The best alternatives for AirPods:
AirPods are a wonderful option if you're an iPhone owner for whom ease of use is more important than sound quality. However, as the wireless headphone segment evolves, there are more and more alternatives to this model. Now you don't have to buy Apple products to listen to your favorite music without problems. If you are interested in wireless headphones that also provide truly high-quality sound, then we have compiled a list of the best alternatives for AirPods.
Samsung Galaxy Buds: the best alternative to AirPods
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus headphones are the perfect addition to the Samsung Galaxy S20 line of smartphones. Although the headphones do not support aptX, they work with the AAC format and the Samsung Scalable Codec. The latter option works perfectly with Samsung devices, striking a balance between data transfer speed and connection stability. Moreover: with the appropriate Samsung device, you can charge the wireless headphones simply by placing them on the phone: convenient, isn't it?
The headphones work via Bluetooth 5.0 and maintain a reliable connection at a distance of up to 10 meters: this is a better result than the first generation model of the Galaxy Buds. Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus support Google Assistant, so you can ask the assistant to skip a track or create an event if you want. The microphone has a triple-protection system, so you are sure to be heard. The new microphone system is vastly improved over the previous version, making the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus great for conference calls.
Even though these headphones are only IPX2 rated, they have survived my runs and trips to the gym without any problems. Their battery life is killer: 11 hours and 44 minutes of non-stop use without recharging. Plus, when the battery is low, just three minutes in the charging case provides an extra hour of listening.
Sound quality is excellent when using the headphones with the corresponding Samsung device. Unfortunately, the AAC format on Android leaves a lot to be desired, but the drivers from AKG will provide great clear sound that most listeners will enjoy.
What you should know about alternatives for AirPods
If you want an abbreviated version of the article, check out the material below.
In terms of sound quality, you can't compare wired and wireless headphones
With ACC, Android phones don't give you the same sound quality as CDs
This is indeed true. If you want the best possible sound quality, you have to remember the old days and use the TRRS jack. There are already a lot of articles written about Bluetooth audio codecs, which you can read later, but for now just remember: if you are an iPhone owner looking for a replacement for the AirPods, you should look for headphones that support AAC. But if you have Android and are happy with all the features of the AirPods, but not the headphones themselves, look for models that support aptX. Android still hasn't learned how to properly handle the AAC codec, and the results can vary widely depending on which Android model you're using.
Let's be honest: wireless is still unstable
The new AirPods headphones use Apple's H1 chip, which increases battery life, provides quick, hands-free access to Siri and reduces standby time.
Like everything in the world, wireless headphones have their advantages and disadvantages. The price of convenience and freedom of movement has become reliability of communication. Although manufacturers are making great efforts in this area (e.g., the release of the new Apple H1 chip), there is still a long way to go before the problem is finally solved. If a stable connection is a priority for you, the standard wireless headphones may be the best choice, or for iPhone users, the new AirPods model.
The 11 Best Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
The right fit can make a dramatic difference in sound quality
One of the most frequently criticized shortcomings of AirPods is their complete lack of retention, which has led many users to note not only discomfort in use, but also a decline in sound quality. Since this model is not capable of isolating the listener from the outside world, loud extraneous sounds can significantly spoil the listening experience. So what to do? Increase the bass in your headphones. It is as compensation that this feature is so well-tuned in the AirPods.
The AirPods Pro recently went on sale was an attempt to change the situation for the better, and this attempt gives a lot of points to its predecessor AirPods in terms of quality. The AirPods Pro boasts not only a good retention and secure fit in your ear canals, but also a noise-blocking feature - the lack of which was the main drawback of the first wireless headphones from Apple.
All AirPods competitors have attachments that actually fit in the ear, but some users find them uncomfortable. This problem is easily solved: there are a lot of attachments from third-party manufacturers, among which you can find something suitable. Foam filler with memory effect is very popular: it blends well with low frequencies and increases the clarity of sound.
Sony WF-1000XM3: the solution to the problem of noisy neighbors
Sony's WH-1000XM3 model of full-size headphones is a clear example of the company's work in noise-canceling technology. However, Sony's noise cancelling wireless headphone model is a more portable option.
These headphones have a lot of great features, but unfortunately, they don't have special water and dust protection built in. For wireless headphones, they reflect noise well, and the sound quality is remarkable by Sony product standards. It's a bit of a pity that the model does not support LDAC or aptX, but the work with SBC and AAC codecs is beyond praise.
The model does not boast a high-capacity battery: it only lasts for 5 hours of use, which, however, is significantly more than the AirPods had in 2019. The charging case is pleasing to the eye and doesn't take up much space: everything is as it should be for a $200+ product. The customer definitely gets what they paid for.
Beats Powerbeats Pro: The best headphones for sports
If you're interested in a really long-lasting model, try Beats Powerbeats Pro: these headphones have withstood 10 hours of uninterrupted use on both Android and iOS. That's enough to fly from Moscow to Magadan, plus time to get to the airport. However, keep in mind: this model is not designed for proximity to an airplane engine, the noise from which is sure to disturb you. To solve this problem, try opting for some model of special noise-reflecting headphones.
The advantage of Beats Powerbeats Pro is that you can easily take them with you to the gym or for a jog. The hook-shaped design ensures a good fit in the ear. Unlike AirPods, Beats Powerbeats Pro are IPX4 certified so neither sweat nor water can damage them.
