Be it your daily commute, work calls, or spending time at the gym, a perfect pair of headphones is just the companion you need.
Although finding the right headphones for your iPhone can seem like walking through a maze, we are here to show you a way out.
This article examines the best headphones for iPhone 2025. It will assist you in getting the perfect earphones or earbuds for your listening requirements or tastes.
Top 5 iPhone headphones – shortlist
- Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) – seamlessly integrated with Apple ecosystem
- Sony WH-1000XM4 – industry-leading noise-cancelling technology
- Bose QuietComfort 45 – all-day comfort with plush ear cushions
- Beats Fit Pro – adaptive EQ for immersive sound
- Beats Powerbeats Pro – powerful, balanced sound with dynamic range
How to choose the best headset for iPhone?
Selecting the ideal iPhone headphones requires examining your specific needs and preferences. Here are the key factors to consider:
- Compatibility. Since most devices made by Apple use a Lightning port and the USB-C is common for other headphones, adapters are necessary to convert one port to another to serve as a charging option. Pick the headphones that can be easily connected to your charger cable. Also, consider if the headphones have the latest Bluetooth version enabled to facilitate optimum connection and minimal audio lag.
- Sound quality. Smaller drivers can still generate clear highs and mids, but larger drivers typically produce fuller bass tones. Additionally, iOS devices use AAC as the standard, but compatible headphones can achieve greater clarity with aptX and LDAC.
- Comfort and fit. Select the listening setting and style that most fits your comfort level. When it comes to portability, in-ear headphones can be more convenient than over-ear models. Look for soft, comfortable ear tips or cushions for extended listening sessions.
- Wired vs. wireless. Wired headphones offer a more stable connection and avoid potential Bluetooth pairing issues but limit mobility. Meanwhile, wireless headphones provide freedom of movement but may experience connectivity issues or require charging.
- Battery life. If you use headphones for extended periods, prioritize models with longer battery life. Most wireless headphones offer around 5-8 hours of playtime, with some exceeding that with charging cases.
- Noise cancellation (ANC). This feature actively blocks out ambient noise, ideal for focused listening in noisy environments. However, ANC can impact battery life and may not eliminate all sounds.
7 Best iPhone headphones – our detailed list
Through extensive research and comprehensive analysis of features, sound quality, user reviews, and value, we've curated a diverse list of the top iPhone headphones in 2025. Check it out:
1. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) – best overall for Apple users
| Noise cancellation | Yes |
| Wireless | Yes |
| Battery life | 6 hours |
| Sound quality | Amazing |
With their excellent features and smooth integration with Apple products, these high-end Apple earbuds provide a well-rounded listening experience.
Sound quality. The H2 chip delivers crisp, clear audio with powerful bass and rich mids. While not audiophile-grade, the sound is suitable for most users.
Comfort and fit. Customizable fit via three sizes of soft, flexible silicone tips provides a snug yet comfortable seal within the ear canal.
Wireless. Smooth Bluetooth connectivity guarantees low latency and simple pairing with Apple products.
Battery life. A single charge can last up to 6 hours, and the charging case allows for further charges.
Noise cancellation. The improved ANC effectively blocks out ambient noise, creating an immersive listening experience. Transparency mode allows you to hear your surroundings when needed.
2. Sony WH-1000XM4 – best noise-cancelling headphones
| Noise cancellation | Yes |
| Wireless | Yes |
| Battery life | 30 hours |
| Sound quality | Great |
Renowned for their industry-leading noise cancellation, the Sony WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones deliver unparalleled focus and audio immersion.
Sound quality. Hi-Res Audio support and LDAC codec ensure high-fidelity audio, reproducing lossless audio quality and subtle details.
Comfort and fit. Though some users may find them heavy for prolonged usage, the cozy over-ear style has plush ear cups that contour to your skull.
Wireless. Bluetooth 5.0 technology allows for cord-free listening, and multipoint connection is not supported as compared to AirPods Pro.
Battery life. Up to 30 hours of battery life with a single charge makes them more than perfect for long trips or extended listening sessions.
