A great pair of headphones can make all the difference when listening to music or making phone calls, so it’s important to choose a model that is comfortable and fits your lifestyle. There are many different styles and price points available, so we’ve reviewed some of the best Apple headphones in this guide to help you find the perfect set for you.
If you’re looking for wireless earbuds, we recommend the latest version of Apple’s AirPods. These earbuds feature a new custom-designed driver that delivers balanced audio and improved noise cancellation. They also offer spatial audio and dynamic head tracking when watching videos and films, along with a wireless charging case that provides 30 hours of playback on a single charge.
The original AirPods, first released in 2016, are still a popular option. They have a unique carrying case that doubles as a sleeve for the earbuds, which can be handy when you’re on the go. They can connect to an iPhone without a wire, which was a big selling point when they were first introduced. The first AirPods had a limited feature set and poor battery life, but the second generation added support for Siri, and they were eventually updated with a wireless charging case and improved audio quality.
The over-ear Beats Studio 3 Wireless headphones are a more premium option from the company. They’re designed for comfort and have active noise-canceling that effectively reduces bass-range sounds like bus or plane engines and higher-pitched noises from ambient chatter. They’re also lightweight and feature a sleek, minimalist aluminum design that’s built to last.
You can use the controls on your Apple Watch to play music and podcasts, or to take calls with your friends. The Apple Watch app lets you customize your headphones and control audio, but it lacks advanced features that many high-end Bluetooth models offer, including EQ options and room effects.
While we’re not sure if Apple will ever shutter Beats in favor of its own brand, the 2021-released Studio Buds are a solid alternative to the more expensive AirPods Pro. They’re more affordable and feature a similar design, with an H1 chip for easier pairing and lower latency when using iOS devices. They also offer a bit longer battery life and a transparent finish option that looks cool.
Before there were AirPods, there were EarPods, Apple’s wired earbuds that come in every iPhone box. They’re a bit more expensive than the earbuds that shipped with older iPods and iPhones, but they provide better sound quality and a mic for making calls. They’re closed-back headphones that block out most ambient noise, but they may not be the best choice if you want to be aware of your surroundings while you’re walking around town. They also have a short battery life, but you can get five extra charges with the included charging case. The earbuds have a Lightning connector, so they’ll work with your iPhone and iPad. They can also plug into an older headphone jack using a included adapter.