10 Best Earphones 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are premium wireless earphones that excel in delivering immersive sound and effective active noise cancellation, removing twice as much background noise compared to the previous model. Their 3D spatial audio and adaptive EQ provide rich bass and clear vocals, making music and calls enjoyable. Comfort is well-addressed with five sizes of silicone tips to ensure a secure, personalized fit for most ears. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 8 hours with noise cancellation active and even longer when using other modes.

The earbuds support seamless Bluetooth connectivity and quick switching between Apple devices, adding convenience for users in the Apple ecosystem. Durability is reasonable with water resistance and a sturdy build, although the charging case does not include a cable, so you'll need your own USB-C charger. Additional features like heart rate sensing, live translation, and hearing aid support make these earbuds stand out for fitness and accessibility needs.

These earbuds suit those seeking advanced noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, and smart health-related extras in a compact, comfortable design.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earphones are designed especially for active users who want secure-fit earbuds that stay comfortable during intense workouts. Thanks to their earhooks reinforced with flexible nickel titanium alloy and multiple ear tip sizes, they offer a reliable and comfortable fit for most ear shapes. In terms of sound, these earbuds deliver rich, balanced audio with clear highs, strong mids, and powerful bass, enhanced by Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio for an immersive experience.

The active noise cancellation is the best Beats has made, effectively blocking distractions while also providing a Transparency mode to stay aware of surroundings, which is useful during outdoor activities. Battery life stands out with up to 45 hours total listening time via the compact charging case, and fast charging gives 1.5 hours from just 5 minutes. Connectivity uses Class 1 Bluetooth, ensuring strong, stable wireless connections and seamless integration with Apple and Android devices, including features like one-touch pairing and customizable controls through the Beats app. Durability is good with sweat and water resistance (IPX4), making them suitable for rain or sweat-heavy workouts.

Unique extras include heart rate monitoring sensors that track your pulse in real-time, and excellent call quality with updated microphones. On the downside, the earbuds are slightly heavier than some ultra-light options due to the reinforced earhooks, and the charging case does not include a USB-C cable, which you must buy separately. While the IPX4 rating protects against sweat and splashes, they are not fully waterproof for swimming. These earbuds are ideal for fitness enthusiasts and those wanting premium sound and workout tracking in one package, though casual listeners might find them a bit specialized and pricier than basic wireless options.

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds bring several impressive features to the table, making them a strong contender in the earphones market. The sound quality is top-notch, thanks to the Apple-designed H2 chip and custom-built drivers that provide clear highs and rich bass. The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) effectively reduces background noise, and the Transparency mode allows you to stay aware of your surroundings when needed. For those prioritizing comfort, the earbuds come with four pairs of silicone tips in different sizes to ensure a snug fit for various ear shapes.

They are also IP54 dust, sweat, and water-resistant, enhancing their durability for active use. Battery life is solid, offering up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC enabled and up to 30 hours with the charging case. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a stable and efficient connection with various Apple devices. The case supports multiple charging options, including USB-C, MagSafe, and Qi-certified chargers, adding to the convenience.

Personalized Spatial Audio and Adaptive Audio features create an immersive listening experience tailored to your ear shape, which is a standout feature for audio enthusiasts. The premium price tag might be a deterrent for budget-conscious users. Additionally, while the earbuds work best with Apple devices, their functionality may be limited when used with non-Apple products. Despite these drawbacks, the AirPods Pro 2 are an excellent choice for users seeking high-quality sound, advanced noise cancellation, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.