10 Best In Ear Earbuds 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods 4 earbuds offer a blend of comfort, sound, and smart features that suit everyday users, especially those already in the Apple ecosystem. They are redesigned with a shorter stem and refined shape, making them stable and comfortable for long wear. Thanks to the H2 chip, sound quality is impressive, with clear voice calls assisted by Voice Isolation, and a rich, immersive experience through Personalized Spatial Audio that adjusts as you move your head.

Battery life supports up to 5 hours on a single charge and 30 hours with the charging case, which is smaller and now uses USB-C for quicker, more universal charging. Noise control features help reduce background sounds, though they focus more on isolation than full active noise cancellation, which might be a consideration if you seek deep noise blocking. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.3 and quick pairing to Apple devices, plus handy extras like Siri voice commands and the ability to share audio between two sets of AirPods.

The earbuds and case are IP54 rated for dust, sweat, and water resistance, making them suitable for workouts and light rain but not for heavy water exposure like swimming. Controls are intuitive with touch and press options, including novel head gestures for Siri, which add convenience. The charging cable is sold separately, which might be a minor inconvenience. For those who want earbuds that prioritize ease of use, smart features, and comfortable fit with good sound and moderate noise control, the AirPods 4 are a fitting choice. Users seeking stronger noise cancellation or a lower price may want to consider other alternatives.

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds are a premium choice in the in-ear-earbuds category, excelling in several key areas. One of their standout features is the Active Noise Cancellation, which effectively reduces background noise, making them ideal for use in noisy environments. The Transparency mode and Adaptive Audio ensure you can stay aware of your surroundings when needed, while the Conversation Awareness feature intelligently lowers volume during conversations, enhancing the user experience.

The sound quality is impressive, thanks to the Apple-designed H2 chip and custom-built drivers, delivering crisp highs and rich bass. Additionally, these earbuds offer personalized spatial audio, which adapts to your unique ear shape for an immersive listening experience. The customizable fit with four sizes of silicone tips ensures comfort and a secure fit for various ear shapes, making them suitable for extended use. Durability is another strong point, with an IP54 rating for dust, sweat, and water resistance, making them reliable for workouts and outdoor activities.

The battery life is competitive, providing up to 6 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation enabled and up to 30 hours with the charging case. The case itself is versatile, supporting multiple charging methods, including MagSafe, Apple Watch, USB-C, and Qi-certified chargers. However, the AirPods Pro 2 come at a premium price, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. Additionally, the best experience is achieved with Apple devices, so users of other platforms might not fully benefit from all features. Despite these few drawbacks, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 are packed with advanced features and are an excellent choice for those seeking high-quality sound, effective noise cancellation, and seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem.

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.