Last Updated on January 22, 2021 by Husain Parvez

The missing headphone jack may force you to get the best earbuds for iPhone out there, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare finding one. We’ve conveniently broken down this buying guide to highlight the best ones out there, based on your budget, and the type that suits your needs.

Mobile phones have become an integral part of our lives, whether it is for communication, productivity, or just entertainment. Being a music player, entertainment system, and even a hands-free communicator, all smushed into one device, we have to come to expect a lot from our mobile phones over the years, and it keeps building up.

In recent years, the Apple iPhone has become wildly popular for its user-friendly interface, but the inclusion of the 3.5mm headphone jack did create quite a stir among users. With the passing time, people seldom miss the headphone jack and have moved on to looking for the best iPhone earbuds for communication and ideal listening experience.

Apple has invested heavily in marketing it’s very own line of TWS (true wireless stereo) earbuds in the form of AirPods and even the Apple-owned Beats brand.

However, based on your preferences, the budget you have in mind for a pair of earbuds, and the interface that best suits your needs, there is plenty of fish in the sea to pick from.

Saving you the trouble of diving headfirst into the hundreds of different viable options to pick from, we’ve boiled it all down to the best iPhone earbuds 2021 that are available in the market right now.

Best iPhone True Wireless Earbuds Under $300 

Apple AirPods Gen 2 (Wired/Wireless Charging Case)

If you win the lottery of the perfect ear fit for the original Apple earpods with a snug fit in your ear, the Airpods Gen 2 is the ideal combination of features and comforts for your TWS earbud needs for your iPhone which is missing a headphone jack. The AirPods 2 comes in two charging case variants with wired or wireless charging. 

Key Features.

1. Sturdy hinge mechanism and premium plastics used for the charging case and AirPods.
2. Compact size that can fit in your “useless jean pocket”. 
3. Lightning cable to charge the case or wireless charging with the wireless charger.
4. Universal fit with in-ear style design.
5. Up to 5 hours of playback time on the AirPods 2. 
6. Up to 24 hours of playback time with the charging case to charge the AirPods.
7. Apple’s in house H1 built-in chip for easy connectivity and low latency playback quality.
8.  Clear and crisp sound quality output.

AirPods Pro gives an edge over the competition corresponding to other IOS devices.  The snug fit pair of TWS earbuds is essential to isolate ambient noise and prevent sound leakage from your earphones, which may not be possible with the AirPods if they are not the perfect ear fit for you. Want instant pairing and adjustable ear tips? The AirPods Pro might be right for you.

Apple AirPods Pro– Cheap wireless Earbuds 

Apple AirPods Pro is a step up from the AirPods which brings in a whole suite of new features and functionality for the price investment. Compared to the highest AirPods 2 model with a wireless charging case, it costs 50$ MSRP more for the AirPods Pro, and we think bumping up your budget for the Pro’s is worth it with the slew of new features they bring in.

Key Features.

1. Shorter stem protruding from your ears.
2. In-ear style design with silicone ear tips included in the box for a custom fit.
3. Active noise cancellation blocks out ambient noise with the help of microphones.
4. Transparency mode allows you to hear surrounding ambient sounds along with your music. 
5. Wireless charging case included.
6. Four hours of battery playback with the Airpods Pro and 24 hours of battery with the case.
7. Water and sweat resistant.
8. H1 chip for easy pairing with Apple devices.
9. Squeeze stem controls for interacting with the AirPods Pro.
10. Quick access for Siri by saying “Hey Siri”.

The AirPods Pro is a huge step up from the regular AirPods as they can provide with a more tailored fit to the ears with silicone ear tips, app assistance for choosing the right ear tip and they are in-style earphones ensure has more grip and does not fall off when you are hitting the gym or going for a jog. These high-end Buds bring a noise-canceling technology with a true wireless range that is highly recommended for iPhone users. The additional quality spec that actually put them in competition with some of the other true wireless earbuds that we typically consider to be the best.

Beats Powerbeats Pro-Quality Earbuds

The Powerbeats Pro by Beats is the most high-performance sports-friendly pair of good quality earphones which are both compatible with Apple devices using the H1 chip and Android devices with class 1 Bluetooth connectivity.

Key Features 

1. Adjustable on ear hooks that ensure your expensive earbuds don’t fly off during an intensive workout.
2. Silicone ear tips included in the box for a custom fit to your ears.
3. Up to 9 hours of playback time on the earbuds and 24 hours of playback time with the charging case. 
4. Water and sweat resistant.
5. Fast earbud charging with the case.
6. Connect both, or an independent earbud according to your preference during a workout.
7. Controls available on both of the earbuds.
8. They are charging over lightning cable.

