Best in ear headphones 2024

[jimbo761]

Liked original Galaxy Buds, except have managed to lose one so need to replace.

Already have WF-1000XM4 in ear Sonys but find the fit horrible and they are very bulky. Despite the multiple recommendations I didn't rate the sound either. I have their over-ear XM5's which are marvellous but too bulky for my day to day travel etc.

Looking at Buds 3 Pro or maybe the Bose. Or even a re-order of the original buds while you can still get them. Any recommendations welcome.

[Anastie]

I’ve gone from air pods pro to Bose earbuds. I like the Bose earbuds at the gym much better than Apples offering. The Bose stay in the ear better and I prefer their sound signature.

However, this week I for air travel I bought some Sony over ear headphones and although I won’t use them in the gym I much prefer the fit and ANC

[nordboy]

I've been through the Bose and couldn't get on with them. Went with the XM4's which are brilliant but are quite chunky.

So to go with them I got some Soundcore Liberty 4 NC's. I got them while they were on discount from the rainforest place so only paid £55, which I think they are now as well.

They are brilliant for the price, so good, my XM4's rarely get a look in as the liberty's are so comfortable.

You could look at the Sony NC700's, same style as the XM4's but smaller and cheaper.

[dogbucket]

I really like the Samsung Buds FE.

They have the little wings for a nice fit which the higher models dont. Required no EQ (normally I find you have to boost bass on others like Anker etc). ANC works well. Touch controls.

[tomsugden]

I bought some status between 3ANC in ear noise cancelling headphones earlier this year, and they're very impressive.

https://www.status.co/products/between-3anc?srslti...

[Techno9000]

My experience with my pair of Sonys is a perfect air tight fit is key to the best sound.

Initially they weren’t tight enough in the ear canal and knocked around against my ear when walking (awful). Once tight that issue was resolved but more recently I found that an even better fit was possible at which point the bass improved.

My suggestion would be to moisten the ear buds to allow easy full insertion and a better fit.

I’m really impressed by the sound quality and now totally happy with them.

[jimbo761]

Just to close this out, went with the Buds 3 in the end as the pros are currently delayed due to a technical issue. Very impressed with these, they are very comfortable and don't need jamming into the ear canal like the horribly chunky Sonys. I'm no audiophile by any means but with a Samsung phone the sound quality seems excellent to me.

[Lovey1]

I had the Sony XM4's but these suffered from the very common issue of battery drain so they went in the bin . I switched to Apple Air pod Pro 2 after listening to a few and i am very impressed. The sound is better in my opinion than the Sony's (maybe just that to get the Sony's to there best they are very uncomfortable as they have to be very firmly located in the ear) and much nicer to wear.

[nordboy]

Lovey1 said:

I had the Sony XM4's but these suffered from the very common issue of battery drain so they went in the bin . I switched to Apple Air pod Pro 2 after listening to a few and i am very impressed. The sound is better in my opinion than the Sony's (maybe just that to get the Sony's to there best they are very uncomfortable as they have to be very firmly located in the ear) and much nicer to wear.

Honestly, I'd get Apple air pods IF they did them in a colour other than white. As a 54 yr old bloke, I'd look a right plonker walking around with those things in my ears. And I know this as when I see blokes of a similar age doing it, i automatically think 'you plonker'

[bitchstewie]

Not being funny but half the planet use AirPods.

Who gives a fk about the colour?

[rottenegg]

I like B&O's sound signature with their in-ears. Just waiting on their next model as the current ones have lame ANC.

Was hoping Apple might do Airpods Pro 3 for 2024, but instead all we got was some minor tweaks and USB C on the Max. I think they are waiting on Bluetooth 6 or some better protocol for more bandwidth.

As for white AirPods, yes half the planet wear them, but I'm in the other half that don't want gash looking Q tips hanging out of my ears thanks.

[AC43]

rottenegg said:

I like B&O's sound signature with their in-ears. Just waiting on their next model as the current ones have lame ANC.

Was hoping Apple might do Airpods Pro 3 for 2024, but instead all we got was some minor tweaks and USB C on the Max. I think they are waiting on Bluetooth 6 or some better protocol for more bandwidth.

As for white AirPods, yes half the planet wear them, but I'm in the other half that don't want gash looking Q tips hanging out of my ears thanks.

Yeah I'm not a fan of the weird Apple look - although at least people know you've got them in and don't think you're ignoring them I suppose.

ETA I use Galaxy Pro 2 buds which are black and tuck in nicely. But people can't see them and do try and talk to me.