Anybody searching for the very best earbuds for small ears know that discovering consolation and a safe seal will not be so simple as simply utilizing the smaller ear suggestions equipped within the field. We small-eared sorts know that the narrowness of our ear canals is only one annoyance. Truly, the scale of our concha (that recess in the course of our outer ear) and tragus (the sharp bit above it, on the opening of the ear canal) and what they’ll accommodate are way more urgent points with regards to discovering non-painful earbuds for smaller ears.
Pocketable earbuds that will not keep in with out extreme drive aren’t any enjoyable. I do know this as a result of I have been testing the best wireless earbuds throughout all costs – together with the best budget wireless earbuds – for years now, giving all the large names an opportunity to indicate that they are good for small ears too, even when packing superior options equivalent to lively noise cancellation (ANC).
These are my choose of the very best earbuds for smaller ears, for each funds and no matter your precedence, based mostly on that have. I can sport these earbuds with out situation for lengthy listening periods, so I am assured which you can too.
Becky Scarrott
I’ve reviewed over 150 audio merchandise since changing into a tech journalist, starting from super-budget earbuds to high-end Hello-Res Audio music gamers. Earlier than becoming a member of TechRadar, I spent three years at What Hello-Fi? testing the whole lot the world of audio needed to supply; earlier than that, I used to be an expert dancer. I’ve small ears, as confirmed by Sennheiser’s 3D mapping of my auricles and self-made impressions, because of Final Ears’ heat-to-fit earbuds, and this information is predicated on my real-world use of those buds.
The short listing
Wish to reduce to the great bit – ie. precisely which earbuds are greatest for smaller ears? Beneath, you’ll discover a concise roundup of the fashions that get our collective nod. You can even soar to an even bigger write-up of every product.
The most effective earbuds for small ears total
Lightness, supreme safety and Sony’s stellar ANC – and you do not even must forego battery life! They’re marginally brief on oomph sonically, however it’s a small worth to pay…
The most effective funds earbuds for small ears
The truth that JLab has put a keyring on the case offers you a sign of their measurement and, frankly, pricier keyrings exist – however do not be fooled; the sound is best than the worth suggests.
The most effective high-end earbuds for small ears
They’re gorgeous they usually’ll match fantastically in each your bijou ears and your skinny denims pocket, providing a impartial, refined and effortlessly stylish sound – and a price ticket to mirror that.
The most effective small earbuds for funds noise cancellation
Sony’s diminutive, cheap buds don’t have any enterprise sounding this good (and nixing this a lot noise) for the cash. No hi-res audio assist, however that is honest for the worth.
5. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Professional
The most effective earbuds for Samsung homeowners with smaller ears
Samsung’s 2022 buds supply a compact design, nice sound, plus hi-res assist and wonderful head-tracked spatial audio in case you have a Samsung Galaxy cellphone.
The most effective wired earbuds for small ears
Wish to stick with wires in case one falls out, regardless of your greatest efforts? Here is a cheap possibility with nice sound that truly landed in 2018, so in at this time’s panorama, it is a basic…
The most effective Apple earbuds for smaller ears
Apple’s Professional buds supply seamless perks with Apple gadgets, the noise cancellation is aces, and regardless of their (relative) weight, this now ubiquitous design does work for small ears.
The most effective earbuds for small ears
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The most effective earbuds for small ears total
I do know, I do know: Sony‘s earbuds did not begin out small – a few of us struggled to attain a safe match and seal with early WF-1000XM iterations, did not we? However Sony listened to our suggestions, and issues have modified. The LinkBuds S are small and fantastically designed, to the purpose that they sit virtually flush with my tragus when worn, so no gust of wind can dislodge them.
Leaving their tiny measurement to 1 facet for a second, the Might 2022-issue LinkBuds S use the identical V1 processor to mix noise cancellation and audio processing because the one within the (dearer, and greater) former flagship Sony WF-1000XM4, however right here it is working with a brand new 5mm full-range dynamic driver – which can be smaller than the XM4.
