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Trust me, no one wants to be in downward dog position and lose access to their lo-fi sounds and high vibrations because their left earbud suddenly pops off. Sure, earbuds are inherently smaller than regular headphones, but there are still some that stick out awkwardly on smaller ears… or some that don’t like to stay put and do their one job!
But even if you’re not part of the Dainty Ear Committee, tiny earbuds can still be useful to you. For one thing, they’re perfect for hiding the fact that you’re listening to your best friend’s voicemail like a podcast during a general meeting, when you should really be fully focused on the conversation about the value of AI.
Today, companies have come up with new and clever ways to accommodate smaller ears through the use of new materials, software and expanded size ranges, making it even easier to choose a pair that can withstand everything from marathon cleaning during Sunday reset to endless team meetings that might as well have been emails to dodging cat screams during the evening commute.
I have personally tested some of these headphones and can confirm that they are not only Good, but that they also fit perfectly in little babies’ ears. If that’s you, keep scrolling to find earbuds that will fit perfectly in your little ears so you don’t have to worry about chasing them down a random sidewalk after they fall out (again).
Galaxy Buds FE True Earbuds
These little earbuds are subtle and unobtrusive, but they have two design features that ensure they stay in your ear. There’s a winged ridge on top and a grippy material that’s meant to stick to your ear canal. Their casing is bright white, so it’ll stand out in a dark-lined purse or fanny pack, and prevent any unnecessary tripping between you and your favorite playlists. And the best part? There’s a real-time language translation feature that can help if you’re behind on your debt to the dreaded Duolingo owl.
THE RATING: “The way they fit in my ear, the simplicity of the touch controls, everything made them something I didn’t know I could live without.”
TuneBuds
I tested them by listening to the Bowery Boys on a busy day in the city. They have an ambient mode and I can confirm that it works. nice. I was walking out of a coffee shop and heard a girl’s girl from across the street trying to alert me that my dress had caught on my favorite CISE handbag. I turned off the ambient mode afterward and used the noise cancellation feature to drown out my embarrassment.
THE RATING: “The way it fits in my ear, the simplicity of the touch controls, everything made them something I didn’t know I could live without.”
AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
When designing the second generation of these earbuds, comfort was clearly a key consideration. While more brands have started releasing earbuds in three sizes, these come in four! The expanded size range from extra small to large allows them to offer a tiny option. This range is a small step for Apple and a giant step for shallow-canal podcast junkies everywhere. Bonus? They’re very easy to clean.
THE RATING: “Best noise cancellation (both ends of a call), great volume and they stay in my ears. The three-pack.”