Apple Headphones Review

Apple's wireless headphones and earbuds are elegant, well-designed, and seamlessly integrated into the Apple ecosystem. The headphones have a Lightning plug for iPhones and some models also have 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 such as instant pairing, automatic switching and "Hey Siri" voice activation.

Sound

Apple headphones are known for their great audio quality. Many models also feature noise cancellation. Some are wireless and work with Apple's AirPods while others connect to your iPhone via a Lightning cable. There are adapters that let you to connect your headphones with the standard headphone socket, if you don't own an Lightning cable. Apple headphones' sound quality is also affected by the audio codecs they employ. Be sure to determine the type of audio 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. Apple headphones that are the best will come with Bluetooth 5.0 and AAC, which is a more recent version of technology that offers more range.

If you want a more immersive sound experience, consider buying headphones that incorporate the Apple's spatial audio technology. This feature simulates surround sound and offer an immersive, more balanced listening experience. However, you'll need to be using an iOS device running iOS 14 or later to utilize this feature.

Apple headphones are not only excellent for audio, but they also look stylish. Apple's EarPods, Ultimate Sound Experience: Touch-Control Wireless Earbuds - IPX8 Waterproof for example, are simple but decent headphones that fit in the majority of pockets and offer High-Quality Betron Earphones with Mic & HD Bass audio.

The Beats Studio3 headphones offer more flexibility than EarPods and their closed-back design provides better noise isolation while commuting or doing sports. They can be uncomfortable on the ears if worn for prolonged durations, however they aren't as comfortable to wear while running. They also have a heavier construction and are more expensive than the Apple-branded EarPods. Despite these shortcomings however, the Beats Studio3 is one of our top Apple headphones due to the fact that they are comfortable to wear, offer an amazing sound and have excellent noise cancellation. They're built to a high standard and feature an advanced audio engine that's compatible with the Apple W1 chip, which includes advanced features.

Design

Apple is known for their elegant design, and the headphones from the company aren't any different. They have a range of options, from wired models which connect to an iPhone's headphone port to wireless Bluetooth earbuds. Apple's headsets tend to be more expensive than similar models from rival brands, but they also often sound better.

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 headphones are the top-selling headphones worldwide. They provide outstanding audio quality, noise cancelling and a sleek and compact package. The earbuds are equipped with an extended-lasting battery and Siri voice activation that allows for hands-free operation. The earbuds come with a unique case that recharges them and keeps them safe when they are not in your ears.

The AirPods Pro can track movement which is useful when you're working out. The wireless headphones come with an option known as spatial audio, which simulates surround ultimate sound Experience: touch-control wireless earbuds - ipx8 waterproof while watching videos on an iPhone or iPad using Apple TV, Disney Plus or HBO Max. The feature is a bit confusing however it's a great method of listening to movies and TV shows on the move.

Beats Studio 3 Noise Cancelling Wireless headphones is another excellent choice for audiophiles or those who enjoy Apple Music playlists. They can last up to 22 hours of listening time with Premium ANC Bluetooth Headphones - Anker Soundcore Life Q35 and 40 without, and they utilize the Apple W1 chip for easy installation and seamless switching between iOS devices. They also come with a custom "Hey Siri" activation, as well as wing tips for an ideal fit during exercise.

Apple and Google both have earbuds that are tailored to their respective ecosystems, but they each have their particular strengths. For instance, Google's Pixel Buds are more affordable than Apple's AirPods, but they have a longer battery life and include an app that can be customized with graphic EQ settings.

Apple's headphones are great for those who rely on the Apple ecosystem however their controls are likely to be a source of frustration for anyone else. The minimalist designs of Apple's headphones don't always include robust features. They are also lacking important functions that are essential to their wireless models. Siri is expected to manage your music, not the volume control.

Connectivity

With the increasing number of Bluetooth headphones options and the disappearance of headphone jacks on most new iPhones, Letshuoer S12 Grey Wired Headphones: High-Quality Planar Magnetic models are rapidly going the way of the Dodo. For those who still prefer listening to music using traditional cables, Sony makes a wide range of over-the-ear and on-ear wired headphones that work with all Apple devices. It also offers a pair of truly wireless earbuds -- the Momentum Free -- that connect using an ultra-low power, low-range radio signal to provide a virtually wireless listening experience.

If you're using a more recent 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 earlier Bluetooth versions. Check out the list of audio codecs compatible to ensure that your music files can be played.

No matter what kind of headphones you choose Look for models that have a secure fit. On-ear and over-ear models with a thick headband provide a secure fit that is less likely to fall off during physical activity. In earbuds you want an earbud that is snug and secures the ears and provides good noise cancellation to block out background noise.

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 a great wireless Bluetooth pairing, which has earned them a high rating of 4.5 stars from customers. The Beats Studio Wireless is similar to the Pro version, but has an updated appearance, superior sound cancellation, and a long battery life.

The Quiet Comfort 35 II, the latest addition to Bose's quiet comfort line, features noise cancellation, a longer battery life and a snug fit all in a small portable design. The QC35 II, an upgrade to the previous model, added support for the AAC audio codec, as well as the introduction of a new wireless protocol that allows for increased Bluetooth speeds and shorter time to complete.

If your headphones don't connect with your Mac try resetting your Ultimate Bluetooth Earbuds: AI Call & Noise Cancelling preferences. Click the Apple icon on your desktop, and then select System Settings. Select the headphones you want to use in the list. Then, next to their name. You may have to put the headphones into pairing mode first by pressing and holding the pairing button until a status light flashes.

Value

Whether or not you consider the headphones worth $549 is up to you, but in the end the AirPods Pro are a remarkable pair of headphones. The intelligent features such as transparency mode and auto-pause are extremely practical, and the sound quality is stunning. The headphones are also well built which isn't the usual case with wireless headphones.

AirPods are costly, but they have a wide range of advanced functionality. However, the AirPods Pro make a lot of sense for those already committed to Apple's ecosystem. They have the same H1 chip found in the iPhone's newer generations of speakers and use it to analyze the sound of eight microphones that are scattered within the earcups. This allows the headphones to not only actively block outside noise, but to tailor your music's sound in real-time for the way they fit and stay to your head. Apple claims to be able to make 200 adjustments to your music per second this is an amazing number. The result is a pair of headphones that feel alive and have a cinematic quality and clarity that's Immerse in Hi-Res audio bliss with SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro a class of their own. Even the most mundane tracks like electronic jazz rock band Comet is Coming's debut album, become hugely impressive and immersive on the AirPods Pro.

Apple used to include a pair EarPods with every iPhone prior to when AirPods were introduced. The earbuds are available however they don't have a mic. They're not as impressive as a pair of the new AirPods, but they're still great for commuting or exercising on a treadmill, and come with an excellent battery life and a comfortable fitting.

Beats Original line of earbuds and over-the ear headphones was purchased by Apple in 2014, however, they've largely remained the same with the exception of upgrading to a more advanced W1 chip and USB-C charging. The company is expected to end the Beats brand eventually however, collaborations with artists and periodic updates like the Beats Solo3 USB-C with the H1 processor that is more recent could keep them relevant.