People with small ears face the same problem every time they try to find the perfect pair of wireless earbuds – most earbuds are simply too large and bulky for their ears. Our article about 10 best wireless earbuds for small ears in 2024 is here to help you with that problem. We did comprehensive research and tested a bunch of different buds in order to find those that are perfect for people with small ears. In this article, we will try to answer some of the most common questions about wireless earbuds, give you a few pieces of advice on what to pay attention to when buying wireless earbuds, and present to you our selection of 10 best wireless earbuds for small ears.
Why Do My Earbuds Keep Falling Out?
Although many people have problems with poorly-fitting earbuds, their problems often have different causes. Even though many manufacturers release single-size products (headphones, earbuds, etc.), our bodies aren’t universal. They are unique and special, so it’s really unreasonable to expect that any single-size product can fit all the users.
Just like all the other body parts, our ears are special and their size and shape differ from person to person. Even though people usually think that buds don’t fit only those with small ears, this is not true. In comparison to the ear tip size, our ear canal can be both too small and too big.
In case the canal is wider than your ear tip, your buds will easily fall/slide out. On the other hand, if you’re canal is very narrow, even the smallest tip can pop out after a few seconds of wearing. In both cases, the problem leads to skin and ear canal irritation as well as ear fatigue.
Should We Give Up?
As we’re witnessing mass headphone production, we believe everyone can find the proper tip size for their ears. Sadly, the only way to succeed is to keep trying and making mistakes. If you don’t try a specific pair of earbuds and all the provided tips, you can’t really know if they fit. However, there’s one thing you can always do – try some foam tips. They can be rolled in cylinders and inserted in the ear canal. Inside the canal, they adjust to the shape of your ear, they go deeper into the canal than regular tips, and provide a better fit and better sound quality, even at low volumes.
Based on the customers’ reviews, we’ve tested a group of wireless earbuds that are described as the most comfortable for small ears and selected the best of them. Let’s see our top picks.
Top 11 Wireless Earbuds For Small Ears In 2024
1. Best Sports Earbuds Under $50 – Senso Active Buds S-250
Despite being made by a small and young audio company, many people have heard about Senso earbuds. The reason why they are so popular is their price-quality ratio.
The earbuds have large housings with large hooks that go around the user's ears and an audio cable that goes behind the neck. All the controls are located on the right side. You will find there a multifunctional button, volume controls, a small built-in mic, and a USB charging port. S-250 buds come in black and red colors.
What’s in the box?
What’s in the box?Inside a simple package, you get the earbuds, one car charger, two USB charging cables, one cable clip, one carrying case, and three pairs of ear tips in different sizes (S, M, L).
Things we like
Things we likeActive Buds S-250 have a nice sporty design that ensures great in-ear stability. The housings look rather large but one of the provided ear tips makes the perfect fit for most of the users and the flexible silicone hooks improve the overall experience. Also, the buds have a flat tangle-free cable. Moreover, Active Buds weigh only 0.2 oz so you won't have problems with discomfort, pressure or fatigue.
S-250 are made from plastic, silicone, and rubber. Although they may not seem like that, they are actually incredibly durable, especially considering the price. In addition, the buds have IPX7 rating, which makes them completely waterproof and sweatproof. You have to admit this is quite an amazing feature at this price point.
Furthermore, Active Buds are very easy to use and pair. They are completely suited for an active lifestyle. They support 4.1 BT version with a stable connection within a 30 ft distance. Their battery lasts approximately 8 hours, which should be enough for many activities you may have during the day. In case you have to charge them during the day, you will have to spend up to 1.5 hours on that.
Apart from looking good and having many useful features, S-250 offer decent sound quality. They deliver deep bass and consistent highs. Besides, thanks to the CVC 6.0 noise reduction and their in-ear design, they manage to isolate a great deal of ambient noise.
Things we don’t like
Things we don’t likeActive Buds have problems with vocals clarity. The vocals are pushed back and the emphasis is on the bass.