There are also additional features common to AirPods and made possible for Beats Powerbeats Pro thanks to the built-in H1 chip. The model works perfectly with iOS and quite tolerably with Android; the connection stability is remarkable, so you don't have to worry about your favorite artist's stuttering voice. What is surprising is pretty decent sound quality, especially compared to other Beats models. Yes, the performance is more than budget, but it is quite possible to listen.
The microphone also functions quite well, and Apple has built in indicators into the headphones that let the user know exactly when their jaw starts moving and when they are talking. When the person goes silent, the microphone automatically turns off, eliminating unnecessary background noise during a conversation. A small thing, but nice.
Allow me to introduce: Master & Dynamic MW07
New York-based audio company Master & Dynamic has also tried its hand at wireless headphones and released the MW07. Everything about these headphones is interesting, from the stainless steel charging case to the acetate jack. Hey, even the ten-millimeter beryllium driver is so thin it seems invisible at times.
In addition to the unconventional appearance, the product has other advantages. The IPX4 rating shows that the headphones can face some water without damage. They also have a perfectly tuned blind command system. If we talk about the disadvantages, it is the battery capacity: more than average for wireless headphones.
Thus, if you like headphones that look like a specimen of modern art, the MW07 is a worthy choice. As for the delights of noise isolation, the MW07 Plus is worth a look.
Not to be missed: Mobvoi TicPods 2 Pro
Great news for iPhone and Android users: this model supports aptX and AAC codecs. These headphones are also narrower and more compact than the Mobvoi TicPods Free. And here's the best part: the artificial intelligence technology, making head gestures and voice access to Google Assistant or Siri possible. On a side note, thanks to Mobvoi's smart policy, you no longer have to pay for the H1 chip or integration with Google Assistant.
Having said: "Hey, Tico" - the user gets direct access to Google Assistant or Siri; during the test, everything worked flawlessly and just as quickly as the familiar, "Hey, Google." The only difference worth mentioning: when Google Assistant was called through "Hey, Tico," the program's voice was transmitted slightly louder.
The IPX4 rating guarantees safe contact with water, so these headphones are safe to work in the gym - if, of course, you manage to keep them in your ears. The fixings leave much to be desired, since in some respects this model copies the original AirPods; unfortunately, this fact also means that the claimed high-quality Bluetooth codec support is actually little more than a publicity stunt.
Battery capacity is standard: 3 hours and 39 minutes on a single charge; sound quality does not shine either, again, due to poor attachment. But sound quality is hardly the main trump card of Mobvoi TicPods 2 Pro: the user is not paying for this, but for a direct connection with your favorite assistant and stylish AI stuff.
But what about the AirPods Pro?
Although the announced model itself is a clear step forward for the AirPods line, we did not write about it in this article: these headphones do not boast the sound quality or battery capacity of the other offerings we described. In addition, this product is the kind of product that is much more suitable for Apple users than for Android owners.
There is no doubt that these are great wireless headphones that often make our recommendation lists. However, chances are, firstly, they are not affordable for everyone, and secondly, they are not always worth their money. We believe that if you need AirPods, you will buy them without any advice, the article presented here is written for those who are looking for an alternative.
Are there other options? Yes, of course.
- 1More True Wireless ANC: an extremely popular model with noise protection whose dual-driver system is hard to match. The active noise cancellation technology may not be the most outstanding, but the overall quality of the headphones is very good, and Qualcomm's built-in True Wireless Stereo Plus provides a reliable connection.
- Sol Republic Amps Air Plus: A great choice for listeners who value style and durability. Good battery capacity and a curious noise isolation system: effective, but highly dependent on the position of the earpiece in the ear.
- Jabra Elite Active 75t: Great headphones for working out. Protected against water and sweat; Multipoint function allows you to connect the headset to two devices at once. AAC codec support makes it possible to work reliably with Apple. The USB-C case makes recharging a breeze.
- Jabra Elite 65t: with the exception of the alternatives for AirPods described in the article above, these headphones are the clear favorite on all counts.
- Earin M-2: If you are interested in the premium design but the MW07 above seems too bulky, the elegant and sexy Earin M-2 lines are the way to go.
- Anker Soundcore Liberty Air: these wireless headphones with AAC support and a great battery are under $80.
- RHA TrueConnect: this model also used to be on the list of the best alternatives to AirPods. They have a similar barrel-shaped design, Bluetooth 5.0 support, and IPX5 certification. Want to immerse yourself in music? The RHA TrueConnect is your choice.
- Mobvoi TicPods Free: the best option for users whose task is to find a model that is as similar to Apple's AirPods as possible.
- JLab JBuds Air Icon: more pleasantly priced than the already affordable Executive headphones themselves. Their features are similar in many ways, such as IP55 availability, but the JLab JBuds Air Icon are more massive.
- Creative Outlier Gold: everything you could possibly need for less than $100. Note, however, that the buttons need to be pressed hard, and the model as a whole doesn't work as smoothly as the Samsung Galaxy Buds.
- JLab JBuds Air Executive: The barrel-shaped design of these headphones is not without Apple influence. The Class 1 Bluetooth radio makes the model a decent choice for under $100.
Topicals:
The 10 best headphones for Iphone
, 13 best wireless speakers
, The 5 best quality headphones
, Wireless headphones for iPhones: features and cost
, How to turn off the "Headphones" mode in iPhone
, How to properly adjust the equalizer (for headphones)
