Why not ditch the over-ear headphones and instead choose from our list of the best earplug headphones?
Are you looking for the best earplug headphones or headphones that look like earplugs? Then you would be delighted to know that there is a wide assortment of remarkable headphones to choose from. Though the choice of the models is extensive, they have become a necessity for music lovers, gym-goers, and regular users.
The earplug headphones are compact, sleek in design, come produced from durable materials. You can place them inside your pockets, bag, purse, or anywhere you prefer. They do not occupy a lot of space.
More importantly, they produce opulent sound quality. Just because they are much smaller than the over-head headphones, it does not mean that they cannot generate similar music quality.
Yes, they can. Additionally, the earplugs provide you with a stunning fit, exceptional audio calling feature, good battery working life, and, more importantly, are IPX6 rated. Most of the wireless models come with a handy wireless charging case.
To help you make your decision easier, we have compiled a list of some of the best earplug headphones. They are highly rated among users, they produce outstanding audio quality, they are durable, and slightly priced on the higher side.
Significance of using the earplug headphones
- Lightweight & portable: Though earplugs might not be attractive as over-head headphones, they are lightweight & portable. You can place them inside your pocket, your backpack, or even your small purse.
- Come with more features: The main reason for opting for earplugs is that they come infused with tremendous features compared to the headphones. In addition, you can choose from wired or wireless. The pricing of both is almost the same; only that wireless devices do not have any cable.
- Good for workouts: If you are somebody who likes to actively wear headphones, then here is a device. While over-head headphones can get soaked with sweat and dirt, the earplugs are water-resistant. In addition, it comes with an IPX6 rating.
- Sound better: The earplug headphones sit right inside your ears. That means you can clearly listen to every beat, tone, and genre.
- Not bulky or large: The earplugs are not overweight or large to place on your head. It can be extremely annoying and frustrating when you want to wear something light and powerful.
- They are cheaper: The in-ear headphones cost much more affordable than the over-head headphones. You can find the best earplug headphone in the market for less than $100. Of course, if you are looking for more features, then you have to shell out more money.
- Easy to maintain: They are easier to maintain because you place them inside your pocket or backpack. You can forget about it. However, top-end models come with a compact charging case. You can safely place your earbuds in there.
- They are durable: Apart from the small size and being lightweight, the in-ear headphones can withstand some abuse. As a result, they do not get damaged that easily. Besides, most of the models are waterproof and extremely durable.
Best Earplug Headphones Headphones That look Like Earplugs
Without further ado, let us read the list of the best earplug headphones.
- Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Quick access to Siri by saying “Hey Siri,” more than 24 hours total listening time, effortless setup, in-ear detection, and automatic switching.
Specifications
Brand: Apple
Ear Placement: In-Ear
Color: White
Connectivity Technology: Wireless
Model Name: AirPods
Dimensions: AirPods (each): 0.65 by 0.71 by 1.59 inches (16.5 by 18.0 by 40.5 mm).
Battery: More than 24 hours of listening time, up to 18 hours of talk time.
We begin our quest for the best earplug headphones with the Apple AirPods (Gen 2). As you know, Apple produces reliable, durable, and top-notch products. Therefore, we do not blame them for their pricing.
It is not surprising that their products are ranked and rated high in most of the segments in the market by users. The AirPods (Gen 2) is a tremendous earplug headphone. It is lightweight fits inside your ears nicely without causing any discomfort.
USP Features
The setup is effortless; it also comes with in-ear detection. You can use this device to connect with your Apple ecosystem. An interesting feature of this model is that it automatically pause when you remove them from your ears.
Once you place them back, they start from where they paused. You can share your favorite songs with two similar models. Besides, you have Siri read out your messages. When you are listening to music playing games, the H1 chip infused in the AirPods does a phenomenal job of providing you with low latency.
This ensures that the sound quality is pristine. Moreover, you do not have to worry about the battery draining off because it comes with an astonishing battery. The battery can offer you 5 hours of operation on one charge.
However, it can work for more than 25 hours with the charging case. There has been some confusion about the Gen 1 AirPods and this model. Some users claim that the unit does not provide you with much improvement.
As we read, the model comes with an H1 chip on it. This enables the model to work faster and offers you a stable pairing. You can also say “Hey Siri” to activate your personal assistant. In addition, there is an accelerometer that works with dual beamforming microphones filtering the background noise.
Lastly, charging this model for 15 minutes gives you close to 3 hours of talk time alone. Therefore, we highly recommend the headphones.
Pros
- The model is lightweight and portable.
- The unit comes with extensive features.
- It provides you with an incredible listening experience.
- It offers you remarkable voice clarity.
- The battery’s working life is phenomenal.
Cons
- If you own the AirPods (Gen 1), then it may not be worth the upgrade.
