Apple Headphones Review

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

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

Sound

Apple headphones are well-known for their outstanding audio quality. Some models also have noise cancelling headphones cancellation. Some are wireless and can be used with Apple's AirPods while others connect to your iPhone with an Lightning cable. There are adapters that let you to connect your headphones with the standard headphone socket, if you don't own a Lightning cable. The sound quality of Apple headphones is also impacted by the audio codec they utilize therefore, you must verify which audio codec is compatible with your.

The headphones that come with the iPhone typically use the Apple AAC codec, which is optimized for Apple devices. This audio codec is better for music and podcasts because it is less latency than other Bluetooth codecs. Apple headphones that are the most reliable support Bluetooth 5.0 and AAC, which is a modern version of technology that offers more range.

If you're seeking a more immersive audio experience, think about headphones that have Apple's spatial sound technology. This feature mimics surround sound for an experience that is more immersive. This feature is only available on iOS devices running iOS 14 or higher.

Apple headphones are not just great for audio, but also look stylish. The company's EarPods for instance are basic but good earbuds that fit into almost any pockets and offer high-quality audio.

The Beats Studio3 headphones are more versatile than EarPods and have a closed-back design that offers better noise isolation for commuting and sports. The headphones are uncomfortable to wear for long periods and aren't comfortable enough for wear while running. The Apple EarPods are also more expensive and have an oversized build. Despite these shortcomings however, the Beats Studio3 is one of our favorite Apple headphones because they're comfortable to wear, offer excellent sound quality and have excellent 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 is known for their sleek design, and headphones from the company aren't any different. Apple offers a wide 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 are more comfortable.

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 are the best-selling headphones in the world, and provide excellent audio quality and noise cancellation in a compact, sleek package. The earbuds come with a long battery life and come with Siri voice control for hands-free use. The buds have a unique case that powers them up and secures them when they are not in your ears.

The AirPods Pro can track movement which is beneficial when you're working out. The wireless headphones come with the feature of spatial audio. It simulates surround sound while watching videos on an iPhone or iPad using Apple TV, Disney Plus or HBO Max. The feature can be disorienting but it's a fun way to listen 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 enjoy Apple Music playlists. They can last up to 22 hours of listening time with ANC and 40 hours without, and they utilize the Apple W1 chip for easy setup and seamless switching between iOS devices. They also have an option to customize "Hey Siri", and tips for wing to ensure a secure fit while exercising.

Both Apple and Google create earbuds with their own ecosystem in mind, but each brand's earbuds have their strengths. Google's Pixel Buds, for example are less expensive than Apple's AirPods but they come with longer battery lives as well as a customizable app and graphic EQ settings.

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

Connectivity

The increase in Bluetooth options and the disappearance from the most recent iPhones of the headphone jack has caused wired models to rapidly go the way of Dodo. Sony offers a range of wired headphones, Headphones Apple on and over the ear which are compatible with Apple devices. It also offers the first truly wireless earbuds, the Momentum Free -- that connect using an ultra-low-power low-range radio signal for the ultimate wireless listening experience.

If you have a newer Mac, make sure your headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 or later. This standard provides better audio performance and a longer battery life when compared to earlier Bluetooth versions. Also, check the list of compatible audio codecs and make sure your music files are playable.

Look for headphones that have an elongated fit, regardless of the type you choose. Over-ear or on-ear models that have an oversized headband offer a secure fit that is less likely to slip off during physical exercise. You want earbuds that fit snugly and are able to seal your ears and provide good 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. AirPods are sleek and stylish and an excellent wireless Bluetooth pairing that has earned them a top rating of 4.5 stars from users. 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 is the newest addition to the Bose quiet comfort line, offering noise cancellation, a longer battery life, and a comfortable fit in a compact, portable package. The QC35 II, an upgrade to the previous model, included support for the AAC audio codec, as well as a new wireless protocol that allows for faster Bluetooth speeds and reduced time to complete.

If your headphones won't pair with your Mac Try resetting the Bluetooth preferences. Click the Apple logo on your desktop and choose System Settings. Look for your headphones in the list, then click the right next to their names. You may need to put the headphones in pairing mode by pressing the button to pair until you notice an indicator light.

Value

AirPods Pro are an impressive pair of headphones regardless of whether or not you think they're worth $549. The intelligent features such as transparency mode and auto-pause are super practical and the sound quality is utterly sublime. They also feel incredibly well-built as is often the case with wireless headphones.

Of course, that sort of high-end functionality comes with a cost and for many the AirPods are too expensive. However the AirPods Pro make a lot of sense for people who are already committed to Apple's ecosystem. They feature the same H1 chip found in the latest iPhone models of speakers and use it to analyze the sound from eight microphones scattered within the earcups. The headphones are now able to adjust the sound of the music to suit your head and block out external noise in real-time. Apple claims to be able to make 200 adjustments to your music per second this is an amazing amount. The result is a pair of headphones that are truly immersive with cinematic clarity and depth that is unmatched. Even more mundane tracks like electronic jazz band Comet is Coming's debut album become hugely impressive and immersive on the AirPods Pro.

Apple used to include a pair of EarPods with every iPhone prior to when AirPods were released. The earbuds are still in use today however, they don't have a mic. The new AirPods are more impressive, but these earbuds are still great for exercising or for commuting. They have a long battery longevity, and are comfortable to wear.

Beats' original line of earbuds as well as over-the-ear Headphones Apple was purchased by Apple in 2014, however, they've mostly 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, but artist collaborations and occasional updates like the Beats Solo3 USB-C with the newer H1 processor could make them more relevant.