The Best Alternatives to Airpods
When Apple introduced its Airpods, it was a revolutionary event. These sleek new earbuds were small, wireless, high-quality, and paired with their own portable charging stations. However, as with many Apple products, they weren't exactly cheap. But in the wake of the invention of this new technology, other companies followed suit and began to produce their own wireless earbuds. In our list below, we've picked a few of our favorite alternatives to the Airpods that we think will please any audiophile.
AUKEY True Wireless Earbuds
Simplicity At Its Finest
Though they’re simple, Aukey’s earbuds offer every feature you’d ever need. These sleek little buds connect quickly and easily to your device, have touch control capability, and come in a compact self-charging case. You can also use one earbud at a time if you want to be able to hear what’s going on around you, which is key for safety concerns. Additionally, these earbuds are sweat-resistant and extremely lightweight which makes them ideal for working out. And with an unbeatable price, this pick from Aukey is a no-brainer.
Pros:
- The carrying case closes magnetically which reduces the risk of misplacing your earbuds
- When fully charged, these can last up to 35 hours, which is the longest battery life we came across
- An indicator light lets you know when your earbuds are successfully synced and when the battery is low
Con:
- The ear tips may not fit everyone
HSPRO Wireless Earbuds
If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck when purchasing earbuds, look no further. At just a fraction of the price of other comparable items, these come equipped with tons of bells and whistles. With just a small tap on the exterior, you have the ability to control your music, answer phone calls, and initiate voice commands. The sound is so superior that you can use one or both earbuds and still listen to music and voices with crystal-clear clarity. And at a mere 3 grams per earpiece, you might even forget that you’re wearing them.
Pros:
- Ergonomically designed to promote all-day comfort
- Available in several different color options
- The connection is so strong that you can walk roughly 25 feet from your phone and not drop your call or lose your music
Con:
- No indicator light to show how much charge is remaining
Veatool Wireless Earbuds
Work It
You definitely don’t want your earbuds to short out during a rigorous workout at the gym. Unfortunately, many earphones just can’t handle the slippery sweat of exercise. But Veatool’s earbuds are covered with a “nano-coating” that ensures protection against not only sweat but also external elements such as rain. Better yet, the case is also super convenient. It sports a digital battery indicator and can be charged wirelessly or via a USB cable. In fact, this beauty includes a wireless dock for making sure your earbuds are ready for the next big workout.
Pros:
- One earbud has a silicon cover that will help in blocking out external noise while still keeping your other ear more alert
- Extremely easy to pair with devices
- They fit snugly in the ear to prevent slipping
Con:
- The bass level is lower than other earbuds
Mpow Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Say What?
These great little earbuds have an extremely innovative way of ensuring you only hear clear, crisp sounds without the interference of outside disruptions. Each earbud has two separate microphones. One actively cancels noise while the other magnifies music and voices to ensure that the balance is always perfect. The ANC (active noise canceling) microphones may also be turned off and on separately. It’s a great feature for moments when you want to minimize outside noise without hearing music. Another fantastic plus is that these earbuds come with silicon tips in three different sizes to make sure that they will fit nearly anyone.
Pros:
- These earbuds can last up to 30 hours on a single charge
- Water-resistant
- The bass response packs a punch, creating a rich and full sound
Con:
- The case is larger than others and may not fit comfortably into small pockets
Bose Sport Earbuds
A Brand-New Flavor For Your Ear
If you’re serious about getting the most high-grade sound, you’re going to have to pay up. And if you’re going to spend the money, it might as well be on a trusted brand like Bose. Thoughtfully engineered, these earbuds produce an unbelievably crisp and clear sound. Put on your favorite album and you might even think you’re sitting in the studio with the band. And with their carefully designed shape and multiple silicone tips, they also provide the utmost comfort. Additionally, you may also sync these with the dedicated Bose Music app, where you’ll be able to control the EQ settings and check battery life.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Superior Bluetooth connectivity
- Though these are not technically noise-canceling earbuds, they still block out a considerable amount of external disturbances
Con:
- You cannot control the volume directly from the earbuds, it must be done through the app or via your device
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I opt for Bluetooth earbuds over a wired pair?
The biggest reason for choosing wireless earbuds is the convenience that they provide. With standard earbuds, not only can the cord become annoyingly tangled, but, over time, those little knots can also cause damage and possibly even render them unusable. There have also been enormous strides in sound quality and prolonged battery life over the last few years, which is another positive asset associated with wireless earbuds.
I’ve heard that wireless earbuds aren’t safe. Is this true?
No. This is a myth that has been circulating for some time but really holds no merit. This concern is based on the fear that electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from Bluetooth devices can negatively impact health and safety. To date, no research has demonstrated any significant harmful effects of such radiation. Though very high levels of EMR can indeed have a negative impact on our well-being, the amount that is transmitted through Bluetooth headphones is so minimal that it bears no cause for concern and is comparable to those emitted from a microwave.
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.