Best earbuds for iPhone in 2025

While many music listeners want to reach for large, over-the-ear cans, they aren't always the most practical choice when it comes to lightweight, easy listening. Yes, over-ear headphones often have better sound quality and noise cancelation but, as the audio quality among in-ear headphones gets better and better, we find ourselves frequently reaching for our buds and pods. Earbuds are generally comfortable to wear, fit in your pocket, and often have smaller price tags. And they work with just about any device, including your iPhone.

We've collected a list of the best earbuds for your iPhone, covering everything from earphones with award-winning active noise cancelation (ANC) to wingtip models that won’t stress your ear canal to buds that will help lull you to sleep. If you’re looking for new earbuds for your iPhone, give one of these a whirl.

The best earbuds for iPhone

It feels like a no-brainer, but the AirPods Pro 2 are our top pick because they work seamlessly between Apple products, so you can rest assured there won’t be any unexpected compatibility issues. They don't look that different from previous AirPods, but the innards sport Apple's newest H2 chip. It adds an extra 1.5 hours of battery life and takes ANC and Active Transparency up a notch. They still don’t quite measure up to meet what you'll get on over-ear cans or more expensive options, but they do a fantastic job of muting sounds.

The U1 chip in the rechargeable case gets a big thumbs up, too. Its integrated speaker makes locating your lost buds easier with the Find My app. Instead of the near-silent chirp that the original AirPods Pro emitted, the tone is now loud enough to make out from another room.

Music playback and answering calls happen by clicking the pressure-sensitive stems, and you'll get the new ability to swipe up and down on the stems to adjust the volume. It's not exactly a groundbreaking feature, as Bose has had this for years, but it's still appreciated.

Apple has always done audio quality right, and these headphones have improved upon an already admirable score. The Pros use the same 11mm driver, but with the updated H2 chip and amplifier, the sound is fuller and more well-balanced. Spatial Audio, which is somewhat akin to surround sound on steroids, puts you front and center, making tunes come alive. Overall, as we found in our review, the AirPods Pro 2 have a superb, balanced sound.

The Pros miss the mark by skimping out on Bluetooth multipoint, though the buds do switch effortlessly between products registered to the same iCloud account. But if your daily driver is an iPhone, or you're deeply invested in Apple, it's an easy choice to go with the brag-worthy performance of the AirPods Pro 2.

When it comes to connectivity and compatibility, Dr. Dre's ever-popular Beats are just as good as Apple AirPods (because the brand was purchased by Apple back in 2014). Apple has since integrated its own technology, further elevating the capabilities of Beats, particularly for iOS users. The Powerbeats Pro is a particularly popular model featuring an ear-hook design for extra stability, nine hours of battery life, and the same Apple H1 chip that powers the 2nd gen AirPods. The similarities continue with Spatial Audio support, voice assistant capabilities, autoplay/pause, and one-step pairing.

Perhaps our favorite feature is the Audio Sharing capabilities which allow you to pair two sets of Beats to one streaming device, so you can listen to phone calls, music, and more with another person (no more having to split up a single pair of buds).

Notably, these earbuds don't have active noise cancelation, despite a fairly high price tag. However, the sound and build quality feel worth it, especially if you've enjoyed the standard AirPods models (or you need the extra security for workouts).

If you want to command every aspect of your buds, Sony’s WF-1000XM5 will scratch that itch. The newest model in Sony's excellent line of earbuds, the WF-1000XM5, is a great option if you want to go all out and purchase a premium pair of high-performing earbuds. While you will need to use an app to connect and adjust settings, pairing and compatibility with the iPhone is easy. The Sony Headphones Connect app gives you a software-based dashboard with an easy-to-use equalizer. You can also perform various functions in the app, like adjusting ANC, viewing remaining battery life, and turning on multipoint connection, which lets you connect to two devices simultaneously.

