The best headphones for iPhone: TOP 15 wireless and wired models

Today's rating of the best headphones for iPhone 2022 will consider wireless and wired models with support for the AAC codec. Starting with the iPhone 7, Apple moved away from using the 3.5 mm headphone jack in favor of wireless devices. Therefore, most of the positions in our TOP are occupied by Bluetooth headphones, which go well with the new Apple iPhone models.

1. Which headphones are best for iPhone?
2. Connectors and adapters for iPhone
3. Rating of the best headphones for iPhone

Which headphones are best for iPhone?

It's no secret that original Apple headphones are best suited to the iPhone in terms of convenience and stability, but the price makes you think about choosing headphones, and in terms of sound you can find tempting options for the same money.

Apple prefers only the AAC codec (excluding standard SBC) for wireless audio transmission. Therefore, there is little point in purchasing wireless Bluetooth headphones that support aptX or LDAC.

AAC codec: what is it and why is it needed?

AAC stands for "Advanced Audio Coding". It is the preferred audio codec format for lossy compression in the Apple ecosystem. AAC is a multi-channel audio coding algorithm that supports streaming. It is interesting to note that it is also used on YouTube and Russian television.

Thanks to conversion with the AAC codec, music transfer via Bluetooth becomes available. This algorithm is capable of dividing the transmitted signal into parts, then sending it to the headphones. Already in them, through the same codec, unpacking and digital-to-analog conversion of the signal into music is carried out.

For reference: AAC was originally created as a successor to MP3 with improved encoding quality. In 1997 it became the new, seventh part of the MPEG-2 family.

iPhone connectors and adapters for wired headphones

Apple prefers the Lightning connector and Bluetooth wireless interface. A fairly small number of headphone models have lightning plugs (one of them is EarPods), so you’ll have to immediately look for an adapter. We will help with this too.

Currently, it is not difficult to find an inexpensive lightning to 3.5 mm mini-jack adapter (on Aliexpress and analogues). Unfortunately, the adapter will be an additional link, but this is almost the only option to connect regular wired headphones to the iPhone.

When choosing an adapter, do not rely on the cheapest options, because... this is not just “input and output”, but also a certain amount of electronics (after all, you need to convert the digital signal from lightning to analog).

Model comparison table

In order to compare the presented products, we recommend taking a look at the table with their characteristics.

TOP 15: Best headphones for iPhone 2022 - wireless and wired models

Rating of the best headphones for iPhone (TOP 15)

JBL Tune 120TWS

Inexpensive fully wireless in-ear headphones with good sound for iPhone.

JBL Tune 120TWS ($66) – inexpensive TWS headphones with good sound, perfect for iPhone. Stylish design, high-quality assembly and signature bass from JBL at a relatively low price (for fans of the American brand, we have prepared a special material where we have collected the best JBL headphones).

To learn more!

Main characteristics

• Type: completely wireless in-ear
• Type: dynamic
• Membrane diameter: 5.8 mm
• Frequency range: 20 – 20000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 96 dB
• Maximum power: 15 mW
• Bluetooth support: Bluetooth 4.2
• Profile support: A2DP, AVRCP, Hands free
• Battery Li-ion, 85 mA / 3.7 V
• Case charging connector: microUSB
• Working time: 4 h
• Battery life in case: 12 hours
• Charging time: 2h
• Indication: LED
• Weight: 73 g

Equipment

• Headphones
• Charging case
• Charging cable
• 3 pairs of ear pads
• Documentation

Video review

• Sound. Good bass, well-developed treble, the headphones stand out among many competitors in the same price range and form factor.
• Materials and assembly. High-quality and reliable plastic, looks very wear-resistant. The headphones will definitely last for several years.
• Design. Quite an interesting appearance.
• Case dimensions. Not tiny, but fits perfectly in your pocket.
• Price quality.

• Headphone dimensions. The headphones protrude from the ears to the sides.
• Lack of volume control.
• Background noise. It is a little more audible than other similar models.

Samsung Galaxy Buds+ (Plus)

Review of Samsung Galaxy Buds+ - good TWS headphones for a phone.

Thirteenth place in the ranking of the best headphones for iPhone is occupied by Samsung Galaxy Buds+ ($160) - high-quality and lightweight headphones from a well-known brand, the best Bluetooth headphones for the phone and in particular for the iPhone.

