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The best earbuds 2024 test: A guide to premium sound for every pocket

Every ear deserves its own symphony: How to choose the right headphones in 2024

Test najboljših ušesnih slušalk
Photo: City Magazine

Our review gives you a comprehensive insight into the world of in-ear headphones, from affordable marvels to top-notch sonic masterpieces. So a review of the best earbuds 2024!

In 2024, the earbuds market seems to have reached new heights of innovation and diversity. With continuous advancements in Bluetooth technology, battery improvements, and the ever-popular active noise cancellation, choosing the right pair of headphones has never been more complicated—or even exciting. In this review, we explore a variety of models that promise to please every ear and every budget, from sports enthusiasts to audiophiles in search of perfection. So – the test of the best earbuds 2024.

When categorizing earbuds for 2024, we focused on the specific needs and preferences of users. Each category reflects an important feature or function that a particular user profile values most. Here are those categories and the reasons for choosing them:

  • Headphones for fitness fanatics: This category is for users looking for sweat and moisture resistant headphones with long battery life for long workouts. They are suitable for intensive sports activities.
  • Best open-back headphones: Some users prefer to retain the ability to hear ambient sounds while wearing the headphones, which is especially useful in urban environments or when running outdoors. The open type of headphones enables this functionality.
  • The kings of active noise cancellation: For those who travel a lot or work in noisy environments, active noise cancellation is essential. Headphones in this category provide a peaceful sound environment.
  • Best for HD lovers: Audiophiles looking for the purest and most accurate sound will find headphones with the best audio codecs and sound characteristics in this category.
  • Best for everyday use: Versatile, comfortable to wear all day long, with a good battery and a stable Bluetooth connection, the headphones are ideal for everyday use.
  • Best for quality calls: For business people and those who often make calls, crystal clear communication without interference from the environment is important.
  • Best for the fashion conscious: Aesthetics can be important, especially for users who want their headphones to be a fashion accessory as well.
  • Best for long battery life: Long battery life is key for users who are often on the go or far from charging stations.
  • Best for Virtual Reality: Specially adapted headsets for VR use that provide an enhanced sound experience in virtual environments.
  • Best All-In-One Product: Headphones that combine most of the key features of other categories, ideal for users looking for versatile headphones without compromise.

Each category is designed to meet specific needs and ensure that users can find the headphones that are best for their lifestyle and use.

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Jabra Elite 5 In-Ear-Bluetooth-Kopfhörer mit...
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Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling...
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Last Updated 2024-11-13 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API

1. Headphones for fitness fanatics: Jabra Elite 5 Active

Photo: City Magazine

For those who like to test their headphones in extreme conditions, the Jabra Elite 5 Active offers exceptional resistance to sweat and dust thanks to its robust design and IP57 certification. With a long-lasting battery that lasts up to 7 hours of continuous use, and an additional 28 hours with the charging case, these headphones are a true marathon runner among the competition.


Jabra Elite 5 Active: IP57 against sweat and dust, 6mm drivers, active noise cancellation, Bluetooth Multipoint, 7 hours of playback / 28 hours with case, price: about 180 EUR.

2. Best open-back headphones: Sony LinkBuds S

Photo: City Magazine

Sony LinkBuds S brings a breath of fresh air to the open headphone category, with its unusual design that allows ambient sounds to pass through naturally. Ideal for those who want to maintain contact with their surroundings while listening to music or making calls. Despite the open design, these headphones surprise with quality sound and comfort.


Sony LinkBuds S: Open design, DSEE Extreme, adaptive noise cancellation, 5 hours playback / 20 hours with case, price: about 180 EUR.

3. Kings of active noise cancellation: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

Photo: City Magazine

Bose has long been known for their exceptional noise canceling abilities, and their QuietComfort Earbuds II continue that tradition. With the latest noise-canceling technology, you can enjoy peace of mind whether you're stuck in city traffic or trying to ignore the noise of an airplane cabin.


Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II: Advanced noise cancellation, StayHear Max tips, Bluetooth 5.3, 6 hours of playback / 24 hours with case, price: about 279 EUR.

4. Best for high definition lovers: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3

Photo: City Magazine

For audiophiles looking for exceptional sound clarity, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 delivers an exceptional audio experience with rich, detailed sound and a wide soundstage. Support for aptX and AAC codecs ensures that your music sounds exactly as the artist intended.


Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3: 7mm dynamic drivers, aptX/AAC/SBC codecs, active noise cancellation, 7 hours of playback / 28 hours with case, price: about 250 EUR.

Buy Headphones - Best Earbuds 2024

Reduced by 48,80 EUR
Jabra Elite 5 In-Ear-Bluetooth-Kopfhörer mit...
Jabra Elite 5 In-Ear-Bluetooth-Kopfhörer mit...
149,99 EUR −48,80 EUR 101,19 EUR Amazon Prime
Reduced by 80,99 EUR
Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling...
Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling...
Bis zu 20 Stunden Akkulaufzeit mit Ladeetui. IPX4 Schutz gegen allseitiges Spritzwasser.;...
199,99 EUR −80,99 EUR 119,00 EUR Amazon Prime
Reduced by 106,06 EUR
Reduced by 84,90 EUR
Reduced by 39,00 EUR
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Kabellose In‑Ear Kopfhörer,...
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Kabellose In‑Ear Kopfhörer,...
279,00 EUR −39,00 EUR 240,00 EUR Amazon Prime
Google Pixel Buds Pro – Kabellose Kopfhörer mit...
Google Pixel Buds Pro – Kabellose Kopfhörer mit...
Die kabellosen Kopfhörer sitzen sicher und bequem. Sensoren verhinden also, dass sich im Ohr...
126,20 EUR Amazon Prime
Reduced by 59,11 EUR
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Kabellose Kopfhörer,...
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Cableless Headphones,...
Hervorragender 24 bitHi-Fi-Sound über 2-Wege Lautsprecher; 360°-Audio für ein Surround Sound...
199,00 EUR −59,11 EUR 139,89 EUR
Reduced by 96,40 EUR

