Apple Headphones Review

Apple's wireless headphones and earbuds are elegant comfortable, well-designed, and seamlessly integrated into the Apple ecosystem. The headphones have a Lightning plug for iPhones and some models have a 3.5mm connector for older devices.

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

Sound

Apple headphones are renowned for their outstanding sound quality. Many models also feature noise cancellation. Some are wireless and work with Apple's AirPods while others connect to your iPhone using a Lightning cable. There are adapters that allow you to connect your headphones with a standard headphone socket even if you don't have a Lightning cable. The sound quality of Apple headphones is also impacted by the type of audio codec they employ and you should check what kind of audio is supported.

The headphones that come with the iPhone typically use the Apple AAC codec, which is optimized for Apple devices. The codec for audio has lower latency than other Bluetooth codecs, making it suitable for listening to music or podcasts. Apple headphones that are the most reliable come with Bluetooth 5.0 and AAC, which is a newer version of technology that offers greater range.

If you're seeking a more immersive audio experience, then consider headphones that feature Apple's spatial sound technology. This feature simulates surround sound and give an immersive, more balanced listening experience. This feature is only available on iOS devices running iOS 14 or higher.

In addition to delivering excellent audio, some Apple headphones also have a sleek design. Apple's EarPods are simple but good earbuds. They can fit into most pockets and offer great audio quality.

The Beats Studio3 headphones are more versatile than EarPods and feature closed-back design which provides better noise isolation for commuting and sports. They can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time, and are not comfortable enough to wear while running. The Apple EarPods are priced higher and have an oversized build. Despite these flaws they are still a great choice. Beats Studio3 is one of our top Apple headphones because they're comfortable to wear, have excellent sound quality and offer exceptional noise cancellation. They're built to a high standard and come with a premium audio engine that is compatible with the Apple W1 chip, which offers advanced features.

Design

Apple is renowned for its sleek design, listening and the sale headphones from the company are no exception. They provide a variety of options, ranging from wired models which connect to an iPhone's headphone port to wireless Bluetooth earbuds. Apple headsets are more expensive, but often have better sound.

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 headphones are the most popular worldwide. They deliver outstanding audio quality, noise cancellation and a compact and sleek design. The earbuds are long-lasting battery life and feature Siri voice control to allow hands-free use. The buds have a unique case that recharges them and protects them when they are not in your ears.

The AirPods Pro can track movement, which is helpful when you're working out. The wireless headphones also have the feature of spatial audio that simulates surround sound when you watch videos on an iPhone or iPad with Apple TV, Disney Plus and HBO Max. The feature can be disorienting, but it's an enjoyable way to listen to your favorite TV shows and films while on the go.

Beats Studio 3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones are another great option for audiophiles or those who want to enjoy 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 an option to customize "Hey Siri" and wings tips to ensure a secure fit while exercising.

Apple and Google both make earbuds that are tailored to their respective ecosystems, but they each have their distinct strengths. Google's Pixel Buds, for example are less expensive than Apple's AirPods but have a longer battery life and a user-friendly app and graphic EQ settings.

Although Apple's headphones are great for people who depend on Apple's tech ecosystem, their controls aren't ideal for everyone else. Their minimalist designs don't necessarily have robust features, and they're lacking some important functions on their wireless models. They don't have a volume control, and you're expected to utilize Siri to control your music instead.

Connectivity

With the proliferation of Bluetooth headphones options and the loss of headphone jacks on the majority of recent iPhones, wired models are rapidly going the way of the Dodo. For those who still prefer listening to music using traditional cables, Sony makes a wide range of over-the-ear and on-ear wired headphones that work with all Apple devices. It also offers a pair of wireless earbuds, the Momentum Free -- that connect using an ultra-low power, low-range radio signal for an almost wireless listening experience.

If you own a newer Mac, make sure your headphones support Bluetooth 5.0 or later. This technology provides better audio performance and longer battery life compared to earlier Bluetooth versions. Also check the list of supported audio codecs and make sure that your music files playable.

Find headphones that provide an elongated fit, no matter which model you select. Over-ear or on-ear models that have a thick headband provide a stable fit that is less likely to fall off during physical exercise. In earbuds, you want an ideal fit that seals the ear and offers good noise canceling to cut out any background noise.

Apple AirPods Pro, Beats X Wireless, Beats Studio Wireless and Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II are among the top wireless headsets. AirPods have a sleek design and excellent wireless Bluetooth pairing which has earned them a high rating of 4.5 stars from customers. The Beats Studio Wireless are similar to the Pro model, but have an updated appearance, superior noise cancellation and long battery life.

The Quiet Comfort 35 II is the newest model in the Bose quiet comfort line. It offers noise cancellation, long battery life, and a comfortable size in a compact, portable package. The QC35 II, an upgrade to the model before it, added support for the AAC audio codec, as well as an upgraded wireless protocol that allows for increased Bluetooth speeds and reduced time to complete.

If your headphones aren't able to pair with your Mac try resetting your Bluetooth preferences. Click the Apple icon on your desktop, and then select System Settings. Find your headphones in the list, then click the right next to their names. You may need to put the headphones into pairing mode by pressing and holding the pairing button until you see a status light.

Value

If you think the headphones worth $549 is up to you, but objectively, the AirPods Pro are a remarkable pair of headphones. The innovative features like transparency mode and auto-pause are extremely practical, and the sound quality is sublime. They also feel extremely well-constructed as is often the case with wireless headphones.

AirPods are costly, but they provide a wealth of advanced functionality. The AirPods Pro are a great alternative for people who already have a deep connection to the Apple ecosystem. They are equipped with the H1 chip found in the iPhone's latest generation of speakers. They utilize it to analyse the audio from eight microphones scattered within the earcups. This enables the headphones to not only actively block out noise from outside, but to adjust the sound of your music in real-time, based on how they fit and seal on your head. Apple claims that it can adjust the volume of your music per second, which is an incredible amount. The result is a pair of headphones that truly feel alive, with a cinematic depth and clarity that's in a class of their own. AirPods Pro can make even the most basic tracks sound dramatic and enveloping.

Prior to the release of the AirPods, Apple used to include a pair of wired EarPods in every iPhone box and listening they are still available with either an Lightning or 3.5mm headphone plug (though they don't come with a microphone). The new AirPods are more impressive, but these EarPods are still excellent for exercise or commuting. They have a long battery life and fit comfortably.

Apple purchased Beats' original line in 2014. They've remained largely identical, except that they now come with a USB-C charger and a W1 chip. It's anticipated that the company will eventually discontinue the brand, however collaborations with artists and a periodic update like the Beats Solo3 with USB-C and the latest H1 chip might keep them relevant for an extended period of time.