Earbuds are small headphones that fit directly into your ears, letting you listen to music, podcasts, or videos without disturbing people around you. Unlike older headphones that sit on top of your ears with a band across your head, earbuds nestle right in your ear canals with tiny speakers pointed inward.

Modern earbuds often connect wirelessly to your phone or tablet using Bluetooth technology, though some still plug in with a cable. Wireless earbuds come in small charging cases that fit in your pocket. You pop them in your ears when you want to listen to something, then drop them back in the case when you're done.

People use earbuds while exercising, traveling, or studying. They're popular because they're portable and private: you can listen to your favorite songs on the school bus without everyone else hearing them. Many earbuds also have built-in microphones, so you can take phone calls or talk to voice assistants.

The main drawback? It's easy to lose them since they're so small. And listening too loudly for too long can damage your hearing, so it's smart to keep the volume at a reasonable level and take listening breaks.