Choosing earbuds or headphones does not have to be complicated. Start with the shape that fits your day, set a budget, then match your pick to what you do most. This guide walks through those three decisions and points you to the right in-depth guide on this site for each one.
1. Start with the form factor
Sealed earbuds are the default choice for everyday use and travel: they fit in a pocket, block outside noise by sealing the ear canal, and pair with anything. See our guide to the best wireless earbuds, or the best cheap earbuds if you want to spend less.
Over-ear headphones give you the biggest sound and the strongest noise cancelling, which makes them the natural pick for home or the office. Compare the best closed-back headphones for serious home listening.
Open-ear earbuds sit outside the ear canal, so you can hear traffic and your surroundings. They are the right call for city walks and outdoor runs — see the best open-ear earbuds.
Bone conduction sends sound through your cheekbones and leaves your ears fully open, which is why runners and cyclists choose it. See the best bone conduction headphones.
2. Pick by budget
Every price tier has its own guide on this site:
- Best headphones under $150
- Best headphones under $200
- Best headphones under $300
- Flagship — our top-tier picks, including the best noise-cancelling earbuds.
3. Pick by use case
- Running and workouts: the best earbuds for running.
- Work calls: the best earbuds for work calls.
- TV watching: the best wireless earbuds for TV.
- Sleeping: the best earbuds for sleeping.
- Kids: the best headphones for kids.
- Gaming: the best gaming headsets.
- Classical listening: the best headphones for classical music.
- Working out with over-ears: the best over-ear headphones for working out.
4. If you already own a pair
No need to buy something new when a fix will do. These guides walk through the most common problems:
- How to pair Bluetooth headphones and earbuds
- How to connect Bluetooth headphones to any device
- Fix Bluetooth headphones when only one side works
- Bluetooth headphones charging issues
- How to fix static noise in headphones
- Sound delay in Bluetooth headphones
- Headset mic not working
- How to make headphones louder
5. A short safety note
Keep the volume moderate and take regular listening breaks. For safe volume limits and healthy listening habits, see our headphone hearing safety guide.
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