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 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.