We already liked the XM4, but the XM5 have managed to bring about even better audio, despite being 25% smaller. Upgraded memory foam tips seal out the bustle of the world around you, and top-of-the-line ANC takes conversations around you down to almost nothing. Larger drivers mean more clarity across frequency ranges. However, like its predecessors, the bass is a bit aggressive out of the box with the default equalizer settings, but that can be changed and tuned to your tastes with the Sony app. While the smaller design is a welcome change, combined with the glossy finish, the buds can be a little hard to handle when taking them out or putting them in the case, but this shouldn't be a dealbreaker.

The only real knock against the XM5, when it comes to iPhone use, is the lack of hands-free voice assistant capabilities. While you can still access Siri with a long tap on the buds, simply saying "Hey, Siri" won't do anything.

The Beats Flex are almost always available for $50 and feature the same compatibility perks as other Beats models and AirPods. While the sound quality here doesn't exactly stack up against more expensive models, the Flex include a host of great features, like 12 hours of battery life, a 10-minute quick charge for an additional 90 minutes of battery, four eartip sizes, and anti-tangle cable; plus, you get to choose from a variety of fun colors, like Yuzu Yellow and Flame Blue. While most earbuds want to forgo wires entirely, we actually like the cable design. How many times have you lost a pod or bud in your pocket because you had to suddenly take them out to talk to someone? The cable means these earbuds can lay neatly around your neck whenever you don't want to wear them in your ears and snapping them together, magnetically, can automatically pause your music.

The W1 chip means compatibility means great compatibility with the iPhone; though you won't find any multipoint connectivity. Plus, you can charge with USB-C, which cuts down on your travel cable count when you bring your MacBook.

The AirPods 3 make our list of the best wireless earbuds, so they, of course, make the iPhone-specific list. They rest in your ears sans silicone tips, so they’re a good choice for those who feel a little claustrophobic with the AirPods Pro or can’t find the right fit with ear tips.

Personalized Spatial Audio, which makes it feel like the sound adjusts as you turn your head, is decent. It feels more immersive when you can create a seal with ear tips, like with the AirPods Pro, but the sound is noticeably improved from previous generations. Also new this go-round is a shorter stem design and a MagSafe case that will hold out for an hour longer than its predecessor.

You can share sounds from your iPhone, AppleTV, or iPad with a friend with the AirPods 3. These buds also switch automatically between Apple devices, so if you start watching a movie on AppleTV and grab your iPhone to finish the flick while on the move, the sound transfers instantly.

The AirPods 3 are frequently on sale, and when marked down, they’re one of the best picks for iPhones out there. At full price, though, you may want to consider going with the older AirPods 2, which will cost you less than a Benjamin and perform similarly.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are here replacing the QuietComfort Earbuds II, primarily because they aren't more expensive and they are the newer model, so, why not upgrade? These buds have CustomTube technology and integrated spatialized, immersive audio, which allows for a "more spacious, natural listening experience," giving you the sense that your music is surrounding you rather than a perceivable straight shot from the bud to the ear canal.

The QuietComfort Ultra also have excellent ANC, an IPX4 rating, touch controls, and stability bands for a secure, yet comfortable fit. These buds are notably Snapdragon-certified, but this only matters if you are using them with an Android or other Snapdragon-certified device.

The ergonomic shape of the Beats Fit Pro, coupled with flexible wingtips and multiple-sized tips, work in tandem to give you a precise, secure fit that grips your ears without being uncomfortable and holds on through walks, workouts, and casual use.

The Beats Fit Pro operate with button controls on each bud. Clicking one of the buttons will answer calls, switch between calls, play tracks, and pause music. And because they feature Apple's H1 chip for fast pairing, you can also call up Siri to change the volume, get directions, or perform other everyday tasks.

These buds use adaptive ANC that constantly makes minor background adjustments. Like most Beats, these are a tad heavy on the bass, but in a good way. There’s plenty of thumping and bumping, but it doesn’t drown out the treble notes or mid-tones, giving you a relatively solid middle-of-the-road experience.

For working out, nothing beats the Jaybird Vista 2 earbuds. ANC works well but is not on par with the AirPods Pro or Bose option, and a Jaybird feature called SurroundSense lets in enough environmental noise that bikers and runners can hear approaching traffic.

