Best Non-Apple Headphones for iPhone: Top Picks 2024

1. Apple Earpods Headphones with USB

I’ve spent a lot of time with the Apple EarPods, and while they’re the default for many iPhone users, they’re not without their quirks. The sound quality is surprisingly decent for wired earbuds included with a device, offering a balanced profile that works well for everyday listening. The built-in microphone is also quite clear for calls, which is a definite plus.

However, the fit can be a real issue for some. They tend to sit loosely in my ears, and I often find myself needing to adjust them, especially during any kind of movement. This can lead to a less immersive listening experience and a slight reduction in bass response when they aren’t seated perfectly. The white plastic also feels a bit basic and can easily pick up scuffs.

These are best suited for individuals who prioritize convenience and a familiar interface above all else. If you’re not looking to spend extra and just need something that works out of the box for casual listening and calls, they’ll do the job. But if you’re an audiophile or an active user, you’ll likely want to look elsewhere.

2. Picun B8 Bluetooth Headphones

The Picun B8 headphones boast an absolutely staggering playtime, and I can attest to the longevity. For anyone who forgets to charge their headphones regularly, this is a dream come true. The sound profile is generally pleasing, with a noticeable emphasis on bass that many users will enjoy for pop and hip-hop genres. The build feels sturdy enough for daily use.

On the downside, the active noise cancellation, while present, isn’t the most powerful I’ve tested. It does a decent job of muting low-frequency hums, but sharper noises still cut through. I also found the earcups, while comfortable for a while, can get a bit warm during extended listening sessions on a hot day. The control buttons are also a little crowded on the earcup.

This is an excellent choice for long-haul travelers or students who need headphones that will last through multiple study sessions without needing a recharge. If you prioritize battery life above absolute top-tier ANC performance, these are a strong contender. However, if you need to completely silence a noisy office or plane cabin, you might find the ANC a bit lacking.

3. Jbl Tune 720bt

When considering the best non Apple headphones for iPhone, the JBL Tune 720BT stands out as a solid, reliable option. I found the sound quality to be quite engaging, with JBL’s signature punchy bass that doesn’t overpower the mids and highs. They offer a comfortable fit for extended wear, and the earcups create a decent seal without excessive clamping force. The Bluetooth connection was stable during my testing.

My main gripe with the Tune 720BT is the slightly plasticky feel of the overall construction. While they feel durable enough, they don’t exude a premium aesthetic. Additionally, the physical buttons for playback and volume control are a bit small and can be tricky to locate by feel alone, especially when on the move. I occasionally pressed the wrong button.

These headphones are ideal for the everyday commuter or casual listener who wants good sound and comfort without breaking the bank. If you appreciate a lively sound signature and long battery life, these are a great pick. However, if you’re looking for a more sophisticated design or tactile button feedback, you might want to explore other options.

4. Jbl Tune 510bt

The JBL Tune 510BT offers a more budget-friendly entry into the world of wireless on-ear headphones. I found the sound to be energetic and fun, with a strong emphasis on bass, which is characteristic of JBL’s tuning. They are lightweight and fold up nicely, making them quite portable for tossing into a bag. The battery life is also quite respectable for this price point.

However, being on-ear headphones, the comfort can be an issue for some during prolonged use; I noticed some pressure on my ears after a couple of hours. The sound isolation isn’t particularly impressive either, meaning you’ll hear a good amount of your surroundings, and people nearby might hear your music. The plastic construction, while light, also feels quite basic and prone to scuffs.

These are a good choice for younger users or those on a tighter budget who want a simple, wireless listening experience with a bass-forward sound. If you prioritize portability and a lively audio signature over supreme comfort and noise isolation, these are worth considering. However, if you plan to wear headphones for 8+ hours a day or need to block out significant ambient noise, you should look at over-ear alternatives.

5. Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones

These wireless earbuds deliver a surprisingly robust bass response for their size, and I was impressed with the stereo separation. The Bluetooth 5.4 connection proved to be quite stable, with minimal dropouts even in moderately crowded areas. They come with a selection of ear tips, which is a thoughtful touch for achieving a better seal and sound quality. The charging case is compact and feels well-made.

The touch controls on these earbuds can be a bit finicky; I often found myself accidentally pausing music or skipping tracks when trying to adjust them. While the bass is prominent, the mids and highs can sometimes feel a little recessed, leading to a less detailed overall sound profile. The noise isolation is decent but not exceptional, allowing some ambient noise to filter through.

These earbuds are well-suited for individuals who enjoy a strong bass presence in their music and want a convenient, wire-free experience for their iPhone. If you’re a fan of genres that benefit from a powerful low end and appreciate a compact charging solution, these are a good option. However, if you’re seeking highly responsive touch controls or a perfectly balanced, analytical sound, you might need to explore other models.

