Apple Headphones Review

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

The AirPods Pro sound excellent for movies and music, with cinematic spatial audio and a fancy virtual surround. They also come with unique features such as instant pairing as well as automatic switching and "Hey Siri" voice activation.

Sound

Apple headphones are well-known for their great audio quality. Many models also feature noise cancellation. Some of them are wireless and work with Apple's AirPods, while others can be connected to your iPhone through the Lightning cable. If you don't have an Lightning cable there are adapters which allow you to connect the headphones via a standard headphone jack. The sound quality of Apple headphones is also affected by the audio codec they utilize, so make sure you verify which audio codec is supported.

Apple AAC is the codec used by headphones that are included with iPhones. It's designed for Apple devices. The codec for audio has a lower latency than other Bluetooth codecs, which makes it suitable for listening to music and podcasts. The most reliable Apple headphones have at minimum AAC and Bluetooth 5.0 which provides more range than previous versions of the technology.

If you're looking for a more immersive audio experience, then look at headphones that incorporate Apple's spatial sound technology. This feature mimics surround sound to provide an immersive listening experience. However, you'll need to have an iOS device with iOS 14 or later to be able to use this feature.

Apple headphones aren't just great for audio but also look stylish. The company's EarPods, for example are basic but good headphones that fit in almost any 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 playing sports. The headphones are uncomfortable to wear for long periods and aren't comfortable enough for wear when running. The Apple EarPods are priced higher and have a heavier build. Despite these flaws, the Beats Studio3 is one of our top Apple headphones because they are comfortable to wear, offer incredible sound quality and offer exceptional noise cancellation. They're made to last and include an advanced audio engine that is compatible with the Apple W1 chip, which offers advanced features.

Design

Apple headphones with best noise cancelling are no exception to the sleek style. Apple offers a range of headphones, including wired models that plug into the headphone port on the iPhone and wireless Bluetooth earbuds. Apple's headsets are typically more expensive than similar models from other brands, but they generally sound better.

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 headphones are the most popular worldwide. They deliver outstanding audio quality, noise cancelling and a sleek and compact package. The earbuds feature an extended-lasting battery and Siri voice activation to allow hands-free operation. The earbuds come in a distinctive case that powers them up and keeps them safe when they are not in your ears.

The AirPods Pro track your movement, which can be useful for those who exercise or running. The wireless headphones also have the feature of spatial audio that simulates surround sound when you stream videos on an iPhone or iPad with Apple TV, Disney Plus and HBO Max. The feature is a bit confusing but it's a fun method of listening to movies and TV shows while on the move.

Beats Studio 3 Noise Cancelling Wireless headphones is another excellent choice for audiophiles or those who enjoy Apple Music playlists. These headphones can last up to 22 hours of ANC, and 40 without. They are powered by the Apple W1 chipset for easy setup and seamless switching among iOS devices. They also have a customizable "Hey Siri" activation, as well as wing tips for an optimum fit during workouts.

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

Apple's headphones might be ideal for for running those who rely on Apple's ecosystem however their controls are likely to frustrate anyone else. Their minimalist designs don't always have robust features, and they're lacking certain essential functions on their truly wireless models. They don't have volume control, and you're expected to make use of Siri to manage your music instead.

Connectivity

The proliferation of Bluetooth options and the demise from the most recent iPhones of the headphone jack has caused wired models to quickly disappear like Dodo. Sony offers a range of wired headphones, on and over the ear that are compatible with Apple devices. The company also has a wireless pair of earbuds - the Momentum Free - that connect via the radio signal that is low-power.

If you have a Mac that is older make sure your headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible or later. This version of Bluetooth offers better audio performance and has a longer battery life than previous Bluetooth versions. Also check the list of supported audio codecs to ensure your music files are playable.

Look for headphones that have an elongated fit, regardless of the model you select. On-ear or over-ear models that come with a thick headband provide an ensconced fit and are less likely to break during physical activity. You need earbuds that are snug and seal the ears and offer excellent noise cancellation that blocks out ambient sounds.

Apple AirPods Pro, Beats X Wireless, Beats Studio Wireless and Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II are some of the best wireless headsets. The AirPods have outstanding sound quality, superior wireless Bluetooth pairing, and an elegant design, which has earned them an excellent rating from customers of 4.5 out of 5. 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 version of Bose's quiet comfort line, features noise cancellation, a long battery life, and a comfortable fit, all in a compact portable case. The QC35 II, an upgrade to the previous model that included support for the AAC audio codec as well as a new wireless protocol that allows for increased Bluetooth speeds and reduced time to complete.

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. Select the headphones you want to use in the list. right next to their names. It is possible to switch the headphones into pairing mode by pressing and holding the pairing button until the status light turns on.

Value

AirPods Pro are an impressive pair of headphones, regardless of whether you believe they're worth $549. The smart features like transparency mode and auto-pause are super practical and the sound quality is sublime. The headphones are also incredibly sturdy and for running sound great, which isn't always the case for wireless headphones.

Of course, this kind of high-end functionality comes with an expense and for many the AirPods are just too expensive. The AirPods Pro are a great alternative for those who already have a solid connection to the Apple ecosystem. They have the same H1 chip used in the latest iPhone models of speakers. They use it to analyze the sound from eight microphones dotted within the earcups. This enables the headphones to not only actively block out outside noise, but also to alter the sound quality of your music in real-time for how they fit and seal to your head. Apple claims to be able adjust 200 settings to your music per second, which is an incredible amount. The result is a set of headphones that are truly immersive with a cinematic clarity and depth that's unbeatable. Even more mundane tracks like electronic jazz 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 a pair of wired EarPods in every iPhone box and the earbuds continue to be available now with either an Lightning or 3.5mm headphone plug (though they no longer come with a microphone). They're not as stunning as the brand new AirPods however, they're ideal for running or commuting on a treadmill, with excellent battery life and a comfortable fit.

Apple bought Beats' original line in 2014. They've remained mostly similar, with the exception that they now have an USB-C charger as well as a W1 chip. The company is expected to discontinue the Beats brand eventually but collaborations with artists and occasional updates such as the Beats Solo3 USB-C with the H1 processor that is more recent could keep them relevant.