Popular opinion: Any task worth doing is done better with some background music. But what if you’re streaming some tunes and those earbuds just don’t fit well?
Many products on the market have larger in-ear design styles which can cause an improper fit and discomfort. Ear pain and feelings of discomfort also result from these larger in-ear pieces pressing on parts of the ear and/or the ear canal during wear. (And, I know this feeling all too well: My ear canals are on the smaller side, and I often remove earbuds after an hour or two of use due to discomfort. So, I’m personally invested in finding new and comfy earbuds, too!)
Which means, you might be wearing earbuds that aren’t the right size for your ears. If your ears are on the smaller side, mainstream-sized devices are probably uncomfortable to wear.
And, if you’ve been suffering with poor fitting earbuds, you might already have some concerns. Can ill-fitting devices actually hurt your ears? According to Soundly’s lead audiologist, Dr. Amy Sarow, if a person has much much smaller than average ear size, sound from the earbuds will be louder than a wearer with average or large size ears.
“Physics causes the sound in a smaller space to sound louder than if the sound is played in a larger space,” says Dr. Amy. “Wearing the wrong size earbuds can cause discomfort, such as sore or tender skin when pressure creates friction on the skin.” Essentially, when you’re wearing properly sized buds, you’re automatically listening to sound at a safer listening volume.
So, how can you solve this predicament? It’s time to tap a pair of earbuds for small ears. With proper fitting earbuds, you’ll make ear pain and fatigue disappear.
Even with earbuds at the right size, your ears are still vulnerable to damage. “Regular earbuds do not protect your ears and while noise canceling earbuds can block out some ambient noise, they do not protect hearing from loud sounds in the environment, even when muted,” says Dr. Amy. Which means that you’ll still need to engage with safe listening levels (aka, below 80 decibels and 60-70% maximum volume).
Ok, time to talk products.
Cue, ultra-thin earbuds that can fit seamlessly in your ears. Scroll on to see our top five picks for ultra comfy earbuds for small ears. 👇
- Standard size earbuds may not fit well for those with small ear canals. Signs of a poor fit include: ear pain, discomfort, or trouble staying in the ear.
- A better fit may even mean safer listening levels for small ears.
- Our selection criteria for earbuds for small ears includes: fit, ear tips, connection type, and battery life.
- Our top five include: TOZO A1 Mini Wireless earbuds, Apple Airpods Pro, Sony Linkbuds S, Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless, and Bose QuietComfort Noise II.
- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
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Featured in this article
TOZO A1 Mini Wireless Earbuds
- Long-lasting battery with 7 hours per charge and 32 additional hours from the case.
- Convenient USB A to USB C charging with indicator lights for battery status.
- Comfortable fit, IPX5 waterproof rating, and sweat-resistant - ideal for workouts.
- High-quality audio at an affordable price point.
The TOZO A1 Mini Wireless Earbuds offer an impressive mix of comfort, versatility, and value, all for just $19.99.
- At only 3.7 grams per earbud, the A1 provides a secure, lightweight fit that won’t shift or feel intrusive, making it ideal for users with smaller ears or for active individuals. The IPX5 waterproof rating also means you don’t have to worry about rain or sweat, adding convenience for outdoor or workout use.
- With a powerful 6mm driver and Bluetooth 5.3, the A1 delivers clear, dynamic sound and maintains a stable connection up to 12 meters. For added flexibility, users can tailor their listening experience through the TOZO app’s 32 sound modes, adjusting bass and treble to suit any setting.
Overall, the TOZO A1 earbuds combine durability, quality sound, and customizability at an unbeatable price, making them a top choice for budget-conscious listeners.
- Surprising Sound Quality & Comfort: Users are pleasantly surprised by the Tozo A1's sound quality and comfort, especially considering its budget-friendly price. Many compare the balanced bass and clarity favorably to more expensive models.
- Lightweight & Versatile Fit: The earbuds are lightweight and come with multiple ear tip sizes, making them suitable for a range of ear shapes and sizes.
- Impressive Battery Life: Battery life stands out, allowing extended use without frequent recharging—perfect for all-day listening.
- Great for Casual Use: Ideal for workouts, daily activities, and casual listening, the earbuds fit well into an active lifestyle.
- Customizable Sound: Users appreciate the customizable sound settings available through the Tozo app, enabling a more personalized listening experience.
- Minor Drawbacks: Some users mention issues with touch controls and fit, especially for those with smaller or uniquely shaped ears. However, these are generally seen as minor.
Overall, users find these earbuds an excellent value, offering quality audio without breaking the bank.
