10 Best Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds are designed to offer a premium listening experience, making them ideal for users who value sound quality and advanced features. One of their standout strengths is the Active Noise Cancellation, which effectively reduces background noise, enhancing music and call clarity. The Transparency mode is also a great addition, allowing users to remain aware of their surroundings while enjoying audio. The audio quality is impressive, thanks to the H2 chip, which delivers high-fidelity sound with clear highs and rich bass.

Comfort is another highlight, as the earbuds come with four sizes of silicone tips to ensure a secure fit for various ear shapes, making them suitable for extended wear. With an IP54 rating, they are resistant to dust, sweat, and water, making them an excellent choice for active users or those concerned about durability.

Battery life is decent, offering up to 6 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on, and a total of 30 hours with the charging case, which is convenient for daily use. The USB-C charging option is a modern touch, making it compatible with various devices. The price point can be on the higher side, which may not be justifiable for those who only need basic functionality. Additionally, while they work best with Apple devices, Android users may find some features limited or unavailable, such as spatial audio and certain Siri functionalities. The AirPods Pro 2 are well-suited for Apple users looking for high-quality sound, effective noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit during daily activities or workouts.

The Apple AirPods 4 are designed to cater to users looking for quality wireless earbuds, particularly Apple device owners. One of their standout features is the personalized spatial audio that offers an immersive experience, great for music, movies, and games. The H2 chip enhances sound clarity and call quality, making them ideal for those who frequently make calls in noisy environments. Comfort is also a priority, as they've been redesigned for better fit and stability, allowing for all-day wear without discomfort.

Battery life is impressive, giving you up to 5 hours on a single charge and 30 hours total when using the charging case, which is now more compact and charges via USB-C. The IP54 rating ensures they are dust, sweat, and water-resistant, making them suitable for workouts or outdoor use.

There are some drawbacks. While the sound quality is generally good, audiophiles might find these earbuds lacking in depth and richness compared to higher-end models. The reliance on Apple’s ecosystem means these earbuds work best with Apple devices, potentially limiting compatibility for Android users. Additionally, the touch controls can sometimes be finicky, leading to accidental commands.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro offer a compelling package for those seeking high-quality, true wireless earbuds. With their in-ear design, they promise a comfortable fit thanks to the redesigned structure aimed at providing long-lasting comfort. One of the standout features is the Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation, which intelligently adjusts to the noise level of your surroundings, making them ideal for those who frequently move between noisy and quiet environments.

Sound quality is a significant highlight, with an emphasis on immersive audio and an adaptive equalizer that customizes the sound to your preferences. These earbuds support a wide frequency range from 20 Hz to 96 KHz, which should satisfy most audiophiles looking for rich sound experiences.

In terms of convenience, the Buds 3 Pro feature wireless Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, touch controls, and a variety of smart features such as real-time translation capabilities, which could be particularly useful for travelers or those engaging in multilingual environments.

A key consideration is the battery life, with up to 6 hours of use on a single charge and an additional 26 hours provided by the charging case. This is decent but might require more frequent charging compared to some competitors. Fast and wireless charging options are available, which add to the ease of use.

The durable design and water resistance add a layer of reliability, suitable for daily wear and some outdoor activities. However, the product is relatively lightweight at 0.19 ounces, which might affect durability in rougher conditions.

Potential buyers should consider that the feature set, including the translation and AI functionalities, may be more beneficial to those deeply integrated into the Samsung ecosystem or frequent travelers. For users primarily interested in basic listening, there might be more cost-effective options available.