Apple’s AirPods may have set the standard for iPhone wireless audio, but they’re no longer the only game in town. With a flood of high-performing true wireless earbuds on the market, many users are now seeking the best AirPods alternative options that match or exceed Apple’s offering in sound, comfort, battery life, and value.

In this guide, we’ll help you discover the best earbuds for iPhone in 2025 by breaking down what features to prioritise, comparing top contenders like soundcore Liberty 5, Space A40, and Liberty 4 NC, and helping you find the best wireless earbuds for iPhone based on your budget and listening style.

Why Consider an AirPods Alternative?

While AirPods are optimised for iPhones, they aren’t necessarily the best choice for everyone. Here’s why more people are searching for the best alternative to AirPods:

• Price: AirPods, especially the Pro and Max variants, can be pricey.
• Fit & Comfort: Not everyone finds the AirPods shape comfortable.
• Sound Quality: Competing earbuds often deliver richer bass or better noise cancellation.
• Battery Life: Some alternatives offer significantly longer playtime.
• Features: You can find alternatives with customisable EQ, multipoint pairing, and superior waterproof ratings.

Choosing the best Bluetooth earbuds for iPhone today is about more than just brand loyalty—it’s about finding earbuds that suit your real-world needs.

Key Features to Look for When Selecting an Airpods Alternative Earbuds

When shopping for the best earbuds 2025 for iPhone, here are the key features to prioritise:

Bluetooth 5.2 or Higher

Ensure fast, stable connections and minimal latency when streaming music or making calls.

AAC Codec Support

The AAC codec ensures high-quality audio for iPhone users. Ensure your earbuds support it for the optimal listening experience.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

ANC is a must for frequent travellers or office workers. It reduces background noise so you can focus on your music or calls.

Call Quality with AI Noise Reduction

Crystal-clear microphones with noise suppression make calls more professional and less frustrating.

Battery Life

Look for at least 8+ hours per charge and a charging case that extends total use to 24 to 40+ hours.

App Support

Companion apps with custom EQ, ANC modes, and firmware updates add great value.

Best iPhone Earbuds by Budget in 2025

Below are three excellent options from soundcore that suit different budgets and priorities—all compatible with iPhones and available via soundcore’s true wireless earbuds collection.

Liberty 5 – Premium Pick

Liberty 5 stands out as the best earbuds for iPhone in 2025 if you want top-of-the-line performance.

Liberty 5｜soundcore Liberty 5 with Superior Voice Reduction

Focused listening with 2x stronger voice reduction and real-time adaptive ANC

• 2x Stronger Voice Reduction: With ANC 3.0 and a purpose-built acoustic cavity.
  
  
• Real-Time Adaptive ANC 3.0: Adjusts every 0.3 seconds to ensure a quiet space.
  
  
• Immersive Dolby Audio: Takes you to the front seat of any performance.
  
  
• Detail-Rich Sound: Via wool-paper diaphragms and bass tubes. Supports LDAC and Hi-Res Audio.
  
  
• Natural, Crystal-Clear Calls: With 6 mics, AI, and a wind-resistant algorithm.
  
  
• 12H/48H ANC Off, 8H/32H ANC On: A 10-minute charge gives you another 5 hours.
  
  

Learn More£69.99£99.99Buy Now

Key Features:

• Adaptive ANC 3.0 for precise noise cancellation
• Hi-Res Wireless Audio with LDAC and AAC support
• Spatial audio and head tracking for immersive listening
• 12-hour battery life (up to 48 hours with case)
• Six microphones for superior call quality

Ideal for audiophiles, remote workers, and anyone seeking the best bluetooth earbuds for iPhone without compromise.

Space A40 – Budget-Friendly Favourite

For those looking for the best AirPods alternative under £80, Space A40 delivers premium features at a fraction of the cost.

