Best Earbuds for Audiobooks and Podcasts in 2024
In 2024, more people are turning to audiobooks and podcasts for entertainment, learning, and staying updated while on the go. Whether it’s enjoying a suspenseful story, learning from inspiring non-fiction, or catching up on favorite shows during a commute, having the right earbuds can really enhance the experience. Earbuds aren’t just accessories—they’re tools that make listening immersive, helping you stay engaged with each word and detail, whether you’re on a walk, in-flight, or relaxing at home.
Finding the best earbuds for audiobooks and podcasts is a bit different from choosing earbuds for music. While music lovers often look for strong bass and deep sounds, spoken-word content like audiobooks and podcasts benefits from earbuds that highlight clear, natural voices. The ideal earbuds for these purposes should focus on mid-range clarity, which makes voices sound true and vibrant. Key features like noise cancellation and long battery life are also essential, helping listeners stay focused without interruptions or frequent recharging.
Comfort is another major factor. Audiobooks and podcasts can last for hours, so having earbuds that fit comfortably for long listening sessions is important. Uncomfortable earbuds can quickly lead to ear fatigue. Noise isolation or active noise cancellation (ANC) can also be beneficial, blocking out background noise to make the listening experience even more immersive—especially useful in loud environments like public transportation or a bustling cafe.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best earbuds for audiobooks and podcasts in 2024. We’ll go over various models to suit different budgets, listening styles, and brand preferences, examining their specs, features, pros, and cons, all with a focus on delivering top spoken-word audio quality.
1. Sony WF-1000XM5
Specifications
Battery Life: Up to 8 hours on a single charge, with an additional 16 hours from the charging case.
Noise-Cancellation: Industry-leading ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) that eliminates background noise.
Comfort: Lightweight and designed for long listening sessions, they come with various ear tips for a personalized fit.
Sound Quality: High-resolution audio and adaptive sound control, which adjusts based on your environment.
The Sony WF-1000XM5 is a top choice for anyone who wants to fully focus on their audiobooks or podcasts without any distractions. Sony is famous for its amazing audio quality, and these earbuds are packed with high-tech features to give you a rich, clear sound. You’ll hear every word and detail, even in busy environments, thanks to Sony’s powerful noise-canceling technology. Whether you’re on a commute, in a noisy office, or just relaxing at home, these earbuds help you dive deep into your listening experience, making them a top pick for audiobooks and podcasts in 2024.
Pros:
Excellent noise-cancellation
Long battery life
High-definition audio quality
Cons:
Premium price
Might be slightly bulky for some users
2. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Specifications
Battery Life: 6 hours per charge, plus 24 hours with the charging case.
Noise-Cancellation: Advanced ANC with transparency mode to allow some ambient sound.
Comfort: Lightweight and ergonomically designed for all-day comfort.
Sound Quality: Enhanced audio processing for clear vocals and immersive sound.
The second-generation Apple AirPods Pro is a favorite among iPhone users, and for good reason. They connect easily with Apple devices, are super comfortable, and deliver excellent sound. For audiobook and podcast lovers, these earbuds make vocals sound crystal clear, so you won’t miss a single word. Plus, they have advanced noise-canceling, which blocks out background sounds, allowing you to enjoy your audio without interruptions. Switching between your Apple devices is seamless, making these AirPods a perfect choice if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem and want a hassle-free, high-quality listening experience.
Pros:
Intuitive pairing and connectivity with Apple devices
Effective noise-cancellation and transparency mode
Compact and comfortable for long-term wear
Cons:
Expensive for non-Apple users
Limited customization for Android users
3. Jabra Elite 7 Pro
Specifications
Battery Life: 8 hours on a single charge, with 30 hours including the case.
Noise-Cancellation: Adjustable ANC for versatile use in different environments.
Comfort: Comes with various ear tips for a secure and comfortable fit.
Sound Quality: Adjustable sound settings with a user-friendly app for personalization.
