When it comes to finding the perfect pair of headphones, particularly if you have a small ear canal, it can be challenging to pick the right one with a comfortable fit. Nothing is worse than having to adjust your headphones constantly due to comfort. That makes us enthusiasts to perform extensive research and highlight the best headphones for small ears available on the market.
Buying guide for choosing the best headphones for small ears
You don’t want to settle for something less than the best when choosing the right pair of small ear headphones. So, consider key factors like design, comfort, sound quality, etc., to find your perfect match. These primary factors should be at the forefront of your mind when browsing the market for your next set of headphones. So, keep reading to learn more about what you should know before purchasing.
Design
You should look for headphones that with lightweight designs and have small earbuds or earcups. Additionally, you should ensure that the headphone’s overall shape is good enough to fit snugly on your ear, whether it is an in-ear or over-ear design. In terms of choosing the best earbuds for small ears, you should also ensure that they come with different-sized ear tips.
Comfort
Always find headphones with comfortable ear tips to have the best fitting earbuds. They should be soft enough to fit snugly into your ear canal without causing any pressure so that you don’t feel any fatigue or pain over time.
Sound quality
Look for headphones that best suit your preference. Some headphones are balanced in sound with a good combination of bass, midrange, and treble. On the contrary, some are base heavy that may only be comfortable for some listeners. So, pick the headphones that can deliver the perfect sound to enhance your listening for long seasons.
Noise isolation
One of the important features if you want to immerse in the music deeply. So always look for headphones that offer ANC features or at least good sound isolation by preventing ambient noise. Conversely, some headphones come with surround sound features, which is good if you are on a busy road or in a noisy environment. Because it can help you to hear essential sounds while enjoying your music or podcast.
Best headphones for small ears | Top 10 picks
Several headphone brands on the market offer a wide range of headphones with various designs, quality, and many other features. At the same time, the headphones’ overall size or ear tips should be smaller than any average-sized headphones to have the best comfortable fit. Keeping that top priority fact in mind, we have done hours of research to gather the best headphones for small ears.
Here is the list of best headphones for small ears
- Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
- Sony LinkBuds S
- Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds
- Shure SE215 PRO
- Anker sound core Space A40
- Sony WF-SP700N/B
- TOZO T6 True Wireless Earbuds
- PocBuds Bluetooth Headphones
- XIAOWTEK A40 Pro
- House of Marley Positive Vibration 2
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
The Apple AirPods Pro(2nd Generation) is our most recommended option because of its comfort and performance in this list of the best headphones for small ears. Although the AirPods Pro 2 is similar in looks to the AirPods Pro, they still have some differences. For instance, the AirPods Pro 2 has 4 pairs of silicone ear tips, while the earlier version had only 3. Other than the standard large (L), medium (M), and small (S) pairs, this earbud now offers even smaller ear tips which are called extra small (XS).
Overall, the accompanying ear tips are also light weight and have an ergonomic shape to fit perfectly on your small ears without causing any discomfort. Especially the smaller size and the XS ear tips make it the most comfortable earbuds for small ears.
Along with that, the improved noise cancellation with the adaptive transparency features makes them distinguishable from their rivals. That means it efficiently blocks all the outside noise while you are enjoying music or automatically adjusts the volume to hear the outside world clearly without removing the earbuds.
Regarding sound quality, this headphone has an improved bass than its predecessor. And the overall sound profile is good and clear. Interestingly, their spatial Audio features work well on tracking your head movement and balancing the sound stage while listening to music or watching movies providing more immersive sound. If you look at the battery life, with ANC, it can assist you for 6 long hours, which can be extended up to 30 hours with the case.
Pros:
- Great ANC and Transparency feature
- Excellent sound quality
- Great fit with multiple ear tips
- Speaker and precise location tracker on the case
Cons:
- Nothing mentionable
Overall, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 can comfortably accompany the daily musical experience. In fact, there is a precise location tracker and a speaker on the case so that you no longer need an AirTag to win the fear of losing your AirPods again. In a sentence, the great fit, good sound quality, touch controls, IPX4 water resistive design, and obviously the great fit make this product the best true wireless earbuds for small ears.
Quantitative measurements:
Design: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10
Sound: 10/10
Durability: 10/10
Sony LinkBuds S
The next best headphones for small ears in our list are the Sony LinkBuds S. Sony has kept earbuds very small and lightweight so that you can feel them in both your hand and ear, making them comfortable wireless earbuds. It’s easy to twist the earbuds into the ear canal, which snugs perfectly into place to have a good seal. The 4 pairs of different-sized ear tips will let you play with the perfect fit, no matter if you have a smaller ear than the average.
Still, these Bluetooth headphones for small ears have a 5-millimeter sound driver inside such small earbuds that provide balanced sound without spikiness on treble or overexposed bass. And the overall sound profile is clear and detailed, delivering a good sense of depth. With that, it features ANC, which is good for disconnecting from the outside world.
Regarding controls, these Bluetooth earbuds for small ears come with the same app that Sony’s other premium headphones come with. So, you have lots of controls as well as 20 different ambient sound options, EQ settings, rearrangement, Bluetooth connectivity, and even a multi-point connection. This is to connect your buds with multiple devices to simultaneously change the source of the sound you are willing to come.
Pros:
- Balanced sound
- Stylish, compact, and lightweight design
- Distinctive control app
Cons:
- Battery life could be better
All in all, if you are looking for Active Noise Canceling headphones with the best fit for your small ear canals, these earbuds are for you. The only concern is while the 6 hours of playtime of the buds are okay, the 20 hours of battery life of the charging case is less than the AirPods Pro 2. Otherwise, it’s hard to knock out this as the 2nd best headphones for small ears in this list.
Quantitative measurements:
Design: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10
Sound: 9.5/10
Durability: 8.5/10
Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds
The Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds in-ear neckband headphones have bitted the spot as it shines with lots of color variations to suit your personal touch along with many other features. The comfy and lightweight design makes it perfect for starters as the best small ear headphones. The buds are pretty small and ergonomic to snug into small-sized ears. Plus, the 4 different-sized ear tips make it versatile for a wide range of ear sizes.
Next, if you listen to its sounds, it can deliver punchy bass with an overall decent sound performance. Moreover, the wireless connection is smooth enough to connect with your device seamlessly. Furthermore, it has a W1 chip that combines well with any Apple device. Coming with 12 hours of battery life, these headphones have fast charging capability to fuel the buds to get life up to 1.5 hours with only a 10-minute charge.
Pros:
- Excellent battery backup with fast charging
- Lots of color variations
- Low budget
Cons:
- No IP Rating
In conclusion, if you have a tight budget but still want a good pair of headphones, the Beats Flex wireless earbuds are a great option. However, the absence of a specific IP rating can let some users down in terms of water and sweat resistance. But if you think that’s not the ultimate deal breaker, then keep this on your list of the best headphones for small ears.
Quantitative measurements:
Design: 7.5/10
Comfort: 8/10
Sound: 8.5/10
Durability: 9/10
Shure SE215 PRO
If you are looking for a low-profile, smart, and durable IEM, the Shure SE215 can confidently pop up on the top 10 recommended headphone list. Offering in 5 different colors, this headphone is a great solution for those with small ears, as it ensures adequate comfort while sitting on your ear for several hours. Furthermore, the 4 different ear tips let you afford a customizable fit for better sound isolation and comfort.
When looking at the MMCX cable of this earphone, it seems very durable to withstand regular wear and tear. You can also detach the cable from the buds, which will enhance their portability and enable replacement in case the wire gets damaged, as can happen with any wired headphones. Even though you have the option to choose the wireless version if you don’t like clutters of cables around your neck.
Next, the sound quality is pretty balanced and loud, resulting from the single driver output. They are not noticeably poky or tinny if you listen to rock, jazz, or pop. Although you may notice some distortion in some manic areas as beginner-level headphones, it is a great starter pack. Regarding sound isolation, the Shure SE215 PRO can effectively block out ambient sound to concentrate intensely on your own, thanks to its great fit with a better seal on the ear.
Pros:
- Good sound quality
- Detachable MMCX cable
- Nice sound isolation
Cons:
- May have comfort issues with eyeglasses
Lastly, the Shure SE215 PRO is a great budget pick if you are looking for something that is durable and can deliver sounds with a wide range of frequencies. However, eyeglass users might face some compatibility issues with the alignment of the wires over the ear. Regardless of that, it is the killer multi-use earphone, which is undoubtedly one of the best headphones for small ears.
Quantitative measurements:
Design: 9/10
Comfort: 7.5/10
Sound: 8/10
Durability: 8/10
Anker sound core Space A40
The Soundcore by Anker Space A40 is another competitive option if you are seeking a headphone compatible with outdoor activities. Thanks to their lightweight and ergonomic design, these earbuds for small ear canals do not cause any discomfort, even if you are in a long listening session. It also comes with 5 replaceable ear tips, one more than the AirPods Pro 2, Sony LinkBuds S, Beats Flex, and Shure SE215 PRO. And the glossy finished case and the earbuds are built with sturdy materials to be a reliable companion for your daily usage.
It can block most outside noise, like the rumbling sounds of buses, cars, or trains. Still, you can use the adaptive ANC to stay alert while you are on a long flight or commute so that you can hear important announcements or conversations along with the music. When counting the battery backup, you can find the buds alive for 10 hours and 5 times more with the case, which is quite impressive.
When listening to music, these headphones underemphasize the lows and highs. But still, they are okay if you are not a studio-level music listener, and the mids are clear and up to the mark. These true wireless headphones also support LDAC Bluetooth, SBC, and AAC. With this one of the best Bluetooth earbuds for small ears, you can enjoy high-quality Audio up to 32 bits and 96 kHz with minimal latency.
Pros:
- Supports LDAC
- Durable and comfortable
- Robust battery life
Cons:
- The microphone’s voice clarity could be more batter.
All said and done; this headphone does not disappoint you at all if you are going to invest in having the best headphones for small ears. The only thing is that, while using the microphone, the voice clarity seems somewhat unnatural, which might let some users down. Otherwise, by judging all the outstanding features, we recommend this as one of the most comfortable earbuds for small ears.
Quantitative measurements:
Design: 8/10
Comfort: 7.5/10
Sound: 8/10
Durability: 8.5/10
Sony WI-XB400
This time, we have come up with the Sony WF-SP700N for neckband headphones lovers, along with an excellent fit for their small ear canal. When observing the outfit, this headphone is lightweight, durable, and obviously smaller in size. That means they will stay securely stay on the ear without being fall out over time. It also comes with three different-sized ear tips to ensure a secure fit while walking or running, making it one of the best wireless earbuds for small ears.
With a good microphone inside, the controller also has snappy and responsive buttons for easy access to control music, calls, and volume. The flat wire connecting the buds will not tangle easily. As regards the sound, despite these headphones being marketed towards bass-heavy users, the overall sound signature seems balanced.
After having a great fit with the perfect ear tips, you can have a more profound listening experience. To add, the battery life is impressive and can last up to 15 hours on a single charge, which is sufficient for average listeners. If you still worry about the sudden pause, then the 10-minute quick charge is an added bonus.
Pros:
- Balanced sound signature
- Great fit for small ears
- Light and portable design
Cons:
- No app for customization
To sum up, the Sony WF-SP700N might fit all the expectations of those seeking low-budget headphones with an adequate fit with a small ear canal. As long as you are critical about the customization of sound using an app, they are a pretty decent pair of headphones in terms of comfort, sound quality, and battery life. So, If you are on the market, it’s worth looking into this one of the best headphones for small ears.
Quantitative measurements:
Design: 8.5/10
Comfort: 8/10
Sound: 8.5/10
Durability: 8/10
TOZO T6 True Wireless Earbuds
If it is the solid pair of headphones you are after that is suitable for jogging in any weather, the TOZO T6 will definitely blow your mind. This pair of headphones are small, comfortable, and can withstand direct contact with water. If you look at the design, they are ergonomic in shape and come with 6 replaceable ear tips ranging from XS-XXL, which is the highest size difference in this list to name this device as the best earbuds for small ear canals.
So, even if you have small ears, using XS ear tips will never let the buds come out of the canal or create pressure on the ears. After wearing these headphones with compatible ear tips, you should find them perfectly positioned in the ear canal, preventing any sound leak effectively and providing good comfort for several hours. And the IPX8 rating is a great addition to this product for using it during heavy rain, a shower, or sweat.
In terms of connectivity, Bluetooth 5 works fine within a 30-meter-long distance. When you listen to music, this earbud has a little emphasis on bass. The lower mids are good, and the higher vocals are clear and forward. To recharge the device, you can use a USB cable that can fully charge it in just 55 minutes. Alternatively, wireless charging is available, which takes 2 hours to provide 6 hours of playback for the buds and 4 times more with the case.
Pros:
- Long distance connectivity
- Stylish comfortable
- Rich sound with a powerful base
Cons:
- Uses Micro USB charging
On the whole, the TOZO T6 keeps its competitive position because of its overall comfort and good feet. You will find them up to the mark while on the move with a pleasant experience. Perhaps, some users may dislike its Micro USB charging in this age of USB C charging ports, but wireless charging puts this one step forward. Regardless of that, all the features and performance successfully benchmarked this item as the best headphones for small ears.
Quantitative measurements:
Design: 7/10
Comfort: 7.5/10
Sound: 6.5/10
Durability: 6/10
PocBuds Bluetooth Headphones
The PocBuds Bluetooth headphones are equipped with flexible ear hooks that ideally align over the ears, making them the best running headphones for small ears. Furthermore, the different-sized silicone ear hooks on all of the trees ensure a good fit with all ear canals, from small to large. After putting those buds on your ear, you should find them with a perfect fit for small ears that lets you immerse in music for days with its impressive 90-hour battery life.
Each of the earbuds can serve up to 10 hours of playback with a single charge. And the additional 8 full charges with the 2200mAh case will provide you with an unrivaled 90 hours of playback. Plus, a 15-minute quick charge will keep the bids active for 2 more hours. Even it can be used as an emergency power bank, ensuring that your phone or smartwatch will never run out of charge.
In terms of audio quality, the overall sound is clear and as flat as a pancake. As long as you raise the volume level, the sound seems consistent and does not distort so much. What’s more, this headphone is IPX-7 water-resistant. This makes it a great option for workouts or outdoor activities where you might sweat or encounter rain.
Pros:
- Super battery backup
- Beautiful led display
- Secure and very comfortable fit
Cons:
- Very dull bass
Eventually, these headphones are the perfect blend of convenience, style, and functionality in this price range. However, if you are a die-hard fan of strong bass in the music, then it might disappoint you a little. Apart from that, the long battery life, solid build, and ergonomic design boost it to be one of the best headphones for small ears to keep you motivated with music for your workout.
Quantitative measurements:
Design: 7.5/10
Comfort: 8/10
Sound: 7/10
Durability: 6.5/10
XIAOWTEK A40 Pro
The Xiaowtek A40 Pro is an excellent alternative to traditional headphones, giving you the unparalleled experience of enjoying your music with the ideally situated touch points on the earbuds. At the same time, they are made for all, no matter what size of ears you have. Because it comes with three-sized ear tips S, M, and L, for a perfect fit that you can easily put in or out of the ear based on your ear size.
Also, You can control your playback, calls, and volume with the easy touch control system without having to face the hassle of pressing a button or taking your phone out of your pocket. But that’s not all they can do. Thanks to its Bluetooth 5 technology, you will have seamless connectivity with your Bluetooth device with almost no delay. And the auto-pairing mode will let you connect the buds with the last paired device whenever you get the buds out of the charging case.
Furthermore, their IPX7 waterproof design will support you in enjoying your music regardless of weather conditions. It can produce moderate bass, decent treble, and moderate mid-range sounds when talking about audio quality. Although, if you are a heavy metal lover, you may find some lack in the base, you can still fill the rhythm of bass and drums.
Pros:
- Lightweight and small design
- Good sound quality
- Easy touch control
Cons:
- Battery life could be improved
To summarize, if you are after lightweight headphones with decent comfort for small ears and good sound quality, the Xiaowtek A40 Pro definitely deserves your attention. Perhaps, the 5 hours of backup time for earbuds sets these headphones back from their rivals a little. Still, the charging case can enable you to charge the buds 10 times more. And the charging time of the case is 1.5 hours using the Type-C cable, which is decent. Apart from that, this is the best headphone for small ears.
Quantitative measurements:
Design: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10
Sound: 7.5/10
Durability: 6.5/10
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2
If you are still looking for over-ear wireless headphones for small ears instead of in-ear ones, then we recommend the House of Marley Positive Vibration 2. This headphone is furnished with earcups that are smaller in size and fit comfortably on smaller ears. Plus, the overall weight of the headphones is light and doesn’t cause any pressure or stiffness, even after long hours of use.
Looking at the build quality, these headphones are made with eco-friendly materials. The band is flexible and covered with Regrind fabric. The cups are made of recycled aluminum and contain a wooden disk at the back, which adds a higher-end touch to the overall design. Next, the padding is made with cloth and has a sufficient amount of cushion inside that fits snugly over the ear.
Packing with a 40 mm driver, these headphones result in decent sound quality. You can hear the vocals clearly. Also, you can feel the sound separation from different instruments playing the music. With regards to battery life, 12 hours seems adequate for an average user to get through the day. When it dies, the micro USB port on the left earcup is able to recharge the device with the tangle-free braided cable.
Pros:
- Beautiful design and solid built
- Comfortable fit
- Sustainable materials
Cons:
- No active noise cancellation
Lastly, the House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 is a superb choice for people looking for headphones with a recognizable design and overall decent performance. However, the lack of ANC features might be a con for outdoor usage. Despite that, it is worth being one of the best headphones for small ears because of its comfort, features, and look.
Quantitative measurements:
Design: 7.5/10
Comfort: 8/10
Sound: 8.5/10
Durability: 7.5/10
Conclusion:
We have enlisted the best headphones for small ears that we think are best for people with small-sized ears. If you like the reading, you can explore our best audio technical headphones and best headphones for mixing and mastering.
