10 Best Highest Rated Earbuds 2026 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 stand out with impressive active noise cancellation that blocks twice as much background noise compared to the previous model, making them great for staying focused in busy or noisy places. The sound quality is rich and detailed, offering immersive 3D audio with strong bass and clear vocals, which is ideal for music lovers and movie watchers. Comfort is enhanced by five ear tip sizes, helping users find a secure fit that also improves sound.

Battery life is solid, providing up to 8 hours of listening with noise cancellation on, and even longer when using transparency mode. The earbuds include useful features like heart rate tracking and live translation, which add unique health and communication benefits beyond audio. Connectivity with Apple devices is seamless thanks to automatic switching and Audio Sharing, although these perks work best within the Apple ecosystem.

The build is water-resistant and sturdy, suitable for workouts and everyday use, with convenient touch and voice controls including Siri integration. However, the AirPods Pro 3 do not come with a USB-C charging cable in the box, which means you might need to buy one separately. Also, some advanced features may feel unnecessary if you mainly want earbuds just for casual listening or non-Apple devices. These earbuds suit users looking for top-notch sound, strong noise cancellation, and smart features, especially if they already use Apple products and want a comfortable, reliable fit for active and everyday use.

The JBL Vibe Beam 2 earbuds deliver powerful sound with JBL’s signature Pure Bass, making them a great choice for those who enjoy rich, deep audio. Their 8mm drivers provide clear, punchy sound suitable for music lovers and casual listeners alike. Comfort-wise, they come with three sizes of silicone ear tips, helping most users achieve a secure fit, though the earbuds' stick shape and slightly heavier build might feel noticeable during extended wear.

Battery life stands out with up to 40 hours of playback when combining the earbuds and charging case, which is excellent for long days without frequent recharging. The quick 10-minute charge feature adding three hours of playtime is a practical bonus. Active Noise Cancelling is effective, supported by Smart Ambient mode that lets you balance noise isolation and awareness—handy for safety or conversations without removing the earbuds. Four built-in microphones help ensure calls stay clear, even in noisy environments like parks or streets.

Connectivity is reliable thanks to Bluetooth 5.3, offering a solid 10-meter range for stable wireless use with most devices. The IP54 rating means these earbuds resist dust and water splashes, making them suitable for workouts or light outdoor use, though they are not fully waterproof. Controls are managed through touch-sensitive surfaces and a companion app, allowing easy customization of sound profiles and access to features like Relax Mode with calming sounds. While the plastic build is typical for wireless earbuds, it may not feel premium compared to higher-end models, and some users might find the earbuds a bit bulky. The JBL Vibe Beam 2 balances strong audio performance, practical battery life, and flexible noise control, making them a solid pick for everyday listening, calls, and casual exercise.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are designed especially for active users who want earbuds that stay firmly in place during workouts. The secure earhooks and five ear tip sizes offer a comfortable, customized fit, while the earbuds are lightweight and reinforced for durability. Sound quality is excellent, boosted by Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio that deliver clear highs, rich mids, and strong bass, making music immersive and enjoyable.

The earbuds have Apple’s H2 chip, which helps achieve up to 45 hours of total battery life with the charging case—impressively long for wireless earbuds. Fast Fuel charging adds quick playback after a short charge. For noise control, these earbuds feature advanced Active Noise Cancelling that works well to block distractions, plus Transparency mode to stay aware of surroundings when needed. Connectivity is seamless with Class 1 Bluetooth, supporting one-touch pairing and automatic switching on Apple devices, and the Beats app enhances control on Android. Call quality is strong thanks to updated microphones, and you can easily manage music and calls via physical buttons, volume rockers, or voice commands. The addition of a heart rate monitor is a unique feature for fitness tracking.

On the downside, while the earbuds are water resistant (IPX4), they aren’t fully waterproof, so they handle sweat and light rain but shouldn’t be submerged. Also, the charging case is smaller than before but doesn’t include the USB-C cable, which you’ll need to buy separately if you don’t have one. If you’re looking for earbuds that combine excellent sound, solid noise cancellation, long battery life, and a fit that won’t fall out during exercise, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are a strong choice. They’re especially well suited for fitness enthusiasts who want both good audio and real-time heart rate monitoring.