10 Best Airpods 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are a strong choice for anyone looking for high-quality wireless earbuds with excellent noise cancellation. They feature active noise cancellation that improves significantly over the previous model, making them great for blocking out distractions whether you're commuting or working. The sound quality shines with rich bass, clear vocals, and immersive spatial audio that creates a 3D listening experience. Battery life is also impressive, offering up to 8 hours with noise cancellation on, and even longer when using transparency modes.

Fit and comfort are improved thanks to five sizes of silicone ear tips, which help create a secure and personalized fit. This also enhances sound quality and noise isolation. The earbuds are water-resistant and sweatproof, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use. The built-in heart rate sensor is a unique addition that adds fitness tracking capabilities, which could be beneficial if you want more health insights alongside your music.

Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth and quick switching between Apple devices, and controls include touch gestures and voice commands via Siri. Call quality benefits from clear microphones and noise control technologies, so voice calls come across clearly. The new USB-C charging case with a speaker and lanyard loop is convenient, though the charging cable is not included. Some advanced features like live translation and personalized hearing aids may require supporting Apple devices and software. These earbuds are optimized for Apple users, so some features might be limited on non-Apple devices. For top-tier noise cancellation, great sound, and useful extras like heart rate monitoring within a comfortable, sweat-resistant design, the AirPods Pro 3 stand out in the premium wireless earbud category.

The Apple AirPods 4 offer a comfortable fit with a redesigned shape that stays secure for long wear. They feature active noise cancellation (ANC) that effectively reduces background noise, while their Transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings clearly when needed. Sound quality is enhanced by the H2 chip, personalized spatial audio, and adaptive EQ, providing a rich and immersive listening experience. Calls benefit from voice isolation technology that clarifies your voice even in noisy environments.

Battery life allows up to 5 hours of listening per charge with ANC on, and the charging case extends this to about 30 hours, which is typical for premium earbuds. The case is compact, supports USB-C and wireless charging, adding convenience. Bluetooth 5.3 offers a stable and easy connection, plus intuitive controls and hands-free Siri with smart head gestures improve usability. Water and sweat resistance (IP54 rating) means they can handle light rain and workouts but aren’t fully waterproof.

While the earbuds excel in sound and features, the battery life might be shorter compared to some competitors if ANC is always on. Additionally, the price may be higher than average earbuds due to AppleCare+ and brand premium. These AirPods suit users looking for a seamless Apple ecosystem experience with great sound, noise control, and smart features, especially for everyday use, calls, and entertainment.

The Apple AirPods Max is a premium over-ear headphone designed to offer an exceptional sound experience, especially for users deep into Apple’s ecosystem. It delivers rich, high-fidelity audio using an Apple-designed dynamic driver combined with advanced software and the H1 chip, which helps produce immersive and precise sound, including personalized spatial audio that adapts to your ear shape. The active noise cancellation is highly effective, blocking out twice as much background noise compared to previous models, and the transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings clearly without removing the headphones—great for staying aware in busy environments. Comfort-wise, the knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions provide a secure and pleasant fit that seals in sound well, though the headphones are somewhat heavy (about 385 grams), which might feel bulky during extended wear.

Battery life is strong, offering up to 20 hours of listening with noise cancellation or spatial audio active, and a quick 5-minute charge gives you about 1.5 hours of playback—good for long days but not the longest in this category. Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth 5.0 is seamless with Apple devices, supporting effortless pairing and automatic switching between iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Controls are intuitive, using a Digital Crown similar to the Apple Watch for volume and playback, plus Siri voice control. However, these headphones lack any water or sweat resistance, so they aren't ideal for intense workouts or use in rain. Call and microphone quality is solid, with multiple mics designed to pick up your voice clearly even in noisy environments. The AirPods Max is best suited for those who want top-tier sound quality, excellent noise cancellation, and smooth integration with Apple products, but may not be the best choice if you prioritize lightweight comfort or need water-resistant features.