Apple Headphones Review
Apple's wireless headphones and earbuds are elegant comfortable, comfy, and seamlessly integrated into the ecosystem. The headphones come with a Lightning connector for iPhones and some models come with a 3.5mm connector for older models.
The AirPods Pro sound excellent for films and music, including cinematic spatial audio and a fancy virtual surround. They also come with unique features like instant pairing, automatic switching, and "Hey Siri".
Sound
Apple headphones generally provide excellent audio quality, and a majority of them come with noise cancellation. Some are wireless and work with Apple's AirPods while others connect to your iPhone using a Lightning cable. If you don't have an Lightning cable there are adapters that allow users to connect headphones using a standard jack. The quality of sound produced by Apple headphones is also impacted by the type of audio codec they utilize and you should verify which audio codec is supported.
The headphones that come with the iPhone typically use the Apple AAC codec that is designed for Apple devices. This codec is ideal for podcasts and music because it is less latency than other Bluetooth codecs. Apple headphones which are the best come with Bluetooth 5.0 and AAC, which is a more recent version of technology with more range.
If you're looking for an immersive audio experience, then think about headphones that have Apple's spatial sound technology. This feature simulates surround sound and offer an enhanced, immersive listening experience. You'll need to have an iOS device running iOS 14 or later to use this feature.
In addition to offering high-quality audio Some Apple headphones also have sleek designs. Apple's EarPods are basic, but decent earbuds. They can fit in almost all pockets and offer excellent audio quality.
The Beats Studio3 headphones offer more versatility than EarPods, and their closed-back design offers greater noise reduction when you commute or doing sports. They can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods and are not comfortable enough to wear when running. They also have a slightly larger build and are more expensive than Apple-branded EarPods. Despite these issues however, the Beats Studio3 is one of our favorite Apple headphones because they are comfortable to wear, offer incredible sound quality, and provide exceptional noise cancellation. They have a high-end build and come with an audio engine of premium quality that is compatible with the Apple W1 chip, which provides advanced features.
Design
Apple is known for their sleek design, and the headphones made by the company aren't any different. Apple has a variety of headphones which include wired models that plug into the headphone port of the iPhone, as well as wireless Bluetooth earbuds. Apple headsets are more expensive, but usually sound better.
Apple's AirPods Pro 2 are the most popular headphones in the world and deliver outstanding audio quality and noise cancellation in a sleek, compact package. The earbuds feature an extremely long-lasting battery as well as Siri voice activation, which allows users to operate hands-free. The buds come with a case that charges and protects them when not in your ears.
headphones shops can track movement, which is helpful when you're working out. The wireless headphones also feature the feature of spatial audio that mimics surround sound when you stream videos on an iPhone or iPad with Apple TV, Disney Plus and HBO Max. The feature can be confusing, but it's an enjoyable method of listening to TV shows and movies while on the move.
Beats Studio 3 Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones are another option for audiophiles or people who love Apple Music playlists. These earbuds have up to 22 hours of listening time with ANC and 40 without, and they use the Apple W1 chip for easy installation and seamless switching between iOS devices. They also have a custom "Hey Siri" activation as well as wings tips to ensure an optimum fit during workouts.
Apple and Google both have headphones that are crafted to their respective ecosystems, however they each have their own strengths. Google's Pixel Buds, for example are more affordable than Apple's AirPods but they come with a longer battery life and a user-friendly app and graphic EQ settings.
Although Apple's headphones are excellent for those who depend on Apple's tech ecosystem, their control options can be frustrating for anyone else. The minimalist design of the headphones from Apple doesn't always come with robust features. They also lack some important functions that are essential to their wireless models. Siri is supposed to handle your music, not the volume control.
Connectivity
With the proliferation of Bluetooth headphones and the loss of headphone jacks in most modern iPhones, wired models are fast becoming the way of the Dodo. Sony offers a variety of wired headphones, on and over the ear, that are compatible with 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 have a Mac that is newer be sure to check if your headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible or later. This standard provides greater audio quality and longer battery life compared to older Bluetooth versions. Check out the list of audio codecs supported to ensure that your music files will play.
Make sure you choose headphones with an elongated fit, regardless of the model you select. On-ear and over-ear models with the thick headband will provide a secure fit that is less likely to fall off during physical activity. You need earbuds that are snug and seal the ears and provide excellent noise cancellation to block out background noise.
The top wireless headphones include the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation), Beats X Wireless and Beats Studio Wireless, and Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II. AirPods are sleek and stylish and excellent wireless Bluetooth pairing which has earned them a top rating of 4.5 stars from customers. The Beats Studio Wireless is similar to the Pro version, but has modern design, better sound cancellation, and a longer battery life.
The Quiet Comfort 35 II, the most recent addition to Bose's quiet comfort line, features noise cancellation, a longer battery life, and a comfortable fit, all in a compact portable case. The QC35 II is an upgrade from the previous model, and adds support for the new AAC audio codec and a new wireless connection protocol that permits higher Bluetooth speeds and lower latency.
If your headphones aren't able to pair with your Mac, try resetting the Bluetooth preferences. Click the Apple logo on your desktop, and then select System Settings. Find your headphones in the list, then click the in front of their name. You may have to switch the headphones into pairing mode by pressing and holding the pairing button until a status light flashes.
Value
The question of whether you'd consider them worth $549 is entirely up to you, but in the end they are worth it. AirPods Pro are a remarkable pair of headphones. The smart features like auto-pause and transparency modes are super practical, and the sound quality is utterly stunning. They also feel extremely well-constructed and sturdy, which isn't always the case with wireless headphones.
Of course, this type of high-end functionality comes with a cost, and for many people the AirPods are simply too expensive. The AirPods Pro are a great alternative for people who already have a strong connection to the Apple ecosystem. They are equipped with the H1 chip found in the iPhone's latest generation of speakers. They use it to analyse the audio from eight microphones scattered around and inside the earcups. The headphones can now tailor the sound of your music to fit your head and block out outside noise in real-time. Apple claims that it can make 200 adjustments per second to your music that's a staggering amount. The result is a pair of headphones that are truly immersive with a cinematic clarity and depth that's unmatched. Even tracks that aren't as well-known, like electronic jazz rock band Comet is Coming's debut album, become incredibly intense and dramatic with the AirPods Pro.
Prior to the introduction of the AirPods, Apple used to include EarPods with wires in every iPhone box, and the earbuds remain available with either the Lightning or 3.5mm headphone plug (though they no longer come with a microphone). They're not as impressive as the new AirPods, but they're still great for commuting or exercising on a treadmill. They have an excellent battery life and a comfortable fit.
Apple acquired Beats the original line in 2014. They've remained largely identical, except that they now include a USB-C charger and a W1 chip. It's anticipated that the company will eventually end the brand, but artist collaborations and the occasional update like the Beats Solo3 with USB-C and the newer H1 chip could keep them relevant for some time.