10 Best Apple Earbuds 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods 4 are designed with comfort and stability in mind, featuring a refined shape and shorter stem which might suit extended wear for many users. With Active Noise Cancellation and Adaptive Audio, they aim to deliver an immersive listening experience by reducing external sounds. However, those who prioritize battery longevity might note that the noise cancellation shortens listening time to about 4 hours, though the charging case can extend this significantly.

Sound quality is enhanced with Apple’s H2 chip and features like Personalized Spatial Audio, providing an engaging auditory environment. The earbuds also excel in call quality through Voice Isolation, which improves clarity in noisy settings.

For convenience, the AirPods 4 offer easy connectivity with Bluetooth 5.3, quick pairing, and intuitive controls. Users can interact using touch or voice commands, with Siri extending hands-free usability. The redesigned charging case, compatible with USB-C, is compact and offers flexibility in charging methods. The earbuds are rated IP54, making them resistant to dust, sweat, and water, which adds to their durability for workouts or rainy days. Despite their robust feature set, some users might find the lack of an included USB-C charge cable slightly inconvenient.

These earbuds are especially suitable for Apple users seeking seamless integration with their devices and a blend of sound quality and smart features. However, users should consider their usage patterns concerning battery life and charging needs.

The Apple AirPods 4 wireless earbuds are designed to enhance your listening experience with several standout features. One of their biggest strengths is the sound quality, bolstered by the Apple-designed H2 chip, which provides improved audio clarity and voice isolation during calls. The personalized Spatial Audio offers a captivating surround sound experience, making these earbuds suitable for music, movies, and gaming alike. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge and a total of 30 hours with the charging case, which is a big plus for users on the go.

Fit and comfort have been prioritized in the design, with a refined contour that allows for all-day wear without discomfort. The quick-press controls for music and calls add to the user-friendly experience, especially for those not keen on complicated setups.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the AirPods 4 offer good noise isolation, they do not feature active noise cancellation, which some users might expect at this price point. Additionally, while they are sweat and water-resistant, they may not be the best choice for those looking for earbuds that can withstand extreme conditions or prolonged exposure to water, despite their IP54 rating. The new USB-C charging case is a thoughtful upgrade for modern users, though those with other devices that require different charging ports might find it less convenient. Lastly, while the magical setup features with Siri and the ability to share audio between two pairs of AirPods are impressive, users who are not embedded in the Apple ecosystem may miss out on some of these conveniences.

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are designed to deliver a premium experience for anyone looking for high-quality wireless earbuds, especially if you’re already using Apple devices. They offer one of the best in-ear active noise cancellation features available, blocking out twice as much background noise compared to the previous model, which helps you stay focused whether you’re working or commuting. The fit is improved with five different ear tip sizes, making it easier to find a comfortable and secure seal that also enhances sound quality. Speaking of sound, these earbuds provide rich, three-dimensional audio with clear vocals and strong bass, thanks to their new acoustic design and Adaptive EQ that adjusts to your ear shape automatically.

Battery life is solid, offering up to 8 hours with noise cancellation active and up to 10 hours when using transparency mode, which lets you hear your surroundings. Controls are simple and intuitive, using touch and voice commands via Siri, which works smoothly with other Apple devices thanks to automatic switching and audio sharing features. The AirPods Pro 3 also stand out with extra health-related functions like heart rate sensing and hearing aid support, which add value for fitness enthusiasts or those needing hearing assistance.

They are water-resistant and sweatproof, suitable for workouts and outdoor use, though they aren’t fully waterproof for swimming. One downside is the charging case does not come with a USB-C cable included, requiring a separate purchase if you don’t already have one. Also, while compatibility is mainly seamless within the Apple ecosystem, some features may be limited or unavailable on non-Apple devices. If you want earbuds that combine excellent sound, noise cancellation, comfort, and handy smart features, especially if you use an iPhone or Mac, the AirPods Pro 3 are a strong choice.