Audiobooks have gained notoriety over the past years for some good reasons. Forget about sitting down while reading a book – which can be quite relaxing. These days, you can simply play a book wherever you are – you could be doing dishes, cleaning the house or perhaps traveling by train. If you just cannot put the book down, take it with you anywhere. This is why we collected the best earbuds and some headphones for you.
Now, unless you are home alone in a quiet environment, headphones are a must when playing audiobooks. While all headphones will work, an avid reader will clearly want the best headphones for audiobooks. You want a crisp and crystal clear experience to hear every word, hence the necessity of a bit of research.
Some headphones are specifically designed for gaming. Some others provide a rich experience for music lovers. When it comes to audiobooks, you do not need all the fancy bells and whistles associated with music headphones. Instead, clarity is the only thing you are after. You do not want any environmental noise either, but just the actual book. Here are the top-rated options on the market.
Top Earbuds For Audiobooks
Apple AirPods Pro
Apple has finally announced the release of their new earbuds, the AirPods Pro. These earbuds have been highly anticipated by many, as they are said to be the best earbuds on the market. The product features active noise cancellation, which blocks out surrounding noise, and a customizable fit with three different sized silicone tips.
The AirPods Pro also have a transparency mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings when needed. Another great feature of these earbuds is that they are water resistant, so you can use them while working out or swimming. Anyway did you try even listening an audiobook underwater? Sound interesting.
Pros
- Water resistant
- Active noise cancellation
- Adaptive EQ – automatically adjust sound volume to your ears
- Transparency mode, if you are waiting for a call
Cons
- Hefty price tag
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2
The Galaxy Buds 2 are the perfect way to take your passion for audiobooks to new heights. The booming sound they provide makes you feel like you’re right there in the middle of the action, and the snug fit ensures that you’ll never lose that feeling of immersion. Plus, the Buds 2 are designed to be comfortable for all-day use, so you can really lose yourself in your favorite story without having to worry about your ears getting tired.
These earbuds feature three microphones and noise reduction technology, which work together to create an immersive sound experience and eliminate background noise. You’ll be able to hear every word clearly, even in noisy environments, and feel confident speaking in public. Plus, with up to 8 hours of battery life, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 can keep you connected all day long.
Pros
- Active noise-canceling
- Affordable
- Crisp and clear audio
- Wireless charging case
- Long lasting battery
- Good fitting in the ears
- Touch control
- Multiple colors
Cons
- No real water only IPX4-rated resistance
Beats Studio Buds
Beats created an exceptional earbuds for everyday users, which is great for audiobooks. Usually listening an audiobook takes hours, these earbuds are great in battery life – up to 8 hours – which is essential to keep us relaxing and not worried about charging all the time.
The active noise canceling feature shapes the soundscape to your liking by blocking out ambient sounds. The Transparency mode enables you to hear your surroundings, but with less external noise.
Three different soft ear tips are available to provide a stable, comfortable fit while also maintaining an optimal acoustic seal.
Pros
- State of the art Bluetooth technology for long range connectivity
- Excellent 8 hours battery life
- Touch control
- High quality calls
- Multiple colors
- Compatible with Apple devices
Cons
- IP4-rated water resistance
Belkin SoundForm Rise Wireless Earbuds
The best earbuds are the ones that can stay in your ears, even when you’re sweating. The Belkin Wireless Earbuds have a snug fit and are resistant to water and sweat, making them ideal for a workout. The earphones also feature deep bass for an immersive sound experience. What’s more, the earbuds come with a wireless charging case that provides up to 7 hours of battery life.
Bluetooth earbuds have come a long way in recent years. They used to be bulky and uncomfortable, but now they are sleek and lightweight. And the best part is that they now have low latency, which means there is very little audio lag. This is perfect for audio streaming, because you want to get the best possible experience.
The included wireless charging case can easily fit in a pocket or purse and features an LED indicator so that you can monitor your battery level.
Pros
- IPX5-rated water resistance
- Long 7 hours battery life
- Low latency
- Cheap
- Touch control
Cons
- It does not fit perfectly in every ear
Huawei 4i Wireless Earbuds
Huawei has become a front runner in terms of electronic devices due to its great value for money and these earbuds make no exception either. They feature a modern appearance and they may cost a bit more than other similar buds, but the quality and durability will not disappoint you.
