How to Pick the Best Earbuds for iPhone
Getting earbuds for iPhone isn’t the same as getting earbuds for any other device. Sure, AirPods are the ubiquitous pick, but they don’t serve the needs of every customer. For example, in today’s market, competitors fight to appeal to niche user requirements. Wearers want to look beyond AirPods and really explore different options for comfort, sound quality, and even wired devices. When shopping for earbuds for iPhone, understanding how well the earbuds will mesh with Apple features is critical. Are you willing to gain some measure of comfort but lose access to features like Find My? To reduce the stress, we’re going to analyze the ten best earbuds for iPhone for you. While you’ll certainly see some Apple-designed products in the mix, we hope you’ll also be surprised by the promise of some of the alternatives. First, let’s dive into the key factors that ought to be front and center in our minds when we evaluate each pair’s ranking:
Apple AirPods Pro
Key features
Connectivity: Wireless Form Factor: True Wireless IEMs Battery Life (earbuds): 4.5 hours Battery Life (charging case): 24 hours IPX Rating: IPX4 ANC: Yes Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 21 KHz Bluetooth Audio Codec: AAC and SBC
When we talk about earbuds for iPhone, there’s a 100% chance that we’ll mention the Apple AirPods Pro first. The reasons they come in as the best earbuds for iPhone are no secret– they are made by Apple – especially for Apple products and have a ton of iPhone-specific features that take advantage of this. The truth is, not all earbuds that connect with your Android phone will connect to your iPhone. And if you do get iPhone-compatible earbuds, you’ll want to be able to access the powerful features Apple offers through them. Here’s a detailed look into the two components that determine this determine this criterion:
Connectivity
Like most modern-day electronic devices, iPhones use Bluetooth. For modern iPhone models, that means Bluetooth 5.0. Only if you go all the way back to iPhone 7, will you be running into the older Bluetooth 4.2 instead. With Bluetooth 5.0 being backwards compatible, you might think your selection is nearly limitless. This means that you can only use AAC-compatible earbuds with your iPhone to get the highest quality Bluetooth transmission. Using other codecs will result in reduced quality (i.e. lags, disconnection, static, or stutters).
Features
For better or worse, Apple products tend to have a particular affinity for each other. The best earbuds for iPhone equally follow that trend. The later models of Apple and Beats products, for example, have H1 chips in them, allowing them to connect to iOS devices and access exclusive Apple features easily. These are some of the iPhone features you can access through these compatible devices::
You can use the AirPods pro controls to activate Siri. Lost Beats headphones are easily findable using the Find My app. With Apple’s audio sharing feature, you can connect two pairs of AirPods to one phone simultaneously.
Unfortunately, not all earbuds will let you access these features. What other earbud manufacturers do have to offer is their own companion apps. So when branching away from the Apple-developed environment, be sure to compare and contrast the features the alternatives have. Don’t take Apple standard features for granted with just any device. While this sounds simple, choosing between wired or wireless earbuds becomes particularly difficult when working with iPhones. First, as mentioned in the connectivity section, iPhones only support the AAC codec. That means – getting earbuds that don’t support it will be detrimental to your listening experience. Moreover, you’ll be missing out on better quality audio that other codecs such as AptX HD can offer. In the case of wired earbuds, we must consider that, starting with the iPhone 7, Apple removed the 3.5mm jack for wired headphones. This allowed more space for full-phone displays and better hardware but made using wired headphones more difficult since you can now only use earbuds with lightning jack. Since fewer users select earbuds with a lightning jack than those with the standard 3.5mm jack, Apple has produced a lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter to effectively convert your charging port into a classic headphone jack. However, it comes with several disadvantages:
It is another part that you have to buy, effectively raising the cost of your earbuds. Having two things to connect to your iPhone can be cumbersome and increase the possibility of accidental disconnects. Research has concluded that the adapter negatively affects sound quality. Although, the differences appear to be mild at this point.