If you like having control over how your earbuds sound, the Jabra Elite 7 Pro is a great choice. Jabra is known for making comfortable earbuds that you can wear for long periods, which is ideal for listening to audiobooks or podcasts. With these, you can adjust the audio settings to make voices even clearer and match different environments, whether you’re at home, in a café, or on a walk. You can also switch between noise-canceling and transparency mode, giving you control over how much of the outside world you want to hear. The Jabra Elite 7 Pro is customizable, comfortable, and reliable, making it a solid choice for anyone looking for versatile earbuds for audiobooks and podcasts.
Pros:
Customizable audio settings
Reliable noise-cancellation and transparency modes
-Comfortable design suitable for extended wear
Cons:
App-required for advanced customization
ANC could be better in very noisy environments
For a balanced combination of quality, comfort, and customization, the Jabra Elite 7 Pro stands out as one of the best earbuds for audiobooks and podcasts in 2024.
4. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Specifications
Battery Life: 6 hours on a single charge, with an extra 18 hours from the case.
Noise-Cancellation: Advanced ANC that adjusts to your surroundings.
Comfort: Comes with customizable fit tips for stability and comfort.
Sound Quality: Well-balanced sound signature with deep, rich audio.
Bose is a leader when it comes to noise-canceling, and the QuietComfort Earbuds II really show why. These earbuds are built for people who want clear and focused audio, perfect for getting lost in audiobooks or podcasts. Bose’s noise-canceling adjusts to your surroundings, so you can enjoy your content without distractions, even in noisy places like public transit or a busy coffee shop. Bose is also known for high sound quality, so voices sound sharp and lifelike. If noise-canceling is a big deal for you, the QuietComfort Earbuds II is one of the best choices for clear, immersive listening.
Pros:
Exceptional noise-cancellation
High-quality audio with crisp details
Comfortable fit for extended listening
Cons:
Larger charging case
-Higher price point
If noise-cancellation is a priority, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II is one of the best earbuds for audiobooks and podcasts, offering a distraction-free listening experience.
5. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
Specifications
Battery Life: 5 hours with ANC on; 8 hours without. The case adds an extra 18 hours.
Noise-Cancellation: Advanced ANC with ambient sound control.
Comfort: Lightweight, small, and comfortable for long sessions.
Sound Quality: Detailed sound with enhanced clarity, especially for spoken word content.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro is ideal for Android users, especially those who own Samsung devices. These earbuds are stylish, comfortable, and deliver excellent sound. Designed with Samsung users in mind, they connect smoothly and enhance vocals, making audiobooks and podcasts sound great. With advanced noise-canceling, they block out background noise so you can stay focused on the story or discussion. They’re also light and comfortable for long listening sessions, making them a perfect fit for commuters, fitness fans, or anyone looking to enjoy their audio distraction-free.
Pros:
Seamless integration with Samsung devices
Compact and ergonomic design
Rich sound quality with good bass and clarity
Cons:
Battery life could be better with ANC on
Best suited for Samsung device users
6. Anker Soundcore Liberty 4
Specifications
Battery Life: 9 hours per charge, with an additional 28 hours in the case.
Noise-Cancellation: Effective ANC for the price range.
Comfort: Comes with various ear tip options for a snug fit.
Sound Quality: Balanced audio with a focus on mid-range frequencies, ideal for voices.
For those who want great earbuds at an affordable price, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 is a fantastic pick. Anker is known for offering a lot of value, and these earbuds deliver a clear, balanced sound that makes listening to podcasts and audiobooks enjoyable. Voices come through clearly, and the noise-canceling feature is surprisingly good for the price, making them a good choice for noisy environments. With a long battery life and comfortable fit, they’re ideal for long sessions. If you’re on a budget but don’t want to compromise on quality, the Liberty 4 is an excellent option for audiobook and podcast fans.
Pros:
Excellent battery life
Value for money
Comfortable for extended wear
Cons:
ANC not as effective as higher-end models
Slightly larger charging case
Leave a Reply