Best AirPods Alternatives In 2025: Earbuds For Every Need -

In the US, Apple’s AirPods have the largest market share in the headphones market at 34.4%. While AirPods are incredibly popular, particularly among Apple users, they’re not always the right fit, literally or functionally, for everyone.

The US has over 250 million smartphone users and Android claims approximately 44% of the market share in the US. This means, there are over 110 million Android phone users in the US, many of which are seeking the best wireless earbuds for their device.

Whether you’re looking for better sound, a more comfortable design, longer battery life, or compatibility outside the Apple ecosystem, this guide breaks down the top AirPods alternatives in 2025 to help you find your ideal match.

Table of Contents
Market overview for earbud headphones
Comparing AirPods models
Why look for AirPods alternatives
Top AirPods alternatives
Premium sound and noise cancelling
Audiophile-grade sound
Fitness and active lifestyle
Budget-friendly choices
Specialized use cases
Final thoughts

Market overview for earbud headphones

In 2025, the worldview revenue in the headphones market is expected to reach a staggering USD $18.4 billion. But, how much of the market is taken up by earbuds? There are a few things to consider when it comes to the market segments as headphones are broken down into several categories based on features. According to Straits Research, the following segments are projected to grow between 2024 and 2032, both of which apply to the earbud headphone market.

The in-ear segment dominates the global market and is projected to exhibit a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.97%. The main factors driving in-ear headphones adoption are their lightweight design and greater portability.
The wireless segment is the largest revenue contributor to the market and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 13.57%. The advantages of wireless headphones are incontestable.

According to Modor Intelligence, the Earbuds Market size is estimated at 0.35 billion units in 2025, and is expected to reach 1.20 billion units by 2030, at a CAGR of 27.94% between 2025 and 2030.

What are earbuds?

Earbuds are small earphones designed to be inserted into the outer ear, delivering audio directly into the ear canal. They are compact, portable, and often come with features like wireless connectivity, microphones for calls, and touch controls.Their design makes them convenient for on-the-go listening and discreet use.

Comparing AirPods models

All three AirPods models on an orange background

The biggest difference between the basic AirPods and AirPods pro used to be noise cancelling, you can now get basic noise cancelling with the regular gen 4 AirPods. Though Apple does note that the AirPods Pro version has up to 2x more active noise cancelling. The other significant difference is the fit, the AirPods pro have adjustable ear tips for a better fit for a wider range of people.

While Apple also calls their over ear headphones, AirPods Max, for the purpose of this blog we will be focusing on ear bud headphones for comparison.

Why look for AirPods alternatives

AirPods Pro in their case with AirPods on the table in front

While many Apple users love their AirPods, they aren’t the perfect fit for everyone.

Some people find them uncomfortable. Others want better sound quality, more noise cancellation, longer battery life, or simply a lower price. And if you’re not an iPhone user, you might not be able to take full advantage of AirPods’ features like Siri integration or seamless Apple ecosystem syncing. That’s where AirPods alternatives come in.

Depending on your needs, you might want:

Better sound quality or stronger bass for music lovers
Superior noise cancellation for focus or travel
A better fit for workouts or small ears
Cross-platform compatibility if you use Android or Windows devices
Budget-friendly options that don’t skimp on quality
Earbuds for sleeping, with a slim, comfortable profile

Top AirPods alternatives

Since there are so many different needs when it comes to choosing the best headphones, the top AirPods alternatives are categorized to help you find the perfect fit.

Premium sound and noise cancellation

There is a noticeable increase in demand for noise cancelling headphones for focus and productivity. According to Market Research Future, the active noise cancellation headphone maker is projected to grow from USD 1.57 billion in 2025 to 12.89 billion by 2034, for a 26% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).

Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony’s WF-1000XM5 earbuds are renowned for their exceptional sound quality and industry-leading noise cancellation. With a compact design, they offer a comfortable fit and support for high-resolution audio formats. The earbuds provide up to 8 hours of playback with noise cancellation activated, and the case extends this to 24 hours. Features like adaptive sound control and speak-to-chat enhance user experience.

For those who had the earlier Sony earbuds, these are reported to have a better fit than their predecessor.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds deliver top-tier noise cancellation and immersive sound quality. They feature a comfortable fit and intuitive touch controls. The earbuds offer up to 6 hours of battery life (note this is with active noise cancelling off), with the case providing an additional 18 hours.

Audiophile-grade sound

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4

Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds cater to audiophiles seeking high-fidelity sound. They feature advanced active noise cancellation and support for aptX Adaptive codec, ensuring premium audio quality with certain smartphones and devices that are Snapdragon Audio certified. Battery life is approximately 7 hours, with the case providing an additional 28 hours. The earbuds also boast a comfortable fit and intuitive touch controls.

Fitness and active lifestyle

Person standing outside with earbuds in adjusting music

Beats Fit Pro

Designed with active users in mind, the Beats Fit Pro earbuds feature secure-fit wingtips and an IPX4 water resistance rating. They offer active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and seamless integration with Apple devices, thanks to the H1 chip. Battery life stands at 6 hours, with the case providing an additional 18 hours.

Beats also offers a great earbud option with ear hooks, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2.

Shokz OpenFit 2

Make fitness enthusiasts prefer an open-era design so they are able to stay more aware of their surroundings during workouts.

Weighing just 9.4g each, these earbuds use flexible nickel-titanium earhooks for a secure fit, even during intense activities. They offer up to 11 hours of battery life on a single charge, with the charging case extending total listening time to 48 hours. The OpenFit 2 is IP55 water-resistant, making it suitable for various weather conditions. Additionally, they support Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint pairing, enabling seamless switching between devices.

Shokz also offers a bone conduction headphone option that connects around the back of the head – OpenRun Pro 2.

Budget-friendly choices

For those seeking budget-friendly earbuds, these options are priced around $100 or less.

Soundcore by Anker P40i

If you’re looking for premium features without a premium price, the Soundcore P40i by Anker is hard to beat. Released in early 2024, these true wireless earbuds offer a comfortable, secure fit with six sizes of ear tips, and a feature set that’s impressive for the price

They include active noise cancellation (ANC), a transparency mode, and multipoint Bluetooth so you can stay connected to two devices at once. Battery life lasts up to 12 hours on a single charge at moderate volume, or around 8 hours with ANC enabled. The charging case adds even more power and cleverly doubles as a stand for your smartphone—perfect for streaming video or video calls.

Skullcandy Method 360 ANC

Skullcandy’s Method 360 ANC delivers surprisingly high-quality sound for the price, thanks in part to its partnership with Bose. These earbuds include “Sound by Bose” tuning, which gives them a level of detail and richness not typically found in this price range.

With three sizes of ear tips and “fit fins,” they stay snug during movement—ideal for active users. They offer up to 9 hours of listening time with ANC on, or 11 hours with it off, plus more from the charging case. Other features include Bluetooth multipoint, responsive touch controls, and in-ear detection sensors.

While the ANC isn’t as powerful as what you’d get from more expensive models like the Bose QuietComfort series, it’s still effective. The biggest drawback? The charging case is bulky and a bit awkward to use.

Specialized use cases

For Sleep: Soundcore by Anker Sleep A20 earbuds

While earbuds aren’t ideal for all side sleepers, one of the most important qualities of good earbuds for side sleepers is comfort, which means earbuds that feel nearly invisible. For many side sleepers, these headphones will fit the bill. The biggest downside with these headphones is the noise canceling. While they provide some passive noise canceling, they may not be the number one pick for those in louder sleeping environments.

One added bonus with these sleep earbuds is the Anker Soundcore app. With the app, people can set alarms, pre-set when the earbuds shut off, or loop the white noises that help fall asleep. Most people find these earbuds don’t fall out during the night because the tips come in different sizes, but if they do, the app can help to find them easily.

For Swimming: SHOKZ OpenSwim Swimming MP3

Black bone conduction headphones on a wooden table

The SHOKZ OpenSwim Swimming MP3 is a top-tier swim headphone designed specifically for water sports enthusiasts. Known for its bone conduction technology, it allows users to enjoy music while keeping their ears open to surrounding sounds. The headphones are completely waterproof, making them ideal for swimming and other water activities. With an ergonomic design and a secure fit, they promise comfort and stability even during intense workouts.

Final thoughts

AirPods might be the go-to for many Apple fans, but they’re far from the only option. From premium noise-cancelling powerhouses like the Sony WF-1000XM5 to sleep-friendly earbuds and waterproof models built for swimmers, today’s earbud market has something for every lifestyle and budget.

As technology evolves, so do your choices, making it easier than ever to find earbuds that truly fit your needs, whether you’re after high-end audio, cross-platform support, or simply a better night’s sleep.

Best AirPods Alternatives In 2025: Earbuds For Every Need