Apple Headphones Review

Apple's wireless earbuds and headphones are sleek and comfortable, and blend into the ecosystem seamlessly. 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 movies and music, with cinematic spatial audio as well as fancy virtual surround. They also have unique features like instant pairing automatic switching, and "Hey Siri" voice activation.

Sound

Apple headphones are known for their excellent audio quality. Many models also feature noise cancellation. Some are wireless and can be used with Apple's AirPods as well as others that can be connected to your iPhone via the Lightning cable. If you don't have a Lightning cable you can purchase adapters which allow you to connect your headphones using a standard jack. The quality of sound produced by Apple headphones is also affected by the audio codec they utilize, so make sure you determine which audio format is supported.

The headphones that come with the iPhone typically use the Apple AAC codec that is optimized for Apple devices. This audio codec is better for podcasts and music because it has a lower latency than other Bluetooth codecs. Apple headphones that are the best will be compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 and AAC, which is a modern version of technology that has a wider range.

If you want a more immersive sound experience, think about purchasing headphones that include the Apple's spatial audio technology. This feature mimics surround sound to give you a more immersive listening experience. You'll need to have an iOS device running iOS 14 or later to use this feature.

Apple headphones are not just great for audio but also look sleek. Apple's EarPods, for example, are simple but decent earbuds that fit into nearly any pocket and provide excellent audio quality.

The Beats Studio3 headphones are more versatile than EarPods and Bluetooth Headphones feature a closed-back design that offers better noise isolation for commuting and sports. They can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods and aren't comfortable enough for wear while running. They also have a slightly larger build and cost more than Apple-branded EarPods. Despite these flaws however, the Beats Studio3 is one of our favorite Apple headphones because they are comfortable to wear, offer incredible sound quality and have excellent noise cancellation. They're high-end headphones that feature a premium audio engine compatible with the Apple W1 chipset, which has advanced features.

Design

Apple is renowned for its elegant design, and the headphones made by the company aren't an exception. Apple offers a wide range of headphones which include wired models that connect to the headphone port of the iPhone, as well as wireless Bluetooth earbuds. Apple headsets are more expensive, but they usually are more comfortable.

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 are the most popular headphones with best noise cancelling sold in the world and deliver amazing audio quality and noise cancellation in a sleek, compact package. The earbuds feature an extended-lasting battery and Siri voice activation, which allows hands-free operation. The earbuds come in a distinctive case that powers them up and secures them when not in your ears.

The AirPods Pro can track movement which is useful for those who run or work out. The wireless headphones also feature a feature called spatial audio which simulates surround sound when you stream videos on an iPhone or iPad with Apple TV, Disney Plus and HBO Max. The feature can be confusing at first, but it's a fun method to listen to movies and TV shows while on the move.

Beats Studio 3 Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones are another option for audiophiles or those who enjoy Apple Music playlists. These headphones can last up to 22 hours of ANC and 40 hours without. They utilize the Apple W1 chipset for easy installation and seamless switching between iOS devices. They also have a customizable "Hey Siri" activation and wing tips for an optimum fit during workouts.

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

Although Apple's headphones are great for those who depend on Apple's tech ecosystem, their control options can be a hassle for everyone else. Their minimalistic designs don't always come with robust features, and they're lacking certain functions that are essential to their wireless models. Siri is supposed to handle your music, not volume control.

Connectivity

With the increasing number of Bluetooth headphones options and the loss of headphone jacks on the majority of new iPhones, wired models are rapidly going the way of the Dodo. Sony offers a range of wired headphones, on and over ear bluetooth headphones the ear, that work with Apple devices. They also offer the first truly wireless earbuds, the Momentum Free -- that connect via an ultra-low-power, low-range radio signal to provide the ultimate wire-free listening experience.

If you own a Mac that is older, check to see if your headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible or later. This standard provides better audio performance and longer battery life compared to older Bluetooth versions. Check the list of audio codecs that are supported to ensure that your music files can be played.

Make sure you choose headphones with a secure fit, regardless of the type you choose. Over-ear and on-ear models with the thick headband will provide a stable fit that is less likely to fall off during exercise. You want earbuds that fit snugly and are able to seal your ears and have excellent noise cancellation that blocks 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 have exceptional sound quality, excellent wireless Bluetooth pairing and a sleek design, earning an excellent rating from customers of 4.5 out of 5. The Beats Studio Wireless is similar to the Pro version, but has modern design, better sound cancellation and a long battery life.

The Quiet Comfort 35 II, the most recent version of Bose's quiet comfort line, offers noise cancellation, a long battery life and a snug fit all in a compact portable package. The QC35 II is an upgrade from the previous model, bringing support for the latest AAC audio codec and the new wireless connection protocol that permits higher Bluetooth speeds and reduced latency.

If your headphones are unable to connect to your Mac try setting your Bluetooth preferences. Click the Apple icon on your desktop, then select System Settings. Look for your headphones on the list, then click the Next to their names. You may have 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 or not you believe they're worth $549. The intelligent features such as auto-pause and transparency mode are extremely practical, and the sound quality is utterly stunning. They also feel incredibly well-built and sturdy, which isn't always the case with wireless headphones.

AirPods are costly, but they offer a lot of advanced functionality. The AirPods Pro are a great alternative for people who already have a deep connection to the Apple 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 positioned between the earcups. The headphones can now tailor the sound of your music to fit your head and block out outside noise in real time. Apple claims to be able to make 200 adjustments to your music per second, which is an incredible number. The result is a set of headphones that are truly alive with a cinematic clarity and depth that's unmatched. Even tracks that aren't as well-known, like electronic jazz rock band Comet is Coming's debut album, become hugely impressive and immersive on the AirPods Pro.

Prior to the launch 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 the Lightning or 3.5mm headphone plug (though they do not come with a microphone). They're not as spectacular as the brand new AirPods however, they're ideal for running or commuting on a treadmill, with excellent battery longevity and a comfortable fit.

Beats' original line of earbuds as well as over-the-ear headphones was bought by Apple in 2014, however, they've largely remained the same, with the exception of upgrading to a brand new W1 chip and USB-C charging. It's expected that the company will eventually cease production of the brand, but collaborations with artists and a periodic update such as the Beats Solo3 with USB-C and the latest H1 chip might keep them in the market for some time.