10 Best Affordable Earbuds 2025 in the United States

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 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.

The ZIUTY Wireless Earbuds are a strong option if you're looking for affordable earbuds with impressive battery life. Their standout feature is the 50-hour total playtime supported by a portable charging case with a clear LED power display, which is a big plus for long usage without frequent charging. The Bluetooth 5.3 connection offers stable wireless range up to 49 feet and quick auto-pairing, making them convenient for everyday use. Sound quality is boosted by relatively large 14.5mm drivers that deliver clear highs and a deep bass, so your music and calls should sound good, though these earbuds rely on sound isolation rather than active noise cancellation, meaning loud environments might affect listening clarity.

Comfort-wise, the semi-in-ear design is lightweight and comes with multiple silicone tip sizes, helping the earbuds stay securely in place during workouts or daily activities, also supported by an IPX7 waterproof rating which adds durability against sweat and rain. Controls are user-friendly with touch gestures for volume, calls, and voice assistant access, which helps avoid phone fumbling but might take a little practice to master.

While the build uses plastic materials, the earbuds are designed for sweat resistance and everyday wear, though they may not feel as premium compared to higher-end models. These earbuds suit anyone wanting long battery life, reliable wireless connectivity, and decent sound for casual listening and fitness use, without needing advanced noise cancellation or luxury finishes.