A new pair of iPod earbuds or headphones can revolutionize your music-listening experience. Whether you want the freedom of true wireless or the comfort of active noise cancelation, we’ve rounded up the best iPod earbuds and headphones available today so that you can find the perfect pair for you.
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Cutting straight to the chase, the Edifier NeoBuds Pro Hi-Res Earbuds are some of the best value buds on the market.
I’ll be the first to admit I’ve not tried any of Edifier’s previous audio outings. The word ‘hi-res’ is normally enough to garner my attention, though. Are these a set of hi-res earbuds or are they a set of earbuds with hi-res plastered on? There is a difference.
Coming off the back of reviewing the Soul Emotion earbuds, I was blown away by just how clear and concise and the NeoBuds Pro are. I normally always go to closed-back headphones due to how they handle sound, but the NeoBuds Pro have managed to create something seriously akin. Sound blossoms with enough room to pick out individual flourishes that aren’t normally easy to identify. If you’re after a cost-effective counter to Apple’s pricey Airpods, the NeoBuds Pro may just be what you’re looking for.
This level of audio clarity is achieved, in part, thanks to the LHDC+ACC codec, which transmits 96kHz 24Bit HD audio over Bluetooth. As an aside, I’ve tested corded headphones that claim to be hi-res but can’t replicate audio in this way. I don’t know how Edifier has managed to create such a killer piece of tech at this price bracket, but hey, let’s not question it too much.
When it comes to comfort, the NeoBuds do the job. You won’t notice them except for when you’re tapping them to skip tracks or adjust the volume, which also works well. I did find myself tapping more than I should at the start, but once you’ve adapted to how much pressure is needed, controlling the buds becomes second-nature.
One final, and completely inconsequential point, the NeoBuds Pro comes with the coolest charging case I’ve ever seen. It’s a sleek black clamshell that while charging, pulses a red light sideways. It looks like Kitt from Knight Rider, and while that shouldn’t be a factor in anyone’s purchasing designs, it’s sure to impress nonetheless.
So, who are the NeoBuds Pro for? It turns out that’s a really simple question to answer. If you’re after a set of hi-res buds for an iPod or mobile device that offers up premium clarity at a lower price point, you’ve just found your next purchase.
The Jabra Elite 45h delivers a high-quality sound at a very affordable price. Though there are some budget headphones available for cheaper, paying a little more for the Jabra Elite 45h gets you a noticeable increase in sound quality over less expensive products, and they are a solid upgrade over stock Apple headphones.
There are several killer selling points when it comes to the Jabra Elite 45h. Firstly, getting 50 hours out of a wireless headset is insane. If 20 hours is roughly a once a week change, 50 hours means you’ll only need to charge at most once a fortnight (give or take your personal usage).
To put those numbers in perspective, 15 minutes on charge will net you around eight hours of playtime (it only takes one hour and a half in total to fully charge). If you’re like me and use your headphones at any given opportunity, being able to spend less time charging and more time bopping along is sure to be a huge plus.
Next up, and this is the big one, sound quality. I’ve seen a handful of complaints with the sound quality when compared to god-tier headphones which cost three times as much. Don’t do that. The Jabra 45h is designed to be affordable, and the 40mm speakers blow away anything else in the same bracket.
The bass is up there with the big boys. It thumps without rattling your insides, which is a balance many audio companies fail at. While we’re on the subject of bass, if you want even more bass and are willing to get headphones instead of earbuds, consider taking a look at the best bass headphones.
It’s also worth noting just how darn comfortable the Jabra 45h is. These are some seriously lightweight headphones. As someone who’s been running around in head-armor-like headphones in the summer, melting into a puddle of music, the lightweight design is very welcome. The earpads sit nicely over the ear canal to permeate sound inwards. While they won’t block out all outside sound, the do enough of a job to warrant using them in-ear headphones.
The Jabra Elite 45h gets a lot right. The battery is outstanding, the bass is killer, and the app means you can fine-tune the headphones to your liking. For the price, you really won’t find a better option.
Find more Jabra 45h Headphones information and reviews here.
The Apple AirPods are the obvious choice for anyone looking for a new pair of iPod earbuds. First released in 2016, the AirPods played a significant role in the true wireless revolution in Bluetooth headphones, and they are still among the most popular true wireless earbuds available today. AirPods have excellent sound quality, an iconic design, stellar battery life, and they’re extraordinarily comfortable in the ears. In short, these may be the perfect pair of everyday earbuds.
One area where the AirPods really shine is their sound quality. These buds sound great with all kinds of music and have nice, full bass, which is really impressive considering their small size. The AirPods also have a unique semi-open design that gives your music a greater sense of space than traditional earbuds.
A byproduct of their open design is that the AirPods do not block out much outside noise. This can be a little bothersome when you’re in loud environments, as it can make it more difficult to hear your music. But this design choice actually makes the AirPods super convenient as a pair of everyday earbuds, because you can stay aware of your surroundings and even have full conversations without having to take them out.
Other winning features of the AirPods are the included charging case, which greatly increases the AirPods’ effective battery life; the built-in microphones; and the first-party integration with iPhone and iPod. Pairing the AirPods with Apple devices takes just seconds, and the Automatic Ear Detection feature ensures that your devices will automatically pair with the buds when they are put in your ears—pretty cool!
Though the AirPods are a fantastic product overall, they do have some downsides, the most obvious of which is their high price tag compared to traditional wired earbuds. That said, the convenience of true wireless is more than enough to justify the increase in price. Another downside is that the AirPods are not a great fit for everyone’s ears. Unlike some other earbuds, AirPods do not have rubber buds that can be swapped out for different sizes. If they don’t fit your ears as is, you may want to look into purchasing some AirPods covers, which will adjust the fit and can help form a better seal with your ears.
Still, none of these downsides is significant enough to dethrone the Apple AirPods as the best iPod earbuds available today. They sound great, look great, work reliably, and are the go-to option for any Apple user. They’re also one of the most popular Christmas gifts and gadgets for gamers available right now, and they work great as ASMR headphones or headphones for sleeping too!
Soul Nation is currently one of the most exciting companies in the headphones and earphones space, and audiophiles should absolutely keep an eye on them.
The Soul Emotion PRO Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds are a revelation. Soul has managed to cram a lot of killer tech into what I can only describe as a quagmire. The Emotion Pro are some chunky earphones. And yet, once they’re in, they’re some of the firmest earphones I’ve ever tried. Even intentionally shaking my head couldn’t force them to fall out. You’d think chunky, heavier buds would be easy to knock out, but Soul has – possibly through witchcraft – designed something that’s incredibly comfortable and reliable.
In terms of tech, we’ve got a 10mm dynamic driver with a frequency response of 20 – 20 KHzs. The Emotion Pro isn’t exactly a hi-res device, but neither is it trying to. That said, there isn’t that much of an audio difference between the over-priced hi-res devices and the Emotion Pro. There is a slight cutoff with high-pitched snares, but in terms of the overall sound profile, it’s balanced. Lows hum with enough force to add to the mood, mids are crystal clear, and highs soar. If you’re after clarity of sound, the Emotion Pro is an audiophile-grade luxury.
On the Bluetooth front, we’ve got 5.1 compatibility across three profiles – HFP, A2DP, and AVRCP. I won’t bore you with the minor details but in short, it works. Once they’ve been synched, just open the case they’ll connect to up to two devices. Put them away into the charging case and they’ll disconnect. As I say, it just works, which is all you want from a Bluetooth connection.
As for the active noise cancellation tech, these IPX5 sweat-resistant earphones are … good? ANC tech is a nightmare when it comes to earphones. With closed-back headphones, you’ve literally got entire cans to aid the internal tech with blocking-out sound. With earphones, you’re 100 percent reliant on the tech to do all the work.
Looking at the industry as a whole, we’re still years away from a fully functional ANC for earphones. So when I say it’s ‘good’, that’s not meant as a subtle dig. ‘Good’ puts the Emotion Pro up there with the best ANCs. It’s just while they will block out some sound, no ANC is perfect.
Overall, the Emotion Pro makes my job very easy. A killer sound profile married to ease of use and comfort is what these earphones are about. Plus they come in at a price that feels cheap given the sheer quality on offer here. They’re a solid purchase, and if you’re upgrading to a set of proper earphones, you’re sure to come away impressed.
If you like a balanced pair of headphones that lets you hear every detail in your music, then the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT may be the perfect iPhone headphones for you. The original ATH-M50x is legendary among music producers, DJs, and audio professionals for its pristine sound stage and crisp bass. The BT model linked here improves upon the original by supporting wireless listening via Bluetooth, making it a much more attractive option for everyday mobile use.
