10 Best Earphones 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds bring several impressive features to the table, making them a strong contender in the earphones market. The sound quality is top-notch, thanks to the Apple-designed H2 chip and custom-built drivers that provide clear highs and rich bass. The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) effectively reduces background noise, and the Transparency mode allows you to stay aware of your surroundings when needed. For those prioritizing comfort, the earbuds come with four pairs of silicone tips in different sizes to ensure a snug fit for various ear shapes.

They are also IP54 dust, sweat, and water-resistant, enhancing their durability for active use. Battery life is solid, offering up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC enabled and up to 30 hours with the charging case. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a stable and efficient connection with various Apple devices. The case supports multiple charging options, including USB-C, MagSafe, and Qi-certified chargers, adding to the convenience.

Personalized Spatial Audio and Adaptive Audio features create an immersive listening experience tailored to your ear shape, which is a standout feature for audio enthusiasts. The premium price tag might be a deterrent for budget-conscious users. Additionally, while the earbuds work best with Apple devices, their functionality may be limited when used with non-Apple products. Despite these drawbacks, the AirPods Pro 2 are an excellent choice for users seeking high-quality sound, advanced noise cancellation, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.

The JBL Vibe Beam earbuds are a solid choice for those seeking true wireless earphones with a focus on deep bass sound. Equipped with 8mm drivers, these earbuds deliver high-quality audio with a pronounced bass, which is great for music enthusiasts who enjoy powerful sound. The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit, making them suitable for extended wear without discomfort. Additionally, their closed design helps in reducing external noise, thereby enhancing the listening experience.

The earbuds offer impressive battery life, with up to 32 hours in total (8 hours from the earbuds themselves and an extra 24 hours from the charging case). Speed charging allows for an additional two hours of playback with just 10 minutes of charging, which is convenient for users on the go. Hands-free calls are made easier with the VoiceAware feature, which helps you manage the volume of your own voice during calls. The IP54 rating for water and dust resistance means these earbuds can handle some exposure to the elements, though they may not be suitable for heavy rain or intense workouts.

Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring a stable connection with a range of up to 10 meters. One downside is that while the earbuds do offer some level of noise isolation, they do not have advanced active noise cancellation, which might be a drawback for users seeking complete noise reduction in noisy environments. The build quality is decent, although the plastic material might not feel as premium as some other options. The JBL Vibe Beam is a great option for those looking for comfortable, bass-heavy earbuds with strong battery life and reliable connectivity, though it may not fully satisfy users needing advanced noise cancellation or premium build quality.

The Beats Studio Buds are well-rounded true wireless earbuds that stand out for their sound quality, with a custom acoustic platform delivering powerful, balanced audio. These earbuds offer two listening modes: Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) for blocking out external noise and Transparency mode to let ambient sounds in, making them versatile for various environments. For comfort, they come with three sizes of soft ear tips, ensuring a stable and snug fit, which also helps with acoustic sealing and noise isolation. The IPX4 rating means they are sweat and water-resistant, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.

Battery life is decent with up to 8 hours of listening time on a single charge and a total of up to 24 hours with the charging case. The Fast Fuel feature is handy, providing an additional hour of playback with just a 5-minute charge. Connectivity is robust with Class 1 Bluetooth, which offers extended range and fewer dropouts, and they are compatible with both Apple and Android devices. Built-in microphones enhance call quality and voice assistant interactions.

However, some potential drawbacks include the lack of wireless charging (you must use the USB-C cable), and they may not be as comfortable for all ear shapes during prolonged use. The plastic build, while lightweight, may not feel as premium compared to other high-end models. Nevertheless, the Beats Studio Buds offer a solid mix of features and performance at a competitive price point, making them a good option for everyday use, especially for those who need reliable noise cancellation and are often on the go.