While Apple is best known for laptops, smartphones, and tablets, they also make sleek headphones with a minimalist design. Their headphones are geared toward people who already use Apple products, and they fit seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem. Their lineup isn't very extensive and has limited functionality on Android, but their headphones effectively deliver the simple yet premium user experience that Apple is known for.
Updates
- 10/14/2025Apple AirPods Pro 3 reviewed
- 12/05/2024Apple AirPods Pro 2 updated
- 11/20/2024Apple AirPods 4 reviewed
- 11/14/2024Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation reviewed
- 01/26/2024Apple AirPods Max updated
Quick Look
Our How We Test Headphones article takes you behind the scenes in our lab. You'll learn how we choose and purchase products and dive into the details of our review philosophy, from testing and scoring to writing and editing.
You can also discover how we produce recommendations like this one, so that you can find the best headphones (or earbuds!) for your needs.
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Best Apple Earbuds
Travel8.6Office Work8.0Noise Isolation - Full Range9.7Recording Quality5.5See all our test resultsBattery7.5The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are the best Apple AirPods we've tested. These earbuds are the updated version of the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and offer a few improvements on their predecessor. Their ANC is a step up across the whole frequency range, so they do an outstanding job of reducing noise during your commute or at the office. By default, they have a slightly warm sound profile suitable for various genres and types of content. The manufacturer advertises their 'Adaptive EQ' to adjust their sound profile based on the buds' fit and your ear shape. They also have a brand-specific 'Spatial Audio' virtual surround sound feature to create a more immersive listening experience. However, like other Apple headphones, they lack customization features like an EQ.
They have a comfortable and stable fit for long listening sessions. They don't leak a lot of noise, either, so you can crank up the volume without annoying those around you. The earbuds' onboard controls now provide clicky feedback and include a volume function, which the original model lacks. Their roughly 9-hour battery life is a big improvement over the previous generation's 5.9, although the case now holds two charges instead of four. On the plus side, the case has a chip that allows you to find it using the 'Find My' app if you misplace it.
Like the Pro 2, the Pro 3 offer hearing-related features such as a hearing test, hearing protection, and even the ability to function as hearing aids (though these features are region-dependent, so be sure to check if they're available in your country). But the new generation also add a heart rate monitor and a much-improved IP57 rating, making the Pro 3 a better choice for jogs outdoors. Still, apart from the battery life gains and heart rate monitor addition, most of the improvements with the new generation are marginal, so if you can find a good deal on the Pro 2, they're still well worth considering.
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Best Open-Back Apple Headphones
If you're looking for earbuds that'll integrate with your iOS devices but don't jive with an in-ear fit, the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation offer you the best of both worlds. They feature the unlikely but welcome marriage of an open-back design with a high-performing ANC system. The fit won't suit everyone's ears, though, and a poor fit can impact stability. They also don't form a seal in your ear, like the Apple AirPods Pro 3, so the ANC system does a lot of heavy lifting to ensure the sounds of bus engines and background conversations are effectively blocked out. The noise isolation performance is very solid, especially for open-back buds, and they come with the full gamut of ANC-related features, like 'Transparency mode' and 'Adaptive Audio' (which keeps attenuation levels consistent with three toggleable presets).
Their sound profile veers towards sounding warm, as these buds can output a surprising amount of bass, given their open-back design. Kicks and 808s aren't brimming with boom, but they're not insubstantial either. The balanced mid-range helps render vocals and podcast content naturally too, but the roll-off in the treble range won't be to everyone's taste. As with the AirPods Pro 3, you get access to 'Spatial Audio,' which can introduce some DSP-induced width and dimensionality into your audio. Their 4.5 hours of continuous battery life might be paltry for some, but they charge quickly, and there are an extra four charges from the case. Rounding out the feature set is the H2 chip, which allows for seamless switching between Apple devices.
