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 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.