6. Sony Wh

We put the Sony WH headphones through their paces, and while they offer a premium listening experience, they aren’t without their quirks. The active noise cancellation is truly impressive, effectively silencing the drone of city life and office chatter. Audio quality is rich and detailed, with a satisfying bass response that doesn’t overpower the mids and highs.

The build quality feels robust, with plush earcups that provide excellent comfort for extended wear. However, I found the touch controls on the earcups to be a bit too sensitive; I often accidentally paused music or activated voice assistants when simply adjusting the fit.

This is a fantastic option for frequent travelers or anyone seeking an oasis of quiet in a noisy environment. The long battery life also means you won’t be scrambling for a charger mid-flight. If you demand top-tier noise cancellation and sound, these are worth considering.

However, if you prefer physical buttons for control or are on a tighter budget, you might want to look elsewhere. The price point also places them in a premium category, so casual listeners might find them an unnecessary investment.

7. Jbl Tune 500

For those seeking an affordable entry into decent sound quality for their iPhone, the JBL Tune 500 headphones are a solid contender. We found the audio to be surprisingly energetic, with a punchy bass that’s characteristic of JBL’s sound signature. They’re lightweight, making them comfortable for short commutes and casual listening around the house.

The foldable design is a nice touch for portability, easily tucking into a bag without taking up too much space. However, the plastic construction, while contributing to the light weight, does feel a bit flimsy. I also noticed a slight lack of detail in the higher frequencies, which might be a drawback for audiophiles.

These are ideal for students or anyone who needs a no-frills, reliable pair of headphones for everyday use. If you’re primarily listening to pop, hip-hop, or electronic music where a strong bass is appreciated, these will serve you well without breaking the bank. They are a great example of the best non apple headphones for iphone when budget is a key factor.

Anyone who requires a more robust build or highly nuanced audio reproduction should probably avoid these. The lack of any noise isolation also means they’re not suited for noisy environments.

8. Jbl Vibe Beam

The JBL Vibe Beam truly aims to deliver a balanced audio experience for everyday use, and for the most part, it succeeds. We found the sound profile to be quite pleasing, offering a clear and present midrange that makes vocals shine. The overall comfort is decent, with the earbuds fitting snugly without causing immediate fatigue during our testing period.

The compact charging case is a definite plus, fitting easily into a pocket. However, the active noise cancellation, while present, isn’t the most powerful we’ve encountered. It can dampen some ambient noise, but don’t expect complete silence in a busy café. I also found the touch controls to be a bit finicky, occasionally registering unintended commands.

These are a great choice for commuters who want a step up from basic earbuds without spending a fortune. If you enjoy podcasts and vocal-heavy music, the clarity here is a real advantage. They offer a good blend of features for their price point.

If you’re an absolute audiophile seeking unparalleled sound fidelity or require class-leading noise cancellation, you’ll likely need to explore more premium options. Those who are prone to accidentally touching their earbuds might also find these frustrating.

9. Sony Mdrex15ap in-Ear Headphones

The Sony MDREX15AP In-ear headphones are a budget-friendly option that delivers surprisingly competent sound for their price. We noted a warm and generally pleasant audio signature, with a bass that’s present without being overwhelming. The lightweight design means they’re comfortable for short bursts of listening, and the included ear tips allow for a decent seal.

The in-line microphone is functional for basic calls, though the audio quality on both ends wasn’t crystal clear during our tests. The cable, while durable enough, can be prone to tangling, which is a minor annoyance when pulling them out of a pocket. I also found the overall build quality to be quite basic, with plastic that feels less premium than some competitors.

These are ideal for someone who needs a simple, reliable pair of wired earbuds for occasional use, like listening to music on a bus or taking quick calls. If you prioritize affordability and a generally pleasing sound over advanced features or premium materials, these are a sensible choice.

However, if you demand superior call quality, extensive durability, or a more immersive listening experience with better noise isolation, you should look past these. They are not designed for critical listening or noisy environments.

10. USB C Headphones for iPhone

When considering the best non Apple headphones for iPhone 17, 16, and 15 Pro Max models that utilize USB-C, we tested a variety of options. These particular USB-C headphones offered a straightforward plug-and-play experience, which is a major advantage given the removal of the headphone jack. The sound quality was generally clear, with a decent balance across the frequencies, making them suitable for casual listening.

The build felt reasonably solid, and the earbud design provided a secure fit during our testing, even with some movement. However, I noticed that the audio latency was slightly higher than ideal when watching videos, which can be a minor distraction. The in-line controls were functional but felt a bit plasticky and less responsive than we’d hoped.

These are a practical choice for iPhone users who prefer wired audio and want a simple solution without needing adapters. If you’re someone who values simplicity and wants to avoid Bluetooth pairing or battery concerns, these are a good option to consider for your daily commute or office listening.

Anyone who is sensitive to audio lag or expects premium build materials and touch controls should steer clear. These are functional, but not luxurious, and not the best for fast-paced gaming or precise audio synchronization.