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 Bose Ultra Open Earbuds feature a unique open-ear design that allows you to stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying music, making them well-suited for outdoor activities such as running or cycling. Their OpenAudio and Immersive Audio technologies deliver rich, spatial sound that offers a natural listening experience compared to traditional earbuds, though they do not include active noise cancellation and therefore will not block out loud environments entirely.

Comfort is a highlight due to the clip-on style that hooks around the ear, ensuring a secure and lightweight fit without causing discomfort. The earbuds offer about 7 hours of playback on a single charge, and the included charging case extends total battery life to around 48 hours, supporting longer use throughout the day. Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint support, allowing smooth switching between devices like phones and laptops. Additionally, they are water-resistant with an IPX4 rating, protecting them against sweat and splashes but not suitable for heavy rain or swimming.

Controls for music and calls are straightforward, and the earbuds integrate well with other Bose products via the SimpleSync feature. Since the earbuds rest outside the ear canal, bass response is less prominent than with in-ear models, and the lack of active noise cancellation means external noise is not blocked. The plastic build helps keep the earbuds lightweight, though it may not feel as rugged as some sport-focused options. These earbuds are ideal for users who prioritize situational awareness and comfort during exercise or daily use while enjoying decent sound without isolation.