CES is always a hotbed of new audio hardware. 2021's all-digital version was no different, with all the major audio hardware players bringing new products to the table. So, if you're looking for something new, check out the best earbuds of CES 2021.
1. HP Elite
What better way to kick off the best earbuds of CES 2021 roundup than with a complete newcomer? That's right, tech giants HP revealed its first-ever set of wireless earbuds, the HP Elite.
The newly launched HP Elite earbuds even came with a massive claim: that they're the "most advanced" earbuds in the world. As our coverage of the earbuds suggests, we're not able to confirm or deny that suggestion until we get our hands and ears on a pair. For now, you can settle with the admittedly quite promising specs list.
Topping the list is personalized audio tuning, which customizes the HP Elite's audio experience to your ears and head. You can then use the personal audio profile to create audio presets for specific environments, which you can switch between with a simple tap of the earbud.
The HP Elite wireless earbuds include tidy 9.2mm neodymium drivers, active noise cancellation (ANC), USB Type-C charging, and Bluetooth 5.0.
You can expect to see the HP Elite wireless earbuds on the market in April 2021 with an MSRP of $200.
2. Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
Although Samsung left their press conference and announcements to the final day of CES 2021, the new Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro caused quite a stir. Announced alongside the headline-grabbing Samsung Galaxy S21, the Galaxy Buds Pro pack in a substantial feature list.
First up, ANC. The Galaxy Buds Pro is Samsung's first wireless earbuds to feature active noise-canceling tech. Given how Samsung's competitors already use ANC or are also introducing it, the introduction of ANC is right on time.
You get a decent amount of audio hardware in the Galaxy Buds Pro, with the inclusion of an 11mm woofer and 6.5mm tweeter, all packed into the stylish earbud housing. The Galaxy Buds Pro also feature three microphones, along with "Windshield Tech," which will block those distracting gusts of wind from your calls when you're on the move.
If you have ANC enabled, the battery will last for five hours, with the case providing up to 18 hours. That jumps to eight hours and 28 hours with ANC turned off.
If that all sounds like your cup of tea, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro is available right now, retailing for $200.
3. Earin A-3
On to something much, much smaller: the tiny Earin A-3 true wireless earbuds. Developed and manufactured by Swedish true wireless pioneers, Earin, the new A-3 earbuds are a marvel.
That's down to the earbuds minute size, with the Earin A-3's claiming the prize as the smallest earbuds on the market. Each earphone measures 0.79 x 0.67 x 0.62 inches (20 x 17 x 15.8mm) and weighs only 0.12oz (3.5 grams).
Small though they may be, the A-3's pack an audio punch, featuring 14.3mm dynamic drivers that deliver a crisp sound with substantial bass. The earbuds support the AAc, aptX, and aptX low latency audio codecs, which should enable clear playback under any circumstance.
The earbuds hold five hours of battery charge in terms of playback, with another 25 provided by the charging case. There's also a USB Type-C charging port, plus support for Qi wireless charging.
The Earin A-3 true wireless earbuds will launch in Q1 2021, retailing for $200.
4. JBL Live Pro+
JBL was very active at CES 2021, releasing at least eight sets of earbuds and headphones along with multiple Bluetooth speakers and other audio hardware.
The JBL Live Pro+ true wireless earbuds were one of the best new releases, featuring ANC and JBL's Smart Ambient tech, which you can use to chat naturally without having to remove your earbuds.
The JBL Live Pro+ earbuds are rated IPX4 for water resistance, which protects against gentle water splashes. They also feature Dual Connect, enabling you to connect with two devices simultaneously, as well as the smart assistant integrations you know and love.
You'll get seven hours of playback on a full charge, although that drops down to six with ANC enabled. However, the charging case holds another 21 hours of battery for a combined 28-hours of playback. You can also grab one hour of playback from a 10-minute charge, and there's also support for Qi wireless charging.
5. Anker Liberty Air 2 Pro
The Anker Liberty 2 Pro wireless earbuds are a hardware update for Anker's Liberty Air 2 earbuds. Although hardware updates are often hit-and-miss, Anker has not held back on the upgrade, and the new Liberty Air 2 Pro model is just that: new.
The earbuds return with larger 11mm drivers that will deliver a better overall sound. There are multiple ANC modes to suit a variety of environments, plus you can use Anker's Soundcore app to personalize your audio experience.
The Liberty Air 2 Pro earbuds don't lack in the battery department, either. The earbuds hold up to seven hours of playback (also dropping to six with ANC switched on), plus another 26 hours from the charging case. The charging case supports Qi wireless charging, and you can pick up two hours of playback on a rapid 10-minute charge.
6. Jabra Elite 85t
Jabra revealed their new Elite 85t earbuds at the pre-CES Techfluence event.
While technically not a new release (the Elite 85t earbuds launched in October 2020), introducing four new earbud colors is enough for inclusion in this list. Not to mention the fact the Elite 85t earbuds are a great option anyway!
You can now pick the Jabra Elite 85t earbuds up in original Titanium/Black, plus there are now options for Gold/Beige, Copper/Black, Black, and Grey.
The Best Earbuds at CES 2021
With so many options to choose from, picking a single best set of earbuds from CES 2021 is difficult. The introduction of the HP Elite wireless earbuds was a welcome surprise, while Samsung's first wireless earbuds featuring ANC will have caught the eyes of many.
Overall, the Anker Liberty Air 2 Pro earbuds combine an excellent price point with some brilliant audio tech and a substantial battery, making them the best earbuds at CES 2021.