Earphones (or in-ear headphones) offer a slightly different sound profile compared with conventional headphones. Generally, you get better sound from a full set of "cans" around your head than from buds you stick in your ears, but earphones now offer excellent sound quality. More importantly, they are much more appropriate for exercise because they are smaller and often at least moderately durable. Headphones, on the other hand, turn into a nasty mess if you start sweating. For our top exercise picks, check out the best true wireless earphones for running.

At this point, most wireless earphones don't have a connecting wire like earlier iterations. Instead, you get two discrete earpieces and a charging case. This setup wasn't always reliable, but you aren't likely to have any connection issues now. All of the earphones on this list are true wireless earphones.

If you aren't primarily looking for a set of wireless earphones for the gym (be sure to check the IP rating for water and sweat resistance), you still have to choose between on-ear and over-ear models. On-ear headphones rest against your ears but don't surround them, while over-ear headphones completely enclose them. The latter block the most outside noise and usually provide more powerful, richer sound, but on-ear models are less bulky and distracting to wear.

And if you're shopping for your little one, we also have a collection of the best wired and wireless headphones for kids.