For those who are deeply invested in Apple’s ecosystem of products, AirPods often seem like the best choice when it comes to truly wireless earbuds. After all, AirPods offer reliable connectivity, automatic Bluetooth switching between devices, and features such as Spatial Audio. However, if you are looking for AirPods alternatives, try our top picks.
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1. Best Affordable Wireless Earbuds
These wireless earphones feature a traditional suction tip for passive noise cancellation and an ultra-secure fit that is sure to stay in any set of ears. Best of all, the SoundPEATS True Wireless Earbuds feature dual microphones for crystal clear calls without the need for the unsightly stem on AirPods and AirPods Pro.
Tech Specs of SoundPEATS True Wireless Earbuds
Bluetooth 5.0
Four ear tip sizes
Battery life of up to four hours
Auto pairing (Only pair once)
Button on each earbud for playback controls
Charging case offers up to 35 hours of battery life in total
Built-in microphones for monaural and binaural phone calls
Pros
Comfortable, worry-free fit
Hi-Fi sound for music and phone calls
Charging case provides an extra seven to nine full charges
Cons
Bulky charging case that utilizes dated Micro USB charging
Lacks sweat resistance for workouts
Earphones will not turn off and fail to preserve power if placed inside a dead charging case
2. Best Wireless EarBuds for Exercise
These truly wireless headphones feature seamless integration for Apple and Android users, as well as a unique wingtip design that is sure to keep each earbud secure – even during rigorous exercise.
Tech Specs of Beats Fit Pro
- Three ear tip sizes
- Four distinct color choices
- USB-C charging case
- Apple H1 chip (Bluetooth 5.0)
- Dual beamforming microphones
- Sweat- and water-resistant (IPX4-rated)
- Fast Fuel Charging: (5-minute charge = 1hr. of playback)
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode
- Spatial Audio, Automatic Device Switching, and Find My integration for iOS devices
- Up to six hours of listening time (24-hour battery when combined with charging case)
- Out-of-the-box compatibility with Apple/Android devices, including firmware updates and audio fit test
Pros
Exceptional Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
USB-C charging case offers notable convenience
Industry-leading comfort, durability, and security for athletes
Charging case is not easily pocketable
Case lacks wireless charging, despite premium price tag
Divisive sound profile makes sub-bass and treble notes more pronounced compared to competitors
Tip: cannot decide between Fitbit and Apple Watch for your next fitness tracker? Our comparison of these top choices can help!
3. Best Noise-Cancelling Wireless Earbuds
While the hefty price tag may be hard to swallow, these earphones offer impressive Active Noise Cancellation, latest-gen Bluetooth 5.3 technology, respectable battery life, and customizable EQ. The charging case is even equipped with USB-C, making charging between devices a breeze.
Tech Specs for Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Bluetooth 5.3
Three ear tip sizes
Touch controls (Music playback and phone calls)
IPX4 water-resistance
Battery life of up to six hours
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Two noise-rejecting microphones
USB-C and Qi wireless charging case
Bose music companion app for iOS/Android
Two color finishes (Triple Black and Soapstone)
Battery life with charging case up to 24 hours.
Convenient touch controls on each earbud
Little to no distortion, even at high volume levels
Versatile charging case with USB-C and Qi wireless charging
Quite pricey
Oversized case feels cheap
The left earbud cannot be used by itself for phone calls, as it lacks a microphone
4. Wireless Earphones With the Best Battery Life
Couple the unparalleled battery life with smart ANC, a truly versatile wireless charging case, and several different ear tip sizes for a truly unique set of wireless earbuds. The extra-long battery life on these wireless earphones makes them an incredible choice for frequent travelers, especially if you are looking to use your headphones for in-flight entertainment.
Tech Specs for JLab Epic Air Sport ANC True Wireless
Six-mic array
Bluetooth 5.0
Six ear tip sizes
Touch controls (music playback and phone calls)
Wear-detection sensors
IP66 sweat-resistance
Dual Connect and C3 Calling
Ultra-low latency “Movie Mode”
JLAB AIR ANC companion app for iOS/Android
Over 15 hours of battery life or more than 70 hours with the charging case
Charging case equipped with Qi wireless charging and a built-in USB-A cable
Multi-day battery life
Charging case doesn’t require an extra cord
Ear hook design offers a secure fit for active wearers
Finicky touch controls
Average noise cancellation
Outdated Bluetooth connectivity
5. Best Wireless Earphones If You Are Willing to Splurge
Tech Specs for Bowers & Wilkins PI7 True Wireless in-ear headphones
Four-mic array
Bluetooth 5.0
Three ear tip sizes
Touch controls (music playback and phone calls)
Four-hour battery life
Dual hybrid audio drivers
Adaptive Noise Cancellation
Wear sensors for power saving
B&W companion app for iOS/Android
24-bit sound (Qualcomm aptX Technology)
Smart charging case (15-minute charge equals two hours of listening)
Stunning design
Compact and lightweight
Unbelievable sound quality
Lackluster battery life
Glitchy companion app
Outdated Bluetooth technology
Tip: get your favorite music easily with these free music download apps for Android and iOS.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are wireless earphones suitable for gaming or video editing?
All truly wireless Bluetooth headphones suffer from increased latency and reduced sound quality compared to their wired counterparts. If you plan on utilizing wireless headphones for activities when ultra-low latency and heightened quality are crucial, it may be a good idea to invest in a pair of wired headphones. No matter which pair of earphones you decide on, it’s always a good idea to learn more about headphone drivers and how they affect audio quality.
What is the difference between wireless and truly wireless headphones?
Traditional wireless headphones usually have a wire connecting each earpiece. This design is more commonly utilized for over-the-ear headphones. Truly wireless headphones feature no wires at all, and each earpiece must communicate independently with the audio output source and with each other to mitigate latency issues while ensuring adequate synchronization.
What is the difference between passive noise cancellation and active noise cancellation?
Earphones that offer passive noise cancellation rely on a tight physical seal enabled by intricately designed ear cups/tips to mask outside noise. Active noise cancellation uses outward and inward-facing microphones in each earbud to neutralize environmental sound by generating anti-noise.
Self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur and tech enthusiast Brahm Shank is captivated by the impact of consumer tech: “It’s profoundly moving when people discover that the phone in their pocket or the tiny computer on their wrist has the power to enrich their lives in ways they never imagined.” Apple, Inc. and its unique position at the intersection of technology and the creative arts, resonates deeply with Brahm and his passion for helping people unleash their potential using technology. Over the years, Brahm has held various podcasts - including famed technologist David Pogue of The New York Times on topics such as Big Tech and digital wellness.
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