Apple Headphones Review

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

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

Sound

Apple headphones usually provide great sound quality, and many models come with noise cancellation. Some are wireless and can be used with Apple's AirPods while others connect to your iPhone using an Lightning cable. If you don't have a Lightning cable you can purchase adapters that will allow you to connect the headphones using a standard headphone jack. The sound quality of Apple headphones is also impacted by the audio codec they use, so make sure you check what kind of audio is compatible with your.

Apple AAC is the codec used by headphones that are compatible with iPhones. It's designed for Apple devices. This codec is ideal for music and podcasts since it is less latency than other Bluetooth codecs. Apple headphones that are the best will come with Bluetooth 5.0 and AAC, which is a newer version of technology with more range.

If you want a more immersive audio experience, think about purchasing headphones that include Apple's spatial audio technology. This feature simulates surround sound to give you an experience that is more immersive. This feature is only available on iOS devices running iOS 14 or higher.

Apple headphones aren't just great for audio but also look stylish. The company's EarPods for instance are basic but good earbuds that fit into the majority of pockets and offer excellent audio quality.

The Beats Studio3 headphones are more flexible than the EarPods and feature a closed-back design that offers better noise isolation for commutes and sports. The headphones are uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time and aren't comfortable enough to wear while running. They also have a heavier construction and are more expensive than the Apple-branded EarPods. Despite these issues, the Beats Studio3 is one of our top Apple headphones due to the fact that they are comfortable to wear, have excellent sound quality and offer exceptional noise cancellation. They're built to a high standard and include an audio engine of premium quality that's compatible with the Apple W1 chip, which includes advanced features.

Design

Apple headphones skullcandy aren't an exception to the stylish design. They have a range of options, ranging from wired models which connect to an iPhone's headphone port to wireless Bluetooth earbuds. Apple's headsets tend to be more expensive than similar models from rival brands, but they often sound better.

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 are the best-selling headphones in the world and deliver excellent audio quality and noise cancellation in a slim, compact package. The earbuds are long-lasting battery life and come with Siri voice-activated for hands-free use. The buds come with a case that charges and keeps them safe when not in your ears.

The AirPods Pro track your movement and can be helpful for those who exercise or running. The wireless headphones come with the feature of spatial audio. It simulates surround sound when you watch videos on an iPhone or iPad using Apple TV, Disney Plus or HBO Max. The feature is a bit disorienting, but it's an enjoyable method of listening to TV shows and movies on the move.

Beats Studio 3 Noise Cancelling Wireless headphones is another excellent choice for audiophiles and those who love Apple Music playlists. These earbuds have up to 22 hours of listening time with ANC and Headphones Jbl wireless 40 without and they use the Apple W1 chip for easy installation and seamless switching between iOS devices. The earbuds also come with an adjustable "Hey Siri", and wing tips to ensure a secure fit when exercising.

Apple and Google both offer earbuds that are specifically designed for their respective ecosystems, however they each have their particular strengths. For instance Google's Pixel Buds are more affordable than Apple's AirPods, but they have a longer battery life and include an app that is customizable with graphic EQ settings.

Although Apple's headphones are great for those who rely on the company's tech ecosystem, their control options aren't ideal for everyone else. Their minimalist designs don't always have robust features, and they're lacking certain functions that are essential to their truly wireless models. Siri is expected to manage your music, not volume control.

Connectivity

With the proliferation of Bluetooth headphones options and the removal of headphone jacks on most new iPhones wired models are quickly going the way of the Dodo. Sony offers a variety of wired headphones, on and over the ear that are compatible with Apple devices. There is also a pair of truly 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 Mac that is more recent make sure your headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible or later. This technology provides greater audio quality and longer battery life compared to earlier Bluetooth versions. Check out the list of audio codecs supported to ensure that your music files will play.

Look for headphones that have a secure fit, no matter which type you choose. Over-ear or on-ear models that have an oversized headband offer an enduring fit that is less likely to slip off during physical exercise. You want earbuds that fit snugly, seal the ears, and provide good noise cancellation to block out background noise.

The top wireless headphones are the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation), Beats X Wireless and Beats Studio Wireless, and the Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II. The AirPods provide amazing sound quality, superb wireless Bluetooth pairing, and a sleek design, earning a high customer rating of 4.5 out of five. The Beats Studio Wireless are similar to the Pro model, but have an updated appearance, superior noise cancellation and a long battery life.

The Quiet Comfort 35 II, the latest model in Bose's quiet-comfort line, offers noise cancellation, a long battery life, and a comfortable fit, all in a compact portable case. The QC35 II is an upgrade from the previous model, bringing support for the latest AAC audio codec, as well as a new wireless connection protocol that allows for higher Bluetooth speeds and lower latency.

If your headphones aren't able to pair with your Mac try resetting your Bluetooth preferences. Click the Apple icon on your desktop, then select System Settings. Select the headphones you want to use in the list. Then, next to their name. It is possible to put the headphones into pairing mode by pressing and holding the pairing button until the status light turns on.

Value

If you think them worth $549 is up to you, but objectively, the AirPods Pro are a remarkable pair of headphones. The sound quality is top-notch and features like auto-pause mode and transparency are extremely useful. The headphones are also extremely well built, which isn't always the case with wireless headphones.

Of course, this kind of high-end functionality comes with costs and for many the AirPods are just too expensive. The AirPods Pro are a great option for those who already have a deep connection to Apple's ecosystem. They have the same H1 chip used in the iPhone's latest generation of speakers and use it to analyse the audio from eight microphones dotted around and inside the earcups. The headphones are able to not only actively block out noise from outside, but to alter the sound quality of your music in real-time for how they fit and seal around your head. Apple claims to be able make 200 adjustments to your music per second this is an amazing number. The result is a pair headphones Jbl wireless that are truly alive with a cinematic clarity and depth that's unbeatable. Even more mundane tracks such as electronic jazz group Comet is Coming's debut album, become hugely immersive and dramatic on the AirPods Pro.

Prior to the release of the AirPods, Apple used to include EarPods with wires in every iPhone box and the earbuds remain available with either the Lightning or 3.5mm headphone plug (though they do not feature a microphone). They're not as impressive as a pair of the new AirPods however they're great for commuting or exercising on a treadmill, with an excellent battery life and a comfortable fit.

Apple purchased Beats' original line in 2014. They've remained mostly the same with the exception that they now have an USB-C charger as well as a W1 chip. It's expected that the company will eventually cease production of the brand, however artist collaborations and the occasional upgrade like the Beats Solo3 with USB-C and the latest H1 chip might keep them relevant for a while.