughs at your attempts to leave fingerprints on it.

Opening the case, you’ll find kidney bean-shaped buds that look bulky but are deceptively light and have the same matte texture as the case, unlike the XM5's glossy finish.

You get eight microphones for calls and ANC, along with quite a long list of features, so the size is forgivable. Despite that, even during dynamic workouts, they never felt heavy. Likely a result of the earbuds’ ergonomic shape that conforms to your concha.

Normally, I’d get right to the sound quality notes here, but let’s get to that “One Ring to rule them all” analogy. I enjoyed the XM6’s in the gym for high-intensity workouts and slower powerlifting movements. Their excellent ANC filters out more low-frequency sound this year, thanks to the new QN3e processor that Sony says is 3x faster than the QN2 in the XM5.

This allowed me to stay locked in and focused on my mind-muscle connection while also doing an admirable job of mitigating and quieting high-frequency sounds, such as the sudden clank of plates, and nearby conversations. With music on, around 65% of max, I couldn’t hear any ambient gym noise.

That said, living in beach-friendly Southern California, I’d like to see more durability. They’re IPX4-rated, which means no submersion and no dust protection, but you’re good for sweaty workouts, splashes, and occasional light rain. I’ll have to be careful in the sand, though, especially during the many beach trips I take.

The ear tips aren’t as easy to clean as silicone ear tips, but the tradeoff is that the hybrid foam material does a great job of providing passive noise cancellation and great comfort. There are metal mesh screens in the ear tips to prevent wax from passing into the drivers (pictured above).

As usual, I had issues with the “Speak-to-chat” feature during workouts. It’s brilliant, but I often forget I have that feature enabled, start singing, and interrupt my music. I even accidentally triggered the feature during forceful exhales. You can control the sensitivity in the Sound Connect app, which helps, but I turn it off during exercise unless I'm working out with a partner.

For calls, the XM6s have improved over the WF-1000XM5s by adding bone conduction tech to the earbuds, delivering better call quality on windy days. The only part of the calling experience that was a bit jarring for me was activating ANC during a call. Audio dips briefly when you do that, so you’ll miss a few words from whoever you’re talking to until ANC fully kicks in. It’s quick, but in use, you will feel its effects.

My favorite feature, which the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and some LinkBuds variations had but the WF-1000XM5 didn't, is offline Voice Commands. Sony takes things a step further by offering more commands. Additionally, through the Sound Connect app, you can set up the earbuds to activate your Voice Assistant by simply saying “Assistant,” then giving your command.

All of this worked quite well in my testing, but know that you have to choose between one or the other, and how well the Voice Commands or Assistant feature works will depend on the level of background noise. Not ideal for a concert, but on busy streets with heavy traffic noise, I was able to operate the earbuds by voice just fine.

Voice commands are well complemented by the Head Gesture feature. Just like AirPods, you can simply nod or shake your head to answer/end calls, and more.

Flagship ANC hasn’t always meant flagship sound quality. Not anymore. Bluetooth sound quality has come a long way, decreasing the gap in sonic fidelity between wired and wireless connections, and the Sony WF-1000XM6 exemplifies this growth. With an LDAC or LC3 connection, the XM6 is about as good as it gets for Bluetooth.

Wearing them during the review period, and A/B testing against some of my current favorite earbuds, they truly shine as The One Buds to rule them all. Their clarity has a sparkle that feels live, and the dynamic range provides an insightful listen with hi-res audio formats. The detail retrieval is illuminating, teasing out nuances in music that you may have missed before.

Soundstage is really open and large. The bass extension will delight bass lovers like myself, with transients handled quite well, making it a good fit for those with eclectic tastes who might be listening to bass-heavy Boom Bap one minute and classical analog instrumentation the next.

One of the A/B tests in which the XM6s showed their dominance was a comparison of how they handled the frenetic, multilayered instrumentation of the wild Jazz romp, Charles Mingus’ “Moanin’.” This song is a serious stress test for any headphones or earbuds, and the XM6s handle it with aplomb, in their default settings (EQ off, DSEE off). During the most energetic moments in the song, other wireless earbuds turn the mix into mashed potatoes, losing the character of individual horns. However, these earbuds keep the sound well separated, so you can still pick out individual instruments.

That same track showcases how smooth the treble handling is and how well it retrieves detail, which is further exemplified on the XM6 with the song “Violin Duel” from the Chevalier soundtrack. The attack of bows across violin strings is realistically reproduced when listening to hi-res audio. You feel like you’re right there, sitting with the orchestra and first chair violinist. The presentation is as holographic as I’ve heard from Bluetooth earbuds.

Ambient Sound Control and Scene detection are awesome. They use your location and/or activity to automatically change ANC settings. They work so well that I had to turn off the Walking detection because it would turn on ANC and start my Apple Music playlist when I’d walk out of the house to my car.

I kept running detection activated, as well as the geolocation-based gym scene detection. The only downside is that if you are in a place or doing an activity that activates scene detection and you try to change the ANC setting manually, it will revert to the automatically set ANC settings.

With all of that turned on, I'm seeing a little more than seven of the eight hours Sony says you'll get out of the earbuds with ANC on.

LC3 with Auracast is also very important for future-proofing! We’ve written quite a bit on what Auracast promises to do for consumers and for those with accessibility needs. For the reasons we’ve covered, you’ll want this feature baked in and easily accessible.

For roughly $300, the Sony WF-1000XM6 aren’t an impulse buy, but they are the best premium daily carry earbuds you can buy right now.

In the past, I’ve had to say that something was good, but others may be better in specific areas. This “One Ring” rules them all and delivers a product with not just excellent ANC but also engaging, enlightening sound, well-executed smart features, solid call quality, and competitive battery life.

If you’re in the market for new, flagship earbuds, these are indeed worth making the perilous journey through Mordor to acquire.

What you need to know

• Samsung’s free Hearapy app combats travel nausea using audio, offering a completely drug-free alternative to pills that leave you drowsy.
• Backed by research from Nagoya University, the app plays a continuous 100Hz bass tone at 75–85 decibels.
• Enduring just 60 seconds of this bass tone can reportedly ward off motion sickness for up to a two-hour car ride.

Motion sickness can ruin vacations, commutes, and road trips for millions of people. If you’re someone who feels sick as soon as the car starts moving, your choices usually aren’t great. Google has been working on visual aids like Motion Cues for Android, but Samsung just released a much simpler option. Their new, free Android app called Hearapy tries to help your inner ear using only sound.

Hearapy (available to download here) is based on research from Nagoya University in Japan. Scientists there tested different audio frequencies to find out if sound could affect the vestibular system, which is the part of your inner ear that controls balance.

They found that listening to a specific 100Hz bass tone can help your brain process movement better. When people listened to this tone at 75 to 85 decibels, they said they felt much less stress and nausea during car rides.

Samsung turned that research into a simple app. You put on your headphones, open Hearapy, and tap the screen. The app plays a 100Hz tone, which is meant to help prevent motion sickness.

The tech giant says that listening to this bass tone for just 60 seconds can help you feel better for a two-hour road trip (via SamMobile). The app includes a timer to track your session.

Be sure to set the volume correctly. The app suggests about 85dB, which is loud but still safe for your hearing.

What you need to use it

Samsung naturally pushes its own hardware, specifically recommending the newly launched Galaxy Buds 4 Pro.

The company claims these flagship earbuds are uniquely tuned to deliver the cleanest 100Hz bass tone required for the treatment.

But do you actually need to drop premium cash on Samsung's latest buds to avoid throwing up in an Uber? Absolutely not. As long as your headphones can clearly reproduce a 100Hz bass frequency, you are good to go.

Spring is here, which means a whole lot of compelling earbud deals for shoppers on a budget. For example, Amazon has chopped 30% off the price of the CMF Buds 2 Plus for its Big Spring Sale, bringing the price of the buds down to just $55.

Like many of Nothing's devices, these earbuds boast a sleek, minimal overall look, without sacrificing on important details like audio quality or adaptive noise cancellation. They also have an IP55 ingress protection rating, making them suitable for exercise and outdoor use, along with ambient noise modes for staying attuned to your surroundings when out and about. Additionally, the CMF Buds 2 Plus feature a decently-long battery life, fast charging, and other useful audio features that users like.

At the time of writing, this Big Spring Sale discount is available for both the Light Grey and Blue versions of the earbuds.

• See the full list of deals during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

✅Recommended if: you want cheap, capable earbuds with features like ANC, ambient awareness mode, wind noise reduction, and low latency mode; battery life is a major selling point for you when it comes to earbuds; you need earbuds with quick charging speeds for long periods of listening time.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking to go with the best earbuds on the market and you have the budget to spend more than this; you prefer earbuds with an extremely small and portable charging case, and you don't typically like bulkier options; you don't care about features such as ANC or low-latency mode, and you'd rather save even more money on a cheaper pair of earbuds.

The CMF Buds 2 Plus launched last April alongside the base-level Buds 2 earbuds. Unlike those, however, the upgraded pair features added EQ customization options, a hi-res LDAC codec, ANC, and an improved battery.

Nothing says the Buds 2 Plus earbuds will get users up to 14 hours of playback per charge, or up to 61.5 hours when utilizing the case intermittently and listening without ANC. The company also says a 10-minute charge can yield 8.5 hours of playback via the USB-C charging port.

What you need to know

• A report from a South Korean publication claims that Samsung's Galaxy Buds 4 series is a hit, and the Buds 4 Pro leads the charge.
• Supposedly, the Pro holds 90% of the units sold, which have reportedly crossed 100,000 units after launch.
• The Buds 4 series launched with the Galaxy S26 series, bringing ANC upgrades, 24-bit audio support for heavier, richer bass, but the regular Buds 4 seems to fall a little short.

Consumers are still amidst Samsung's latest Galaxy S26 reveals, but a report states its newest earbuds are taking off just as well.

A report from the South Korean publication, EtNews, states the Galaxy Buds 4 series sales have been on the rise; however, it's one in particular that's captivated the market (via 9to5Google). The post states that, during some days, Samsung has recorded roughly 7,000 daily sales for its Buds 4 series since its launch. In total, the series has reportedly crossed over 100,000 sales in the South Korean market, and the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro leads the charge.

The publication cites a source that claimed Samsung achieved this number in "15 days" after the devices debuted. It also attributed the Buds 4 Pro's high attraction rate (supposedly it takes up 90% of the units sold) to "favorable reviews." The post highlights the device's improved bass and treble over the previous generation as one aspect that's reeled in buyers.

EtNews also mentioned that Samsung has been running a pop-up event in celebration of the Buds 4 series. It states that this "custom lab" allows consumers to come in, decorate the product with provided stickers, and (hopefully) leave as a happy customer.

Buds on the rise

Though this report says the Galaxy Buds 4 series, namely the Pro, has gained traction after launch, the buds debuted right alongside the S26 series at Unpacked. It looks like consumers needed to warm up to the newest earbuds from Samsung, at least in South Korea. The company highlighted a few key upgrades over the Buds 3 series in 2025. Mainly, users are in for an altered design, improved sound, and an upgraded ANC (active noise cancellation).

Internally, the buds' larger speakers and 24-bit audio support facilitate the heavier bass that the Korean publication mentioned. However, there was another major standout: Head Gestures. With these, you can shake your head to decline a call without needing the more expected "manual" input. While the Buds 4 Pro seem like a clear winner, Android Central's Brady Snyder didn't hold back about the base version.

The regular Buds 4 lack the eartips you'd typically expect from earbuds. As a result, its sound quality and ANC take a dip. More than that, its fit—in-ear, not its aesthetic—could be much better than it is.

Android Central's Take

If you've followed my coverage of the Buds 4 series, you'd know that, even with the allegations about them, I wasn't a huge fan of the redesign. It's fine, I guess, but it is tame. I'm off topic. I feel as though I'd agree with the choice words Brady had for the base Galaxy Buds 4. I could never get behind the idea of wearing buds without the eartip. To me, it feels like something would be missing to have them in my ear. Also, that eartip helps with sound, whether we realize it or not, and Brady's personal testing brings that to the forefront.

We're several days into Amazon's Big Spring Sale (March 25-31), but there's one wireless earbuds deal that I nearly missed. The new Sony XF-1000XM6 just scored their first-ever discount as part of the sale, and I'm honestly a bit shocked that the earbuds haven't sold out yet.