- Sony WF-1000XM4 True Wireless Noise Canceling In-Ear Headphones (Black) with Dual Pad Wireless Charger Bundle (2 Items)
Specifications
Brand: Sony
Ear Placement: In-Ear
Color: Black
Connectivity Technology: Wireless
Model Name: WF-1000XM4
Dimensions: 3.7 x 2.56 x 3.39 inches
Battery: 8 hours from your headphones and 16 hours in the case
The Sony WF-1000XM4 headphones are our next model on our list of the best earplug headphones. As you know, Sony has been producing some exceptional devices over the years. It comes infused with a new integrated processor, V1.
It has been developed by Sony itself and helps in noise-cancellation. Besides, you can find a new lively driver, great noise sensing microphones, and opulent noise isolation earbud tips that provide you with a robust fitting.
USP Features
The headphones come with a powerful battery working life. You can use it for 8 hours and then store 16 hours inside the case. However, you can generate 1 hour of work time by just charging it for 5-minutes.
It comes with Qi technology for wireless charging. Sony’s latest smartphones come with similar technology. We felt the Bluetooth signal was superb. Using the integrated processor V1, the connection is better.
There is also an amazing intuitive control setting. You can now change the sound settings to what you want using them. Besides, you can set the functions to each of the earplugs with the help of the headphones connect app.
It also supports the high-resolution audio wireless connection. You would be astounded by the bass quality produced by the earplug headphones. The V1 improves the audio quality while decreasing the noise distortion and enabling the LDAC codec processing.
Pros
- The fitting is extremely comfortable.
- The unit provides you with noise isolation earbud tips.
- It has an opulent sound quality using the 6mm driver unit.
- It comes with two noise-sensing microphones per earbuds.
- The battery life is amazing.
Cons
- It is priced on the higher side at $250.
- Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Earbuds – Bluetooth Wireless Earphones, Triple Black, the World’s Most Effective Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Specifications
Brand: Bose
Ear Placement: In-Ear
Color: Triple Black
Connectivity Technology: Wireless
Model Name: QuietComfort Earbuds
Dimensions: 1.99 x 3.42 x 1.34 inches
Battery: 6 hours from your headphones and 18 hours in the case
Bose is another brand that had to find its way into our list of the best earplug headphones. The German brand has been around for several decades now. They are known to produce phenomenal headphones and speakers.
The QuietComfort Earbuds is an elegant pair of headphones. It is extremely comfortable to wear, feels quite robust in design, comes infused with several features. A notable feature in the model is the app that provides you with extensive connectivity.
USP Features
The setup of the earplug headphone is quite simple. You only need to download the Bose Music app. But you can operate the model without downloading the app. As a result, this model is perhaps the best for noise canceling.
You can get rid of the background noise with the help of the full transparency mode. Besides, the high-fidelity audio also offers you with an acoustic architecture. Moreover, the earbuds are extremely comfortable to wear, made from soft silicone, and come in three sizes.
The touch control is incredibly simple to use. You can tap, swipe, press, and perform a wide range of tasks effortlessly. In addition, it has a flexible microphone that enables your voice to sound natural and removes the surrounding noises.
It has a phenomenal battery working life of 6 hours on a single charge. Using the charging case, you can generate 18 hours of battery life. Yes, they are sweat and weather resistant with the IPX4 ratings.
Pros
- The model provides you with a comfortable fit.
- The unit offers you outstanding workmanship.
- It is extremely pleasant and has a strong bass sound.
- It offers you second to none ANC capabilities.
- The product has a good Bose music app.
Cons
- The earplug headphones have noise when the ANC is disabled.
- Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EQ – Active Noise Cancelling Wireless In-Ear Earphones with 6 Microphones, up to 20 hours of playtime, Sand
Specifications
Brand: Bang & Olufsen
Ear Placement: In-Ear
Color: Sand
Connectivity Technology: Wireless
Model Name: EQ
Dimensions: 3 x 1 x 1.6 inches
Battery: 20 hours of battery life in the charging case
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EQ is a terrific model that comes with an amazing fitting. Besides, there is ANC and powerful 6 microphones. You can also use the earplug headphone for 20 hours.
The unit is lightweight, offering you a secure fit. Its ANC works sublimely, enabling you to lose yourself listening to your favorite music or attending calls. The charging case is Qi-certified and provides you with a quick charge mode for an additional boost.
USP Features
The Beoplay EQ noise cancellation feature is second to none. It provides you with 6 microphones helping you to have great chats with clients, friends, or family. In addition, they are a wireless model meaning that you can use them anywhere you want.
The battery’s working life offers you 6.5 hours of playtime. In addition, there is a robust charging case that you can use. With ANC, you are provided with 6.5 hours of playtime, and without using ANC, you can use the model for 7.5 hours.
There is also a quick charge where you can receive 2 hours of use within just 20 minutes. They are ergonomic, lightweight, and come with several ear fins to achieve the right fitting on your ears.
The sound EQ is customizable according to your audio preferences. You can use it with the help of the Bang & Olufsen app. However, it may take time for users to get used to the app’s operation.
Pros
- The model is light due, and the aluminum case is designed quite elegantly.
- The build quality of the headphones is robust.
- It provides you with an excellent wide soundstage.
- It has the app EQ slider that is extremely simple to operate with.
