Top Headphones for iPhone in 2025: Ultimate Guide & Ranking

Explore the best headphones for iPhone in 2025, handpicked for sound quality, comfort, and features to suit every budget and style.

Why AirPods Aren't the Only Option for iPhone Users

Apple wants you to believe that AirPods are the ultimate headphones for iPhone users. Sure, they make a strong case, but if you're thinking outside the Apple bubble, you'll find excellent alternatives from Sony, Focal, Bose, Technics, and more.

AirPods do shine with seamless integration and exclusive features that Android users miss out on, plus their sound quality has notably improved. But many other headphones match or even outdo AirPods when it comes to sound, value for money, noise cancellation, and overall experience.

Switching between Android and iPhone? No worries—these headphones play nice across platforms without losing functionality.

Our experts have tested hundreds of models, applying decades of collective experience (over 100 years in total!) to select only the creme de la creme—each earning at least four out of five stars.

Quick Picks: Best Headphones for iPhone

Apple AirPods Pro 2

The best-sounding wireless earbuds from Apple, perfect if you own an iPhone.

Apple AirPods Max

Premium over-ear headphones offering superb sound and noise cancellation.

Sony WH-CH520

Budget-friendly on-ear headphones that punch above their weight in sound quality.

Sony WH-1000XM6

Top-tier over-ear noise-cancelling headphones and excellent all-rounders for iPhone.

Focal Bathys

Portable audiophile-grade headphones that deliver luxury sound on the go.

Sony WF-C510

Affordable, award-winning true wireless earbuds that work brilliantly with iPhone.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Premium earbuds with top-notch noise cancellation and immersive sound.

Technics EAH-AZ100

Premium earbuds with outstanding sound, designed for iPhone users and beyond.

1. Apple AirPods Pro 2: Top Wireless Earbuds for iPhone

The AirPods Pro 2 are the prime choice for iPhone users craving wireless earbuds with brilliant sound, comfort, and features.

Price: Starting at $149

Pros:

• Crisp, detailed, powerful sound
• Excellent noise cancellation
• Longer battery life
• Smooth, intuitive iOS integration

Cons:

• Many features limited to iOS
• No adjustable ANC

For years, Apple's wireless earbuds hovered around "good" but not "great." The AirPods Pro 2 flipped that story on its head with improved ANC, longer battery life, and refined sound quality—all without a price hike. The new XS ear tips fit more ear sizes comfortably and controls are now onboard the earbuds themselves for quick access.

Adaptive Transparency mode cleverly mutes harsh noises while letting in ambient sounds like conversations or traffic, so you stay aware without distraction.

If you want flawless compatibility with your iPhone, these are the earbuds to beat.

2. Apple AirPods Max: Premium Over-Ear Luxury

These luxurious headphones deliver exquisite sound and noise cancellation but come at a steep price.

Price: From $479

Pros:

• Outstanding sound and ANC
• Cinematic spatial audio support
• Exceptional build quality

Cons:

• Nearly useless case
• No audio cable included
• Mostly optimized for Apple ecosystem

Apple's first over-ear headphones don't mess around. Their detailed, spacious sound ranks among the best we've tested for iPhone. Spatial audio makes movies and music absolutely immersive.

Although comfortable with premium materials, at nearly 150g heavier than Sony WH-1000XM5, weight might be a consideration.

Despite the high cost, these are a triumph for audiophiles tied to the Apple world.

3. Sony WH-CH520: Budget-Friendly On-Ear Headphones

Affordable, well-built headphones that sound better than expected for the price.

Price: From $38

Pros:

• Balanced, engaging sound
• Excellent battery life
• Handy, multifunctional app control

Cons:

• A bit restrained dynamically
• Could use more presence

These headphones defy expectations on a budget. They don't look flashy but feel sturdy and comfortable for long listening sessions. With a whopping 50 hours battery life and Bluetooth Multipoint (rare at this price!), they offer serious bang for your buck.

4. Sony WH-1000XM6: The ANC Full-Size Champs

Top-of-the-line noise-cancelling over-ear headphones, perfect for immersive music and calls on iPhone.

Price: From $428

Pros:

• Detailed, dynamic sound
• Spacious and musical
• Excellent ANC and call quality
• Foldable for easy transport

Cons:

• No aptX HD support
• No audio over USB-C

Sony’s flagship headphones remain the gold standard for noise cancellation and sound clarity. The WH-1000XM6 improves on its predecessor with a wider, flatter headband and foldable design, making them easier to carry.

They support advanced codecs like LDAC and feature 360 Reality Audio for enveloping soundscapes. ANC here rivals Bose’s best.

If your budget is tight, the XM5 is still a strong contender and often discounted.

