10 Best In Ear Earbuds 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods 4 earbuds offer a blend of comfort, sound, and smart features that suit everyday users, especially those already in the Apple ecosystem. They are redesigned with a shorter stem and refined shape, making them stable and comfortable for long wear. Thanks to the H2 chip, sound quality is impressive, with clear voice calls assisted by Voice Isolation, and a rich, immersive experience through Personalized Spatial Audio that adjusts as you move your head.

Battery life supports up to 5 hours on a single charge and 30 hours with the charging case, which is smaller and now uses USB-C for quicker, more universal charging. Noise control features help reduce background sounds, though they focus more on isolation than full active noise cancellation, which might be a consideration if you seek deep noise blocking. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.3 and quick pairing to Apple devices, plus handy extras like Siri voice commands and the ability to share audio between two sets of AirPods.

The earbuds and case are IP54 rated for dust, sweat, and water resistance, making them suitable for workouts and light rain but not for heavy water exposure like swimming. Controls are intuitive with touch and press options, including novel head gestures for Siri, which add convenience. The charging cable is sold separately, which might be a minor inconvenience. For those who want earbuds that prioritize ease of use, smart features, and comfortable fit with good sound and moderate noise control, the AirPods 4 are a fitting choice. Users seeking stronger noise cancellation or a lower price may want to consider other alternatives.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed especially for active users who want earbuds that stay secure during intense workouts. Their earhooks with nickel titanium alloy provide a comfortable, locked-in fit that adapts well to different ear shapes. Sound quality is a strong point here, with Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio delivering balanced highs, mids, and bass for an immersive listening experience. If you want to block out distractions, the earbuds include effective Active Noise Cancelling and a Transparency mode to stay aware of your surroundings.

Battery life is impressive, offering up to 45 hours with the charging case and 10 hours on a single charge. Plus, a quick 5-minute charge gives you 1.5 hours of playback, which is handy. The earbuds support both Apple and Android users, with smooth one-touch pairing, customizable controls, and even heart rate monitoring built-in—a nice touch for fitness enthusiasts. They are sweat and water resistant with an IPX4 rating, so they can handle rain or sweat but are not meant for swimming.

Controls include physical buttons and voice commands, making it easy to adjust volume or take calls without interrupting your workout. On the downside, the charging case is smaller but the required USB-C cable isn’t included, which might be inconvenient. Also, while the earbuds offer great features, the price is on the higher side, reflecting their premium design and capabilities. These earbuds are a solid choice if you prioritize a secure fit, long battery life, and workout-friendly features with good sound and noise cancellation.

The Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Earbuds (2nd Gen) deliver impressive sound quality with deep bass and immersive audio that makes music feel rich and spacious. Thanks to CustomTune technology, the earbuds adapt to your ear shape, enhancing comfort and delivering personalized sound. There is a good selection of eartips and stability bands to help most users find a snug and comfortable fit that also helps block outside noise.

Battery life is solid, offering up to 6 hours of playtime per charge, with the wireless charging case providing three additional full charges. This means you can enjoy extended listening without frequent interruptions. Bose’s noise cancellation technology is among the best available, with ActiveSense smoothing out sudden noises and options to switch between full Quiet Mode and Aware Mode that lets you stay aware of your surroundings when needed. Connectivity is strong with Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint support, allowing seamless switching between devices like phones and laptops. The earbuds also feature noise-rejecting microphones and AI noise suppression for clear calls, even in windy or noisy locations.

Durability-wise, the IPX4 rating means the earbuds resist sweat and light splashes, suitable for workouts or rainy weather but not for swimming. Controls are managed mainly through the Bose app, which offers customization and updates but might be less intuitive for those preferring physical buttons. These earbuds suit users prioritizing premium noise cancellation, customizable sound, and stable wireless connections for everyday use. However, those wanting longer battery life or full waterproofing might find the 6-hour playtime and IPX4 rating limiting. The reliance on app controls could also be a minor drawback for less tech-savvy users.