Apple Headphones Review

Apple's wireless earbuds as well as over-ear headphones are sleek, comfortable, and blend into the ecosystem seamlessly. The headphones have an Lightning connector for iPhones and some models also have a 3.5mm connector for older devices.

The AirPods Pro sound excellent for movies and music, with cinematic spatial audio and fancy virtual surround. They also come with unique features such as instant pairing, automatic switching, and "Hey Siri".

Sound

Apple headphones are known for their outstanding sound quality. Some models also have noise cancellation. Some are wireless and work with Apple's AirPods while others connect to your iPhone using an Lightning cable. If you don't have a Lightning cable, there are adapters available which allow you to connect the headphones using a standard jack. The quality of sound produced by Apple headphones is also affected by the type of audio codec they use, so make sure you verify which audio codec is supported.

Apple AAC is the codec that headphones use to are compatible with iPhones. It's optimized for Apple devices. This codec is ideal for music and podcasts because it has a lower latency than other Bluetooth codecs. Apple headphones that are the best will support Bluetooth 5.0 and AAC, which is a newer version of technology that has a wider range.

If you're looking for an even more immersive sound experience, think about purchasing headphones that incorporate the Apple's spatial audio technology. This feature simulates surround sound to provide an immersive listening experience. However, you'll need to possess an iOS device with iOS 14 or later to utilize this feature.

In addition to providing excellent audio, some Apple headphones also sport a sleek design. Apple's EarPods are simple but good earbuds. They can fit into most pockets and offer great audio quality.

The Beats Studio3 headphones offer more versatility than EarPods, and their closed-back design offers better noise isolation when commuting or playing sports. The headphones can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods and aren't comfortable enough to wear while running. The Apple EarPods are priced higher and have a heavier build. Despite these issues they are still a great choice. Beats Studio3 is one of our top Apple headphones because they are comfortable to wear, provide an amazing sound and have excellent 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 is known for their elegant design, and the headphones from the company are no exception. They provide a variety of options, ranging from wired models that connect to an iPhone's headphone jack, to wireless Bluetooth earbuds. Apple's headsets are typically more expensive than comparable models from other brands, however they often sound better.

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 headphones are the top-selling headphones worldwide. They offer exceptional audio quality, noise cancellation, and an elegant and compact design. The earbuds have a long battery life and also feature Siri voice control for hands-free usage. The buds have a unique case that recharges them and keeps them safe when not in your ears.

The AirPods Pro track your movement and can be helpful for those who exercise or running. The wireless headphones also come with the feature of spatial audio that mimics surround sound when you watch videos on an iPhone or iPad with Apple TV, Disney Plus and HBO Max. The feature can be a little confusing initially however it's an enjoyable method to listen to movies and TV shows on the go.

Beats Studio 3 Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones are another option for audiophiles or those who like Apple Music playlists. They can last up to 22 hours of listening time with ANC and 40 hours without, and they feature the Apple W1 chip for easy setup and seamless switching between iOS devices. They also come with a custom "Hey Siri" activation and wings tips to ensure an ideal fit during exercise.

Both Apple and Google create earbuds that have their own ecosystem in mind, however each brand's earbuds have their strengths. Google's Pixel Buds, for example, head phone are cheaper than Apple's AirPods however they have longer battery life as well as a customizable app and graphic EQ settings.

Apple's headphones are great for people who rely on the Apple ecosystem, but their controls can cause frustration to anyone else. The simple designs of the headphones by Apple don't always have robust features. They also lack some important functions that are essential to their wireless models. They don't come with a volume control, and you're required to utilize Siri to manage your music instead.

Connectivity

With the increasing number of Bluetooth headphones options and the loss of headphone jacks in most recent iPhones wired models are fast becoming the way of the Dodo. Sony offers a variety of wired headphones, both on and over the ear that are compatible with Apple devices. There is also a pair of truly wireless earbuds -- the Momentum Free -- that connect via an ultra-low-power, low-range radio signal, allowing for the ultimate wire-free listening experience.

If you have a newer Mac ensure that your headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 or later. This version offers better audio performance and has a longer battery life than older Bluetooth versions. Check out the list of audio codecs that are supported to ensure that your music files will play.

Make sure you choose headphones with an elongated fit, regardless of the model you select. Over-ear or on-ear models that feature a hefty headband ensure an ensconced fit and are less likely to break during exercise. In earbuds you want an earbud that is snug and secures the ears and provides good noise canceling to cut out any background noise.

Apple AirPods Pro, Beats X Wireless, Beats Studio Wireless and Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II are among the top wireless headsets. The AirPods have amazing sound quality, superb wireless Bluetooth pairing and a sleek design, earning an excellent rating from customers of 4.5 out of five. The Beats Studio Wireless is similar to the Pro version, but it has new design, improved sound cancellation, and a longer battery life.

The Quiet Comfort 35 II is the newest addition to the Bose quiet comfort line, offering noise cancellation, a long battery life, and a comfortable fit 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 the introduction of a new wireless protocol that allows for increased Bluetooth speeds and reduced latency.

If your headphones will not connect to your Mac try setting your Bluetooth preferences. Click the Apple icon on your desktop, then select System Settings. Find your headphones in the list and then click the in front of their name. You may have to switch the headphones into pairing mode by pressing and holding the button to pair until you see a status light.

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 modes are extremely practical and the sound quality is utterly stunning. They also feel incredibly well-built, which is not always the case with wireless headphones.

AirPods are costly, but they offer a lot of advanced functionality. However, the AirPods Pro make a lot of sense for people who are already committed to Apple's ecosystem. They are equipped with the H1 chip that is found in the iPhone's newer generations of speakers. They utilize it to analyze the sound of eight microphones that are scattered within the earcups. The headphones are able to not only actively block out noise from outside, but to tailor your music's sound in real-time for the way they fit and stay to your Head phone. Apple claims it can make 200 adjustments every second to your music, which is a staggering number. The result is a pair of headphones that are truly alive with a cinematic clarity and depth that is unmatched. AirPods Pro can make even the most boring tracks sound dramatic and immersive.

Apple used to include a pair EarPods with every iPhone before the AirPods were introduced. The earbuds are still available today however, they don't have a mic. The new AirPods are more impressive, but these EarPods are still excellent for exercise or commuting. They are extremely battery longevity, and fit comfortably.

Beats' original line of earbuds and over-the ear headphones was acquired by Apple in 2014, however, they've mostly remained the same, with the exception of upgrading to a more advanced W1 chip and USB-C charging. The company is likely to stop selling the Beats brand eventually but collaborations with artists and occasional updates such as the Beats Solo3 USB-C with the H1 processor that is more recent could keep them relevant.