What makes them my best choice for most individuals with small ears? Whereas the LinkBuds S could also be small, their spec-sheet is fairly large. Excluding multipoint pairing, it is principally a full home so far as perks go. Noise cancellation may be turned on or off utilizing the capacitive contact floor on every earpiece (which works properly, regardless of their diminutive measurement) and an Ambient sound possibility provides 20 completely different increments, dealt with by Sony’s Headphone Join app – once more, the identical one as utilized by Sony’s flagship earbuds.
Why the less-than excellent assessment rating? Sonically, they may profit from an additional ounce of zeal, verve and punch. That mentioned, they’re completely musical and gratifying because of the comparatively detailed sound, openness throughout the frequencies, and reassuringly chunky efficiency by way of the low-end – I would identical to extra dynamic efficiency by way of the main edges of notes). Sure, it is splitting hairs, however that is my job…
Learn our full Sony LinkBuds S review
The most effective funds earbuds for folks with small ears
Simply shortly look on the stat above, the one that claims 3.3g. Is not that unbelievable for the burden of a driver-housing, battery toting true wi-fi earbud? It is not only one.5g lighter than the Sony LinkBuds S’ weight per bud (listed above as our top choice for smaller ears), however the lightest we have ever heard of.
For reference, the Sony WF-1000XM4 weigh 7.3g every, greater than twice as heavy. On the different finish of the size, the January 2022-issue 1More ComfoBuds Mini beforehand obtained the nod for the lightest earbuds we have ever examined, at simply 3.7g per earpiece, however every JLab JBuds Mini earpiece is available in at nearly half a gram lighter – and with regards to one thing that sits inside the fragile creases and wells of your smallish ear for a lot of hours, it truly counts.
These September 2023-launch earbuds are sufficient to carry on an assault of cute aggression they’re so tiny; put the case in your keyring (JLab has thoughtfully equipped one, within the field) and you will barely discover your listening gear is there.
And if they will stay subsequent to your keys, it helps to know you are getting an IP55 ranking for rain and dirt ingress. You additionally get multipoint (one thing a lot pricier flagship earbuds nonetheless lack – Bose, we’re you) and an excellent companion app. What do not you get? Lively noise cancellation, which might be a deal-breaker for a lot of – though the passive isolation is best than you’d count on. And for such a low worth, we would not actually count on it anyway.
Sonically talking, they’re good – and that’s nothing in need of unbelievable for this cash, aided by the choice to tweak the EQ within the app. They undergo simply fractionally by way of the low finish for clout and influence, however it’s a minor shortfall at this ultra-budget stage.
Learn our full JLab JBuds Mini review
The most effective high-end earbuds for small ears
When you like good issues (and there is completely nothing fallacious with liking good issues), you will like Montblanc’s bijou and fantastically crafted earbuds. There’s hi-res codec assist – aptX Adaptive, to be exact – and the sound has been tuned by designer (of legendary headphones, together with the Sennheiser HD 600) Axel Grell. Sure, it is high-end stuff.
You additionally get IPX4 water resistance and an app that provides a 5 band EQ tab, uncommon noise cancellation and ambient options and auto-off wearer detection plus a beautiful illustration of the remaining battery life in every bud.
When you’re pleased to pay a premium for the standard construct, end and iconic snowcap emblem inside earbuds that sound good, I assist you – sure, sonically they tick all of the packing containers for depth and neutrality when listening to higher-resolution music information.
The one fly within the ointment is the MTB 03’s noise cancellation, which is sweet somewhat than wonderful. In lesser-priced earbuds it would not be an enormous situation, however for this cash one would possibly hope for the close to ‘bubble of silence’ efficiency you get from the (a lot greater) Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Ultra – as a result of the Montblanc buds are priced to compete with the very best. And within the battle for quietness, the clear winner is Bose… however as I discussed above, these earbuds are fairly large. Montblanc’s will work properly for small ears with out sacrificing audio constancy.