Noise cancellation. Leading noise cancellation technology efficiently muffles a variety of background sounds, making it ideal for establishing a peaceful listening experience.
3. Bose QuietComfort 45 – luxurious sound and comfort
| Noise cancellation | Yes |
| Wireless | Yes |
| Battery life | 24 hours |
| Sound quality | Excellent |
The Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones deliver exceptional noise cancellation without compromising on sound quality or user experience.
Sound quality. Balanced audio with clear highs, mids, and rich bass creates a satisfying listening experience, though audiophiles might seek more nuanced sound profiles.
Comfort and fit. Even after extended listening sessions, the plush ear cups and lightweight construction provide outstanding comfort. For some users, the over-ear style may feel heavy and trap heat.
Wireless. Bluetooth connectivity offers a cable-free experience along with the option to use a wired connection for listening and charging simultaneously.
Battery life. Up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge makes them ideal for travel, work, or extended listening sessions.
Noise cancellation. Powerful noise cancellation technology effectively blocks out ambient noise. At the same time, the aware mode allows you to hear your surroundings.
4. Beats Fit Pro – secure fit for workouts
| Noise cancellation | Yes |
| Wireless | Yes |
| Battery life | 6 hours |
| Sound quality | Great |
Designed specifically for active users, the Beats Fit Pro earbuds boast a secure, comfortable, and sweatproof design, making them ideal companions for even the most intense workouts.
Sound quality. Dynamic drivers and custom-tuned acoustics deliver punchy bass and crisp mids, enhancing the energy of every workout session.
Comfort and fit. A secure-fit wingtip design and four interchangeable ear-tip options guarantee a snug and stable fit, preventing slippage during intense physical activities.
Wireless. Class 1 Bluetooth connectivity maintains a robust signal throughout demanding exercise routines, eliminating frustrating dropouts.
Battery life. Up to 6 hours of continuous playtime on a single charge, along with an extra 18 hours from the compact charging case.
Noise cancellation. Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling reduces environmental disturbances, helping athletes stay focused on their training goals.
5. Beats Powerbeats Pro – best for extended workouts
| Noise cancellation | No |
| Wireless | Yes |
| Battery life | 9 hours |
| Sound quality | Excellent |
The Beats Powerbeats Pro headphones are ideal for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Sound quality. Enhanced bass response, dynamic range, and a powerful, well-balanced sound profile will keep you energized during long training sessions.
Comfort and fit. A snug and comfortable fit that holds in place even during rigorous motions is guaranteed with adjustable ear hooks and a variety of ear tip alternatives.
Wireless. During workouts, Bluetooth connectivity allows for unlimited movement by providing a cable-free experience and one-touch pairing.
Battery life. Up to 9 hours of playback time on a single charge, with an additional 24 hours from the charging case for extended use without interruptions.
Noise cancellation. The Powerbeats Pro lacks active noise cancellation.
6. Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) – best value for iPhone users
| Noise cancellation | No |
| Wireless | Yes |
| Battery life | 6 hours |
| Sound quality | Excellent |
The third-generation Apple AirPods provide a smooth and fashionable audio experience, flawlessly integrating with the iPhone ecosystem for convenient and effortless connectivity.
Sound quality. The AirPod's specially-made drivers produce clear sound with deep bass and distinct vocals, making for an engrossing listening experience.
Comfort and fit. A more accommodating and universal fit is the goal of the shorter stem and contoured design. For someone with sensitive ears, the in-ear design might not be the best option.
Wireless. Apple products have smooth Bluetooth communication thanks to features like automatic ear detection and seamless product switching.
Battery life. Savor up to 6 hours of listening time between charges, which is typical for wireless earphones.
Noise cancellation. No active noise cancellation is available, but the improved fit passively blocks out some ambient noise.
7. JBL Live Pro 2 – best budget noise cancellation
| Noise cancellation | Yes |
| Wireless | Yes |
| Battery life | 7 hours |
| Sound quality | Great |
For those on a tight budget looking for active noise cancellation, the JBL Live Pro 2 earbuds present a tempting feature and price combo.
