Apple Headphones Review

Apple's wireless earbuds as well as over-ear headphones are sleek and comfortable and integrate with the ecosystem seamlessly. The headphones have an Lightning connector for iPhones and some models also have a 3.5mm connector for older models.

The AirPods Pro sound excellent for music and movies, 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 are well-known for their great audio quality. Some models also have noise cancellation. Some are wireless and can be used with Apple's AirPods while others connect to your iPhone using a Lightning cable. There are adapters that allow you to connect your headphones for running with the standard headphone socket, in the event that you don't have an Lightning cable. Apple headphones have a sound quality that is affected by the audio codecs they employ. Make sure to check the type of audio supported.

The headphones that come with the iPhone typically utilize the Apple AAC codec that is designed for Apple devices. This audio codec is better for podcasts and music because it is less latency than other Bluetooth codecs. The most reliable Apple headphones include at least AAC and Bluetooth 5.0 which provides an even wider spectrum than previous versions of the technology.

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

Apple headphones aren't just great for audio but also look stylish. Apple's EarPods for instance are simple, but excellent earbuds that can fit in the majority of pockets and offer excellent audio quality.

The Beats Studio3 headphones offer more flexibility than EarPods and their closed-back design provides better noise isolation while commuting or playing sports. They are uncomfortable for the ears when worn for prolonged periods of time, though, and are not as comfortable to wear while running. The Apple EarPods are priced higher and have more weight to them. Despite these shortcomings, the Beats Studio3 is one of our top Apple headphones because they are comfortable to wear, have an amazing sound, and provide exceptional noise cancellation. They're built to a high standard and include an advanced audio engine that is compatible with the Apple W1 chip, which includes advanced features.

Design

Apple is known for their sleek design, and the headphones from the company are no exception. Apple offers a wide range of headphones, including wired models that connect to the headphone port on the iPhone and wireless Bluetooth earbuds. Apple's headsets are typically more expensive than comparable models from rival brands, but they also generally sound better.

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 are the most popular headphones sold in the world and deliver outstanding audio quality and noise cancellation in a compact, sleek package. The earbuds come with a long battery life and also feature Siri voice-activated for hands-free usage. The buds have a unique case that recharges them and secures them when not in your ears.

The AirPods Pro track your movement which is useful if you are working out or running. The wireless headphones also have an audio feature called spatial 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 disorienting but it's a fun way to listen to movies and TV shows on the move.

Beats Studio 3 Wireless Noise Cancelling headphones are another option for audiophiles and people who want to listen to Apple Music playlists. They can last for up to 22 hours with 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 ideal fit during exercise.

Apple and Google both make earbuds that are tailored to their respective ecosystems, but they each have their own strengths. For example, Google's Pixel Buds are more affordable than Apple's AirPods however they have a longer battery life, and also come with an app that is customizable with graphic EQ settings.

Apple's headphones may be great for people who rely on Apple's ecosystem however their controls are likely to frustrate everyone else. The minimalist designs of the headphones by Apple don't always include robust features. They are also lacking important functions in their truly wireless models. Siri is supposed to handle your music, not volume control.

Connectivity

The increase in Bluetooth options and the demise from the most recent iPhones of the headphone jack is causing wired models to swiftly become the new Dodo. Sony has a wide selection of wired headphones, both on and over the ear, which are compatible with Apple devices. They also offer the first truly wireless earbuds, the Momentum Free -- that connect using an ultra-low-power low-range radio signal for a virtually wire-free listening experience.

If you're using a more recent Mac, make sure your headphones support Bluetooth 5.0 or later. This technology provides greater audio quality and longer battery life compared to earlier Bluetooth versions. Look through the list of audio codecs supported to ensure that your music files are compatible.

Whatever type of headphones you choose, look for models that offer a secure fit. On-ear and over-ear models with an oversized headband offer an enduring fit that is less likely to slip off during exercise. You want earbuds that fit snugly, seal the ears, and offer excellent 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 excellent wireless Bluetooth pairing which has earned them a rating of 4.5 stars from users. The Beats Studio Wireless is similar to the Pro version, but it has new design, improved sound cancellation, and a long battery life.

The Quiet Comfort 35 II, the latest version of Bose's quiet comfort line, provides noise cancellation, a long battery life and a comfortable fit all in a small portable package. The QC35 II, an upgrade to the previous model, added support for the AAC audio codec, as well as the introduction of a new wireless protocol that allows for greater Bluetooth speeds and reduced latencies.

If your headphones are unable to connect to your Mac try resetting your Bluetooth preferences. Click the Apple icon on your desktop, and then select System Settings. Look for your headphones in the list and click the Then, Headphones for running next to their names. You may need to put the headphones into pairing mode first 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 think they're worth $549. The sound quality is top-notch and features like transparency and auto-pause mode are extremely useful. The headphones over ear are also well-constructed which isn't the usual case for wireless headphones.

Of course, this type of high-end functionality comes with an expense, 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 Apple's ecosystem. The AirPods Pro utilize the same H1 chipset used in the iPhone's latest generations of speakers to analyze the sound coming from the eight microphones that are placed around and inside the earcups. The headphones can now tailor the sound of your music to fit your head and block out external sounds in real-time. Apple claims that it can adjust 200 settings to your music per second which is a staggering number. The result is a pair of headphones that truly feel alive with cinematic depth and clarity that's in a class of their own. Even tracks that aren't as well-known such as electronic jazz rock band Comet is Coming's debut album become incredibly impressive and immersive on the AirPods Pro.

Apple used to include a pair of EarPods with every iPhone prior to when AirPods were introduced. The earbuds are in use today, but they do not include a microphone. The new AirPods are more impressive, however these EarPods are still great for exercising or commuting. They have a long battery life, and they fit comfortably.

Beats the original line of earbuds and over-the ear headphones was acquired by Apple in 2014, but they've largely remained the same with the exception of upgrading to a more advanced W1 chip and USB-C charging. The company is expected to end the Beats brand in the near future however, collaborations with artists and periodic updates like the Beats Solo3 USB-C with the newer H1 processor could keep them current.