10 Best Apple Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Max are premium over-ear headphones that deliver rich, high-fidelity sound thanks to Apple’s custom dynamic drivers and advanced audio processing. They shine with pro-level Active Noise Cancellation that effectively reduces background noise, making them great for immersive listening, while the Transparency mode lets you hear the surroundings when needed. Comfort is well thought out with memory foam ear cushions and a breathable mesh canopy, although they are on the heavier side compared to typical headphones, which might feel bulky during long sessions.

The battery life is solid, providing up to 20 hours of playback even with noise cancellation and spatial audio active, and quick charging gives about 1.5 hours of use from just five minutes of charging. Connectivity is seamless within the Apple ecosystem via Bluetooth 5.0 and the H1 chip, allowing effortless pairing and automatic device switching. Controls are intuitive with a Digital Crown for volume and playback, plus a button to toggle noise modes. The headphones come in five stylish colors, including purple, and charge via USB-C, which is convenient for users with other Apple devices.

On the downside, the AirPods Max lack water resistance, so they're not ideal for sweaty workouts or rainy conditions, and their high price point might be a consideration. Durability feels premium but requires careful handling due to the delicate mesh headband and smart case design. These headphones are best suited for Apple users looking for top-tier sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and seamless integration with their devices, especially for music, movies, or calls in quiet or noisy environments.

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are designed for users seeking high-quality wireless earbuds with advanced features. They offer impressive sound quality, thanks to a new acoustic design that delivers richer bass, clear vocals, and a three-dimensional spatial audio experience, making music and movies more immersive. Comfort is improved with five sizes of ear tips to ensure a secure, personalized fit that also helps maintain sound quality. Battery life is solid, providing up to 8 hours of listening with active noise cancellation on, or 10 hours in transparency mode, which is longer than many competing models.

Their noise cancellation is notably effective, reportedly removing twice as much unwanted noise compared to the previous generation, helping users stay focused in noisy environments. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth and Apple's automatic switching feature, allowing easy transition between Apple devices. Controls are user-friendly, featuring touch and voice commands via Siri for managing calls, music, and volume without needing to reach for your phone. Additional useful features include heart rate sensing for fitness tracking, live translation, and hearing health tools like conversation boost and hearing tests, adding value for active and health-conscious users.

The earbuds are also water resistant and come with a MagSafe charging case that supports USB-C charging, although the charging cable is not included. While the earbuds offer many advanced features, some users might find the price higher compared to other brands with similar sound quality but fewer extras. Full benefit from features like live translation and heart rate monitoring relies on integration with an iPhone and Apple's ecosystem. These earbuds suit Apple users who want high fidelity sound, effective noise cancellation, and smart health and communication features bundled into a comfortable, durable design.

The Beats Studio Pro headphones offer rich, immersive sound with their custom acoustic platform and support lossless audio via USB-C, which is great if you care about high-quality music. They provide excellent noise cancellation with adaptive ANC and a transparency mode to stay aware of your surroundings, making them ideal for travel or noisy environments. Comfort-wise, the over-ear design with faux leather pads should feel snug without being tight, though they might get warm after long sessions.

Battery life is impressive at up to 40 hours, and a quick 10-minute charge can add 4 hours of playback, so you won’t often worry about running out of power. Connectivity is seamless, especially with Apple devices, thanks to one-touch pairing and Bluetooth 5.3, delivering a stable connection with less dropouts and a strong wireless range. Controls are versatile, combining touch buttons and voice commands, letting you manage music, calls, and Siri easily.

They come with a handy foldable design and a woven carrying case for protection, but keep in mind they are not water-resistant, so they aren’t the best choice for sweaty workouts or rainy weather. These headphones suit users who want premium sound, long battery life, and advanced noise cancellation for everyday use, though they might be pricier and less suitable for active sports due to their lack of water resistance.