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Pocketable ‘buds that won’t stay in without excessive force are no fun.
The good news is, it can be done.
The quick list
Want to cut to the good bit ie.
exactly which earbuds are best for smaller ears?
Below, youll find a concise roundup of the models that get our collective nod.
you could also jump to a bigger write-up of each product.
No hi-res audio support, but that’s fair for the price.
Before joining TechRadar, I spent three years at What Hi-Fi?
testing everything the world of audio had to offer; before that, I was a professional dancer.
February 17, 2024Checked all products against our latest reviews and for current availability.
Removed Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro due to lack of stock.
Expanded information about how we test earbuds.
But Sony listened to our feedback, and things have changed.
What makes them my top choice for most people with small ears?
While the LinkBuds S may be small, their spec-sheet is pretty big.
With the exception of multipoint pairing, it’s basically a full house as far as perks go.
Why the less-than perfect review score?
Sonically, they could benefit from an extra ounce of zeal, verve and punch.
JLab JBuds Mini
Just quickly glance at the stat above, the one that says 3.3g.
Isn’t that incredible for the weight of a driver-housing, battery toting true wireless earbud?
For reference, the Sony WF-1000XM4 weigh 7.3g each, more than twice as heavy.
What don’t you get?
And for such a low price, we wouldn’t really expect it anyway.
Read our fullJLab JBuds Mini review
3.
Yes, it’s high-end stuff.
Montblanc’s will work nicely for small ears without sacrificing audio fidelity.
Read our fullMontblanc MTB 03 review
4.
Sony WF-C700N
Remember, I have small ears.
And even then, you’re able to tweak it all in the app.
Given the size of the earpieces, it’s no mean feat.
Read our fullSony WF-C700N review
5.
And that includes those of us with smaller ears.
Yes, the box is tiny; the driver housing of each bud is less so.
It’s among the best in the business.
Read our fullApple AirPods Pro 2 review
6.
Despite their 2018 release date, they’re still serving up magical sound for the level.
This makes them ideal for anyone who wants hi-res audio but doesn’t have the high-end budget to match.
The SoundMagic E80D have a simple, wired design.
We happily kept them in for hours over many times in an office and walking home.
Whichever ear gels you use, they’re also lightweight at 16g.
Read our fullSoundMagic E80D review
8.
And why pay for something you won’t ever use?
Anyway, my top pick for budget earbuds without ANC is the Sony WF-C510.
You wont get audiophile-level sound quality, exactly, but the WF-C510 still offer a highly enjoyable listen.
An edge over other budget options, I think you’ll agree.
Still, with 11 hours of battery life on a single charge, they’re still competitive for stamina.
Should I consider over-ears instead?
That said, some people still find the nature of an in-ear design hard to get used to.
Others don’t experience any issues at all.
We are wonderfully unique, you see.
Do you carry a small bag to work?
Those big ‘don’t talk to me’ over-ears need a bigger tote bag at the very least.
My advice, as always, is not to rush this purchase.
You and your earbuds will be spending a lot of time together, after all.
Are there any earbuds I should avoid if I have smaller ears?
OK, real talk.
Leading on from the point above, earbuds are only getting smaller now.
Take the 2015 Onkyo W800BT, the first widely available true wireless earbuds proposition.
Again, it’s crucial that you find what works for you.
The latest updates to this guide
December 16, 2024Rewrote the intro to this guide.
July 1, 2024Checked all products against our latest reviews.
Added the Soundmagic E80D as the best USB-C wired option.