Autonomous operation up to 6 hours, moisture protection, proprietary application, good quality sound - these are the distinctive features of this model. So if you're looking for wireless Bluetooth earbuds with long battery life and versatile sound, the Galaxy Buds+ are worth considering.

After the release of the official application for this device, support for iOS systems appeared, which makes Samsung Galaxy Buds+ one of the best headphones for a phone.

To learn more!

Main characteristics

• Type of emitters: two reinforcement per channel
• Earphone weight: 6g
• Earphone dimensions: 22.5 × 17.5 × 19.2 mm
• Earphone battery: 85 mAh
• Case weight: 39.6 g
• Case dimensions: 26.5 × 70 × 38.8 mm
• Case battery: 270 mAh
• Autonomy: 11 hours without recharging
• Bluetooth: 5.0
• Codecs: SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable
• Protection: IPX2

Equipment

• Headphones
• Case with built-in battery
• Three sizes of silicone inserts (S/L/M)
• Replaceable ear hooks (S/M/L)
• Instructions
• USB Type C cable

Video review

• Design. Very interesting and stylish appearance. Classic from SAMSUNG.
• Battery life. 11 hours of battery life for completely wireless headphones is an excellent indicator of the Galaxy Buds+.
• iOS compatible.

• Limited audio codec support.
• Weak water permeability. There is only IPX2, which significantly limits resistance to water (splashes of rain, drops of sweat, etc.)
• No noise cancellation.

About the manufacturer

Apple is a leading manufacturer of laptops, tablets, audio players, smartphones, and original software. Thanks to advanced developments and stylish design, products from this brand are considered the most popular in the field of consumer technology. As the founder said. All products are premium and therefore have a high price.

Apple Corporation was founded in 1976. Since then, it has been called more than once the most expensive brand in the world. Apple's significant inventions include the innovative iPod, which revolutionized the digital audio industry, as well as the iPhone, one of the first touchscreen smartphones.

Sony WF-1000XM3

Review of Sony WF-1000XM3 - a completely wireless vacuum headset from Sony with active noise cancellation.

Another great iPhone model from Sony is the WF-1000XM3 ($195), a completely wireless headset with active noise cancellation. Traditionally, Sony headphones stand out for their high-quality noise reduction, NFC, software sound enhancement, they also have fast charging and touch control.

These are very good headphones for iPhone 6 (and 6S) and newer versions. They support the AAC codec and have very good sound.

To learn more!

Main characteristics

• Type: completely cordless vacuum
• Emitter: dynamic
• Emitter diameter: 6 mm
• Frequencies: 20 Hz – 20000 Hz
• Bluetooth version: 5.0
• Profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP
• Codecs: SBC, AAC
• Active Noise Cancellation
• Autonomy: up to 6 / up to 8 hours (with noise reduction on or off)
• Operating time with case: up to 24 hours / up to 32 (with noise reduction on or off)
• Fast charge: 10 minutes = 90 minutes noise canceling operation
• Charging time: 1.5 hours
• Case charging time: 3.5 hours
• Charging interface: USB Type-C
• Earphone weight: 8.5 g
• Case weight: 80 g

Equipment

• Headphones
• Charging case
• Charging cable
• 6 pairs of ear pads
• Documentation

Video review

• Sound. Headphones are suitable for listening to music. Excellent sound quality.
• Active noise cancellation. Gorgeous headphones, with one of the best noise reduction among all completely wireless headphones. Great model for iPhone.
• Autonomy.
• Design.

• Lack of volume control. For headphones at this price, this is a very big minus.
• Lack of high definition codecs.
• Case dimensions.

Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds

The best Bose headphones with punchy sound and great noise cancellation.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds ($340) – These premium headphones offer great versatility and impressive musicality. They pair well with an iPhone, or any smartphone for that matter, and offer six hours of battery life (the case provides another 12 hours, for a total of 18 hours).

Incredibly effective, adjustable Bose noise-canceling technology. It provides 11 levels of noise cancellation from zero (off) to 10 (maximum) and works incredibly well.

To learn more!

