Best Around Ear Earbuds: Reviewing Top 5 Picks

Tired of earbuds that constantly slip out during your run or workout? You know the feeling – that little jolt of panic when your music suddenly stops because your earbud has fallen onto the floor. Finding earbuds that actually *stay* put can feel like a treasure hunt in a crowded store. It’s frustrating when you want to focus on your music or podcast, but you’re always fiddling with your audio gear.

That’s where Around The Ear earbuds come in! These clever designs promise a snug and secure fit by looping over your ear. But even with this great idea, there are still so many styles and features to think about. Which brand is best? Are they comfortable for long listening sessions? We get it; the choices can be overwhelming.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down what makes a great pair of Around The Ear earbuds. You will learn what features truly matter so you can choose the perfect set for your active life. Get ready to find your new favorite, stay-put audio companions!

Top Around The Ear Earbuds Recommendations

No. 1
HAOYUYAN Wireless Earbuds, Sports Bluetooth Headphones, 80Hrs Playtime Ear Buds with LED Power Display, Noise Canceling Headset, IPX7 Waterproof Earphones for Workout/Running(Rose Gold)
  • 【Sports Comfort & IPX7 Waterproof】Designed for extended workouts, the BX17 earbuds feature flexible ear hooks and three sizes of silicone tips for a secure, personalized fit. The IPX7 waterproof rating ensures protection against sweat, rain, and accidental submersion (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes), making them ideal for intense training, running, or outdoor adventures
  • 【Immersive Sound & Noise Cancellation】Equipped with 14.3mm dynamic drivers and advanced acoustic tuning, these earbuds deliver powerful bass, crisp highs, and balanced mids. The ergonomic design enhances passive noise isolation, while the built-in microphone ensures clear voice pickup during calls—even in noisy environments
  • 【Type-C Fast Charging & Tactile Controls】Recharge the case in 1.5 hours via USB-C and get back to your routine quickly. Intuitive physical buttons let you adjust volume, skip tracks, answer calls, and activate voice assistants without touching your phone—perfect for sweaty or gloved hands
  • 【80-Hour Playtime & Real-Time LED Display】Enjoy up to 15 hours of playtime per charge (80 hours total with the portable charging case). The dual LED screens on the case display precise battery levels at a glance, so you’ll never run out of power mid-workout
  • 【Auto-Pairing & Universal Compatibility】Hall switch technology enables instant pairing: simply open the case to auto-connect to your last-used device. Compatible with iOS, Android, tablets, and laptops (Bluetooth 5.3), these earbuds ensure stable connectivity up to 33 feet
No. 2
Soundcore V20i by Anker Open-Ear Headphones, Adjustable Ear Hooks, Ultra-Comfort, Snug Fit, Powerful Sound, Clear Calls, IP55, 36H Playtime, Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Earbuds, Multipoint Connection
  • Ultra-Comfort with Open-Ear Design: Experience matchless comfort even for all-day wear with these non-intrusive, open-ear Bluetooth earbuds.
  • Enhanced Situational Awareness: V20i open-ear wireless earbuds let you stay connected to the world while enjoying pristine playback. Ideal for both urban life and outdoor ventures.
  • Four Adjustable Positions for a Secure, Comfy Fit: Easily rotate to find the sweet spot for your ears with these bluetooth earbuds, boosting stability and comfort. Listen and move freely with V20i open-ear earbuds throughout the day.
  • Powerful Sound with 16mm Drivers: Immerse in rich, resonant bass fueled by V20i's advanced 16mm drivers—featured in these wireless earbuds—with titanium-coated domes and soundcore's proprietary BassUp technology.
  • Clear Calls with 4 Mics and AI Enhancement: Equipped with four mics and an AI algorithm, V20i open-ear Bluetooth earbuds ensure crisp and clear calls wherever you are.
No. 3
Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds Wireless Bluetooth Headphones 80H Playtime LED Power Display Charging Case Over Ear Hooks Ear Buds with Hi-Res Sound & Clear Calls for Sports Running Gym Workout Black
  • Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling & Transparency Mode: Activate a powerful 4-layer ANC system that blocks up to 95% of noise. Driven by a high-speed noise cancelling chip, wireless earbuds reduce sound levels by up to 45dB in 0.02s, creating an instant quiet zone for music, calls, or focus. Switch to Transparency Mode to clearly hear traffic or conversations without removing your ear buds. From busy commutes to flights, offices, and workouts, noise cancelling earbuds adapt to every environment.
  • 80Hrs Battery Life with Power Display Case: Each earbud delivers up to 8hrs per charge, while the 600mAh charging case provides multiple recharges for commuting, workouts, and travel. Never run out of battery with up to 80hrs of continuous playback on a single charge. Quick charge 10mins = 2hrs of listening, letting you enjoy music or calls instantly. The dual display shows real-time battery levels of the case and the status of bluetooth headphones, so you always know when it’s time to recharge.
  • Hear Every Detail Come Alive: Experience lossless-quality sound with advanced audio technology, transmitting 3x more data than standard Bluetooth. Combined with 13mm dynamic drivers and bass tuning, every note hits harder while vocals stay sharp and balanced. From quiet acoustic tracks to high-energy workout playlists, bluetooth earbuds bring music to life. Dual-mic call clarity reduces background noise so your voice stays natural and clear, making wireless headphones perfect for daily use.
  • Button Control & Wireless Charging: Take full control with physical buttons that let you play music, adjust volume, skip tracks, and answer calls easily, even during workouts or commuting. No accidental touches, just reliable operation in motion. The charging case supports wireless charging and Type-C power, giving you quick top-ups whenever needed. Simply drop it on a charging pad or plug in for fast energy. From busy days to long trips, noise cancelling headphones stay ready when you are.
  • Secure Over-Ear Fit for Active Movement: Designed with flexible earhooks, running headphones stay firmly in place through workouts, runs, jumps, and daily commutes without slipping or pressure. The ergonomic curve distributes weight evenly for all-day comfort while keeping your earbuds wireless bluetooth secure during high-intensity motion. Whether training at the gym, jogging outdoors, or rushing between meetings, over ear earbuds deliver stable performance and confidence with every step.
No. 4
PocBuds Bluetooth Headphones Wireless Earbuds 80hrs Playtime Wireless Charging Case Digital Display Sports Ear Buds with Earhook Deep Bass IPX7 Waterproof Over-Ear Earphones for TV Phone Laptop Black
  • 80hrs Playtime & Digital Charging Case: Each ear buds offers up to 8 hours of listening time on a single charge, allowing you to enjoy a total of 80 hours of music by taking turns with the charging case. Wireless earbuds feature a dual LED digital display that provides real-time battery status. Easily monitor the remaining power and plan your usage accordingly. Bluetooth headphones support wired charging with a Type-C cable and wireless charging via Qi-certified charging pad (not included)
  • Hi-Fi Sound Quality & HD Voice Technology: Bluetooth earbuds incorporate 13mm double-layer diaphragm drivers, delivering sound with strong bass, clear mids, and bright treble. Experience high-fidelity sound reproduction that brings every note and detail to life, enhancing your music listening experience. The built-in microphones ensure high-quality call performance by isolating your voice from surrounding noise. Enjoy uninterrupted conversations with superior clarity, regardless of your location
  • One Button Control & Auto On/Connect: Manage your music, adjust volume, and answer calls effortlessly with the wireless headphones' one-button control. Enjoy hassle-free control right at your fingertips. Over-ear earbuds automatically power on and connect to your device when taken out of the charging case. Seamlessly pair and start enjoying your favorite content instantly. They are compatible with most Bluetooth-enabled devices, including smartphones, TVs, computers, laptops, and smartwatches