- Highly budget-friendly
- Solid overall features
- IPX5 waterproof
- App with 32 preset EQ and over 2000 personalized EQ settings
- Battery life could be better
- Less premium build-quality
- Fewer features than higher-end models
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Apple Airpods Pro (2nd Generation)
Are you a tried and true Apple fan? Well, you’re in luck because the 2nd Generation Apple AirPods Pro earbuds are just the ticket for $199.00. These noise-canceling earbuds pop in for an easy fit (and have four ear tip sizes!), and this current generation of earbuds are much-loved for their balanced, clear, and clean sound.
Even better: These earbuds are designed with adaptive EQ, which means that the sound streaming from the devices automatically adjusts to the shape of your ears. Compared to other earbuds in this round-up, Apple does have the second shortest battery life. But, the charging case has 24 hours of charge, making powering up on the go very easy.
Fit: Extra small to large
Ear tips: 4 sizes
Connection type: Bluetooth
Battery life: 6 hours
Customer review - “The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) wireless earbuds have redefined my audio experience with their exceptional sound quality, comfortable fit, and seamless integration with Apple devices.” - Danny
Reviews for the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting impressive sound quality, excellent noise cancellation, and advanced features like adaptive transparency and spatial audio. Users rave about how these earbuds significantly improve the listening experience, making them great for music and conference calls alike. Many reviewers note the enhanced bass and clarity, with one even mentioning that they prefer the AirPods over high-end competitors. Some minor concerns include the case's durability and occasional connectivity issues, though these seem to have improved over time. Overall, customers feel that upgrading to the Gen 2 AirPods is a worthwhile investment for anyone in the Apple ecosystem, especially with the added functionality and seamless integration across devices.
- Sound quality
- Noise canceling
- Shorter battery life
- More expensive than some
Sony Linkbuds S
- Adaptive Sound Control: Automatically adjusts noise cancellation and ambient sound based on your environment.
- Lightweight Comfort: Ultra-small, lightweight earbuds designed for extended wear.
- High-Quality Call Clarity: Advanced voice signal processing for clear conversations, even in noisy settings.
- Multipoint Connectivity: Seamlessly switch between two devices for versatile listening.
The Sony LinkBuds S deliver a blend of high-quality sound and adaptive features in a compact design.
- Adaptive Listening Experience: With intelligent sound settings that learn from your listening habits, these earbuds automatically switch between noise canceling and ambient sound modes, creating an ideal experience whether you're taking calls or listening to music.
- Comfortable, Secure Fit: Ultra-lightweight and available in four ear tip sizes, the LinkBuds S are designed for a secure fit, making them comfortable for prolonged wear and accommodating various ear shapes.
Overall, the Sony LinkBuds S are an excellent choice for users looking for a personalized audio experience with all-day comfort.
- Adaptive Sound Settings: The automatic switching between noise canceling and ambient sound is a popular feature, allowing users to stay aware of their surroundings when needed.
- Balanced Audio Quality: Users frequently mention the clear and balanced sound profile, which brings out vocals and instruments without overpowering bass.
- Reliable Battery Life: With up to 6 hours on a single charge, plus the quick-charging case, these earbuds keep up with users throughout the day.
- Ideal for Calls: The clear call quality is highlighted as a strong point, providing reliable audio clarity for phone conversations in different environments.
- Minor Charging Limitation: Some users note that the case charges via USB-C only, which may not be as convenient for on-the-go users.
Overall, users find the Sony LinkBuds S to be a practical and comfortable choice for everyday listening and calls.
- Adaptive sound settings enhance listening based on your surroundings.
- Lightweight, comfortable fit suitable for long usage.
- Multipoint connection allows two devices to be paired simultaneously.
- Quick charging provides 60 minutes of playback with just a 5-minute charge.
- Battery life of 6 hours is shorter than some competitors.
- IPX4 rating is limited to sweat and splash resistance, not full water resistance.
- Uses Bluetooth 5.0 instead of the latest Bluetooth standard.
- No wireless charging capabilities.
Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless
- Adaptive Noise Cancellation: Automatically adjusts to block up to 98% of background noise for a more focused listening experience.
- Extended Battery Life: Offers up to 50 hours of playtime, with a quick 10-minute charge providing 4 additional hours.
- Comfortable Fit: Compact, lightweight design with multiple ear tip sizes for a snug, comfortable fit during extended wear.
- Customizable Sound: Includes a companion app for personalized EQ settings to match your audio preferences.
Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless earbuds deliver a balanced mix of noise-cancelling capabilities and extended battery life, offering solid value for those seeking reliable audio performance.
- The adaptive noise-cancelling technology detects your environment and adjusts levels automatically, reducing background noise by up to 98%. This ensures an uninterrupted listening experience whether you're commuting, working, or relaxing.
- With up to 50 hours of total playtime and a quick 10-minute charge providing 4 hours of playback, these earbuds are ideal for extended use without frequent recharging.