Learn our full Montblanc MTB 03 review
The most effective small earbuds for funds noise cancellation
Keep in mind, I’ve small ears. So consider me once I say that if it is inexpensive Sony noise-cancelling earbuds you are after and your ears are on the small facet, you will not be disenchanted with the Sony WF-C700N.
They don’t seem to be the final phrase in audiophile-grade sound (you solely get standard-quality SBC and AAC codec assist somewhat than something hi-res, though Sony has included in its entry-level DSEE upscaler to make Spotify tracks sound higher) and if you would like higher-resolution assist in a design that celebrates a smaller ear, you will have to take a position extra. That mentioned, you do get Sony 360 Actuality assist right here, which is even higher in the event you pay for Tidal – as a result of that music streaming platform has a wealth of content material offered in Sony’s object-based immersive format.
What you’ll want to know is that they are pretty and small they usually merely should not be this good for the cash – particularly for sound and lively noise cancellation. One key omission on the spec-sheet is auto-off characteristic whenever you take away them, however for this cash it is a compromise I am more than pleased to make. It is also a disgrace that you just solely get one additional cost of them from the case, in comparison with two or three with most fashions right here, however that is balanced out by them providing wonderful longevity within the buds from every cost.
Sony’s Headphones Join app offers you management of the lively noise cancellation, together with Adaptive Sound Management optimized in line with what you are doing – sure, the C700N basically learn the way you have a tendency to make use of them, then attempt to get with the schedule, so you’ll be able to have lighter noise blocking within the workplace than when travelling. And even then, you’ll be able to tweak all of it within the app. When ANC is on, all however the loudest noises are softened, leaving me genuinely immersed in my playlists. Given the scale of the earpieces, it is no imply feat.
Learn our full Sony WF-C700N review
The most effective smaller earbuds for Samsung homeowners
Up till the pill and smartphone big unveiled the Galaxy Buds 2 Professional, Samsung‘s report with earbuds, er, wasn’t nice. However neglect shiny kidney bean-shaped buds and different quirky design prospers, the Professional 2 are compact, snug and all enterprise.
First off, the fundamentals are spot on: wonderful lively noise cancellation, voice detect, wearer detection and customizable on-ear controls – all of which work very properly certainly – plus IPX7 water ingress safety.
However in the event you personal a Samsung Galaxy gadget (and thus, entry to the Samsung Wearable companion app and home-screen widget) you additionally get straightforward spatial audio with elective head-tracking, plus end-to-end 24-bit high-res audio, which is kind of a rarity.
For the smaller-eared wearer, the improved match and lightness right here can be successful – the Buds Professional 2 are 15% smaller than Samsung’s final effort and 0.8g lighter per earpiece (5.5g vs the 6.3g Buds Professional) – however extra importantly, the design suits me merely, with out having to repeat that overly-aggressive twist-and-hope-to-lock-em-in method a few of us know solely too properly.
The one draw back right here on the time of writing is that an up to date iteration on these August 2022-issue earbuds is predicted in August 2024 – here is what we all know in regards to the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro thus far. Then once more, meaning we’re seeing some large reductions on this still-excellent older mannequin…
Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro review
The most effective wired earbuds for small ears
When you’ve ever nosed by way of an audiophile publication or Reddit thread, you will possible learn about these wildly profitable, multi-award successful entry-level wired earbuds. Regardless of their 2018 launch date, they’re nonetheless serving up magical sound for the extent. Notice that these are 3.5mm terminated (which means they use an everyday headphone jack) however if you would like a USB-C model, that is referred to as the SoundMagic E11D.
For the smaller-eared amongst us, wires may be enticing for causes apart from their improved sound high quality (ditching a Bluetooth connection nonetheless means better-quality audio; even an aptX HD connection incurs a level of ‘loss’ or compression) as a result of wires tether your valuable earbuds to one another – and naturally to your supply gadget. Anybody who’s ever needed to frantically search below their practice carriage seat for a popped-out earbud simply as they pull into their cease is aware of the worth of this.
