Apple Headphones Review

Apple's wireless headphones and earbuds are elegant, comfy and seamlessly integrated into the ecosystem. They come with a Lightning connector for iPhones, and some models feature a 3.5mm adapter for older models.

AirPods Pro have a great sound quality for movies and music. They feature cinematic spatial audio, fancy virtual surround, and much more. They also come with unique features like instant pairing as well as automatic switching and "Hey Siri" voice activation.

Sound

Apple headphones are well-known for their great sound quality. Some models also have noise cancellation. Some are wireless and work with Apple's AirPods while others connect to your iPhone using the Lightning cable. There are adapters that let you to connect your headphones with the standard headphone socket, in the event that you don't have an Lightning cable. Apple headphones are also affected by the audio codecs they employ. Be sure to determine the type of audio supported.

Apple AAC is the codec used by headphones over ear that come with iPhones. It's designed for Apple devices. This codec is ideal for music and podcasts since it is less latency than other Bluetooth codecs. The best Apple headphones will include at least AAC and Bluetooth 5.0 which offers more range than earlier versions of the technology.

If you're looking for an even more immersive experience, consider buying headphones that include Apple's spatial audio technology. This feature can simulate surround sound and offer an enhanced, immersive listening experience. You'll need to have an iOS device running iOS 14 or later to be able to use this feature.

Apple headphones are not only great for audio, but also look sleek. Apple's EarPods for instance, are simple but decent earbuds that can fit in the majority of pockets and offer great audio quality.

The Beats Studio3 earphones headphones are more versatile than the EarPods and feature a closed-back design that offers greater noise isolation for commuting and sports. The headphones can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods and aren't comfortable enough to wear while running. They also have a slightly heavier build and are more expensive than Apple-branded EarPods. Despite these limitations, the Beats Studio3 headphones are one of our favorite headphones from Apple because they're comfortable to wear, have outstanding audio quality, and provide outstanding noise cancellation. They're made to last and include a premium audio engine that is compatible with the Apple W1 chip, which includes advanced features.

Design

Apple headphones are no exception to the stylish design. They provide a variety of options, ranging from wired models which connect to an iPhone's headphone port to wireless Bluetooth earbuds. Apple's headsets are typically more expensive than comparable models from competing brands, however they often sound better.

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 are the most popular headphones in the world and deliver excellent audio quality and noise cancellation in a compact, sleek package. The earbuds are long-lasting battery life and feature Siri voice-activated for hands-free use. The earbuds come with an case that recharges and protects them when not in your ears.

The AirPods Pro track your movement, which can be useful when you're working out or running. The wireless headphones have a feature known as spatial audio, which mimics surround sound while watching videos on an iPhone or iPad using Apple TV, Disney Plus or HBO Max. The feature is a bit disorienting but it's a fun method of listening to your favorite TV shows and films while on the go.

Beats Studio 3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones are another great option for audiophiles or those who wish to enjoy Apple Music playlists. These headphones can last up to 22 hours of ANC, and 40 without. They utilize the Apple W1 chipset for easy setup and seamless switching among iOS devices. They also have an option to customize "Hey Siri", and wing tips to ensure a secure fit while exercising.

Both Apple and Google make earbuds with their own ecosystem in mind, but each brand's earbuds come with their strengths. For example Google's Pixel Buds are more affordable than Apple's AirPods however, Headphones Apple they come with a much longer battery life and include an app that can be customized with graphic EQ settings.

Apple's Headphones Apple are great for those who rely on the Apple ecosystem however their controls are likely to frustrate anyone else. Their minimalistic designs don't always have robust features, and they're missing some important functions on their wireless models. Siri is expected to manage your music, not the volume control.

Connectivity

With the emergence of Bluetooth headphones and the loss of headphone jacks on most recent iPhones, wired models are fast becoming the way of the Dodo. For those who still prefer listening to music using traditional cables, Sony makes a wide range of over-the-ear and on-ear wired headphones that can be used with all Apple devices. They also offer a pair of wireless earbuds -- the Momentum Free -- that connect using an ultra-low-power low-range radio signal, allowing for a virtually wire-free listening experience.

If you have a newer Mac ensure that your headphones support Bluetooth 5.0 or later. This protocol offers greater audio quality and longer battery life as compared to older Bluetooth versions. Also check the list of supported audio codecs and make sure that your music files playable.

Whatever type of headphones you pick, look for models that provide an ensconced fit. On-ear and over-ear models with the thick headband will provide an enduring fit that is less likely to slip off during physical exercise. In earbuds, you want an ideal fit that seals the ears and provides good noise cancellation to block out background noise.

Apple AirPods Pro, Beats X Wireless, Beats Studio Wireless and Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II are among the top wireless headsets. AirPods are sleek and stylish and a great wireless Bluetooth pairing, which has earned them a high rating of 4.5 stars from users. The Beats Studio Wireless are similar to the Pro model, but they have an updated appearance, superior noise cancellation and a long battery life.

The Quiet Comfort 35 II, the latest addition to Bose's quiet comfort line, provides noise cancellation, a longer battery life and a snug fit all in a small portable design. The QC35 II, an upgrade to the model before it, included support for the AAC audio codec and a new wireless protocol that allows for faster Bluetooth speeds and lower latencies.

If your headphones don't connect with your Mac try resetting your Bluetooth preferences. Click the Apple logo on your desktop and select System Settings. Click on the headphones you would like to use from the list. right next to their names. You may have to put the headphones into pairing mode by pressing the pairing button until you see a status light.

Value

AirPods Pro are an impressive pair of headphones, regardless of whether you think they're worth $549. The smart features like transparency mode and auto-pause are extremely useful and the sound quality is stunning. They also feel extremely well-constructed as is often the case with wireless headphones.

AirPods are expensive, but they have a wide range of advanced functionality. However, the AirPods Pro make a lot of sense to those who are deeply invested in Apple's ecosystem. They have the same H1 chip found in the latest iPhone models of speakers and use it to analyse the audio of eight microphones that are scattered within the earcups. The headphones can now tailor the sound of your music to fit your head and block out external noise in real-time. Apple claims to be able adjust 200 settings to your music every second, which is an incredible amount. The result is a set of headphones that truly feel alive, with a cinematic depth and clarity that's in a league of their own. AirPods Pro can make even the most basic tracks sound spectacular and immersive.

Apple used to include a pair of EarPods with every iPhone prior to when the AirPods were released. They're in use today, but they do not include a microphone. They're not as spectacular as the new AirPods however, they're ideal for running or commuting on a treadmill, and come with great battery life and a comfortable fitting.

Beats' original line of earbuds and over-the ear headphones was acquired by Apple in 2014, but they've largely remained the same except for upgrading to a more advanced W1 chip and USB-C charging. It's expected that the company will eventually cease production of the brand, though artist collaborations and the occasional update like the Beats Solo3 with USB-C and the newer H1 chip could keep them relevant for a while.