10 Best Earbuds 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 earbuds offer excellent sound quality with a new design that delivers richer bass and clear, detailed audio. They stand out in noise cancellation, removing twice as much background noise compared to the previous generation, which helps you focus on music or calls even in noisy environments. The earbuds come with five sizes of ear tips for a secure and comfortable fit, improving both comfort and sound performance.

Battery life is strong, providing up to 8 hours of listening time with noise cancellation on, and up to 10 hours in transparency mode, which is good for long use without frequent recharging. Controls are easy with touch and voice commands, and seamless switching between Apple devices adds convenience if you use multiple gadgets. They also include useful extras like heart rate sensing and live translation, which might appeal if you want more than just earbuds. The AirPods Pro 3 are water-resistant and sweatproof, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use.

Microphone quality is clear, supporting calls and voice commands well. On the downside, the package does not include a USB-C charging cable, so you need to use one you already own or buy separately. These earbuds are best suited for users invested in the Apple ecosystem to get the most out of features like spatial audio and device switching. The AirPods Pro 3 are a solid choice if you want premium sound, effective noise cancellation, and extra smart features wrapped in a comfortable, sporty design.

The Apple AirPods 4 are designed to offer a comfortable fit with a refined shape and shorter stem, making them suitable for all-day wear. They feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that effectively reduces background noise, while Transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings when needed. Thanks to the advanced H2 chip, you get personalized spatial audio that creates an immersive listening experience by adjusting sound based on your head movements. Sound quality is improved with a custom driver and adaptive EQ, delivering clear music and voice calls. Call quality is enhanced by Voice Isolation, which minimizes background noise during conversations.

Battery life provides up to 4–5 hours of listening with ANC on, extending to around 20–30 hours using the compact wireless charging case, which also supports USB-C charging. Controls include intuitive press buttons and voice commands via Siri, with the added convenience of nodding or shaking your head to respond to Siri prompts. Connectivity is seamless through Bluetooth 5.3, and pairing with Apple devices is quick and easy. The earbuds and case have an IP54 rating, offering good resistance to dust, sweat, and water, making them fit for workouts and light rain.

One consideration is that the battery life may be shorter than some competitors, especially with ANC enabled, and the AirPods are optimized mainly for Apple devices, which may limit some features on non-Apple gadgets. Additionally, the charging cable is sold separately. For users seeking earbuds that integrate tightly with Apple products, provide high sound quality, and offer solid noise cancellation with a comfortable fit, the AirPods 4 represent a compelling option.

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are a standout option in the earbuds category, particularly for users seeking premium sound quality and advanced features. One of their key strengths is the active noise cancellation, which effectively blocks out background noise, making them ideal for commuting or busy environments. The Transparency mode is a welcome feature that allows users to remain aware of their surroundings, perfect for outdoor activities.

Comfort is also a priority, as the earbuds come with multiple silicone tips to fit various ear shapes, ensuring a snug and secure fit. With a battery life of up to 6 hours on a single charge and a total of 30 hours with the charging case, they are well-suited for long listening sessions without frequent recharging.

Their sound quality is impressive, thanks to the custom Apple-designed H2 chip that enhances audio clarity and depth. The AirPods also include features like personalized spatial audio, which can elevate the listening experience, particularly for movies and music. Durability-wise, the IP54 rating means they are resistant to dust and sweat, making them suitable for workouts or outdoor use. However, they are not fully waterproof, so caution is needed around water.