If you’re in the market for a new pair of earbuds, it’s likely that you’re overwhelmed with choice. Now that the cheapest pairs cost the same as a (nice) sandwich, you should expect they have the longevity to match. There’s also the plethora of knock-offs, fakes, and generic no-brand models to tempt the unwary with suspiciously consistent customer ratings and seductive imagery. Here are six pairs of the best earbuds – contemporary models you can rely on, with a choice of established names, innovative start-ups, environmentally-focused companies, or just straightforward, old-fashioned simplicity.
Six of the best earbuds for 2022
Sony LinkBuds
LinkBuds are Sony’s newest contribution to our always-on world. LinkBuds are wireless earbuds designed to be worn most of the time, with an adaptive volume control system and a ‘speak-to-chat’ facility that pauses the music when you talk. The open ring design reflects the LinkBuds’ ability to connect with your surroundings, while there are also built-in digital assistants for swift access to information.
UK: Buy for £150 / US: Buy for $180
Ear (1) Black by Nothing
New consumer tech company Nothing is gearing up for a busy 2022. In addition to a new colourway for its no-frills debut device, the Ear (1), the company has also announced the arrival of a new design director, Adam Bates, formerly head of design at Dyson. Bates will bring his 14 years of experience creating high-quality consumer electronics to the London-based Nothing. The Ear (1) Black is a new edition of the noise-cancelling earbuds, complete with the distinctive transparent charging case. The company has also achieved carbon neutrality and will print the carbon footprint of each Ear (1) – 1.78kg – on the packaging to draw attention to this increasingly important statistic.
UK: Buy for £100 / US: Buy for $99
Dóttir Freedom headphones
The Freedom headphones from Dóttir are named for their secure fit, designed by the company’s founders, Icelandic athletes Katrin Davidsdottir and Annie Thorisdottir, both two-time female champions at the CrossFit Games. Rugged, form-fitting, waterproof, and with a wraparound earhook for added security, Dóttir’s noise-cancelling headphones are perfect for sporting use, with hands-free controls, voice assistant and up to 72 hours of listening time when used with the charging case.
UK: Buy for £112 / US: Buy for $149
Soundcore by Anker Liberty 3 Pro
Soundcore, the audio brand created by accessories specialist Anker, has released the Liberty 3 Pro, the latest version of its active noise-cancelling earbuds. As well as the ability to create a personal sound profile through analysis of your ear canal, the earbuds also deliver a specially surround-sound effect for compatible films and games. The three-level noise-cancelling is joined by a ‘fully transparent’ mode, with the promise of an ‘enhanced vocal’ upgrade later in the year.
UK: Buy for £140 / US: Buy for $170
Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+
If you don’t need sculpted grips and elaborate casings, then Cambridge Audio’s minimally styled Melomania 1+ earbuds could be just the ticket. With an impressive nine hours of playback, the little bullet-shaped buds are also compatible with Siri and the Google Assistant, and have adjustable EQ settings through the Melomania app.
UK: Buy for £90 / US: Buy for $100
Google Pixel Buds A-Series
The A-Series Pixel Buds saw Google take its most sophisticated tech and put it right into your ear. Other earbuds might have Google Assistant, but if you pair the Pixel Buds with the Google Translate app, you can get real time translation. They’re not the only devices to offer this service, but the big G’s AI is typically ahead of the game, and they also make a good job of playing music.
-
Could reimagining play reshape childhood? 21st Europe argues for playgrounds as infrastructureA new blueprint by think tank 21st Europe and Spacon calls for playgrounds to be treated as vital civic infrastructure – on par with museums, stations and energy grids
-
In Vietnam, Amanoi’s most indulgent residence yet is almost hidden on an East Sea clifftopAman’s ‘place of peace’ in Vietnam introduces the Amanoi Ocean Pool Residence, an architectural feat complete with its own private beach and spa
-
Yinka Ilori just teamed up with M.A.D. Editions on a trio of ultra-colourful watchesBut hurry – you'll need to enter a raffle to score one for yourself
-
The Hasselblad X2D II 100C takes the iconic camera brand to a new level of sophisticationSweden’s most sophisticated camera manufacturer announces a new flagship medium-format digital camera and zoom lens
-
Lava Studio is a sleek studio-in-a-box for guitarists seeking the ultimate portable toolLava Music's new Studio is an elegant touchscreen-powered guitar effects unit with multi-track recording, AI tips and tricks and a powerful integrated speaker
-
The Sinclair name is back, attached to a pocket-sized games console with an educational edgeGrant Sinclair’s name is freighted with early computing history. Wallpaper* tapped up the British inventor to find out more about his new GamerCard console and other innovation
-
Tuneshine is a new way of bringing back the lost art of the album coverThe compact Tuneshine screen uses LED tech to illuminate the artwork of whatever you’re currently streaming
-
Loewe reaches for the stars with the biggest screen in its history, the Stellar 97 televisionGerman audio specialist Loewe has revealed its new flagship, a 97-inch OLED television that’s a showcase for the company’s crafted approach
-
Dyson’s new Cool CF1 fan brings quiet, compact cooling into the homeAn evolution of Dyson’s quest to reinvent the humble desk fan, the Cool CF1 is enhanced and updated for a new, smarter generation
-
The new Polaroid Flip unfolds to bring you pin-sharp instant photographyPolaroid announces the Flip, an instant camera that blends its evergreen film technology with better results and more control
-
Could putting pen to reMarkable’s Paper Pro tablet make you more creative and less stressed?Design Museum director Tim Marlow extols the power of ‘scribbling’, and is backed up by new research from reMarkable on the benefits of its paper tablet
