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Being an Apple user in 2024 is more a lifestyle than a consumer choice. If I want to use regular wired earbuds, I'm at the mercy of an Apple dongle, considering iPhones haven't had 3.5mm jacks for years. (That'd be the same story with an Android, though.) At this point, I exclusively use wireless earbuds with my iPhone. I understand which brands are the best for a variety of situations—like which headphones are best for working out or canceling outside noise. Wireless earbuds can be a game changer for your device life, but they can also be a waste of money if you don't get the right ones. I've tried a bunch so you don't have to make a costly mistake.
Of all the earbuds I've tried and tested, these six make the most sense for iPhones users. Each has its own advantages, but all of them offer great sound quality for music, podcasts, and movies. I think they're all pretty damn comfortable as well, which ends up being a bigger sticking point with wireless earbuds than any technical failing.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Pros
- Most comfortable AirPods yet
- ANC with Transparency Mode
- The best for calls
Cons
- A tad finicky with non-iPhone devices
I've been on the record saying how impressed I am by the 2nd Generation AirPods Pro. Even for gaming, which Apple has historically sucked at, they've impressed me. You'll pay a premium for the product because, yes, it's Apple. But for the AirPods Pro, it's absolutely worth it.
Not only are the AirPods Pro some of the most immersive, fully featured earbuds you can buy, but they are also comfortable to the max. The sound is big when it needs to be and subtle when you want it to be. The Active Noise Cancellation lets me fully tune out the world, but Transparency Mode allows me to comfortably float between my own bubble and the the city outside. Also, nobody else really comes close with audio quality on phone calls. That's one category where buying earbuds built for the iPhone pays off in spades.
| ANC | Yes, with Transparency Mode |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 6 hours (up to 30 with charging case) |
| Water Resistance Rating | IP54 |
Pros
- Stylish
- High sweat and water resistance
- Will never fall out
Cons
- Mediocre sound quality for the price
If you're looking for slip-resistant, sweat-resistant earbuds to bring to the gym and still want to dress to impress, look no further than the Beats Fit Pro. These stylish buds are designed for working out, and they are designed well.
In terms of sound quality, these are about on par with the PowerBeats Pros (a pair I had for years) but with a slight upgrade in the form of ANC. Like the AirPods Pros, these Beats also have a Transparency Mode that lets you adjust your level of noise cancellation, as well as adaptive EQ, which in practice makes everything sound as good as optimally possible on the fly without any user interference. It was easy to count how many times these fell out of my ears on one hand. Because it was zero.
| ANC | Yes, with Transparency Mode |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 7 hours (up to 30 with charging case) |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 |
Pros
- Premium audio for a premium price
- Best noise canceling
- Great for calls
Cons
- Only worth it for audiophiles
- No Transparency Mode on ANC
In terms of immersion and audio quality, these are the top earbuds for iPhones. It's actually not rare to find earbuds that retail for $300. The catch is most of those aren't worth it. These Sony earbuds are.
These aren't just great for iPhones; they are some of the best earbuds for any device. Sony's noise-canceling tech doesn't allow for half measures (no Transparency Mode). Instead, it goes all in to let you focus on your music or your call. On that note, these are the only buds I've tried that rival the AirPods Pros in terms of call quality, which is saying something. This is some premium tech for a premium price, but you won't be disappointed in the longevity of these gorgeous, noise-canceling wonders.
| ANC | Yes |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 7 hours (up to 30 with charging case) |
| Water Resistance | IPX7 |
Pros
- Easily detachable neckband
- Impressive sound
Cons
- Doesn't have noise canceling
Open-ear headphones are all the rage. I definitely have some reservations when it comes to this type of earbud, or maybe I just feel more comfortable with something in my ear, but per usual, JBL delivered. The SoundGear Sense provided some of the best sound quality imaginable in a form-fitting bud with extra features that make them great for working out or for traveling.
| ANC | No |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 6 hours (up to 24 with charging case) |
| Water Resistance | IP54 |
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless
Pros
- Snug, with many ear-tip offerings
- 3 immersive audio modes
Cons
- Charging-case battery life is weak
For a luxury pick, we love the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. Comfort is the key word here, because I would be hard-pressed to find a pair that felt better in my ear.