For a limited time, you can get $30 off the wireless buds at Amazon, knocking the price down $298. It's not a huge discount, but considering how new the Sony WF-1000XM6 are, I'm not complaining. It's also likely the only major price drop that we can expect to see on the buds until the official Prime Day sale goes live in July, so if you've been waiting for the right time to purchase a pair, this might be it. 

• See the full list of deals during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

The Sony WF-1000XM6 earned the top spot in our list of the best wireless earbuds that money can buy today, and it isn't hard to see why. The premium buds come with powerful active noise cancellation (ANC) performance and app support, plus you get audiophile-friendly features like 360 Reality Audio and highly-customizable EQ settings. 

The included charging case also provides up to 24 hours of battery life, and there's also Qi2 wireless charging support for when you do need to add more juice. Needless to say, we tested the XM6 right alongside the XM5 to see how Sony improved their flagship buds, and the upgrades here are no joke. The XM6 have been completely redesigned all the way down to their audio drivers and the incorporation of the new Integrated Processor V2. 

The only real problem I found with the Sony WF-1000XM6 is their price. At $329 retail, the earbuds are going to be a tough sell for some folks. Still, if you want the best noise-cancelling earbuds on the market, the XM6 are going to be the ones to beat, and thanks to this discount during Amazon's Big Spring Sale, the premium earbuds just became a slightly easier pill to swallow. 

You can usually always find a pair of cheap earbuds at some retailer or another, but finding ones that don't sacrifice audio quality or overall design can be tougher. Right now, Amazon has cut the price of the Nothing Ear (a) earbuds by 46% as part of its Big Spring Sale, bringing the buds down to just $59 from their normal price of $109.

While these wireless earbuds are known for their low price tag, they still boast pretty solid audio quality, a comfortable fit with a stalked, Airpod-like design, and a charging case that'll yield enough battery life that you'll rarely have to go out of your way to charge them. In particular, we absolutely loved the Yellow configuration when we reviewed these, though the discount is also available for the earbuds in both Black and White.

• See the full list of deals during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

✅Recommended if: you're in need of decent-sounding wireless earbuds for around $60, and you also want access to things like hi-res audio, a charging case, ANC, and more; you like having earbuds that feature fast charging speeds; you need earbuds with a low latency mode for high-paced activities such as gaming.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking for earbuds with industry-leading audio quality and you have the budget to spend extra on some of the best wireless earbuds out there, especially when it comes to having top-tier ANC and battery life; you prefer earbuds that don't come with a set of silicone ear tips; you'd rather go with wireless over-ear headphones than earbuds.

The Nothing Ear (a) earbuds offer a more affordable take on the big sibling Ear earbuds. Still, they come with a pretty good audio profile overall, active noise cancellation, and a long-lasting battery that would make most surprised that these go for as low as they do.

When utilizing the charging case in between listens, these earbuds can offer up to 42.5 hours of playtime. On a single charge, the Ear (a) earbuds offer up to 10 hours of playback when not using ANC, while charging replenishes around two hours of battery life with just a 10-minute charge.

Apple's AirPods Pro 3 and Sony WF-1000XM6 are easy recommendations, but they aren't the best earbuds for everyone. I've been a fan of the Status Audio Pro X since they launched late last year, and right now, thanks to Amazon's Big Spring Sale, you can grab them for $50 off their original price.

This means you can pick up one of the best-sounding earbuds on the market right now for just $249, which is about a 17% discount. Sure, even at this price, they are still quite expensive and nearly $80 more than the Pixel Buds Pro 2, which are down to $169. But if sound quality is your top priority, you really should not overlook the Status Audio Pro X.

• See the full list of deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale

✅Recommended if: you want comfortable earbuds with great sound quality and a fatigue-free experience; you like granular control over your listening experience and enjoy tweaking EQ; you prefer physical buttons for controlling actions.

❌Skip this deal if: you want deep ecosystem features and you prioritize long battery life, since, despite the 8-hour claim, they typically last around 5 to 6 hours on a single charge.

Having used the Status Audio Pro X as my main pair of earbuds for the past month, I can confidently say these are among the most comfortable earbuds I've used. They fit snugly in my ears, and despite looking slightly bulky compared to others, they stay in place for long sessions without causing fatigue.

Another feature I really like is the physical button on top of each earbud. You can map it to actions like switching between ANC modes or triggering your phone's assistant. Combined with gesture controls, this makes for one of the most complete and intuitive control systems I have used on earbuds.

But what really sets these apart for me is the sound quality. These earbuds use a 12mm dynamic driver, which is common in flagship models, but they also include two balanced armature drivers that elevate the overall soundstage. On top of that, the companion app lets you fine-tune the EQ to a level of control you rarely see on most earbuds.

That said, not everything is perfect. I found the battery life a bit disappointing. The company claims up to 8 hours on a single charge, but in my usage, they lasted around 5 to 6 hours with ANC enabled. And this could be an issue for those planning to grab these for long-haul travel.

That said, these earbuds get most things right, and at this price, if you want something outside the Apple, Sony, or Samsung ecosystem, these are an easy recommendation.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 series is here with a fresh design and new-look charging case, but the hardware is just the beginning of the changes. Make no mistake, the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are a major visual departure from the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. Still, there are just as many exciting upgrades on the software front, and I've been testing the Galaxy Buds 4 to find them all.

From unlocking hi-res Bluetooth audio to tracking your earbuds' location, these are the features you need to use to make the most of the Galaxy Buds 4. At $180 for the Galaxy Buds 4 and $250 for the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, these are compelling options for any Samsung Galaxy phone owner. You gain access to exclusive features when you use the Samsung earbuds with a Samsung phone, like some of the ones on this list.

Gaming mode

Samsung equipped the Galaxy Buds 4 series with Bluetooth 6.1 and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) support. Still, the standard wireless mode used by the Galaxy Buds 4 and many wireless earbuds may not be desirable for gaming. When playing your favorite games, latency is crucial — you need to hear sounds as they happen for peak competitiveness and immersiveness. Luckily, there's a hidden gaming mode available for the Galaxy Buds 4.

You can find it by opening the Settings app on a Galaxy phone paired with your earbuds and tapping the Galaxy Buds 4 tab. Then, find the Advanced features tab in the list and tap Labs. Here, you'll find the Gaming mode toggle that reduces audio delays for "vivid, synchronized gaming sound."

Notably, this mode may cause reliability issues or dropped connections, especially in areas with heavy Bluetooth interference. You should enable gaming mode only when you're actively listening to in-game audio with your Galaxy Buds 4 for the best experience.

Ultra high quality audio

Samsung offers a few sound-quality features for the Galaxy Buds 4, including 360 Audio with spatial audio and head tracking. However, the intriguing new feature here is ultra-high quality (UHQ) audio support. Using the Samsung Seamless Codec (SSC), your Galaxy Buds 4 can hit up to a 96kHz sample rate in supported apps. This mode delivers true high-quality audio over a wireless connection and aims to compete with codecs like Sony's LDAC or Qualcomm's aptX suite.

To get the peak 24-bit/96kHz audio quality offered by the Galaxy Buds 4, you'll need a Samsung phone. The feature is also optional, which isn't surprising. You might not always need or want the extra quality boost, and using the SSC-UHQ wireless audio codec consumes more battery life.

Still, it's a neat feature you can enable by opening the Settings app on a Galaxy phone paired with your earbuds and tapping the Galaxy Buds 4 tab. Next, tap Sound quality and effects and press Advanced quality options. This is where you can flip the toggle beside ultra high quality (UHQ) audio for better sound. Keep in mind that you can use high-quality audio or the low-latency gaming mode — they can't be used simultaneously.

Samsung Find

Wireless earbuds are incredibly convenient, but they're also easier to lose. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 series connects with the Samsung Find app to make tracking and locating the earbuds seamless. To set up the feature for the first time, open the Settings app on your phone and tap your Galaxy Buds 4 tab. Then, select Find my earbuds and follow the prompts to add them to the Find app. You'll need to grant the app location permissions to use the feature.

After that, your earbuds' last known location will appear in the Find app, where you can also ring them or try to refresh their location. The app also displays the earbuds' battery life, so you know how long you can use them before their battery fades. Finally, there's a lost mode and Notify when left behind toggle that helps you keep track of your earbuds before they're lost. If you're someone who tends to lose earbuds, this is a no-brainer feature to enable.

Auracast

Since the Galaxy Buds 4 offer Bluetooth Low Energy support and connect with Android 16-based phones, you can use them with Auracast. For those unfamiliar, Auracast is a new wireless technology that allows multiple low-energy devices to connect to host devices to receive audio broadcasts. You might use Auracast to connect 10 pairs of earbuds to a single tablet to watch a movie, or for hundreds of people to hear announcements at a public museum.

The possibilities are seemingly endless, but the concept is still in its infancy. If you want to give it an early try, you can with the Galaxy Buds 4. In the earbuds' settings menu, you'll find a Listen to audio broadcast button at the bottom of the list that allows you to connect to nearby Auracast streams. Similarly, you can create your own broadcast to share your phone's audio with other Auracast-compatible headphones.

Head gestures

Finally, the Galaxy Buds 4 are the first Samsung earbuds to support head gestures. We've seen this feature on Google Pixel Buds and AirPods in the past, but it's new to this generation of Galaxy Buds. When enabled, you can use the feature to nod or shake your head to accept or decline incoming calls. The gestures also work with voice assistants like Bixby, as you can answer yes-or-no questions and end conversations with head gestures.

To use head gestures, open the Galaxy Buds 4 settings page and find the Head gestures toggle. Flip it on to start using them, or tap the Head gestures tab to customize the actions for each gesture. There's also a tutorial to help you master head gestures before you start using them with calls and voice assistants.

Wireless earbuds help us listen to music, watch movies, and catch up on podcasts on the go, but there are safety considerations to keep in mind. Any time you're out in public, being aware of your surroundings is imperative. For instance, it might be tempting to turn on active noise cancellation while going for a morning jog, but the opposite is recommended. You want to be able to hear passing cars, emergency sirens, and other important auditory cues to stay safe.

It's not the only safety consideration you should be aware of while using wireless earbuds. Avoiding loud noises is crucial to protecting your hearing health, both from sources within and outside your earbuds. Luckily, many earbud models offer safety features that let you listen to content without worrying about the risks, and the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are no exception.

In fact, Google gave Pixel Buds Pro 2 owners a major update last year that added two key safety features: Adaptive Audio and Loud Noise Protection. Here's everything you need to know about them, and why you should use them while wearing the Pixel Buds Pro 2 in certain situations.

Google gave the Pixel Buds Pro 2 a subtle upgrade

Google Pixel devices are known for their robust software support, which not only includes security patches but also feature additions. That typically extends to Google Pixel earbuds like the Pixel Buds Pro 2 as well, even if there isn't a concrete guarantee to match phones and tablets. The most recent major feature update rolled out last September, complete with additions including Adaptive Audio, Loud Noise Protection, and head gestures.

Adaptive Audio is a fourth noise control mode for the Pixel Buds Pro 2 that joins Off, Noise cancellation, and Transparency. As the name suggests, it's something of a blend between active noise cancellation and transparency mode. The idea is that certain sounds are subdued, but important ambient noise is allowed to pass through so that the wearer maintains awareness of their surroundings.

Google explains that the feature "dynamically adjusts to the environment, decreasing the noise level to make everything a bit quieter and more comfortable." It isn't turned on by default, and instead must be manually activated like the other noise control modes for the Pixel Buds Pro 2.

Loud Noise Protection is a similar feature that aims to protect the user's hearing from loud external sounds, particularly when Adaptive or Transparency modes are active. Using these modes allows external noise to pass through to the listener, which can be intrusive or harmful for sudden loud bursts of sound. A passing emergency siren or train horn is an example of a loud sound that could cause discomfort for wearers.

To combat this issue, Loud Noise Protection "instantly dampens sudden loud sounds to help safeguard your hearing," according to Google. Both of these features are now available on the Pixel Buds Pro 2, and they're worth using to stay safe when the buds are in your ears.

Adaptive Audio keeps you aware of your surroundings

Since Adaptive Audio is a relatively new feature, you may encounter a splash screen in the Google Pixel Buds companion app explaining how it works. The graphic details that Adaptive Audio helps you keep "awareness of your surroundings while maintaining a comfortable listening level." You can cycle through the noise cancellation modes with on-earbud controls or in the Pixel Buds app, which includes Adaptive Audio.

Here's how to get started using Adaptive Audio on your Pixel Buds Pro 2:

1. Connect your Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 to your Android phone and install the Pixel Buds app.

2. Open the Pixel Buds app and grant permission for the app to manage your Pixel Buds Pro 2.

3. Tap the Adaptive noise control mode. You may see splash screens explaining the new Pixel Buds Pro 2 features.

If you don't see the Adaptive mode on your Pixel Buds Pro 2, you might need to install a firmware update. Your earbuds should check for and install updates automatically, but you can also try checking manually. To do this, open the Pixel Buds app and navigate to More settings → Firmware update. Then, follow the on-screen prompts to check for and install any available updates.

Loud Noise Protection safeguards your hearing

Loud Noise Protection works in the background and is automatically enabled after your Pixel Buds Pro 2 are updated to the latest version. I wish there were a setting or toggle to confirm the feature is active, but it isn't there in the Pixel Buds app currently. However, there is a dedicated Hearing wellness tab in the Pixel Buds app that sheds some light on your hearing health and headphone audio levels.

Here's how to learn how your volume level is affecting your hearing health in the Pixel Buds app:

1. Open the Pixel Buds app.

2. Tap the Hearing wellness tab.

3. You will see your Current Level and Exposure. The former shows your headphone audio level in decibels in real time, while the latter represents your accumulated listening levels over time.

4. There are also bars demonstrating headphone audio levels for the Last 24 hours and the Last 7 days. These show the percent of your safe headphone audio exposure level you've used in the given timeframe.

5. Finally, you can enable Volume level notifications to receive notifications when you exceed recommended exposure limits.

These two hearing health features give you a better chance at staying healthy. Loud Noise Protection accounts for external noise, while Volume level notifications keep track of the noise you're playing through the Pixel Buds Pro 2.

When to use Pixel Buds Pro 2 hearing protection features

Headphone safety is all too often overlooked, and I'll be honest — I'm guilty of it too. However, being aware of your surroundings and doing what you can to limit hearing damage from loud sounds is really important when wearing earbuds. The best ones, like the Pixel Buds Pro 2, offer safety features that make doing those things easier. If you can, you should use Adaptive Audio, Loud Noise Protection, and Volume level notifications to stay safe while wearing your Pixel Buds Pro 2.

Wireless earbuds come in many shapes and styles, but they can be broadly narrowed down to two distinct form factors — those with ear tips and those without. From a functional standpoint, earbuds with ear tips offer a more secure fit, better active noise-canceling performance, and superior passive sound isolation. They're often marketed as the premium option, with some midrange and budget earbuds opting for a unibody plastic design instead.

This dichotomy is true of Samsung's new Galaxy Buds 4 series. The base-model Galaxy Buds 4, retailing for $180, doesn't use ear tips. If you step up to the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro at $250, you get silicone ear tips and a more considered design with improved fit. There's slightly more to the story here — some prefer the lightweight, unobtrusive, and freeing feel of earbuds without removable tips. But for the most part, my time testing the Galaxy Buds 4 has me wondering why anyone would want to buy a pair of earbuds without silicone or foam ear tips.

To be fair, this may be a gripe with the form factor itself rather than the Galaxy Buds 4. The old Galaxy Buds 3 and current AirPods 4 use the same design style, and I'd have the same qualms with either model. Regardless of the cause, the effect feels clear. This kind of earbud likely won't fit or sound as good, so why buy it?

The Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro certainly aren't equal

Samsung overhauled both the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro design this year, and there's still a key characteristic separating the two models. Aside from audiophile features like driver size or ANC quality, only one goes all the way in your ear. That would be the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, which include silicone ear tips that physically create a seal in your ear canal. The regular Galaxy Buds 4, on the other hand, sit just outside your canal.

This mimics the Apple earbuds lineup, as the AirPods Pro 3 have hybrid silicone/foam ear tips and the AirPods 4 don't offer tips at all. However, not every brand constructs its lineup this way. Both of Google's earbuds, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Pixel Buds 2a, use silicone ear tips. Every pair of Beats earbuds is of the in-ear style, complete with silicone ear tips, too. When shopping within the Google or Beats lineups, you can buy products at various price points while getting a consistent experience throughout.

That isn't the case with the Galaxy Buds 4 lineup. Here, you'll need to weigh whether you need buds with ear tips that fully seal off your ear canal. It's arguably the bigger consideration, even over price and general feature set.

Galaxy Buds 4 have a new design, but an old problem

Let's get into the specifics of the Galaxy Buds 4 design, starting with the good. I enjoyed the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, so I was admittedly skeptical of Samsung tossing that blueprint aside for something completely new here. As it turns out, Samsung made the right call. The flat case design and tweaked earbud styling look excellent. The square Galaxy Buds 4 wireless charging case feels more portable and compact, and it's easy to drop the earbuds into place when they need a charge.

The square Galaxy Buds 4 charging case measures 51x51x28.3mm and weighs just over 45 grams, making it easily pocketable. While I'll miss the blade lights on the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, the design is now more consistent across the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. In other words, the visual redesign is a hit in my book.

The redesign doesn't do much to functionally change the Galaxy Buds, though, and that's a shame. I find the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro to be some of the most comfortable earbuds on the market, but the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 4 are a completely different story. The earbuds' rounded shells and lack of silicone ear tips do little to create a secure fit inside your ear. In my case, the Galaxy Buds 4 never felt like they were going to stay put.

If I bend over to pull my laptop out of my backpack, I'm worried the Galaxy Buds 4 will slip out. Doing a "shake test" with these earbuds sends at least one of them flying across the room. I wouldn't dare wear them while running, and even a casual walk might require frequent readjustments to ensure a secure fit.

Compared to the AirPods 4, which also lack ear tips, the Galaxy Buds 4 might fit worse. This is because the AirPods 4 design comes to a sharper point at the location of the audio driver, helping it nestle into the opening of your ear canal. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Buds 4 audio driver grille is completely flat. The design does little to help the buds find their rightful home in your ear, and it can make for a frustrating wear.

Sound quality and ANC are worse because of it

Even if the Galaxy Buds 4 manage to stay in your ears comfortably, the sound quality might suffer due to the looser fit. It's imperative that earbuds' audio drivers are aimed directly into your ear canal for the best experience, and that's tricky when the smooth, curvy Galaxy Buds 4 design makes them shift around a bunch. You can actually hear the difference in sound quality when the Galaxy Buds 4 start sliding out of position, leading to frequent readjustments.

The loose fit also makes active nose-canceling a foolish endeavor. The Galaxy Buds 4 support ANC features, including an adaptive and transparency mode, but external noise seeps in easily due to the weak seal. I can hear the loud hum of my air conditioner with the Galaxy Buds 4 in my ears, and that's regardless of whether ANC is enabled or disabled.

This isn't just a Galaxy Buds 4 problem

A poor fit can limit what you can do with your earbuds. I can't drown out noise at a coffee shop or go on a run with the Galaxy Buds 4. I'm sure there are some steps Samsung could've taken to improve the Galaxy Buds 4 fit — a sharper audio driver opening point and a less-smooth finish are two that immediately come to mind — but the issue really lies with the form factor.

To me, having ear tips that create an excellent seal inside your ear canal is a must for any ANC earbuds. That's why, despite looking good on paper, earbuds like the Galaxy Buds 4 or AirPods 4 just aren't for me.

OnePlus may be going through a turbulent time right now, but the company isn't slowing down in launching new products. Its Nord-branded lineup has always caught my attention, especially recently, because it feels closer to the original OnePlus philosophy of offering great features at an affordable price.

So when the company reached out asking if I'd be willing to check out its new Nord Buds Pro 4, I was genuinely interested. I'll be honest, I've been using the AirPods Pro 3 as my primary earbuds. More than the ecosystem perks, I love that I can track workouts using the AirPods Pro 3 without wearing a smartwatch.

That said, one thing that has always bothered me is the battery life. So when OnePlus claimed the Nord Buds Pro 4 could deliver up to 54 hours of battery life, it immediately caught my attention.

And honestly, that's exactly where these earbuds win. They don't try to compete on premium materials, but they absolutely deliver where it matters. The battery life alone is ridiculous for the price. After testing them for the past few days, I genuinely think these are one of the easiest recommendations in the affordable earbuds space right now.

Battery life on the Nord Buds 4 Pro is simply on another level

You'll rarely see me praise the battery life to this extent of a pair of earbuds, but I'm doing it here because it is that good.

I've been using the Nord Buds 4 Pro for a little over a week now, and they're still going strong, with about 40% left in the case and the earbuds themselves still at 100%. Keep in mind that I've been using them daily for about two hours, mostly in the highest ANC mode, paired with my Galaxy S26 Ultra.

In the same duration, I would've had to charge my AirPods Pro 3 at least once, but the Nord Buds 4 Pro just refuse to die. And while this might sound like a small thing, the frustration of pulling out your earbuds only to find them dead is very real.

These earbuds made me realize just how far behind other earbuds are in this area, even flagship ones.

You also get solid ANC along with future-ready Bluetooth 6.0 support

Two other areas where the Nord Buds 4 Pro clearly have an edge over other wireless earbuds in this price range are Bluetooth 6.0 support and the ANC performance. The Nord Buds 4 Pro come with Bluetooth 6.0, which means lower latency and better battery efficiency (something I've already talked about enough).

You also get LHDC 5.0 codec support here, which allows high-resolution audio streaming at low latency with compatible devices. I've used the Nord Buds 4 Pro with both the Galaxy S26 Ultra and the OnePlus 15, and the LHDC 5.0 support made a noticeable difference while watching movies and streaming content.

Alongside Bluetooth 6.0, OnePlus claims up to 55 dB of ANC on the Nord Buds 4 Pro, and in my usage, it's been pretty solid, especially for the price. The highest ANC mode does feel a bit too aggressive at times, almost creating that slight suction or pressure effect in the ears. But for use cases like commuting on trains or flights where there's constant background noise, the ANC works really well and gets the job done.

The Nord Buds 4 Pro pack flagship features at a much lower price point

Priced at just Rs. 3,999 (~$43), the OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Pro not only undercut most earbuds in this price range but even some in the flagship segment. Sure, they don't have the same premium build as more expensive options, but the core experience they deliver is excellent for the price.

Availability might be the only thing holding these earbuds back right now, as they're currently limited to India. That said, last year's Nord Buds Pro 3 eventually launched in other regions, including the U.S., so it would not be surprising to see OnePlus expand availability later this year.

There are still a couple of things I'd like OnePlus to improve, especially the bass-heavy sound profile, which I'm not entirely a fan of. I had to tweak the EQ in the earbuds' companion app to tone it down, but apart from that, these nail the core experience for the price, and OnePlus seems to have a solid, affordable winner on its hands.

2024’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro were quite impressive. With their two-driver configuration and the SSC codec, they produced audio with solid clarity and instrumentation, while also offering users some very well-implemented smart features for onboard voice and gesture controls. This year’s Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are, frankly, an iterative upgrade over last year’s, except for three key areas: sound quality, ANC, and durability.

The aesthetic refinements that build on 2024’s design are appreciable. Though I haven't experienced this issue, some users have reported trouble with the charging contacts at the bottom of the Buds 3 Pro’s stems. This year’s new case design has you placing the buds horizontally in their case, with pogo pins on the stems contacting the charging surface, rather than vertically, with a metallic base on the stem that contacts the charging pins at the bottom of the case.

The case still has a transparent cover, but Samsung has slimmed it down a bit, and it still supports wireless and wired charging via USB-C. The way my jeans' coin pockets are set up, I actually prefer the Buds 3 Pro’s case dimensions for carry, but I’m being nitpicky because both fit easily in my coin pockets. RIP, pennies.

Removing the buds from their case reveals shorter stems with metallic spines, sans the last generation’s light bar. I loved the light show and the blades, being a lover of edged weapons, so I’ll miss those two elements. That said, the metallic backs, though not as unique, still look great with their large mesh ports at the top. Very industrial-looking.

I hate the fit of stem-style earbuds in my ears because, no matter whether they're Apple, Soundcore, or others, they never really fit well. Samsung changed that with the Buds 3 Pro, and the Buds 4 Pro fit just as snugly in my ears. When I’ve worn them during exercise, they’ve stayed locked in, even during dynamic movements like burpees.

The more you sweat, you may find yourself reseating them from time to time, a shortcoming of silicone eartips more than the angle of the earbuds. If I find it to be big enough a problem, I’ll pick up some Comply foam ear tips for the Buds 4 Pro (their website currently says “coming soon”).

One issue I found with workouts is that wet hands may interfere with touch functionality. After wiping sweat from my brow during a particularly sweaty HIIT workout, I'd run my finger over the volume slider (shown above), but it would be unresponsive. For folks who sweat profusely in the gym, that could be problematic.

Even so, durability has been upgraded from IP53 to IP57, meaning they now have greater protection against dust ingress and can survive being pushed into a pool up to 3 feet deep.

The other controls should be mostly immune to sweaty hindrances and pool-party pranks, as the stems are pressure-sensitive like the Buds 3 Pro, so squeezing and squeeze-and-hold control all the other functions. You can customize many of them in the buds’ settings.

The biggest upgrades for the Buds 4 Pro are the sound and active noise cancelling. They still have two speakers inside, plus a planar tweeter. You get a new, wider woofer with nearly 20% more speaker area, all in a body that doesn’t look any larger than the Buds 3 Pro. That translates to an audibly superior sound this year.

Contributing to that is Samsung’s SSC UHQ codec, which plays back 24-bit/96kHz audio on compatible Samsung devices. If you don’t have that, you’re relegated to SBC, AAC, or LC3, depending on whether your phone supports it.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Boom Bap bass lovers’ listening experiences with KDot’s “Alright,” The Roots' “Do You Want More?!!!?!?,” and Skrillex’s “Supersonic (My Existence).” Paul Simon’s “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes” has a beautiful soundstage, with all the presence and reverb you’d want to hear with the 360 Audio feature enabled.

Various Rock music genres sound delightful, such as System of a Down’s “Chop Suey!”, which gives you guitars with weight to their sound, and the vocals are rendered beautifully.

Jazz is gloriously rhythmic and is reproduced with solid imaging, although listening to Charles Mingus’ frenetic rendition of the popular Jazz romp, “Moanin’,” is where you get to hear the cracks in the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro’s armor. The imaging is still solid, and while the track will put many headphones and earbuds through their paces, the Buds 4 Pro fares well through most of it, except for the busiest parts. During those moments, some sounds tend to blend rather than hold their space.

Ultimately, with almost any genre, you’re in a good place to customize the sound to your liking, since you have access to a 9-band equalizer in the Settings/Wearables app.

ANC is fairly impressive, too. As I was working my way through my playlists, the active noise cancelling all but muted the gardener with the leaf blower outside my window, but wasn’t able to fully mute the clicks from my mechanical Razer Pro Type keyboard. ANC It won’t beat the Sony WF-1000XM6's, but the Buds 4 Pro are $80 cheaper, and this ANC is much better than the previous Buds Pro. It does an admirable job of softening the sounds of airplanes, restaurants, and traffic.

The auto-switch to ambient mode also works convincingly, just like it did on the Buds 3 Pro. When a siren is detected or when you start speaking, the noise cancelling is temporarily deactivated, then turns back on after five seconds of no siren or speech. You can also squeeze the stems to reinitiate ANC instead of waiting.

The six onboard mics do a very good job of keeping voices audible amid significant ambient urban street (70dB) and cafe noise (50dB). My voice was not only audible but also clear and not muddy, though there were times when I sounded like I wasn’t close to the microphones, a bit distant.

After about a week of testing, battery life is very promising, but I have more tests to run to confirm what I’m seeing so far. It looks like Samsung’s claims of seven hours without ANC and six hours with it may hold if you have advanced audio and enhanced ANC features deactivated. With some competitors getting around that much with ANC activated and others seeing closer to 8 hours, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are at least in the running on battery life.

Some features aren’t new but are worth mentioning, in case you’re new to the Galaxy Buds Pro line. Neck-stretch reminders are great and help you be more mindful of staring down at your phone for long periods, which is bad for your spine/neck.

The on-board and offline voice controls are an exceptional way to interact with basic features like volume up/down, music play/pause, and track skipping. Head gestures are new this time around and work very reliably for calling functions, making them a great, hands-free way to interact with your earbuds and phone by nodding or shaking your head.

Live translation has also been refined since the Buds 3 Pro, allowing you to customize a pinch-and-hold option to activate Interpreter mode. Once the gesture activates the mode, the app opens on the Galaxy S25 Ultra I’m using. It worked perfectly the first time I tried it, playing an educational Spanish-language conversation on YouTube. When I tried a Russian-language video, it didn’t automatically recognize Russian, so I had to set the source language to Russian in the Interpreter app.

While the Spanish translation was solid, the Russian was mediocre. Not the buds' problem, but worth noting. Also, it takes a couple of seconds to provide the audible translation, so I wouldn’t rely on it as a mission-critical translation offering.

Samsung wanted the buds to be compatible with other Android devices, so the Galaxy Wearables app provides many of the features even if you don’t have a Galaxy device, such as voice commands. Music sounds better with the LE codec activated, but the buds will disconnect from the Galaxy Wearables app. Otherwise, you’re using the AAC codec by default, and while it still sounds good, you don’t have the dynamic range that you do with LE, or, even more so, when connected to a Samsung phone using the SSC UHQ codec.

Ultimately, at $250, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are a considerable upgrade over the Buds 3 Pro, but not enough to justify upgrading if you just bought them. Overall, if you use Samsung devices, they’re tough to beat right now — better sound, better ANC, improved durability, and practical on-device controls make them easy to recommend.

Right now, Best Buy is offering $50 off the price of the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds, along with offering a $30 gift card for select members.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are great for working out, especially with their built-in heart rate monitoring, comfortable fit, and top-tier audio quality. They also sport wireless charging, a long battery life, and compatibility with Spatial Audio and other high-res sound features.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds have six built-in microphones for a range of noise-cancellation modes such as active noise cancellation, Adaptive EQ, Transparency Mode, and voice uplink.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for the best workout earbuds on the market, but you at least want to snag a discount if you can; you need earbuds with built-in heart rate monitoring and other fitness-forward capabilities; you like earbuds with a comfortable, locked-in design for exercises requiring rapid movement that may otherwise make it hard for users to keep buds in their ears; you want a wide range of audio features such as ANC, ambient awareness mode, adaptive equalization, and more.

❌Skip this deal if: you don't have the budget to spend $200 on earbuds and you'd rather compromise a few bells and whistles to go with something even more affordable; you're not a Best Buy member and wouldn't want part of your deal to come in gift card form; you'd prefer earbuds that don't include a locked-in ear clip design.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are our top pick for workout enthusiasts for a wide range of reasons. For one, they sport the locked-in, ear clip design that some users have come to deem as essential, while they also boast very accurate heart rate monitoring that can be used with fitness apps found on compatible wearables and phones.

Beats says they'll get users up to 10 hours of battery life per charge or up to 45 hours with intermittent use of the charging case. They also include Qi wireless charging, or USB-C charging, which can result in an hour and a half of Adaptive EQ playback with just five minutes plugged in.

While it can be pretty easy to find cheap earbud deals at any point, the market for open-ear earbuds is a little bit less well-populated. That said, you can still find the occasional discount if you know where to look.

While Amazon says this deal is selling fast, the retailer is currently still offering 35% off the price of the Anker Soundcore AeroClip earbuds at the time of writing.

These open-ear earbuds offer a simple, minimal clip-on design, a long battery life with a charging case, and many of the basic features included on other modern devices. With four built-in mics and AI-boosted call tech, the earbuds are also easy to use for phone calls and video conferences, as well as for use with compatible voice assistants.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a comfortable pair of wireless earbuds with a unique, clip-on design for comfort, safety, or increased situational awareness, and you have a budget of around $110; you prefer a pair of open-ear earbuds with a subtle, non-flashy design; you want basic open-ear earbuds with a battery life that will last over a day with intermittent charging case use, along with offering quick charging speeds.

❌Skip this deal if: you prefer a traditional earbud design and would rather pick from the many more options in the wider market; you'd rather upgrade to some of the options on our best open-ear earbuds index and you have the budget to do so; you don't like earbuds that are designed like a clip to go around the outer ear, and you'd rather consider other design options.

Anker Soundcore's audio products have earned praise across much of the market. While the AeroClips aren't on our list of favorite open-ear earbuds, they're worthy of some recognition for their subtle design and their slightly more affordable price tag than the Soundcore AeroFit Pros, which offer the best battery life out of those we did include.

These earbuds offer an IP55 dust and water resistance rating, and a simple, clip-on style design in which the speakers rest just outside of the wearer's ear canals. Anker says the earbuds will get up to 8 hours per charge, or up to 32 hours when intermittently charging with the case, while they also charge to full power in just two hours.

What you need to know

• Galaxy Buds 4 bring improved sound, refined design, and upgraded ANC starting at $179.
• Samsung refines the stem design and adds pinch controls for easier playback and noise control.
• Larger speakers and 24-bit audio support promise cleaner bass and more immersive sound.
• New AI features include head gestures and smarter conversation detection with nickname support.

Alongside the Galaxy S26 series, Samsung officially took the wraps off the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. The new earbuds bring improved sound quality, a slightly refined design, upgraded ANC, and more, starting at $179.

Samsung shifted to a new design language with the Galaxy Buds 3 series, ditching the stemless look and moving to a more Apple AirPods-style stem design. With the Galaxy Buds 4, the company is continuing that direction with further refinements.

The previous Galaxy Buds 3 Pro featured a more angular blade-like stem, while the new Galaxy Buds 4 move to a flatter and thinner stem for improved comfort and gesture controls.

The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro continue to use silicone in-ear tips, and Samsung says it analyzed hundreds of millions of global ear data points to refine the in-ear fit. Meanwhile, the standard Galaxy Buds 4 retain the open-ear design but now feature smaller and better-fitting earbud heads for a more secure and comfortable experience.

There are a few additional design changes as well. The stems of the Galaxy Buds 4 now support pinch controls, allowing you to pinch to activate noise cancellation, or double- and triple-pinch to control playback.

The charging case design has also been updated. In terms of colors, the Galaxy Buds 4 will be available in White, Black, and an online-exclusive Pink Gold finish.

On the audio front, Samsung is promising major improvements. The earbuds now feature larger speakers with a wider woofer that increases the effective speaker area by nearly 20%. Combined with an upgraded tweeter, Samsung says the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro deliver more natural and immersive sound with cleaner bass, along with support for up to 24-bit/96kHz audio.

Samsung is also claiming enhanced ANC performance. Combined with an advanced EQ system, the earbuds dynamically adjust frequency levels in real time to optimize noise cancellation.

The calling experience has also been improved. Samsung says its Super Clear Call feature uses super wideband call technology, reducing background noise on both ends and doubling the bandwidth compared to conventional Bluetooth calls.

In terms of new software features, the Galaxy Buds 4 now support head gestures for the first time, similar to Pixel Buds. You can nod to answer or decline calls and dismiss notifications. The earbuds also support AI assistants such as Google Gemini, as well as the new Bixby powered by Perplexity, all without needing to pick up your phone.

One of the more unique features Samsung is debuting with the Galaxy Buds 4 is an upgraded conversation detection system. Previously, the Galaxy Buds 3 relied on jaw movement to detect when you were speaking and automatically switched from ANC to transparency mode.

With the Galaxy Buds 4, Samsung is introducing a new feature that allows you to add up to three nicknames. When the earbuds detect your name, even with ANC enabled, they automatically switch to transparency mode so you can join the conversation more easily.

The Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are available for pre-order starting today and will launch alongside the Galaxy S26 series on March 11. Pricing remains unchanged, with the Galaxy Buds 4 starting at $179.99 and the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro at $249.99.

It's easier to tune out noise on the go when you have high-quality noise-cancelling, though that can be hard to find in a pair of cheap earbuds. Luckily, Best Buy is offering $50 off the price of the JBL Tune 245NC earbuds, which are nearly half off with the discount at just $60.

The Tune 245NC is one of the company's economy-level earbud offerings, though they join the rest of the JBL lineup in having super-robust ANC capabilities.

JBL says they'll get up to 12 hours of battery life per charge independently, along with up to an extra 36 hours of battery life with the case. The design features a basic, AirPod-like stalk with silicone ear tips, as well as water resistance, onboard mics, and easy customization via the JBL Headphones app. Like many earbuds, they also come with three different-sized silicone tips, in case you're worried about them fitting in your ears.

At $60, they seem like a good pick amongst the competition for those who want ANC. To be sure, they aren't the best wireless earbuds we've ever used, but they'll definitely get the job done if you need something affordable.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for noise-cancelling earbuds for under $100 that feature a straightforward, comfortable fit and a charging case; battery life is important to you when it comes to buying earbuds; you want a pair of earbuds with water and dust resistance.

❌Skip this deal if: you'd prefer to upgrade to some of the best noise-cancelling wireless earbuds, or you want earbuds with multiple ANC modes built in; you prefer over-ear headphones and you'd rather look at other JBL options; you're looking for a pair of earbuds that are available in an array of color options.

The JBL Tune 245NC earbuds offer a budget-friendly price tag while still including the company's powerful ANC and overall high-quality audio profile. They include four built-in mics for ANC, voice commands, and phone calls, as well as an IP54 water and dust resistance rating. The buds also offer up to 12 hours of battery life per charge, with up to 48 hours with intermittent charging case use. They also feature fast charging, and JBL says that 15 minutes of charge time via the USB-C port can get users up to 4 hours of listening time.

In addition to ANC, the company boasts the adaptive "Ambient Aware" mode, as well as TalkThru for when you're interacting with others around you.

What you need to know

• The Galaxy Buds 4 series could drop last year’s sharp blade look in favor of a smoother, brushed-metal finish.
• Samsung isn’t likely to be abandoning stems introduced with the Buds 3 — they still improve mic quality and enable pinch controls.
• Both models might also move away from vertical storage as both earbuds seem to lie flat in their charging case.

Samsung is once again shaking up its audio lineup, and if the latest leak is anything to go by, the blade design phase didn’t last long. Only a year after the bold, angular Buds 3, new listings and images reveal the Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro returning to a brushed-metal look.

With the Galaxy Buds 3, Samsung took a massive gamble by adopting stems for the first time, a move that drew endless comparisons to AirPods. The stems improved mic placement and added pinch controls, but the sharp triangular design didn’t appeal to everyone. Now, according to high-resolution renders from a Spanish listing, Samsung is rounding out the design but keeping the useful stems (via SammyGuru).

There’s a clear difference between the two models. The regular Galaxy Buds 4 appear to use an open design without silicone tips, which is great for people who don’t like the sealed feeling of in-ear buds.

Two distinct models with different fits

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro still have silicone ear tips for a better fit, which helps with the improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) we're expecting. Both models appear to be ditching the vertical pockets in the charging case. Instead, the buds will now lie horizontally under a familiar transparent lid.

Under the hood, rumors point to a new head-gestures feature that lets you nod to accept a call or shake your head to dismiss a notification. We're also seeing reports of improved 360-degree audio recording and a more autonomous Interpreter Mode that works directly through the buds.

However, some recent leaks say Samsung might have removed the built-in speaker for the Find My feature to save space or battery. This would be a surprising step back.

Prices are expected to stay the same, with the standard model at €179 ($179) and the Pro version at €249 ($249). Samsung will likely announce them officially at the February 25 Unpacked event, along with the Galaxy S26 series.

Android Central's Take

In my opinion, this return to basics is just what was needed. The Buds 3 were bold, but the sleeker, flatter stems on the Buds 4 feel more true to Samsung—original and premium, not just copying a trend.

As someone who uses earbuds every day, I appreciate the stronger head gesture controls and AI features, which help me stay hands-free during my commute or workouts. If the price remains reasonable, the Galaxy Buds 4 series could easily become the top pick in Samsung’s audio lineup.

Nothing makes more than just great Android phones; its audio accessories tend to be sorely underappreciated, and no device exemplifies this more than the Nothing Ear (a) earbuds. 

These are the very earbuds that audio contributor Tshaka Armstrong called a "model for what affordable earbuds are capable of" in his 4/5-star review, and now they're nearly half off during Amazon's Presidents' Day sale.  

• See the full list of deals from Amazon's Presidents' Day sale

The Nothing Ear (a) may not be groundbreaking earbuds, but for 59 bucks they're an absolute steal, offering listeners LDAC and hi-res audio support, versatile 11mm drivers, and an eye-catching design that belies the approachable price tag. 

The noise-cancelling earbuds also provide over 24 hours of battery life with the included charging case, plus rapid charging capabilities that can give the buds 10 hours of playback in 10 minutes when you finally do run out of juice.

Nothing is also well-known for its handy companion app. Log on and you'll get instant access to a bunch of customizable audio controls, such as Bass Enhance and various EQ settings that you can tweak to your liking.

One of the problems with the Nothing Ear (a) is that they don't come with wireless charging support, and the active noise cancellation may disappoint if you're accustomed to more expensive earbuds.

That said, these are pretty minor issues when you consider how little you're paying during Amazon's Presidents' Day sale. Sure, I wouldn't exactly recommend buying the Nothing Ear (a) at full price, but slap on a 46% discount and you really can't go wrong.

What you need to know

• Sony says the WF-1000XM6 deliver 25% better noise cancellation than the XM5, targeting real-world distractions like voices and chatter.
• Two chips do the work: Integrated Processor V2 handles audio, while the new QN3e processor runs noise cancellation through four mics per bud.
• The earbuds are out now for $330 in Platinum Silver and Black. The WH-1000XM6 over-ears also get a new Sand Pink option for $460.

Sony’s WF-1000XM6 earbuds are here, and they’re not the kind of incremental refresh we’ve grown cynical about. This time, Sony is focusing on a real problem: improving noise cancellation in everyday situations. The company claims a 25% reduction in noise compared to the WF-1000XM5.

Sony says the new design is about 11% slimmer than the XM5s and shaped to fit the natural curves of your ear. It has also added better ventilation to improve airflow, which should help reduce the thumping sound you hear when walking or chewing.

The big news is the WF-1000XM6’s claim of 25% better noise reduction over the last model. It’s made possible by two processors working together: the familiar Integrated Processor V2 and the new HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3e. Each earbud now has four microphones instead of three.

More powerful noise-canceling hardware

This leads to better noise cancellation, especially for mid-to-high frequencies. In other words, the earbuds should do a better job of blocking out voices in a coffee shop, not just the deep noise of an airplane. The Adaptive Noise Canceling Optimizer also checks how you’re wearing the earbuds in real time to keep the fit secure, even if you move.

Audio fans will like that the V2 chip now supports 32-bit processing, which offers higher resolution than the old 24-bit standard. The new driver uses both soft and hard materials: a soft edge for deeper bass and a firm dome for clearer highs, helping to reduce distortion. Sony also worked with Grammy-winning engineers like Randy Merrill and Chris Gehringer to fine-tune the sound.

On the software side, Google Gemini is built in for hands-free help. You can use Gemini Live to brainstorm or manage your calendar without unlocking your phone. Gamers will also appreciate that the earbuds support LE Audio for very low delay.

Battery life is still eight hours per charge, with an extra 24 hours from the case. The case now supports Qi wireless charging and is easier to open with one hand.

The WF-1000XM6 is available now for $330 in Platinum Silver and Black. If you prefer over-ears, Sony also dropped a new Sand Pink version of the WH-1000XM6 headphones for $460.

Android Central's Take

I’ve tried plenty of wireless earbuds, and while noise cancellation always matters to me, the fit has been an issue. The 25% noise reduction on the XM6 sounds impressive, but the 11% smaller size is what really impresses me. I wear earbuds for hours, and the blocked feeling of older models made them uncomfortable on long flights. If the new ventilation really cuts down on the echo from chewing or walking, these could finally be the earbuds I’ll use every day. The $330 price is high, but if the fit is as good as Sony says, your ears and your peace of mind might thank you.

Can't afford to spend over $200 on the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 or the AirPods Pro 3 earbuds, prized for their live translation capabilities? Happily, the audio accessory brand EarFun can match your budget without skipping any of the best premium features, including translating conversations on the fly.

Live translation is actually pretty accessible these days. You can download the Google Translate app on your phone and use the conversation mode. However, it doesn't always deliver the most accurate or smoothest results, especially when earbuds, earphones, or headphones are connected. And that's where the EarFun Air Pro 4 Plus earbuds come in.

An affordable alternative that functions effectively

The EarFun Air Pro 4 Plus earbuds usually retail for $99.99, but they go on sale pretty often. Even now, they are on sale for 20% off, and you can apply the code AP4PPR01 for another 5% off on top of that, bringing the price down to $74.99 at Amazon.

For that spectacular price point, you get a wonderful mix of features that give EarFun the edge over other cheap earbuds with translation features, such as the Soundcore AeroFit 2 or the Soundcore P31i. Just take a look at the specs below, which clearly match flagship audio accessories.

So far, only the EarFun Air Pro 4 Plus buds support the AI translation feature, but the brand is considering expanding availability to other models in the future.

How does EarFun's AI translation work?

Much like Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds, which rely on Gemini for translation, EarFun uses its own AI to translate languages. Users can choose languages from over 145 countries and regions, and the brand is open to adding more upon request.

Naturally, you need a stable internet connection on your phone to access the AI translation option. Users also need to update their EarFun app to version 20.1.36 on Android and 20.5.5 on iOS.

EarFun's AI translation feature offers users two modes: Face-to-Face and Real-Time. You can save the transcripts from both modes.

Face-to-Face mode is designed for a conversation between two people, where each speaker takes turns talking in short bits. You can select languages for both speakers, and you can even flip one side of the screen so the foreign-language speaker can see their side better. Each speaker can play their section of translations out loud.

Real-Time mode translates the foreign language in real time. So, for instance, I could be speaking to someone who is talking in an unknown language, but their sentences would be translated and played out in English (or the language you choose) in real time.

The best cheap wireless earbuds just got better

I found that while both modes function well, the Real-Time mode is particularly good at its job. Of course, both speakers need to enunciate clearly and not talk too fast, but that's a given with any translation app.

As someone who uses Google Translate a lot — and I mean every single day — EarFun's Real-Time mode is on par with Google's real-time conversation translation.

For those on the hunt for earbuds with AI translation, the EarFun Air Pro 4 Plus are the best wireless earbuds to consider for under $100. You get Bluetooth Auracast support, ANC, hi-res audio, LDAC support, wireless charging, and an IP55 water and dust resistant rating, as well as an excellent dual-mode translation feature without breaking the bank.

What you need to know

• A tipster alleges that Motorola is working on another pair of earbuds, potentially dubbed the "Moto Buds 2 Plus."
• The design has been changed slightly, as Motorola reportedly moves into a charging case that makes the buds stand up, rather than lie down.
• The Buds Plus originally launched in April 2024; however, the Buds Bass debuted in November 2025.

Leaks are (allegedly) starting with a surprise set of images regarding Motorola's next earbuds.

Tipster Evan Blass on X posted some alleged renderings of what Motorola is cooking up, and it looks like it'll be the "Moto Buds 2 Plus" (via GSMArena). The images suggest consumers are in for a slight redesign. The main body features minimal alterations compared to the Moto Buds Plus from 2024, including the stem stabilizer. While the original has its stem directly behind its main body, the supposed upcoming variant positions it more to the side, with its form flowing seamlessly into the stem.

The main body also lacks the charging placements that the O.G. one sports. That's likely because the tipster claims the Buds 2 Plus will offer a changed charging case.

The original model would lie down in the case, meaning its charging connectors were on its main body. This newer model sees them moved to the bottom of its stem, kind of like Samsung's Galaxy Buds 8 series. The renders purport the Buds 2 Plus could offer "Sound by Bose" and offer a secondary color inside the case (blue variations). The buds and the case were shown in a deep blue and white colorway.

