10 Best Headphones Earbuds 2025 in the United States

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 offers a rich array of features tailored for users seeking high-quality wireless earbuds. The H2 chip, custom-built driver, and Adaptive EQ provide impressive sound quality with clear highs and robust bass. Active Noise Cancellation is notably effective, removing up to twice the background noise compared to previous models, and the Transparency mode is useful for situational awareness. Additionally, Adaptive Audio intelligently blends noise cancellation and transparency for optimal listening experiences in varying environments. The earbuds also include advanced sound personalization features, such as Personalized Spatial Audio and Conversation Awareness, enhancing the audio experience and convenience during interactions.

The customizable fit, with four sizes of silicone tips, ensures comfort for extended wear and secure placement, making them suitable for various ear shapes. Battery life is respectable, offering up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge and up to 30 hours with the charging case. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.3 and extensive compatibility across Apple devices. Durability is enhanced with IP54 resistance to dust, sweat, and water, adding to the suitability for active use. Controls are intuitive, with touch, press, hold, and swipe functionalities, complemented by voice control through Siri for hands-free operation.

The premium price point might be a consideration for some users, and the full suite of features is best utilized within the Apple ecosystem, which may limit appeal to non-Apple device users. Additionally, while the hearing aid feature is innovative, it may not replace dedicated hearing aids for those with significant hearing impairments.

The Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds impress with their sound quality, thanks to personalized spatial audio and dynamic head tracking, which provides a theater-like experience. The H2 chip enhances audio clarity and voice isolation, making calls and listening enjoyable even in noisy environments. Comfort and fit are prioritized with a redesigned shape for stability and all-day use.

The earbuds are sweat and water-resistant (IP54), ensuring durability during workouts and in various weather conditions. The battery life is solid, offering up to 5 hours of use on a single charge and up to 30 hours with the case, although heavy users might find themselves charging frequently, especially with noise cancellation enabled.

Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.3 and effortless setup for iPhone users through simple pairing and interaction with Siri. Controls are intuitive with press functions and voice commands, though some may find the learning curve for Siri gestures slightly challenging. The USB-C charging case is compact and includes a speaker for easier tracking with the Find My app, but the absence of a USB-C charge cable in the box might be inconvenient for some. These earbuds are ideal for those who value advanced audio features, durability, and easy integration with Apple devices, making them suitable for everyday use, fitness activities, and travel.

The JBL Vibe Beam earbuds offer a solid listening experience with their JBL Deep Bass Sound, making them a good choice for music lovers who enjoy pronounced bass. The earbuds are equipped with 8mm drivers that deliver high-quality audio. Comfort and fit are strong points as well, thanks to the ergonomic design that ensures they stay securely in your ears. The closed design helps block out external noise, enhancing the bass performance further.

With up to 32 hours of total battery life (8 hours from the earbuds and an additional 24 hours from the charging case), these earbuds are suitable for long listening sessions. If you're ever in a hurry, the speed charging feature can provide an extra 2 hours of playtime with just 10 minutes of charging, which is quite convenient. The earbuds also support hands-free calls with VoiceAware, which allows you to control how much of your own voice you hear during calls, making phone conversations clearer.

They have an IP54 rating, meaning they are resistant to water and dust, making them a good option for outdoor activities. The noise cancellation feature, while present, is not the most advanced available, so they may not completely block out very loud environments. Connectivity is robust with Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring a stable connection within a range of 10 meters. The touch controls are intuitive, but it might take some time to get used to them. Durability is decent, thanks to their water and dust resistance, but the plastic material may feel less premium to some users. In summary, the JBL Vibe Beam earbuds are a well-rounded choice for those who prioritize sound quality, comfort, and battery life, with a few minor drawbacks in noise cancellation and material quality.