Bose delivers on noise canceling, too. While not quite as sophisticated as Sony's tech, Bose's take on ANC is more customizable. It's left up to user's discretion as you select between Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, and Immersion Mode. I wish I could say all this makes these perfect for long-distance travel, but the battery-life with the case is still only 18 hours. It's not great. For now, take them wherever you know there will be an outlet close by.
| ANC | Yes (with three listening modes) |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 6 hours (up to 18 with charging case) |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 |
Pros
- Unbeatable value proposition
- Excellent battery life
- Easy setup
Cons
- Needs the app to adjust ANC and EQ
You'll pay a premium for names like Bose, Sony, and JBL because they're known brands that have a history of delivering. But plenty of other brands have this ANC thing on lock for a much more reasonable price. If the sticker shock is getting to you, check out these EarFun Air Pro 3's, excellent noise-canceling earbuds that won't cost a pretty penny.
For under $100, you are getting a damn comfortable pair of earbuds with surprisingly in-depth noise-canceling options. These buds pretty much worked right out of the box, and I have yet to see the battery on the charging case completely drain on even my most busy days. The only catch is you'll need to download the EarFun app to make the most of these settings—annoying, but not the end of the world.
| ANC | Yes |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 9 hours (up to 40 with charging case) |
| Water Resistance | IPX5 |
Runner-up
Apple AirPods (Gen 3) for $140: If you like making long-distance calls and never having to charge your earbuds, the latest model of Apple's regular AirPods are your next Christmas present. They don't have noise canceling but do have the other hallmarks of Apple audio—nice look, great sound, ease of pairing.
What to Look for in Wireless Earbuds
If you feel hopelessly lost in a world of acronyms and jargon, here's your quick guide on what to look for in a pair of wireless earbuds for your phone. In layman's terms, this is what you're after.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): If you want to only hear your sound, ANC is what you're looking for. This is the real deal—not noise reduction but truly blocking out the sound from outside. Most headphones let you toggle ANC on and off, but some premium sets offer even more options than this binary. Just remember that turning ANC on will drain your earbuds' battery faster than if it were off. And speaking of...
Battery Life: Many wireless earbuds have a battery life that lasts between four and eight hours (with ANC turned off). The saving grace is the now ubiquitous charging case. (Thanks Apple, genuinely!) These helpful carrying cases will give your earbuds an additional 15 to 30 hours of life, depending on the brand.
Durability: You want a pair of earbuds that will last, ones that can get tossed around in a backpack and not sustain any damage. Water and sweat resistance are large factors in durability, too. Thinking of your frequent activities and most visited environments is a good place to start determining how durable you need your iPhone's earbuds to be.
Comfort: Last, but never least, is comfort. This one is hardest for us to determine for you, and since "trying on" earbuds isn't really a thing, we know it's tough to figure out before you tear open the box. In general, if you find yourself often having comfort problems with earbuds, check to see how many different earbud tips and sizes come with the device. Having as many interchangeable options as possible is always best if comfort is your most trying concern.
How We Chose Our Selections
We test, vet, and verify every piece of tech that gets recommended. Our process for headphones requires using each one. A lot. We make sure we are testing for battery life, durability, and connection against what is advertised on the box and telling you when you are getting ripped off. In the time it takes a six-hour earbud battery to drain, we get intimately familiar with how the headphones sound and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wireless vs. True Wireless?
Basically all wireless Bluetooth headphones sold these days are sold as "True Wireless." This means there are no wires at all. In the past, some wireless earbuds would have a cable that connects the buds together, usually disguised as a cord with play/pause and volume buttons that you'd wrap around your neck. Each of the six selections in the article are true wireless earbuds.
What are IP ratings?
IP ratings are a measure of how waterproof electronics are. The first numeral refers to the protection against solid objects, while the second numeral rates the protection against liquids. If the device hasn't been tested against solids, there will be an X in place of a number. You can read more on IP ratings here.
What is considered good battery life for wireless earbuds?
In our opinion, six hours is the bare minimum for your earbud battery life to be considered good. If you can get up to 30 hours total, with the charging case, you're doing pretty good. Upward of that is very impressive, and below that is substandard.
Why Trust Esquire?
Here at Esquire, we've been testing and reviewing the latest and greatest products, gadgets, and tech for decades. From Amazon Echo speakers to portable monitors to gaming laptops, I've tried, reviewed, and compared some of the best consumer tech for your home. I've tried the best of the best—and some of the worst of the mediocre for good measure. If I wouldn't recommend it to a friend or loved one, I wouldn't even let you think about buying it, dear reader.
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