Apple have somewhat limited audio options at any given time, featuring only a few models under the AirPods lineup and their subsidiary brand, Beats. However, there's a good reason to gravitate to their offerings, as these products typically have a proprietary chip that offers two main features: fast initial pairing and seamless switching between Apple devices you've signed in on with the same Apple ID. That said, you should still care about the basics for earbuds like comfort for long listening sessions and artifact-free audio reproduction. Depending on your needs, you might want other features like active noise canceling to block out background sound or ear-hooks for stability when running. Since Apple's offerings are somewhat limited, we've also picked out some earbuds that are compatible with iOS, though they won't have proprietary-chip-exclusive features.
We've tested over 385 in-ears and earbuds; below are our recommendations for the best earphones for iPhone users. See our recommendations for the best earbuds with a mic and the best wireless earbuds.
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.
-
Best Earbuds For iPhone
TravelOffice WorkSports And FitnessNoise Isolation - Full RangeControlsComfortApp SupportSee all our test resultsContinuous Battery LifehrsThe best earbuds for iPhone are the Apple AirPods Pro 3. If many of their features weren't locked to iOS by default, they'd be in contention for our best wireless earbuds pick, but they're a no-brainer here. They seamlessly integrate with your iPhone and offer exclusive access to features like live translation, microphone voice isolation for calls and meetings, and even hearing aid functionality (region-dependent). The features are all backed by exceptional active noise cancelling (ANC) that ranks among the best of all the products we've tested; the system filters out engine rumble, airplane cabin din, and squeaky subway brakes with ease. Plus, you can squeeze out nine hours of continuous playback with ANC on, so you can get through a workday without a recharge, though there's still an extra two in the charging case if needed.
The buds come with Apple's proprietary chip that lets you easily switch between devices connected to the same Apple ID if you want to switch to your iPhone for a call after pausing a video on your MacBook. There's also a heart rate monitor and certification against significant dust and water exposure, making them a versatile companion if you're a runner. Ergonomically, the buds impress with a snug, comfortable fit in your ears. However, some people might find their deeper tips uncomfortable and prefer our open-earbud pick further down the list, which features a tip-less design.
-
Best Mid-Range Earbuds For iPhone
TravelOffice WorkSports And FitnessNoise Isolation - Full RangeControlsComfortApp SupportSee all our test resultsContinuous Battery LifehrsThe Nothing Ear (3) are the best wireless earbuds for iPhone we've tested at this price point. As you'd expect from a non-Apple-affiliated brand, the Nothing don't have a proprietary Apple chip like our top pick, the Apple AirPods Pro 3, and they don't let you migrate your audio seamlessly between the brand's laptops and mobile devices. But, if you're used to AirPods, these less expensive buds offer the same pinch-style stem controls and support quick pairing with iOS devices, which is rare for non-Apple buds. They also outdo our top pick's basic 3-band graphic sound customization with a comprehensive parametric EQ. Unfortunately, the lower spend means the Nothing have a less effective noise cancelling system; it still blocks out an impressive amount of rumble and high-pitched whine, but our top pick does a better job of quieting the voices of bystanders.
The buds have a bass-boosted default tuning which might be overwhelming for some, but you can tweak it to taste in the iOS-compatible app using presets or the previously mentioned EQ features. There's also a hearing test that you can use to automate the process and adjust the earbuds' tuning to suit your ears. Although the buds don't support Apple's execution of seamless device switching, they support Bluetooth multi-device pairing, so you can still switch between your iPhone and other Bluetooth devices (though not as smoothly).
-
Best Budget Earbuds For iPhone
Commute/TravelOfficeSports/FitnessNoise IsolationControlsComfortApp SupportSee all our test resultsContinuous Battery LifehrsThe Beats Flex Wireless offer fewer features than other picks on this list, but that's to be expected from budget earbuds. They take this spot over better-performing, similarly priced earbuds because they're the only entry we've tested that has a proprietary Apple chip at this price point. It's an older chip, but it allows you to quickly and easily pair your earbuds with an iPhone, though you don't get other features like Siri integration or seamless switching between other Apple devices. There's also no ANC on offer here, which might be a dealbreaker if you prefer to filter out distractions at the gym.
