You don’t have to love AirPods to love Apple — there are alternatives
- jul
- 02
Apple's AirPods are a fantastic companion to your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, with super-fast pairing, superior functionality with touch controls, and access to Siri. AirPods are bound to please a lot of iPhone fans, but that doesn't mean that there aren't other options out there; in fact, there's a sort of wireless earbuds that can help you bring sound on the go. Here are the best alternatives to AirPods.
Closest to the original
Powerbeats Pro
Staff Favorite
If you've always wanted a pair of truly wireless headphones, but the AirPods weren't right for you, the Powerbeats Pro are your salvation. With all the glory of Apple's H1-chip, you can the same amazing pairing process and compatibility that you've come to expect.
$250 at Apple$250 at Amazon$250 at Best Buy
W1-chip enabled
BeatsX
Apple's cheaper wireless W1 headphones are the best option for users who need a more customized fit for their everyday earbuds and don't mind a neck wire. Eight hours of battery life should be more than enough for most daily use, and just five minutes of charge will give you an additional two hours of play. Plus, the BeatsX charge via a Lightning cable, so you don't need to carry around an extra charging cord.
$100 at Apple $84 at Amazon$128 at Newegg
Great value
Jabra Elite 65t
When it comes to features and price, the Jabra Elite 65t hits the nail on the head. With an IP55 water-resistant rating, An excellent app that lets you adjust the sound, fantastic sound, and 15-hour battery life between the buds and the case, The Jabra Elite 65t is a steal.
$170 at Microsoft$100 at Amazon$100 at Newegg
Newer Jabra Elite
Jabra Elite 75t
The Jabra Elite 75t are a great upgrade from the 65t mode With superb comfort, long battery life with USB-C charging, and a great bass-heavy sound overall. However, they lack a wireless charging case, and you can only use the right earbud independently.
$180 at Lenovo$180 at Amazon$180 at Newegg
Premium workout headphones
Jaybird X4
Jaybird's latest earbuds are the best the company has ever made. The sound quality is fantastic, you'll get 8-10 hours of battery, and there's an IPX7 waterproof rating. These headphones regularly last me through two weeks of workouts, and the in-line playback/call controls along with the Jaybird app make for an exceptional, intuitive experience.
From $130 at DellFrom $89 at AmazonFrom $100 at Best Buy
Wireless Jaybird
Jaybird Vista
If you're not a fan of the neck cord, Jaybird still has you covered. The Jaybird Vistas are fantastic earbuds for those who like working out thanks to their IPX7 water resistance rating. They also feature a solid, bass-heavy sound, great comfort, and charge over USB-C.
$180 at Dell $180 at Amazon$180 at B&H
Affordable wire-free
TaoTronics Wireless Earbuds
Truly wire-free earbud designs are excellent for working out, and these TaoTronics earbuds are one of the best ways to get that form factor without spending $100+. Along with the completely wireless build, you'll get solid sound quality with surprisingly decent bass. The earbuds last 3 hours per charge, and the charging case provides over 40 additional charges.
$50 at Amazon$36 at TaoTronics
Tiny but powerful
Bose SoundSport Free
The SoundSport Free is Bose's first attempt at truly wire-free earbuds, and boy do they deliver! The sound quality is fantastic as always, the fit is good, and you've got IPX4 water resistance, so you can sweat all you want.
$199 at Amazon$199 at Dell$199 at Walmart
A name you trust
Jabra Elite 45e
The Elite 45e from Jabra are ultra-powerful earbuds that deliver a seriously great experience for not too much money. You'll find the usual assortment of solid audio, a comfortable fit, and up to 8 hours of battery life, but the Elite 45e go a step further. Two advanced microphones provide crystal-clear phone calls, and with built-in Alexa (if you're into that sort of thing), you can ask questions, control smart home gadgets, and more with just your voice.
The same, but different
Whether you're looking for a truly wireless experience, or you don't mind a neck cord, there are plenty of AirPods alternatives that will allow you to listen to your favorite tunes. The closest alternative to the AirPods are the Powerbeats Pro because they use the same H1 chip made by Apple. They fit better and sound a little better than the original AirPods, but will cost you about the same moolah.
If you don't mind a neck cord, I'm rather fond of the JayBird X4. JayBird's app is fantastic, and the battery life is truly outstanding.