These days, we use our phones for music, podcasts, news and phone calls — but when we want to do it wirelessly and privately, we only have a few options. Headphones can give you great sound, but they’re not exactly inconspicuous — or easy to drop into a small bag. Single-ear headsets are fine for keeping in contact, but don’t make listening to your favorite band or a Beethoven symphony a really uplifting experience.

If you want something very portable but with good stereo sound, you want a pair of earbuds — but for any kind of decent sound or a chance at an uninterrupted conversation, you need to avoid the cheap earbuds that are all too common.

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