- The battery working life is 6.5 hours with the ANC.
Cons
- Users complained that the touch controls were pretty hard to use.
- Bowers & Wilkins PI7 True Wireless in-Ear Headphones
Specifications
Brand: Bowers & Wilkins
Ear Placement: In-Ear
Color: White
Connectivity Technology: Wireless
Model Name: Bowers & Wilkins PI7 True Wireless In-Ear Headphones
Dimensions: 1.1 x 2.36 x 2.24 inches
Battery: 4 hours of use with ANC.
The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 could be the best earplug headphones in the market. It comes with an amazing fit; it is very lightweight, has an exceptional high-resolution sound, and is infused with dual drivers.
The True 24-bit connection with Qualcomm aptX Adaptive provides a good high-resolution sound. Its PI7 features dual drivers with individual amplifiers for incredible detail. The charging case features audio re-transmitting along with quick wireless charging.
USP Features
If you want to listen to top-notch sound quality, you have to use this model. But, thanks to Bluetooth 5.0 with Qualcomm aptX Technology, there is opulent music. Besides, it also has dual hybrid drivers with individual amplifiers.
The wireless headphones offer you high fidelity 24-bit streaming. In addition, it comes infused with advanced noise cancellation that features a multi-function button. Using that, you can select between three levels.
They are low, high, and auto levels for adaptive noise cancellation. It comes with 4 microphones providing you with eloquent call quality. The is a charging case that comes with media streaming.
It is robust, offering you audio retransmission for music to stream. That is done by connecting it to a media source. In addition, they provide you with a USB-C cable using which you can easily charge the headphones.
A 15-minute charge gives you close to 2 hours of playtime. The headphones come with intuitive wear sensors that remain on standby if you remove them. If you wear them, they reconnect to the song or Bluetooth device you listened to.
It also comes with controls that are easy to use. However, new users might need some time to get used to it. The headphones come with a touch-sensitive multifunction button providing playback & phone call control.
There is also an enabled voice assistant feature.
Pros
- The model provides you with a 24-bit high-res sound.
- The unit offers you good call quality through 4 microphones.
- It has a noise-canceling that can work amazingly.
- It provides quick and fast wireless charging.
- The product has convenient controls.
Cons
- The makers have to rework on the issues faced in the app.
FAQs
- What features should I look for in the headphones that look like earplugs?
It comes down to your requirements, preferences, brand choice, and, most importantly, the budget. Earplugs come in wireless and wired models. Moreover, they come with ear clips that provide your ears support.
Then there are features like noise-cancellation, eloquent sound quality, and magnificent voice clarity during calls. You can use them for video conferencing, attending classes, and exercising.
- Can they cause damage to the ears?
When you use them cautiously, there is nothing to worry about. However, you must make sure that you insert them correctly. If they do not fit your ears properly, then choose some other ear tips.
Make sure that you listen to volumes at low to medium levels unless required to go a notch up in the volume. Usually, manufacturers recommend that you listen to less than 70 decibels during a lengthy session.
- Do the earplug headphones keep falling off your ears when exercising?
Most of the earplug models come infused with a sturdy design and a rubber grip. That ensures the earplugs do not fall off when you are aggressively exercising. You could be running, jogging, walking, or even working out strenuously.
Besides, the unit comes with the IPX6 rating. So you do not have any concern about the headphones getting wet or malfunctioning. But, of course, you need to use the right set of ear tips.
- Is the noise-canceling feature effective?
The noise-canceling on the best earplug headphones is as good as the ones found on the over-ear headphone models. Though you might notice a slight variation in the sound quality or microphone performance, the noise blockage is good enough.
You can use the earbuds on the bus, subway, airplane without much hassle. Noise-canceling is a standard feature on mid and high-end earbuds, and earphones, so many choices are available. In many cases, it’s as good as you’ll find in over-ear models, or no less than one generation removed from the ANC offered in flagship wireless over-ear models.
- What is the right price for choosing earplug headphones?
We have given you some of the top-end as well models that are reasonably priced. You can find a wide range of products from $100-$400. At the end of the day, it depends on your budget requirements.
The priciest doesn’t need to be the best. You can find decent models priced affordable within $200. However, if you can stretch your budget, then we suggest you go for the Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Earbuds or the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 True Wireless in-Ear Headphones.
In Conclusion
This is it. We have come to the end of our review on the best earplug headphones. We hope that you liked what you read and were able to make your decision. Well, if you haven’t, we suggest you read the post again to can find something that can meet your requirements.
We choose them based on five important criteria: design, features, sound quality, voice clarity, and value for money. We highly recommend the Apple AirPods (Gen 2) and the Sony WF-1000XM4 True Wireless Noise Canceling In-Ear Headphones based on these factors.
They both came with amazing ergonomic design, durability, and value for money. In addition, the Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EQ, and Bowers & Wilkins PI7, though expensive, come with distinctive features in them.
You can give the other models a try if you like them. Do let us know if we missed out on something in hindsight. Please do write to us and give us your thoughts and feedback. We would love to hear about your experience using them.
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