Best Earbuds of 2025 (So Far) From Premium Pieces to $50 Finds
2025 is shaping up to be a strong year for wireless earbuds: Premium brands are pushing boundaries with smarter features and better sound, while budget-friendly options are getting surprisingly competitive.
We’ve rounded up the standout picks so far — including sleek everyday buds, workout-friendly open-ear models, and noise-cancelling champs that won’t break the bank.
JBL Tour Pro 3 – Best Premium Earbuds for Audiophiles
Price: $299.95 on Amazon
Why We Love It:
With advanced adaptive noise cancellation, crisp audio reproduction, and a sleek touchscreen case, the JBL Tour Pro 3 feels every bit its premium price. Expect rich bass, detailed mids, and clear highs, plus smart ambient modes for staying aware when needed. Battery life is solid too, with up to 40 hours combined playback.
Perfect for: Power users, frequent travelers, and those who treat their ears (and music) seriously.
Shokz OpenFit Air – Best for Open-Ear Comfort
Price: $119.95 on Shokz
Why We Love It:
Shokz is known for bone conduction tech, but the OpenFit Air offers a more traditional open-ear design. No bone conduction buzz here. The earhook-style earbuds sit outside the ear canal, making them ideal for outdoor workouts or anyone who finds in-ear buds uncomfortable. Sound quality is surprisingly full for an open-ear design, and you’ll never feel "closed off" from your surroundings.
Perfect for: Runners, cyclists, or anyone who wants situational awareness.
CMF Buds 2 – Best Budget Pick with ANC Under $50
Price: $49.99 on Amazon
Why We Love It:
From Nothing’s sub-brand CMF, the Buds 2 punch way above their price. You get customizable EQ settings, active noise cancellation (rare at this price), and a sleek, lightweight build. With 43dB of ANC, decent mic quality, and a fun design, these are easily some of the best budget earbuds of the year.
Perfect for: Students, casual listeners, or anyone seeking a sleek and affordable upgrade.
Sony WF-C510 – Best Everyday Earbuds Under $70
Price: $58 on Amazon
Why We Love It:
Sony brings its audio pedigree to the entry-level WF-C510. You won’t find ANC here, but you will get Sony’s Balanced Sound profile, stable connectivity, and up to 50 hours of battery life with the case. Great for daily listening, especially if you value reliability over fancy extras.
Perfect for: Daily commuters, budget-conscious users, and Sony loyalists.
Xiaomi Buds 5 – Best Mid-Range All-Rounder
Price: $129 on Geekwills
Why we love it:
The Xiaomi Buds 5 hit that sweet spot between features and price. With active noise cancellation, wireless charging, and high-res audio support, they’re a fantastic mid-range option. The in-ear fit is snug, the bass is punchy, and the battery life is more than decent.
Perfect for: Value seekers who want flagship features without the flagship price.
FAQs
What are the best cheap earbuds in 2025?
The CMF Buds 2 and Sony WF-C510 both offer excellent value under $60 with impressive sound and solid battery life.
Are open-ear earbuds any good?
Yes! The Shokz OpenFit Air is a great example. These bad boys provide decent audio without blocking your ear canal, making it perfect for workouts and outdoor use.
Do I need noise cancellation?
If you commute, work in noisy environments, or just want immersive sound, ANC is worth it. Check out the JBL Tour Pro 3 or Xiaomi Buds 5 for excellent ANC performance at different price points.