Frequency response is a measure of the range in which the earbuds give out sound across the audio frequency spectrum. In other words, if your headphones aren’t responsive to the deep bass sounds around 20Hz, you won’t be hearing those deep-down beats you crave. It might seem like overkill when you measure frequency response and see that headphones have a wider than 20-20K range. However, this isn’t exactly the case. Since headphones commonly have minor distortions in the upper and lower ranges, wider-than-standard frequency responses can help smooth this over. Additionally, infrasound, or sound below 20Hz can be felt and ‘experienced.’ Next, consider the sound signature of your new earbuds. This aspect of your earbuds gives a profile to the noise you hear by accentuating or deemphasizing different parts of the spectrum. There are many types of sound signatures, and there’s no rule as to which you should go for – it all depends on your preferences. For example, if you want to hear every instrument, go for something with a neutral or flat sound signature. But, if you like moving to the groove of the music, then those that have emphasized bass can be good for you. While this line of thinking can prompt buyers to forgo looking for a better fit, this doesn’t need to be the case. Earbuds can utilize a few of these engineering tricks to feel considerably better on and ‘in’ the ears:
Ear tips – Many earbud makers today provide a set of replaceable ear tips so you can choose something that approximates your ear canal shape best. Materials include cool, smooth plastic and the much softer silicone. But for the best fit, we recommend going for memory foam ear tips or custom-fit IEMs. Accessories – The area surrounding the earbud itself can also be utilized to maximize comfort via ‘ear hooks’ or wingtips. These structures wrap around your ear to increase stability and reduce pressure on your ear canal at the expense of taking up more space in their carriage compartments. General shape and design – Earbuds creators use a variety of shapes to create appealing earbuds, with some shapes fitting specific individuals’ ears better. Carefully examine the shape and compare to other earbuds you wear to find the best fit. Additionally, some are bigger, which hold better in the ears but increase stress on the ear canal, while smaller earbuds are more likely to fall out.
While you know what you want more than anybody, here are some key things to look out for based on your own needs:
Active Noise Cancellation: To increase study potential and block out a busy world, active noise cancellation (ANC) works great. Explaining how ANC works is a detailed endeavor. But to keep it simple, ANC can be described as technology that neutralizes surrounding sounds while delivering the music and/or podcasts you want to hear. Water-resistance rating: While no product is “waterproof,” we can describe things as water-resistant. Oftentimes, this capacity is presented via an IPX rating. For example, IPX4 earbuds can tolerate splashing water, IPX5 earbuds can withstand direct encounters with small water jets, and IPX7 earbuds have the power to withstand up to 30 minutes in up to one meter of water. These earbud types are clearly fantastic for swimmers and rainy day joggers, but also work great as workout earbuds. Advanced noise-reducing mics: Though earbuds are typically seen as music-playing accessories, many also want to talk through them. Due to the lack of boom mics with most earbuds, unwanted sounds are easy to pick up. Luckily, noise suppression exists for mics, typically in Clear Voice Capture (CVC) or Digital Signal Processing (DSP) forms. These work great for Facetime chats and teleconferencing via your iPhone.