Main characteristics

• Design: in-channel
• Microphone: built-in
• Connection type: wireless
• Connectivity: Bluetooth v 5.1
• Range: 10 m
• Cable type: true wireless
• Frequency range: 20 – 20000 Hz
• Codec support: AAC
• Charging port: USB C
• Working time: 6 h
• Charging time: 2h

Equipment

• Headphones
• Charging case
• Replaceable ear pads
• Instructions

Video review

• Quality of materials.
• Clear, balanced sound.
• Value for money.
• Convenience.

• Battery life.

Huawei FreeBuds 3

Review of Huawei FreeBuds 3 - the best TWS in-ear headphones for iPhone from Aliexpress.

The ninth place of the best headphones for iPhone goes to high-quality Chinese headphones Huawei FreeBuds 3 ($134) - TWS in-ear headphones for iPhone from Aliexpress, the best direct alternative to AirPods. If most completely wireless headphones worthy of attention are earbuds, then this model is in-ear, like Airpods.

Generally, the main truly wireless headphones that are worth considering are earbuds, and the Huawei FreeBuds 3 are in-ear, just like AirPods, making these headphones the best copy of Apple AirPods.

To learn more!

Main characteristics

• Single earphone weight: 4.5 g
• Case weight: 48 g
• Case charging time: about 1 hour (wired charging)
• Headphone charging time: about 1 hour (with charging case)
• Colors: Charcoal Black and Ceramic White
• Power: 30 mAh (min.) (one earbud), 410 mAh (min.) (charging case)
• Bluetooth: HUAWEI Kirin A1 5.1
• Driver: Speaker ⌀14.2 mm
• Playtime: 4 hours playback on a single charge, 20 hours playback with charging case
• Control: Double click control
• Form Factor: Open / Wireless / Bluetooth
• Connector: Wired: USB Type-C (5V 1.2A 6W), Wireless: Qi standard (2 W)

Equipment

• Headphones
• Charging case
• USB Type-C charging cable
• Documentation

Video review

• Wonderful sound. Pushy, energetic, moderately bass sound.
• Great design.
• Ease of use and functionality.
• Autonomy 4 + 20 hours. Not a bad indicator for a True Wireless model.
• High quality microphone.

• Proximity sensor or auto pause when removing the earphone. Works only with HUAWEI smartphones running firmware 10+.
• Volume level. The volume works fine on Xiaomi and Huawei smartphones and other Chinese ones.
• Active noise cancellation. Practically doesn't work.

How to choose

When purchasing a headset, future owners do not always know what criteria to pay attention to so that future use does not cause discomfort. The most important thing is to choose headphones based on the anatomical structure of the auricle and sound sensitivity. Below are criteria that will help you understand when purchasing a device.

• The first step is to evaluate the noise reduction sensor. Almost all budget models are soundproofed. The most important thing is that active noise absorption technology is used, since this factor will help your interlocutor hear you during a conversation, and not just what surrounds you.
• The second selection criterion should be sensitivity. Users do not need a quiet model; they prefer to opt for a headset with performance levels of 95 dB or more.
• Third, but not least important, is the frequency range. This characteristic refers to the range of sounds that can be reproduced by accessories. A person can recognize sounds in the range from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.
• The last criterion is work autonomy. In this case, the main reference point is the version. The older it is, the longer the headphones will hold a charge. The final result will depend on the type of accessories. On average, the optimal indicator can be from 12 to 20 hours. But in modern society this is not a problem; now there are special cases that can recharge the case in a short period of time.

Klipsch T5M Wired

Best cheap in-ear headphones for iPhone under $100.

Klipsch knows how to make a decent pair of affordable in-ear headphones. In 2022, the audio products were awarded with the R6i II, and Klipsch's latest version, the T5M Wired ($73), is even better. Not only are they very comfortable, but they are also very musical and enjoyable to listen to.

Klipschs sound detailed and dynamic, with smooth balance and a precise sense of timing. The only slight drawback is the cable noise that occurs if you don't use the included clothes clip and can't change the volume using the one-button control/microphone.

Philips SHE3590: the cheapest option

Neat in-ear headphones with light weight and good sound. The bend area is rubberized, which increases service life. The design is simple, but the ergonomics are excellent - the headphones fit comfortably into the ears and do not fall out. One of the main advantages is their low cost; headphones sell for 500 rubles. If treated with care they will last a very long time.