In case you use them for outdoor workouts during a windy day, be prepared to be distracted by some weird rattling inside the buds.
Also, we would like to advise you to use the buds carefully, especially when using the charging port. The cover gets worn out fast, which shortens the overall durability and decreases the level of protection against liquid intrusion.
2. Most Affordable Invisible Earbuds – Tozo T10
The second-best pair of wireless earbuds for small ears is Tozo T10 – another popular model, which is not produced by any of the world’s famous brands. It comes with a bunch of useful features – they are completely cordless and it’s available in black, white, gray, blue, and khaki versions.
The buds come with their charging/carrying case with a charging port and battery status lights. Each earbud has a multifunctional button, one built-in mic, and a Bluetooth indicator light.
What’s in the box?
Tozo T10 buds come in a simple box with their charging case, 1-year warranty card, ear tips in different sizes, a USB charging cable, and the corresponding user manual.
Things we like
These popular invisible earbuds have a very attractive design, perfect for active people who do sports. Apart from being very small, they are practically weightless (0.16oz) and extremely comfortable. Also, T10 have a stable and tight fit, which is mostly enabled by their flexible silicone ear tips. Thanks to these tips, they will stay in your ears even during the hardest workout.
In addition to the small size, Tozo T10 buds also have quite a compact charging case. It fits any pocket and it provides 4 charging cycles for the buds. A single charge offers from 3.5 to 4 hours of playback/talk time, which can actually cover a great part of a busy day.
Tozo T10 support Bluetooth 5.0 with a great signal range and very stable connection.
When it comes to build quality, we have to say that the buds are decently constructed but their IPX8 rating is what surprised us the most. You definitely wouldn’t expect a feature like this at this price point. However, the good news is that the rating makes them completely waterproof and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use (even in swimming pools).
In the sound quality department, the buds have to offer pleasant and decently balanced sound with great bass and treble, which comes in handy when exercising. Besides, the buds have decent protection against the wind so you shouldn’t have problems while running or jogging on windy days.
Things we don’t like
Despite all the above-mentioned benefits, small earbuds, especially true wireless models, can be problematic. No matter how stable they are, they are super-easy to lose. Being extremely light, they won’t make a sound while dropping out from your ear and you may get aware of that too late.
Also, we would like to warn you about the build quality of the charging case. It generally feels nice but if you don't use it carefully, you might experience certain problems with the hinges that can be damaged easily.
3. Best Budget Earbuds – Baseus Bowie MA10
These Baseus Wireless Earbuds have a good price and excellent features, such as IPX6 rating and 4 built-in ENC mics. The battery life is impressive as well: up to 140 hours with the charging case.
What’s in the box?
In the box, you will find a pair of earbuds, a charging case, 4 ear tips in different sizes, a USB-C cable, a user manual, and a warranty card.
Things we like
These earbuds come with 4 ear tips, including one in a small size, and they're very lightweight as well, adding to the comfort factor.
With an IPX6 rating, these earbuds are resistant to high-pressure water streams and splashes. While these can't be submerged, they work well in the rain, for example.
This is one of the earbuds with the best voice capturing on the list, featuring 4 ENC mics. A great model if you make a lot of calls.
The continuous playtime is 8 hours, but the total battery life with the charging case is impressive: up to 140 hours.
The Bowie MA10 is compatible with the Baseus App. There, you can choose 10 levels of noise cancellation and 12 equalizer modes.
Things we don’t like
The charging case is a bit larger than other options on the list.
4. Skullcandy Sesh Evo
Skullcandy is a well-renowned brand in the consumer-grade audio market. The Sesh Evo is a no-brainer, with great audio quality and features at a low price: $24.99, by the time this article was written. Let's see what this pair of earbuds has to offer.
What’s in the box?
Inside the box, you will find a pair of earbuds, a charging case, 3 ear tips in different sizes, a USB-C charging cable, a 1-year warranty card, and a user guide.
Things we like
These earbuds are quite inexpensive and the audio quality is good for the price.