If you are an athlete who can carry a bulky charging case with them, the Powerbeat Pro is a good option for a TWS earbud who needs their music to fuel them during a workout.

Bose SoundSport Free- Best Apple Earbuds

Bose, as we all know, deliver the most soothing and ecstatic sounding headphones and earphones. The Bose SoundSport Free brings in a complete Bose experience in a True Wireless earbud, small and sporty form factor. 

1. The earbuds are IPX4 certifies and are sweat and water-resistant.
2. In-ear hook design for stability during intense workouts.
3. Compact charging case and discrete earbuds in your ears.
4. Extra ear tips included in the box for a custom fit.
5. Clear and punchy music output and also the clear voice from calls which are taken care of by the right earbud. 
6. Five hours of playtime on the earbuds with an additional 10 hours of playback time from the charging case.
7. Track your missing earbuds using the Bose connect App’s “Find My Buds” feature.
8. Physical buttons for track and volume control on the earbuds.
9. Compatible with iOS and Android devices.

The Bose SoundSport Free TWS is one of the best compact workout earbuds for gyms goers and who like to go out for a jog in drizzling rain. These pair of TWS earbuds will make sure your workout does not stop due to any cable tangling hassles.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus– Wireless earbuds Pack

Samsung, along with AKG, has rolled out the second generation of Galaxy Buds, the Galaxy Buds Plus to rival the likes of Apple’s AirPods and many others in this segment, and they are a formidable pair of True battery earbuds for the price and features they offer.

Key Features.

1. Perfect fit earbuds for sound isolation using the extra ear tips included in the box.
2. Two-way dynamic speaker system and boosted drivers for powerful bass and crisp high notes.
3. Compact wireless charging case and in-ear style earbuds.
4. USB-C charging case.
5. Tap gestures for controlling the earbuds.
6. Seamless connectivity with Samsung devices using NFS communication chip.

Bluetooth Neckband iPhone Earbuds Under $300

If you are in fear of losing your TWS earbuds during your commute or an intense workout, having a pair of budget Bluetooth wireless earphones are the best option for you. These wireless Bluetooth neckband earphones under 300$ will make sure you have a cable-free and not in fear of losing a single side of an earbud.  

Sennheiser CX 7.00BT – Best iphone Supported Bluetooth 

Sennheiser is renowned for its larger than life sound output from their headsets and headphones. Now they have managed to shrink down to the size of earbuds. The Sennheiser CX 7.00BT is such one offering from their neckband earphones in a classic look.

Key Features.

1. Dynamic bass and clear vocals from Sennheiser drivers.
2. Bluetooth 4.1, NFC and Qualcomm APT-X support for quick pairing and low-frequency latency.
3. Neck Band style Bluetooth earphones.
4. Personalised fit using the extra ear tips included in the box.
5. Fast charging through USB in 1.5 hours provides up to 10 hours of playback time.
6. Physical buttons for volume and track controls.
7. Soft storage pouch included.

Bang and Olufsen Beoplay E6 Motion

If you want a style statement with your neckband earphones, the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay E6 Motion is a fashionable option for wireless Bluetooth earphone needs.

Key Features 

1. Sweat and water-resistant design.
2. Customisable ear tips and fins for a personalised fit for your ears.
3. Punchy and plentiful sound output.
4. Physical buttons for volume and track controls.
5. Five hours of playback time.
6. Charging over USB A.
7. Carrying pouch included.
8. Compatible with iOS and Android.

Bose SoundSport Wireless

The Bose SoundSport Wireless is similar to the DoundSport Free with the neckband. The sound output is as identical to the TWS counterpart without worrying about losing one of the earbuds while working out.

Key Features.

1. Bluetooth and NFC for easy pairing to devices.
2. Water and sweat resistant.
3. Playback time up to 6 hours on a single charge.
4. Inline microphone and buttons for volume and track controls.
5. Extra ear tips and carrying case included.

Apple Beats PowerBeats Pro

The PowerBeats pro is the wireless Bluetooth counterpart of the TWS PowerBeats Pro. You can enjoy the features of the Pro’s during your workout without the extra bulk of the charging case and the hefty amount for the “Pro” tag.

Key Features.

1. High-quality audio.
2. Fifteen hours of playback time on a single charge.
3. Adjustable ear hooks for comfort and stable fit.
4. Reinforced wire with sweat and water resistance.
5.  Apple H1 chip for instant pairing.
6. Compatible with iOS and Android.

