10 Best Affordable Earbuds 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods 4 stand out with their comfortable in-ear design featuring a refined shape and shorter stems, making them stable for daily use. Thanks to the H2 chip, these earbuds deliver clear sound with personalized spatial audio, offering an immersive listening experience that feels like you're surrounded by sound. Call quality also benefits from voice isolation, which helps keep your voice clear even in noisy places. Battery life is strong with up to 5 hours on a single charge and a total of 30 hours using the compact USB-C charging case, which is smaller and easier to carry than before.

Connectivity is seamless, especially with Apple devices, allowing quick pairing, effortless sharing of audio, and hands-free Siri control—even with head gestures. While the AirPods 4 use sound isolation rather than full active noise cancellation, they still block out a fair amount of background noise, suitable for most environments. The earbuds and case are rated IP54, meaning they're resistant to dust, sweat, and water splashes, so they can handle workouts and light rain without trouble. Controls are intuitive with quick-press options for music and calls, plus smart sensors that pause your audio when you remove them.

These earbuds come at a higher price point than many budget options, which might be a consideration if you’re mainly after basic functionality. Also, their noise isolation isn't as thorough as active noise cancellation found in some competitors. If you use an iPhone or Apple ecosystem, these AirPods offer a seamless and premium experience. For users looking for affordable earbuds with great comfort, excellent sound quality, and smart features, they are a compelling choice—though not the cheapest option in the category.

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.

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds offer a unique open-ear design that lets you stay aware of your surroundings while still enjoying rich, clear sound. This makes them a solid choice if you want to listen to music or take calls without blocking outside noise, which is great for outdoor activities like running. The comfort is a highlight here, with a light clip-on style that stays in place without feeling tight or intrusive. Battery life is decent, offering up to 7 hours of continuous play, with the charging case giving around 48 hours standby and extra charges, so you won’t run out of power quickly during the day.

Connectivity is solid thanks to Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint support, so you can easily switch between devices like your phone and laptop without hassle. While these earbuds do not offer active noise cancellation, their open-ear format prioritizes awareness rather than blocking noise, which might not suit those looking for full noise isolation. The build quality is reliable, with water resistance rated at IPX4, meaning they can handle sweat and light splashes, making them suitable for workouts.

Control buttons are straightforward to use, allowing you to switch between stereo and immersive audio modes and manage calls easily. Bose’s SimpleSync technology adds value by letting you pair these earbuds with Bose speakers for a more integrated listening experience. If you prefer earbuds that fully seal in sound or provide strong noise cancellation, these might not meet those needs. The price tends to be higher than typical affordable earbuds, reflecting the Bose brand and open-ear technology. These earbuds are best suited for users seeking comfortable, open-ear listening with good sound quality, solid battery life, and device flexibility, especially for exercising or staying aware of their environment.