They stand out from other picks on this list since they have a neck-cable design that lets you hang them from your neck for a conversation without committing to fully storing them in a case. Unfortunately, their low price is reflected in their build, as some users have reported that their units stopped working within a year of purchase. As budget headphones, though, they're easier to replace if broken or lost. Their bass-heavy sound profile is well-suited for genres like EDM and hip-hop, thanks to their extra thump and boom, but there's no way to customize their sound on an iPhone without third-party apps.
-
Best Open Earbuds For iPhone
TravelOffice WorkSports And FitnessNoise Isolation - Full RangeControlsComfortApp SupportSee all our test resultsContinuous Battery LifehrsIf you want the Apple ecosystem integration of the Apple AirPods Pro 3, but with an open design and a less invasive fit, consider the Apple AirPods 5. They manage to isolate you from noise thanks to their amazing noise cancelling system, which is quite the feat with the lack of passive isolation common on tip-less, open designs. However, the noise isolation performance isn't perfect; you'll notice more engine rumble and high-pitched whirring machinery than you will with our top pick. It's also worth highlighting that the feeling of wearing tip-less earbuds can be polarizing; they're not inherently insecure, but can feel like they're just about to slip out (even if they're not going to).
The Apple AirPods 5 come in two versions: a wireless-charging and a non-wireless-charging variant. The wireless-charging version is advertised to have a longer battery life, swipe volume controls, and, as the name suggests, wireless charging for the case; we tested this version, but have no reason to suspect any differences in performance between the two variants outside those listed by Apple. Even with the longer battery on the wireless version, the AirPods 5's five-hour battery life is short compared to our top pick's nine. They have a flat profile with a bass and treble roll-off, which you may find veils cymbals and instruments and dampens kicks. Fortunately, you can bump up the bass and treble with a 3-band EQ as part of iOS 27 (or newer), with a surprising amount of headroom available.
-
Best Sports Earbuds For iPhone
TravelOffice WorkSports And FitnessNoise Isolation - Full RangeControlsComfortApp SupportSee all our test resultsContinuous Battery LifehrsThe Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 have large ear hooks, making them the best iPhone earbuds for sports that we've tested. While they're about as stable as the Apple AirPods Pro 3, the ear hooks can give you extra peace of mind during runs or gym workouts. They're also comfortable, well-built, and have a certification for resistance to water splashes, so they can withstand rain if you're exercising outside. Plus, you have access to a heart rate monitor like with our top pick. They last over seven hours on a single charge, and their carrying case holds three extra charges, which is handy in a pinch.
These earbuds have a fairly balanced sound profile that suits different kinds of audio, though a roll-off in the high treble can dull sounds like cymbals a little. Their ANC system performs nearly as well as our top pick's, and they have a proprietary chip that lets you quickly connect to the device with an iPhone and seamlessly switch between Apple products on your way out the door.
Read more about sport-oriented earbuds in our article on the best headphones for running.
Notable Mentions
-
Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro:
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro are ANC-equipped buds that come close to the Apple AirPods Pro 3 in noise isolation performance. They have stabilizers and a less intrusive ear tip design, but they don't seamlessly switch between connected Apple devices.
See our review -
Anker Soundcore P31i:
The Anker Soundcore P31i are an upgrade over the Beats Flex Wireless since they come with versatile features like ANC and a better microphone. However, they lack a proprietary Apple chip and can't quickly pair with your iPhone.
See our review
Recent Updates
Oct 14, 2026:
We've replaced our 'Open' pick with the Apple AirPods 5, an upgraded version of the previous entry. The remaining picks have been checked for availability and remain relevant.
Aug 11, 2026:
We've replaced the Nothing Ear with the Nothing Ear (3) as they support iOS quick pair. We've also added the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro in Notable Mentions for their exceptional ANC and stabilizing features.
Jun 16, 2026:
We've edited the text to provide better product selection guidance, removing extra products from the Notable Mentions and swapping the OnePlus Buds 3 with the Anker Soundcore P31i. The remaining picks were validated for stock availability.
Apr 14, 2026:
We've checked that all our picks are accurate and edited the text for clarity.
Feb 04, 2026:
We removed our upper mid-range pick since the price difference between the Apple AirPods Pro 3 and Apple AirPods Pro 2 is now quite small. The AirPods Pro 2 are an alternative for people who don't like the fit of the AirPods Pro 3.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we currently think are the best wireless headphones for iPhone for most people. We factor in the price (cheaper headphones win over pricier ones if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no headphones that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you would like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our reviews for wireless earbuds and in-ear headphones, sorted by Quick Pair (iOS) support. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There are no perfect headphones. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection.