Best earbuds for iPhone owners: AirPods and the alternatives

AirPods are the default for a reason, and I'm not going to pretend otherwise. The useful question is when an iPhone owner should buy something else.

I haven't worn these. Everything below is SoundGuys' lab and review data, read on Nov 1, 2026, plus my opinion.

AirPods Pro 3: the one I'd buy

SoundGuys scored them 7.8 out of 10. Its lab measured an average 90% cut in outside noise loudness. SoundGuys' Sony review calls that the highest it has ever measured. Battery with ANC on lasted 8 hours 42 minutes in its test, against 5 hours 43 minutes for the AirPods Pro 2.

They cost $249 (checked November 1, 2026) and are rated IP57. On the downside, SoundGuys lists no EQ, some connection issues (audio occasionally shifting to the right channel) and only SBC and AAC codecs. That last one won't matter on an iPhone, which streams AAC anyway.

Fit is personal. SoundGuys' reviewer said they pushed out of his ears as sweat built up. If you run a lot, read the next one.

Powerbeats Pro 2: the workout pick

Ear hooks hold them in. SoundGuys scored them 7.6 and measured an 83% average noise cut, lower than Apple's 90%. SoundGuys lists Beats' rating as up to 10 hours without ANC, and its battery testing was still ongoing when I read the review, so there is no measured figure here. They're IPX4, so sweat is fine but a shower isn't.

Beats' page showed $249.99 when I checked, labeled "Sale Price" with no original price beside it. SoundGuys lists no Bluetooth multipoint. Its review also says it was impossible to play music from an iPhone while sending heart-rate data to a fitness machine, though it expected a firmware fix, and that review is from 2025. I'd want to know both before paying.

Sony WF-1000XM6: longer battery, fewer tricks

SoundGuys scored the Sony 8.4 and measured 9 hours 41 minutes, against Sony's claim of 8. Noise reduction averaged 88%, a bit under AirPods.

Two catches for iPhone owners. SoundGuys says iPhone is limited to AAC, so LDAC, the Sony's main selling point for Android, is wasted. The shell is also large, and SoundGuys' reviewer warns it may not suit smaller ears. The Sony lists at price unconfirmed (an MSRP per SoundGuys) against $249 for the AirPods. I'd pay that gap only if battery is your top complaint. The comparison is in AirPods Pro 3 vs Sony WF-1000XM6.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: a skip for iPhone

SoundGuys measured 85% noise reduction, which it calls among the best it has tested, but only 5 hours 34 minutes of battery. Its review (July 2025) is aimed at Android phones and recommends Apple users stay with AirPods Pro 2. They list at $299, per SoundGuys. Compare it properly in Bose QC Ultra Earbuds vs AirPods Pro 3.

Pick by habit

If you mostly commute: AirPods. Mostly training: the Powerbeats, and my best earbuds for working out has more options. All earbuds I track are in the headphone catalog.