Sound quality. JBL Signature Sound technology delivers powerful bass and clear vocals, ensuring an engaging and dynamic audio experience.
Comfort and fit. Ear tips with ergonomic design and a flexible silicone band provide a custom fit that's secure and comfortable, which is perfect for working out.
Wireless. Beyond pairing with all sorts of devices like laptops, tablets, and cell phones, the Bluetooth 5.0 technology also allows you to listen to music via the included 3.5mm audio cable.
Battery life. Playtime of up to 7 hours straight on a single charge, plus an extra 21 hours when using the charging case for longer periods of duration.
Noise cancellation. With ANC technology, users can devote their full attention to the audio content without being distracted by the surrounding noise.
Comparison of top 3 headphones that work with iPhone
Let’s look at the distinctive features of our best headphones for Apple:
| Model | Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Bose QuietComfort 45 |
| Noise cancellation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery life | 6 hours | 30 hours | 24 hours |
| Sound quality | Amazing | Great | Excellent |
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How we selected these headsets for iPhone?
To ensure a diverse and valuable selection of headphones for iPhone users, we prioritized the following criteria during our evaluation process:
- Sound quality. We considered factors like driver size, audio codecs (AAC, LDAC, etc.), and equalizer presence to evaluate sound reproduction across various genres and user preferences. We included options catering to both casual listeners and audiophiles seeking higher fidelity.
- Bluetooth connectivity. We assessed factors like Bluetooth version (ideally 5.0 or later), connection stability, and potential latency issues that could impact audio or video synchronization.
- Compatibility with iPhone. We chose headphones with simple pairing and integration with Apple products, such as pairs of AirPods (and AirPod Pros) that can switch over from one Apple item to another. These features include auto ear detection and automatic switching.
- Price. The price point range was taken into consideration to cater to different budget categories. Within the set of budget-friendly options, such as JBL Live Pro 2 and AirPods 3rd generation, we suggest more advanced options from Sony (WH-1000XM4) and Bose (QuietComfort 45). Thus, we are covering the needs of different customer groups.
Also read:
Best earbuds for small ears: Discover the most comfortable earbuds for small ear canals
Best headphones under $100: Explore the best-quality budget-friendly headphone options
Are any earbuds compatible with iPhones?
The short asnwer is yes, most of them are compatible with iPhones.
The majority of wired earbuds integrate the popular 3.5mm headphone jack or a newer and smaller Lightning connector, which are both supported by iPhones. Although the new iPhones come without the 3.5mm jack, the Lightning adapter or the Lightning-equipped earbuds solve this problem.
The wireless earbuds connect through Bluetooth, and a majority of the latest iPhones support a wide range of Bluetooth profiles that enable them to be compatible with other earbuds on the market. Additionally, certain advanced features such as smart auto-ear detection and the ability to switch music between Apple devices may be designed only for true Apple-branded earbuds like AirPods.
Which headphones pair best with the iPhone?
Only Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) can offer seamless integration with iPhones. Sony WH-1000XM4 or the Bose QuietComfort 45 both offer good connectivity with iPhones along with excellent noise cancellation. For those with limited budgets and active noise cancellation as a priority, the JBL Live Pro 2 is the best option.
FAQ
What headphones are better than AirPods?
Several headphones outperform AirPods in specific areas. For superior noise cancellation, consider the Sony WH-1000XM4 or Bose QuietComfort 45. Audiophiles might prefer options like the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless for their focus on detailed sound reproduction. Remember, "better" is subjective and depends on your priorities.
What are the best headphones for the highest quality of sound?
The Sennheiser HD 800S and Sony MDR-Z1R have the best sound quality. But they require specialized amplifiers for best results.
Which brand of earbuds are best for iPhone?
Apple AirPods are the best for iPhone. They offer features like automatic ear detection. Other brands like Sony, Bose, and JBL are also good for iPhones and are more affordable than Apple AirPods. You can explore different options to find the best fit for your needs.
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