10 Best Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are in-ear wireless earbuds designed to deliver high-quality sound and strong active noise cancellation, making them great for users who want to block out distractions on the go. They remove twice as much noise as the previous model, which helps you stay fully immersed whether you're commuting or working out. Sound quality is a major strength here, with a new design that boosts bass and clarity, along with spatial audio for a more immersive listening experience.

Battery life is solid, offering up to 8 hours with noise cancellation turned on, and 10 hours if you use the transparency mode for hearing ambient sounds. The earbuds come with five different ear tip sizes, so you can find a secure and comfortable fit, though some might find in-ear styles less comfortable during extended use compared to over-ear headphones. They have useful extras like built-in heart rate monitoring and live translation, which are unique features that add value beyond typical earbuds.

Controls are handled via touch and voice commands, including Siri integration, making it easy to manage music or calls without pulling out your device. The AirPods Pro 3 are sweat and water-resistant, suitable for exercise, and the build quality feels premium, matching Apple's usual standards. The package does not include a charging cable, so you need to provide your own USB-C cable. These earbuds are especially suitable for Apple users seeking convenient wireless earbuds with smart features, prioritizing noise cancellation and sound quality in a compact design, while those preferring larger headphones or wired connections might consider other options.

Apple's AirPods Max are high-end over-ear headphones designed for a premium listening experience. They feature top-notch sound quality thanks to Apple-designed dynamic drivers and sophisticated computational audio powered by the H1 chip. This means you get rich, high-fidelity audio tailored to your unique ear shape, which can make your music, movies, and calls sound fantastic. The Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation is very effective, ideal for blocking out background noise, while the Transparency mode allows you to stay aware of your surroundings when needed.

Comfort is a strong suit with the knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions, which help provide a snug and comfortable fit for extended use. The battery life is solid, offering up to 20 hours of listening time on a single charge, which should suffice for a full day of use. The headphones charge via USB-C, making them compatible with other Apple devices. The build quality is robust, though the headphones are on the heavier side at 13.6 ounces, which may be a concern for some users. Additionally, they come in five stylish colors and include a color-matched Smart Case for storage.

One downside is the lack of water resistance, which limits their use in certain situations. Also, these headphones are quite expensive, aligning with their premium status. They automatically switch between Apple devices for convenience and have intuitive controls, but they might not be the best fit for Android users due to the seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem. If you’re an Apple user looking for high-end, feature-rich headphones with excellent noise cancelling and sound quality, the AirPods Max are worth considering.

The Apple AirPods 4 are designed to cater to users looking for quality wireless earbuds, particularly Apple device owners. One of their standout features is the personalized spatial audio that offers an immersive experience, great for music, movies, and games. The H2 chip enhances sound clarity and call quality, making them ideal for those who frequently make calls in noisy environments. Comfort is also a priority, as they've been redesigned for better fit and stability, allowing for all-day wear without discomfort.

Battery life is impressive, giving you up to 5 hours on a single charge and 30 hours total when using the charging case, which is now more compact and charges via USB-C. The IP54 rating ensures they are dust, sweat, and water-resistant, making them suitable for workouts or outdoor use.

There are some drawbacks. While the sound quality is generally good, audiophiles might find these earbuds lacking in depth and richness compared to higher-end models. The reliance on Apple’s ecosystem means these earbuds work best with Apple devices, potentially limiting compatibility for Android users. Additionally, the touch controls can sometimes be finicky, leading to accidental commands.