Apple Headphones Review

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

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

Sound

Apple headphones typically offer great audio quality, and a lot of the models feature noise cancellation. Some of them are wireless and work with Apple's AirPods and others can be connected to your iPhone through a Lightning cable. If you don't have a Lightning cable, there are adapters available that will allow you to connect your headphones using a standard jack. The quality of sound produced by Apple headphones is also impacted by the type of audio codec they employ and you should verify which audio codec is supported.

Apple AAC is the codec that headphones use to are included with iPhones. It's designed for Apple devices. This codec is ideal for podcasts and music because it has a lower latency than other Bluetooth codecs. The top Apple headphones have at minimum AAC and Bluetooth 5.0, which has a much wider range than earlier versions of the technology.

If you're looking for a more immersive audio experience, consider headphones that feature Apple's spatial sound technology. This feature allows you to simulate surround sound and provide an enhanced, immersive listening experience. This feature is only available for iOS devices running iOS 14 or Bluetooth headphones higher.

In addition to delivering high-quality audio Some Apple headphones also sport a sleek design. Apple's EarPods for instance are simple, but excellent headphones that fit in nearly any pocket and provide excellent audio quality.

The Beats Studio3 headphones are more versatile than the EarPods and have closed-back design which provides greater noise isolation for commuting and sports. They can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time and aren't comfortable enough for wear when running. The Apple EarPods are also more expensive and feature more weight to them. Despite these shortcomings however, the Beats Studio3 is one of our favorite Apple headphones due to the fact that they are comfortable to wear, provide excellent sound quality and offer exceptional noise cancellation. They are high-end headphones with an audio engine that is premium and compatible with the Apple W1 chipset, which offers advanced features.

Design

Apple headphones are no exception to the sleek design. They provide a variety of options, from wired models that connect to an iPhone's headphone jack to wireless Bluetooth earbuds. Apple headsets are more expensive, but usually have better sound.

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 headphones are the most popular worldwide. They provide outstanding audio quality, noise cancellation and an elegant and compact design. The earbuds are equipped with an extended-lasting battery and Siri voice activation that allows for hands-free operation. The buds have a unique case that charges them and secures them when they are not in your ears.

The AirPods Pro can track movement, which is helpful if you're running or working out. The wireless headphones also have a feature called 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 initially but it's a great way to listen to films and TV shows while on the move.

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

Both Apple and Google create earbuds with their specific ecosystem in mind, however each brand's earbuds have their strengths. For example, Google's Pixel Buds are more affordable than Apple's AirPods however they have an extended battery life and come with a customizable app with graphic EQ settings.

Apple's headphones are great for people who rely on Apple's ecosystem However, their controls could cause frustration to everyone else. The minimalist designs of the headphones by Apple don't always come with robust features. They lack important functions in their truly wireless models. They don't have volume control, and you're required to make use of Siri to manage your music instead.

Connectivity

With the proliferation of Bluetooth headphones options and the removal of headphone jacks in most new iPhones, wired models are rapidly going the way of the Dodo. Sony offers a variety of wired headphones, on and over the ear that work with Apple devices. There is also the first truly wireless earbuds - the Momentum Free -- that connect using an ultra-low power, low-range radio signal to provide an almost wire-free listening experience.

If you're using a more recent Mac make sure that your headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 or later. This protocol offers superior audio quality and a longer battery life when compared to older Bluetooth versions. Also check the list of supported audio codecs and make sure your music files can be played.

Make sure you choose headphones with an elongated fit, regardless of the type you choose. On-ear and over-ear models with the thick headband will provide a stable fit that is less likely to slip off during physical exercise. In earbuds you want an earbud that is snug and secures the ears and provides good 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 an excellent wireless Bluetooth pairing that has earned them a 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, which offers noise cancellation, a long battery life, and a comfortable size in a compact, portable package. The QC35 II, an upgrade to the previous model that added support for the AAC audio codec and a new wireless protocol that allows for greater Bluetooth speeds and reduced time to complete.

If your headphones won't pair with your Mac Try resetting the Bluetooth preferences. Click the Apple icon on your desktop and select System Settings. Select the headphones you want to use from the list. Next to their name. You may need to switch the headphones into pairing mode by pressing the pairing button until you see the status light.

Value

AirPods Pro are an impressive pair of headphones regardless of whether you think they're worth $549. The intelligent features such as auto-pause and transparency modes are extremely useful and the sound quality is amazing. The headphones for running are also extremely well built which isn't the usual case with wireless headphones.

AirPods are expensive, but they have a wide range of features that are advanced. However the AirPods Pro make a lot of sense for people who are already deeply invested in Apple's ecosystem. The AirPods Pro utilize the same H1 chipset that is used in the iPhone's latest generations of speakers to analyse the audio output from the eight microphones placed between the earcups. The headphones are now able to adjust the sound of your music to fit your head and block out outside sounds in real-time. Apple claims to be able to adjust the volume of your music per second, which is an incredible amount. The result is a pair of headphones for swimming that feel truly alive and have a cinematic quality and clarity that's in a class of their own. AirPods Pro can make even the most basic tracks sound vivid and immersive.

Apple used to include a pair EarPods with every iPhone before the AirPods were launched. The earbuds are available however they don't include a microphone. The new AirPods are more impressive, however they're still great for exercising or commuting. They have a long battery life, and they are comfortable to wear.

Beats Original line of earbuds as well as over-the-ear headphones was purchased by Apple in 2014, but they've mostly remained the same, except for upgrading to a more advanced W1 chip and USB-C charging. It's likely that the company will eventually end the brand, though 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.