It seems that Motorola could continue to offer silicone eartips to help users with in-ear comfort and sound. Blass didn't state any supposed specs for this upcoming model, nor does the post say when we could see them.

Amping up the sound

The Motorola Buds Plus launched in April 2024, dropping official Bose-powered ANC (active noise cancellation). The buds sport 12.4mm drivers with Hi-Res Audio and advanced noise control. While the Bose partnership adds ANC, it also brings in EQ tuning. The Hi-Res Audio was stated to capture a "wider range of sound" with 3x more detail for users.

As Moto dipped into AI, these buds offered CrystalTalk AI for clear transmissions during phone calls and more. With this new model (allegedly) surfacing in February, perhaps we're looking at another April launch. However, it's also worth remembering that we just had a Motorola earbud reveal in November with the Moto Buds Bass.

Android Central's Take

Strangely, I've never dabbled in the earbud prowess that Motorola can dish out. However, I know people who have and the models seem to sport decent sound for what it's worth. Right now, it's far too early to tell what this new model could cook up. Coming off the heels of the Buds Bass, which deliver beefed up sound, a long battery life, and ANC for a cheap price, I'm curious about the Buds 2 Plus. What could they offer and in what way that'll make them standout from the Buds Bass—throw in the O.G. model, too.

What you need to know

• Sony confirms in a short teaser that it will launch a new pair of earbuds on February 12 at 8 am PT (11 am ET).
• While not confirmed, it looks like the company is teasing the WF-1000XM6 with an alleged pill shape redesign.
• A recent leak for the buds suggest it could cost $30 at around $330.

You wanted a teaser, and Sony's latest for its upcoming earbuds not only confirms they exist, but it also solidifies a launch date.

Sony uploaded an incredibly short teaser for an upcoming pair of earbuds on YouTube this week. The short clip is dark for the most part, with a massive beat drop that feels like Batman should show up. Sony begins by showing off a partial illumination of the earbuds' form factor before showing the device in its charging case. From this, it looks like we can expect the buds to remain standing in their case, like the WF-1000XM5.

However, the main course in this rumor is the final scene of this teaser, which confirms the "next generation of earbuds. Coming soon."

Sony confirms that its next earbuds will launch on February 12 at 8 am PST (11 am ET).

The teaser leaves us wanting more, which you could say is the whole point of a teaser. Sony didn't offer information about this device in the teaser, nor in its video description box. It also didn't confirm that the buds will be called the "WF-1000XM6," but we, much like many others, are expecting it to.

Maybe a little different?

It's only been a few days since the WF-1000XM6 had its renders leak, which alleges a redesign could be inbound. It was reportedly leaked by a retailer that posted the device's details early. From the images, the WF-1000XM6 might ditch the series' glossy aesthetic for a matte texture with grip. Other details in the leaked listing suggest the earbuds will feature ANC (active noise cancellation) with an IPX4 water and sweat resistance rating.

The earbuds might also see a slightly redesigned pill shape. This could likely be done to help its in-ear fit. Moreover, that leaked listing claims the device could cost around $330. A potential $30 increase over the last model.

Android Central's Take

There was a time when you'd look at Sony and think of it as a predominant member of the audio tech game. In a way, that's still true, as the WF-1000XM5 did a lot right when Sony launched it three years ago. As my fellow news writer Jay Bonggolto said, I need to see the "wow feature." It's been quite a while since we've had a WF entry from Sony, and I'm hoping there's something more it's holding onto. If that impressive beat drop at the beginning of the teaser is any indication, perhaps we're in for fully immersive sound that jumbles my brain.

Nothing may have made a big splash in the Android phone space, but its audio accessories are seriously underrated. The CMF Buds Pro 2 continue down the path of excellence outlined by the brand's Ear (1) and Ear (2) earbuds. In fact, our reviewer Harish Jonnalagadda loved the Buds Pro 2 so much that he called them the only budget earbuds worth buying.

Now, normally, you would expect wireless earbuds of such great standing to cost over $100, but the fantastic CMF Buds 2 Pro are priced amicably. To make your day, Amazon has cut a further 32% off the already affordable price of the buds, bringing them down to just $47 while this deal lasts. You better grab this deal before time runs out!

✅Recommended if: you want a unique, stylish earbud case, high-quality audio, and an affordable price tag.

❌Skip this deal if: you prefer more rugged ingress protection compared to these buds' IP55 water and dust resistance.

The CMF Buds Pro 2 come in four striking shades: dark gray, blue, light gray, and orange. All the classic traits of Nothing's branding are clearly visible in the design language of these earbuds. The buds themselves are lightweight and comfortable to wear, and they each have an 11mm driver and a 6mm tweeter.

Once you open the companion mobile app, you can customize the hi-res audio even further to match your tastes. Even the gesture controls can be changed, and you can toggle spatial audio if you prefer. Bluetooth 5.3 and LDAC support ensure a smooth, high-quality connection without interferences or interruptions.

There's also a bombastic Ultra Bass mode for those seeking an extra punch. Other features include Google Fast Pair for lightning-quick setup, IP55 water and dust resistance, multipoint connection for up to two devices at once, in-ear detection, and a low-latency mode.

The CMF Buds Pro 2 look slick and perform phenomenally well. With a 43-hour playback time and fast charging to boot, it's hard to believe there is a further reduction in what was already a stunning price. At just $47, this deal is too good to pass up on!

What you need to know

• Samsung's Galaxy Buds 4 series renders have leaked, and the allegations claim the buds will see another redesign.
• The Buds 4 Pro continue to feature a silicone tip (the Buds 4 does not); however, both versions see a redesign stem with rounded corners.
• The charging case was another factor, as rumors state the case could enable the buds to lie down inside with a clear lid.

In the midst of Galaxy S26 series leaks, there's another report this week that has surfaced the alleged renders for the earbuds that may join it.

A batch of supposed Galaxy Buds 4 series renders were posted by Android Headlines today (Feb 3), and it seemingly gives us a clear look at what we might expect. It's no surprise that the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro featured a slightly varied design. One boasts a silicone eartip, while the other does not. According to the publication's renders, this may continue with the Buds 4 series.

The Buds 4 Pro's design has changed. The main body, with the silicone tip, is still quite bulbous; however, a change may arrive for its stem. Instead of the triangular stem that we have with the Buds 3 Pro, the rumored renderings showcase a flat stem that's rounded at each end.

The flip side showcases the pins for the earbuds to charge inside the case. Speaking of the case, this is also set to change, just as previous rumors purported. The renders claim the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro's case will let the earbuds sit flat inside to charge. The top of the case seems to have remained see-through.

Hear the Galaxy

On the other hand, we have the base Galaxy Buds 4 renderings. These suggest the company could keep the design sort of the same, as it still will not have a silicone ear tip. With a somewhat curved, bulbous body to help consumers with a comfortable fit, the Buds 4 may still sport a design users are somewhat familiar with.

More than that, the stem has changed to mirror that of the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro this year with its rounded corners. The publication also alleges that the Buds 4 will lie down in its charging case, like the Pro variant, too. It also appears that its lid will be transparent.

The Buds 4 were shown in a black colorway, the same as the charging case, while the Buds 4 Pro are in white. It's not stated whether these will be the only two colorways for the models.

Galaxy Buds 4 series rumors were getting off to a fast start this year, as its colors were called to attention. Reports claimed the Buds 4 Pro could receive a rose-gold-like color called "Apricot." This was discovered through Samsung's early One UI 8.5 build, similar to its alleged charging case changes. A more recent rumor claims that the Galaxy Buds 4 series could also see similar pricing as the Buds 3 series, alongside an included wireless charging pad.

Android Central's Take

It looks like Samsung is changing its Galaxy Buds design again, and it makes me wonder if its frustrations with how the previous iteration looked were a catalyst this year. Either way, we'll have to wait and see how things truly look, as rumors have said these could debut with the Galaxy S26 later this month. I think the designs look okay. Not great, not anything else but "okay." Perhaps they lack a bit of integration, considering the stem looks like it's bolted on top of the driver part. I'm indifferent to say the least right now, but maybe that'll change.

What you need to know

• A retailer slip-up just revealed the Sony WF-1000XM6 in full.
• The glossy finish is gone, replaced by a grippier matte texture that’s less slippery and more practical.
• The leaked retail listing points to around $330, which is roughly $30 more than the XM5 at launch.

Sony hasn’t announced anything yet, but a big retail mistake has revealed its next flagship earbuds. If you’ve been waiting to buy new noise-canceling earbuds, it might be smart to hold off for a few more weeks.

The long-awaited Sony WF-1000XM6 just made an unscheduled debut on the Thai retail site Power Buy, and the leak is about as comprehensive as it gets (though the listing has since been taken down). Thanks to some eagle-eyed sleuthing by a Reddit user, spotted by The Walkman Blog, we now have high-res looks at a total design overhaul that ditches the truffle shape of old for something much sleeker.

Product images show a new pill-shaped design that looks more comfortable than the round WF-1000XM4 or the tiny WF-1000XM5.

Matte finish is back (finally)

The best news for many people is that the glossy finish is gone. Sony is said to be bringing back a matte texture, which should help anyone who found the old buds too slippery. The charging case is also slimmer and more square, making it easier to fit in your pocket than before.

While the retail listing was light on a full spec sheet, it did confirm the essentials: IPX4 water resistance and Sony's industry-leading ANC and Transparency modes.

The hardware also stands out. Close-up images show three external microphones on each earbud, which suggests Sony is focusing on better wind noise reduction and clearer calls — two things that many fan-favorite earbuds struggle with.

There’s also some chatter about the ear tips. We’re seeing larger nozzles, which usually point to a wider air channel. In plain English: expect a notable bump in bass response and lower-frequency oomph that true wireless buds usually lack.

If the leaks hold steady, we aren't just looking at a new design, but also a new price tag. The listing points to a price of 11,990 Thai Baht, which translates to roughly $330. That’s a slight $30 jump over the XM5’s launch price.

Android Central's Take

I’m thrilled to see Sony finally listening to the feedback on that divisive glossy finish. I’ve always thought the XM series had the best noise cancellation, but the XM5s were just too fidgety to handle on a crowded train. If the XM6 can pair that legendary silence with a more secure, matte-grip design and better bass, Sony might just have the perfect earbuds on its hands. I’m definitely keeping my eyes on that rumored Sandpink colorway — it’s about time this series had a little more personality.

The open earbuds market is gaining more attention, with Sony kicking off 2026 with a revamped pair in the new LinkBuds Clip. They're immediately going up against options from Bose and Motorola — Bose sells the Ultra Open earbuds, and Motorola's Moto Buds Loop are powered by Bose sound. The latter two models retail for $300 at full price, while the LinkBuds Clip costs $230.

The first thing I noticed after unboxing the Sony LinkBuds Clip was how similar the earbuds' design looks compared with the Moto Buds Loop. Motorola's open earbuds are a bit flashier, especially the colorways with Swarovski crystals. Otherwise, both earbuds clip onto the midpoint of your earlobe with an orb-shaped audio driver resting outside your ear canal.

With the Sony LinkBuds Clip and the Moto Buds Loop similar in both design and price point, I put them both to the test to find out which pair of open earbuds you should buy.

Sony's LinkBuds Clip are better for everyday wear

If you haven't tried open earbuds yet, they differ from traditional earbuds in a few key ways. For starters, open earbuds place the audio driver outside of your ear canal, increasing airflow and comfort. This makes open earbuds ideal for long listening sessions, as you can hear your tunes without your ears feeling clogged after a few hours. The downsides are obvious: sound quality is poor, there's no noise isolation whatsoever, and others might hear your music due to sound leakage.

Some people prefer open earbuds for long days at the office, as they can use the microphone and audio drivers for video calls without having earbuds physically inside their ear canals. Others like them for working out, as they can hear ambient noise and reduce sweat compared to traditional earbuds. The smaller, sweatproof design of the LinkBuds Clip make them better suited in this regard.

Sony's open earbuds are IPX4-certified, meaning they'll survive sweat or a bit of light rain. In other words, they're workout-friendly. IPX4 earbuds are pretty commonplace these days, but oddly, the Moto Buds Loop don't have an IP rating at all — it's hard to recommend them for everyday wear or workout use as a result.