The Sesh Evo has an IP55 rating, meaning it's sweat, water, and dust resistant. It's an interesting feature since most earbuds in that price range aren't dust-resistant.
The design of the Sesh Evo and its charging case is quite attractive and there are different colors to choose from.
These earbuds are lightweight and quite comfortable and work well for those with small ears.
Things we don’t like
Battery life is not that great. You only get 5 hours of continuous playtime with 19 extra hours in the charging case.
The charging case is quite large despite the short battery life.
5. Best Option for Athletes – Back Bay Audio Tempo 30
Back Bay Audio is a small company from Boston, USA, dedicated to creating earbuds and headphones that are comfortable and reliable. So far, we've liked the products we've reviewed from the manufactured. The Tempo 30 is a pair of earbuds especially designed for small ears.
What’s in the box?
With the earbuds, you get a charging case, a charging cable, and 6 ear tips in different sizes.
Things we like
These earbuds are one of the few on the market that are specially designed for small ears, so you can't go wrong with them.
The Tempo 30 comes with 6 ear tips in different sizes, providing more comfort.
There are many color options to choose from.
These earbuds are IPX7-rated and are fully sweatproof and water-resistant.
The Tempo 30 is one of the best options for workouts, physical activities, and athletes.
Overall, these earbuds have a very good price considering their specifications.
Things we don’t like
Honestly, we've found no significant cons with the Tempo 30, and its one of our favorite models on the list.
6. Best Invisible Earbuds for iPhones – Powerbeats Pro
Powerbeats Pro buds are, just like the previous Galaxy Buds, quite pricey. They will show their full potential only when paired with an Apple device.
They are designed and advertised as sports earbuds and they are available in several discreet colors – ivory, black, navy, and moss. The controls are set on the earpieces – there’s a multifunctional button on the faceplate and a volume control button on the top.
What’s in the box?
The earbuds come in an elegantly designed box with their manuals, warranty card, charging case, lightning to USB-A charging cable, and three spare pairs of tips in different sizes.
Things we like
As expected, Powerbeats Pro buds look rather stylish. Their basic purpose is evident at first glance due to their large and solid housings and large flexible hooks that go around the user’s ears.
Thanks to the design, earpiece shape, and 0.8 oz of weight, the buds are quite comfy. They don’t go too deep in the ear canal, they don’t cause any pressure, discomfort or fatigue, which means they can be used for many hours straight without any major issues. Since they come with several different tip options, the users can easily find the matching size, while the large hooks are there to improve the overall stability.
As far as their durability is concerned, we don’t have any major complaints. They’re made from light plastic which reduces the total weight but they don’t feel cheap at all. On the contrary, they look rather premium and they’re also resistant to sweat and drops of water (rain).
In addition, Powerbeats Pro earbuds are very easy to use and very practical. They support Bluetooth 5.0 with a great signal range and Apple H1 chip, which enables a more stable connection and better sound quality. Their battery lasts up to 9 hours per single charge, while the case can provide up to 24 hours of playback. The buds also support fast charging, so if you're in a hurry, a 5-minute charge will provide 1.5 hours of music playback.
Moreover, by activating Audio Sharing on your phone, you can pair two pairs of these buds to a single iPhone and listen to the same audio with another person. Also, the buds have sensors that detect movement. Thanks to this, your music will be paused when you put the buds in the case. It will also be resumed when you take them out again.
Powerbeats Pro are great earbuds for mixed usage. They deliver pleasant sound with punchy lows and accurate mids. The buds sound great with different music genres.
Things we don’t like
On the negative side, we have to say that these earbuds are only IPX4 certified. Since these are the most expensive earbuds on the list, we think this should be improved.
In addition, they don’t provide a very tight seal, so be prepared to hear a lot of ambient noise when using these in noisy places.
7. Best Earbuds for Small Ears Under $20 – KENKUO Wireless Ear Buds
The KENKUO earbuds are ridiculously inexpensive considering their audio quality and battery life, and its one of the very few models that can be found for under $20. If you're on a very strict budget, this might be one of the best options.
