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If you use Apple products, you are probably already comfortable within its ecosystem. If you own an iPhone, as well as a Mac, iPad, iPod, or any combination of the four, you have likely contemplated purchasing a pair of Apple headphones.
Wireless headphones are gaining popularity as a result of the lack of a headphone connector on the latest iPhone models. That is why most individuals who buy the newest iPhone opt for wireless earbuds or headphones instead of wired ones, even if an adaptor is available for purchase.
Unfortunately, Apple only offers a few options (under the AirPods and Beats brands), and not everyone is interested in using Apple’s H1 and H2 chips for wireless pairing. Knowing Bluetooth earbuds without these chips will still be compatible with Apple devices makes people look for better and, sometimes, more affordable earbuds. Here are some good options to consider.
Top Picks: Best Wireless Earbuds for iPhone
- Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
- Apple-designed H2 chip
- Low-distortion, custom-built driver
- Up to 2x more Active Noise Cancellation than the previous AirPods Pro
- Personalized spatial audio
- EarFun Air Pro 3
- Powered by the QCC3071 chipset and Qualcomm aptX Adaptive Audio technology
- 6 Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) microphones
- Latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology
- 10 minutes of charging provide 2 hours of playtime
- Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
- Adaptive EQ automatically tunes music
- Contoured design
- Force sensor
- Sweat- and water-resistant
- Jabra Elite 7 Pro
- 6mm custom speakers and Jabra MultiSensor Voice technology
- Adjustable Active Noise Cancellation
- Jabra MultiSensor Voice technology works with an advanced Voice Pick Up (VPU) sensor in each bud
- Up to 8 hours of battery life (30 hrs with the case)
- Tailors the music to suit individual hearing profiles
- Jabra Elite 4 Active
- Secure active fit and wing-free ergonomic design
- Four microphones
- Customizable equalizer and bass boost
- Up to 7 hours of battery life (28 hours with the case)
- USB, Bluetooth 5.2
- Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
- Intelligently personalize the noise cancellation and sound performance to the wearer's ears
- Come with a Bose Fit Kit (includes 3 pairs of ear tips and 3 pairs of stability bands)
- Single earbud listening feature
- Simple touch interface
- Powerbeats Pro
- Adjustable, secure-fit ear hooks
- Sweat- and water-resistant
- Volume and track controls on each earbud
- 5-minute charge gives 1.5 hours of playback
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We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Best Overall Wireless Earbuds for iPhone: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
- Apple-designed H2 chip
- Low-distortion, custom-built driver
- Up to 2x more Active Noise Cancellation than the previous AirPods Pro
- Personalized spatial audio
If you want to go all out with your Apple products, these fully wireless earphones are a great option. They have an improved H2 chip that wirelessly connects to other Apple products.
The new low-distortion drivers in Apple’s AirPods Pro (2nd generation) make for crisper, clearer audio, while the H2 chip boosts power efficiency. You will also love their volume- and pitch-adaptive bass and treble controls.
They also work with Apple Music‘s Spatial Audio feature, which allows you to adjust the sound’s direction in relation to where your head is. Because of the ANC technology, you may listen to your music in even the noisiest of circumstances, like on a busy subway. In fact, the noise cancellation is “twice” that of the first-generation AirPods Pro, making a huge difference.
You can charge your earbuds to full capacity in less than an hour, and the carrying bag can store four additional charges. With noise cancellation turned on, the earbuds’ new maximum battery life is six hours. Another interesting thing is that you can locate your misplaced earbuds with the help of the “Find My” feature.
Best Budget ANC Wireless Earbuds for iPhone: Earfun Air Pro 3
- Powered by the QCC3071 chipset and Qualcomm aptX Adaptive Audio technology
- 6 Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) microphones
- Latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology
- 10 minutes of charging provide 2 hours of playtime
Over the course of the past few years, Earfun has released several different wireless earbud models, with the newest addition being the Earfun Air Pro 3 earbuds.
The Earfun Air Pro 3 earbuds are sleek and light, making them a pleasure to use all day. There are three different-sized ear tips included to help you pick the best one for you. Compared to their predecessors, they now come with somewhat larger wool-composite drivers (11mm), better ANC, and an improved battery time of around 7 hours.
What really sets them apart is that they use the cutting-edge Qualcomm QCC3071 system-on-a-chip with aptX Adaptive for Android, which actually works better than the SBC codec. Moreover, they have a “multidevice” connection and a wireless charging case.
The Earfun Air Pro 3 earbuds are reasonably priced for the quality they provide. Just bear in mind that though the earbuds are compatible with two devices at once, switching between them requires the user to pause the music on one and then play it on the other.