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Best Affordable Apple Headphones
If you want something easier on the wallet, then consider the Apple AirPods 4, which are the best AirPods at a more economical price point. They have similar specs to the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, except, of course, with the noticeable omission of an ANC system. They feature the same one-size-fits-all design that will fit comfortably in most ears but are liable to fall out if your ears are on the larger or smaller size. The lack of ANC means that their open-back design lets in a lot of external noise, which is less than ideal if you prefer to commute in peace. That said, if you'd like to remain aware of your environment, these buds come in at a significant discount compared to their ANC-equipped sibling.
The lack of ANC translates to a longer battery life too, coming in at a little under seven hours on a single charge (with four more in the case). When it comes to sound, these AirPods have outstanding compliance with our target in the bass and mid-ranges, meaning kicks sound punchy and vivid, while vocals and lead instruments are detailed and crisp. The treble range sounds quite veiled by comparison, though, with sibilants, like Ss and Ts, sounding muted and dull. As with the ANC variant, you get 'Spatial Audio' for a more immersive virtual soundstage, as well as the H2 chip for seamless pairing and flicking between different Apple devices.
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Best Apple Headphones
Travel8.2Office Work7.6Noise Isolation - Full Range9.4Recording Quality6.6See all our test resultsBattery8.3The Apple AirPods Max are the best Apple headphones we've tested. These iconic over-ears stand out from the rest of the lineup thanks to their sleek aluminum frames, which, unlike the AirPods, are available in trendy colorways like pink and blue. They have an outstanding active noise cancelling (ANC) system that can reduce bass-range noise like bus or plane engines, ambient chatter, and higher-pitched sounds like the hum of an A/C unit. Their aluminum build makes them feel sturdy, and their mostly flat sound profile offers a touch of extra thump and rumble that EDM and hip-hop fans will especially enjoy. They also provide a continuous battery life of over 21 hours, and Apple advertises that a five-minute quick charge can give you up to 1.5 hours of additional playback.
Unfortunately, there isn't a way to turn them off since even when you put them in their carrying case, they just enter a low-power mode. Their carrying case is only a sleeve that covers the two ear cups; using the headband as a handle lets you carry them around, but it won't be as protective as a sturdy zip-up case. Plus, the mesh fabric on the headband is a weak point of the build since it seems fragile and prone to tearing. That said, you can buy replacement parts for the mesh headband. Overall, these are a great option if you're looking for Apple headphones with a strong noise cancelling performance.
Compared To Other Brands
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Seamless integration with Apple devices.
Apple's wireless headphones all feature their W1/H1 or H2 chip, allowing them to pair seamlessly with your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. You can also purchase their wired earbuds with a Lightning or USB-C cable instead of a regular audio cable for compatibility with newer iPhones that don't have an audio jack.
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Compact yet comfortable earbud and in-ear options.
All their models are ultra-compact and super portable. The AirPods and AirPods Pro product lines have a lightweight earbud design that makes them barely noticeable once in your ears. The over-ear AirPods Pro Max are also quite comfortable on the head.
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Open-back and closed-back models available.
Apple is among the few brands with open- and closed-back earphone options. While the open-back EarPods and AirPods aren't always great if you're looking to block out noise while traveling or listening to bass-heavy music, many people prefer the extra awareness they facilitate.
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Few customization options.Apple prides itself on delivering a simple, intuitive user experience, but this comes at the expense of customizability. Many high-end headphones have a variety of customizable features like EQ options, room effects, or even different Bluetooth codecs. However, Apple's wireless headphones only provide basic features if you pair them with your phone, like ANC on/off and button mapping.
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Mediocre controls.
Since Apple's headphones are designed to complement their other products, their controls are generally not fully compatible with products from other brands. Some important functions, like volume control, are completely missing from some of their truly wireless models; you're expected to use Siri instead, which isn't always very convenient.
Apple vs Bose
Bose and Apple are strong competitors in the world of premium in-ears and often trade blows at the top of many "best of" lists. While Apple's headphones offer seamless integration with the rest of the brand's product ecosystem, Bose provides more variety in its lineup, with better customizability and a top-of-the-line active noise cancellation (ANC) system that makes them a go-to for peace and quiet. However, they lack Apple-exclusive features, like an 'Adaptive EQ.' For more info, check out our article on the best Bose headphones.