The AirPods Pro include the H1 chip, specially made by Apple. This chip allows speedy connections with other Apple products, like your iPhone, and helps integrate with Siri. The chip also helps create incredibly low latency despite the AirPods Pro being wireless. Aside from the connection, AirPods Pro’s H1 chip also makes them compatible with virtually any iPhone-specific feature. One obvious example of this is the Find My app, which helps you find your lost AirPods. This Apple-exclusive feature can save you a ton of money and the hassle of doing tedious searches. Of course, there is more to the AirPods Pro than just a single app. The tappable force sensor, for example, can be pushed and held to activate Apple’s Siri. Physically, AirPods Pro have some features that make them significantly better than standard earbuds. This includes the IPX4 rating that can get you through a mid-afternoon sprinkle and their comfortable, size-adjustable silicone ear tips. And, of course, their infamous sleek design. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Beats Fit Pro
Key features
Connectivity: Wireless Form Factor: True Wireless IEMs w/ wingtips Battery Life (earbuds): 6 hours Battery Life (charging case): 24 hours IPX Rating: IPX4 ANC: Yes Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 KHz Bluetooth Audio Codec: AAC and SBC
The Beats Fit Pro are our first runner-up, and for a good reason. They have similar features to the Apple AirPods Pro, including the H1 chip, which gives them access to Apple-exclusive features. Other features shared with the AirPods Pro include the powerful transparency mode. This mode opens up surrounding sounds instead of suppressing it. Instead of having to agitate your ears by removing and replacing earbuds during every conversation, you can simply turn on transparency instead. The Beats Fit Pro also have automatic ear detection. When turned on, this feature allows your Beats Fit Pro to detect when they are inside your ear, automatically pausing playback when removed and resuming it when reinserted. This smart feature helps you get into your groove quickly and limits the rewinding of that favorite podcast or audiobook. However, you might be curious as to how they differ? Well, it’s in the design. While the AirPods Pro have a more slender-fitting ear tip, the Beats Fit Pro have a bulkier fit with a wingtip. The wingtip hooks onto the ear auricle to help keep them in place, reducing the chances of your earbuds falling out. However, the ANC isn’t quite as powerful in the Beats Fit Pro as AirPods Pro. So, you’ll want to find different environments to use them in than the AirPods Pro. Take advantage of the wingtips if you’re an avid jogger, but try something else for the crowded office. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
AirPods Gen 3
Key features
Connectivity: Wireless Form Factor: True Wireless Earbuds Battery Life (earbuds): 6 hours Battery Life (charging case): 30 hours IPX Rating: IPX4 ANC: No Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 21 KHz Bluetooth Audio Codec: AAC and SBC
The AirPods Gen 3 might be considered the younger sibling of the AirPods Pro, but they don’t quite make it to the first position for several reasons. While they have many of the same features, including the Find My app, spatial audio, and adaptive EQ, there are some aspects where they fall flat. One thing to notice instantly is that they don’t have ANC, which results in a longer battery life per charge. Unfortunately, this may not be the best trade for everyone, depending on your priorities. A welcome improvement, however, is the case. The modification to the IPX4 case really helps keep your AirPods functioning for a lot longer, especially if they are your jogging buddies. While the AirPods Pro themselves can withstand a short rain, their essential case was never able to do the same. No more with Gen 3 AirPods! Ultimately, when we compare the two, we favor the AirPods Pro. ANC is just too huge of a feature to ignore in 2022. However, if that extra bit of battery life and case protection fits your individual needs, then AirPods Gen 3 could be a legitimate alternative pick for you. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Symphonized NRG MFI
Key features
Connectivity: Wired Form Factor: In-ears Cable Length: 4ft IPX Rating: N/A ANC: N/A Impedance: 16 Ohms Frequency Response: 18Hz-22kHz
