Apple Headphones Review
Apple's wireless headphones and earbuds are stylish and well-designed and seamlessly integrated into the ecosystem. The headphones have a Lightning plug for iPhones and some models have a 3.5mm connector for older models.
The AirPods Pro sound excellent for music and movies, including cinematic spatial audio and a fancy virtual surround. They also have unique features such as instant pairing as well as automatic switching and "Hey Siri" voice activation.
Sound
Apple headphones are well-known for their outstanding audio quality. Many models also feature noise cancellation. Some are wireless and work with Apple's AirPods as well as others that can be connected to your iPhone via the Lightning cable. If you don't have an Lightning cable, there are adapters available that 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 employ therefore, you must verify which audio codec is supported.
Apple AAC is the codec that headphones use to come with iPhones. It's optimized for Apple devices. This audio codec is better for music and podcasts because it has a lower latency than other Bluetooth codecs. The most reliable Apple headphones will include at least AAC and Bluetooth 5.0 which provides more range than previous versions of the technology.
If you're looking for an even more immersive sound experience, consider buying headphones that include Apple's spatial audio technology. This feature mimics surround sound to provide an experience that is more immersive. However, you'll need to possess an iOS device running iOS 14 or later to use this feature.
In addition to offering high-quality audio, some Apple headphones also sport a sleek design. Apple's EarPods are simple, but decent earbuds. They fit in almost all pockets and offer excellent audio quality.
The Beats Studio3 headphones offer more flexibility than EarPods, and their closed-back design provides better noise isolation while commuting or participating in sports. They can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods and aren't comfortable enough for wear when running. The Apple EarPods are also more expensive and feature more weight to them. Despite these drawbacks they are still a great choice. Beats Studio3 headphones are one of our favorite headphones from Apple because they're comfortable to wear, have an amazing sound quality, and have outstanding 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 headphones are no exception to the stylish design. Apple offers a range of headphones including wired models that plug into the headphone port of the iPhone, as well as wireless Bluetooth earbuds. Apple headsets are more expensive, but often sound better.
Apple's AirPods Pro 2 are the best-selling headphones worldwide and offer amazing audio quality and noise cancellation in a compact, sleek package. The earbuds come with an extended-lasting battery and Siri voice activation to allow users to operate hands-free. The buds have a unique case that charges them and protects them when they are not in your ears.
headphone shopping can track movement which is beneficial for those who run or work out. The wireless headphones feature an option known as spatial audio. It simulates surround sound while watching videos on an iPhone or iPad using Apple TV, Disney Plus or HBO Max. The feature is a bit confusing but it's a fun way to listen to your favorite TV shows and films on the move.
Beats Studio 3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones are another great option for audiophiles and people who want to enjoy Apple Music playlists. These earbuds offer up to 22 hours with ANC and 40 hours without. They are powered by the Apple W1 chipset for easy setup and seamless switching among 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 have earbuds that are specifically designed for their respective ecosystems, but they each have their distinct strengths. Google's Pixel Buds, for example are less expensive than Apple's AirPods but they come with longer battery life and a user-friendly app and graphic EQ settings.
Although Apple's headphones are excellent for those who depend on Apple's technology ecosystem, their controls aren't ideal for everyone else. The minimalist design of the headphones from Apple doesn't always have robust features. They also lack some important functions in their truly wireless models. They don't have volume control, and you're expected to use Siri to control your music instead.
Connectivity
With the emergence of Bluetooth headphones options and the loss of headphone jacks in most new iPhones wired models are fast becoming the way of the Dodo. If you prefer listening with traditional cables, Sony makes a wide range of over-the-ear and on-ear wired headphones that can be used with all Apple devices. There is also a pair of wireless earbuds -- the Momentum Free -- that connect using an ultra-low-power low-range radio signal, allowing for a virtually wire-free listening experience.
If you have a Mac that is more recent make sure your headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible or later. This protocol offers superior audio quality and longer battery life as compared to older Bluetooth versions. Look through the list of audio codecs that are supported to ensure that your music files are compatible.
Make sure you choose headphones with an elongated fit, regardless of the type you choose. Over-ear or on-ear models that feature a hefty headband ensure an ensconced fit and are less likely to slip out when you exercise. In earbuds, you need an ideal fit that seals the ear and offers good noise cancellation to block out ambient sound.
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 which has earned them a rating of 4.5 stars from customers. The Beats Studio Wireless is similar to the Pro version but features new design, improved sound cancellation, and a longer battery life.
The Quiet Comfort 35 II, the latest version of Bose's quiet comfort line, offers noise cancellation, a longer battery life and a snug fit all in a compact portable design. The QC35 II is an upgrade from the previous model, bringing support for the new AAC audio codec, as well as the new wireless connection protocol that permits greater 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. Find your headphones in the list, then click the next to their name. You may need to switch the headphones into pairing mode by pressing and holding their pairing button until the status light turns on.
Value
AirPods Pro are an impressive pair of headphones regardless of whether or not you think they're worth $549. The sound quality is excellent, and features like auto-pause mode and transparency are extremely useful. The headphones are also extremely sturdy and sound great, which isn't always the case for wireless headphones.
Of course, this type of sophisticated functionality comes at a cost and for a lot of people the AirPods are too expensive. However the AirPods Pro make a lot of sense to those who are committed to Apple's ecosystem. The AirPods Pro use the same H1 chipset found in the iPhone's newer generations of speakers to analyse the audio from the eight microphones that are placed between the earcups. This allows the headphones to not just block outside noise, but to adjust the sound of your music in real-time for how they fit and close on your head. Apple claims that it can adjust 200 times per second to your music that's a staggering amount. The result is a set of headphones that truly live with a cinematic clarity and depth that is unmatched. AirPods Pro can make even the most mundane tracks sound vivid and immersive.
Prior to the introduction of the AirPods, Apple used to include an EarPod with wired connections in every iPhone box and they continue to be available now with either a Lightning or 3.5mm headphone plug (though they do not have a microphone). They're not as spectacular as the latest AirPods however, they're great for commuting or exercising on a treadmill. They have an excellent battery longevity and a comfortable fit.
Apple bought Beats' original line in 2014. They've remained mostly identical, except that they now come with the USB-C charger and W1 chip. The company is likely to stop selling the Beats brand eventually but collaborations with artists and periodic updates like the Beats Solo3 USB-C with the H1 processor, which is a bit more advanced, could make them more current.