We have scored 11 earbuds on long-term regret. Across them, a median of 68% of owners would buy again. The one owners keep: Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, at 20/100. The one they regret most: Sony WF-1000XM4, at 68/100.
The earbuds where owners are most likely to buy again.
Where the long-term reporting turns against the launch reviews.
Lowest regret first. Each links to the full long-term review and its sources.
| # | Product | Regret | Buy again | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soundcore Liberty 4 NC$79 – $99 | 20 | 86% | BUY |
| 2 | Technics EAH-AZ100 Earbuds$250 – $300 | 22 | 84% | BUY |
| 3 | Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)$199 – $249 | 29 | 81% | BUY |
| 4 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds$250 – $300 | 34 | 73% | BUY |
| 5 | Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC)$179 | 35 | 74% | THINK TWICE |
| 6 | Beats Fit Pro$199 at launch | 36 | 66% | THINK TWICE |
| 7 | Sony WF-1000XM5$299 at launch | 38 | 68% | THINK TWICE |
| 8 | Google Pixel Buds Pro 2$229 at launch | 46 | 58% | THINK TWICE |
| 9 | Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro$179 – $249 | 55 | 54% | THINK TWICE |
| 10 | Jabra Elite 10 Earbuds$180 – $250 | 61 | 46% | SKIP |
| 11 | Sony WF-1000XM4$148 – $278 | 68 | 39% | SKIP |
Headphones 9Speakers 11Hi-Fi & Separates 5Music & Recording 7