The Symphonized NRG MFI are our first wired earbuds, and they come with an Apple-certified lightning cable. Coming in at a budget price, for well under $50, they are the perfect choice for most people to get a chance to test out the iPhone’s new lightning port compatible headphones. Even more enticing, they happen to be a good pair, too. While they don’t come with an IPX rating or ANC, those aren’t features we are expecting with budget earbuds. Where they go above and beyond for the budget tier is their 18Hz-22kHz frequency response and inline controls. The inline controller allows for volume control, pausing, and answering calls via the inline mic. The most controversial part of the design is the Bubinga wood exterior. Bubinga wood is often used for instruments and is praised for its acoustic insulation properties. While that means it certainly works well for making guitars, the small build of the Symphonized NRG MFI makes it a likely placebo at best. At first glance, the Bubinga looks like a cheap, faux finish. So, if aesthetics are an absolute deal-breaker for you, this might not make it to your top choices when picking earbuds for iPhone. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Powerbeats Pro
Key features
Connectivity: Wireless Form Factor: True Wireless In-ears w/ ear hooks Battery Life (earbuds): 9 hours Battery Life (charging case): 24 hours IPX Rating: IPX4 ANC: No Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 20 KHz Bluetooth Audio Codec: AAC
The Powerbeats Pro are a great secondary choice to the Beats Fit Pro. However, one of the biggest differences you’ll first notice is that the Powerbeats Pro come with ear hooks, making them great for full-body exercise. While the wingtips of the Beats Fit Pro added some security, ear hooks offer better protection by going around the ear to ensure they won’t fall off. Another area where they beat out the Beats Fit Pro hands down is the battery life. Off a single charge, they can last up to 9 hours. That gives you twelve 45-minute workouts without having to think about charging once. Unfortunately, they don’t hold up in other areas. While they do have the H1 Chip, other parts of their hardware don’t allow ANC, transparency mode, or adaptive EQ. The verdict is clear; unless you’re going for hardcore workout earbuds, take the Beats Fit Pro instead. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Sony WF-1000XM4
Key features
Connectivity: Wireless Form Factor: True Wireless In-ears Battery Life (earbuds): 8 hours Battery Life (charging case): 16 hours IPX Rating: IPX4 ANC: Yes Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 KHz Bluetooth Audio Codec: AAC, SBC, LDAC Companion app: Sony | Headphones Connect
The Sony WF-1000XM4 are the latest edition in the popular 1000X series. They’re a popular choice, largely due to their comfortable shape and powerful ANC. However, their price runs high, currently sitting at almost a 50% markup compared to our favorite, the AirPods Pro. So, are they doing enough to justify the price? It essentially comes down to how much you favor ANC capabilities and what environments you need noise cancellation in the most. The Sony WF outperform the AirPods Pro by a mile, though, when it comes to piercing high-pitched notes. They also somewhat exceed in blocking out bass, and more or less tie in the mids. Another key factor about the Sony WF’s noise cancellation properties is the memory foam ear tips. The ear tips work excellently in giving you a comfortable and snug fit. Plus, they’re likely a healthier choice to make as memory foam is shown to have sound dampening properties. While the Sony WF-1000XM4 aren’t from Apple, they do connect seamlessly with iPhones. This is especially true with the companion app, Sony | Headphones Connect which offers advanced features like sound position controlling, ambient sound control, etc. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Jabra Elite 7 Pro
Key features
Connectivity: Wireless Form Factor: True Wireless In-ears Battery Life (earbuds): 8 hours Battery Life (charging case): 30 hours IPX Rating: IP57 ANC: Yes Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 KHz Bluetooth Audio Codec: AAC & SBC Companion app: Jabra Sound +
At the core of the Jabra Elite 7 Pro design is the idea for users to have ultimate control over what they do with the headphones. This is ultra apparent in the features and specs of these earbuds. For example, you can simply use one headphone and leave the other one charging. You can also utilize wireless charging, which allows for quick and simple drop-and-grab movement. Additionally, the IP code is up at IP57. That 5 where the X usually goes indicates that the Elite 7 Pro are dust-protected in addition to being water-protected. This shows just how out of the way Jabra is willing to go to allow people to use the Elite 7 Pro as they wish. The Jabra Elite 7 Pro also have a great companion app, Jabra Sound+. The app is filled with features that make it a worthy competitor to what Apple has to offer. This includes personalized EQ based on a hearing test and multiple sound modes. These modes allow you multiple settings defaults, such as for your commute or focused study. One of the few things against flexibility would be the lack of a wide range of Bluetooth codecs. Luckily, this doesn’t matter as much for iPhone users because it does provide AAC. So, where do they fall flat? The ANC is very touch-and-go. It doesn’t provide the same level of quality as the AirPods Pro and certainly not the Sony WF-1000XM4. Another irritation is how thin they are, possibly not enough to hold in the ears for those of us with wide ear canals. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Sennheiser AMBEO Smart Headset (iOS)
