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10 Best Apple Earbuds 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, H2 Chip, USB-C Charging

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,331
Sound Quality
Fit and Comfort
Battery Life

Most important from
36880 reviews

Sound Quality
The sound quality is phenomenal, making music and podcasts a joy to listen to.
Fit and Comfort
Customizable ear tips enhance comfort, especially for those with smaller ears.
Battery Life
Battery life exceeds expectations, with fast charging both in the case and for the case itself.
Noise Cancellation
Active Noise Cancellation is clearly superior, effectively blocking out unwanted sounds.
Controls and Features
The Adaptive Audio feature is super cool and very useful for different environments.
Durability and Water Resistance
Durability is impressive, withstanding drops and scratches while maintaining functionality.

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds excel in providing a premium listening experience, making them a great choice for anyone looking for high-quality earbuds. With impressive sound quality driven by the Apple-designed H2 chip, these earbuds deliver clear highs and rich bass, enhancing both music enjoyment and call clarity. The Active Noise Cancellation feature is particularly noteworthy, effectively blocking out background noise, while the Transparency mode allows users to stay connected to their surroundings when needed. The Adaptive Audio feature smoothly transitions between these modes based on your environment, which is a fantastic addition for daily use.

In terms of comfort, the AirPods Pro 2 come with four sizes of silicone tips, accommodating various ear shapes for a secure fit. This ensures prolonged wear without discomfort, which is great for extended listening sessions. Battery life is also robust, offering up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge and an impressive 30 hours with the case, making them reliable for long trips.

On the downside, the earbuds are designed primarily for Apple ecosystem users, which may limit compatibility for those using other brands. While they offer advanced features like personalized spatial audio and voice control through Siri, some users might find the touch controls sensitive or unintuitive initially. Additionally, while they are water-resistant, they may not be suitable for all water sports, so users should check the specific requirements for water exposure. Lastly, they come with a premium price tag, which may not fit every budget, but for those willing to invest, they deliver a stellar audio experience.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,331
Sound Quality
Fit and Comfort
Battery Life

Most important from
36880 reviews

Sound Quality
The sound quality is phenomenal, making music and podcasts a joy to listen to.
Fit and Comfort
Customizable ear tips enhance comfort, especially for those with smaller ears.
Battery Life
Battery life exceeds expectations, with fast charging both in the case and for the case itself.
Noise Cancellation
Active Noise Cancellation is clearly superior, effectively blocking out unwanted sounds.
Controls and Features
The Adaptive Audio feature is super cool and very useful for different environments.
Durability and Water Resistance
Durability is impressive, withstanding drops and scratches while maintaining functionality.
#2

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Personalized Spatial Audio, Sweat and Water Resistant, USB-C Charging Case, H2 Chip, Up to 30 Hours of Battery Life, Effortless Setup for iPhone

Rating
9.8
Sound Quality
Fit and Comfort
Battery Life

Most important from
23430 reviews

Sound Quality
They sound way better than older models, with a significant improvement in audio and mic quality.
Fit and Comfort
The fit might feel looser compared to previous models, which could be a concern for some users.
Battery Life
The AirPods last a long time and are well worth the money.
Noise Cancellation
The adaptable noise mode, which adjusts volume based on the environment, is a delightful feature.
Connectivity
The AirPods just work the way you expect them to, providing a seamless and easy experience.
Controls and Features
The tap to skip or pause feature is loved for its convenience and ease of use.

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.

Rating
9.8
Sound Quality
Fit and Comfort
Battery Life

Most important from
23430 reviews

Sound Quality
They sound way better than older models, with a significant improvement in audio and mic quality.
Fit and Comfort
The fit might feel looser compared to previous models, which could be a concern for some users.
Battery Life
The AirPods last a long time and are well worth the money.
Noise Cancellation
The adaptable noise mode, which adjusts volume based on the environment, is a delightful feature.
Connectivity
The AirPods just work the way you expect them to, providing a seamless and easy experience.
Controls and Features
The tap to skip or pause feature is loved for its convenience and ease of use.
#3

Apple EarPods Headphones with USB-C Plug, Wired Ear Buds with Built-in Remote to Control Music, Phone Calls, and Volume

Rating
9.5
Sound Quality
Fit and Comfort
Connectivity

Most important from
15732 reviews

Sound Quality
The sound quality is clear and balanced, providing a well-rounded listening experience with solid bass response.
Fit and Comfort
Comfort is one of the best features; the earbuds fit snugly without causing discomfort, even during extended wear.
Connectivity
The USB-C connection is very useful, allowing for compatibility with a variety of devices including newer iPhone models and laptops.
Controls and Features
The build quality feels sturdy, and the inline controls for volume, play/pause, and calls work flawlessly.
Durability and Water Resistance
The cables are durable and surprisingly easy to untangle, adding to the overall convenience.

