9 Best Apple Airpods 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are designed to deliver a premium wireless earbud experience, especially for users deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem. They offer up to 8 hours of listening time with active noise cancellation (ANC) and up to 10 hours in transparency mode, which is a solid improvement for longer use. The fit is quite customizable with five different ear tip sizes, providing comfort and a secure seal that enhances sound quality and noise isolation. Sound-wise, they excel with spatial audio and a new acoustic design that gives clear vocals and rich bass, making music and calls feel lively and detailed.

The ANC is notably improved, claiming to block twice as much noise as the previous model, which is great for noisy environments. Transparency mode and added hearing health features, like Conversation Boost and hearing tests, add useful health-conscious benefits. Controls are intuitive, combining touch, voice (Siri), and automatic switching between Apple devices, which users will find convenient. Water and sweat resistance make these earbuds suitable for exercise and daily wear. However, they don’t include a USB-C charging cable in the box, which some might find inconvenient.

While compatible with many devices, some features like live translation and automatic device switching work best with Apple products. For those who use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, these earbuds are an excellent fit, especially for fitness, casual listening, and calls. Users outside the Apple ecosystem or looking for a lower price might want to compare other options.

The Apple AirPods 4 offer a refined listening experience with several noteworthy enhancements. Designed for comfort, these earbuds feature a redesigned shape for better fit and stability, making them suitable for extended wear. Sound quality is impressive, bolstered by Apple's H2 chip and personalized spatial audio, which creates an immersive experience. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) effectively reduces external sounds, while the Adaptive Audio system smartly alternates between ANC and Transparency Mode, allowing users to hear their surroundings when needed.

Battery life is decent—up to 5 hours on a single charge and up to 30 hours with the charging case when ANC is off. The addition of a USB-C charging case provides convenient charging options, although some users might miss the inclusion of a USB-C cable, as it's sold separately. The compact, redesigned charging case supports wireless charging and is rated IP54 for dust, sweat, and water resistance, making it suitable for various activities.

Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring stable connections across devices. Compatibility spans a wide range of Apple and non-Apple devices, enhancing its versatility. Additional features like voice-activated Siri and gesture controls provide hands-free convenience and ease of use. However, these high-tech features might come with a learning curve for users unfamiliar with voice commands. While AirPods 4 are an excellent choice for Apple ecosystem users due to seamless integration and advanced features, the premium price point might be a consideration for those outside this ecosystem. The earbud's fit and comfort, noise control capabilities, and sound quality make them a strong contender in the wireless earbuds market, especially for those prioritizing these aspects.

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 stand out in the wireless earbuds category with impressive sound quality and advanced noise cancellation features. The Active Noise Cancellation effectively reduces background noise, making them ideal for commuting or noisy environments. Coupled with the Transparency mode, users can easily switch to hearing their surroundings when necessary. The inclusion of the H2 chip enhances sound clarity, offering a rich audio experience with both crisp highs and deep bass. For those who make calls frequently, the Voice Isolation feature is particularly beneficial, ensuring clear conversations even in bustling settings.

Comfort is a key focus, as the AirPods Pro 2 come with a variety of silicone tips to suit different ear shapes, providing a secure and comfortable fit for long listening sessions. They also boast a decent battery life of up to 6 hours on a single charge, and the case allows for a total of 30 hours of listening, which should be sufficient for most users.

Some potential drawbacks include their price point, which might be higher than other wireless earbuds with similar features. While they are water resistant, they may not be suitable for extreme conditions like heavy rain or swimming. Additionally, the reliance on Apple’s ecosystem means they work best with Apple devices; users with non-Apple products may not enjoy the full range of features or seamless connectivity. The touch controls are intuitive, but they may take some getting used to for those who prefer physical buttons. Lastly, the USB-C charging case is a nice addition, but the earbuds do not support wireless charging unless you have compatible chargers.