Apple Headphones Review
Apple's wireless headphones and earbuds are stylish and well-designed, and seamlessly integrated into the ecosystem. The headphones come with a Lightning connector for iPhones and some models have a 3.5mm connector for older models.
AirPods Pro have a great sound for music and movies. They feature cinematic spatial audio, a sophisticated virtual surround, and more. They also have unique features like instant pairing as well as automatic switching and "Hey Siri" voice activation.
Sound
Apple headphones usually provide great audio quality, and a lot of them come with noise cancellation. Some are wireless and work with Apple's AirPods while others connect to your iPhone with the Lightning cable. If you don't have a Lightning cable there are adapters that allow users to connect headphones using a standard headphone jack. Apple headphones have a sound quality that is affected by the audio codecs that they use. Make sure to check what type of audio is supported.
The headphones that come with the iPhone typically use the Apple AAC codec that is designed for Apple devices. This audio codec is better for podcasts and music because it is less latency than other Bluetooth codecs. The most reliable Apple headphones have at minimum AAC and Bluetooth 5.0 which provides a much wider range than earlier versions of the technology.
If you're looking for an even more immersive sound experience, think about purchasing headphones that feature the Apple's spatial audio technology. This feature simulates surround sound to give you an immersive listening experience. However, you'll need to have an iOS device running iOS 14 or later to use this feature.
Apple headphones are not just great for audio but also look sleek. Apple's EarPods are basic but good earbuds. They can be tucked away into most pockets and offer great audio quality.
The Beats Studio3 headphones offer more versatility than EarPods and their closed-back design gives better noise isolation when commuting or participating in sports. They can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods and are not comfortable enough to wear while running. They also have a slightly heavier build and cost more than Apple-branded EarPods. Despite these issues however, the Beats Studio3 is one of our top Apple headphones because they're comfortable to wear, provide an amazing sound 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 elegant design, and the headphones made by the company aren't any different. 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 often are more comfortable.
Apple's AirPods Pro 2 headphones are the best-selling worldwide. They offer exceptional audio quality, noise cancellation, and an elegant and compact design. The earbuds come with a long battery life and come with Siri voice control to allow hands-free use. The earbuds come with a case that charges and protects them when not in your ears.
The AirPods Pro can track movement which is useful for those who run or work out. The wireless headphones also come with the feature of 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 is a bit disorienting but it's a fun method of listening to your favorite TV shows and films while on the go.
Beats Studio 3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones are another great option for audiophiles and those who want to listen to Apple Music playlists. These headphones can last up to 22 hours of ANC, and 40 without. They utilize the Apple W1 chipset for easy setup and seamless switching among iOS devices. They also have a customizable "Hey Siri" activation and wing tips for an ideal fit during exercise.
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 an extended battery life, and also come with a customizable app with graphic EQ settings.
While Apple's headphones are great for people who rely on the company's technology ecosystem, their controls can be frustrating for anyone else. Their minimalistic designs don't always include a lot of features, and they're missing some important functions on their truly wireless models. They don't have volume control, and you're expected to use Siri to control your music instead.
Connectivity
The increase in Bluetooth options and the disappearance from the newest iPhones of the headphone jack has caused wired models to quickly become the new Dodo. Sony offers a variety of wired headphones, both on and over the ear that work with Apple devices. The company also has a wireless pair of earbuds, the Momentum Free - that connect via the radio signal that is low-power.
If you have a newer Mac make sure that your headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 or later. This technology provides better audio performance and a longer battery life when compared to older Bluetooth versions. Check out the list of audio codecs compatible to ensure that your music files are compatible.
Make sure you choose headphones with a secure fit, no matter which kind you pick. Over-ear or on-ear models that have a thick headband offer a secure fit and are less likely to fall out during physical activity. You want earbuds that fit snugly, seal the ears, and have good noise cancellation to block out ambient sounds.
Some of the best wireless headphones are the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation), Beats X Wireless and Beats Studio Wireless, and Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II. The AirPods offer outstanding sound quality, superior 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 feature new design, better noise cancellation, and a long battery life.
The Quiet Comfort 35 II, the latest addition to Bose's quiet comfort line, provides noise cancellation, a long battery life and a snug fit, all 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 the introduction of a new wireless protocol that allows for greater Bluetooth speeds and shorter time to complete.
If your headphones will not connect to your Mac try changing your Bluetooth preferences. Click the Apple logo on your desktop and select System Settings. Select the headphones you want to use in the list. right next to their names. You may have to put the headphones in pairing mode by pressing the button to pair until you see a status light.
Value
The question of whether you'd consider them worth $549 is entirely up to you, but in the end, the AirPods Pro are a remarkable pair of headphones. The sound quality is excellent and features like transparency and auto-pause mode are extremely useful. They also feel exceptionally well-constructed and sturdy, which isn't always the case with wireless headphones.
AirPods are expensive, but they have a wide range of modern features. The AirPods Pro are a great option for those who already have a solid connection to the Apple ecosystem. The AirPods Pro employ the same H1 chipset found in the iPhone's latest generations speakers to analyze the audio from the eight microphones placed within the earcups and around them. This enables the headphones to not just block outside noise, but to alter the sound quality of your music in real-time to the way they fit and stay on your head. Apple claims to be able make 200 adjustments to your music per second, which is an incredible number. The result is a pair of headphones that truly feel alive, with a cinematic depth and clarity that's in a league of their own. AirPods Pro can make even the most boring tracks sound vivid and immersive.
Prior to the release of the AirPods, Apple used to include an EarPod with wired connections in every iPhone box, and the earbuds are still available with either the Lightning or 3.5mm headphone plug (though they no longer have a microphone). They're not as impressive as the latest AirPods however, they're ideal for running or commuting on a treadmill, with excellent battery life and a comfortable fit.
headphones shop of earbuds as well as over-the-ear headphones was bought by Apple in 2014, but they've largely remained the same except for upgrading to a more advanced W1 chip and USB-C charging. The company is likely to stop selling the Beats brand in the near future however, collaborations with artists and occasional updates like the Beats Solo3 USB-C with the newer H1 processor could make them more in the market.