Space A40 | Long-Lasting Noise Cancelling Earbuds

All-New Noise Cancelling Earbuds with 50-Hour Playtime

• Superior Audio Quality: Experience the power of soundcore's groundbreaking double-layer diaphragm drivers with the Anker Space A40 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds. Enjoy crystal clear, balanced audio, profound bass, and high-definition sound. Enhanced with LDAC compatibility, these earbuds elevate your listening experience to a whole new level.
• Smart Noise Cancellation: Designed to intelligently detect and counteract external noises, these earbuds automatically adjust the noise cancelling level to suit your surroundings, diminishing ambient noise by up to a staggering 98%. Now, you can indulge in your favorite music, movies, or podcasts in tranquil peace, irrespective of your location.
• Long-lasting Battery Life: Offering an impressive 50 hours of playtime on a single charge, these earbuds ensure your music never stops. Plus, with the fast-charging feature, a mere 10-minute charge delivers 4 hours of immersive listening pleasure.
• Personalizable App: The Space A40 earbuds are accompanied by a customizable, user-friendly app. This feature empowers you to tailor your sound settings, navigate with ease, and effortlessly control play, pause, and volume functions.
• Comfort and Secure Fit: Crafted with lightweight materials and an ergonomic design, these wireless earbuds come with various earbud sizes to guarantee a secure fit without discomfort or risk of falling out. Ideal for extended wear, they are your dependable audio companion.

Key Features:

• Adaptive ANC with adjustable levels
• Supports AAC and LDAC codecs
• 10 hours playtime, up to 50 with case
• Ultra-compact and comfortable design

A solid choice for students, commuters, or casual listeners who want the best wireless earbuds for iPhone on a budget.

Liberty 4 NC – Mid-Range Masterpiece

Sitting right in the middle, Liberty 4 NC balances price, performance, and comfort, making it a strong contender for the best alternative to AirPods.

Liberty 4 NC | True-Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds

All-New True-Wireless Earbuds Reduce Noise By Up to 98.5%

• Reduce Noise By Up to 98.5%: Liberty 4 NC noise cancelling earbuds have a high sensitivity in-ear sound sensor, an oversized driver, and an innovative noise isolation chamber that cancels up to 98.5% of noise for peaceful travel.
• Noise Cancelling Adapts to Ears and Environments: Adaptive ANC 2.0 makes real-time calculations and adjusts to your ear canals and external environment for maximum quiet amongst the hustle and bustle.
• Crisp Sound with 3× More Detail: 11mm custom-tuned drivers deliver consistently crisp and detailed sound. Experience Hi-Res wireless audio and LDAC technology that transfers 3× more data than regular Bluetooth—bringing wireless music to life.
• Sculpt Your Sound Profile: Not everyone listens the same, so use HearID 2.0 to find the perfect sound profile for you. If you want to mix it up, the EQ is fully adjustable or choose from 22 presets to match your audio.
• Long-Lasting Battery Life: In normal mode, enjoy 10 hours of playback on a single charge or up to 50 hours with the case. With ANC on, get 8 hours between charges, extendable to 40 hours with the case
  
• Designed for Simple Connections: Liberty 4 NC enables quick, effortless Bluetooth pairing with Android devices, auto-play and pause on wear, and multi-point connection with Bluetooth 5.3.
• IPX4 Water-Resistant: Don't let light rain or an accidental spill ruin your commute. Liberty 4 NC wireless noise cancelling earbuds come with IPX4 water-resistance to give you peace of mind during your travels.
• 6-Mic AI Clear Calls: Don't be that person who shouts over the phone. 6 beamforming mics and an AI algorithm amplify your voice while reducing background noise, so you can talk on the phone without the whole car listening.

Key Features:

• Hybrid ANC with 3 customisable modes
• 11mm drivers for punchy sound
• Supports AAC codec for iPhone
• Up to 10 hours of playtime per charge, 50 hours with cases

Perfect for everyday use, workouts, and long calls.

Which AirPods Alternative is Right for You?

Here’s a quick comparison to help you match the best earbuds 2025 for iPhone to your lifestyle and budget:

If you're on a tight budget but still want great sound and ANC, choose Space A40. For an all-rounder with high-end touches, Liberty 4 NC hits the sweet spot. And if you want it all, sound quality, ANC, long battery, and smart features, Liberty 5 is the premium pick.

Final Thoughts: Upgrade Your iPhone Experience

Earbuds like the Liberty 5, Space A40, and Liberty 4 NC give iPhone users more control over their sound, comfort, and budget. The days of automatically using AirPods are over. By 2025, the best earbuds for iPhone will come from a variety of brands, offering more features, better battery life, and greater value for money.