The most important thing to note about these headphones is that the balanced sound is not necessarily for everyone. These headphones were originally made for audio engineers looking to hear sounds as they really are, rather than for casual music listeners wanting their music to sound as good as possible. Don’t get me wrong, I personally love the balanced sound of these phones, but if you prefer a more “hi-fi” sound with exaggerated highs and lows, the ATH-M50x might not be for you.
Aside from their sound, these headphones come with a handful of smart features in the BT model. One thing I really like is that they still have a 3.5mm input port, just in case you want to listen in wired mode. Other strong points are the 40-hour battery life, the built-in microphone, and the touch volume controls.
One thing I would recommend if you pick up these headphones is to also invest in a pair of Brainwavs Ear Pads, which make these headphones a good deal more comfortable for most people. It’s a good idea to grab a hard-shell case as well.
Find more V-MODA Crossfade M-100 information and reviews here.
The Powerbeats Pro earbuds are Apple Beats’ stylish alternative to AirPods. Sporting a super-sleek matte design, the main selling points of the Powerbeats Pro are the awesome look, the earhooks—which help ensure a secure fit—and Beats’ characteristic bassy sound. They’re a particularly great choice if you’ve found that other earbuds tend to fall out of your ears, especially while exercising.
Another strong point of the Powerbeats Pro is the battery life. These earbuds will last up to 9 hours of playtime on a single charge—nearly double the battery life of AirPods—and just 5 minutes in the charging case nets you an extra 1.5 hours of playtime. This makes the Powerbeats Pro an excellent choice for audiophiles who take their headphones with them on long outings.
The Powerbeats Pro do have some downsides: They’re expensive, the charging case is a little large, and the bassy sound isn’t ideal for everyone or for all types of music. But those who love the Beats brand and are willing to pay the price for them will likely be very pleased by what they get from this product. The Powerbeats Pro are also great for people looking for a pair of workout/everyday earbuds that will stay on securely.
Last but not least, the Sony WH1000XM3 is our pick for the best premium wireless headphones. It boasts stellar sound quality, including very strong bass; top-of-the-line noise cancellation; and a handful of other great features that help differentiate it from other headphones in its price range.
The most important thing to know about the WH1000XM3’s sound is that it puts an emphasis on bass. Some may find this to be overbearing, particularly if you listen to music in which the bass plays a supportive, rather than a lead, role. However, the level of bass is perfect for bass-heavy music like rap, pop, and electronic. The WH1000XM3 also gives you access to the Sony Headphones Connect app, which includes an equalizer that allows you to adjust the sound balance of your headphones to fit with your personal taste.
Other great features of the WH1000XM3 include a 30-hour battery life, built-in Amazon Alexa, and innovative touch controls that can be used to adjust volume, play/pause music, take/make phone calls, or activate your phone’s voice assistant. There’s also an interesting feature in which you can cup one headphone with your hand and it will temporarily disable the noise cancellation until you remove your hand. This is a great little convenience that allows you to hear someone speaking to you without requiring you to take off your headphones altogether.
Downsides of the WH1000XM3 include the steep price tag, the bass-heavy sound (which many people enjoy, but some will not), and the fact that it is less comfortable than some other headphones in its price range, particularly the Bose QuietComfort 35 II. If you know that you like a bass-heavy sound and you aren’t intimidated by the price tag, the Sony WH1000XM3 is a stellar headset. If, on the other hand, you aren’t a big bass enthusiast and enjoy a more balanced overall sound, then go for the Bose QC35.
The TOZO T10 Wireless Earbuds are an excellent pair of earbuds for anyone who wants true wireless headphones for less than $100. Equipped with 8mm drivers, the sound quality of the T10s is shockingly good considering their low price, and they are very reliable at connecting to your phone or iPod without losing signal. The buds themselves are quite comfortable, and you have four different sizes of earbud tips to ensure you get the best possible fit.
The best thing about these earbuds is the true wireless design and included charging case. These buds feel great in your ears and the absence of wires around your neck is really liberating.
The T10s’ battery life is about 3.5 hours on a single charge and the charging case can get you an extra nine hours of playtime, both of which are on the low side compared to other true wireless headphones. The AirPods, for example, last for around five hours on a single charge and can be charged in the case for an extra 19 hours of power.
Still, the TOZO T10 Earbuds are an excellent option for anyone wanting a cheap pair of true wireless earbuds, even if they aren’t quite on the same level as the more expensive options on this list. They’re still a great value for the money, and you’ll likely be pleased with them.
Find more TOZO T10 Wireless Earbuds | Best Cheap True Wireless Earbuds information and reviews here.