The Anker Soundcore Space A40 combines comfort, adaptability, and long-lasting performance, making it a great choice for users who prioritize convenience and sound quality.
- Balanced Audio Quality: Users appreciate the crisp sound with clear mids and deep bass, offering an enjoyable listening experience across genres.
- Impressive Noise Cancellation: The adaptive noise-cancelling feature receives high praise, especially for blocking out background noise in busy environments like commutes or offices.
- Long-Lasting Battery Life: With up to 50 hours of playtime, users find the battery life reliable, noting that a quick 10-minute charge is perfect for on-the-go top-ups.
- Comfortable for Extended Wear: The lightweight design and multiple ear tip sizes ensure a snug fit, making them comfortable even during long listening sessions.
- Seamless Setup & Customization: Many users highlight the easy setup process via the app, which allows for personalized sound settings and EQ adjustments.
- Mixed Reviews on Call Quality: While most users are satisfied with the overall performance, some mention that the microphone quality could be clearer during calls.
- Adaptive noise cancellation effectively reduces background noise.
- Long battery life suitable for extended listening sessions.
- Lightweight design and multiple ear tips ensure a comfortable fit.
- Fast charging provides quick top-ups for on-the-go use.
- High-quality sound with strong bass and clear mids.
- Call quality may not be as clear in noisy environments.
- Limited customization options for those seeking advanced EQ controls.
- Some users find the microphone performance inconsistent for calls.
- May not fit securely in all ear shapes, especially during intense activities.
Bose QuietComfort Noise II Canceling Earbuds
- Adaptive Noise Cancellation: Automatically adjusts to your environment, ensuring a distraction-free listening experience.
- Personalized Fit: Includes multiple ear tips and stability bands for a comfortable, secure fit.
- Touch Controls: Intuitive touch interface lets you manage playback and calls without reaching for your phone.
- Quick Charging: Get up to 2 hours of playback from a 20-minute charge for when you’re short on time.
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II combine adaptive noise cancellation and personalized sound, making them ideal for immersive listening.
- Tailored Noise Cancellation: These earbuds automatically adjust noise cancellation and audio performance to suit your surroundings, ensuring crystal-clear sound in noisy environments like gyms or public transport.
- Customizable Fit: With a Fit Kit that includes three pairs of ear tips and stability bands, these earbuds offer a secure and comfortable fit, accommodating various ear shapes for extended wear.
Overall, these earbuds are well-suited for anyone seeking premium sound quality and comfort in a versatile, compact package.
- Outstanding Noise Cancellation: Users consistently highlight the impressive noise cancellation, which effectively blocks out distractions from fans, gym equipment, and background chatter.
- Comfortable for Extended Use: Many reviewers appreciate the soft silicone ear tips and stability bands, ensuring a snug fit that remains comfortable throughout long listening sessions.
- Rich, Clear Sound: The audio quality receives praise for its deep bass and clarity, enhancing music and podcast experiences.
- Versatile Single Bud Feature: The option to use just one earbud is a hit among users who want to stay aware of their surroundings or take calls hands-free.
- Occasional Connection Issues: Some users note intermittent Bluetooth connectivity, especially with iOS devices, which can disrupt seamless listening.
- Battery Life Concerns: While the 6-hour battery life is generally sufficient, a few users wish for longer playback without needing a quick recharge.
- Tailored noise cancellation adjusts to ambient sounds for optimal clarity.
- Comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes and stability bands.
- Seamless single-earbud functionality for calls and multitasking.
- Quick-charge option provides 2 hours of playback from just 20 minutes.
- Battery life may fall short for extended listening sessions.
- Some users report occasional Bluetooth connection drops.
- The compact design may still feel bulky for smaller ears.
How can I find a snug and comfy fit with my earbuds?
Finding a good and snug fit isn’t hard and it’s easy to do. “The correct ear tip should feel comfortably snug and stay in place with typical head movements,” says Dr. Amy. “If the ear tip moves or slides around easily or if it presses uncomfortably, choose a different size.”
What should I look for in earbuds for small ears?
- Fit
- Swappable Ear tips
- Connection type
- Battery life
Fit is the foundation of an enjoyable—and comfortable—listening experience. To start, well-fitting earbuds should sit in the ear without moving, falling out, or causing discomfort during or after use. The best earbuds for small ear canals usually have multiple ear tips that easily swap out.
In this guide, we looked at earbuds that have various ear tip sizes, so if you’re often moving earbuds in or around for a more secure fit, you’ll want to size down in the ear tips for a snugger fit.
Once you get the right fit, you shouldn’t be readjusting them continuously with use or pushing them in to keep the fit snug.