  • Bluetooth 5.3 & Multi Using Mode: Stay connected to your device with confidence, thanks to the advanced Bluetooth 5.3 capability of PocBuds earbuds. Ensures a strong, continuous connection within a range of up to 30ft from the paired device. It greatly improves transmission speed, providing you with a low-latency listening experience. The wireless earphones offer both binaural mode for stereo surround sound and mono mode allowing you to enjoy music with either the left or right earpiece alone
  • Design for Sports & IPX7 Sweat-resistant: Bluetooth earphones are the result of years of research aimed at improving people's wearing experience based on thousands of ear canal. Designed with flexible and soft ear hooks, earbuds wireless bluetooth fit perfectly in your ears and stay focused on your exercise routine without worrying about falling out. To provide you with customized comfort, 3 multiple sizes of ear tips are available. IPX7 waterproof can keep the beat going even with a little rain
No. 5
kurdene Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones Sport,Over Ear Buds with Deep Bass Sound,60Hrs Playtime Earphones Redesigned Comfort Fit with Earhooks for Running,Meeting,Workout-Black
  • Exceptional Sound Quality :Equipped with 16.1mm vibrating diaphragm drivers, these Bluetooth earbuds deliver powerful bass, crisp mids, and clear treble for a rich, immersive sound experience. The built-in microphones isolate your voice for crystal-clear call quality, ensuring your conversations are always loud and clear, no matter where you are
  • Impressive 60H Total Playtime:Enjoy up to 12 hours of continuous playtime on a single charge, with the included charging case offering an additional 48 hours of battery life. That’s a total of 60 hours of music, calls, and more!
  • Over-Ear Design for Unmatched Comfort:kurdene over-ear headphones feature a unique design that rests gently and securely on top of your ears, ensuring a natural, pressure-free listening experience. The soft silicone ear hooks provide a snug and stable fit, making them perfect for all activities—from workouts to everyday wear
  • Bluetooth 5.4 – Stable Connection:Upgrade to the latest Bluetooth 5.4 technology for faster data transfer and an ultra-stable connection. With a reliable range of up to 33 feet, you can enjoy seamless audio and video sync, making them perfect for gaming, movies, and music.
  • Intuitive Smart Touch Control:Control your music, manage calls, and activate voice assistants effortlessly with easy-to-use touch controls. With separate multifunction and volume buttons on each earbud, you can adjust volume, skip tracks, and answer calls—all without reaching for your phone
No. 6
JLab Go Sport+ Wireless Workout Earbuds Featuring C3 Clear Calling, Secure Earhook Sport Design, 35+ Hour Bluetooth Playtime, and 3 EQ Sound Settings (Graphite)
  • Sweatproof Sport Earphones: JLab Go Sport+ wireless earbuds have an IP55 sweat resistance rating, holding up against sweat and dirt. You can last through an intense workout and with our smallest sport fit ever, these lightweight Bluetooth gym headphones are mighty and fun!
  • Secure Fit: The ergonomic over ear hook earphones fit even the smallest ears and stay securely and comfortably in place. Try all sizes of the gel tips to get the best secure sport fit for your in ear running headphones and just GO
  • Long Battery Life: These wireless Bluetooth earbuds for sports feature 9+ hours of playtime in each earbud and 26+ extra hours from the charging case, a total of 35+ hours. Return to the case to recharge the cordless buds, and use the integrated USB cable to charge the case
  • Be Aware Mode + Google Fast Pair: Stay aware of your surroundings and let ambient noise in with Be Aware Mode for safe listening. Plus enjoy effortless pairing with an Android device and locate missing earbuds with Google Fast Pair