The Jabra Elite 65t true wireless earbuds are a much-heralded alternative to Apple’s AirPods, and it’s easy to see why. The Elite 65t has great sound quality for both music and calls, stellar microphone quality, good noise reduction, and a discrete design that essentially mirrors the attention-grabbing look of the AirPods. If AirPods remind you of Q-tips, you might want to give the Jabra Elite 65t a closer look.
One of the biggest things that differentiate these earbuds from Apple’s AirPods, aside from the look, is that they do a better job of blocking out external noise. This is particularly noticeable in very loud environments like planes or subways where the ambient noise level might make listening on AirPods somewhat less enjoyable due to their semi-open design. Better yet, the Jabra Elite 65t comes with a cool “HearThrough” function that uses the built-in microphones to let you hear outside noise through the earbuds, which allows you to hear the people around you without removing your buds.
In terms of sound quality, the Jabra Elite 65t has a pleasing overall balance, though bass enthusiasts may find themselves wishing for a little more thump. This problem is largely remedied through the Jabra Sound+ app, which gives you access to an EQ that allows you to tailor the sound of your headphones to your personal preferences. Other great features of these buds include the 4 built-in microphones, which offer stellar outgoing call quality, and the one-touch integration with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant.
The Jabra Elite 65t does have some notable drawbacks, the most significant of which is the overall build quality; both the headphones and the charging case are made of plastic. The earbuds feel pretty solid, but the charging case doesn’t feel as premium as the case on the AirPods. Some users have also found that the earbuds are not as comfortable as they would like, though this varies from person to person.
All in all, the Jabra Elite 65t is a great alternative to Apple AirPods. They boast great sound quality, sound isolation, and microphone quality, and the overall design is stylish and professional.
The Etymotic ER3XR in-ear headphones are some of the best wired headphones you can buy today. They are a little on the expensive side for wired earbuds, but they give tremendous sound isolation (35-42dB) and sound incredible for all kinds of music. They’re a perfect option for audiophiles who don’t mind having a pair of wired earbuds.
It should be pointed out early on that the ER3XR headphones do not have many of the features present in other products on this list. They don’t support Bluetooth, they don’t have a microphone, and they don’t have on-board controls or a partner app. Instead, the ER3XR does one just one thing very well: play music.
This is a product aimed at people who want to hear the details across the frequency spectrum that will get lost in lower-quality headphones. Highs and mids are crystal clear, and the slight bump in the bass included with this model gives the lower frequencies additional punch without treading into Beats’ overly bassy sound. Add in the previously mentioned noise reduction, which allows you to block out external noise and listen at lower volumes, and the ER3XR really makes your music the star of the show.
Other noteworthy features of the ER3XR are the multiple-sized earbuds that help ensure you get the proper fit; the removable cable, which can be replaced if it ever becomes damaged; and the premium build quality across all components.
Downsides of the ER3XR revolve primarily around the price and the lack of basic features included in other iPhone earbuds. The lack of a microphone is a particularly big gripe, as even the budget Sony MDR-XB50 has a built-in microphone. Though, if you aren’t someone who makes phone calls with your headphones in, this won’t affect you much.
Overall, the Etymotic ER3XR is a great pair of headphones if you want a pristine listening experience. Those who want the best of the best will want to consider the Etymotic ER4XR headphones, which is the newest model in the product line and comes with a handful of improvements.
The Bose SoundLink II around-the-ear headphones are a well-priced pair of headphones that offer great sound quality and top-notch noise cancellation—two traits that have become calling cards of the Bose name. The SoundLink II also stands out from many other pairs of wireless headphones due to its lightweight construction. At only 6.9 ounces, this headset is incredibly light. This is a feature that’s easy to overlook, but the lightweight build makes the SoundLink II really enjoyable to use while going about your day.
The SoundLink II comes with a handful of other noteworthy features. It has a built-in microphone that delivers good voice quality, it is equipped with the latest Bluetooth technology, and it can be paired with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and snap between the two with the flick of a switch. These headphones are also super comfortable, partly because they are so light on your head. These are the kinds of headphones you can put on and forget about, making them perfect for long listening sessions on a daily commute.
In terms of sound, the SoundLink II sounds great for most kinds of music, but it is light on bass compared to other headsets. This will likely be especially noticeable if you enjoy bass-heavy music like rap, pop, or electronic, as opposed to classical or rock music where the bass plays a less important role. You can EQ the headphones using the Bose app, but many users still find the performance a little underwhelming in the bass department.