Apple vs Sennheiser
Sennheiser and Apple both produce premium earbuds for everyday use. However, Sennheiser has a greater variety of products. You can find everything from affordable gym earbuds to audiophile-standard over-ears, all of which have great sound quality and come with a wide set of features. However, the design and controls of their earbuds aren't as intuitive as Apple's. You can see more info on this brand in our article on the best Sennheiser headphones.
Apple vs Google
Google and Apple manufacture earbuds designed to pair seamlessly with other products in each brand's respective ecosystem. Google's buds are a little less pricey than Apple's and feel slightly less premium in their build. However, they're more customizable and come with a graphic EQ and presets via a companion app. Ultimately, your preference will depend on which ecosystem you already subscribe to.
Apple vs Bowers & Wilkins
Bowers & Wilkins and Apple are two very different companies. Bowers & Wilkins is a dedicated audio manufacturer that produces high-end speakers and headphones for audiophiles and home cinemas. Apple makes a wide range of consumer electronics that create a tech ecosystem. While both produce high-end headphones, Apple's tend to have better battery life and more robust controls. Neither of these companies offers sound customization settings for their audio products.
Apple vs Beats
Apple currently owns Beats, initially founded by Dr. Dre and Monster Inc. Since Apple purchased the brand, select models that share Apple tech have been released, like the H1 or H2 chip and 'Spatial Audio.' Unlike Apple, Beats expanded to include more substantial app support for Android devices. While originally known for delivering excited and bass-heavy sound profiles, Beats now releases more headphones with neutral voicings. To find out more, check out our article on the best Beats headphones.
Apple makes compact, portable earbuds and in-ear headphones suitable for casual, daily use. They're comfortable and easy to use with other Apple products. With the addition of the over-ear Apple AirPods Max, they've also set themselves apart from their competitors by using premium build materials. Unfortunately, the company's commitment to simplicity results in mediocre controls and a lack of customization options. Their lineup is small, and most of their products look more or less the same. Still, they have open- and closed-back models, which is rare for a brand with such a small lineup.
Lineup
Apple's headphones lineup is relatively small. They offer one pair of over-ear headphones and one pair of wired buds. The rest of their limited selection are premium wireless in-ears sold under the AirPods name, which have a few notable subcategories:
- AirPods: Apple's lowest-cost true wireless earbuds. Open-back, rigid plastic build that fits in your inner ear. No extra features.
- AirPods Pro: Their closed-back premium in-ear lineup. Earbuds with a plastic frame with a silicone tip that fits in your ear canal. They feature ANC and Adaptive EQ and support Spatial Audio via Apple Music.
- AirPods Max: Premium over-ear headphones. Minimalist plastic and metal build with customizable ear cup shells. They feature ANC and Adaptive EQ and support Spatial Audio via Apple Music.
- EarPods: Inexpensive wired earbuds that fit similarly to AirPods and are made of white hard plastic.
Recent Updates
Oct 14, 2025:
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are our new top pick for their outstanding noise isolation and added features such as a heart rate monitor. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are a cheaper alternative that perform almost as well as the Pro 3, for people who don't need the latest and greatest.
Feb 26, 2025:
We've updated the text for clarity and accuracy.
Nov 29, 2024:
We've updated this article to add the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation Truly Wireless as the open-back pick, as well as the Apple AirPods 4 Truly Wireless as the 'Best Affordable' pick. We've also made small updates to the text throughout the article.
Aug 05, 2024: We edited the text for clarity and style, but haven't made any changes to our picks.
May 15, 2024: A comparison to Beats has been added, the Apple EarPods are now listed in the lineup, and small text edits have been made throughout.
Conclusion
Apple is known for its commitment to simplicity: things should "just work" without complex features or unnecessary user intervention. They don't have many models in their lineup, but the headphones they've released fit the company's vision and perform well overall. Their headphones have sleek, minimalist designs and tend to sound pretty decent. However, they can get quite pricey, especially the more feature-packed models, but their wired earphones are cheap.
Many Apple users have experienced issues when they accidentally switched their audio to mono. Check out our article "What is Mono Audio?" to make sure you're not making this same mistake.