Wired headphones are quickly becoming a thing of the past. If it wasn’t already clear enough, all of Apple’s latest releases of iPhones have all been missing one thing: a headphone jack. Apple has transitioned away from the old-fashioned cord and moving to Bluetooth, where you can listen to music, podcasts, movies, and more without having to worry about a wire. In this guide, we’ll be taking a look at the best Bluetooth headphones and earbuds for iPhone.
Features to Consider When Buying Headphones and Earbuds
Headphones vs. Earbuds
Choosing between headphones or earbuds is simply a personal choice. Headphones are larger and bulkier than earbuds, and sit on top of your head and over the ear. Meanwhile, earbuds sit in your ear. Generally speaking, headphones offer a better sound quality and noise canceling, while earbuds offer great portability and less restriction on your head. Deciding which option is right for you is simply just a personal preference.
Sound Quality
The quality of sound varies greatly between different kinds of headphones and earbuds. Headphones usually have better sound quality versus earbuds, because they are larger and over the ear. Oftentimes, this can mean that they have noise canceling features, meaning you’ll have a better listening experience when in loud areas. The best way to find out about the sound quality on headphones or earbuds is to listen to them yourself, or read reviews online.
Battery Life
If you’re buying wireless earbuds or headphones, be sure to find a pair with a battery life that fits your lifestyle. Whether you need your headphones to last for a one-hour gym session or a four-hour car ride, battery life should always be considered when picking out earbuds or headphones for your iPhone. Some devices have battery life that lasts days, while others may only last a couple of hours.
Comfort
Both headphones and earbuds come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and models. Earbuds can be made of different materials, and have a different kind of piece that goes inside your ear. Headphones are made of all sorts of materials — both on the over-head piece and the over-ear piece of the headphone. Lastly, consider the usage for your audio device. Headphones or earbuds that are comfortable for the gym would be vastly different from headphones or earbuds meant for the office or school.
Other Features
Some higher quality headphones and earbuds will have special features that can enhance or aid your listening experience. Basic features may include the ability to pause, play, or skip a song or audio track by simply pressing a button on the headphone. This can be nice, especially for those using headphones at the gym or during an activity. More advanced features may include things like an adjustable EQ and transparency modes.
Best Headphones and Earbuds for iPhone
Earbuds
Audio-Technica ATH-TWX7 True Wireless Hybrid Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Know noise canceling like no other when using the Audio-Technica ATH-TWX7. Being true wireless
earbuds with customizable features, the ATH-TWX7 provides high-quality sound experiences in a way
that is special to you. These earbuds inherited their predecessor’s 5.8mm drivers, which provide ample
support for 24-bit/96 kHz audio files and detailed music playback according to your taste. By touching
the earbud’s sensor, you can activate multiple features such as its digital hybrid noise-cancelling
technology, ambience control, and more.
Pros:
- Compact design
- High-performance MEMS mics, beamforming technology, and two selectable call modes
- Soundscape function plays relaxing sounds of nature, a masking noise to help you concentrate
or meditate
Bose Ultra Wireless Open Earbuds
The Ultra Open Earbuds offer a revolutionary cuff-like design that keeps your ears open to the world while delivering rich, private sound through OpenAudio technology. With Bose Immersive Audio, they create a spatialized experience that makes you feel like the music is playing around you. Featuring all-day comfort, stable wear, and convenient controls, they’re the perfect companion for any activity, ensuring you can enjoy your music without compromise.
Pros:
- Comfortable buds for all-day wear
- Up to 7.5 hours of play time
- OpenAudio technology for immersive sound
Beats by Dr. Dre Studio Buds True Wireless In-Ear Earphones
If you’re looking for powerful, balanced sound in a compact design, don’t overlook the incredibly compact Wireless In-Ear Beats Earbuds. These earbuds have a clear sound with outstanding stereo separation, as well as active noise canceling that blocks out external noise. Pairing for your iPhone is easily done with a simple one-touch pairing.
Pros:
- Simple one-touch pairing for iPhone
- Active noise canceling helps reduce background noise
- Sweat and water resistant earbuds, perfect for exercise
Apple Airpods with Charging Case
You can’t go wrong pairing your iPhone with Apple’s very own Apple Airpods. These wireless earbuds are easy to set up on your iPhone, and they’re smart enough to know when you’re listening versus when you are talking to offer the best earbud experience. You can use the Airpods with just one in your ear, and can pause, play, or skip a track by simply tapping either Airpod.
Pros:
- Voice activated Siri allows you to perform a variety of tasks handsfree
- Apple H1 headphone chip delivers faster and more stable wireless connection
- Excellent sound quality in almost any genre
Sennheiser IE 200 Wired Audiophile In-Ear Earphones
The earphones have a 7mm extra-wide band True Response transducers that eliminate distortion for natural-sounding voice and deep bass. The design also has adjustable ear hooks and three sizes of silicone and memory foam ear adapters for added comfort and stability.
Pros:
- Adjustable ear sizes
- 3.5 mm gold-plated MMCX connectors
- 6 – 20,000Hz frequency response
Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Closed-Back Over-Ear Noise Canceling Headphones
Sony combines a long, 30-hour battery life, industry leading noise cancellation, and a magnificent sound into one package in their WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones. An ultra-comfortable, lightweight leather design ensures a great fit on most any person.
Pros:
- 30-hour battery life
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Top notch audio quality
Apple AirPods Max
If you want to take full advantage of some of the features on your iPhone, the Apple Airpods Max headphones should be on the top of your list. As you receive texts while you’re listening to music, Siri will read them off, and give you the ability to respond, totally hands free. You can get directions, check the weather, and more just by saying “Hey Siri”.
Pros:
- Siri connectivity makes these headphones your personal assistant
- High-fidelity audio
- 20-hour battery life
Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Noise-Canceling Wireless Around-Ear Headphones
For best-in-class sound and adaptive noise cancellation, look no further than the MOMENTUM 4 Headphones from Sennheiser. Noise cancellation can be turned on or off at the touch of a button to allow you to hear outside sounds or block them out. Deep, cushioned ear pads ensure maximum comfort, no matter how long you use your headphones.
Pros:
- 60-hour battery life
- Ability to turn noise cancellation on or off
- Incredible comfort for all day use
Shure AONIC 40 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones
The Shure AONIC 40 Wireless Headphones are both portable and lightweight with an adjustable digital noise cancellation. The ShurePlus PLAY app allows full customization over noise cancellation and Environment Mode levels, as well as the ability to create your own custom EQ or download preset EQs. Lastly, Environment Mode allows you to hear the outside world with just the push of a button.
Pros:
- Great call quality
- Lots of ways to adjust the EQ
- Great sound quality for the price
How to Use Bluetooth with Your iPhone
Connecting your Bluetooth headphones to your iPhone is probably easier than you think. To access the Bluetooth settings of your iPhone, navigate to Settings > Bluetooth. Then, make sure Bluetooth is switched on. Next, you’ll want to grab your headphones or earbuds and turn them on. Check your users manual to see how to turn the headphones into pairing mode, which allows your iPhone to find the headphones. Most headphones will go into pairing mode either with the touch of a button, or by holding a particular button. Your headphones or earbuds should come with a guide on how to turn them into pairing mode.
Once you do this, place the headphones near your iPhone and wait a few seconds. If done correctly, you should see the name of your headphones or earbuds appear on your iPhone’s screen inside the Bluetooth menu. Tap your headphones or earbuds, and wait a few seconds for the devices to be connected. You should then see your new headphones under My Devices. Now, as long as you don’t turn Bluetooth off, your headphones should automatically connect to your iPhone every time you turn them on.
Hands-free and cord-free listening has never been more accessible than it is today. Whether you’re a gym rat, work commuter, or just want better sound quality from your iPhone, picking up a pair of wireless headphones or earbuds for your iPhone is a no brainer.
