Building on the earlier suggestion, I went through this exact struggle when I switched from my old phone. Ngl, I tried the Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise Canceling Earbuds because everyone said they were the best, but they were lowkey massive for my ears. They started hurting after about 45 minutes of use, so if you have small ears, be careful. I ended up trying the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 ANC Earbuds because the software integration felt like it would be smoother. Tbh, the multi-point connection is way better than my previous setup, and I haven't had those annoying connection drops since I got them. Quick tip: if you go with the Google ones, make sure you do the 'eartip fit test' in the app immediately. It makes a huge difference for the ANC seal. Also, if they feel loose, don't be afraid to swap to the smallest tip size included in the box. I was skeptical about the ecosystem hype, but having the battery life show up instantly on my phone screen is pretty nice. Idk if it is a total game changer for everyone, but it saves me time when I'm rushing out the door. Don't overthink the tech specs too much; comfort is king when you're wearing them for a commute. Just make sure the retailer lets you return them if they don't sit right.

Building on the earlier suggestion, try Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Bluetooth 5.4 or Technics EAH-AZ80 LDAC Noise Cancelling. Both slay on fit for small ears and the connectivity is INSANE.

I saw these replies earlier, but everyone is pushing the same two brands. Honestly, the marketing budget for those big names is massive, and I think people just repeat what they read in paid reviews. I have small ears too, and my experience with the heavy hitters was mostly just expensive ear pain. I ditched the popular choices and tried a few alternatives that actually stay in my ears during my commute:

• Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2
• These are smaller than the Sony buds and have a rubberized coating that keeps them from wiggling out. The ANC is solid, but the physical fit is the real win here. They handle multi-point connection much more reliably than my old pair.
• Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
• Everyone ignores these because they are cheaper, but they actually perform. The case is slimmer, and they come with more tip sizes than the premium brands. I don't get that 'pressure' feeling in my ear canals with these. If you want my honest take, stop worrying about the 'ecosystem' integration. Google's Fast Pair is standard on almost everything now, so you aren't losing much by going third-party. The official buds usually have proprietary software that glitches out anyway. I switched to the Jabras about six months ago, and I haven't had a single drop in connection while switching between my laptop and phone. Don't let the brand hype sway you; look for physical dimensions first.

Honestly, upgrading from a Pixel 6 is gonna feel like night and day, so good call on that. I think the integration with Google stuff is usually pretty solid, but I have heard mixed things about the fit for people with smaller ears. I honestly wouldnt rush into a purchase without testing the fit first, just make sure you check their return policy in case they cause ear fatigue.

• Look for buds with multiple tip sizes included, that really helps with the comfort issue.
• Double-check the return policy before buying, just to be safe.
• IIRC, some third-party apps might help with connectivity, but I'd recommend getting it professionally set up or at least troubleshooting with a pro if the connection stays flaky. It is tricky finding that perfect balance between comfort and ANC, so just take your time...

Just catching up on this thread. When I transitioned to my current phone, I spent weeks researching audio gear. I learned the hard way that fit is subjective and what works for one person can be quite uncomfortable for another. Just make sure you check the return policy before you finalize any purchase, as having the option to send them back is essential if they cause physical fatigue.

• Prioritize brands that offer various tip sizes to accommodate your specific ear shape.
• Look for companies with established customer service departments in case you run into pairing issues.
• Avoid purchasing from third-party marketplaces where counterfeit goods are common. I ended up settling on a set from Sennheiser. I found their general design philosophy to be much friendlier for long-term wear, and I have had very few connection hiccups. If you decide to go with them or any similar high-end brand, just make sure you verify the warranty coverage. I would recommend getting your settings adjusted professionally or via a guided app test if you are not sure about the seal quality.