Key features
Connectivity: Wired Form Factor: In-ears Cable Length: 3.8ft IPX Rating: N/A ANC: Yes Impedance: Not specified Frequency Response: 15 Hz – 22kHz
The Sennheiser AMBEO Smart Headset are wired earbuds with a lightning connector. The unique feature they possess is that of binaural recording, which makes them great for videos. If it sounds like a niche of a kind, that’s because it is. Understanding the value of the Sennheiser AMBEO Smart Headset comes down to understanding binaural recording. This is a dual mic recording technique that gives listeners the impression that they are in the environment where the sound was recorded. Coincidentally, the dual nature of the recording the Sennheiser AMBEO Smart headset allows also makes it ideal for ASMR artists. Also, a special note to add here is that these earbuds are great for posting on TikTok. The wired connection virtually eliminates any lag, creating a more personable feel. Unfortunately, the lightning adapter can be a bit fiddly and the hard rubber surfaces of the exterior and wiring begin to degrade in quality after about half a year of use. If you’re a part of the particular market they serve, they’ll do well, but if you aren’t you might want to steer clear. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Pioneer Rayz Pro
Key features
Connectivity: Wired Form Factor: In-ears Cable Length: 4ft IPX Rating: N/A ANC: Yes Impedance: 32 Ohms Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 22kHz Companion app: Pioneer Rayz
The Pioneer Rayz Pro are wired earbuds with a unique lightning plugin. What makes it so cool and convenient for long listening sessions is the fact that there is a simultaneous listen & charge functionality. You can listen all day without worrying about your phone’s battery life. Of course, comfort must also be considered when wearing earbuds for extended periods. Luckily, the Pioneer Rayz Pro also have a lot of great options in this realm, including multiple shapes and sizes of comfort tip choices and attachable wingtips. Overall, they give you a lot more options for comfort than typical earbuds bother to. Additionally, the Pioneer Rayz companion app gives you great degree of functionality, including a ‘Hey Siri’ mode and customization for the earbuds’ inline control panel. Here, you can also set up the equalizer and smart noise canceling. There’s even a special conference mode for meetings. Unfortunately, the very thing that makes this product so cool – the charging cord – can also be its downfall. It is finicky, and having multiple points to plug in also means it is riddled with many potential failure points. With just some wear, at least one of the many plug-ins might begin to loosen and potentially fall out. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Belkin SoundForm Rise
Key features
Connectivity: Wireless Form Factor: True Wireless In-ears Battery Life (earbuds): 7 hours. Battery Life (charging case): 24 hours IPX Rating: IPX5 ANC: No Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 KHz Bluetooth Audio Codec: AAC, SBC, AptX, AptX HD
Finally, the Belkin SoundFrom Rise are a great choice for calls. Their two beam-forming microphones per earbud design ensure a good quality uptake of your voice despite having to pick it up from around your head. The headphones also work to pick up the local sounds of your voice and ignore far away sounds, like your neighbor mowing their lawn. Marked by Belkin as a plus for video streaming, the low latency of the headphones also works great for video conferencing. This makes the lips of the speaker more likely to match up with what you hear. Little touches like this can make or break the feeling of having grandma in the room during long-distance FaceTime sessions. While robust for calls, the Belkin SoundForm Rise suffer in other areas. For example, there is no ANC. The only noise protection you’ll get is if you can manage to fit the earbuds in your ear firmly. There’s also no companion app, meaning you’ll pass up on any cool features that more iPhone-focused competitors have succeeded in using. The main advantage versus the AirPods Pro, then, is simply price. Also, if you want earbuds to use almost explicitly for calls on your iPhone, these are the pair. If not, you may want to pass. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
