10 Best Earbuds 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods 4 are a solid choice in the earbud category, especially for users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem. One of the standout features is their impressive sound quality, enhanced by the H2 chip, which also improves call quality through voice isolation. The personalized spatial audio creates an immersive listening experience, making them great for music, movies, and gaming. Battery life is commendable; you can get up to 5 hours on a single charge, and with the charging case, you can enjoy up to 30 hours total. The redesigned case now includes USB-C for convenient charging.

Comfort is another plus, as the AirPods 4 have been rebuilt for a better fit, making them suitable for long listening sessions. They're also dust, sweat, and water-resistant (IP54), which adds durability for active users or those who might use them during workouts.

While they excel in various areas, they lack active noise cancellation, which might be a drawback for those looking for complete immersion in noisy environments. The touch controls, while intuitive, might take some getting used to, especially for users who prefer physical buttons. Additionally, the price point may be higher than some competing earbuds, making them less accessible for budget-conscious consumers.

The Apple EarPods Headphones with Lightning Connector offer several strengths and some notable drawbacks. Their design is tailored to the geometry of the ear, providing superior comfort for many users compared to traditional circular earbuds. The high-quality audio output ensures a pleasant listening experience, with engineered speakers that maximize sound and minimize loss. The built-in remote is a convenient feature, allowing users to control volume, playback, and phone calls easily without reaching for their device.

Compatibility is a strong point, as these EarPods work seamlessly with devices that have a Lightning connector and support iOS 10 or later, including iPhones, iPads, and iPods. The integrated microphone captures voice clearly, enhancing phone calls, FaceTime, and Siri interactions. However, there are some downsides. Battery life is not a concern for these wired EarPods, but the lack of noise cancellation may be a drawback for users seeking an immersive audio experience. Additionally, they are not water-resistant, which limits their use during workouts or in wet conditions.

While the wired connectivity ensures stable and hassle-free use, it might be less convenient for users accustomed to wireless earbuds. The price point is reasonable given the brand and features, but the absence of advanced features like wireless connectivity and active noise cancellation might deter some potential buyers. The Apple EarPods with Lightning Connector are best suited for users who prioritize comfort, sound quality, and seamless integration with Apple devices over more advanced features like noise cancellation and water resistance.

The Beats Studio Buds + are a solid choice if you're looking for true wireless earbuds that combine good sound and convenience. Thanks to Beats’ custom acoustic design, the sound is rich and immersive, making music and calls enjoyable. They offer active noise cancellation that effectively blocks unwanted noise, plus a transparency mode to hear your surroundings when needed. Fit-wise, the earbuds come with four different silicone tip sizes, which helps many users find a comfortable and secure seal, important for both sound quality and comfort during longer use.

Battery life is impressive, with up to 36 hours of listening when you count the charging case, so you won’t have to recharge often. Connectivity is strong with Class 1 Bluetooth, providing a reliable connection with minimal dropouts up to 100 meters, and pairing with Apple or Android devices is quick and easy. The earbuds also support spatial audio for a more immersive listening experience. Controls are versatile, including touch, button, voice commands, and app options, allowing you to manage music or calls easily.

On the downside, while they are sweat and water resistant (IPX4), they may not be the best fit for heavy rain or swimming. Also, being plastic, the charging case feels light but might not be as sturdy as some premium alternatives. These earbuds are particularly well suited for daily commuting, fitness activities, and casual listening, especially if you value a balance of sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort without a steep learning curve.