Another reason the Sony LinkBuds Clip shines when used out and about is their "sound leakage reduction mode." It's essentially a smart equalizer setting that changes the sound signature of the open earbuds to limit parts of the frequency spectrum that "leak" out into your environment. Specifically, this mode slashes the mids and highs, which would usually be easy for someone sitting next to you to hear.

I wouldn't dare listen to music on a pair of open earbuds or open-air speakers like those you'd find on smart glasses near others in public. This effectively rules out using them during a daily commute or in the office — anywhere you're in very close proximity to others, sound leakage is a concern. Sony's built-in sound leakage reduction mode nearly solves this problem in its entirety, and it only takes two taps to activate.

Notably, sound quality is considerably worse when the sound leakage reduction mode is active. This seems like a fair trade-off to continue to be able to use your earbuds in dense public situations, though. Sony's IPX4 and sound leakage reduction mode support are two ways the LinkBuds Clip perform better as a pair of everyday earbuds than the Moto Buds Loop.

Motorola's Moto Buds Loop nail design and sound quality

By comparison, the Moto Buds Loop work best as a pair of secondary earbuds. They lack a proper IP rating and don't have a comparable sound leakage reduction mode, so it'll be hard for them to pass as a pair of everyday buds. With that being said, the Buds Loop are much better sounding than the LinkBuds Clip. Motorola's open earbuds are marketed as using sound by Bose, and it feels like Bose's input really made a difference here.

Everything sounds fuller, richer, and more detailed out of the Moto Buds Loop. It's not particularly about the bass, either — open earbuds don't create a seal in your ear canal, and this makes it almost impossible for this form factor to deliver strong bass. I noticed the difference most in songs with a deep, present piano. Since the piano occupies the middle of the soundstage, it can exist in the Moto Buds Loop without being drowned out by the lows or highs. Listening to the same tracks with the LinkBuds Clip, those same sounds weren't as strong.

This could come down to Bose's excellent tuning, but it's likely a side effect of the Moto Buds Loop offering larger 12mm drivers. These are on the bigger side for earbuds, and the extra size helps the Moto Buds Loop sound fuller and crisper than the LinkBuds Clip, which have 10mm drivers.

The sound quality difference is enough to make me reach for the Moto Buds Loop over the Sony LinkBuds Clip, but Motorola's premium design is another advantage. Sony used glossy plastic for the LinkBuds Clip, and it simply makes the earbuds feel cheap. It doesn't help that the stock design won't fit well for everyone out of the box. Sony includes silicone fitting cushions in the box for users to add to the LinkBuds Clip for those who don't initially find the fit secure.

I fell into that category, so I needed to attach the silicone spacers to the LinkBuds Clip. While it did improve the fit as advertised, it was annoying to need a cheap piece of silicone to wear the earbuds properly. I needed to hold down the silicone cushion every time I put on the LinkBuds Clip, or I'd risk the thing popping off.

All that is to say that the metal, unibody design of the Moto Buds Loop is much more comfortable, and it creates a better experience for the wearer. The crystal studs are a bit of a gimmick, but I'd take them over plastic and silicone every time.

The verdict: I'd buy the Moto Loop Buds

I wouldn't buy a pair of open earbuds as my daily drivers — I like using multiple pairs of earbuds each for a specific purpose. While the Sony LinkBuds Clip are the better all-rounders, Motorola's Moto Buds Loop sound better and feel more premium, and that won me over.

If you're looking to buy a pair of open earbuds, it helps that prices for the Moto Buds Loop have cratered. They debuted at $300, but you can find them under $150 right now, which is an insane price. The current slate of Moto Buds Loop deals make the LinkBuds Clip look overpriced. Sony's earbuds will likely see deals of their own in a few months, but until then, Motorola earns my recommendation.

What you need to know

• Google Pixel Buds 2a rumors say there's a couple more colors on the way, like the vibrant and pink "Berry" colorway.
• Rumors add that Google is also looking to add a "Fog" color option to the Buds 2a, which could debut in 2026 alongside the Pixel 10a.
• These two colors were alleged last summer before the Pixel Buds 2a launched; however, it's been radio silence until now.

Did you think Google forgot about its budget A-series Pixel Buds? These rumors claim the opposite, suggesting there are new flavors incoming.

Rumors today (Jan 29), courtesy of X tipster OnLeaks and Android Headlines, purport the new color options for the Pixel Buds 2a. The leak was accompanied by a set of renderings, which showcase the Buds 2a in a vibrant and smooth "Berry" colorway. The pink, almost strawberry-looking color option seemingly wraps around the buds entirely, including the eartips and the case's internals.

Moreover, when closed, the Pixel Buds 2a's case will have a neat strip across its body, so no one second-guesses your color choice.

The tipster's discoveries add that Google might also unveil a second additional color: "Fog." If you've ever wondered what fog looks like, these renders suggest it's a mix of gray with, maybe, a splash of green. Color debates aside, this "Fog" colorway will adhere to the design choices of the 2a series for the buds and case. What's more interesting is that the tipster claims these new colorways are eyeing a 2026 debut, potentially alongside the Pixel 10a.

Berry, berry good

You could say that these colors have been a long time coming. Last summer, before the Pixel Buds 2a debuted, there were rumors about four colors for the product. We know that we didn't end up with four; however, among those alleged colorways were "Fog Light" and "Strawberry." The latest reports now call these "Fog" and "Berry," which keep the vibes similar to what was speculated before.

The other side of these rumors is the Pixel 10a, which Google might keep extremely safe. Leaked renders suggest the phone will keep the same flat camera bar and display bezels that have become commonplace in the Pixel A-series.

Android Central's Take

More colorways is always a good thing, especially when they kind of match with other Pixel phones that Google has made. It can feel upsetting when the next-generation a phone or product you've been waiting on is coming out, but there's not a color you like. Some companies tend to default to same static, maybe even "plain," options. There are times when you'll get some vibrancy that lets consumers' character and the character of the product shine. That's what I'm interested in: diversity, character, expression.

What you need to know

• Rumors from a French publication claim that Samsung could keep prices for its Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro similar to the Buds 3 series.
• There were also allegations that the buds could feature a "no extra cost" wireless charging pad, though it's unclear how widespread Samsung will offer it.
• Previous rumors suggest another revamp to hit the Buds 4 series, alongside a newly designed charging case.

Phones are all the rage, but so are earbuds, which is why these latest rumors are talking about Samsung's next wave.

Now, there are leaks discussing the toll Samsung's Galaxy Buds 4 series could take on consumers' wallets, per Dealabs (via GSMArena). The French publication alleges the potential pricing for Samsung's next earbud duo. Despite being in the blender when it comes to rising phone costs, the post alleges that the Buds 4 series could see prices similar to those of the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro.

Rumors claim the Galaxy Buds 4 could see a €179 price tag in France, which equates to roughly $213. However, the publication states that, in France, Samsung might bundle this model with a wireless 25W charging pad "at no extra cost." According to its source, the company may only run this in the country if consumers purchase the black color option.

What's more, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro was rumored to see a €249 price (~$297). The same 25W wireless charging pad was stated for the Pro, too, for its black option. There's some uncertainty here about whether or not Samsung will run a similar "no extra cost" wireless pad for other regions, too.

Take these pricing rumors with a grain of salt (the estimations in USD, too). Samsung typically reworks pricing to fit the market it's going to, so if things are to be "similar," then it would ideally match what we saw last year ($249 Buds 4 Pro).

The rumors so far

We might have a small Galaxy Buds design reboot on our hands (again). Late last year, the One UI 8.5 firmware supposedly leaked what Samsung's been cooking up, and it looks like it's moving away from that seamless design the Buds 3 had. It seems that Samsung plans to deliver a more visually apparent separation between the buds' main housing (with its silicone eartip) and the stem.

Another rumor suggests the Buds 4's case could change, too. Instead of sitting upright inside, the buds could lie flat. Moreover, there are speculations that the case could provide a "Find Your Phone" button on the front of the charging case. Earlier this month, it was purported that the Buds 4 Pro could be the recipient of an "Apricot" colorway, which looks a little rose-goldy.

Android Central's Take

As far as pricing goes, it's nice to see that Samsung could keep things close to last year's models. There's also that "free" wireless charging pad for the device that might sweeten the deal this time around for others. What I'm still curious about is what else Samsung is looking to pack the buds with. The Buds 3 Pro are solid in terms of sound adaption, quality, and its touch controls are good, but can feel a little wonky with how the stem is designed. Maybe the supposed rework can take that up a notch, too.

Cheap earbuds often sacrifice on some of today's more advanced features, but they don't have to if you know where (and when) to look. For right now, Amazon has cut 46% off the price of the Nothing Ear (a) earbuds, bringing the already affordable pair down to just $59. The catch is that this Lightning deal ends tonight, so you better act fast!

Nothing's Ear (a) earbuds offer a basic ANC audio profile, along with support for hi-res codecs like LDAC, and customization options including EQ and sound presets. In particular, the yellow version of the buds are some of our favorites due to their unique and sporty design, though this deal is also available for both the white and black models.

To be sure, these are almost a budget pair of earbuds already, so overall audio quality and ANC aren't going to be anything too mind-blowing. However, they're still better than just about anything you'd normally find around this price point, especially if you don't need something high-end but still want some bells and whistles.

Add in decent battery life, a USB-C charging case, and basic water and dust resistance, and you're looking at a pretty solid option for the under $60 price point.

✅Recommended if: your top priority is having a low price point on earbuds, but you still want a pair with a stylish design, a solid battery life, and decent features like ANC and EQ customization; you want earbuds with some kind of gaming, lagless listening modes; you prefer earbuds with a stalk, Airpods-style design but with a silicone ear tip.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking for the best earbuds on the market or those with industry-leading ANC quality; you'd prefer to go with Pixel, Galaxy, or other brand earbuds that come with seamless integration with other devices of the same brand; you need earbuds that support Qi wireless charging, rather than just USB-C charging.

The Nothing Ear (a) wireless earbuds offer a worthy, low-priced model to the company's broader lineup. They also include up to 42.5 hours of playtime when intermittently using the charging case, up to 9.5 hours between charges without ANC, or up to 5.5 hours with the feature turned on.

Additionally, the Ear (a) buds come with an IP54 water and dust resistance rating, an IPX2 rating for the case, and seamless integration with ChatGPT and more. As for audio, users also get access to EQ and sound preset options using the mobile app.

Perhaps the largest downside with these earbuds is their lack of Qi wireless charging support, though this is a pretty great price point for those who don't mind that.

Sony is here with a new pair of open earbuds, the LinkBuds Clip, which introduce a fresh form factor that doesn't obstruct the wearer's ear canal. The new open earbuds move to the clip or C-shaped design popularized by brands like Motorola and Bose, leaving behind the ring-shaped design of the previous Sony LinkBuds Open. By comparison, the new Sony LinkBuds Clip address common critiques of the old design, including comfort, sound quality, and noise leakage.

The company officially announced the LinkBuds Clip today, Jan. 21, and they're now available for $230 in the U.S. This price point positions the LinkBuds Clip as a more affordable option compared to the Moto Buds Loop and the Bose Ultra Open earbuds, which both retail for $300. After a few days of testing the Sony LinkBuds Clip for myself, it's clear that the price is just one way this pair makes open earbuds more approachable to the masses.

The first thing that caught my eye about the Sony LinkBuds Clip is the earbuds' charging case. It's smaller than the one you'd get from Bose or Motorola, and much more fun. This charging case has the footprint of a two-inch square with a double-decker design. It's very rounded, looking somewhat like two pillows stacked atop each other.

The case is a taller than the competition when laid flat, but it's narrower, and I find this makes the LinkBuds Clip easier to fit in a pocket. These earbuds definitely have character and leave room for customization. The buds themselves are available in black, green, greige, and lavender colors. I tested the greige colorway that you'll see pictured throughout this article.

You can take the customization a step further by purchasing a case cover for an extra $25, and those are available in coral, green, blue, lavender, and black. The unique aspect of the case covers is that you can pick different colors for the top and bottom portion of the case. They include "fitting cushions" — I'll explain those later — that match the top cover color of the case.

In theory, that means you could have earbuds in one color, fitting cushions and one half of the case in another, and a third for the bottom case. That's a pretty trendy way to personalize your earbuds.

