Apple Headphones Review

Apple's wireless earbuds and over-ear headphones are sleek and comfortable and fit into the ecosystem seamlessly. The headphones have a Lightning plug for iPhones and some models have a 3.5mm connector for older devices.

AirPods Pro have a great sound quality for movies and music. They feature cinematic spatial audio, a fancy virtual surround, and more. They have other unique features such as instant pairing, automatic switching and "Hey Siri".

Sound

Apple headphones are known for their excellent sound quality. Many models also feature noise cancellation. Some are wireless and can be used with Apple's AirPods while others connect to your iPhone using a Lightning cable. If you don't have a Lightning cable there are adapters that allow you to connect the headphones via a standard headphone jack. The quality of sound produced by Apple headphones is also affected by the audio codec they use and you should determine which audio format is supported.

The headphones that come with the iPhone typically use the Apple AAC codec that is optimized for Apple devices. This codec is ideal for podcasts and music because it is less latency than other Bluetooth codecs. The most reliable Apple headphones support at least AAC and Bluetooth 5.0, which has an even wider range than earlier versions of the technology.

If you're looking for a more immersive audio experience, look at headphones that incorporate Apple's spatial sound technology. This feature mimics surround sound to give you an experience that is more immersive. This feature is only available on iOS devices running iOS 14 or higher.

Apple headphones are not just great for audio but also look stylish. The company's EarPods, for example are simple, but excellent headphones that fit in nearly any pocket and provide high-quality audio.

The Beats Studio3 headphones offer more versatility than EarPods, and their closed-back design offers greater noise reduction when you commute or participating in sports. The headphones can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time, and aren't comfortable enough to wear when running. They also have a slightly heavier build and cost more than Apple-branded EarPods. Despite these shortcomings they are still a great choice. Beats Studio3 is one of our favorite Apple headphones because they are comfortable to wear, have excellent sound quality and offer exceptional noise cancellation. They're high-end headphones and prices that feature a premium audio engine compatible with the Apple W1 chipset, which offers advanced features.

Design

Apple headphones are no exception to the sleek design. Apple has a variety of headphones which include wired models that connect to the headphone port on the iPhone and wireless Bluetooth earbuds. Apple's headsets are typically more expensive than similar models from other brands, however they generally sound better.

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 are the best-selling headphones in the world, and provide outstanding audio quality and noise cancellation in a sleek, compact package. The earbuds are equipped with a long-lasting battery and Siri voice activation that allows users to operate hands-free. The buds come with a case that recharges and protects them when they are 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 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 difficult to get used to at first however it's an enjoyable way to listen to films and TV shows while on the move.

Beats Studio 3 Wireless Noise Cancelling headphones are another option for audiophiles or those who want to enjoy Apple Music playlists. They can last for up to 22 hours of ANC, and 40 without. They are powered by the Apple W1 chipset for easy installation and seamless switching between iOS devices. The earbuds also come with an adjustable "Hey Siri" and wings tips to ensure a secure fit when exercising.

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

Although Apple's good headphones to buy are excellent for those who rely on the company's tech ecosystem, their control options can be a hassle for everyone else. The simple designs of the headphones by Apple don't always have robust features. They also lack some essential functions in their wireless models. They don't have volume control, and you're expected to utilize Siri to control your music instead.

Connectivity

With the emergence of Bluetooth headphones and the removal of headphone jacks in most new iPhones wired models are quickly going the way of the Dodo. If you prefer listening with traditional cables, Sony makes a wide range of on-ear and over-the ear wired headphones that can be used with all Apple devices. It also offers a pair of truly wireless earbuds - the Momentum Free -- that connect via an ultra-low-power, low-range radio signal for a virtually wireless listening experience.

If you have a newer Mac, make sure your headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 or later. This version of Bluetooth has improved audio performance and has a longer battery life than older Bluetooth versions. Check the list of audio codecs that are supported to ensure that your music files can be played.

Make sure you choose headphones with a secure fit, regardless of the model you select. Over-ear or on-ear models which come with a thick headband provide a secure fit and are less likely to slip out when you exercise. You need earbuds that are snug, seal the ears, wired and offer excellent noise cancellation that blocks 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. AirPods have a sleek design and a great wireless Bluetooth pairing which has earned them a high rating of 4.5 stars from customers. The Beats Studio Wireless are similar to the Pro model, but they have an updated appearance, superior noise cancellation and long battery life.

The Quiet Comfort 35 II, the most recent addition to Bose's quiet comfort line, provides noise cancellation, a long battery life, and a comfortable fit all in a small portable design. The QC35 II, an upgrade to the model before it, wired added support for the AAC audio codec as well as an upgraded wireless protocol that allows for increased Bluetooth speeds and reduced time to complete.

If your headphones won't pair with your Mac, try resetting the Bluetooth preferences. Click the Apple icon on your desktop and select System Settings. Click on the headphones that you would like to use from the list. right next to their names. You may need to put the headphones in pairing mode first by pressing and holding the pairing button until the status light turns on.

Value

The question of whether you'd consider them worth $549 is up to you, but in the end the AirPods Pro are a remarkable pair of headphones. The sound quality is top-notch and features such as transparency and auto-pause mode are extremely beneficial. They also feel extremely well-constructed as is often the case with wireless headphones.

AirPods are expensive, however they have a wide range of modern features. However, the AirPods Pro make a lot of sense for people who are already very invested in the Apple ecosystem. They have the same H1 chip found in the iPhone's newer generations of speakers. They use it to analyze the audio from eight microphones scattered within the earcups. The headphones are able to not only actively block out outside noise, but also to adjust the sound of your music in real-time to the way they fit and stay to your head. Apple claims that it can adjust 200 times every second to your music that's a staggering number. The result is a set of headphones that feel truly alive, with a cinematic depth and clarity that's in a class of their own. AirPods Pro can make even the most mundane tracks sound spectacular and immersive.

Apple used to include a pair of EarPods with every iPhone prior to when the AirPods were launched. The earbuds are still in use today however, they don't have a mic. The new AirPods are more impressive, but these EarPods are still excellent for exercise or for commuting. They have excellent battery longevity, and are comfortable to wear.

Apple purchased Beats' original line in 2014. They've remained mostly the same with the exception that they now come with a USB-C charger and a W1 chip. The company is expected to discontinue the Beats brand eventually but collaborations with artists and periodic updates like the Beats Solo3 USB-C with the H1 processor, which is a bit more advanced, could keep them current.