Dear iPhone owners: AirPods aren't your only option

Listening to music, podcasts or audio books on your iPhone makes perfect sense given its origins are steeped in the old days of the iPod. To get the most out of your audio experience however, you really need a good set of headphones or earphones. The ones that come bundled with your iPhone just don't sound as good as a dedicated pair. 

It's important to know what you're looking for when seeking out the best headphones for iPhone. Here's what you need to know and the best headphones and earphones for every scenario in life.

Know your iPhone's capabilities 

It's probably time to go wireless.

If you've got an older iPhone, i.e. an iPhone 7 or earlier, you still have a headphone jack which means you can use older types of headphones as well as connect to them via Bluetooth.  Read more...

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IMAGE: Amazon

BEST FOR EVERYDAY USE

AirPods Pro

Specifically designed for the iPhone, the impressive noise cancellation capabilities and a comfortable fit make these the easy choice.

• Colors: White
• Battery life: 5 hours
• Truly wireless: Active Noise Cancellation

$249 from Amazon

IMAGE: Amazon

BEST FOR COMMUTERS

Bose QuietComfort 20

Block out the outside world with these Bose SoundSport 20 headphones. But be warned: You will need a dongle.

• Colors: Black
• Battery life: 16 hours (Noise cancellation)
• Wired: Active Noise Cancellation

$249 from Amazon

IMAGE: Amazon

BEST FOR WORK

Beats Solo Pro

The active noise cancellation option in the Beats Solo Pro make these a great pair of headphones for tuning out coworkers (and then tuning back in when you need to.)

• Colors: Black, Gary, Red, Dark Blue, Ivory, Light Blue
• Battery life: 22 hours with Active Noise Cancellation on
• Wireless: Active Noise Cancellation

$299.95 from Amazon

IMAGE: Walmart

BEST FOR IPHONE NOVICES

AirPods

Need a pair of solid, dependable wireless earbuds? The original AirPods won't let you down.

• Colors: White
• Battery life: 5 hours
• Truly wireless: No noise cancellation

$159 from Walmart

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BEST FOR RUNNING

Jabra Elite Active 65t

The built-in accelerometer of the Jabra Elite Active 65t headphones make these a top option for runners.

• Colors: Copper Black, Copper Blue, Gold Beige
• Battery life: 5 hours
• Truly wirelesss: No noise cancellation

$79.99 from Amazon

IMAGE: Amazon

BEST FOR WORKING OUT

Bose SoundSport Wireless

A cable unites the earbuds so they always stick together, but you'll be completely untethered from your iPhone and are free to run, jump, and climb with ease.

• Colors: Aqua, Black, Citron, Power Red
• Battery life: 6 hours
• Wireless: No noise cancellation

$139 from Amazon

IMAGE: Amazon

BEST FOR LISTENING TO MUSIC

Sony WH-H900N

Though we wouldn't recommend wearing these Sony headphones for working out, they are stellar for your daily commute and can even be personalized to fit your audio preferences.

• Colors: Black
• Battery life: 28 hours
• Wireless headphones: Active noise cancellation

$158.99 from Amazon

IMAGE: Amazon

MOST COMFORTABLE OPTION

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2

They may not be the latest model on the market, but this pair from Plantronics will stay comfortable on your ears for hours.

• Colors: Black, Tan
• Battery life: 24 hours
• Wireless headphones: Active noise cancellation

$199 from Amazon

via Tingle Tech