In terms of design, you have two compact earbuds and an oval-shaped charging case – simply store them in the case and they will always be charged for you. The smooth touch and streamlined curves match the quality polish for a unique appearance. They are available in three different colors – red, black and white.
When it comes to the actual performance, the audio is crisp and pure. Practically, you have 10mm dynamic coil drivers, as well as sensitive polymer diaphragms. Not only can you hear every word in your audiobook, but you will also be able to enjoy your favorite music with clear vocals and a balanced sound.
Moving on with the performance, Huawei’s best headphones for audiobooks will surprise you with their superior active noise canceling technology too. They are enriched with high-tech sensors that detect and annihilate ambient noise. The dual mic is just as handy when having a conversation.
The earbuds connect wirelessly over Bluetooth. They have a great endurance for this range and can play your audiobooks continuously for up to 10 hours if fully charged. They charge pretty fast too – 10 minutes in the charging case will give you about four hours of audio pleasure.
Huawei’s earbuds are based on pure technology and efficiency – they do what they are supposed to do. When it comes to bells and whistles, there is one convenient feature that will switch to the awareness mode – there is no need to take the buds off, but press and hold down for the switch.
Pros
- Good battery life and fast charging mode
- Available in more colors and designs
- Active noise-canceling and Awareness mode
- Cheap and affordable
- Crisp and clear audio
Cons
- Glossy slippery surface can have them fall out of your ears
GoNovate G8 Mini Earbud
GoNovate has focused on a different aspect when it comes to audiobooks. Most people play audiobooks when doing something that prevents them from reading – working, walking, cleaning and so on. Therefore, GoNovate has come up with a single earbud instead of two – only to hear the surroundings.
The G8 mini earbud will not disappoint you though. Just because it is one earbud, it does not mean that ambient noise will make it difficult to play your book. The sound is loud and clear. The unit is available in khaki or black – khaki being the most common choice because it is discreet.
The package includes two wireless magnetic chargers. Keep one in your car or at work and another one at home. Charging is convenient – simply line the mini earbud to the pin and it will attach magnetically. As long as there is a USB slot around, you can go ahead and charge it.
The battery gives you around five to six hours of playtime with a lower volume and less with a maximum volume. Playtime depends on the size. Since the earbud is small, it is fitted with a 55mAh lithium ion battery. Charging is fairly fast though, so there is not too much waiting.
The earbud fits in both left and right ears. The package comes with three differently sized tips, so you can easily find something that fits your ear securely. They connect wirelessly over Bluetooth and they can cover around 33 feet.
In terms of connectivity, it is worth noting that you cannot buy two earbuds and connect them to the same device. On the other hand, you can connect two different devices to one earbud due to the multipoint technology – if you use the earbud for work, you can take calls for either phone.
Pros
- Good looking, elegant and discreet design
- Good battery life for the size
- Two magnetic chargers
- Available in two different colors
- Multipoint technology to connect two devices
Cons
- Cannot buy two earbuds and connect them to the same device
Apekx True Earbuds
Feel free to enjoy your favorite audiobooks for hours because these earbuds come with IPX7 waterproof protection against rain and sweat. You might as well play audiobooks while exercising in the gym – no risks whatsoever.
The lithium battery can be charged over the charging case. You can play your audiobooks or music for about 22 hours on a single charge. The charging case is magnetic. Once in, the buds will charge automatically.
In terms of quality, the sound is crisp and clear. You can hear every word without struggling too much. Other than that, there are three choices for the design – black, pink and green. Each design comes with support for the ear, so the buds do not slip out.
Connectivity is wireless. Practically, your earbuds will connect to your device by Bluetooth. The transmission is stable and can easily reach 30 feet in range.
The earbuds come with a built-in noise canceling microphone. Basically, you can take calls even when outside, without worrying that wind or other types of noises will alter the transmission. As for the actual earbuds, the noise reduction technology keeps the ambient noise out.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Magnetic self-charging case
- Available in more colors
- Good connectivity range
- Good battery life
Cons
- Earbuds do not react to soft touches, but you need to press quite firmly
Tozo T6 True Earbuds
Great technology, a smooth design and excellent value for money – this is what you can expect from Tozo’s best headphones for audiobooks. Earbuds come in a bunch of different colors, including blue, pink, black or green.
They feature soft-touch controls. You can take calls without looking at the device, skip forward or backward, adjust the volume or play and pause your music. You will not have to operate the phone for all these.