Best iPhone True Wireless Earbuds under $100 

Skull Candy Sesh– Cheap Earbuds

The Skull Candy Sesh is a good option for first-timers who are investing in a True Wireless Earbud for iPhone as it is affordable for the set of features the Sesh offers in this price range.

Key Features. 

1. Compact charging case and earbuds.
2. Up to 10 hours of playback with earbuds and charging case.
3. IP55 water and sweat resistance.
4. Extra ear tips for a personalised fit.
5. Touch controls for volume and track controls.

Anker SoundCore Liberty Air 2

Anker is famed for its computer and phone peripherals with sleek and minimal designs. Now Anker has introduced the Anker SoundCore Liberty Air 2 TWS earbuds which fall just under the 100 dollar mark and packs in a lot of features with a dash of good sound quality, making them one of the best workout earbuds for iPhone on the market from a third-party manufacturer. 

Key Features.  

1. Compact charging case with up to 28 hours charging and supports charging over USB-C cable. 
2. AirPods inspired style with in-ear design which has 7 hours of playback time on a single charge.
3. Good sound quality.
4. Secure and tight fit and extra ear tips included in the box.
5. Full touch controls on both the earbuds for volume and track controls.
6. Dual or Mono earbud mode.
7. Four microphone setup (two on each earbud) with CVC noise reduction technology for clear voice calls and Qualcomm APT-X for low latency sound output.
8. Bluetooth 5.0 technology for faster pairing and more extended Bluetooth range.

TicPods 2 – Good Battery Life Earbuds

The TicPods by Mobvoi is yet another AirPods on-ear style earbuds which just fall in the price range of under 100 dollars and brings in a lot of features in a compact package with exciting colourways.

Key Features.

1. Compact and sturdy charging case with 23 hours of charge with charging over USB-C.
2. Airpods style on-ear earbud design with 3 hours of playback time on a single charge.
3. Good sound quality and clear voice calls.
4. Water and sweat-resistant with IPX4 certification.
5. aptX and AAC support for low latency audio frequency.
6. Compatible with iOS and Android.
7. Touch gestures for volume and track controls.   

JBL Tune 120TWS – Good Earbuds for Small Ears

The JBL Tune 120TWS brings in superior sound quality in a small compact form factor, and JBL has a reputation for delivering more than what is expected from the size and form factor of its products.

Key Features.

1. Small earbuds with 4 hours of playback time.
2. 5.8mm drivers that deliver punchy bass and clear vocals.
3. Large charging case compared to other TWS earphones with 12 hours of playback time.
4. Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity technology.
5. Touch media controls for volume and music tracks.
6. Compatible with Google Assistant and Siri.

Razer Hammerhead TWS – Best Gaming earbuds 2021

If you are a serious gamer on the go and you are a competitive mobile gamer, the Razer Hammerhead TWS earbuds are the right fit for you. The Razer Hammerhead TWS earbuds have little to no audio latency when you are in an intense gaming session with no wires in between.

Key Features.

1. Compact charging case with charging over USB-C.
2. On-ear earbud design.
3. Custom 13mm drivers that deliver excellent sound quality. 
4. Low latency audio output.
5. Bluetooth 5.0 for quick pairing.
6. Water and sweat resistant.

Bluetooth Neckband iPhone Earphones Under $100

JBL Jump Endurance- Good Bluetooth Earbuds

The JBL Jump Endurance Bluetooth earphones are an activewear Bluetooth earphones with flexible around the neck design. The in-ear hooks for stability during an intense workout is what makes this one of the best earbuds for iPhone on the market on the run.

Key Features.

1. Good sound quality output.
2. Ear hooks for stability.
3. Eight hours of playback time with the Bluetooth earphones.
4. Water and sweat-resistant and are meant to be worn for intense workouts in the gym.
5. Robust built quality.

Sennheiser Momentum – Bass Bluetooth Earphones

The Sennheiser Momentum neckband Bluetooth earphones are one of the best quality earbuds for iPhone with a steady, comfortable neckband for hours of listening time without hearting your neck. And we all know the Sennheiser experience with their earphones. 

Key Features.

1. Around the neck neckband with soft stitched sheepskin Nappa leather for extra comfort.
2. Excellent sound quality output.
3. Media controls for volume and track skipping.
4. Bluetooth 4.1 with AAC and aptX support for low latency frequency audio output.
5. NFC for one-touch pairing with NFC supported devices.
6. Up to 10 hours of playback charge time and charging over USB.
7. Simultaneous pairing to 2 devices for convenience.
8. Carrying case included.

