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10 Best Headphones 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Wireless Earbuds, Ear Buds Active Noise Cancelling with Charging Case, 6.0 Bluetooth Earbuds with AI Clear Calls, 40H Playtime for Sports & Working, Stereo Sound Headphones for iPhone/Android/iPad

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,476
Sound Quality (Frequency Response, Drivers)
Noise Cancellation
Wireless vs. Wired

Most important from
821 reviews

Sound Quality (Frequency Response, Drivers)
These earbuds deliver clear, balanced sound with surprisingly strong bass for their compact size.
Noise Cancellation
Noise isolation is effective enough for commuting or office use, balancing awareness and immersion.
Wireless vs. Wired
Bluetooth connection is stable with no noticeable dropouts, ensuring reliable wireless performance.
Battery Life
Battery life easily lasts through a full day, reducing the need for frequent recharging.
Comfort and Fit
The fit is super comfortable and secure, making them ideal for long periods of use.

These wireless earbuds are designed as in-ear headphones, ideal if you want something compact and portable. They excel in noise cancellation, with active noise cancellation (ANC) blocking up to 45 dB of outside noise, allowing you to concentrate in noisy places. A handy Transparency Mode also keeps you aware of your surroundings when needed, which is great for safety. Sound quality is strong thanks to 13 mm drivers, offering balanced bass, mids, and highs with five EQ settings to tailor music to your taste. Calls come through clearly as well, supported by dual microphones that reduce background noise effectively.

The Bluetooth 6.0 connection promises quick pairing and stable use up to 33 feet away, with very low delay suitable for gaming or videos. Battery life is impressive with 8 hours per charge and an additional 32 hours from the charging case, plus a quick 10-minute charge provides 2 more hours of playback. Comfort is prioritized with an ergonomic design and three ear tip sizes, making them suitable for most ear shapes, while the IPX7 rating means they can handle sweat and rain, perfect for workouts or commuting.

A standout feature is the smart touchscreen charging case, which lets you control music, calls, and even take photos without touching your phone, adding convenience but potentially a learning curve. The build quality uses lightweight plastic, making them easy to carry but possibly less durable if dropped hard. These earbuds are well suited for active users and professionals seeking solid sound, easy controls, and reliable noise cancellation in a compact wireless package, although those preferring physical buttons or a sturdier case might want to consider alternatives.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,476
Sound Quality (Frequency Response, Drivers)
Noise Cancellation
Wireless vs. Wired

Most important from
821 reviews

Sound Quality (Frequency Response, Drivers)
These earbuds deliver clear, balanced sound with surprisingly strong bass for their compact size.
Noise Cancellation
Noise isolation is effective enough for commuting or office use, balancing awareness and immersion.
Wireless vs. Wired
Bluetooth connection is stable with no noticeable dropouts, ensuring reliable wireless performance.
Battery Life
Battery life easily lasts through a full day, reducing the need for frequent recharging.
Comfort and Fit
The fit is super comfortable and secure, making them ideal for long periods of use.
#2

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, H2 Chip, USB-C Charging

Rating
9.8
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Noise Cancellation

Most important from
37590 reviews

Sound Quality
The sound quality is stunning, with some pitches even surpassing the over-ear AirPods Max.
Comfort and Fit
The added ear tips enhance comfort and fit, especially for those with smaller ears.
Noise Cancellation
The new AirPods Pro 2 have an improved Active Noise Cancellation that is notably better than the first generation.
Battery Life
Charging is impressively fast, both for the AirPods in the case and the case itself, with the USB-C cord being a convenient addition.
Durability and Build Quality
These earbuds are durable, surviving drops and scratches, proving their long-lasting build.
Additional Features
Adaptive audio and the new Find My capabilities for both the case and the AirPods are incredibly useful features.

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds are designed to offer a premium listening experience, making them ideal for users who value sound quality and advanced features. One of their standout strengths is the Active Noise Cancellation, which effectively reduces background noise, enhancing music and call clarity. The Transparency mode is also a great addition, allowing users to remain aware of their surroundings while enjoying audio. The audio quality is impressive, thanks to the H2 chip, which delivers high-fidelity sound with clear highs and rich bass.

Comfort is another highlight, as the earbuds come with four sizes of silicone tips to ensure a secure fit for various ear shapes, making them suitable for extended wear. With an IP54 rating, they are resistant to dust, sweat, and water, making them an excellent choice for active users or those concerned about durability.