The connectivity is via Bluetooth 5.0. The T6 earbuds also support AVRCP, A2DP, HFP and HSP. The transmission is flawless and there is literally no latency at all. Pairing them is a matter of seconds. Once you do it, they will pair automatically later on.
The IPX8 waterproof profile keeps the earbuds resistant to water – even one meter deep. Once fully charged, they will go for about six hours – the charging case offers you 30 hours more. It takes less than an hour to fully recharge them.
Pros
- Good playing time
- Flawless wireless connectivity
- Waterproof design
- Sleek appearance
- Multiple soft controls
Cons
- Charging case only opens up to 90 degrees
Top Headphones For Audiobooks
SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless Headset
Don’t be fooled that this headset is primary designed for gaming, the 2.4 grams connection delivers rock solid, lossless wireless audio with ultra-low latency and zero interference. Compatible with PC, Mac, PS, Switch and Mobile. Headphone’s sensitivity is 98 dB.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Great battery life
- It’s able to connect with wire to your phone or tablet
Cons
- It’s connectivity isn’t based on standard Bluetooth or Wi-Fi technology, you will need to use the transceiver that comes with the headphones
Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 Headphones
These could be the best headphones for audiobooks if you want a massive headset with multiple purposes – great for gaming as well, not to mention work, conferences and a deep music experience.
Available in more design, they have 40mm drivers and can reproduce bass and instruments in a crisp and clear manner. They also feature the noise-canceling technology – dual microphones that remove around 95% of all ambient noise.
Once charged, you can use the headphones for 40 to 60 hours. You can charge them for five minutes and get four hours of listening. As for the noise cancellation technology, there are three different modes – suitable for different types of environments.
The headset is comfortable to wear due to the protein leather ear cups. They feature memory foam to fit snugly around your ears. Since they are also lightweight, you can keep the headphones on for hours without feeling any discomfort.
Pros
- Three modes for the noise cancellation technology
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Soft cups
- Crisp and clear audio
- Suitable for more than just audiobooks
Cons
- Microphone could have been better
Buying Guide
Choosing the best headphones for audiobooks requires a bit of research in terms of what to look for. Here are the main considerations.
Comfort
On average, an audio book takes about 10 hours. If you buy an actual headset, the band and cups should be comfortable enough to keep it on for about 10 hours. If you opt for earbuds, make sure they can fit in comfortably and they are not too large.
Active noise cancellation
Active noise cancellation technologies are not mandatory, but can definitely add to the experience. An avid audiobook listener will appreciate being able to immerse themselves in the story and this is when the ambient noise has to be removed.
Sound range
An audiobook will mostly incorporate the reader’s voice only. Therefore, opt for a set that can produce most ranges in the human voice. If you are worried about the volume, simply check the driver size. The larger the drivers are, the more accurate the volume is – around 10mm for earbuds and 40mm for headphones.
Connectivity
The connectivity is just as important. Wires will tangle and give you some headache. In terms of convenience, you will love the wireless connectivity. Whether you play your audiobooks while you jog, clean the house or do the dishes, you want convenience and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still undecided about the best headphones for audiobooks?
Is the noise cancellation technology needed for audiobooks?
Since audiobooks are quiet and you will usually listen to a reader’s voice only, the noise cancellation technology can certainly help in reducing the ambient noise. On the same note, it is not a mandatory feature, as very loud environmental noise can still go through at times.
Are earbuds better than headphones for audiobooks?
Earbuds are more comfortable and convenient, since they are discreet and can be taken anywhere. Headphones provide a more immersive experience and they are suitable for other activities too – such as gaming or music. Most people stick to earbuds for their convenience though – great to play audiobooks while doing something else, such as running or cleaning the house.
What is the perfect driver size for headphones?
Headphones could do with a driver size between 30mm and 50mm. More is better for clarity and volume. When it comes to earbuds, they usually range between 7mm and 15mm. Again, a larger driver will provide a better experience.
Best Headphones & Earbuds in 2022: Conclusion
As a short final conclusion, deciding on the best headphones for audiobooks does require a bit of research. If you think about it, you can use any type of audio device to play an audiobook. However, you need to make this decision with your personal needs and expectations in mind.
Earbuds make a good option in terms of convenience (discreet and easy to wear anywhere, anytime), but headphones reduce the ambient noise and can be handy for other activities too – such as gaming or listening to music. Once you assess your needs, go through each option’s features to ensure you gain as much as possible from this experience.
If you are looking for also a comfy chair to listen audiobooks, check our favorite picks.