Take a look at the LinkBuds Clip compared to the Moto Buds Loop in the photo above — they're much more compact and simplistic, and to be clear, that's a good thing.

The Sony LinkBuds Clip work like most other pairs of open earbuds. The large, pill-shaped portion of the earbuds rests behind your ear lobes when in use, with the orb-shaped portion resting above or inside your concha. They way they fit will depend on your ear shape. I found that without the fitting cushions, the audio drivers sat inside my concha, which was a bit uncomfortable.

Adding the silicone fitting cushions to the upper band of the LinkBuds Clip fixed everything. With this tiny pad adding a bit of space between the LinkBuds Clip and my ear, the audio drivers felt like they were levitating outside my ear canal. That's exactly what you want from a pair of open earbuds. You hear the sound coming from the drivers, but also hear ambient noise in your surrounding to maintain awareness without any pressure.

Speaking of sound quality, the Sony LinkBuds Clip are fairly balanced for their category. Open earbuds won't sound as good as traditional earbuds because there is no isolation, and the drivers don't fire directly into your ear canal. Usually, that results in weak bass and a tinny sound. However, the LinkBuds Clip impressed me in that regard, delivering strong bass under the circumstances.

The earbuds support multipoint connection and the SBC or AAC codecs. There are no lossless or high-fidelity codecs here, but they would be redundant anyway due to the sound quality limitations I've mentioned. Instead, what's notable is the three sound modes on the LinkBuds Clip. You'll probably use standard mode most of the time, but there is also a voice boost mode that might be preferable for listening to podcasts or watching videos.

Most importantly, there is a "sound leakage reduction mode" that changes the sound signature as to not bother others around you. Like any open earbuds, the Sony LinkBuds Clip can be heard by those nearby when they are set to medium-to-high volume levels. The sound leakage reduction mode cuts the mids and the highs, which are easily perceptible by those around, to limit the intrusion. It works well, but the sound quality takes a noticeable hit.

For calls, the LinkBuds Clip use AI for noise reduction and leverage a bone conduction sensor to pick up your voice as you speak.

The earbuds last up to nine hours on a single charge, and that can extend to 37 hours with the charging case. That should be enough for the longest listening sessions. They have IPX4 liquid-resistance, making them sweatproof for working out.

I've only listened to the LinkBuds Clip for a few days, and it's too soon to give a final verdict. However, I like what I'm seeing (and hearing) so far. These are minimal open earbuds that keep things simple while undercutting the price of the competition. They're more approachable to newcomers than the older Sony LinkBuds Open, giving the new LinkBuds Clip an advantage.

What you need to know

• Rumors from overseas claim that OpenAI has progressed with its AI hardware ambitions, as an alleged "Sweet Pea" device appears.
• This device is speculated to be a pair of open-ear-style earbuds that could feature strong computational hardware for AI computing and more.
• Late last year, it was reported that OpenAI and Jony Ive were working together to produce a "small family" of AI hardware devices for consumers.

Rumors have surfaced after an overseas report claimed that OpenAI has advanced its AI hardware ambitions.

With the idea of reportedly "redefining human and computer interactions," the Chinese publication Sohu highlighted a leak about OpenAI earbuds (via Gizmochina). Allegedly, leaked details state OpenAI's earbuds, currently named "Sweet Pea," will contain strong hardware, specifically chips that are positioned to handle "high-performance" and AI computing.

Moreover, OpenAI might seek an open-ear-style design for these buds. Leaks indicate that the device in question features an egg-shaped body made of metal. There are also two "capsules" (or capsule-like objects) that will wrap around the ear and sit behind it against the user's head.

OpenAI has reportedly tapped Foxconn for the production of these earbuds, per this leak; however, that's not all. The post cites additional rumors that claim the company is also looking to produce four more AI-based devices for consumers. At the moment, rumors aren't clear about what these other products could be. What has been alleged is that OpenAI could look to achieve mass-production by the end of 2028.

OpenAI might position its codename "Sweet Pea" earbuds as a "portable AI gateway." This is a sentiment that aligns with what was reported late last year.

Among the many (likely) AI advances and announcements in 2026, one thing we're looking forward to is what AI hardware OpenAI is cooking up with Jony Ive. As Android Central's Brady Snyder points out, it's not like we're expecting OpenAI to replace Google Search or build the next Android. Presently, it seems that its best option is to produce AI hardware that truly captivates consumers.

This OpenAI, Jony Ive partnership was reported by our friends at Windows Central. Both sides alluded to a piece of AI hardware that already had a prototype, as OpenAI looks to deliver a product that "disrupts" the market in a way that Apple's iPhone first did. This didn't come out of left field, as OpenAI reportedly teased that it's been brainstorming and working on a "small family" of devices.

Unfortunately, it's taking quite a bit of time. Just like these rumors that paint a far-off 2028 picture, Windows Central highlighted a Sam Altman (OpenAI CEO) statement that reads, "Do not expect anything very soon."

Deals on Google Pixel earbuds only come around every so often, but right now, buyers stand to save on a pair of our favorite buds out there. Amazon has chopped 28% off the price of the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, which are our top pick for those who use other Pixel devices.

For one, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 come with an amazing suite of Google's most advanced Gemini features, including Gemini Live, which enables free-flowing conversation with the AI assistant. The system can also access a wide range of other Google integrations with apps such as Gmail, Maps, and more.

Beyond that, these earbuds also have a really nice frequency range with extensions for highs and subs, a well-functioning app with several EQ and audio options, and a generally comfortable design that users really like.

All that to say: if you're already a Pixel device user and you're ready for an earbud upgrade, getting these at $165 might not be a bad option for you.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a good price for high-quality audio, EQ options, and app-based sound customization; you have other Pixel devices and you want the latest in Google Gemini AI integration with those devices; you want something with a long-lasting battery life when used with intermittent charging case use.

❌Skip this deal if: you aren't a Pixel user and you'd rather save money and skip on the Google integration features; you prefer a larger earbud size that makes it easy to keep them in your ears; you prefer an extremely bass-heavy sound than a more balanced audio profile.

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are one of our favorite pairs of earbuds for a number of reasons. They offer a robust audio profile with easy app EQ and other customization options, access to ANC and adaptive sound algorithms, and live translation. With each charge, Google says the buds themselves will net users up to 12 hours of playtime, while intermittent charges with the case can help them last up to 48 hours between case charges.

They also have Qi wireless charging, access to SBC and AAC lossless codecs, and the latest in Google's Gemini AI features across the company's device ecosystem.

To be sure, these will probably leave something to be desired for users who don't already have Pixel devices, though they'll still offer a really crisp, clear audio profile that users will like. For $165, they do seem like a pretty appealing upgrade for those who are already within the Pixel ecosystem.

What you need to know

• Shokz announced new OpenFit Pro earbuds at CES 2026, the first with "Open-Ear Noise Reduction."
• Each earbud has a triple-mic array to track environmental noise and balance it out for an indoor Private Mode, while still allowing for situational awareness outdoors.
• The Pros add a new Dolby Atmos mode with 3D directional sound, wear detection, expanded frequency with stronger bass, new add-on accessories, and an extra hour of battery life.
• They cost $249, $50 more than OpenFit 2+, and weigh about 3g more per earbud.

Fresh off releasing the OpenFit 2 and OpenFit 2+ in 2025, Shokz has announced the new OpenFit Pro wireless workout earbuds, and they offer a feature I never expected to see: Active noise reduction paired with an open-ear design.

Much bulkier than past OpenFits, Shokz OpenFit Pro squeezes in dual speaker units that enable multi-directional sound for Dolby Atmos support — a step up from the Dolby Audio feature on the 2+ earbuds — as well as enhanced bass with significantly reduced Total Harmonic Distortion.

The Pros also include three mics in each earbud: two outer-edge "feedforward" mics that "continuously monitor environmental noise," and one inner "feedback" mic to judge noise levels within your ear canal. Using this data and an AI algorithm, Shokz can counterbalance outside noise using the speakers, and lets users "fine-tune the noise reduction level manually" depending on the context.

While the Shokz OpenFit Pro will never match traditional wireless earbuds with ANC with a proper noise seal, they're much better for indoor contexts than the OpenFit 2 series — which force you to hear everything around you — while still giving you much better situational awareness outdoors than typical in-ear earbuds.

It's a feature that Shokz's bone conduction earbuds like the OpenRun Pro 2 can't offer, since they don't sit above the ear canal.

Of course, by cramming in larger speakers, new mics, and a "higher density, steel-cased battery to power the noise reduction system," Shokz had to make the OpenFit Pro (12.3g per earbud) significantly bulkier than the OpenFit 2 (9.4g) or OpenFit Air (8.7g). They use the same nickel-titanium ear hooks to keep them comfortably secure, but you'll undoubtedly feel the difference.

Perhaps because of this, Shokz includes "stabilizer" accessories in the box; they're O-shaped rings you attach to the hook so they're less likely to bounce or fall off while moving. I'm curious how necessary these will be for workouts like running, as I've never had an issue with stability while wearing the OpenFit 2s.

Plus, the noise-reducing "Privacy Mode" cuts the Pro's 12-hour battery life down to just six hours, so it won't last for a full workday.

Generally speaking, the OpenFit Pro earbuds have similar features and perks to older models, only slightly changed. For example, they have seamless button controls for music and call shortcuts — only now you can long-press to turn noise reduction mode on or off.

Likewise, most OpenFits support multipoint pairing, so you can sync to your phone and laptop at once. But the Pro series upgrades from Bluetooth 5.4 to 6.1, giving it better power efficiency and improved audio streaming quality.

And while past OpenFits promised "quick charging," the Pros add four hours of playback after ten minutes, while the 2 series only adds two hours. It still uses the same style of charging case with magnetized pins, though Shokz says the Pros have a "more stable charging contact" than past models.

I'm also happy to see Shokz add Wear Detection to the Pro series, so audio automatically stops when you remove the earbuds; its absence was one of my few complaints with the OpenFit 2 series.

Shokz has offered me an OpenFit Pro review unit, so I'm looking forward to putting the Pros through their paces and see how they compare to the OpenFit 2 and 2 Plus. For now, I suspect that the Pro will be best suited for athletes who want to wear these all day; those buying them primarily for workouts won't benefit as much from noise reduction or Dolby Atmos, and may prefer a lighter, cheaper OpenFit option.

What you need to know

• The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro might be offered in a pink and rose gold colorway.
• The color option, called "Apricot," appeared in a One UI 8.5 beta build.
• Apricot may be exclusive to the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, and it's unclear if the base Galaxy Buds 4 could get a flashy colorway of their own.

Samsung's next lineup of wireless earbuds, including the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, keep coming up in rumors and leaks. It's unclear whether the Galaxy Buds 4 series will launch alongside the Galaxy S26 series at Samsung's next major event, but there are many signs pointing to the earbuds being in active development. Now, Android Authority has uncovered a new colorway for the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro hidden in a recent One UI 8.5 beta update.

The site found media images for Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro colorways inside the third One UI 8.5 beta update, and they show off the classic black/gray and silver/white color options. These are the same colorways currently available for the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. However, there's a third option for the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro — called "Apricot" — that might add a bit of color to Samsung's upcoming earbuds.

The leaked Apricot colorway includes a pink plastic chassis and matching pink ear tips. There's also a metallic stem with a brushed rose gold finish (or, that's at least how it appears from the renders). Android Authority surmises the Apricot color will be a Galaxy Buds 4 Pro exclusive, since there were no matching renders for the base Galaxy Buds 4.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 series, which now includes the Galaxy Buds 3 FE, the Galaxy Buds 3, and the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, plays it safe in terms of color options. The colorways across the board utilize standard shades of black, white, and the occasional mix of silver or gray. This might change with the pink and rose gold hues that could appear on the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro.

Samsung's older earbuds haven't shied away from flashy colors, though. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2, Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, and even the forgotten Galaxy Buds Live have been offered in unique styles.

We'll have to wait and see which Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 or Galaxy Buds 4 Pro colorways are available when they are officially revealed. For now, the appearance of Apricot renders in official One UI 8.5 beta builds is a good sign that we may get a pink pair of Samsung earbuds soon.