Apple Headphones Review
Apple's wireless headphones and earbuds are elegant and well-designed and seamlessly integrated into the Apple ecosystem. The headphones come with a Lightning connector for iPhones and some models come with a 3.5mm connector for older devices.
AirPods Pro have a great sound for music and movies. They feature cinematic spatial audio, fancy virtual surround and more. They also have unique features like instant pairing, automatic switching and "Hey Siri" voice activation.
Sound
Apple headphones are known for their great sound quality. Some models also have noise cancellation. Some are wireless and work with Apple's AirPods while others connect to your iPhone with the Lightning cable. There are adapters that let you to connect your headphones with the standard headphone socket, if you don't own a Lightning cable. The sound quality of Apple headphones is also affected by the type of audio codec they utilize and you should determine which audio format is supported.
The headphones that come with the iPhone typically utilize the Apple AAC codec that is optimized for Apple devices. This audio codec has a lower latency than other Bluetooth codecs, which makes it suitable for listening to music and podcasts. Apple headphones that are the best will support Bluetooth 5.0 and AAC, which is a modern version of technology that has a wider range.
If you're looking for a more immersive sound experience, you should consider purchasing headphones that incorporate the Apple's spatial audio technology. This feature mimics surround sound for an immersive listening experience. This feature is only available for iOS devices running iOS 14 or higher.
In addition to delivering high-quality audio Some Apple headphones also have a sleek design. Apple's EarPods are basic but good earbuds. They can fit in almost all pockets and offer excellent audio quality.
The Beats Studio3 headphones are more flexible than the EarPods and have closed-back design which provides better noise isolation for commuting and sports. They can be uncomfortable for the ears when worn for long durations, however, and are not as comfortable to wear while running. They also have a slightly heavier build and are more expensive than the Apple-branded EarPods. Despite these shortcomings however, the Beats Studio3 is one of our top Apple headphones because they're comfortable to wear, provide excellent sound quality, and provide exceptional noise cancellation. They are high-end headphones with high-end audio engines that are compatible with the Apple W1 chipset, which provides advanced features.
Design
Apple headphones are no exception to the stylish design. Apple offers a range of headphones which include wired models that plug into the headphone port on the iPhone and wireless Bluetooth earbuds. Apple's headsets are generally more expensive than comparable models from competing brands, but they also generally sound better.
Apple's AirPods Pro 2 headphones are the most popular in the world. They provide outstanding audio quality, noise cancellation, and an elegant and compact design. The earbuds are long-lasting battery life and feature Siri voice-activated to allow hands-free use. The earbuds come with an case that recharges and protects them when they are not in your ears.
The AirPods Pro track your movement and can be helpful when you're working out or running. The wireless headphones also feature a feature called spatial audio which simulates surround sound when you stream videos on an iPhone or iPad with Apple TV, Disney Plus and HBO Max. The feature can be a little difficult to get used to at first however it's an enjoyable way to listen to movies and TV shows on the go.
Beats Studio 3 Wireless Noise Cancelling headphones are another option for audiophiles and those who want to listen to Apple Music playlists. These earbuds offer up to 22 hours with ANC, and 40 without. They use the Apple W1 chipset for easy setup and seamless switching among iOS devices. They also come with a custom "Hey Siri" activation, as well as wing tips for an optimum fit during workouts.
Both Apple and Google create earbuds that have their particular environment in mind, but each brand's earbuds have its strengths. Google's Pixel Buds, for example are more affordable than Apple's AirPods however they have a longer battery life and a user-friendly app and graphic EQ settings.
Although Apple's headphones are excellent for those who depend on the company's tech ecosystem, their control options aren't ideal for everyone else. Their minimalistic designs don't always come with robust features, and they're missing certain functions that are essential to their wireless models. They don't have volume control, and you're required to utilize Siri to manage your music instead.
Connectivity
The increasing number of Bluetooth options and the demise from the latest iPhones of the headphone jack is causing wired models to rapidly become the new Dodo. Sony has a wide selection of wired headphones, both on and over the ear that are compatible with Apple devices. It also offers a truly wireless pair of earbuds called the Momentum Free - that connect via a low-power radio signal.
If you own a newer Mac, make sure your headphones support Bluetooth 5.0 or later. This technology provides superior audio quality and a longer battery life when compared to older Bluetooth versions. Check the list of audio codecs supported to ensure that your music files are compatible.
Make sure you choose headphones with a secure fit, regardless of the type you choose. 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 need earbuds that fit comfortably, seal the ears, and have good noise cancellation to block out background noise.
Some of the best wireless headphones are the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation), Beats X Wireless and Beats Studio Wireless and the Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II. AirPods have a sleek design and excellent wireless Bluetooth pairing that has earned them a high rating of 4.5 stars from customers. The Beats Studio Wireless is similar to the Pro version but features an updated appearance, superior sound cancellation and a long battery life.
The Quiet Comfort 35 II is the latest addition to the Bose quiet comfort line, offering noise cancellation, a longer battery life and a comfy size in a compact, portable package. The QC35 II, an upgrade to the model before it, included support for the AAC audio codec as well as an upgraded wireless protocol that allows for faster Bluetooth speeds and lower time to complete.
If your headphones aren't able to pair with your Mac try resetting your Bluetooth preferences. Click the Apple logo on your desktop and choose System Settings. Look for buy headphone on the list, then click the Then, next to their names. It is possible to put 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 believe they're worth $549. The intelligent features such as auto-pause and transparency mode are extremely useful, and the sound quality is sublime. They also feel incredibly well-built and sturdy, which isn't always the case with wireless headphones.
AirPods are expensive, but they provide a wealth of features that are advanced. The AirPods Pro are a great alternative for those who already have a solid connection to the Apple ecosystem. They have the same H1 chip found in the iPhone's latest generation of speakers. They utilize it to analyse the audio from eight microphones scattered within the earcups. This enables the headphones to not only block out noise from outside, but to adjust the sound of your music in real-time, based on how they fit and seal around your head. Apple claims it can adjust 200 times per second to your music which is an incredible number. The result is a pair of headphones that feel alive with cinematic depth and clarity that's in a league of their own. Even the most mundane tracks, like electronic jazz rock band Comet is Coming's debut album, are incredibly impressive and immersive on the AirPods Pro.
Prior to the introduction 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 no longer feature a microphone). They're not as stunning as the new AirPods, but they're still perfect for working out or commuting on a treadmill, with an excellent battery life and a comfortable fit.
Apple bought Beats' original line in 2014. They've remained mostly the same with the exception that they now come with the USB-C charger and W1 chip. It's likely that the company will eventually cease production of the brand, though artist collaborations and the occasional update such as the Beats Solo3 with USB-C and the latest H1 chip might keep them in the market for an extended period of time.