Apple Headphones Review

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

The AirPods Pro sound excellent for films and music, including cinematic spatial audio and fancy virtual surround. They also come with special features, like instant pairing, automatic switching and "Hey Siri".

Sound

Apple headphones typically offer great audio quality, and a majority of the models feature noise cancellation. Some are wireless and can be used with Apple's AirPods while others connect to your iPhone via the Lightning cable. There are adapters that allow you to connect your headphones with a standard headphone socket even if 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 what type of audio is supported.

Apple AAC is the codec that headphones Running use to are compatible with iPhones. It's optimized for Apple devices. This audio codec is better for music and podcasts because it has a lower latency than other Bluetooth codecs. Apple headphones that are the most reliable be compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 and AAC, which is a modern version of technology that offers greater range.

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 a more immersive listening experience. You'll need to be using an iOS device running iOS 14 or later to be able to use this feature.

In addition to offering great audio and sound quality, some Apple headphones also have an elegant design. Apple's EarPods, for example are basic but good earbuds that fit into nearly any pocket and provide high-quality audio.

The Beats Studio3 headphones are more versatile than the EarPods and feature closed-back design which provides greater noise isolation for commuting and sports. They are uncomfortable on the ears if worn for long durations, however, and are not as comfortable to wear while running. The Apple EarPods are also more expensive and have an oversized build. Despite these shortcomings they are still a great choice. Beats Studio3 is one of our favorite Apple headphones due to the fact that they are comfortable to wear, offer excellent sound quality and offer exceptional noise cancellation. They're premium headphones that have high-end audio engines that are compatible with the Apple W1 chipset, which offers advanced features.

Design

Apple headphones aren't an exception to the sleek style. Apple offers a range of headphones, including wired models that connect to the iPhone's headphone port and wireless Bluetooth earbuds. Apple headsets are more expensive, but often have better sound.

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 are the best-selling headphones in the world, and provide amazing audio quality and noise cancellation in a compact, sleek package. The earbuds are equipped with a long-lasting battery and Siri voice activation to allow users to operate hands-free. The earbuds come with an case that charges and protects them when they are not in your ears.

The AirPods Pro can track movement which is useful for those who run or work out. The wireless headphones come with an option known as spatial audio, which simulates surround sound when you watch videos on an iPhone or iPad using Apple TV, Disney Plus or HBO Max. The feature can be confusing however it's a great method of listening to TV shows and movies while on the go.

Beats Studio 3 Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones is another great option for audiophiles or those who like Apple Music playlists. They can last up to 22 hours of listening time with ANC and 40 hours without, and they feature the Apple W1 chip for easy setup and seamless switching between iOS devices. They also have a custom "Hey Siri" activation, as well as wing tips for a secure fit during workouts.

Both Apple and Google make earbuds with their particular environment in mind, but each brand's earbuds have its strengths. Google's Pixel Buds, for example are less expensive than Apple's AirPods but they come with longer battery lives and a user-friendly app and graphic EQ settings.

While Apple's headphones are great for those who rely on the company's technology ecosystem, their controls can be a hassle for everyone else. The minimalist design of the headphones from Apple doesn't always include robust features. They are also lacking important functions in their truly wireless models. They don't come with a volume control, and you're expected to utilize Siri to control your music instead.

Connectivity

With the increasing number of Bluetooth headphones and the loss of headphone jacks on the majority of recent iPhones, wired models are quickly going the way of the Dodo. For those who still prefer to listen with traditional cables, Sony makes a wide selection of on-ear and over-the-ear wired headphones that work with all Apple devices. The company also has a wireless pair of earbuds called the Momentum Free - that connect via a low-power radio signal.

If you own a Mac that is older make sure your headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible or later. This protocol offers greater audio quality and longer battery life compared to earlier Bluetooth versions. Check the list of audio codecs that are supported to ensure that your music files will play.

Find headphones that provide an elongated fit, regardless of the kind you pick. On-ear and over-ear models with the thick headband will provide an enduring fit that is less likely to fall off during physical activity. In earbuds, you want an ideal fit that seals the ears and also provides excellent noise cancellation to block out background noise.

Apple AirPods Pro, Beats X Wireless, Beats Studio Wireless and Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II are some of the best wireless headsets. The AirPods offer outstanding sound quality, superior wireless Bluetooth pairing, and a sleek design. They have earned the highest rating from customers, which is 4.5 out of five. The Beats Studio Wireless are similar to the Pro model but feature new design, better 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 longer battery life and a snug fit all in a compact portable package. The QC35 II is an upgrade from the previous model, adding support for the latest AAC audio codec as well as a new wireless connection protocol that enables more Bluetooth speeds and lower latency.

If your headphones aren't able to pair with your Mac, try resetting the Bluetooth preferences. Click the Apple icon on your desktop, and then select System Settings. Look for your headphones in the list, headphones running then click the right next to their names. It is possible to switch the headphones over ear into pairing mode by pressing and holding their pairing button until the status light blinks.

Value

AirPods Pro are an impressive pair of headphones, regardless of whether you believe they're worth $549. The sound quality is top-notch and features such as transparency and auto-pause mode are very useful. The headphones are also incredibly sturdy, which isn't always the case for wireless headphones.

AirPods are expensive, but they offer a lot of modern features. The AirPods Pro are a great alternative for people who already have a strong connection to Apple's ecosystem. They are equipped with the H1 chip that is found in the iPhone's latest generation of speakers. They utilize it to analyze the audio from eight microphones scattered within the earcups. The headphones are able to not only actively block out outside noise, but also to tailor your music's sound in real-time for how they fit and close on your head. Apple claims that it can adjust 200 times every second to your music that's a staggering number. The result is a set of headphones that feel alive with cinematic depth and clarity that's in a class of their own. AirPods Pro can make even the most mundane tracks sound spectacular and immersive.

Apple used to include a pair of EarPods with every iPhone prior to when AirPods were launched. The earbuds are still available, but they do not have a mic. The new AirPods are more impressive, however these EarPods are still great for exercising or commuting. They have excellent battery longevity, and fit comfortably.

Apple bought Beats' original line in 2014. The Beats line has remained largely the same except that they now have an USB-C charger as well as a W1 chip. The company is expected to end the Beats brand at some point, but artist collaborations and occasional updates like the Beats Solo3 USB-C with the newer H1 processor could keep them relevant.