  • Custom Sound via JLab App: Easily customize your sound experience using the JLab App. Control touch functions, adjust Be Aware settings, and personalize sound preferences with EQ presets including JLab Signature, Balanced, or Bass Boost
No. 7
JBL Endurance Peak 3 - Dust and Water Proof (IP68) True Wireless Active Earbuds, JBL Pure Bass Sound, Up to 50 Total Hours of Playback with Speed Charge, Ambient Aware & Talk Thru (Black)
  • JBL Pure Bass Sound: Get the most out of your favorite workout playlist with rich bass from a 10mm dynamic driver that delivers bold sound when you need it most.
  • Up to 50 total hours of playback with speed charge: Whether you measure your energy output in miles, pounds, or minutes, the JBL Endurance Peak 3 can match you beat for beat, with up to10 hours of battery power in the earbuds and 40 in the case.
  • IP68 dust and water proof: An IP68 rating means the JBL Endurance Peak 3 earbuds are ready for your most active adventures, rain or shine. And they'll endure for 30 minutes at depths up to 1.5 meters of salt or fresh water. So you can surf with your earbu
  • Ambient Aware & Talk Thru: Whether you're out for a run or in the zone at the gym, TalkThru makes it easy to make and hear calls anywhere. And with Ambient Aware, you can stay alert to your surroundings without removing your headphones.
  • 4-Mic Crisp, Clear Calls: Even on a windy bike trail, your voice will be heard thanks to dual beamforming mics in each ear help to ensure clear communication.
No. 8
Wireless Earbuds 75hrs Bluetooth 5.4 Headphone Sport, 2026 Bluetooth Earbuds Stereo Deep Bass Over Ear Bud with Earhooks, ENC Noise Cancelling Mic, IPX7 Waterproof Earphone for Gym/Running/Workout
  • Hi-Fi Deep Bass Stereo and Crystal Clear Calls: Bluetooth earphones 14.2mm large size speaker driver delivers powerful bass, mellow midrange, and clear treble, reproducing your music vividly to power your workout. Noise cancelling headphones are equipped with high quality ENC noise reduction mics to passively cancel 80% background noise so you and the caller can hear each other better and make crystal-clear calls with minimal background noise. Enjoy top-notch conversations wherever you are.
  • 75 Hours Playtime and Dual LED Display: Running headphones provides up to 15 hours continuous using time on a single charge, portable charging case can charge the earbuds for 5-6 times, giving 75 hours of a total playtime. Whether on the road or in daily life, it will provide unparalleled convenience and smart experience. The dual LED display on earphones accurately display the remaining power of charging case and the charging progress of Wireless ear buds.
  • Leading Bluetooth 5.4 Technology and Easy Pairing: Features with the advanced Bluetooth 5.4 chip technology, Aptkdoe HD65 wireless headphones support HFP A2DP HSP AVRCP, which provides instant pairing and stable transmission without interruptions, with a stable connection distance of up to 33ft. The moment you open the case, the earbuds instantly and effortlessly pair with your previously connected device, sparing you from the hassle of manual pairing and long connection times.
  • Sensitive Button Control and Wide Compatibility: Earbuds wireless bluetooth with button Control, you can control music play/pause, previous/next track, volume+/-, answer/reject, end calls and enable voice assistance by click buttons on earbuds. You can easily control it without operating the phone. You can listen to the music while running, working, reading, meeting, etc. Wireless earbuds bluetooth compatible with most bluetooth-enabled devices such as cellphones, tablets, laptop, ect.
  • Ergonomic Sports Design and IPX7 Waterproof: The Wireless earbuds sport features ear hooks made of an innovative TPU (elastic) material that not only solves the problem of bluetooth earphones falling off when running, but is also comfortable to wear and anti-allergic. The earphones wireless bluetooth are equipped with nano-coated waterproof material, which can effectively prevent splash damage caused by sweat and raindrops, especially for jogging, gym, yoga and more sports.

