Top 5 best earbuds for iPhone with seamless iOS integration

Wireless earbuds have transformed the way we listen to audio or make phone calls on the go. While wireless headphones took some time to become popular, wireless earbuds were an instant hit. While the category gained popularity with the Bragi Dash in 2015, the launch of Apple AirPods in December 2016 turned the wireless audio segment on its head. There is a reason why Apple AirPods continue to be the best wireless audio device for iPhones, and that is seamless iOS integration.

While there are options from Sony, Bose, and others, if you are looking for the best earbuds for iPhone with seamless iOS integration, then your option is limited to Apple and Beats. Thanks to Apple’s H1 and H2 chips, earbuds from Apple and Beats offer features like seamless pairing, fast device switching, Find My integration, and more. For all the iPhone owners out there, here’s a look at the top 5 best earbuds for iPhone with seamless iOS integration.

Best earbuds for iPhone

If you are deeply rooted in the Apple ecosystem, here are the best earbuds for iPhone:

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• Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation-USB C)
• Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
• Apple AirPods 4
• Beats Studio Buds Plus
• Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation-USB C)

The AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) with USB-C are the best wireless earbuds for iPhone users. Compared to the original AirPods Pro, these deliver improved noise cancellation and sound and include features such as spatial audio, audio sharing, and automatic syncing across iCloud devices. The 2nd Gen AirPods Pro also come in a compact case and support wireless charging, while setting them up is as simple as holding the open case near your iPhone.

Other Apple-only features include head tracking for spatial audio, automatic device switching, Find My support, and more. With a built-in speaker and a U1 chip for location tracking, the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) are the definition of seamless integration with Apple’s hardware ecosystem. With the addition of hearing health features, the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) goes beyond the definition of wireless earbuds.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

If you are looking for the best earbuds for sports and working out while also delivering seamless iOS integration, then look no further than Beats Powerbeats Pro 2. In its second generation, the Powerbeats Pro retains the ear hook design but offers improvement in the form of active noise cancellation and transparency mode.

They also feature heart rate monitoring with built-in sensors on each earbud and are IPX4 rated for water resistance. Like the AirPods Pro 2, the Powerbeats Pro 2 is also powered by the Apple H2 chip and offers Apple-only features like dynamic head tracking for spatial audio, auto device switching, Find My integration, and more. 

Apple AirPods 4

The Apple AirPods 4 are undoubtedly the best affordable wireless earbuds for iPhone right now. They lack ANC but offer a lot of features found on Apple’s more expensive AirPods offering. With the AirPods, you will get features like spatial audio head-tracking, auto device switching, and their design means that you won’t feel something inside your ear canal, a common pitfall for many wireless earbuds.

They have a dynamic soundstage, but since they are open-ear, they let a lot of sound in, which could compromise the audio experience. However, if you’re looking for wireless earbuds with an AirPods-specific feature without stretching your budget, there’s probably no better option.

Beats Studio Buds Plus

Beats Studio Buds Plus are the most ecosystem-agnostic wireless earbuds that also look great with their transparent design. Compared to its predecessor, Beats has improved the call quality, noise cancellation, and design while also supporting features such as auto-switching between Apple devices, Siri voice command, and Find My for iOS.

They also support spatial audio for Dolby Atmos but lack wireless charging. The Beats Studio Buds Plus are rated for up to 36 hours of listening time and are aimed at those looking for a stylish alternative to AirPods.

Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation

With AirPods 4, Apple decided to diversify the same product with or without ANC, and the AirPods 4 with ANC are the first non-Pro AirPods to support noise cancellation. Since they don’t make a tight seal inside your ear canal, the noise cancellation is not as effective as AirPods Pro, but it is still capable of reducing the loud rumble of an aeroplane engine.

Thanks to Adaptive EQ powered by the H2 chip, they deliver clear and rich audio and are among the best for voice calls on iPhone. The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation deliver all the bells and whistles of Apple-only features and only disappoint in battery life.

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Apple’s walled garden means not every wireless earbud will be able to deliver the same experience across its hardware ecosystem. While the likes of Sony, Sennheiser, and Bose make excellent wireless earbuds, they fail to deliver the seamless integration offered by AirPods and Beats. For those using a number of Apple devices, the wireless earbuds mentioned above will deliver a comfortable audio and software experience.