Reviews

Advantages:

• high-quality sound across the entire spectrum, bass, mid, and high frequencies are clearly audible;
• excellent sound insulation;
• there are additional attachments with reliable fastening;
• Durable headphone design.

Flaws:

• the cable is flimsy, stretches, breaks;
• the sound may need to be balanced using an equalizer;
• You can hear the wire rubbing against your clothes.

Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless

The best over-ear wireless headphones for iPhone.

The seventh best headphones for iPhone go to the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless ($380) - full-size headphones for iPhone with excellent sound and good active noise cancellation. The biggest advantage of this model is its high-quality sound. In this parameter, this model is better than most analogues on the market; the sound is detailed, natural, lively and energetic, although there is a noticeable emphasis on the low frequencies.

Xiaomi

The joke about the fact that Xiaomi doesn’t produce teapots is no longer relevant, the brand’s sphere of interests is so huge. What can we say about headphones, of which the company has almost four dozen items in its arsenal. The main argument of the company, as always, is the low, often with the prefix “extra”, price.

True, in the case of wireless models, the quality of both sound and assembly/materials is far from being the best. But for literally one to one and a half thousand rubles, you get a device from a large brand, and not some sharashka office. Therefore, there is at least some hope that the headphones will work longer than a couple of days.

Marshall Major III Bluetooth

Wireless on-ear Bluetooth headphones at an inexpensive price.

The six best headphones for iPhone are the stylish Marshall Major III , in which both the headband and ear pads are covered with the same eco-leather. The only visible plastic element is the bowls, and even those have leather inserts. The design has a convenient folding mechanism, in which the bowls are folded inside the headband, which is convenient for transportation.

Another important point is the ability to connect to an Apple iPhone via Bluetooth or via cable.

There is also no active noise reduction system, but the design feature itself is enough to drown out the noise while on the street. In a large crowd of people, it will be difficult to communicate.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2

Review of Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 - wireless in-ear headphones with the best sound quality among True Wireless.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 ($350) - vacuum wireless headphones for iPhone. The device has the best sound quality among True Wireless. The model also looks stylish and is perfect for iPhone owners.

To learn more!

Main characteristics

• Type: in-ear, dynamic
• Emitter diameter: 7 mm
• Frequency range: 5 – 21,000 Hz
• Sound pressure level: 107 dB SPL (1 kHz / 1 mW)
• SOI:
• Bluetooth: 5.1
• Supported codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX
• Working time: about 7h (with charging case 28h)
• Charging time: about 1.5h
• Connector (for charging): USB 3.0 Type C
• Microphone type: MEMS
• Microphone frequency range: 100 – 10,000 Hz
• Microphone sensitivity: 94 dB SPL at 1 kHz
• Moisture protection: IPX4
• Single earphone weight: 6g
• Case weight: 58 g

Equipment

• Headphones
• 4 pairs of ear pads
• Charging case
• USB to USB Type-C cable
• Documentation

Video review

• Sound quality. The headphones have the best sound among their competitors for this price.
• Comfortable fit.
• Autonomy.
• Active noise reduction and transparency mode.
• Customizable touch controls.
• Stylish design and high-quality assembly.

• High price.
• Rare problems with communication and software. Not everyone has such problems and they are very rare.

Sony WH-1000XM4

Review of Sony WH-1000XM4 - the best headphones for iPhone in terms of price and quality.

Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones ($330) have just about everything you need to be the perfect companion for your iPhone. They're lightweight, comfortable, and boast a stable Bluetooth connection and, in our opinion, some of the best noise canceling on the market, all of which are silver in our ranking of the best headphones for iPhone.

Sony also provides a number of useful features such as Speak to Chat, which allows you to talk to people without removing or touching your headphones.

Basic equipment

Before moving on to the headphones, you need to study the iPhone X package. The smartphone comes in a standard white box with an image of an edge-to-edge display. In addition to the device itself, the kit includes several stickers, warranty documentation, a power supply, a cable, a clip for removing SIM cards, a headset and a short minijack adapter.

EarPods can also be ordered separately. They will come in a small plastic box with a seal. In this case, you will have to purchase an adapter for devices with Mini-Jack yourself.