The Best Upper Mid-Range Wireless Earbuds for iPhone: Apple AirPods 3rd Gen
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
- Adaptive EQ automatically tunes music
- Contoured design
- Force sensor
- Sweat- and water-resistant
If you desire the AirPods design but cannot quite afford their flagship model, the Apple AirPods 3rd Gen are a great middle ground.
Although they do not have as many bells and whistles as AirPods Pro, the open-back, one-size-fits-all design means they will fit most people without a problem. They feature an adaptive equalization system that changes the acoustic signature to the user’s specific ear shape, resulting in a clear and precise sound.
Unfortunately, they do not come with an equalizer. However, on compatible iOS devices, the “Accessibility” tab allows basic audio parameters to be modified without an equalizer. The included carrying bag can contain about five extra charges, while the headphones themselves have a 6.8-hour battery life.
Best Versatile Wireless Earbuds for iPhone: Jabra Elite 7 Pro
- 6mm custom speakers and Jabra MultiSensor Voice technology
- Adjustable Active Noise Cancellation
- Jabra MultiSensor Voice technology works with an advanced Voice Pick Up (VPU) sensor in each bud
- Up to 8 hours of battery life (30 hrs with the case)
- Tailors the music to suit individual hearing profiles
Jabra’s Elite 7 Pro earbuds are designed to allow listeners to adjust every aspect of their audio experience. Impressive features include wireless charging and the option to use one earphone while the other is charging.
Speaking of versatility, not only do they sound good, they withstand rough use like a pro. They are dust- and water-resistant (they have an IP57 grade), demonstrating Jabra’s dedication to its customer’s satisfaction.
A hearing test and additional sound profiles are available in the Jabra Sound+ companion app for custom equalization. Moreover, AAC is supported, which is great news for iPhone owners, given the lack of Bluetooth codecs.
In contrast to the AirPods Pro and the Sony WF-1000XM4, the ANC on these earbuds is not as strong, and people with broader ear canals may find them uncomfortable to wear. Nevertheless, when it comes to listening experiences that place a premium on customization and ease of use, the Jabra Elite 7 Pro are a great choice.
Best Mid-Range Wireless Earbuds for iPhone: Jabra Elite 4 Active
- Secure active fit and wing-free ergonomic design
- Four microphones
- Customizable equalizer and bass boost
- Up to 7 hours of battery life (28 hours with the case)
- USB, Bluetooth 5.2
The Jabra Elite 4 Active True Wireless do not have an H1 or H2 chip, but they can be easily paired with an iPhone. They feature a neutral sound that works with a wide variety of media.
And you can personalize their sound using the graphic EQ and presets found in the app. You can mute your mic, adjust the volume, and answer calls with ease thanks to the convenient physical controls.
These earbuds contain an active noise cancellation mechanism, but it does not do much to enhance passive isolation. They are not great at canceling out the deep rumble of bus and plane engines. Nevertheless, they do a great job of muzzling more annoying workplace noises, like idle talk and the buzzing of air conditioners.
Overall, they are quite comfortable to wear and deliver impressive sound quality, given that they fall in a mid-range category. Moreover, their battery time with ANC enabled is nearly eight hours, and their carrying case provides three extra charges.
Best Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds for iPhone: Bose QuietComfort II
- Intelligently personalize the noise cancellation and sound performance to the wearer's ears
- Come with a Bose Fit Kit (includes 3 pairs of ear tips and 3 pairs of stability bands)
- Single earbud listening feature
- Simple touch interface
The Bose QuietComfort II are an excellent choice if you want high-quality noise-cancelling earbuds not made specifically for Apple products. These earbuds have a very high active noise cancellation (ANC) rating and are able to effectively muffle background noise such as the rumble of buses and office talk.
These earbuds feature interchangeable ear tips and stability fins so you can find the perfect fit. Due to a small U-shape sound pattern, you will notice a heavy bass alongside crisp vocals and instrumentation.
What’s more, the software features a 5-band visual EQ, as well as presets to allow for sonic personalization. Also, the battery life is improved over the AirPods Pro, but a recharge may still be required during the workday.
With active noise cancellation (ANC) switched on, they can play for nearly seven hours on a single charge. Thankfully, you also get three extra charges in the carrying case.
Best Wireless Sports Earbuds for iPhone: Beats Powerbeats Pro
- Adjustable, secure-fit ear hooks
- Sweat- and water-resistant
- Volume and track controls on each earbud
- 5-minute charge gives 1.5 hours of playback
If you are searching for a pair of earbuds to use while working out, the Powerbeats Pro are among the very best. They are more stable than other wireless earbuds in their price range, such as the Apple AirPods (3rd generation). And that is mainly due to their in-ear hook construction that keeps them in place throughout runs and gym exercises.
They are also durable, lightweight, and have an IPX4 rating for resistance to water splashes, making them a fantastic choice for use in the great outdoors. They are ideal for extended workouts or hikes because their battery life lasts for over 11 hours on a single charge. Also, that carrying case can hold enough extra juice for about one more use.