Sony WI-XB400 Extra Bass

The Sony WI-XB400 is awarded as the noise-canceling best iPhone earbuds with Extra Bass for the hungry bass audiophiles especially for the ones who are looking for a compact and easy to carry earphone rather than carry a big and bulky headphone.

Key Features.

1. Magnetic buds with auto on or off feature when attached or detached.
2. In-ear style earphones with a snug fit.
3. Excellent audio quality and clear voice calls.
4. Rubberised neckband for easy storage.
5. Up to 15 hours of playback time with USB-C charging support.
6. Physical buttons for volume and track controls.
7. Carrying case bundled.

Edifier W200BT SE

The Edifier W200BT SE is the cheapest wireless Bluetooth earphones in this list, but the features it packs in comparison to those with much higher price tags and they are good quality earphones.

Key Features.

1. In-ear style earphones with in-ear hooks for a stable and secure fit.
2. Built-in mic with cVc technology for clear voice quality during calls.
3. Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX support for quick pairing and low latency audio output.
4. Decent audio quality output.
5. Ipx5 water and sweat resistance.
6. Lightweight design for long hours of comfortable use.

Best Wired Earphones for iPhone

If you are still rocking an older iPhone with a headphone jack, or carry around lightning to 3.5mm audio jack dongle with you, purchasing a wired earphone has its advantages like no worrying to charge the or latency issues.

Belkin in-ear Earphones

The Belkin lightning wired earphones to solve the problem if you are forgetful about your dongles to use wired earphones with your latest iPhone. Being a wired earphone, Belkin has made the earphones with flat-style cables for a minimum tangle-free experience. These earphones are only compatible with iOS devices.

They feature an in-ear style design with a snug fit for sound isolation. The Belkin Lightning earphones have good sound output and are a good choice for iPhone users who can ignore the fact they won’t be able to charge their iPhones while using any wired earphones that is.

House of Marley EM-JE041-BA

If you are meticulous about your things and do carry a headphone jack dongle with your iPhone, the House of Marley EM-JE041-BA wired earphones are a fashionable and style statement earphones. These wired earphones have braided cables so that you head directly to your music than untangling them. The earphones themselves are made of wood, and the ear tips are interchangeable with extra ear tips included. The sound quality is good, and you will enjoy them on a long commute to work or a chill session on your balcony. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any earbuds with my iPhone?

Although Apple AirPods connect faster and effortlessly to the iPhone, by no means are they the only earbuds that you can use with the iPhone. Any Bluetooth interface earphones, neckband earbuds, or TWS earbuds can be used with the iPhone by connecting them through the Settings menu. Additionally, you can even use the traditional 3.5mm wired earphones with an iPhone, as long as you have the headphone jack to lightning cable connector to do so (which Apple no longer offers for free with the latest generation of iPhones).

What is the difference between earbuds and earphones?

While the two are often confused as wired vs wireless, the difference between earbuds and earphones is far more subtle than that. Speaking of the earbuds, those are the ones that rest within your ear, but resting outside the ear canal. However, earphones are the ones with the silicone tip that are inserted all the way into the ear canal and offer a more secure fit with noise cancellation experience in ways. While this is the general definition, companies often tend to mix up the two for different marketing strategies.

Final Words

There’s no denying the fact that no pair of best earphones for iPhone is going to work as well as the original Apple AirPods is the H1 chipset, which allows the user to seamlessly pair them.

However, it just isn’t enough to rule out the dozens of other viable options in the market that not only are available on lower price point but offer better audio quality in comparison, which some users are far more concerned about than the quick pairing feature.

We decided to also include wired earphones for iPhone in the list, since it is still the preferred choice among true audiophiles, who aren’t too keen about the analog to digital audio conversion, and the audio quality lost in the process.

Did the guide above help you pick up the best earbuds for iPhone that fit reasonably within your budget and deliver an astounding stereo experience? Have you purchased a pair of earphones for iPhone that exceeds the expectations, but we’ve forgotten to list them up here? Be sure to share them in the comments section below, and we’ll review them for our audience to see.

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Husain Parvez

Editor at Whytheluckystiff

Sharing a love-hate relationship with Biotechnology in Uni, Husain moved on to his true calling of becoming a tech geek. While briefly being persuaded by the Apple clan, he made it back to Team Android, and has been a loyal comrade since, with a keen interest in IoT, Entertainment Tech, and Gaming.

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