Are Apple AirPods Better Than Other Wireless Earbuds?
Apple AirPods are among the better earbuds on the market. Apple enthusiasts might prefer the AirPods over other earbuds because they integrate well with other Apple products and can be located using Apple’s FindMy technology. That said, there are some significant differences between AirPods and AirPods Pro that users will want to consider, including ANC and the ability to customize the earbud’s fit.
Here are some key features of Apple AirPods and how they compare to other wireless earbuds.
Design: Both the basic AirPods and the AirPods Pro come in one color option (white) and feature an earbud stem that points toward the user’s face when worn. The stems are where the manual controls (either touch controls or buttons, depending on the AirPods version) are located. Apple’s basic AirPods don't include removable ear tips, while the AirPods Pro include at least three different sizes so you can get the best fit. The Apple Settings app provides an ear tip test feature that can help users determine which size works best for them.
Audio Quality: Apple’s AirPods use Apple’s custom H1 audio processor. Both the basic AirPods and the AirPods Pro offer spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, which uses sensors in the earbuds to create an immersive, theater-like experience for certain supported audio technology (such as FaceTime, certain supported shows or movies, and supported music).
Connectivity and Bluetooth: Apple AirPods and AirPods Pro use Bluetooth 5.0 and connect with both Android and Apple smartphones, tablet computers, and laptop and desktop computers. The Bluetooth range for Apple’s AirPods and AirPods Pro is between 20 and 50 feet. Some newer earbuds have Bluetooth 5.1 or 5.2, which are slightly faster, farther reaching, and more efficient for longer battery life. Apple’s AirPods are true wireless devices, meaning there's no cord between them. You also can get a wireless charging case.
Charging Speed and Battery Life: Apple AirPods and AirPods Pro provide up to an hour of listening time or talk time after five minutes of charging. The battery life for AirPods on a full charge is about six hours, which is comparable to other top earbuds. However, Sony’s earbuds (both the WF-1000XM4 and the WF-C500) offer between eight to 12 hours of listening time on a full charge. The third-generation AirPods and first-generation AirPods Pro charging cases provide from 24 hours to 30 hours of listening time.
Noise Cancellation: The Apple AirPods Pro feature ANC, which cancels out ambient noise. These earbuds have a full ANC mode and a transparency mode, allowing some outside sound to filter through. The basic AirPods don't have ANC.
Water Resistance: Both the AirPods Pro and the Airpods, as well as their charging cases, are IPX4-rated for water resistance. This means they're not completely waterproof or sweat proof but can tolerate splashes and some heavy perspiration. They shouldn't be submerged in water and therefore can't be used for water sports or in the shower. Always dry both the earbuds and the charging case completely before charging either the earbuds or the case.
Mobile App: Apple doesn't provide a separate app for managing AirPods. Android device users can pair to AirPods using Bluetooth, but they won't have the ability to control noise cancellation and other features through the device. Apple users can use the Settings app to tweak the sound and noise cancellation experience for their AirPods. Apple users can also change the press-and-hold actions on AirPods Pro or double-tap action on AirPods in Settings, as well as change the microphone to always make calls or use Siri from one specific earbud (right or left) if you prefer.
How Much Do Apple AirPods Cost?
The first-generation AirPods Pro cost $249.00, and the third-generation AirPods cost $179.00. By comparison, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 ($249.95) and Sony WF-1000XM4 ($279.99) are both more expensive than the AirPods Pro. On the lower end of the price range, the Google Pixel Buds A-Series ($99.00), Sony WF-C500 ($99.99), Bose SoundSport Wireless ($129.00), and Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 ($149.99) are all priced lower than either AirPods model.
How To Choose a Pair of Apple AirPods
In choosing between the Apple AirPods and Apple AirPods Pro, consider that the standard AirPods don't have ANC, while AirPods Pro do. The AirPods Pro also has a transparency mode that allows some external noise to filter through. Users who need a noise-canceling earbud to block out environmental noise or whose ear shape or size might require more ear tip options might want to opt for the AirPods Pro over AirPods.
How To Clean Apple AirPods
To clean AirPods, Apple recommends using a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to remove dirt and debris from both the earbuds themselves and the charging case. If needed, the cloth can be dampened slightly with water. Alternatively, a 70-percent isopropyl alcohol wipe can also be used to remove any stubborn debris or marks from the devices. Use a dry cotton swab to clean the microphone and speaker meshes on the earbuds. Always allow both the charging case and earbuds to dry completely before charging the earbuds, and never submerge the devices in water.
Should I Buy AirPods in the Apple Store?
Buyers can find the third-generation Apple AirPods for sale online in the Apple Store, in an Apple brick-and-mortar retail store, or at one of many third-party retailers. With the introduction of the second-generation AirPods Pro, the first-generation are only available at third-party retailers.
Which is the best place to buy Apple AirPods? That will depend on how quickly you need them (delivery or in-store pickup takes longer in some locations than others) and whether you would like the AirPods charging case engraved with any letters or emoji before you take them home with you.
Users can select the AirPods they want on Apple’s store website and personalize them with a mix of emoji and letters if they like. The engraving is done before the device is sent to the buyer. You can order AirPods online, get the charging case engraved, and pick everything up in-store, but it will take a few more days before they are ready for your ears. Engraving adds about a week to the delivery time and about two weeks to the in-store pickup availability.