Five very viable Apple AirPods alternatives
AirPods are great. They have been such since the outset, and although the very first model, launched in 2016, did receive some criticism about the one-size-fits-all approach and too much outside noise pouring in, it became a hit, and not just because it was stylishly white and fit into the Apple ecosystem perfectly. It was about the quality of sound and ease of use, and the perceived value-for-money ratio. The headphones have gone a long way from a mere “listen-and-talk” device to a rather complicated piece of technology that, in the latest iteration so far, can double as a hearing aid, react to head movements, and adjust to the environment exactly the way you want it to.
So, while there are really few to no reasons to not like Apple’s AirPods, it's always good to know what sound (pun intended) alternatives there are on the market. Here’s a list thereof; if some gem or underdog should be added thereto, shout out in the comments, please!
Beats Fit Pro
Beats Fit Pro. Snapped at Beatsbydre.com
While Beats is owned by Apple, the Beats Fit Pro is still not AirPods, so they can have a spot on this list. Ideal for travel and commuting thanks to the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) function, these earbuds are for those who want a versatile pair that work well across both iOS and Android devices.
Beats Fit Pro pros
- H1 chip on board, enabling seamless integration with Apple devices.
- ANC or Transparency mode, your choice.
- Comfortable fit with customizable ear tips.
- Impressive sound quality and long battery life.
While slightly bulkier than other models they share shelf with, and somewhat missing in the richness of customization options available in the companion app (a passing problem), Beats Fit Pro are a very good choice for the $159.99 they typically are sold for.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. Snapped at Bose.com
Bose is a name known to most audiophiles. While some may graduate to brands like Audeze and Devialet, many stay with Bose for life. In the domain of smaller earphones, the (arguably) best product designed by this company is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.
Pros of Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
- Best-in-class noise cancellation technology.
- Crisp, full-bodied sound, and spatial audio support that factors in position of the head.
- Multiple ear tip sizes, just pick one that works best for you.
- Up to 20 hours of service (with charging case).
There are really no obvious flaws in this pair, other than single-device connectivity, which isn’t really a problem for most of us. While pricey – the usual retail price is above $250 – Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are a great choice when you want a good communication device and a great source of sounds, all in one.
Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony WF-1000XM5. Snapped at Sony.com
Did you know that Sony started out in 1946 with an electric rice maker that eventually didn’t fly? Luckily, the company quickly pivoted to all things radio, and gradually rose to prominence. Headphones may not be the core product in its portfolio, but this Japanese giant is known to strive to excel in everything it designs and manufactures, and Sony WF-1000XM5 true wireless earbuds are a vivid example of this approach to business.
Sony WF-1000XM5 pros
- The quality of sound: unparalleled rich bass and detailed highs.
- Excellent active noise cancellation capability.
- Compact and lightweight design.
- Wireless charging support.
A great choice for audiophiles and very handy with the hands-free voice assistant capabilities, the only drawback of the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds is the price, which revolves around $300.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC. Snapped at Soundcore.com
Anker is a Chinese company that was launched in 2011 as a maker of replacement batteries for laptops. Over time, the line was extended to cover phones and other gadgetry, and eventually, the business branched out into consumer electronics, with Soundcore headgear being one of the flagship directions. Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is one of the best products the company made in the form factor of earbuds.
Pros of Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
- Great value-for-money ratio: affordable yet feature-rich.
- Good ANC and Transparency modes.
- Comfortable fit with multiple ear tip options.
- Long battery life (up to 28 hours with charging case).
While picky listeners may find the quality of sound Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC earbuds deliver somewhat lacking compared to more expensive headphones, for a hundred dollars this model usually has on its price tag, it is a solid choice.
Nothing Ear
Nothing Ear earbuds. Snapped at Nothing.tech
Apple is known for its focus on esthetics and functionality, no compromises, right? Meet Nothing, a consumer electronics brand from London, UK, that seeks to take the Cupertino company on in this domain. The twist typically introduced by this maker into its designs is a piece of transparent plastic that lets you see inside the device; all Nothing Ear earbuds have one, in addition to a bunch of other features and functions that make them a good alternative to AirPods.
Pros of Nothing Ear earbuds
- Design! Apple will catch up with some transparent electronics of its own, probably, but so far Nothing shines in this respect.
- Customizable touch controls (via the companion app).
- Good sound quality with balanced profiles.
- Availability of ANC and Transparency modes.
A bit more shy in terms of battery life than many of its competitors, Nothing Ear headphones – all models – are a great combination of style and functionality. If you see them sold for less than $150, grab the deal while it lasts!
There you have it! AirPods alternatives that deliver. We compiled this list with the aim of covering all bases, i.e., giving you pricier and cheaper options; if there’s anything we should add to it, let us know in the comments below!