Searching for the best iPhone earbuds can be tricky at times, but with our list of top picks, you'll be able to find the right headphones for you in no time. We've rounded up a selection of the most versatile, best-looking, most comfortable, the best value, and, of course, the best-sounding earbuds on the market to kick off your search in the best way possible.
However, as Apple is constantly iterating on its products, the best earbuds for its devices are constantly changing, as are the ways people measure what makes a good set of headphones as technology improves. Fortunately, we've taken the guesswork out of the equation by narrowing it down to a selection of five amazing devices to upgrade upon your current audio experience.
Most of our recommendations feature some form of sound isolation to eliminate any distracting background noise, and they all feature handy charging cases to keep you listening to your favourite tunes all day long.
So, don't waste any more time searching for the right iPhone earbuds. Check out our list below to find a set that meets all your needs and exceeds your expectations. Let's get started...
Best Apple in-ear headphones
1. Apple AirPods Pro 2
Best iPhone earbuds
Battery Life: 6 hours (earbuds) + 30 hours (charging case)
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are an obvious choice as they are specifically designed for iOS devices. Don't think the positives end there though. There's so much more to the headphones that earn them a spot in our selection.
They offer noise-cancellation technology, smooth pairing, and excellent sound quality. They also feature adaptive transparency, which muffles loud noises while allowing in ambient sounds to help keep your music, podcasts, or whatever it is you're listening to the main focus while helping you stay aware of your surroundings.
Additionally, they offer an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours on a single run, can be charged via both lighting ports and wireless charging thanks to their MagSafe case, and include a built-in mic and controls.
Although they are a little expensive, we believe they offer great value for money and are ideal if you're looking for a premium set of earbuds to accompany your iPhone.
2. Beats Fit Pro
Best iPhone earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation
The Beats Fit Pros offer similar features to the AirPods, including the H1 chip that enables Apple-exclusive features like Siri. They are also true wireless and feature secure wingtips for all-day comfort and stability.
Like all Bluetooth devices, these headphones support the SBC codec, meaning they’ll work with any device you want to pair them with – even Android. That said, they perform the best when hooked up to an iPhone, as it defaults to Apple’s own AAC codec, which has better quality and is more energy efficient to squeeze more out of your battery life. You get six hours from the earbuds alone, although the charging case provides up to 24 hours of charge for a full day's worth of listening.
You won't be able to go swimming with these in your ears, but its IPX4 rating makes them resistant to sweat, rain, and the odd splash. They also offer Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to shut out background noise, and a transparency mode for when you want to stay aware of your surroundings.
Finally, with automatic ear detection, the earbuds can pause playback when removed and resume music when reinserted. On the whole, we'd say these Beats earbuds are up there with the best considering their impressive specs and design.
3. Sony WF-C500
Best budget iPhone earbuds
The Sony WF-C500 earbuds are a great option for those looking for high-quality in-ear headphones without breaking the bank. They typically retail well under 100, yet come with some impressive features that help make them some of the best budget earbuds we've come across.
For example, they feature Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility, meaning they communicate over Bluetooth Low Energy, a built-in mic for calls, and controls that work with a paired application so you don't have to pull out your iPhone each time you want to change track.
They also feature IPX4 waterproofing, in case you wanted to use them outdoors or for exercise, and in-built voice controls compatible with Google Assistant and Siri.
Finally, these earbuds offer plenty of bass support and come with ten hours of battery life, with another ten hours from the charging case. They're a fraction of the cost of some of their competitors, but with their impressive specs sheet, they're an easy recommendation for anyone looking for an inexpensive set of in-ear headphones.
4. Beats PowerBeats Pro
Best iPhone earbuds for exercise
Back to Beats now and the PowerBeats Pro earbuds, which we believe make for a great option if you're in need of some headphones to wear while exercising.
They come with an H1 chip that maximises their compatibility with iPhones, plus they feature a solid nine hours of battery life from the earbuds alone. This is ideal if you participate in endurance events such as triathlons or if you need a set that will last during long hikes, for example.
What's more, their adjustable ear hooks make them stable during physical activity, while their IPX4 rating helps them stay resistant to sweat. They're also compatible with the Bluetooth Audio Codec AAC, making them a reliable option while you exercise.
Ultimately, the PowerBeats Pro earbuds are an excellent option to consider if you're on the hunt for headphones specifically for physical activity.
5. Panasonic RZ-S500W
Best fast-charging iPhone earbuds
The Panasonic RZ-S500W earbuds are a mid-range option to consider, but don't let their middle-of-the-road price tag fool you. They offer excellent value for money, providing all the features you need without costing over the odds.
These earbuds boast a battery life of approximately 6 hours, with the charging case extending that to nearly 20 hours. They also have a built-in mic and onboard controls, so you can adjust your audio experience from the earbuds themselves. Additionally, with five different sizes of ear tips, you can ensure a comfortable fit.
It's also worth mentioning that with a USB-C cable, 15 minutes of charging will give you up to 70 minutes of playback time. This is handy if you're out and about and need a set of reliable earbuds to cover your journeys between destinations.
The sound quality is another impressive aspect of these earbuds, with them featuring a powerful 8mm driver unit and noise-cancelling capabilities to help keep your music as the main focus of your listening experience. You can switch the noise-cancelling on and off from the earbuds as well, removing the need to ever have to take out your iPhone. Overall, they're definitely worth considering if it's a set of fast-charging earbuds you're after.
Frequently asked questions about iPhone earbuds
Don't worry if you've encountered any questions along the way. We've answered some of the most commonly asked queries below to help you make a decision on which set to buy.
Are all earbuds compatible with an iPhone?
Most earbuds that have a 3.5mm audio jack will be compatible with an iPhone up to the 6S model. However, anything later than an iPhone 7 no longer has a headphone jack, and instead, use a Lightning port or support wireless Bluetooth connectivity for audio. There are several Lightning to 3.5mm adapters you can use to add support for older wired headphones to newer devices.
If your earbuds have a Lightning connector or support Bluetooth, then they should be compatible with any iPhone model. Keep in mind that some features of the earbuds, such as volume control or microphone functionality, may not work with all models depending on the chip, so it's always a good idea to check the manufacturer's website or packaging to see if they specifically mention compatibility with iPhones.
How much should you spend on iPhone earbuds?
The amount of money you should spend on earbuds for your iPhone depends on your personal preferences and budget. There are a wide variety of earbuds available at different price points, ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end models.
That means you can find decent earbuds for your iPhone within double digits if you do your research. However, if you are willing to spend more money, you can get earbuds with advanced features such as noise cancellation, wireless charging, and improved sound quality for a more premium price.
Generally speaking, the best sets of earbuds for an iPhone will cost in the region of three digits or more, depending on the brand, features, and quality you desire. It's important to do your research and read reviews to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.