10 Best Apple Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are designed for users seeking high-quality wireless earbuds with advanced features. They offer impressive sound quality, thanks to a new acoustic design that delivers richer bass, clear vocals, and a three-dimensional spatial audio experience, making music and movies more immersive. Comfort is improved with five sizes of ear tips to ensure a secure, personalized fit that also helps maintain sound quality. Battery life is solid, providing up to 8 hours of listening with active noise cancellation on, or 10 hours in transparency mode, which is longer than many competing models.

Their noise cancellation is notably effective, reportedly removing twice as much unwanted noise compared to the previous generation, helping users stay focused in noisy environments. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth and Apple's automatic switching feature, allowing easy transition between Apple devices. Controls are user-friendly, featuring touch and voice commands via Siri for managing calls, music, and volume without needing to reach for your phone. Additional useful features include heart rate sensing for fitness tracking, live translation, and hearing health tools like conversation boost and hearing tests, adding value for active and health-conscious users.

The earbuds are also water resistant and come with a MagSafe charging case that supports USB-C charging, although the charging cable is not included. While the earbuds offer many advanced features, some users might find the price higher compared to other brands with similar sound quality but fewer extras. Full benefit from features like live translation and heart rate monitoring relies on integration with an iPhone and Apple's ecosystem. These earbuds suit Apple users who want high fidelity sound, effective noise cancellation, and smart health and communication features bundled into a comfortable, durable design.

The Apple AirPods Max offer a premium over-ear headphone experience tailored especially for Apple device users. Sound quality is excellent, thanks to Apple’s custom dynamic driver, adaptive EQ, and personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, which deliver immersive and precise audio, including Dolby Atmos content. Noise cancellation is pro-level, effectively cutting down background noise for focused listening, while the Transparency mode lets you easily stay aware of your surroundings when needed.

Comfort is addressed well with memory foam ear cushions and a knit-mesh canopy, creating a good seal without feeling too tight, though the headphones are relatively heavy at about 13.6 ounces, which might feel noticeable over long sessions. Battery life is solid, providing up to 20 hours of listening with noise cancellation enabled, and quick USB-C charging adds convenience, especially for users who already have compatible Apple cables. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.0 and effortless pairing with Apple devices, plus automatic switching lets you move between iPhone, iPad, and Mac smoothly.

Controls are intuitive, featuring a Digital Crown for volume and playback, alongside a noise control button and voice assistant support via Siri. Durability is supported by high-quality build materials, though the included Smart Case offers only basic protection and the headphones are not water resistant, so care is needed. These headphones suit anyone deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem who values high sound fidelity and advanced noise control more than ultra-lightweight design. However, those who prioritize extreme portability or want a lower price might look elsewhere.

The Beats Studio Pro headphones deliver a rich and immersive sound experience thanks to Beats' custom acoustic platform and support for lossless audio via USB-C. They offer personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, which makes listening to music or calls feel more engaging. Comfort-wise, their over-ear, foldable design with faux leather padding should provide a secure and pleasant fit for extended use, though the 260g weight might feel slightly heavy for some.

Battery life is impressive, offering up to 40 hours on a single charge and a quick 10-minute charge that gives an additional 4 hours, which is great for long trips or daily use. The fully adaptive active noise cancellation works well to block out unwanted sounds, and Transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings when needed. Connectivity is solid with Bluetooth 5.3 and a strong 100-meter range, plus seamless one-touch pairing with Apple and Android devices.

On-ear touch controls and voice assistant integration make controlling music and calls straightforward without reaching for your device. However, these headphones are not water-resistant, so they aren’t ideal for sweaty workouts or rainy conditions. The build uses faux leather and a woven carrying case, which offer decent durability but might show wear over time if heavily used. These headphones are a strong choice for Apple users wanting premium sound, excellent noise cancellation, and long battery life, but less suited if you need rugged, water-resistant gear or prefer ultra-light headphones.