Wireless earbuds have become one of the most popular accessories for your smartphone in recent years. Since Apple removed the headphone jack starting with the iPhone 7 in 2016, it has launched three sets and six revisions of the AirPods. There has been a flood of affordable, third-party wireless earbuds for iPhone following this. The AirPods are the apparent option, but there are many other good alternatives. Here is a list of the best wireless earbuds for iPhone (and iPad!).
Disclaimer: We earn a commission when you follow links to make a purchase. Click here to learn more about how we make money.
Table of contents
1. AirPods Pro 2
2022 release
✅ Pros
- Apple Music’s Spatial Audio
- Superior Active Noise Cancellation
- Adaptive Transparency modes
- Seamless pairing with Apple devices
- Automatic bass and treble adjustment
- Siri voice commands
- Updated H2 chip
- Sweat and water-resistant (IPX4)
❌ Cons
- No EQ customization without a third-party app
- The ear tips are a bit slippery when wet
Apple’s wireless earbuds are an obvious choice if you have an iPhone or an iPad. The Pro model takes the no-nonsense connectivity of the standard AirPods and adds some impressive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), along with silicon in-ear tips that make an excellent tight seal in your ear canal.
The audio quality is one of the best things, and the spatial audio update adds more support for an immersive listening experience. You only need to pair your AirPods Pro 2 once to work with all your devices, and you can switch between paired Apple devices without effort.
In addition, you can control your iPhone with Siri voice commands and are compatible with the Find My app. If you want to purchase them at a discounted price, try the refurbished AirPods Pro 2, which work exactly the same as a brand-new one.
2. AirPods 3
2021 release
✅ Pros
- Well-balanced sound
- Spatial Audio
- Adaptive EQ
- Siri voice commands
- Compatible with the Find My app
- Sweat and water-resistant (IPX4)
- Cheaper than the AirPods Pro 2
❌ Cons
- No Active Noise Cancellation
- No EQ in the companion app
- The open-back design doesn’t allow for the best low bass
- The buds don’t have volume controls
If you want wireless earbuds with a more comfortable fit, you may prefer Apple’s third-generation AirPods. They are similarly well-built, and like the Pro and Pro 2, they have an H1 chip that makes it easy to pair them with Apple devices.
Also, they have a continuous battery life of up to six hours and work with Siri voice commands. Although they don’t have all the features of the AirPods Pro 2, like Active Noise Cancellation, they are excellent earbuds for iPhone.
👉 Learn more: How Long Do AirPods Last? (Battery & Lifespan)
3. Beats Powerbeats Pro
⏩ Buy Beats Powerbeats Pro on Amazon
✅ Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Class 1 Bluetooth for extended range
- Hands-free Siri
- Perfect for sports
- Sweat and water-resistant (IPX4)
- 24 hours of battery life with charging case
- Apple audio sharing
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
❌ Cons
- No Apple Spatial Audio
- No transparency mode
- No adaptive EQ features
- Poor companion interface
Beats has been a subsidiary of Apple since 2004. In practice, the Powerbeats Pro are Apple headphones with an integrated H1 chip. Like the AirPods, you only need to pair the Powerbeats Pro once for them to work with all of your Apple devices.
They are specifically designed for exercise and workouts, with non-detachable clips that ensure a secure fit even if you’re running. Their continuous battery life of more than 11 hours is perfect for everyday use. Thanks to their comfortable fit and versatile sound profile, they’re among the best wireless earbuds for iPhones.
4. Jabra Elite 75t
⏩ Buy Jabra Elite 75t Earbuds on Amazon
✅ Pros
- Balanced EQ
- Active noise cancellation
- Stable Bluetooth 5.0 connection
- 4-microphone call technology
- 24 hours battery life with the charging case
- Pocket-friendly
❌ Cons
- Active noise cancellation could be better
- You can’t use one earbud alone
The Jabra Elite 75t earbuds have excellent audio quality along with great battery life, making them a perfect choice for traveling. They offer good value for your money and include active noise cancellation, making listening to your favorite music even more peaceful. Plus, they have a transparency mode as the AirPods Pro do.
The Jabra Elite offers decent battery life with USB-C charging and further sound customization. The only downside is that you can’t use one earbud alone; both must be connected.
5. Sony WF-1000XM4
⏩ Buy Sony WF-1000XM4 on Amazon
✅ Pros
- Superb active noise cancellation
- EQ easy-to-use customizable settings
- Good high-pitched audio quality
- Multipoint connection
- Comfortable shape
- Memory foam tips
❌ Cons
- The foam tips wear out
- Costlier than other third-party alternatives
If active noise cancellation is a top priority, then the Sony WF-1000XM4 is the right choice. Its integrated processor and special tips take the ANC to the next level, and it is possibly the best active noise cancellation in this price bracket.
They offer good battery life, even with ANC enabled. And, of course, Sony’s sound quality is impeccable. Furthermore, the water resistance is on par with the AirPods Pro. The Sony WF-1000XM4 are one of the best wireless earbuds for your iPhone available in the market.
6. Beats Fit Pro
✅ Pros
- Excellent for workouts
- Easy pairing and switching (H1 chip)
- Active noise cancellation
- Transparency mode
- Adjustable ear hook
- Automatic ear detection
- Sweat and water-resistant (IPX4)
❌ Cons
- Bulky fit with a wingtip that may not suit everyone
- Not-as-powerful active noise cancellation as in the AirPods Pro
- A bit bass-heavy for some music genres
The Beats Fit Pro have made a name for themselves as one of the best earbuds for iPhones with the same Apple H1 chip for easy pairing and switching, active noise cancellation, and support for spatial audio. They are equipped with wingtips for a comfortable and secure workout, and the transparency mode can filter in surrounding sounds for safety while going outdoors. Overall, they are pretty solid earbuds suitable for casual or intense use with up to 24 hours of listening time.
7. Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless
⏩ Buy Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless on Amazon
✅ Pros
- Superb audio quality
- Rich and deep bass
- Comfortable use
- Transparent hearing
- Adjustable EQ in the app
- Sweat and water-resistant (IPX4)
❌ Cons
- Active noise cancellation could be better
- Limited EQ
- No multipoint connection
Sennheiser is a well-established brand when it comes to headphones and earbuds. The CX Plus True Wireless are available in black and white and offer a superior sound with a built-in equalizer and rich bass. The active noise cancellation will block any external sound, and the transparent hearing will make your outdoor runs much safer. Of course, it has the IPX4 certification for protection against sweat and water.
We miss the multipoint connection and the active noise cancellation, and the EQ could be improved, but the audio quality is worth the price.
Takeaway
All these earbuds for the iPhone offer an excellent enhancement for your experience with Apple devices. Although choosing the AirPods is undoubtedly a good choice due to its native compatibility, excellent sound quality, and superior active noise cancellation, the third-party alternatives presented above alternatives work just as well and can be more affordable.
Compare the features of these earbuds for iPhone and prioritize those you want to use, like the aforementioned active noise cancellation, comfort, and battery life, before deciding on your next purchase. Of course, the price will be a central point to choose from, so don’t hesitate to check their price on Amazon via our links.
👉 Related: 10 Best iPhone Accessories You Can Get in 2024
Good luck!
