The Best Bluetooth Headphones For Your iPhone In 2021

Without a doubt, Apple‘s iPhones are one of the best smartphones you can get your hands on in the market right now. So it comes as no surprise why millions of people around the world line up every year in front of Apple stores just to get their latest releases. With thousands of apps, a user-friendly design, a great ecosystem, and an incredible camera, who could blame them?

On top of that, its incredible sound quality is one of its outstanding characteristics as well. Ever since Apple removed the headphone jack from their iPhones, the demand for wireless Bluetooth headphones has significantly increased. With that said, now is a fantastic opportunity to invest in a pair of headphones that will do your iPhone justice. Fortunately for you, you have an array of options available. So for today, we’ll be giving you our top picks for the best Bluetooth headphones for your iPhone this 2021.

Affiliate Disclosure: I am grateful to be of service and to bring you content free of charge. In order to do this, please note that when you click links and purchase items, in most cases I receive referral commissions. Eventually, I may earn enough to buy a beer or two.

Our Top Recommendations

1. Apple AirPods Pro

Overview

It comes as no surprise how the Apple AirPods Pro sits on the top of our list. Obviously, the AirPods Pro is the ideal pair of headphones to use with your iPhone because they are designed specifically to work seamlessly with Apple’s technology.

To put it more specifically, these earphones include an H1 chip. This allows you to pair the earphones with other Apple devices without difficulty. They also include an iOS-only settings interface that includes button mapping as well as ANC navigation.

Apart from its compatibility with Apple’s ecosystem, the comfortable and lightweight fit of these premium headphones is also stable enough for mild to moderate physical activity. In terms of sound, the AirPods Pro has a pretty decent audio quality that is well-suited for a variety of audio content, despite the somewhat lack of low bass.

Apple also recently upgraded the software on the AirPods Pro. Now, they include Spatial Audio. Which is Apple’s take on Dolby’s Atmos technology. However, unlike standard surround sound that requires several speakers, Atmos inserts sounds in 3D space. This allows you to experience the same quality through a pair of these headphones.

Unfortunately, the AirPods Pro doesn’t have any sound modification capabilities, such as an EQ or presets. This kind of feature would have allowed you to tailor the sound of the headphones to your preferences. Which I find pretty disappointing especially when you’re paying this kind of premium price for a pair of headphones.

Their built-in microphone also seems to have a poor recording quality, making your speech seem thin and muffled. Nonetheless, most Apple users who are looking for an iOS-compatible pair of headphones for their iPhones will still be pretty satisfied by the AirPods Pro’s overall quality.

Check Out Our Full Review Of The Apple AirPods Here.

Features & Specifications

• Dimensions: ‎0.94 x 0.86 x 1.22 inches
• Item Weight: 0.18 Ounces
• Brand: Apple
• Battery Life: Over 5 hours
• Form Factor: In Ear
• Water Resistant: Yes
• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Wireless: True Wireless
• Colors: White
• Warranty: One year

What’s in the box?

• AirPods Pro
• MagSafe Charging Case
• Silicone ear tips (three sizes)
• Lightning to USB-C Cable
• Documentation

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Where Can I Buy The Apple AirPods Pro?

2. Apple AirPods (2nd Gen)

Overview

The 2nd generation of the Apple AirPods is a pretty solid option if you want a pair of wireless earphones that are more comfortable to wear compared to the AirPods Pro. While their overall sound quality isn’t as great as the Pro’s, their hard, one-size-fits-all shape means they don’t fit as snugly in your ear, which may be a more pleasant experience for some.

Just like the AirPods Pro, however, this model is similarly well-made, and they also include an H1 chip that makes pairing the earphones with Apple devices a breeze. In terms of battery life, you’re getting about 5 hours of continuous playtime and the charging case it comes in with can provide you with about five charge cycles.

If you’re looking for a pair of headphones with terrific noise cancellation, however, these might not be the earphones for you. These open-back headphones do not isolate you from external noises such as the sound of vehicles honking or passing by. So this is something important to take note of if you’re considering this particular model.

