Top 10 Earbud Brands of 2021: Part Two

In a previous article, we ranked the first five brands to place in the top ten earbuds brands dominating the market in 2021. However, the list isn’t finished. This article encompasses the final five earbud brands that rank in the top ten earbud brands. Earbuds from these brands offer amazing sound quality and aesthetic designs that impress even the pickiest consumers.

Here’s a closer look at the final five earbud brands, in no particular order, that offers the best earbuds in 2021.

Anker isn’t traditionally known for its headphones. Instead, the brand is more widely famed for its aftermarket Apple accessories and things like power banks. Now, however, there’s more to see across its growing earbud line-up. Under the Soundcore brand, which it owns alongside Eufy, Nebula, and Roav, Anker currently offers a choice of around a dozen earbud models.

With various Liberty, Life, and Spirit monikered choices to pick between, prices go from under $40 to around $130 for a pair of Liberty Air 2 Pro noise-canceling earbuds. While both the Anker and Soundcore brands lack some of the gravitas of bigger, more established names, there’s plenty to admire at the same time.

Their Soundcore Life P2 Mini IPX7 waterproof earbuds, for example, are a bargain at only $39.99. With that, they’re also a testament to Anker’s ability to provide solid products at much lower prices than Apple, Samsung, and Google alike while still offering many of the same benefits.

OnePlus is another less-talked-about manufacturer, at least as far as earbuds go. Despite that, the company continues to add to its line-up. OnePlus currently offers a choice of four earbud models: Buds, Buds Pro, Buds Z, and Bullets Wireless Z. Prices start from around $60 for the most basic OnePlus Buds.

The brand’s OnePlus Buds Pro true wireless earbuds are arguably its most impressive. The earbuds debuted alongside the OnePlus Nord 2 smartphone.

Nothing is by far the newest name on this list. Established in early 2021 by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, the brand promises to remove barriers between people and technology to create a seamless digital future. To date, Nothing boasts just one product – its Ear (1) earbuds. Feature-packed and extremely cool-looking, reviews have been largely favorable – especially at just $99.

Nothing’s Ear (1) earbuds are tiny and offer wireless charging, noise cancellation, and more, all in a standout design package for under $100. Unfortunately, minor intermittent bugs hindered the experiences of some early buyers. Still, it’s an impressive start and bodes well for subsequent products from the London-based tech brand.

Raycon joins Nothing as another newcomer to the market. A rising star in the wireless audio space, Raycon’s range of earbuds extends to three models: Everyday, Fitness, and Work. In addition, prices start from just $79. Raycon has established a name for itself by designing wireless earbuds and headphones that are comfortable, incredibly bass-heavy, and cheaper than many of its competitors.

Raycon range kicks off with its entry-level wireless Everyday option. At the top of the field, meanwhile, there’s the brand’s Work model. There’s relatively little to set them apart, which makes Raycon’s most basic Everyday earbuds the obvious choice. Compact and lightweight, they live nicely up to their name, too, as an inexpensive but solid earbud option for the daily grind.

Almost across the board, Bose continues to set the bar for top-tier headphones and speakers. A growing range of earbuds from the brand now includes various choices, including its popular QuietComfort wireless model. However, casual listeners may be put off by Bose’s famously high prices, especially for over-the-ear headphones for audiophiles.

That said, Bose’s earbuds are more affordable than their headphones. Expect to pay anywhere from roughly $130 to $280 for a pair. Hardcore audiophiles aren’t typically shopping for earbuds or, indeed, wireless solutions. Those seeking the absolute best audio experience are still very much fans of traditional headphones and wired connections.

By that token, Bose’s earbuds aren’t necessarily its best products – something that’s reflected in both its pricing and reviews for its earbud line-up. Other options, like its noise-canceling, on-ear 700 UC model headphones at $449, are largely unsurpassed. Yet, when it comes specifically to earbuds, there’s little to distinguish Bose from other similarly priced manufacturers in the same market.

There’s plenty to separate today’s leading earbud manufacturers from either end of the market. Of course, price is the most significant factor. Yet, there’s a reasonable consistency in performance, build quality, and what they offer more generally in terms of mid-market brands.

If you’re looking to grab a bargain, manufacturers such as Anker and OnePlus have you covered. So does Sony, particularly with its cheapest wired earbuds. Meanwhile, if you can afford to blow the budget, brands like Apple and Jabra are hard to compete with, albeit at a cost.

Broadly speaking, there’s little to divide Google, Samsung, Nothing, and others, beyond their marketing and things like brand allegiance. With that in mind, make sure that a manufacturer’s signature—for example, Raycon’s bass-heavy trademark sound—suits your listening style.

For long-lasting and reliable quality, protect your purchase with an extended headphone warranty. Upsie offers comprehensive policies with all-important accidental damage protection. In addition, Upsie warranties cost up to 70 percent less than policies sold by manufacturers, retailers, and other providers.

For protection against accidental damage, speaker failure, sound failure, and more, purchase an Upsie warranty today.