I have tiny little ears and these earplugs *actually* stay where they are

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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.”

Sleep A20 Noise Cancelling Earbuds

These earbuds are perfect for people who struggle with noisy roommates or street noise. They are designed to be worn while you sleep so you can fall asleep in peace. They are even optimized for side sleepers. The tips included in the package come in different sizes and, more importantly, in two different styles: a breathable and a sealed variety. This allows you to control how the sound is filtered into your ears.

THE RATING: “When I first tried these earbuds at 5pm, the noise cancellation and relaxing sounds blew me away for about 10 minutes even though I didn’t want to sleep. So yes, it works!”

Best aesthetic choice

You don’t have to choose between function and beauty with these gorgeous black earbuds. They’re small and comfortable, but they prioritize sound quality over everything else, and it shows (and you don’t have to be an audiophile to appreciate the quality!). The case is a bit big, but not bulky. They also stick out, so don’t try to hide them in a clever way. That won’t work.

THE RATING: “This is a top quality earbud solution in an already crowded market. The earbuds sit comfortably in the ears and the sound is clear with a well-defined but not boomy bass.”

Invisible earphones

Invisible is the perfect name for these tiny earbuds. They’re barely noticeable unless you know they’re there. They slide into your ear and stay there. For a budget option, they’re surprisingly durable. They offer one of the highest levels of water protection available for under $50. Get them for your next poolside nap.

THE RATING: “These are the smallest wireless earbuds I’ve ever used, and they’re comfortable enough for me to lie on my side.”

What is most important in earphones?

The most important thing when choosing earplugs is the fit. If they don’t fit, you won’t wear them. Choose the ones that suit your lifestyle and taste. Jump around in them before you make your final decision. Roll around in bed and see if they get lost.

What is a fair price for earphones?

Everyone knows you get what you pay for, but there are plenty of quality earbuds for under $200. Compare prices before you buy that trendy pair your favorite content creator wore on your FYP.

Why trust Cosmo?

Our lifestyle team includes lifestyle director Rachel Torgerson, lifestyle editors Christen Johnson and Hannah Chubb, and deputy editor Annabel Iwegbue—together we have decades of experience researching and selecting the best buys for you. We spend all day scouring the web, testing products, and reading reviews so we can bring you the kind of high-quality content we’d want ourselves. Our shopping roundups also adhere to the 15 percent pledge—this one included.

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