The Ultimate Buying Guide: Around-The-Ear Earbuds

Around-the-ear earbuds, sometimes called over-the-ear earbuds, wrap a band around the back of your head or neck. This design keeps them secure. They are great for active people. This guide helps you pick the best pair.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping, check these important features first. These make a big difference in how you use your earbuds.

1. Secure Fit and Stability

  • Ear Hooks/Wings: Look for models with soft, adjustable hooks or wings. These grab onto your ear for a secure fit. They stop the buds from falling out during exercise.
  • Neckband Design: Many around-the-ear models use a flexible neckband. This band rests on your neck. It keeps the earbuds connected and prevents loss if one bud pops out.

2. Sound Quality and Drivers

  • Driver Size: Bigger drivers (the parts that make sound) often mean richer bass. Look for at least 8mm drivers for good sound.
  • Frequency Response: This shows the range of sounds the buds can play. A wider range (like 20Hz to 20,000Hz) means you hear deeper lows and clearer highs.

3. Battery Life

Since these usually have a band or neck structure, they often hold bigger batteries than tiny true wireless buds. Check the playback time. Aim for at least 6 to 8 hours for daily use.

4. Water Resistance (IP Rating)

If you sweat a lot or run in light rain, you need water resistance. Look for an IP rating like IPX4 or higher. This rating tells you how well the earbuds handle splashes and sweat.

Important Materials Matter

The materials used affect comfort, durability, and sound.

Ear Tips and Comfort

  • Silicone vs. Foam: Most earbuds come with silicone tips. They are easy to clean. Memory foam tips offer a better seal and sometimes better noise isolation, but they wear out faster.
  • Lightweight Plastic: The main body should use durable but light plastic. Heavy earbuds cause neck strain after long periods.

Neckband Material

The band connecting the two sides should be flexible. Soft rubber or silicone is best for comfort against the skin. Metal cores inside offer better durability but must be covered well.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Good design choices boost your experience. Bad choices cause frustration.

Improving Quality:

  • Multipoint Connection: This lets you connect to two devices (like a phone and a laptop) at once. This feature greatly improves workflow.
  • Physical Buttons: Touch controls can be hard to use while moving. Physical buttons for volume and play/pause offer reliable control.

Reducing Quality:

  • Poor Cable Management: If the wires connecting the buds to the band are too long or stiff, they snag on clothing. This pulls the buds out of your ears.
  • Weak Bluetooth Range: A weak Bluetooth chip means the music cuts out if your phone is more than 20 feet away.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about where you will use your new earbuds most often.

For Sports and Fitness:

You need maximum security here. Prioritize IP ratings and secure ear hooks. Battery life should be long enough for marathon training sessions.

For Commuting and Office Work:

Noise cancellation (ANC) becomes very important. ANC blocks out engine rumble or office chatter. Comfort for long, continuous wear is also key.

For Casual Listening:

If you just use them walking around town, focus more on sound signature—do you like heavy bass or clearer vocals? Battery life is less critical than portability.


10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are around-the-ear earbuds better than true wireless earbuds?

A: They are different. Around-the-ear buds usually have better battery life because they have more space for batteries. They are also much harder to lose.

Q: How do I clean around-the-ear earbuds?

A: Gently wipe the ear tips with a slightly damp cloth or an alcohol wipe. Be careful not to let water drip into the speaker holes.

Q: What is the importance of the neckband?

A: The neckband keeps the earbuds together. If one falls out, it dangles safely around your neck instead of dropping to the floor.

Q: Do these models usually have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)?

A: Many mid-to-high-end around-the-ear models include ANC, but budget versions often only offer passive isolation (sound blocking from the ear tip seal).

Q: Will the neckband feel heavy?

A: High-quality models use very light plastic, so you barely notice the band. Cheap, heavy plastics can cause neck fatigue after an hour or two.

Q: Can I use them with a laptop for video calls?

A: Yes, most connect via standard Bluetooth. Check if they support good microphone quality for clear calls.

Q: How long should the battery last for a good pair?

A: A good pair should last at least 6 hours with ANC on. Many last 10 hours or more.

Q: What does IPX4 mean for sweat protection?

A: IPX4 means the earbuds resist splashing water from any direction. This is enough for heavy workouts.

Q: Are replacement ear tips easy to find?

A: Yes, most use standard silicone tip sizes (small, medium, large). If they use a proprietary (unique) attachment, check if the manufacturer sells spares.

Q: How is pairing usually done on these?

A: You typically press and hold a power button until an indicator light flashes. Then, you select the earbuds from the Bluetooth settings on your phone or device.