10 Best Ear Earbuds 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 offer impressive sound quality with three-dimensional audio that brings out deep bass, clear details, and vivid vocals. Their active noise cancellation is notably strong, claiming to block twice as much unwanted noise compared to the previous generation, helping you focus in noisy environments. The earbuds come with five sizes of silicone tips, which improves fit and comfort, making them secure for most ear shapes and suitable for workouts or daily use.

Battery life is solid, providing up to 8 hours of listening with noise cancellation turned on, and up to 10 hours in transparency mode, which is competitive for true wireless earbuds. These AirPods feature Bluetooth 5.3 for reliable and seamless connectivity, especially if you use other Apple devices, thanks to automatic switching and audio sharing options. Durability is enhanced with water resistance and sweatproof design, making them good companions for exercise. Controls are intuitive, using touch and voice commands through Siri for easy media and call management.

The earbuds also include unique health-related features like heart rate sensing and hearing aid functions, which add extra value for fitness and hearing support. One downside is the price, which is on the higher side typical of Apple products, and the charging case does not include a USB-C cable, requiring a separate purchase if you don’t already have one. These earbuds are best suited for users who want premium sound, advanced noise cancellation, and smart health features, especially those already within the Apple ecosystem, though cost and accessory requirements may be considerations for budget-conscious buyers.

Apple's EarPods with USB-C plug offer a familiar and straightforward wired earbud experience, especially for users with devices that have USB-C ports. They stand out for their unique shape, designed to fit more comfortably for a wide range of ear sizes compared to traditional round earbuds. The sound quality is clear and balanced, thanks to speakers engineered to deliver good audio output while reducing sound loss. The built-in remote and microphone add convenient control over music, volume, and calls, making them practical for everyday use.

These EarPods do not offer active noise cancellation, only basic sound isolation, so they might not block out loud environments effectively. Since they are wired, there is no need to worry about battery life, but the cable itself is not water-resistant and may not be as durable as some more rugged earbuds. Connectivity is reliable and simple via the USB-C plug, but this also limits compatibility to devices with a USB-C port, which is mostly newer Apple and some Android devices.

They lack advanced features found in wireless earbuds, such as touch controls or customizable sound settings. The price tends to reflect their Apple branding and solid build quality but may be higher than some basic wired earbuds. These EarPods suit users looking for comfortable, dependable wired earbuds with good sound for calls and music, without the need for wireless freedom or noise cancellation.

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds offer a distinct open-ear design that lets you stay aware of your surroundings while still enjoying your music. This feature is great if you want to hear ambient sounds, like traffic or conversations, making them suitable for outdoor activities like running or cycling. Sound quality is enhanced by Bose’s OpenAudio and Immersive Audio technologies, providing clear and spacious audio, though the lack of traditional noise cancellation means outside noise isn’t blocked out. Comfort is a strong suit with their lightweight, clip-on style that stays secure without feeling tight, ideal for long listening sessions.

Battery life is decent, offering up to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge and up to 48 hours when including the charging case, which is handy for all-day use. The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connectivity, so switching between devices like your phone and laptop is smooth. Controls are straightforward with physical buttons and app support for updates and additional features.

They come with an IPX4 rating, meaning they resist splashes and sweat but aren’t fully waterproof, so they can handle workouts and light rain but not full water exposure. One downside is the absence of active noise cancellation, which might be a drawback if you want to block out noisy environments. Price-wise, these earbuds are positioned at a premium level, reflecting Bose’s reputation and technology. If you want earbuds that keep you aware of your environment without isolating you, with solid sound and comfort for active use, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are a strong choice. However, if noise cancellation or deep water resistance is a priority, you might want to consider other options.