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 Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Earbuds (2nd Gen) deliver impressive sound quality with deep bass and immersive audio that makes music feel rich and spacious. Thanks to CustomTune technology, the earbuds adapt to your ear shape, enhancing comfort and delivering personalized sound. There is a good selection of eartips and stability bands to help most users find a snug and comfortable fit that also helps block outside noise.

Battery life is solid, offering up to 6 hours of playtime per charge, with the wireless charging case providing three additional full charges. This means you can enjoy extended listening without frequent interruptions. Bose’s noise cancellation technology is among the best available, with ActiveSense smoothing out sudden noises and options to switch between full Quiet Mode and Aware Mode that lets you stay aware of your surroundings when needed. Connectivity is strong with Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint support, allowing seamless switching between devices like phones and laptops. The earbuds also feature noise-rejecting microphones and AI noise suppression for clear calls, even in windy or noisy locations.

Durability-wise, the IPX4 rating means the earbuds resist sweat and light splashes, suitable for workouts or rainy weather but not for swimming. Controls are managed mainly through the Bose app, which offers customization and updates but might be less intuitive for those preferring physical buttons. These earbuds suit users prioritizing premium noise cancellation, customizable sound, and stable wireless connections for everyday use. However, those wanting longer battery life or full waterproofing might find the 6-hour playtime and IPX4 rating limiting. The reliance on app controls could also be a minor drawback for less tech-savvy users.

Apple EarPods with a 3.5mm plug are wired earbuds designed with comfort in mind. Their unique shape fits the ear better than traditional round earbuds, making them comfortable for most people to wear for extended periods. The sound quality is decent, offering clear and balanced audio since the speakers are made to reduce sound loss. However, these earbuds don’t have active noise cancellation; they rely only on sound isolation, so they won’t block out loud background noise very well.

Since they are wired, there’s no battery life to worry about, which can be a plus if you prefer simple plug-and-play use without charging. Compatibility is broad, working with any device that has a standard headphone jack, making them versatile for phones, laptops, and gaming consoles. The built-in remote and microphone allow easy control of music playback, calls, and volume right from the cord, which is convenient and responsive.

On the downside, they are not water-resistant, so using them in the rain or during heavy exercise could risk damage. The plastic build feels lightweight but may not hold up well to rough handling over time. These EarPods suit users who want straightforward, reliable wired earbuds with good comfort and decent sound, especially if they value plug-in simplicity and are not expecting advanced features like noise cancellation or waterproofing.