The Apple AirPods have dominated the true wireless earbuds. However, in 2025, the competition is more than ever before, as brands such as Sony, Bose, Samsung and Anker are going to extremes in innovation in audio.
Be it more battery life, active noise cancellation (ANC), or a more affordable price tag, the best AirPods alternatives in 2025 provide the same quality features at a cheaper cost.
Adaptive sound, smarter connectivity, and better comfort are also offered with these new models that compete with or even outperform AirPods Pro (2nd Gen). We are going to look at the 4 best AirPods alternatives that are poised to perform and be good in the year.
1. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) — Best Overall AirPods
When it comes to immersive sound and unmatched comfort, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) dominate the 2025 market. Bose refined its already stellar noise-canceling technology, now introducing an upgraded “Immersive Audio” mode that provides spatial sound rivaling Apple’s Spatial Audio.
The design is sleek yet functional, featuring a smaller, more ergonomic shape that fits perfectly in your ear for long listening sessions. Battery life has also improved — you now get 8 hours per charge, and with the case, up to 24 hours of total playback.
Regarding connectivity, the Gen 2 provides Bluetooth 5.4 to ensure the most stable connection and multipoint connection, allowing you to switch between your phone, laptop, or tablet with no trouble. The sound of calls is also improved with adaptive microphones that are more accurate at filtering background noise – perfect when working remotely or traveling.
Priced around $299, these earbuds are a premium investment, but their combination of incredible ANC, dynamic soundstage, and comfort makes them the best AirPods alternative in 2025 for audiophiles and professionals alike.
2. Sony WF-1000XM5 — Best for Sound Quality and ANC (Audiophile Pick)
Sony has long been at the edge of sound fidelity and noise cancellation, and the WF-1000XM5 is no different; it remains on the edge in 2025.
These earbuds have a tuned driver configuration that results in the ability to produce a richer mid-range and more accurate highs, which is outstanding in genres such as jazz, classical or live recording.
The ANC has been designed to support a wider frequency range – the low thrum of an airplane cabin to the higher tones of crowds in cafes – and adapts itself dynamically to the world around you.
Battery life measures about 8 hours with ANC on, and up to 30 hours with the charging case when ANC is turned off. Charging has also been improved: a 10-minute top-up gives you roughly 1.5 hours of playback, thanks to faster charging tech.
They support hi-res codecs like LDAC and AAC, which makes them ideal if you’re streaming high-quality audio from services like Tidal or Amazon Music HD. The tap and gesture controls are solid, and Sony’s app allows detailed customization — from EQ tweaks to ANC levels.
At about $279–$299, the Sony WF-1000XM5 are perfect for those who demand excellence in sound quality and want an AirPods alternative that doesn’t compromise on anything.
3. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro — Best for Android/Galaxy Users
If you use Android — especially a Samsung Galaxy device — the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are among the top AirPods alternatives in 2025. They bring many of the conveniences Apple users enjoy, but build them around Android-friendly features that make a difference.
These earbuds are adaptive with intelligent dual-mic ANC, which means that environmental noise suppression will work in any environment: be it city streets or public transport, or windy outdoor conditions.
The sound mix is warm, but it does not overwhelm the mids. In voice calls, the Samsung Voice Detect feature reduces the music and focuses on the surrounding microphone when someone begins speaking, and thus is convenient in urban applications.
Battery life is about 7 hours with ANC, while the case adds another 21-23 hours. Fast wireless charging means you can power them up from any Qi-certified pad; they also offer reverse wireless charging from your phone — useful in a pinch.
Integration with Galaxy devices is seamless: Auto Switch between Galaxy phone, tablet, and Samsung Watch; full access to lab-quality EQ controls; and features like “Find My Buds” are built in. Priced approximately $229–$249, these are a strong pick if you’re in the Samsung/Android world and want an AirPods-class experience with better compatibility.
4. Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC — Best Budget AirPods
For those who want strong features without breaking the bank, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC delivers excellent value. While they may not match the premium polish of Sony or Bose, they punch well above their price in critical areas like ANC, battery life, and comfort.
Acoustically, the Liberty 4 NC is skewed towards a bass-oriented sound profile, popular with many listeners when listening to pop songs, podcasts and in daily life.
The ANC is very efficient, particularly at lower frequencies such as road noise or engine hum, but highs such as wind whistling are not as well suppressed. Transparency mode can be used, but a bit shouty – nevertheless, more than sufficient where crosswalks or brief conversations are concerned.
Battery life comes to about 8–9 hours with ANC enabled, and about 30–32 hours total with the charging case. They also support wireless charging and fast charging: just 10 minutes of charge gives ~1.5 hours of playback.
Connectivity includes multipoint Bluetooth so you can stay linked to your phone and laptop, or tablet simultaneously. The companion app offers EQ presets and custom EQ, letting you tailor the sound to your preferences.
Priced around $129–$149, the Liberty 4 NC stands out as the top budget AirPods alternative in 2025, especially if your priority is value and you’re willing to accept some trade-offs in finish and highest-end ANC.
5. How to Choose the Right AirPods Alternative — Buying Guide
When selecting an AirPods alternative in 2025, certain features and specifications matter more than ever. Use the following criteria to guide your decision:
| Feature | What to look for in 2025 | Why it matters |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Multiple microphones, adaptive or environmental ANC; ability to reduce both low and high-frequency noise | To block out unpredictable ambient noise in travel, cafes, open offices |
| Sound Quality & Codecs | Support for high-res or hi-fi codecs (LDAC, AAC, aptX, etc.); well-balanced drivers especially mids and highs | To enjoy clarity, detail, and accuracy across music genres |
| Battery Life | Minimum 7-8 hours with ANC; at least 24-30 hours with charging case; fast charging & wireless charging support | Ensures lasting use through travel, workdays, or workouts without frequent charging |
| Comfort & Fit | Multiple ear tip sizes, ergonomic design; proper seal for both sound and ANC efficiency | Poor fit reduces sound quality and reduces ANC effectiveness |
| Connectivity & Features | Multipoint Bluetooth, companion app with EQ/ANC control, seamless switching between devices, useful extras like transparency mode or spatial sound | Enhances user experience; gets you closer to or beyond what AirPods offer |
| Durability & Build Quality | Water/sweat resistance, sturdy case, reliable battery longevity | Essential for daily use: commute, workouts, outdoor exposure |
FAQs
1. Which earbuds are better than AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) in 2025?
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) and Sony WF-1000XM5 outperform the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) in sound customization, ANC quality, and comfort. They also offer longer battery life and better codec support for high-resolution audio.
2. What is the best budget AirPods alternative in 2025?
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC stands out as the best budget choice in 2025. For around $130, you get strong ANC, customizable EQ, multipoint Bluetooth, and impressive battery life — features rarely found in this price range.
3. Are AirPods alternatives compatible with iPhones?
Yes, all major AirPods alternatives in 2025 — including Bose, Sony, Samsung, and Anker — are fully compatible with iPhones via Bluetooth. You may miss out on Apple-exclusive features like spatial audio tracking or automatic switching, but audio quality and performance remain top-tier.