10 Best Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods 4 are in-ear wireless earbuds designed for users who prioritize comfort and seamless integration with Apple devices. They have been redesigned for improved fit and stability, making them comfortable for all-day wear. Sound quality benefits from the custom high-excursion drivers and the advanced H2 chip, which delivers clear, balanced audio and personalized spatial sound that adapts to your head movements for an immersive listening experience.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) effectively reduces outside noise, while Transparency Mode lets you hear ambient sounds when needed, blending both automatically with Adaptive Audio. Battery life is decent, offering up to 4 hours with ANC on and up to 30 hours using the charging case without ANC, which is average for this class of earbuds. Controls are intuitive, with quick-press buttons and voice commands via Siri, including a unique feature that allows you to respond to Siri with head gestures.

The earbuds and charging case have an IP54 rating, meaning they resist dust, sweat, and light water exposure, suitable for workouts and light rain but not for swimming. One potential drawback is the charging cable being sold separately, which could add to the initial cost. Additionally, being in-ear buds, comfort and fit can be subjective and might not suit everyone, especially compared to over-ear headphones. Microphone quality is improved with voice isolation for clearer calls in noisy environments. These AirPods are ideal for users deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem looking for compact, smart earbuds with strong ANC, solid sound, and convenient controls, rather than audiophiles seeking the highest fidelity or those needing wired options.

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones are over-ear wireless headphones designed to deliver a premium listening experience, especially for blocking out distractions. Their active noise cancellation effectively reduces outside noise, making them ideal for travel, work, or noisy environments. An "Aware Mode" allows users to stay connected to their surroundings when desired. The sound quality is clear and balanced, with adjustable equalizer settings enabling customization of bass, mids, and treble.

With up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge and quick charging that provides hours of playtime in just 15 minutes, these headphones are convenient for all-day use. Comfort is enhanced by plush ear cushions and a padded headband, suitable for long listening sessions. They also offer the option to use wired connections if the battery runs out, adding flexibility. Multipoint Bluetooth lets users switch easily between devices like phones and laptops. Controls are intuitive and integrated into the headphones, and the built-in microphone performs well for calls.

The headphones have a sturdy yet lightweight build, combining leather and plastic materials, and include a protective case for safe storage. While the price is on the higher side, this reflects the solid noise cancellation and comfort provided. For those seeking wireless headphones that deliver a balanced combination of sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and comfort, the Bose QuietComfort headphones represent a compelling choice.

The Beats Studio Pro are over-ear wireless headphones designed for users seeking high-quality sound and effective noise cancellation. They use Beats' custom acoustic platform and dynamic drivers to deliver rich, immersive audio across a frequency range of 20-20,000 Hz, ensuring music and calls sound clear and detailed. One standout feature is the personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, offering a 360-degree listening experience that can make you feel like you're inside the music. The headphones provide two listening modes: active noise cancellation (ANC) to block outside noise, and Transparency mode so you can hear your surroundings when needed.

Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 40 hours on a single charge, with a quick 10-minute charge providing an extra 4 hours, making them great for long use during travel or workdays. They connect wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.3, offering a strong, stable connection up to 100 meters, and also include a detachable 3.5mm cable for wired use if preferred. Comfort-wise, the over-ear design with faux leather ear cushions is meant to fit well for extended wear, though comfort can vary by individual. Call quality is enhanced by voice-targeting microphones that reduce background noise, and controls are easy to use with touch and physical buttons, plus voice assistant support like Siri.

The headphones are foldable and come with a fabric carrying case for portability, though they aren’t water-resistant, so they’re not ideal for heavy sweating or rain. In terms of durability, the build uses quality materials but faux leather may wear over time with heavy use. These headphones suit users who want a premium wireless experience with excellent sound, noise cancelling, and long battery life, making them ideal for music lovers, commuters, and remote workers. However, if you need water resistance or are looking for a very budget-friendly option, these might not fully meet those needs.