With the holiday season just around the corner, there’s no better time to start thinking about gifts. Earbuds are topping wish lists everywhere, from casual listeners to audiophiles who crave quality sound on the go. There have been so many innovations to come out in the last few years; you might not be aware of some of the most exciting new features! This 2024 guide will walk you through the latest trends and features to look for so you can gift (or get!) the perfect pair of earbuds this holiday season.

What's Trending in Earbuds This Year?

1. Smart Touchscreen Cases for Earbuds

Here's a next-generation innovation that is even here before Apple has gotten a chance to add it to their lines: smart touchscreen cases! These cases feature a sleek, responsive touchscreen that allows users to manage playback, adjust volume, and even check battery levels for each earbud - all without needing to access their phones. With a simple swipe or tap, users can quickly switch between tons of cool features. This is something that even the most tech-savvy gadget buyers haven't seen yet - they're pretty new!

Despite being a futuristic new addition, PulseTV has managed to snag a fantastic pair at a surprising price: just $24.99! You won't believe all the features this one has, you'll see in the video that one of our favorite functions is the "find my earbud" mode that will make your lost earbud stuck in the couch ring a little tone.

True Wireless Earbuds with Touch Screen Smart Case - Buy It Here

2. Noise Cancellation

Ever since Bose notably released their first generation of QuietComfort (QC1) in 2000, special Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology has grown more and more in popularity. How ANC works: This technology actively blocks out external noise, providing a serene listening experience. The basic idea behind it is that these earbuds have special microphones that listen to the sounds around you. It will then invert those sound waves and play them through the speakers which efficiently cancel the sounds out altogether, making this ideal for drowning out the loud rumble of planes, staying focused at work, and tuning out the racket from your daily commute.

One of the latest innovations is Adaptive Noise Cancellation: This advanced feature adjusts noise cancellation levels based on your environment, so you don't totally tune everything out. Some manufacturers also call this "Transparency Mode" so that you can hear a little bit of the background noise if you're in public and need to be aware of your surroundings. 

Not only has the technology gotten better since then, but the price has also dropped dramatically! The Bose QuietComfort used to cost $300 for a pair of wired headphones! PulseTV has a slick pair of true wireless earbuds that fit right in your pocket for under $20!

ANC True Wireless Stereo Earbuds w/Digital Battery Display Case - Buy It Here

These feature 2 levels of ANC, great sound quality, and a charging case with digital display that shows you exactly how much battery power is left. They also happen to have outstanding microphone quality for phone calls for professional-grade use!

Now here's a good deal on some older generation Beats earbuds that still hold up. They sound great with some good noise cancelling but are a little uncomfortable in my opinion to fit in the ear. They lack a stem to easily hold the earbud and put them in and out. 

Beats Studio Buds - Buy It Here

3. Bone Conduction Headphones

Now these aren't specifically earbuds or headphones -  but the technology is definitely worth mentioning! Bone conduction earbuds offer a unique listening experience by bypassing the eardrums and transmitting sound through the bones of your skull, directly to the inner ear. Unlike traditional earbuds, which sit inside or over the ear canal, bone conduction earbuds leave your ears open, allowing you to stay fully aware of your surroundings. This makes them an excellent choice for runners, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts who need to hear ambient sounds for safety. While they may not deliver the deep bass of in-ear models, these earbuds provide a comfortable and secure fit, especially for those who find traditional earbuds uncomfortable over long periods. They're also a lightweight alternative to bulky headphones!

Note: Don't be fooled! Even though there are plenty of headphones that look almost identical in style, some are labeled as "Open Ear" and have some key differences. These ones are generally much cheaper to manufacture, and feature tiny little speakers instead of specifically tuned vibration pads that transmit sound through your bone. For true bone conduction, the key to look for is usually a tiny rubber pad that fits right on the temple, as opposed to hard plastic with subpar, tinny speakers behind them. 

OPN Sound makes several quality headsets, but the Osso model is our favorite. It balances the best in bone-conduction sound quality in a lightweight, comfortable to wear unit you'll forget is even on your head! I own a pair and use it all the time for listening to podcasts while cleaning the house. 

Osso Bone Conduction Open-Ear Headphones - Buy It Here

One of the first companies to make this technology popular is SHOKZ. They have a few more sound enhancements, especially with bass compared to some, but run pretty pricey.

SHOKZ OpenRun Pro - Buy It Here

4. True Wireless Earbuds

True wireless earbuds have revolutionized how we experience music and calls on the go, offering unmatched convenience with no cords to get in the way. They've really become the standard! These compact, lightweight earbuds go right in the ear canal to provide total freedom of movement, making them ideal for active lifestyles and daily commuting alike. The latest models, equipped with Bluetooth 5.4, enhance this experience even further. With Bluetooth 5.4, you get a stronger, more stable connection, reduced latency, and improved audio clarity, even in crowded wireless environments. This new Bluetooth version also consumes less power, meaning your earbuds will last longer on a single charge.

PulseTV vets dozens of models throughout the year - and it always comes down to a quality vs. features vs. cost analysis. Here's a great deal on a pair of no-frills, Apple Airpod-style budget airpods that sound pretty good for just $12.99. At this price they'll make an awesome stocking stuffer (and no one will have to know how little you paid!)

True Wireless Earbuds with Charging Dock - Buy It Here

For something a little more robust... check out these Samsung Galaxy Buds - still a great value for some comfy earbuds with some neat features like live translation and voice assistant. 

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE - Buy It Here

Whether you're searching for a holiday gift or upgrading your own listening experience, there’s a perfect pair of earbuds waiting for you this holiday season. Take advantage of 2024's best trends and features to ensure you get the sound quality and convenience you need. Find other nifty tech gadgets, gifts, and cool items in PulseTV's Electronics Department!