Battery life is decent, offering up to 6 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on, and a total of 30 hours with the charging case, which is convenient for daily use. The USB-C charging option is a modern touch, making it compatible with various devices. The price point can be on the higher side, which may not be justifiable for those who only need basic functionality. Additionally, while they work best with Apple devices, Android users may find some features limited or unavailable, such as spatial audio and certain Siri functionalities. The AirPods Pro 2 are well-suited for Apple users looking for high-quality sound, effective noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit during daily activities or workouts.

Rating
9.8
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Noise Cancellation

Most important from
37590 reviews

Sound Quality
The sound quality is stunning, with some pitches even surpassing the over-ear AirPods Max.
Comfort and Fit
The added ear tips enhance comfort and fit, especially for those with smaller ears.
Noise Cancellation
The new AirPods Pro 2 have an improved Active Noise Cancellation that is notably better than the first generation.
Battery Life
Charging is impressively fast, both for the AirPods in the case and the case itself, with the USB-C cord being a convenient addition.
Durability and Build Quality
These earbuds are durable, surviving drops and scratches, proving their long-lasting build.
Additional Features
Adaptive audio and the new Find My capabilities for both the case and the AirPods are incredibly useful features.

Buying Guide for the Best Headphones

Choosing the right headphones can greatly improve your listening experience, whether you're enjoying music, podcasts, gaming, or taking calls. With many different types and features available, it's helpful to understand what matters most for your intended use. Think about where you'll use your headphones the most—at home, commuting, working out, or in the office. This will help you prioritize the features and specs that are most important for your comfort and enjoyment.
Type (Over-ear, On-ear, In-ear)This refers to the design and how the headphones fit on or in your ears. Over-ear headphones have large ear cups that cover your ears entirely and often provide the best sound quality and noise isolation, making them great for home or studio use. On-ear headphones rest on top of your ears and can be more compact for travel, but may not block as much noise. In-ear headphones (earbuds) fit directly into your ear canal, are lightweight and highly portable—ideal for active use, like running or commuting. Choosing between these types depends on your preferences for comfort, portability, and where you'll use them most.
Sound Quality (Frequency Response, Drivers)Sound quality is what your headphones actually sound like and is influenced by technical details such as frequency response and driver size. Frequency response tells you the range of sounds the headphones can reproduce; a wider range means more detailed highs and deeper lows. Driver size can impact how much sound is produced, with larger drivers often providing better bass. For a casual listener, most modern headphones will sound good, but if you're an audiophile or enjoy high-fidelity music, look for headphones with a wide frequency range and quality drivers.
Noise CancellationThis feature reduces unwanted external sounds so you can focus on what you're listening to. Active noise cancellation (ANC) electronically cancels out background noise, while passive noise isolation relies on the headphone's physical design to block sound. ANC is great for travelers or noisy environments, while passive isolation can be sufficient for quieter places. Consider your typical listening environment when deciding how important noise cancellation is for your headphones.
Wireless vs. WiredWireless headphones connect to your devices via Bluetooth, offering the convenience of no cables, especially useful for commuting or exercising. Wired headphones rely on a physical cable and can provide better sound quality without worrying about battery life, which is ideal for desk work or high-quality audio needs. Choose based on how often you want to move around without restriction or prioritize the best audio consistency.
Battery LifeFor wireless headphones, battery life determines how long you can use them between charges. Headphones can range from a few hours to over a day of continuous use. If you plan long listening sessions or often forget to recharge, look for headphones with longer battery life or quick-charging features. If you use headphones only briefly or near a charger, shorter battery life may not be a problem.
Comfort and FitHow comfortable the headphones feel during long periods of use is important, especially if you wear them all day or during workouts. Features like adjustable headbands, padded ear cups, or customizable ear tips make a big difference. Try to pick headphones with comfort features that match your intended use: lightweight options for sports, padding for all-day wear, or sweat-resistant materials for exercise.
Microphone and ControlsIf you plan to use your headphones for calls or voice commands, having a quality built-in microphone and easily accessible controls is crucial. Some headphones have on-cable or on-device buttons to change volume, skip tracks, or answer calls. Make sure the controls and microphone quality match your needs, especially if you anticipate frequent calls or interactions without taking your device out.
Durability and Build QualityDurability refers to how well the headphones can withstand daily use, including drops, moisture, and general wear. Look for features like reinforced cables, water resistance, or sturdy materials if you plan to use your headphones in tough conditions. If you’re mostly using them at a desk or at home, this may be less of a priority, but for portable or gym use, build quality becomes much more important.

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