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.

Apple AirPods 4 are designed with comfort in mind, featuring a redesigned shape that stays stable during daily use and quick-press controls that make handling calls and music easy. They deliver impressive sound quality thanks to the new H2 chip, which also enhances call clarity by isolating your voice from background noise. The Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking offers an immersive listening experience, which is great for enjoying music and movies.

In terms of noise handling, these earbuds provide active noise cancellation alongside a transparency mode, helping you focus or stay aware of your surroundings. Battery life is solid, offering up to 5 hours on a single charge and up to 30 hours with the charging case. The new case is smaller, supports USB-C charging, and includes a speaker to help locate it if misplaced. The AirPods 4 are sweat, dust, and water resistant (IP54), making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.3 and effortless pairing, especially for iPhone users. Built-in sensors pause playback when you remove the earbuds, which adds convenience.

On the downside, although the case supports USB-C, the charging cable is sold separately, which might be inconvenient. While active noise cancellation is effective, it may not match the depth offered by some specialized competitors. The earbuds also have a somewhat premium price point, which may not suit all budgets. These AirPods shine for iPhone users looking for comfortable, stylish earbuds with strong sound, smart features like Siri voice controls and spatial audio, and reliable battery life. They work well for everyday activities, workouts, and media consumption but might be less suited for those who want the absolute top-tier noise cancelling or a more budget-friendly option.

The Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) deliver some of the best noise cancellation available in wireless earbuds, thanks to their advanced ActiveSense and CustomTune technologies. These features allow the earbuds to adapt to your ear shape and reduce distracting sounds effectively, which is ideal for focusing in noisy environments. The sound quality is immersive, enhanced further by Bose Immersive Audio and Cinema Mode that create a rich, spatial audio experience, making music and videos more enjoyable.

Comfort-wise, Bose provides nine different eartip and stability band combinations to help you find a snug and secure fit. This also aids noise isolation and keeps the earbuds stable during activities. The earbuds have an IPX4 water resistance rating, so they can handle sweat and light rain, but are not fully waterproof. Battery life offers up to 6 hours of playtime per charge, which may feel limited for long stretches without charging. The wireless charging case adds up to three full charges, facilitating convenient recharging on the go, and the USB-C charging port is a useful standard.

Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint support, allowing easy switching between devices like your phone and laptop without reconnecting. Call quality is clear due to noise-rejecting microphones, beneficial for business or casual calls. Some users might find the earbuds a bit bulky compared to other models, and the price reflects Bose’s premium positioning. While the build feels solid and durable, the plastic material may not appeal to those seeking a more rugged design. The app-controlled features offer extensive customization but might add complexity for users who prefer simpler controls. These earbuds are well-suited for those seeking top-tier noise cancellation, immersive sound, and reliable connectivity, especially for daily commuting, work calls, and entertainment. If prioritizing longer battery life or a more compact design, other options may be worth considering.