Apart from ANC capabilities, there’s not a lot of significant difference between the 2nd gen AirPods and the AirPods Pro. If you’re looking for amazing ANC functions and better sound quality, go for the latter. But if you’re on a budget or you prefer prioritizing comfort over sound, the AirPods (2nd gen) is the one for you.

Features & Specifications

• Dimensions: ‎0.65 x 0.71 x 1.59 inches
• Item Weight: 3.5 Ounces
• Brand: Apple
• Battery Life: 5 hours of listening time, more than 24 hours listening time with the charging case.
• Form Factor: In Ear
• Water Resistant: Yes
• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Wireless: True Wireless
• Colors: White
• Warranty: 1 year.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Where Can I Buy The Apple AirPods (2nd Gen)?

3. Beats Powerbeats Pro

Overview

How well the Powerbeats Pro, Beats‘ first completely wireless headphones, fit your ears will affect how much you enjoy using them. If one of the four included silicon tips fit your ears comfortably and snugly, you’ll have a lot of fun with these headphones and feel justified in spending a few hundred dollars on them.

Beats claims to be using new upgraded piston drivers that are believed to eliminate distortion. As a result, the Powerbeats Pro offers a richer, cleaner sound with much tighter bass. With that being said, a solid seal is necessary for maximizing sound quality with these types of noise-isolating headphones.

As a result, if the tips aren’t properly lodged in your ear canals, you can lose some bass and hear a notable drop in sound quality especially if you’re planning to use this while you’re constantly moving around or doing workout activities.

Furthermore, the Powerbeats Pro shares a feature with the Apple Airpods: the new H1 processor, which enables Bluetooth 5. This means that Apple users will have access to the same fast-pairing features Android users have enjoyed.

On top of that, you’ll also have the always-on Siri feature, which will allow you to activate Siri without pressing a button. Instead, like with other Apple products, you may simply say “Hi Siri” to activate this feature. Apart from that, you may also ask Siri to change the volume level of your audio, and Apple Music subscribers can ask Siri to either skip or go back to a certain song as much as they like.

Check Out Our Full Review Of The Beats Powerbeats Pro Here.

Features & Specifications

• Dimensions: ‎10 x 7.87 x 11.02 inches
• Item Weight: 0.64 ounces
• Brand: Beats
• Form Factor: In Ear
• Battery Life: Up to 8 hours of listening time, 24 hours if combined with pocket-sized charging case.
• Bluetooth Range: 30 meters.
• Water Resistant: Yes.
• Noise Cancellation: Yes.
• Wireless: True Wireless.
• Warranty: Up to one year from date of purchase.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Where Can I Buy The Beats Powerbeats Pro?

4. Sony WF-1000XM4

Overview

The Sony WF-1000XM4 delivers one of the most dynamic and balanced sounding wireless in-ear headphones we’ve seen in the market. The bass notes on these particular pair of earphones are quite crisp and ooze substance with a lot of attention to detail, while the vocals are polished and wonderfully lifelike.

To put it simply, the WF-1000XM4 creates music with such a feeling of melody that it’s contagious and keeps you wanting more. And owing to the class-leading eight-hour battery life, you’ll have plenty of time to be entertained which also makes these earphones ideal for longer periods of use every day.

When it comes to comfortability, these headphones are also quite pleasant to wear even after long hours of continuous listening. The ear tips also provide excellent noise isolation, keeping annoying external sounds at bay. At the same time, Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 provides excellent noise cancellation features for you.

On top of these amazing features, the Sony WF-1000XM4 will not disappoint you if you enjoy wearing your headphones while you’re out and about. The Sony WF-1000XM4’s IPX4 water resistance rating means you won’t have to worry if it rains lightly or you get accidentally splashed with water.

If you have a more active lifestyle, wearing these headphones while working out will pose no problem at all. The foam ear tips save the day once more by giving an extra snug fit in your ears. Finally, these headphones also offer Quick Attention and Speak-To-Chat modes, both of which allow you to talk without taking out your headphones.

Features & Specifications

• Dimensions: 3.7 x 2.56 x 3.39 inches
• Item Weight: 1.44 ounces
• Brand: Sony
• Battery Life: 8 hours of listening time, 24 hours with the charging case.
• Form Factor: In Ear
• Water Resistant: Yes
• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Wireless: True Wireless
• Colors: Black, Silver.
• Warranty: 1 year.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Where Can I Buy The Sony WF-1000XM4?

5. Panasonic RZ-S500W

Overview

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option for a pair of headphones to sync with your iPhone, then perhaps you might want to consider the Panasonic RZ-S500W. The RZ-S500W, which won an award in 2021, is Panasonic’s first attempt at making completely wireless earbuds with noise-cancellation features. But not only did they succeed in doing so, but these headphones are also fantastic value for your money.

So what exactly makes these pair of headphones so good? Well, for starters, the noise-canceling technology in the RZ-S500W is complemented by an Ambient Mode. There are dual mics integrated for better quality voice calls, as well as 6.5 hours of continuous listening time which can be extended up to 13 hours with the charging case. Not only that but 70 minutes of playback can also be achieved through a quick 15-minute USB-C charge.

Furthermore, one of my favorite things about these headphones is their intuitive and snappy touch controls, letting you easily control and navigate your music depending on your preference as well as the ability to toggle between different noise-canceling modes.

If you’re worried about the fit, just know that you’ll be getting five different sizes of ear tips to help you find the right fit. So if comfortability is an issue, you can easily swap out ear tips to find which one works best for you.

With that being said, the noise cancellation and sound quality on the RZ-S500W are both exceptional. There’s a lot of richness throughout the frequency range and plenty of agility at the low end. The music is crisp, and there is a lot of refinement on display, which is a huge steal at this price point.

Features & Specifications

• Dimensions: 6.65 x 4.35 x 2.35 inches
• Item Weight: 0.7 ounces
• Brand: Panasonic
• Battery Life: 6.5 hours of listening time, 13 hours with the charging case.
• Form Factor: In Ear
• Water Resistant: Yes
• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Wireless: True Wireless
• Colors: Black, Light grey
• Warranty: One year.

Rating: 9 out of 10.

Where Can I Buy The Panasonic RZ-S500W?

6. Apple AirPods Max

Overview

Apple’s first-ever over-ear headphones certainly aren’t the cheapest in the market. But they’re undoubtedly on the right track in terms of sound quality. In fact, the AirPods Max’s level of detail and spaciousness places these headphones among the best headphones for your iPhone with just that alone. This is probably already obvious since this is an Apple product after all.

With that in mind, the AirPods Max will work with non-Apple gadgets too. However, you will be missing out on most of their distinctive features that really set these headphones apart from their competition. Specifically, the cinematic Spatial Audio and even Dolby Atmos content.

But the question remains, are they worth spending a handful of hundred dollars for? Well, the answer is completely up to you. Personally, if you’re a hardcore Apple fan, you like listening to a lot of music, and you’re eyeing over-ear headphones, then that might justify dropping that much money on this device. If not, then there might be less costly options out there you might want to look at first.

Another thing to consider is that Apple devices are usually well-built. The AirPods Max is no different. But the design may be a hit-or-miss for some of you. Not to mention, these pair of headphones are just a little bit heavier than your usual over-ear headphones.

Features & Specifications

• Dimensions: ‎9.43 x 9.57 x 3.15 inches
• Item Weight: ‎13.6 ounces
• Brand: Apple
• Battery Life: Up to 20 hours of listening time.
• Form Factor: Over Ear
• Water Resistant: Yes
• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Wireless: Yes
• Colors: Space Gray, Green, Pink, Silver, and Sky Blue.
• Warranty: 1 year.

What’s in the box?

• AirPods Max
• Smart Case
• Lightning to USB-C Cable
• Documentation

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Where Can I Buy The Apple AirPods Max?

7. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2

Overview

This premium pair of earphones from Sennheiser is ideal for your iPhone if money is no object to you. Apart from its well-designed exterior, the Momentum True Wireless 2 is also comfortable to wear on your ears even after long periods of listening sessions.

The noise cancellation is also excellent at making sure you’re playtime is free from ambient noises, giving some of the finest models in this list a run for their money. Not to mention, the touch controls on these headphones are also easy to use and quite intuitive. Controlling and navigating your music playlist or podcasts and other functions are completely fuss-free.

When it comes to battery life, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 doesn’t disappoint either. You’ll be getting up to 7 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. Plus, the charging case offers three extra charges for you as well.

Overall, the design, sound quality, and features of the Momentum True Wireless 2 are pretty great. The highs and lows are balanced and controlled, but the dynamics aren’t lost. They’re a touch more expensive than other iPhone-compatible headphones, but you won’t regret it if you do decide to get this pair of headphones instead.

Features & Specifications

• Dimensions: 6.69 x 4.53 x 1.77 inches
• Item Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Brand: Sennheiser
• Battery Life: 7 hours on a single charge, charging case offers three additional charges.
• Form Factor: In Ear
• Water Resistant: Yes
• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Wireless: True Wireless
• Colors: Black, White
• Warranty: 2 years.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Where Can I Buy The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2?

8. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

Overview

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are without a doubt among the best true wireless earphones available that are compatible with your iPhone. The majority of Bose’s noise-canceling headphones have been on- and over-ear models, but the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, while being true wireless earphones, didn’t disappoint.

They’re small and light, and you’ll be able to listen for several hours at a time with them. The QuietComfort earbuds from Bose are really pleasant to use for a typical workout and have a high-quality feel to them. On a single charge, the battery lasts six hours, and the charging case adds two extra charges for a total of 18 hours.

Furthermore, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are both sweat and weather-resistant, making them great for both indoor and outdoor activities. The flexibility of the companion software to personalize some features and controls, as well as change the excellent noise-cancellation, adds to the ease of use. Not to mention, the touch controls for volume adjustment are pretty nice features too.

In addition, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds give a fantastic sense of dynamism, strength, and composure. When playing bass notes, the QuietComfort seems full, with a full-bodied sound that can go incredibly deep. Which I’m sure the bass heads reading this will surely appreciate.

Overall, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are excellent all-around, with excellent musicality and excellent noise cancellation to block out annoying external sounds. They’re up to the task against any opponent at this level, with the one major negative being the expensive price.

Check Out Our Full Review Of The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Here.

Features & Specifications

• Dimensions: 1.99 x 3.43 x 1.34 inches
• Item Weight: 0.006 ounces
• Brand: Bose
• Form Factor: In Ear
• Battery Life: Up to 18 hours.
• Water Resistant: Yes.
• Noise Cancellation: Yes.
• Wireless: True Wireless
• Colors: Sandstone, Soapstone, Stone Blue, and Triple Black.
• Warranty: Up to one year from date of purchase.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Where Can I Buy The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds?

Before You Buy

Apart from excellent audio quality, there are also other things you need to consider when shopping for your next pair of Bluetooth headphones. If you’re unsure whether a pair of headphones is the perfect fit for you and your iPhone, below are some things to keep in mind to help you make a more informed purchasing decision.

Form Factor

As you may already know, headphones come in all shapes and sizes. Over-ear, in-ear, and on-ear headphones are just some of the basic and most used types in the market. To help you out in deciding which is suitable for you, I’ll be discussing the different types of headphones to make less shopping for your next pair less stressful.

Over-Ear

To focus on sound isolation, over-ear headphones go on the top of the head and “over”. Because they create an intimate environment between you and the sound you’re listening to, this form of headphones is the best for noise suppression. They have a high capacity for reducing noise leakage, which keeps the sound you’re listening to in while allowing outside noise to escape.

Open-backed over-ear headphone variants are also available, allowing them to breathe and allow sound in and out. Closed-back headphones, on the other hand, are typically favored for their potential passive noise cancellation, isolation, and high-quality sound capacity.

They are extremely comfy (though this varies depending on the model) and do not compress your ears as some on-ear headphones do. Because very little air circulates in or out, be aware that you might sweat while you use this kind of headphones.

These are also the heaviest type of headphones available. So if you’re wanting to save room or looking for something more portable, these might not be the best option. Though some of you, on the other hand, might prefer a bigger pair of headphones and aim for that snug fit.

In-Ear

In-ear headphones are the most popular type of headphone model available right now. These are most preferred by the general public and due to their ease of use and extreme portability, this easily became one of the fastest-growing styles in the market. These in-ear devices have seen a steady rise in popularity and were also quick to improve in terms of sound performance in order to compete with their larger predecessors such as the on-ear and over-ear headphones.

These earbuds go a little deeper into your canal to rest inside of your ears and get a little closer to those precious eardrums than other types of headphones that rest on the outside ridge of your ears.

This design also has very low sound leakage. Meaning the sound stays in your ear and ambient noises are kept out. In-ear headphones also usually contain a silicone or foam ear tip for added comfort and protection. This ear tip completely covers the ear canal, allowing the music from the headphones to pass directly into your ear while blocking out external sounds.

In-ear headphones are also ideal for individuals who enjoy listening to music, especially while traveling, running errands, or hitting the gym.

On-Ear

Honestly, there was a little bit of confusion when I first knew about on-ear and over-ear headphones. They both seem pretty similar and it’s understandable if you’re confused between the two too.

The on-ear design is similar to open-back headphones in that it enables some sound from the surroundings to enter and exit, as opposed to the over-the-ear version, which is far better at filtering out external noises if sound isolation is a requirement.

This type of headset is also usually very comfy and does not make you sweat as much as some over-the-ear models do. Because they rest on your ears, it’s crucial to find a pair that’s comfortable and doesn’t put too much pressure on them, or else you might feel some fatigue around your head.

Noise Cancellation

Headphones that can isolate and reduce unwanted sound, whether it be active or passive, are pretty sought after in the market. After all, who wants to hear the blaring noises of vehicles and other unwanted external sounds to disrupt your music listening, right? Commuters, travelers, and even other kinds of professionals benefit from noise-canceling headphones because they allow you to focus on what matters most: the sound.

Passive noise canceling is mostly achieved through the physical architecture of the headphone unit. In-ear devices cancel out ambient noise by sealing the ear canal, whereas over-ear models eliminate noise by covering the entire ear. Active noise-canceling uses specific frequencies to cancel out extraneous sound for a more thorough form of ambient noise reduction.

However, it’s best to keep in mind that certain models both deploy these features for the user, while some tend to only have one over the other. Passive and active noise cancellation work together to completely immerse you in your favorite audio, especially with over-ear and on-ear styles.

Furthermore, some headphones provide Adaptive Noise Reduction, which adjusts the intensity of noise cancellation to the level of ambient noise. Though these are usually found in more high-end models of headphones.

Battery Life

Your headphones’ battery life is an important feature that shouldn’t be overlooked when shopping for your next pair. The music you’re listening to should last longer than the activity you’re currently doing. No one wants to stop mid-headbang when you’re fully immersed in your favorite rock music.

With that being said, when you’re using them, pay attention to how long they last between charges and how easy and quick it is to charge them when you’re not using them. Most of today’s top Bluetooth headphones provide up to 24 hours of listening time when used with their dedicated charging case, and they should last you at least a good handful of hours without it.

Water & Sweat Resistance

Some headphones are resistant to water and perspiration to varying degrees. Water and sweat resistance is a feature that is particularly popular among sports and workout headphones, but it is also a beneficial feature for everyday music listeners. The last thing you want is a few drops of water completely ruining your headphones.

As a result, consider the level of protection provided by headphones and whether you require water-resistant or waterproof headphones. The Ingress Protection (IP) rating is used in the industry to determine how sweat-proof or water-proof a product is.

Conclusion

Now that we’ve finally reached the conclusion of our list, I hope our article was helpful enough and you were able to get an idea of which pair of headphones is best suited for your iPhone. With so many options available in the market, you’re sure to find one ideal for you and your needs.

Do you already own any of the listed headphones above? Did your favorite make it into our list? Let me know in the comments section below if you have any suggestions, questions, or insights to share regarding our list of the best Bluetooth headphones for your iPhone this 2021. I would love to hear all your thoughts!

Recommended reading for you: