Apple Headphones Review
Apple's wireless headphones and earbuds are elegant and well-designed and seamlessly integrated into the Apple ecosystem. They have an Lightning connector for iPhones, and some models have a 3.5mm adapter for older devices.
AirPods Pro have a great sound for music and movies. They feature cinematic spatial audio, a fancy virtual surround, and much more. They have other unique features like instant pairing, automatic switching, and "Hey Siri".
Sound
Apple headphones typically offer great audio quality, and a lot of the models feature noise cancellation. Some are wireless and work with Apple's AirPods as well as others that can be connected to your iPhone via a Lightning cable. If you don't have an Lightning cable there are adapters which allow users to connect headphones using a standard jack. The quality of sound produced by Apple headphones is also impacted by the type of audio codec they utilize, so make sure you check what kind of audio is compatible with your.
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 music and podcasts because 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 that has greater range.
If you're seeking a more immersive audio experience, then think about headphones that have Apple's spatial sound technology. This feature simulates surround sound and offer a more rounded, immersive listening experience. This feature is only available for iOS devices running iOS 14 or higher.
Apple headphones are not only great for audio but also look stylish. Apple's EarPods are basic, but decent earbuds. They can be tucked away in almost all pockets and offer excellent audio quality.
The Beats Studio3 headphones offer more flexibility than EarPods and their closed-back design offers greater noise reduction when you commute or playing sports. They are uncomfortable for the ears if worn for long durations, however they aren't as comfortable to wear when running. The Apple EarPods are priced higher and have an oversized build. Despite these flaws however, the Beats Studio3 is one of our favorite Apple headphones because they're comfortable to wear, provide incredible sound quality and have excellent noise cancellation. They're built to a high standard and come with a premium audio engine that's compatible with the Apple W1 chip, which provides advanced features.
Design
Apple headphones are no exception to the sleek design. They offer a variety of options, from wired models that connect to the iPhone's headphone jack to wireless Bluetooth earbuds. Apple headsets are more expensive, but they usually sound better.
Apple's AirPods Pro 2 headphones are the top-selling headphones worldwide. They deliver outstanding audio quality, noise cancellation and a sleek and compact package. The earbuds come with an extended-lasting battery and Siri voice activation, which allows for hands-free operation. The buds have a unique case that recharges them and protects them when they are not in your ears.
The AirPods Pro track your movement which is useful for those who exercise or running. The wireless headphones also have a feature called spatial audio that mimics surround sound when you stream videos on an iPhone or iPad with Apple TV, Disney Plus and HBO Max. The feature can be confusing but it's a fun method of listening to TV shows and movies on the move.
Beats Studio 3 Wireless Noise Cancelling headphones are another option for audiophiles or those who want to listen to Apple Music playlists. They can last for up to 22 hours of ANC, and 40 without. at headphones are powered by the Apple W1 chipset for easy installation and seamless switching between iOS devices. They also have an option to customize "Hey Siri" and wing tips to ensure a secure fit when working out.
Apple and Google both offer earbuds that are tailored to their respective ecosystems, however they each have their own strengths. Google's Pixel Buds, for example are more affordable than Apple's AirPods but have longer battery life as well as a customizable app and graphic EQ settings.
Apple's headphones are great for those who rely on the Apple ecosystem however their controls are likely to frustrate everyone else. Their minimalistic designs don't always come with robust features, and they're missing some important functions on their truly wireless models. They don't come with a volume control, and you're required to make use of Siri to manage your music instead.
Connectivity
The proliferation of Bluetooth options and the demise from the latest iPhones of the headphone jack is making wired models to rapidly become the new Dodo. Sony offers a range of wired headphones, both on and over the ear that work with Apple devices. It also offers a truly wireless pair of earbuds, the Momentum Free - that connect via an extremely low-power radio signal.
If you own a Mac that is more recent be sure to check if your headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible or later. This version has improved audio performance and has a longer battery life than older Bluetooth versions. Look through the list of audio codecs compatible to ensure that your music files can be played.
Regardless of what type of headphones you choose, look for models that have a secure fit. Over-ear or on-ear models that have an oversized headband offer a stable fit that is less likely to fall off during physical activity. You want earbuds that fit snugly and are able to seal your ears and have excellent noise cancellation that blocks out background noise.
The top wireless headphones are the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation), Beats X Wireless and Beats Studio Wireless and Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II. AirPods have a sleek design 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 model in the Bose quiet comfort line, offering noise cancellation, a longer battery life and a comfy size 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 more Bluetooth speeds and reduced latency.
If your headphones will not pair with your Mac try resetting your Bluetooth preferences. Click the Apple logo on your desktop and choose System Settings. Click on the headphones that you want to use from the list. in front of their name. It is possible to put the headphones into pairing mode first by pressing and holding the pairing button until the status light blinks.
Value
The question of whether you'd consider them worth $549 is entirely up to you, but in the end they are worth it. AirPods Pro are a remarkable pair of headphones. The smart features like auto-pause and transparency mode are extremely practical, and the sound quality is sublime. The headphones are also well-constructed and sound great, which isn't always the case with wireless headphones.
AirPods are costly, but they provide a wealth of features that are advanced. However the AirPods Pro make a lot of sense to those who are very invested in the Apple ecosystem. The AirPods Pro employ the same H1 chipset found in the iPhones' newer generations speakers to analyze the sound coming from the eight microphones positioned between the earcups. The headphones are now able to adjust the sound of your music to fit your head and block out external sounds in real-time. Apple claims to be able make 200 adjustments to your music per second, which is an incredible amount. The result is a set of headphones that truly live with cinematic clarity and depth that's unbeatable. AirPods Pro can make even the most basic tracks sound dramatic and enveloping.
Apple used to include a pair EarPods with every iPhone prior to when AirPods were launched. They're available, but they do not include a microphone. They're not as spectacular as a pair of the new AirPods however, they're great for commuting or exercising on a treadmill, and come with excellent battery life and a comfortable fitting.
Apple acquired Beats the original line in 2014. They've remained mostly the same except that they now come with a USB-C charger and a W1 chip. It's expected that the company will eventually end the brand, though collaborations with artists and a periodic upgrade like the Beats Solo3 with USB-C and the latest H1 chip might keep them relevant for some time.