Last Updated 2024-11-13 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API

5. Best for everyday use: Apple AirPods Pro 2

Photo: City Magazine

Apple AirPods Pro 2 remain the favorite choice for iOS users, with an improved battery, a new H2 chip for better connectivity and even more impressive noise cancellation. Integration with the Apple ecosystem allows seamless use with all your devices.


Apple AirPods Pro 2: H2 chip, active noise cancellation, Adaptive EQ, 6 hours of playback / 30 hours with case, price: about 279 EUR.

6. Best for quality calls: Google Pixel Buds Pro

Photo: City Magazine

Google Pixel Buds Pro stand out for their exceptional call quality, thanks to clear voice capture and excellent background noise cancellation. These headphones are ideal for business users and anyone who frequently makes calls in noisy environments. With intuitive touch-sensitive controls and long battery life, Pixel Buds Pro make it easy to manage calls and music on the go.


Google Pixel Buds Pro: Intelligent sound adjustment, pressure sensors, 7 hours of playback / 31 hours with the case, Bluetooth 5.2, price: about 199 EUR.

7. Best for the fashion conscious: Nothing Ear (2)

Photo: City Magazine

Nothing Ear (2) headphones continue their design philosophy with a transparent aesthetic that openly shows the internal components. In addition to the unique appearance, the headphones also offer exceptional sound quality and adaptive active noise cancellation. They are the perfect choice for those who appreciate technology that stands out not only with function, but also with form.


Nothing Ear (2): Transparent case, 11.6mm drivers, active noise cancellation, 6 hours of playback / 36 hours with the case, price: about 150 EUR.

8. Best for long battery life: Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro

Photo: City Magazine

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are known for their battery life, which allows up to 8 hours of continuous playback with active noise cancellation and up to 29 hours with the charging case. This model is great for long trips and days when access to a charger is not possible. In addition, they offer an extremely comfortable fit and water resistance, making them ideal for all lifestyles.


Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro: 360-degree sound experience, Dolby Atmos, IPX7, Bluetooth 5.3, 8 hours of playback / 29 hours with case, price: about 230 EUR.

9. Best for Virtual Reality: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II VR Edition

Photo: City Magazine

The special Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II VR Edition is optimized for use with VR (virtual reality) devices. With customized sound profiles that enhance surround sound, these headphones provide a deeper immersion in virtual worlds. They are great for gamers and tech enthusiasts who want to take advantage of the latest in virtual reality experiences.


Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II VR Edition: Specialized for VR, Acoustic Noise Canceling, motion sensors, 6 hours playback / 18 hours with case, price: about 299 EUR.

10. Best all-rounder: Sony WF-1000XM5

Photo: City Magazine

The Sony WF-1000XM5 are the next generation of the popular model, bringing improvements in the areas of sound, comfort and noise cancellation technology. With superior sound performance, support for Hi-Res Audio and advanced sound adaptation to the environment, these headphones offer the ultimate experience for the most demanding users. They are an excellent choice for those looking for premium sound without compromise.


Sony WF-1000XM5: Noise cancellation technology, Hi-Res Audio support via LDAC, 8 hours of playback / 32 hours with case, price: about 280 EUR.

Buy Headphones - Best Earbuds 2024

Reduced by 48,80 EUR
Jabra Elite 5 In-Ear-Bluetooth-Kopfhörer mit...
Jabra Elite 5 In-Ear-Bluetooth-Kopfhörer mit...
149,99 EUR −48,80 EUR 101,19 EUR Amazon Prime
Reduced by 80,99 EUR
Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling...
Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling...
Bis zu 20 Stunden Akkulaufzeit mit Ladeetui. IPX4 Schutz gegen allseitiges Spritzwasser.;...
199,99 EUR −80,99 EUR 119,00 EUR Amazon Prime
Reduced by 106,06 EUR
Reduced by 84,90 EUR
Reduced by 39,00 EUR
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Kabellose In‑Ear Kopfhörer,...
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Kabellose In‑Ear Kopfhörer,...
279,00 EUR −39,00 EUR 240,00 EUR Amazon Prime
Google Pixel Buds Pro – Kabellose Kopfhörer mit...
Google Pixel Buds Pro – Kabellose Kopfhörer mit...
Die kabellosen Kopfhörer sitzen sicher und bequem. Sensoren verhinden also, dass sich im Ohr...
126,20 EUR Amazon Prime
Reduced by 59,11 EUR
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Kabellose Kopfhörer,...
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Cableless Headphones,...
Hervorragender 24 bitHi-Fi-Sound über 2-Wege Lautsprecher; 360°-Audio für ein Surround Sound...
199,00 EUR −59,11 EUR 139,89 EUR
Reduced by 96,40 EUR

Last Updated 2024-11-13 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API

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