Apple Headphones Review
Apple's wireless earbuds as well as over-ear headphones are sleek, comfortable and integrate with the ecosystem seamlessly. The headphones come with an Lightning plug for iPhones and some models have a 3.5mm connector for older devices.
AirPods Pro have a great sound for music and movies. They come with cinematic spatial audio, a sophisticated virtual surround, and more. They also come with special features, like instant pairing, automatic switching and "Hey Siri".
Sound
Apple headphones generally provide excellent sound quality, and many of them come with noise cancellation. Some are wireless and can be used with Apple's AirPods and others can be connected to your iPhone via the Lightning cable. If you don't have an Lightning cable there are adapters that allow you to connect the headphones using a standard jack. Apple headphones are also affected by the audio codecs that they use. Be sure to verify the type of audio supported.
Apple AAC is the codec that headphones use to are included with iPhones. It's optimized for Apple devices. This codec is ideal for music and podcasts since it is less latency than other Bluetooth codecs. The top Apple headphones support at least AAC and Bluetooth 5.0 which offers more range than previous versions of the technology.
If you're looking for an immersive audio experience, consider headphones that feature Apple's spatial sound technology. This feature allows you to simulate surround sound and offer an immersive, more balanced listening experience. However, you must possess an iOS device running iOS 14 or later to utilize this feature.
In addition to providing high-quality audio Some Apple headphones also sport a sleek design. Apple's EarPods for instance are basic but good earbuds that fit into the majority of pockets and offer great audio quality.
The Beats Studio3 headphones are more versatile than the EarPods and feature closed-back designs that provide greater noise isolation for commuting and sports. They are uncomfortable on the ears when worn for prolonged periods of time they aren't as comfortable to wear while running. They also have a slightly heavier build and are more expensive than Apple-branded EarPods. Despite these issues, the Beats Studio3 is one of our top Apple headphones because they're comfortable to wear, provide incredible sound quality, and provide exceptional noise cancellation. They are high-end headphones with an audio engine that is premium and compatible with the Apple W1 chipset, which has advanced features.
Design
Apple headphones aren't an exception to the sleek style. They provide a variety of options, ranging from wired models that connect to the iPhone's headphone jack, to wireless Bluetooth earbuds. Apple headsets are more expensive, but often are more comfortable.
Apple's AirPods Pro 2 headphones are the top-selling headphones worldwide. They offer exceptional audio quality, noise cancellation and an elegant and compact design. The earbuds are long-lasting battery life and feature Siri voice activation for hands-free usage. The earbuds come with a unique case that charges them and protects them when not in your ears.
The AirPods Pro track your movement, which can be useful if you are working out or running. The wireless headphones come with the feature of spatial audio, which mimics surround sound while watching videos on an iPhone or iPad using Apple TV, Disney Plus or HBO Max. The feature can be disorienting however it's a great way to listen to TV shows and movies while on the move.
Beats Studio 3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones are another great option for audiophiles and those who wish to enjoy Apple Music playlists. They can last for up to 22 hours of ANC and 40 hours without. They use the Apple W1 chipset for easy setup and seamless switching among iOS devices. They also have an adjustable "Hey Siri" and tips for wing to ensure a secure fit while headphones cheap exercising.
Apple and Google both have earbuds that are specifically designed for their respective ecosystems, but they each have their particular strengths. For instance Google's Pixel Buds are more affordable than Apple's AirPods however, they come with an extended battery life and come with an app that can be customized with graphic EQ settings.
Although Apple's headphones are great for those who rely on the company's tech ecosystem, their controls can be frustrating for anyone else. The simple designs of Apple's headphones don't always have robust features. They lack essential functions in their wireless models. Siri is expected to manage your music, not volume control.
Connectivity
The proliferation of Bluetooth options and the disappearance from the most recent iPhones of the headphone jack is causing wired models to rapidly go the way of Dodo. If you prefer to listen with traditional cables, Sony makes a wide range of over-the-ear and on-ear wired headphones that can be used with all Apple devices. It also offers a truly wireless pair of earbuds - the Momentum Free - that connect via the radio signal that is low-power.
If you own a newer Mac, make sure your headphones support Bluetooth 5.0 or later. This technology provides superior audio quality and longer battery life as compared to earlier Bluetooth versions. Also check the list of compatible audio codecs and make sure that your music files playable.
Look for headphones that have an elongated fit, no matter which type you choose. On-ear or over-ear models that come with a thick headband provide an ensconced fit and are less likely to slip out during physical activity. You want earbuds that fit snugly and are able to seal your ears and have excellent noise cancellation to block out any background noise.
Apple AirPods Pro, Beats X Wireless, Beats Studio Wireless and Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II are some of the best wireless headsets. AirPods have a sleek design and an excellent wireless Bluetooth pairing which has earned them a high rating of 4.5 stars from customers. The Beats Studio Wireless is similar to the Pro version, but has an updated appearance, superior sound cancellation and a long battery life.
The Quiet Comfort 35 II is the newest model in the Bose quiet comfort line. It offers noise cancellation, long battery life and a comfortable package that is compact and portable package. The QC35 II, an upgrade to the previous model, included support for the AAC audio codec and the introduction of a new wireless protocol that allows for greater Bluetooth speeds and shorter latency.
If your headphones aren't able to pair with your Mac try resetting your Bluetooth preferences. Click the Apple icon on your desktop, then select System Settings. Look for your headphones on the list and click the in front of their name. It is possible to put the headphones in pairing mode by pressing the button to pair until you notice an indicator light.
Value
AirPods Pro are an impressive pair of headphones regardless of whether or not you think they're worth $549. The sound quality is excellent and features such as transparency and auto-pause mode are extremely useful. They also feel extremely well-constructed, which is not always the case with wireless headphones.
Of course, this kind of high-end functionality comes with a cost and for many the AirPods are too expensive. However the AirPods Pro make a lot of sense to those who are deeply invested in Apple's ecosystem. The AirPods Pro employ the same H1 chipset that is used in the iPhone's latest generations of speakers to analyze the sound coming from the eight microphones positioned within the earcups and around them. The headphones are able to not only actively block out outside noise, but also to alter the sound quality of your music in real-time to the way they fit and stay to your head. Apple claims it can adjust 200 times every second to your music, which is a staggering amount. The result is a pair headphones that are truly immersive with a cinematic clarity and depth that is unmatched. AirPods Pro can make even the most boring tracks sound vivid and immersive.
Apple used to include a pair EarPods with every iPhone before the AirPods were introduced. The earbuds are in use today however they don't come with a microphone. They're not as stunning as a pair of the brand new AirPods however, they're ideal for running or commuting on a treadmill, with great battery longevity and a comfortable fit.
Beats the original line of earbuds as well as over-the-ear headphones was acquired by Apple in 2014, but they've mostly remained the same with the exception of upgrading to a more advanced W1 chip and USB-C charging. It's expected that the company will eventually discontinue the brand, but collaborations with artists and a periodic update such as the Beats Solo3 with USB-C and the H1 chip that is more recent could keep them relevant for some time.