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Having the right pair of headphones is essential. Whether you prefer listening to curated playlists or podcasts, your earbuds should support your activities regardless of your routine. If you love Apple’s AirPods but don’t want to spend that much money, compare some excellent alternatives to upgrade your listening experiences.
The Most Notable Features About the AirPods Pro 3
Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 are some of the most popular headphones available. The wireless, comfortable earbuds fit securely during rigorous activities and provide the best sound quality. Their popularity is partially why Apple made $112 billion during 2025 before factoring in global revenue. AirPods Pro 3 models come with features that make people willing to spend hundreds of dollars, such as:
- Water, sweat and dust resistance
- Eight to 10 hours of battery life, depending on your settings
- Precision Finding to easily locate the individual AirPods
Whether you love their sleek design or high-quality features, you don’t have to sacrifice your budget to get excellent wireless headphones. Skip the high price tag on the AirPods Pro 3 by comparing similar options that could ship to your door in a matter of days.
Best Wireless Earbuds You Can Get Instead
Investing in a pair of new headphones can feel intimidating. You won’t have to worry about wasting your money if you search for wireless earbuds made by some of the most trusted brands.
1. Beats Solo Buds
The Beats Solo Buds are a great place to start shopping for wireless headphones. They come in three colors and have a powerful 18 hours of battery life. They easily beat Apple AirPods in a battery comparison and only take five minutes to charge per one hour of playback. They could finish a complete recharge while you’re finishing a meeting at work.
2. Sony Truly Wireless Headphones
You might also enjoy the Truly Wireless headphones from Sony. The small models fit neatly into your ears with a lightweight design that minimizes pressure. If you want, you could chat on the phone without lifting a finger thanks to the built-in microphone’s audio-capturing quality. You’ll even get multiple earbud tip sizes so your new Sony headphones fit as though they exist just for you. The numerous options make them some of the top wireless earbuds on the market.
3. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Samsung has wireless earbuds that mimic the classic look of traditional AirPods. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are also noise-canceling and sound-optimizing. You may love them if you like to refine your listening experiences because they feature an adaptive equalizer to maximize your audio. They also translate conversations in real time while you’re on transparency mode. You might learn a second language that expands your career options faster by practicing with your earbuds in.
4. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
Treat yourself to remarkable audio experiences without an Apple price tag by considering the Bose QuietComfort earbuds. The sleek, small buds can play up to eight and a half hours of audio between charges. They also feature silicone tips to hold them in place even if you fall asleep listening to ASMR or a meditation playlist. As long as you’re within 30 feet of your device, the Bose headphones will stay connected.
5. Skullcandy Jib True 2 Wireless In-Ear Earbuds
You might recognize Skullcandy from the days of wired earbuds, but the brand is a powerhouse in the wireless world too. The Jib True 2 headphones last up to 33 hours and provide water-resistant listening even when you’re in the shower. Enjoy the noise-isolating fit whenever you need to focus. They’re also a close match to the Apple AirPods Pro 3 because they include built-in Tile finding technology, so you can locate them in your couch while you’re catching up on hit shows during dinner.
6. Philips TAT3519 True Wireless Headphones
Phillips is another brand known for making excellent products. Consider the company’s TAT3519 earbuds if you want noise-canceling headphones with a sleek design. They’ll hold eight hours of charge in addition to the eight hours of recharge stored in their case. Carry them throughout your day to listen to anything you like while staying busy. The Bluetooth V5.3 connection will ensure that you can hear everything without interruptions, even if your headphones connect to two other devices simultaneously.
How to Maintain Your New Earbuds
Once you find a pair of wireless headphones that you love, you’ll want to make them last. Use a few tips to maximize their lifespan so you don’t have to spend money again for a long time.
Set Reminders to Clean Them
Your earbuds might not look dirty, but microorganisms could still call them home if you don’t clean them. Schedule reminders on your calendar so you never forget to take your headphones apart and gently clean them with a Q-tip. Cleaning your earbuds can reduce your chances of developing an otitis externa infection, which happens with prolonged bacterial or fungal growth in your ear.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Great headphones help you listen to your favorite songs almost anywhere. If you want to store them somewhere other than your pocket, try to keep them in temperature-controlled settings. Leaving them in your car during winter’s coldest nights or summer’s hottest afternoons could deteriorate the tiny components that make your earbuds phenomenal. You might also need to leave your headphones at home if you’re finally joining the 600 others on Mount Everest’s slopes this year.
Dry Them Out
Don’t forget to let your headphones dry if you wear them in wet conditions. Enjoy your shower or workout, but remember to remove any exterior earbud tips to free trapped liquid. Bacteria need a moist environment to grow, so letting your earbuds dry can be powerful. You could even set a timer so you remember to come back for them after 10 or 15 minutes pass.
Have Fun Comparing the Top Wireless Earbuds
Apple makes some great earbuds, but they aren’t your only option. Compare some of the best wireless earbuds to explore styles and features you might not have considered before. They could be exactly what you need to finally get a comfortable pair of headphones that fit your ears and last throughout the day.
FAQs
Do Expensive Earbuds Really Sound Better?
Yes, expensive earbuds can make things sound better because they have better internal technology that boosts audio and cancels exterior noise effectively.
What Should You Consider When Buying Wireless Earbuds?
You should consider your preferred style and color when buying wireless earbuds. If you find a pair that also has the best features for your lifestyle — like water or sweat resistance — you’ll use them for years.
What Are Common Earbud Problems?
Common earbud problems are things like connectivity issues and a loose fit. If you choose a pair that has a strong Bluetooth connection and multiple ear tip sizes, you’ll avoid those problems.
