10 Best Affordable Earbuds 2025 in the United States

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.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed especially for active users who want earbuds that stay securely in place during workouts. Their earhooks offer a very stable, comfortable fit, backed by extensive athlete testing. Sound quality is strong with adaptive EQ and personalized spatial audio that bring clear highs, rich mids, and punchy bass, making music enjoyable for various tastes. They also feature effective Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency mode, which is great for focusing or staying aware of your surroundings.

Battery life is impressive, offering up to 45 hours with the charging case and about 10 hours on a single charge, plus a quick 5-minute charge provides 1.5 hours of playback. Connectivity works well with both Apple and Android devices, including easy pairing, reliable Bluetooth, and useful app features like heart rate monitoring and customizable controls. Durability is good with an IPX4 rating that handles sweat and light water exposure, which suits fitness use. The reinforced nickel titanium alloy earhooks add flexibility and strength without extra weight. Controls include physical buttons and voice commands, making it easy to manage music and calls without interrupting your activity.

The earbuds excel in fitness and active use, though their price might be higher than typical affordable earbuds. The charging case is smaller than before and doesn’t include a USB-C cable, so users may need to provide their own. The earbuds are somewhat larger and heavier than simpler models, which might not appeal to those wanting a minimalistic design. These Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are ideal for fitness enthusiasts or anyone needing secure, long-lasting earbuds with excellent sound and noise cancelling, especially those who want integration with Apple or Android devices. If you prioritize workout-ready features, solid battery life, and good sound over ultra-low price or ultra-compact size, these could be a very satisfying choice.

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.