The Apple EarPods with USB-C Plug offer a blend of comfort and high-quality audio in a wired format. The design, shaped to fit the geometry of the ear, is a significant strength as it provides superior comfort for many users. The sound quality is impressive due to the well-engineered speakers that ensure high-quality audio by maximizing output and minimizing sound loss. This makes them suitable for music, calls, and even gaming.

The built-in remote is a handy feature, allowing you to control volume, playback, and answer calls with ease directly from the cord. Connectivity is straightforward with any USB-C port, making these earbuds compatible with a wide range of devices including cellphones, laptops, and gaming consoles. The integrated microphone ensures clear voice capture for calls and voice commands, enhancing the user experience.

However, there are some drawbacks. Being wired means there is no battery life to worry about, but it also limits mobility compared to wireless options. The noise control relies on sound isolation rather than active noise cancellation, which may not be as effective in very noisy environments. Additionally, the EarPods lack water resistance, so they may not be ideal for use in wet conditions or heavy workouts. Durability could also be a concern given the plastic material and non-water resistant design. These earbuds are best suited for everyday use where mobility isn’t a primary concern, and users appreciate high audio quality and comfort in a wired setup.

Rating
9.5
Sound Quality
Fit and Comfort
Connectivity

Most important from
15732 reviews

Sound Quality
The sound quality is clear and balanced, providing a well-rounded listening experience with solid bass response.
Fit and Comfort
Comfort is one of the best features; the earbuds fit snugly without causing discomfort, even during extended wear.
Connectivity
The USB-C connection is very useful, allowing for compatibility with a variety of devices including newer iPhone models and laptops.
Controls and Features
The build quality feels sturdy, and the inline controls for volume, play/pause, and calls work flawlessly.
Durability and Water Resistance
The cables are durable and surprisingly easy to untangle, adding to the overall convenience.

Buying Guide for the Best Apple Earbuds

Choosing the right pair of Apple earbuds can really enhance your listening experience, whether you use them for music, calls, workouts, or daily commutes. The goal is to think about when and how you’ll use them, and which features matter most to you. Understanding the most important specs will help you identify which earbuds will be comfortable, last long enough, sound how you like, and fit the way you want.
Fit and ComfortFit and comfort are crucial because earbuds rest in or around your ears, sometimes for hours at a time. This spec refers to the design—like whether they are in-ear (with silicone tips), open-fit (sitting outside ear canal), or over-ear hooks for stability. If you want earbuds for running or working out, go for a secure fit like in-ear or hook designs. For casual listening or longer wear, you might prefer a lighter, open-fit style. Always consider how your ears feel after wearing different designs; irritation or discomfort usually means the style isn’t for you.
Noise CancellationNoise cancellation is the ability of the earbuds to block out or reduce sounds from your environment. Active noise cancellation uses microphones to counter outside noise, creating a quiet bubble, which is great on planes or in loud cities. Passive noise isolation mainly comes from the physical design that seals your ear. If you need to focus or enjoy music without distraction, look for active noise cancellation. If you want to stay aware of your surroundings for safety (like jogging or bicycling), you might choose earbuds with less isolation or look for a transparency mode that lets sound in.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long your earbuds last on a single charge, plus the extra time provided by the charging case. If you’re a heavy user or often away from chargers, longer battery life is important—some earbuds last four hours, others much more, especially with the case. For quick daily use, shorter battery life may be fine, but regular travelers or long listeners should check for models with longer playback and quick-charging features.
Sound QualitySound quality covers how music, calls, and videos sound through your earbuds. This often depends on the size and quality of the speaker drivers, but also on software that adjusts bass, treble, and other tones. If you care about rich, full sound (especially for music lovers), look for earphones known for a balanced or customizable audio profile. If you mostly use your earbuds for podcasts or calls, absolute sound quality may be less important than clarity.
Controls and Smart FeaturesControls and smart features allow you to interact with your earbuds—like playing/pausing music, answering calls, or activating voice assistants. Some have touch controls, buttons, or even features like automatic pausing when you take them out. If you want hands-free operation or easy access to voice assistants, these features might be essential. Think about how you’ll use your earbuds daily, and whether simple controls or extras like voice activation add real value to your experience.
Water and Sweat ResistanceWater and sweat resistance shows how well the earbuds handle moisture, ranked by ratings like IPX4 or IPX5. If you plan to wear your earbuds during workouts, runs, or in the rain, higher resistance is necessary to prevent damage. For mostly indoor or dry use, this feature may be less important. Choose based on how active and varied your lifestyle is.
Compatibility and ConnectivityCompatibility and connectivity refers to how easily your earbuds pair with devices—especially within the Apple ecosystem—and whether they use Bluetooth or wired connections. If you use Apple products like iPhones, iPads, or Macs, look for earbuds with features like easy pairing or seamless device switching. If you switch between Apple and non-Apple devices, check for compatibility across systems to make the best choice.

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