However to name the SoundMagic E11C a secure wager for transportable audio is to do these wired earbuds a disservice. Sure, their aluminum dark-metallic design makes them feel and appear way more costly than they’re when slipped into your ears – however higher than that, they sound transfer costly too. They don’t seem to be the ultimate phrase in sonic brilliance, (bass and treble can each be less-than-totally-refined), however they’re spectacular for the worth, and it is easy to truly hear what you are listening to because of good passive noise blocking.
The silver-plated copper cable is coated in TPE and apart from the environmental advantages of one of these coating (it is a type of thermoplastic rubber that SoundMagic says has “a diminished environmental influence in comparison with different generally used plastics”) it additionally means the cable feels sturdy and would not tangle, which anybody who makes use of Apple’s USB-C EarPods will quickly recognize…
Learn our full SoundMagic E11C review
The most effective Apple earbuds for smaller ears
When you’re leaning in direction of an Apple product, there is a motive this specific white stemmed design is so fashionable nowadays: it suits most individuals. And that features these of us with smaller ears.
The Apple AirPods Professional 2 supply a robust audio efficiency plus high-end noise cancellation in a construct that is smaller and extra light-weight than loads of the common competitors. OK, they weigh 5.3g, which is slightly heavy given the competitors particularly inside this bijou budded listing, however that features the well-weighted stem, in addition to the driving force housing. I’ve referred to as mentioned stem a ‘toothbrush head form’ in earlier iterations (as much as and together with the second-gen. Apple AirPods 2019), however right here the tail is slightly shorter and tapers round barely to hug your cheek, which aids with a safe match.
Noise cancellation? It is among the many greatest within the enterprise. Battery life? Not a lot; six hours from the buds is distinctly common – though the 30 hours from the charging case is extra spectacular.
As at all times with Apple propositions, iPhone homeowners are the best-served clients right here, because of distinctive options equivalent to head-tracked spatial audio, Discover My assist together with ultra-wideband precision location monitoring (so your cellphone will actually level you to your misplaced buds) and seamless auto-switching between your Apple gadgets, which is principally the equal of multipoint connectivity on extra gadgets than most – however bear in mind, you want an Apple gadget to get pleasure from all of this (and ideally all Apple gadgets).
Learn our full Apple AirPods Pro 2 review
How to decide on the very best smaller earbuds for you
Which earbuds form is greatest for small ears?
Quick reply: one thing compact and both teardrop-shaped or pill-shaped, since that is probably the most ergonomically correct design for many ears.
That mentioned, I’ve truly been shocked by the safety and match I’ve skilled carrying some bigger trying earbuds – specifically the Technics EAH-AZ80 – which work as a result of consideration has been paid to the brand new ‘concha’ design. The burden these earbuds carry (a not insubstantial 7g) is properly distributed throughout the housing, so that they nearly really feel as in the event that they hug the ear to remain put.
It is price noting that some customers with smaller ears discover an open-ear design is greatest, since this avoids the difficulty of attaining a seal – there isn’t any neck of the bud having to slot in your ear canal. Examples of this is likely to be the AirPods 3 (which sit in your ear properly or tragus, however do not have to be pushed additional into the ear canal) or a totally open-ear design such because the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, which match nearly like an ear cuff.
As at all times, all ears are completely different and whereas we will level you in the precise path, there’s going to be a level of trial and error right here. What we will inform you is, there is a set of earbuds on the market for you even in case you have small ears – and it is properly price experimenting to seek out them.
Ought to I contemplate over-ears as an alternative?
It is an excellent query, though the reply, as with so many issues, will come down to private desire and the way (or when) you wish to hearken to your music.