What’s in the box?
In the box, you will find a pair of earbuds, a charging case, 3 ear tips in different sizes, a USB cable, and a user manual.
Things we like
These are one of the few models of headphones designed for small ears priced below $20.
The KENKUO earbuds have IPX5 rating, which is impressive considering its low price.
The battery life is great as well for this price range: 8 hours of continuous playtime and 24 extra hours with the charging case.
The KENKUO earbuds are available in 4 different colors.
While the built-in mic is not that great, there is a noise-reducing feature for calls.
Things we don’t like
Regarding audio quality, these are not the best, but it's doable considering they're so inexpensive.
The built-in mics are low quality, so it's not the best option if you make a lot of calls.
8. Smallest Invisible Earbud – Nenrent S570
Used only in mono mode, Nenrent S570 is a great true wireless earbud. It may come at a price of some cheap true wireless earbuds that come in pairs but we believe S570 is worth the price.
The bud is available in black, nude, and rose gold. You can control everything (playback, calls) by pressing the single multifunctional button, located on the faceplate.
What’s in the box?
The bud comes in a compact black box with a carrying zippered case, USB charging cable, 1-year warranty card, user manual, and two ear tips in different sizes (medium tips are preinstalled).
Things we like
Nenrent S570 differs from the rest of the presented earbuds because it comes as a single bud. It’s available in three attractive colors and it has a visually appealing design. It can be called minimalistic but it’s highly practical.
Apart from the fact that it doesn’t come in pair, Nenrent S570 attracts users’ attention because of its size. The manufacturer calls it the smallest earbud in the world. We can’t tell if this is completely true but it is definitely the smallest earbud on this list.
S570 feels almost weightless in the ear. It’s shaped in a way that makes it lay nicely and comfortably in the ear canal. It goes pretty deep inside but doesn't cause any pain or fatigue.
Furthermore, the bud is extremely easy to pair (up to two devices at once) and use. It supports Bluetooth 4.1 with a 10m signal range and stable connection. Besides, it can fully charge in 1-2 hours and it offers up to 6 hours of playback/talk time straight.
S570 won’t deliver earth-shaking bass but it definitely stands out by its pleasant sound signature and amazing call/mic clarity. Thanks to all these features and characteristics, the bud can be used on various occasions – driving, jogging, working, etc.
Things we don’t like
Although the bud is a great choice for listening to podcasts, making calls or listening to music while staying aware of the environment, it’s not perfect for hard workouts that require motivating music or for usage in crowded and noisy places.
Another thing that concerns us about S570 is its low weight and plastic design. Since it’s so weightless, it may slip out of your ear and you may lose it without even being aware of that.
9. Best Affordable Invisible Earbuds for Workouts – JLab JBuds Air
JBuds Air is a great pair of invisible workout earbuds, available at more than reasonable price.
They come in black, white, and black/gold versions, and they are controlled with the help of multifunctional buttons located on both earpieces. You will be able to control the playback and pairing but you can receive calls only through the right earbud.
What’s in the box?
The buds come with their charging/carrying case with an integrated charging cable, one pair of Cush Fins and two spare pairs of gel ear tips in different sizes.
Things we like
JBuds Air are great for mixed usage even though they are primarily made for sports. Thanks to their stable fit accomplished by the application of the right fins and tips, they remain in ears regardless of the workout intensity. On the other hand, thanks to their ability to passively isolate a great deal of ambient noise, these are perfectly suitable for commuting. Besides the ambient, they can also reduce the wind noise to the minimum.
JBuds Air feel rather pleasant in hand and don’t look cheap. The buds are made from plastic and are IP55 rated, which makes them resistant to rain, small water splashes, and dust.
When used at moderate volumes, the battery can last up to 6 hours per single charge, while the case provides an additional 18 hours. They also support Bluetooth 5.0 with a great signal range.