The two main downsides of the SoundLink II are the build quality and the price. Some users have expressed frustration with the earpads and headband, which are made of faux leather that wears slightly overtime. Keeping these headphones from getting wet will go a long way toward preserving the finish, but some users hoped for more considering the SoundLink II’s relatively high price point.
In sum, the Bose SoundLink II is a fantastic headset that is particularly good for people who enjoy a balanced overall sound. The sound quality and noise-cancellation are top-notch, and it’s hard to overstate how good these sound for most kinds of music. The lightweight build is another great selling point if you’re looking for an everyday headset that you can put on and forget about.
The Mpow Jaws are an awesome pair of headphones that come with a unique neckband that houses your buds when they aren’t in use. No longer do you have to try and carry around your earbuds in your pocket or backpack where they will inevitably get tangled! Other highlight features of the Jaws are that it is wireless and connect to your phone or iPod via Bluetooth 5.0 and that it has a fantastic 18-hour battery life.
The biggest thing that determines whether the Jaws are right for you is how you feel about the neckband design. The advantage is that it keeps your headphones nice and secure no matter what you’re doing. These headphones are great for the gym or for running, as you never have to worry about them falling out of your ears and onto the floor. The neckband is also equipped with magnetic slots at the ends of the band that make storing your earbuds a literal snap.
The neckband also contains the Jaws’ built-in noise-canceling microphone which produces excellent audio for making calls. Most other headphones in this price range come with either a cheap, low-quality mic or no mic at all, so this is one area where the Jaws really stand out.
Sound quality for these headphones is good but not great. I would rate them slightly higher than the basic headphones you’ll get with an iPhone or iPod.
Although the sound quality of these headphones won’t necessarily wow you, the sheer number of features you get for the price is pretty outstanding. Anyone who wants a good pair of wireless headphones without spending much money to get them should definitely pick these up. Or, if you feel like the Jaws’ neckband is a little too bulky, you could check out Mpow’s A7 Headphones instead.
Find more Mpow Jaws | Best Neckband Earbuds information and reviews here.
Choosing which headphones or earbuds are right for you is a difficult task, particularly because it's hard to judge the sound quality of these products without trying them for yourself. Still, there are a few basic considerations that can get you most of the way there.
Price is the most obvious. The above list contains products in a variety of price ranges, hopefully with something that fits everyone's budget. Generally speaking, you get what you pay for when it comes to audio equipment, but many of the more affordable products on this list deliver great value for the money.
The most basic consideration beyond price is simply whether you want earbuds or headphones. Headphones are bulkier than earbuds but generally have better bass and often come with active noise cancellation. Earbuds offer some noise isolation (that is, they block out outside noise) but they aren't as effective in very noisy environments like planes compared to headphones with active noise cancellation.
The last thing to consider is what kind of music you like to listen to and how much you enjoy bass. Certain products like the Bose SoundLink II and the Jabra Elite 65t are a little light on bass and produce a generally balanced sound. Other headphones like the two Sony models put bass at the forefront, which is valuable if you like bass-heavy music like pop, rap, or electronic. Many of the above headphones also include a partner app that allows you to balance the sound to your preferences.
With the advent of true wireless, you now have a ton of excellent wireless earbuds to choose from. My personal favorites are the Apple AirPods, which offer a great balance between sound quality, style, and price. They also pair seamlessly with Apple products, making for an excellent user experience.
If you are an Apple fan who is willing to spend a little more, the AirPods Pro are another great choice, as are the Powerbeats Pro. I would recommend the AirPods Pro if you want active noise cancellation and the Powerbeats Pro if you are looking for sport headphones, especially if earbuds without the hooks tend to fall out of your ears when you move.
What if you aren't a fan of Apple's earbuds? In that case, your best bet is likely to be the Jabra Elite 65t, which offer excellent sound quality and a more toned-down look compared to AirPods. They also have top-notch built-in microphones, making them a great option if you make a lot of phone calls in noisy environments.
The very best wireless headphones you can buy right now are the Sony WH1000XM3 Headphones, which are simply everything you could want in a pair of wireless headphones. They sound incredible, with a solid but not overwhelming bump in the bass; they have best-in-class noise cancellation; and they have a ton of features you won't find in other headphones. If you don't mind the price tag, these should be your go-to headphones.
Other good options include the Bose Soundlink II and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT, both of which are excellent and a bit more affordable. For a budget option, you can't go wrong with the Cowin E7, which offer a pretty impeccable value considering their price.
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