Each Vista 2 bud has dual microphones covered by WindDefense fabric that prevents gusts and breezes from overriding your voice during calls. It’s a cool feature for hikers, bikers, and outdoor runners.

I love the IP68 waterproof rating. It means your buds remain safe from water, sweat, and dust, which is just the right amount of toughness for earbuds that may take a beating during a workout or trek in the woods. The 6mm drivers and customizable EQ profiles are also a plus. The sound is just OK. The bass is punchy enough to keep you motivated during your run but not so overpowering as to drown the vocals. The Jaybirds 2 don't have as full of a sound profile as you'd get with other options on this list, even when fiddling with the EQ, but they're on par with other workout buds.

The Jaybird Vista 2s are an absolute bargain and one of the best earbuds for iPhone users who need a sound system that can survive the gym.

The Shokz OpenFit earbuds are particularly great for those who exercise outdoors and need to remain aware of their surroundings. These open-ear buds don't obscure your ear canals, so you can hear important alerts like car horns, passing runners, and more. Unlike other Shokz models, these are "earbuds" forgoing the brand's typical wrap-around band for lightly weighted ear hooks which provide a secure, stable fit. They are equipped with Shokz' DirectPitch technology for upgraded audio quality and OpenBass for a more present low range despite the open-ear design. The OpenFit have an IP54 rating, 7 hours of single charge playback, tap controls, and customizable listening options via the Shokz App.

While the OpenFit have maintained a strong position, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds have stormed onto the scene, retailing for over $100 more than the OpenFit - we are excited to test them and see if they knock the OpenFit out of the top spot.

If catching quality Zs is a problem, the Soundcore Sleep A10 earbuds may be the ticket to a good night's rest. Unlike the other choices on this list, the A10s put the focus on masking noise and not solely on sound quality.

The A10s are on our list of the best headphones and earbuds for sleep, but they don’t shine in the audio department. There is a music mode in the app where you can play with the EQ, but because the volume level is capped, the bass a little overdone, and the mids run flat, you’re better off using these as they were intended, as sleeping aids, and not as your everyday listening device.

The minuscule A10s sit comfortably in your ear, though they take some time to get used to, especially for side sleepers. The A10s have what they call Adaptive Noise Masking. This is not the same as ANC. Through Soundcore’s app, you can choose from a decent selection of sleep sounds like rain, pink noise, or quiet music. You can also stream anything from your playlist if that’s more your style.

The Sleep A10s track your sleep quality, habits, and activity at night, much like the Apple Watch or your favorite fitness tracker. As a sleeping tool, the A10s are in a class of their own. Their biggest drawback is the lack of ANC and “just average” sound quality.

Yes, generally speaking, those searching for earbuds are looking for wireless options. However, if you don't mind the tether to your phone, you can get surprisingly solid audio for under $20. We don't all need fancy features to make it through our morning commutes. In fact, sometimes it's better to go with an option that's reliable, will never die, but won't be a hit to your wallet if they accidentally get lost. They are designed to connect via your iPhone's lightning port, and they're good to go - no pairing, no charging case, no software. So if you're looking for something cheap to supplement your premium over-ear cans, or you just don't need anything fancy overall, consider reaching for the classic EarPods.

Best earbuds for iPhone 2024: Final thoughts

If you want your earbuds to play nice with all your Apple devices, the AirPods Pro 2 is the best choice for your money. They’re on the pricier side, but the hassle-free compatibility, impressive battery life, MagSafe charging, and ANC are standout features you can’t ignore. I often work from coffee shops and hotels, and the AirPods Pro’s ANC blocks out voices around me, allowing me to focus.

If you don’t appreciate stems in your buds, Sony’s WF-1000XM5 may be a better pick. They’re stemless, have a software-based equalizer, and have multipoint support. And if you’re looking for a bargain, the affordable JBL Vibe Beams are sure to please. They deliver rich bass, have an 8-hour battery life, and won’t weigh down your budget.