Best Earbuds for Tragus Piercing: Top 12 Comfortable and Stylish Options

For those with tragus piercings, finding earbuds that fit comfortably without causing irritation or pressure can be a challenge. Tragus piercings are located on the small cartilage nub in front of the ear canal, making standard earbuds unsuitable for many individuals. Thankfully, there are earbuds designed with smaller, more ergonomic designs and alternative wearing styles to suit your needs. Here, we explore the 12 best earbuds for tragus piercings, including reviews, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision.

12 Best Earbuds for Tragus Piercing

• Sony LinkBuds
• Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)
• Bose Sport Open Earbuds
• AfterShokz Aeropex (Bone Conduction)
• Jabra Elite 7 Active
• Samsung Galaxy Buds Live
• Beats Powerbeats Pro
• SoundPEATS Air3
• Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3
• Skullcandy Dime True Wireless
• 1MORE ComfoBuds 2
• Sony WF-1000XM5

1. Sony LinkBuds

Overview: Sony LinkBuds feature an open-ring design that doesn’t penetrate the ear canal, making them ideal for those with tragus piercings. They rest comfortably without applying pressure to the piercing area.

Pros:

• Open-ear design reduces irritation
• Lightweight and compact
• Good sound quality for casual listening
• Integrated with voice assistants

Cons:

• Limited noise isolation
• Bass response is less pronounced

2. Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)

Overview: Apple’s AirPods (3rd Gen) offer a semi-open fit that avoids direct contact with the tragus area, ensuring comfort for pierced users. They deliver excellent sound and seamless Apple ecosystem integration.

Pros:

• Comfortable semi-open design
• Great sound quality with spatial audio
• Long battery life (6 hours per charge)
• Water and sweat resistance (IPX4)

Cons:

• Lacks active noise cancellation
• Less secure fit for high-intensity activities

3. Bose Sport Open Earbuds

Overview: These unique earbuds rest outside the ear canal, providing a secure fit without touching the tragus. Bose’s open-ear design ensures you remain aware of your surroundings.

Pros:

• No in-ear pressure
• Stable fit for workouts
• High-quality sound
• Sweat and weather resistance

Cons:

• Limited bass response
• Bulky design for some users

4. AfterShokz Aeropex (Bone Conduction)

Overview: Bone conduction technology bypasses the ear canal entirely, making AfterShokz Aeropex a fantastic option for tragus piercings. These headphones deliver sound through the cheekbones.

Pros:

• No contact with the ear canal or tragus
• Lightweight and secure fit
• Sweat and water-resistant (IP67)
• Ideal for outdoor activities

Cons:

• Lower sound quality compared to traditional earbuds
• Minimal noise isolation

5. Jabra Elite 7 Active

Overview: Designed for active users, the Jabra Elite 7 Active earbuds have a compact build and customizable fit. Their silicone ear tips rest gently without pressing on the tragus.

Pros:

• Comfortable and secure fit
• Excellent sound quality with adjustable EQ
• Active noise cancellation
• Long battery life (8 hours per charge)

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Limited open-ear features

6. Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

Overview: Featuring a unique bean-shaped design, the Galaxy Buds Live sit outside the ear canal, avoiding contact with the tragus. They deliver great sound and come with ANC.

Pros:

• Ergonomic design avoids pressure points
• Effective active noise cancellation
• Decent sound quality
• Stylish and discreet

Cons:

• Limited fit customization
• ANC performance is average

7. Beats Powerbeats Pro

Overview: The Powerbeats Pro features an ear hook design that bypasses the tragus entirely. These are ideal for workouts and active lifestyles.

Pros:

• Secure ear hook design
• Powerful bass and sound quality
• Sweat and water-resistant
• Long battery life (9 hours per charge)

Cons:

• Bulky charging case
• May not suit casual listeners

8. SoundPEATS Air3

Overview: SoundPEATS Air3 earbuds offer a semi-open design, making them comfortable for tragus piercings. They deliver impressive sound quality at an affordable price.

Pros:

• Comfortable semi-open fit
• Budget-friendly
• Decent sound quality
• Compact and lightweight

Cons:

• No ANC
• Shorter battery life (5 hours per charge)

9. Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3

Overview: These premium earbuds come with a variety of ear tip sizes and ergonomic features, ensuring a gentle fit for pierced ears.

Pros:

• High-quality audio with deep bass
• Effective ANC
• Customizable fit
• Stylish design

Cons:

• Expensive
• Bulky for smaller ears

10. Skullcandy Dime True Wireless

Overview: Compact and lightweight, Skullcandy Dime earbuds offer a budget-friendly solution for users with tragus piercings. They provide a decent fit without causing discomfort.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Compact and discreet
• Decent sound quality for the price
• IPX4 water resistance

Cons:

• Short battery life (3.5 hours per charge)
• No advanced features like ANC

11. 1MORE ComfoBuds 2

Overview: Designed for comfort, the 1MORE ComfoBuds 2 feature a lightweight design with small ear tips that avoid tragus irritation.

Pros:

• Ultra-lightweight and ergonomic
• Good sound quality
• Affordable
• IPX5 water resistance

Cons:

• Limited ANC performance
• Battery life could be better

12. Sony WF-1000XM5

Overview: Sony’s flagship WF-1000XM5 earbuds include a variety of ear tip sizes and a compact build, ensuring a comfortable fit for those with tragus piercings.

Pros:

• Excellent ANC and sound quality
• Customizable fit
• Long battery life (8 hours per charge)
• Premium build quality

Cons:

• Expensive
• Slightly larger size may not suit all ears

Key Considerations When Choosing Earbuds for Tragus Piercings

1. Fit and Comfort: Look for earbuds with alternative wearing styles, such as open-ear designs or over-the-ear hooks, to avoid pressure on the tragus.
2. Weight: Lightweight earbuds reduce the risk of discomfort, especially during extended use.
3. Sound Quality: Choose earbuds with a balanced sound profile and customizable EQ settings for the best listening experience.
4. Battery Life: Ensure the earbuds can last long enough to meet your daily needs without frequent recharging.
5. Water and Sweat Resistance: If you’re using the earbuds for workouts, ensure they’re resistant to sweat and moisture.
6. Noise Cancellation: While not always necessary, ANC can improve your listening experience, especially in noisy environments.

Final Thoughts

Finding earbuds that accommodate tragus piercings doesn’t have to be difficult. From open-ear designs like the Bose Sport Open Earbuds and AfterShokz Aeropex to ergonomic in-ear options like the Jabra Elite 7 Active, there’s something for everyone. Consider your lifestyle, comfort preferences, and budget to choose the perfect pair of earbuds. Whether you’re seeking premium audio quality, workout-friendly options, or everyday wear, these 12 earbuds are excellent choices for pierced ears.