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 Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed with active lifestyles in mind, offering a secure and comfortable fit thanks to reinforced earhooks and multiple ear tip sizes. Their 20% lighter design compared to the previous model enhances comfort during long workouts or daily use. Sound quality is impressive, featuring Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, providing clear, immersive audio with balanced highs, mids, and punchy bass. The Active Noise Cancellation is Beats’ best yet, allowing you to focus fully on your music or calls, while Transparency mode keeps you aware of your surroundings.

One standout feature is the built-in heart rate monitor that tracks your pulse in real time, a handy tool for fitness enthusiasts. Battery life is excellent, delivering up to 45 hours with the charging case and 10 hours on a single charge, plus Fast Fuel charging offers 1.5 hours of playback from just 5 minutes of charging. The charging case is smaller and supports wireless Qi charging, although the USB-C cable is not included, which might be inconvenient for some.

Connectivity is strong with Class 1 Bluetooth, ensuring reliable pairing and call quality. The earbuds work seamlessly with both Apple and Android devices, offering features like one-touch pairing, customizable controls via the Beats app, and hands-free Siri. Water and sweat resistance (IPX4) makes these earbuds suitable for use in rain or intense workouts. Controls are versatile, combining physical buttons with touch and voice commands, so you can easily manage music, calls, and volume without interrupting your activity. These earbuds are particularly well-suited for athletes and fitness fans who want durable, feature-rich wireless earbuds with excellent sound and smart health tracking. Casual listeners or those seeking premium noise cancelling for commuting might find other models with stronger ANC or more neutral sound profiles worth considering.

The Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) are designed to offer a rich and immersive sound experience, featuring Personalized Spatial Audio and dynamic head tracking to create a surround-sound effect for music and movies. Adaptive EQ adjusts sound based on the shape of your ear, enhancing audio quality. The lightweight, in-ear design provides a comfortable fit for many users, though the lack of silicone tips may result in a less effective seal and sound isolation for some.

Battery life is strong, delivering up to 6 hours on a single charge and approximately 30 hours with the charging case, making them suitable for all-day use. Charging options include both Lightning and MagSafe. While these AirPods do not have active noise cancellation, their sound isolation performs adequately in everyday noisy environments.

Seamless connectivity is ensured within Apple devices by the H1 chip, with easy setup, quick device switching, and hands-free “Hey Siri” support. Controls are intuitive through a force sensor for play/pause, calls, and track skipping, which some users may find preferable to touch controls. The IPX4 sweat and water resistance rating makes them suitable for workouts and light rain, but not for swimming or heavy water exposure. Additional features like Audio Sharing allow two sets of AirPods to connect to a single device. These earbuds are ideal for users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem who seek high-quality sound and effortless integration, though those prioritizing active noise cancellation or customizable silicone tips may want to consider alternatives. Pricing reflects Apple’s premium branding and ecosystem advantages.