We can’t say that the buds sound perfect but they can pump enough bass to motivate you to exercise harder and give your maximum. You can always change the EQ settings by tapping three times the faceplate or by downloading the JLab app and choose between signature, balanced, and bass-boost modes.
Things we don’t like
One of the things we would like to see improved is the integrated charging cable. The idea is great but its connector remains exposed when not in use.
We would also want to warn you about the mic. In case you take a lot of calls during the day, you better use your phone’s mic because you’ll annoy the person you’re talking to. Even in quiet environments, your voice will sound quite distant.
In addition, the buds may seem a bit bulky in ears, even though they weigh only 0.4 oz.
10. Most Comfortable Earbuds for Small Ears – ABRAMTEK E9
The ABRAMTEK E9 is a pair of earbuds designed specifically for small ears. They're quite comfortable and ergonomic, weighing only 2g according to the manufacturer. Let's see what it offers in terms of features and specs.
What’s in the box?
Inside the box, you will find a pair of earbuds, a charging case, 3 ear tips in different sizes, and a charging cable.
Things we like
These earbuds are extremely small and lightweight. There's even an image from the manufacturer comparing its size to some common household items, and the E9 is roughly the size of a pill or computer key.
The charging case is quite compact as well, which is a huge pro since some models often have cases that can't fit comfortably in a pocket, for example.
While not extremely impressive, the built-in mic is decent for routine calls and features ENC noise canceling.
The E9 has a continuous playtime of 5 hours and 10 extra hours of battery life with the charging case. While not the best numbers, these are fair considering the small size of these earbuds and their case.
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Things we don’t like
As we said, the battery life is not the best, but it's a tradeoff for compactness in the case of these earbuds.
11. SZHTFX Invisible Earbuds
The SZHTFX Invisible Earbuds are one of the smallest pair of earbuds you will find on the market, with outstanding battery life. While the pair is cheap and has very simple features, it is a great choice for daily use.
What’s in the box?
In the box, you will a pair of earbuds, a charging case, and a user manual.
Things we like
These earbuds are very affordable, priced at around $30 by the time this article was written.
These earbuds are very small, as you can see in the product photos. It is hard to find other models with the same reduced size. They are almost invisible in the ears as well, as the name implies.
Despite its small size, the SZHTFX has more than 48 hours of total battery life. You get 4-6 hours of continuous playtime and 10-15 extra charges with the charging case. These are very decent numbers.
These earbuds feature IPX5 protection (resistance to water splashes and sweat), so they are excellent for working out.
Despite the cheap price, these earbuds have a decent build quality.
Things we don’t like
Due to their reduced size, these earbuds are not the best at reproducing low frequencies.
Things to Consider Before Choosing the Best Wireless Earbuds For Small Ears
Size and Comfort
Without a doubt, size and comfort are the most important factors when buying a pair of earbuds for small ears. We recommend you look for models that are lightweight and have a reduced size.
It's also important to check if your desired pair of earbuds comes with ear tips in different sizes. Luckily, most model does, and you will want to use the smallest tip possible for maximum comfort.
Sound Quality
When buying any audio-related product, sound quality is a must. The quality of each pair of earbuds will vary greatly depending on what components are inside of it and specifications such as its frequency range (the lowest and highest frequencies it can reproduce).
While it's difficult to quantify sound quality, we suggest that you check product reviews from other customers on websites like Amazon and Walmart to see what other people have to say about the sound quality of a particular pair of earbuds. If possible, test them in a physical store as well.
Build Quality
Unless we're talking about very cheap pairs, most earbuds in the market nowadays have decent build quality. Of course, durability will vary depending on the price range of the product and what materials are used in the device.
Take the price range as a rule of thumb: a more expensive pair of earbuds is more likely to have better durability than cheaper ones. Again, we recommend you check online customer reviews of your desired model to have a better idea if they have good build quality or not.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Nowadays, most people are using Bluetooth earbuds, and all of the models on the list are compatible with the technology. It's a no-brainer factor, as the vast majority of modern wireless pair of earbuds will be compatible with any smartphone or computer as long as it has Bluetooth support.
