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It would be great if there was one pair of headphones or earbuds that would fit everything. certainly, Best headphones They can often work at least as well in every situation, but some are better suited to certain tasks than others. Comfortable earbuds that are ideal for long listening sessions may not be suitable for the gym, for example. I make a real effort to keep tech clutter to a minimum, but with headphones and earbuds, I’ve come to the conclusion that each person needs exactly three pairs.
Before I get into the three whys and things, we’d like to know your thoughts. What is your choice for the best headphones and earphones of 2026?
See also: Best Earphones & Headphones Deals: Get big savings on models from Apple, Sony and more
This is why you need to have at least three pairs of headphones and/or earbuds. First, there is everyday life Earphones. These are devices that can fit into your smallest bag or pocket and travel with you everywhere – on the go, on errands, and on shopping trips.
Secondly, there is Luxury over-ear headphones. This should have a great combination of noise cancellation, sound quality and battery life, as well as a level of comfort that means you can easily wear it throughout a long travel day.
Finally, if you’re serious about fitness, you need dedication Exercise headphones. Can you wear any of the above pairs to last on a long flight? Sure, a lot of people do that. But for the sake of longevity and your mental health, having a pair of durable, sweat-resistant headphones that won’t budge may save your sanity in the short term and save you money in the long run.
If you’re trying to make one pair of headphones work in every scenario, you may be frustrated that none of them can deliver the experience you really want across the board. This is where my theory comes into play. It doesn’t really matter which headphones you choose for each of these purposes, but I think they’re distinct categories with little crossover.
What are the big three? They may not be like yours but these are the headphones I can’t live without now.
My everyday earbuds: OnePlus Buds 3
The OnePlus Buds 3 are always in my pocket or bag.
I’ll die down the hill that you shouldn’t spend more than $100 on everyday earbuds — the kind you’ll drop, accidentally hit, and at some point, inevitably, lose. A lot about buds comes down to personal preference about how they actually feel when they’re tucked inside your ears.
Personally, I settled on the OnePlus Buds 3, which are priced at $100. They are aesthetically pleasing in a light blue color which matches my favorite fashion color palette, and I find them very comfortable. I’ve been using them for a good six months, and I don’t have any of the usual annoyances I have with earbuds — by which I mean they don’t fall out of my ears or have any weird, random audio glitches.
Acoustically, I enjoy the heavy bass and find ANC suits my needs as a frequent traveler on public transport. With 10 hours of battery life, plus an additional 44 hours in the box, these headphones have never let me down. It’s not necessarily anything special, but I keep reaching for it even though I have other options at my disposal.
My premium over-ear headphones: Dali IO-8
The Dali IO-8 headphones are the most comfortable I’ve ever worn.
On the other end of the spectrum, my favorite luxury headphones turned my longest travel days into extended bouts of sonic bliss. I wear the Dali IO-8 headphones at airports, on flights, and even checking into a hotel. They also come with me on my daily exciting girls’ outings.
With 30 hours of battery life and decent ANC, they allow me to move through the world in my little bubble. Not only are they the most luxurious and comfortable headphones I’ve ever used, but they also provide me with great sound.
You can switch between two modes: hi-fi and bass. I usually stick with the former. No matter whether you’re immersed in an audiobook, whisked away to Paramore, spaced out to Sigur Rós, or lost again in the depths of… Taylor SwiftBack catalog Dali IO-8s are delivered for $1,100.
My workout headphones: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
The Purple Powerbeats Pro 2 are essential for running.
There’s no two ways about it: I’ve tried other workout headphones and always come back to Beats. I’ve been known to lace up my running shoes and be halfway out the door, then call the entire run because I can’t find my Powerbeats.
I’ve been a fan since the first Powerbeats model but the latest Powerbeats Pro 2, at $249, are my favorite workout headphones yet. Once they’re in, they simultaneously feel like they’re glued to my head with a tight seal in my ears, while also being so light and comfortable that I forget they’re there. This is an essential combination when exercising, as the last thing you want to do is deal with any discomfort or inconvenience that might distract you from your workout.
CNET’s resident audio expert, David Carnoy, Powerbeats Pro 2 has a rating of 8.8 out of 10Noting that the sound quality and noise cancellation are well improved. As someone who has been a fan of this line for a long time, I have to agree, and I would go so far as to say that this latest upgrade has made running my favorite high-energy trails more fun than ever.
If you’re looking for more headphone models for running, extended listening sessions, or everyday use, here are the ones More of Carnoy’s top picks Among the many headphones he tested.