The Best Earbuds For iPhones
It’s been several years since Apple decided to start phasing out the 3.5mm headphone jack in their devices, but they’ve made the switch and never looked back. Now, if you want a straightforward audio connection to your iPhone, you need either a Lightning cable or a Bluetooth connection. This can be tricky for Apple users that are looking for a new set of earbuds, but don’t worry. We’ve narrowed down the best of the best to help you find the earbuds that fit your style.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best iPhone earbuds on the market, we considered product design, sound quality, noise isolation, and price. For example, if you want something with a Bluetooth connection and incredible noise-cancellation capabilities, the Apple AirPods Pro wireless earbuds are the cream of the crop. If you wanted something with crisp and unique sound quality, the Symphonized Apple wired earbuds use a wooden construction to create rich tones that other earbuds lack. Read on to see all our top picks and find the earbuds that suit you best.
Apple AirPods Pro Wireless Earbuds
Bigger and better
Apple AirPods were the Bluetooth earbuds that started it all, but this modern version is a far cry from the original. These updated AirPods have better sound quality, silicone tips for a better fit, and plenty of new features to be excited about. They have personalized spatial audio for vivid surround sound capabilities, more touch controls, active noise cancellation, adaptive transparency mode, and lots of other features that make this version the most innovative model of Apple earbuds on the market. As an added bonus, these AirPods have better battery life than the previous models for up to 30 hours of total listening time with the charging case. When it comes to quality, style, and ingenuity, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Pros:
- Apple-designed H2 chip
- Great noise-cancellation
- Has personalized Spatial Audio
- Increased battery life
- The case has a built-in speaker
Cons:
- Fairly pricey
XIAOWTEK A40 Pro Wireless Earbuds
No cable necessary
If you’re looking for a set of wireless earbuds at a reasonable price, look no further. This set from XIAOWTEK takes Bluetooth connection to the next level with one-step pairing, making it easier than ever to connect quickly. These earbuds also offer a waterproof design, so they’re perfect for working out at the gym or taking along on a run around the city. They’re extremely lightweight so they won’t weigh your ears down, and they can fully charge in less than two hours. On top of all that, they have two microphones on each earbud for increased call clarity. They may not come from a big-name brand, but they have the specs to back them up.
Pros:
- Waterproof design
- Lightweight construction
- Two microphones on each earbud
- Fast charging time
- One-step pairing
Cons:
- Mid-tier sound quality
Apple EarPods With Lightning Connector
Don't break the bank
Before there were AirPods, Apple introduced their classic EarPods with a Lightning cable connector. These became the standard earbuds for iPhone users for years, and some users still prefer them even now. If you prefer to do things the old-fashioned way, but not too old-fashioned, these reliable earbuds may give you the perfect blend of simple and chic. They sport a straightforward, classic design that has stood the test of time. The oblong shape of the earbuds makes them better for staying in the ears than most traditional earbuds, and they have plenty of volume on tap for just about anything. They may not be the flashiest earbuds on the market, but it’s hard to argue with a design this tried and true.
Pros:
- Great price
- Reliable connection
- Built-in volume controls
- Simple design
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Not very comfortable
PALOVUE Lightning Earbuds
Simple and sweet
If you’re looking for a set of wired earbuds that go above and beyond the norm, these earbuds from Palovue have plenty to offer. They may have a straightforward look, but their insides are anything but. You can choose either Lightning, 3.5mm, or USB-C plugs to go along with your earbuds, so they can work for a variety of different inputs depending on what your needs are. They also have a simple control panel for answering calls, skipping tracks, adjusting the volume, and so on. As for the cherry on top, they have massive 10-millimeter drivers for booming bass control. These earbuds may be affordable, but their performance speaks for itself.
Pros:
- It comes in two different colors
- Offers options for different input jacks
- Includes a three-button control panel
- 10-millimeter dynamic drivers
Cons:
- Not as durable as other options
Symphonized Apple Wired Earbuds
Hear the difference
If you want a unique set of headphones to match your unique personality, you can stand out from the crowd with these wooden earbuds from Symphonized. These earbuds feature real wood to bring out the rich harmonics and tonal qualities that only wood can bring. With these earbuds, you can step out from the parade of plastic earbuds and experience a deeper, more natural sound. They provide a high-quality audio signal for crisp highs and rich lows, and they even offer powerful noise isolation capabilities for uninterrupted listening. Whether you want a fresh look for your headphones or you want the best sound quality possible, these earbuds have you covered.
Pros:
- Wooden construction
- Tangle-free wire
- High-quality stereo surround sound
- Includes a classy travel case
Cons:
- Mic quality is sub-par
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you charge an iPhone and play music at the same time?
Yes, but only if you use two different methods of connection. For example, you could use the Lightning port to charge your phone while you listened to music via a Bluetooth connection. Likewise, you could listen to music via a Lightning cable earbud set while charging your phone wirelessly through a QI charger. You can’t use a Lightning port to charge and listen to music all at once since there’s only one Lighting port on an iPhone.
What’s the difference between headphones and earbuds?
Headphones serve as a sort of umbrella term for all types of personal ear speakers. However, most over-the-ear cups are referred to as headphones while in-ear speakers are referred to as earbuds. While both are types of headphones, earbuds are smaller and fit directly into the ear.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.