Battery Life
Battery life is a specification that will vary wildly: In the market, you will find earbuds with a total battery life of 20 hours up to 140 hours or more. It's really a matter of considering how often you plan to use and charge the device.
One thing you must keep in mind, though, is the difference between continuous playtime and total battery life/playtime: continuous playtime refers to how long the earbuds can play music with a single charge, while total battery life includes both the continuous playtime and the extra hours you get with the charging case.
Controls and Features
Some models of earbuds, such as the ABRAMTEK E9, offer a number of extra controls such as the ability to play, pause, and change your song just by tapping your earbuds. This is a great feature and very convenient if you plan to use the device at the gym, for example.
There are a few features that are worth keeping an eye on as well, such as noise cancellation, for example: the technology will prevent external noise from disrupting your listening experience.
There are two types of noise cancellation: active and passive. Active noise cancellation (ANC) will use built-in mics to actively capture and suppress the noise around you, while passive noise cancellation will create a tight seal between the earbuds and your ear canal to prevent any background noise from entering your ears.
Speaking of built-in mics, if you plan to use your earbuds for calls, it's important to check if it has good-quality mics as well. This will vary depending on the model and some earbuds even feature up to 4 built-in microphones for better voice capturing.
Water and Sweat Resistance
When shopping for earbuds, you might have noticed the terminology “IP rating”. IP rating refers to how resistant a pair of earbuds is to sweat, water, and dust.
In the IPXX rating, the first X digit represents protection against solids while the second one represents protection against water and sometimes sweat as well. If a pair of earbuds has an IP67 rating, for example, it means that the model is protected against dust and small debris (first digit 6) and is waterproof (second digit 7).
It's important to keep an eye on this specification because dust and water/sweat protection is very useful, especially if you're going to use your earbuds while working out, for example.
This topic is very extensive, so we highly recommend you take a look at our IPXX Rating article to get a good idea of the subject, as well as our posts explaining each type of IPXX rating.
Price
There are options for every budget in the market of earbuds, with some models costing as low as $20, and higher-end ones going for hundreds of dollars. On average, most mid-tier earbuds are priced around $40 to $60.
While more expensive earbuds tend to be made with better components and have better durability, it's totally possible to find budget models with decent sound quality and a good value for the price.
FAQs
A: As all ears are different, we can’t give you a definitive answer to this question. It’s advisable, though, to look for earbuds with smaller earpieces. In fact, it’s more important to find the tips that seal the canal in a way that provides stability while eliminating as much pressure and discomfort as possible. Also, you should try looking for earbuds with more compact housings.
A: No, your ears are not too small – the earbuds are too big. And also, your ears are not too large – the earbuds are too small. Whether your ears are small, large, or medium, the market has something to offer. You just have to be persistent and keep looking for the perfect earbuds for your ears.
A: The best way to find the right fit is to make thorough research and find the best fitting ear tips. If the size and shape of the included tips don’t match your ear canal size and shape, your earbuds will fall or pop out. In that case, you could try buying some tips separately and see if there is something that works for you. As mentioned in the introduction, foam tips might be the best way to get a comfortable and secure fit in case the regular silicone tips don’t work.
A: We can't give you a singular answer to this question since it all depends on the user's preferences and ear size and shape. The only advice we can give you is to go through our reviews and make your own conclusions. Of course, if you have the chance to try the buds before buying them, that’s always a smart thing to do.
Conclusion
As you can see on our list, nowadays there are some amazing pairs of earbuds in the market that are specially made for people with small ears, with a wide range of features and price ranges.
The most important thing you must keep in mind in this situation is comfort and fit: make sure that you choose a pair of earbuds that are lightweight, compact, and offer replaceable ear tips.
As always, we recommend you take a look at online customer reviews as well if you have your eyes set on a particular model of earbuds.
We hope you were able to find the perfect pair of earbuds on our list. Make sure to check our related articles, thanks for reading!