5. Focal Bathys: Audiophile Wireless Excellence

A Bluetooth headphone unlike any other, delivering premium sound for audiophiles on the move.

Price: Starting at $670

Pros:

• Expansive, clean soundstage
• Rich, full-bodied balance
• Luxurious build quality

Cons:

• Plastic buttons feel less premium

Focal’s first wireless offering keeps their reputation for meticulous sound quality alive. These headphones have a luxurious feel and deliver a smooth, warm sound with strong rhythmic drive.

Comfortable for extended listening and equipped with effective noise cancellation, they are a compelling choice for serious music lovers.

6. Sony WF-C510: Award-Winning Budget True Wireless Earbuds

Compact, affordable, and surprisingly powerful wireless earbuds for iPhone users.

Price: From $35

Pros:

• Small, comfortable, lightweight
• Solid, musical sound
• Feature-packed app control

Cons:

• Feels a bit cheap
• Ambient sound mode is modest

The WF-C510 steps up from its predecessor with richer, fuller sound comparable to a Michelin-star sauce versus a store-bought one. Though lacking ANC, the ambient sound mode keeps you aware of surroundings, perfect for runners and city dwellers.

With 11 hours battery life and smooth iPhone compatibility, these earbuds are a steal.

7. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: Elite ANC Earbuds

Bose’s latest earbuds push noise cancellation to new heights in a compact form.

Price: From $299

Pros:

• Best-in-class noise cancellation
• Punchy bass and vibrant sound
• Comfortable fit

Cons:

• Immersive Audio drains battery
• No Bluetooth Multipoint
• No wireless charging standard

Want to block the world without bulky headphones? Bose’s Ultra earbuds deliver. Their new design improves on comfort and adds Bose Immersive Audio—a spatial audio experience that varies by track.

ANC dominates the wireless earbud category, making these a great choice for iPhone users on the go.

8. Technics EAH-AZ100: Premium Sound for iPhone and Beyond

High-end wireless earbuds aimed at non-Apple fans seeking stellar sound.

Price: Starting at $271

Pros:

• Outstanding detail and clarity
• Spacious, engaging sound
• Effective ANC
• Comfortable design

Cons:

• ANC not quite Bose level
• Voice call quality less impressive
• Tough competition in price range

Technics may be better known for turntables, but their earbuds bring serious heat. Lightweight and comfortable, with fully customizable touch controls, they support all key codecs for optimal sound.

Their ANC works well without killing comfort, making them a versatile pick for iPhone audiophiles.

Other Notables to Consider

• Sony WH-CH720N: Slightly pricier than CH520 but with noise cancellation.
• Earfun Air: Super affordable true wireless with surprisingly rich sound.
• Apple AirPods 3: Four-star convenience and solid sound.
• Apple AirPods 4 with ANC: Good ANC without in-ear tips, great budget AirPods option.
• Sony WH-1000XM5: Previous-gen ANC kings now often discounted.
• Sony WF-C710N: Adds ANC to an already excellent budget earbud.
• Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3: Stylish, premium sound at a premium price.

How to Choose the Best Headphones for Your iPhone

• Wireless or wired? Wireless headphones offer convenience and are recommended for iPhone. Wired headphones require adapters since iPhones lack 3.5mm jacks.
• Bluetooth version matters. Latest headphones use Bluetooth 5.0+ for better range and stability.
• Noise cancellation? Great for blocking distractions but may affect battery life.
• Built-in controls and mic. Essential for hands-free calls and music control on the go.
• Call quality. ANC headphones usually have better mic quality, useful for noisy environments.

How We Test Headphones for iPhone

We’ve tested thousands of headphones over nearly 50 years, using every iPhone model since the original. Each pair goes through rigorous, real-world scenarios: commutes, offices, walks, flights.

We test ANC on/off, transparency modes, usability, and compare them within their price category. Verdicts come from a team to avoid bias, ensuring thorough, trustworthy reviews.

Engage With Us!

Have you tried any of these headphones with your iPhone? Which one’s your favorite and why? Drop your thoughts and experiences below!

FAQs

• Which headphones work best with iPhone?
  AirPods offer perfect iPhone integration, but many other brands deliver excellent sound and features compatible with iPhones.
• Can I use any headphones with my iPhone?
  Not exactly. iPhones lack a 3.5mm jack since iPhone 7, so wired headphones need a Lightning or USB-C adapter depending on your model.
• Can regular headphones connect to iPhone?
  Only with appropriate adapters, as iPhones have no standard headphone jack.
• Do all wireless headphones support iPhone features?
  Some features are exclusive to Apple devices, but most wireless headphones work well with iPhones.
• Is noise cancellation worth it on iPhone headphones?
  Yes, it enhances music clarity and call quality by reducing background noise but might reduce battery life.

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