Even 5 years in the past, I may need advised that if you would like a wonderful match and you’ve got very small ears, you most likely have to be over-ear headphones, however because of unbelievable developments in onboard mics, batteries, Bluetooth chipsets (with anti-phase tech for ANC) and driver manufacture, ever-smaller earbuds – with ever-improving spec sheets – are arriving each day.
That mentioned, some folks nonetheless discover the character of an in-ear design arduous to get used to. I’ve had emails from readers who discover nearly all earbuds painful, intrusive and even nauseating, no matter their ear measurement. Others do not expertise any points in any respect. We’re splendidly distinctive, you see.
Do you carry a small bag to work? Earbuds, which may be saved simply of their diminutive case and eve thrown in a pocket, are tempting aren’t they? These large ‘do not discuss to me’ over-ears want an even bigger tote bag on the very least.
My recommendation, as at all times, is to not rush this buy. You and your earbuds might be spending a variety of time collectively, in spite of everything. Ask your self which listening model most accurately fits your life-style in addition to your physicality, learn our evaluations and, in case you have the time, go to a bricks-and-mortar retailer to strive your shortlisted choices on before you purchase.
Are there any earbuds I ought to keep away from if I’ve smaller ears?
OK, actual discuss. Main on from the purpose above, earbuds are solely getting smaller now. Since their arrival not but a decade in the past, producers are seemingly in a race to squirrel drivers, batteries, spatial audio processing and mics into ever reducing true wi-fi earpieces. Take the 2015 Onkyo W800BT, the primary extensively accessible true wi-fi earbuds proposition. Every earbud got here in at 8.5g – spectacular on the time, large by at this time’s requirements (contemplate the three.3g earpiece JLab has provided with the 2023 JBuds Mini for reference).
What I am saying is, it pays to search for newer merchandise since manufacturers sometimes search to raised earlier choices with every recent iteration – and measurement is a good spec to start out with.
Some folks discover Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds 2 and newer Earbuds Extremely (a really related proposition bodily, no less than) slightly on the cumbersome facet. That mentioned, others assume Bose’s distinctive ear suggestions, which cowl the entire housing somewhat than simply the neck of the bud, significantly safe.
Once more, you’ll want to discover what works for you.
How we take a look at the very best earbuds for small ears
Why you’ll be able to belief TechRadar
☑️ Greater than 3,000 headphones reviewed
☑️ 15 years of product testing
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Every yr, we take a look at scores of earbuds at TechRadar, which suggests we all know exactly which perks, options, specs and earbud weights stand out as uncommon and noteworthy – and naturally, we recognise wonderful sound-per-pound worth once we hear it.
We arrive on the absolutely star-rated verdicts inside our evaluations by evaluating the capabilities (together with consolation, sound high quality, options, battery life, total design, noise cancellation and spatial audio processing) of every set of every set of earbuds not simply in isolation, however in opposition to the easiest reference units on the stage – and by ‘stage’ we imply ‘for across the similar worth’. Our motive for being is to know the very best product at every price-point, so whether or not you could have $1,500 or $15 to spend, we wish you to purchase the very best factor inside your funds.
We additionally take a look at the audio efficiency utilizing myriad musical genres and by streaming from a number of reference sources (together with the gamut of music streaming providers, plus downloaded music from devoted hi-res audio gamers), utilizing fastidiously curated playlists which we have been including to and finessing over a few years.
To check lively noise cancellation and transparency modes, we use real-world environments equivalent to public transport, our personal bustling places of work, flights or our dwelling cities below strict, managed, like-for-like assessments. We do that to make sure that no possibility unfairly outshines its competitors.
We put our all into what we do (if it is health earbuds we’re testing, you’d higher consider we’re on the market operating that 5k over lunch) and we’re actually assured that our star-rated evaluations are the very best indication of the standard and luxury of the earbuds on this listing.
The most recent updates to this information
22 March, 2024
This information was created, to assist folks select the very best earbuds for wearers with small ears, proper now.
