10 Best In Ear Earbuds 2025 in the United States

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 Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are a solid choice if you're looking for in-ear earbuds with strong sound and smart features. Their sound quality is enhanced by an Adaptive Equalizer and AI-driven noise cancellation that adjusts based on your surroundings, helping you focus on music or calls without distractions. Comfort has been improved with a redesigned fit, making them suitable for longer wear. Battery life offers about 6 hours of playback per charge, with an additional 26 hours available from the charging case, which also supports wireless and fast charging.

Noise cancellation is effective and adapts automatically, but if you're in very noisy environments, some users might expect a bit stronger blocking. Connectivity uses Bluetooth 5.4, providing a stable wireless connection within about 10 meters, which is typical for this kind of device. The earbuds are water resistant, so they're safe for light sweat or rain, but not for swimming. Controls are touch-based and customizable, allowing easy management of music and calls. Additional handy features include real-time translation through the Samsung app, which is unique and useful if you often interact in multiple languages.

The charging time of about 2 hours is a bit long, and while the earbuds have a sleek, lightweight design, their durability mostly covers everyday use rather than harsh conditions. For those seeking premium sound, adaptive noise cancelling, and smart extras in a comfortable, stylish pair of earbuds, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are a fitting option—especially if you use Samsung devices to get the most from the AI features.

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.