10 Best Affordable Earbuds 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are premium wireless earbuds that bring several high-end features to the table, making them attractive for those looking for quality and innovation in a compact form. They offer top-tier active noise cancellation that reduces twice as much noise compared to their previous generation, helping you stay focused in noisy environments. The sound quality is impressive, delivering rich bass, clear vocals, and immersive spatial audio, which makes music and podcasts more enjoyable. Comfort is well considered, with five different ear tip sizes ensuring a secure and personalized fit for most users, which also improves sound isolation.

Battery life is solid, providing up to 8 hours with noise cancellation active, and even longer when using hearing aid or transparency modes. Charging via USB-C with a MagSafe case is convenient, though the charging cable isn’t included, which might be a minor inconvenience. Bluetooth 5.3 offers stable connectivity and seamless switching between Apple devices, which is especially handy if you use multiple Apple products.

Additional health-related features like heart rate sensing and hearing aid functions add unique value beyond typical earbuds, appealing to fitness and health-conscious users. Controls are intuitive with touch and voice commands through Siri, making it easy to manage playback and calls. These earbuds come with a premium price tag, placing them above many other affordable options. Also, while they are water resistant, they aren’t fully waterproof, so careful use in wet conditions is advised. For users who want a blend of excellent sound, effective noise cancellation, and innovative extras in a comfortable design, AirPods Pro 3 are a strong contender.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are a strong choice for anyone looking for affordable earbuds that don’t compromise on premium features. Their standout strengths include excellent sound quality enhanced by AI-driven adaptive noise cancellation and sound optimization, which means they automatically adjust audio to suit your environment and personal fit—great for immersive listening whether you’re commuting or at home. Comfort has been redesigned, so these earbuds should stay snug without causing ear fatigue during long use.

Battery life is solid, offering about 6 hours per charge with an additional 20 hours from the charging case, which also supports wireless charging for convenience. Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.4, providing a stable connection up to 10 meters. Controls are intuitive with customizable touch commands, making it easy to manage music and calls without reaching for your phone. Durability is decent with water resistance and a sturdy plastic build, suitable for everyday use. The inclusion of a 2-year warranty adds extra peace of mind.

There are a few minor drawbacks to consider: while these earbuds deliver noise cancellation, they may not fully match the effectiveness of more expensive models. The charging time of a bit over two hours could be longer than some competitors, and the relatively small earbud size might not fit everyone perfectly despite the improved design. Also, the advanced features like real-time translation are fun but may not be essential for all users. If your priority is a balanced mix of sound quality, comfort, and smart features at a reasonable price, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are a compelling option worth considering.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 are premium wireless earbuds that deliver impressive sound quality with clear highs and rich bass, thanks to Apple’s H2 chip. They offer advanced active noise cancellation that effectively blocks background noise, while Transparency mode allows you to hear your surroundings easily, which is great for safety and convenience. The earbuds come with four sizes of silicone tips, providing a customizable, comfortable fit that stays secure during daily activities.

With up to 6 hours of listening time per charge and a charging case that extends this to 30 hours, the battery life is solid for regular use. Connectivity is smooth and reliable via Bluetooth 5.3, especially when paired with Apple devices. Durability is enhanced by dust, sweat, and water resistance (IP54), making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use. Controls are intuitive, combining touch gestures and voice commands through Siri, allowing easy media and call management without reaching for your phone.

Unique features include personalized spatial audio for immersive sound and built-in hearing health tools. While the AirPods Pro 2 excel in performance and features, they come at a higher price point than typical affordable earbuds, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. Additionally, some features work best within the Apple ecosystem, so users with non-Apple devices might not experience the full benefit. Those who prioritize top-tier sound, active noise cancellation, and seamless control in a comfortable, durable package and don't mind investing a bit more will find these earbuds a strong choice.