Although they do not include Apple’s Spatial Audio, they have a neutral sound profile that works well with a wide variety of music. Still, many people consider their lack of audio-personalization options a major drawback. Also, they come with an H1 chip, making them simple to integrate with Apple devices, but their companion UI leaves plenty to be desired.
How to Pick the Best Wireless Earbuds for iPhone?
Considering your unique circumstances, listening habits, and any special needs would help you pick the best wireless earbuds for your iPhone. Here are a few factors to consider.
Earbuds for Both iPhones and Android Devices
It is an important thing to consider because sometimes you own both Apple and Android devices. It is crucial to remember that not all earbuds that function with Android phones also function with iPhones.
For instance, the Earfun Air Pro 3 are great for those who want to use their earbuds on different devices. Also, remember that even if you find earbuds compatible with the iPhone, you should double-check that they take advantage of all of Apple’s advanced capabilities.
Consider Your iPhone Model
Not all wireless earbuds are going to work perfectly with older iPhone models. In order to stay connected, iPhones require Bluetooth, with newer models supporting Bluetooth 5.0 and older versions supporting Bluetooth 4.2.
Although it may appear that your options for earphones are vast, iPhones can only transmit high-quality audio using the Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) codec. To receive the best possible sound from your iPhone, you can only use AAC-compliant earbuds. In older models, you may experience problems like delays, disconnections, static, or stutters.
Know When You Need H1 Chips
As you may have found, not all wireless earbuds come with an Apple H1 chip. You can still use earbuds with your iPhone, even if it does not come with that chip. But, you may want to buy a pair that uses the chip if you have multiple Apple devices.
For instance, the latest Apple and Beats products have H1 chips that make it simple to pair them with iOS devices and gain access to exclusive Apple capabilities.
You can use the AirPods Pro controls to bring up Siri. You can also track down your misplaced Beats headphones using the Find My app. And, of course, you can connect two sets of AirPods to the same phone at once utilizing Apple’s audio-sharing function.
Remember that not every pair of earbuds will provide you with these premium functions. It is vital to compare different earbuds before making a purchase, as different earbud manufacturers have their own apps, which may offer different functions.
Consider Your Usage
Whether you use your earbuds occasionally or for several hours during the day makes a huge difference. Wireless earbuds come with limited battery life, and not all of them are the same.
You should be fine with most available models if you use your earbuds to listen to music for a couple of hours a day. But, if you use them while traveling, in the gym, or throughout the day, you need to go with the ones offering the best battery time.
Depending on the model, you can get anywhere from a few hours of playtime to as much as 10 hours of nonstop listening time. The longer you listen with your earbuds, the more power they need. Hence, when buying earphones, it is crucial to think about their battery life.
What to Know Before Buying the Best Wireless Earbuds for iPhone
Before making a purchase decision, it makes sense to pay attention to the following factors. A quick look at these features will help you get the best value for your money.
Audio Quality
The sound quality of wireless earbuds is obviously a major consideration. You have to remember that the iPhone supports only the high-quality AAC codec. Some wireless earbuds, however, use codecs like SBC and aptX.
While SBC is the lowest quality codec available, aptX provides superior sound quality; but, it is not supported by Apple’s iOS. Hence, if you want high-quality sound, you should look for earphones compatible with the AAC format.
Frequency Response
Whether wired or wireless, frequency response and sound character are the two most important aspects of earbud sound quality.
The frequency response of a pair of earbuds indicates how wide the band of audible frequencies they can reproduce is. That is to say, you will not get the low-end bass rhythms you are after unless your headphones can pick up frequencies below 20 Hz.
Headphones are often rated for frequency response between 20 hertz and 20 kilohertz because this range roughly represents the upper and lower limits of human hearing.
Comfort
The earbuds you buy should not feel too tight or loose in the ear, even after listening for several hours. Choose ones that come with a variety of ear tips so that you can find the perfect fit. Be sure the earbuds are comfortable to use and will not slip out of your ears quickly, especially while working out in the gym.
Durability
It is essential to ensure that your wireless earphones can withstand water and sweat if you intend to use them during a workout or in wet conditions. Try to get some earphones with a minimum IP certification of IPX4 so they can endure the occasional dunk in a pool or the perspiration of a hard workout. The IPX7 rating means that the earbuds may withstand brief submersion in water.
Call Quality
In spite of earbuds’ popular perception as a tool for listening to music, many people actually use them to have conversations. It is easy to pick up background noise with most earbuds because they do not have a boom mic.
Mics have noise suppression available in the form of Clear Voice Capture (CVC) or digital signal processing (DSP). So, be sure to check these features because they prove helpful for iPhone FaceTime and teleconferences.
