First, you’ll want to ensure that the headphones are compatible with your iPhone or iPad. Second, you’ll want to consider the style of the headphones. Finally, you’ll want to think about the price. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to decide which ones are right for you.
But if you keep these three things in mind, you should be able to find the perfect pair of headphones for your needs.
Best Apple Headphones: The Top Earphones And Earbuds For You
[amazon bestseller=”Apple Headphones” items=”6″ template=”table”]Sony WH-1000XM5
Pros
- Sonic clarity to die for
- Very simple to use
- Bass that is punchy and accurate, as well as nimble
Cons
- Build less premium than previously.
- Don’t fold away.
It might be difficult for a company to constantly improve a product’s sound performance from generation to generation. Still, Sony has done it with the WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones, our new Bluetooth ANC favorites.
We were pleasantly impressed when we viewed the official Sony WH-1000XM5 images. We pondered if it was a sensible decision to revamp one of Sony’s biggest success stories in recent memory – and some of the best iPhone headphones ever created. But it was worthwhile.
The Sony XM5 headphones may feel less luxurious than previously. Still, the improvement in sound quality over the previous generation is significant, and competitors may once again have their work cut out for them. If you’re searching for a new set of iPhone headphones, you should start your search here. The earlier XM4 (below) was already the finest available, but the XM5 is unquestionably superior for those who can afford to pay the extra.
Apple AirPods Max
Pros
- Incredible audio performance
- Excellent user experience
- Extra features for iOS are fantastic.
- Excellent noise cancellation
Cons
- In comparison to competitors, it is extremely pricey.
- There is no 3.5mm audio port.
- Android has few functionalities.
- Carrying cases is ineffective.
The Apple AirPods Max was among the most eagerly awaited headphones in history. For years, rumors and speculation regarding their appearance and sound have circulated. So, do they live up to the anticipation now that they’ve arrived? Both yes and no.
When we finally got our hands on the AirPod Max, we discovered that the audio quality was astounding. The design and build were likewise sturdy and Apple, as well as comfy. We also like how tactile controls are used instead of the voguish swiping controls that most wireless headphones seem to favor these days.
The return of the Apple Watch’s Digital Crown, which allows you to change the volume precisely and effortlessly manage your music playing, was especially appealing to us. Furthermore, they contain excellent quality of life features for individuals already committed to the Apple ecosystem.
However, it is not all good news. The most obvious disadvantage is the cost. Apple has always produced luxury technology at a premium price, but they are $549 / £549 / AU$899. In our evaluation, we felt that the performance (although excellent) did not justify the exorbitant price, and we can understand why many people would prefer to buy inexpensive headphones instead.
They also include a case to protect the battery while the headphones are in use. In theory, this sounds nice. However, it provides no protection. Instead, the Smart Case exposes the AirPods Max’s headband completely.
Beats Solo Pro
Pros
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Battery life of 40 hours
Cons
- Only a Lightning port
- There is no 3.5mm Aux port.
Beats Solo Pro, which brings top-tier adaptive noise cancellation to its on-ear offering for the first time, is a significant step up from earlier models, particularly in terms of build quality. The Beats Solo Pro, which is stronger than the Beats Solo 3 and has a nice matte finish in each color, seems like the largest jump forward in quality the series has seen in a long time for its broader range of headphones.
Like the 2019 AirPods and AirPods Pro, they use the H1 chip, which enables quick pairing and hands-free Siri integration.
Sony WH-1000XM4
Pros
- A dynamic, detailed sound
- Incredible awareness of timing
- Lightweight, comfortable, and ingenious
Cons
- There is no IP rating.
- There is no aptX support.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones have almost everything they need to be the best iPhone headphones. They used to be at the top of our list until their replacements arrived. They’re lightweight, comfy, and have a solid Bluetooth connection, as well as some of the best noise-canceling on the market, in our view. For their efforts, they received a What Hi-Fi? Award in 2021. Oh, and they sound fantastic.
They succeeded the WH-1000XM3, which were previously the finest iPhone headphones we could suggest, but the XM4 surpasses them. They are incredibly difficult to beat in detail, clarity, precision, and timing. And because they are no longer the most recent model, they should be offered at a discount.
The XM4 also has several handy new functions, such as Speak to Chat, which airpods are the best? It allows you to communicate with others without removing or touching the headphones. Without question, these are high-end iPhone headphones that are well worth the price.
Beats Studio3 Wireless
Pros
- Excellent noise-canceling capabilities
- Battery life of 40 hours
Cons
- Soggy middles
- Subbass is lacking.
The Studio 3 noise-canceling headphones have an over-ear, closed-back design and are among the Air Pods Beats has ever manufactured. The battery has also been vastly enhanced over previous versions, allowing you to listen to music for up to 22 or 40 hours with active noise cancellation turned off – much like the Beats Solo Pro.
However, there are certain sound flaws that you won’t find in other decent headphones at this price. The Beats Studio 3 Wireless is less articulate and open-sounding than most alternatives because of a tire of fat resting between the bass and mids.
Beats Studio Buds
Pros
- Excellent audio quality
- Wearable and comfortable
Cons
- The ANC may be more powerful.
- The call quality is poor.
The Beats Studio Buds are a pair of robust true wireless earbuds that support Apple’s Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos format. They have a dynamic sound quality that enhances the highs and lows of your music and is quite comfortable to wear for extended periods.
They are not without downsides, though. Among them are their poor call quality and lack of an H1 Wireless Chip. With either ANC or Transparency mode, battery life is barely five hours (15 hours with the case), and noise cancellation isn’t exactly class-leading.
Nonetheless, they are less expensive than the AirPods Pro and their predecessors, the Powerbeats Pro. If you want to buy Beats headphones, they are a more affordable alternative.
Beats Powerbeats 4
Pros
- Fit is secure.
- Excellent sound and call quality
- Best single-charge battery life
Cons
- A wire that interferes
- After a time, you may begin to feel uneasy.
Even among the best running headphones, sporty earbuds may not scream “excellent for calls.” Nonetheless, the Powerbeats 4 has the microphone quality you’d expect for important meetings or long conversations with long-unseen pals.
Background noise may creep in, but only in noisy environments, and even then, our research shows you’ll be completely heard above it.
And thanks to a strong Bluetooth connection, the Powerbeats 4 is even better for making audio and video conversations in quiet environments. The Beats Powerbeats Pro is just as excellent for calls as the Powerbeats 4, but it costs more.
The Powerbeats 4 is also an excellent workout companion for brand fans who aren’t ready to transition to totally wireless earphones. The sound is good, the battery life is long, and the fit is snug. After an hour of use, you’ll have to cope with the irritating wire and some little discomfort.
Panasonic RZ-S500W
Pros
- A comprehensive presentation
- Superior noise cancellation
- Excellent touch controllers
Cons
- For some, the fit may be a concern.
Panasonic isn’t the first company that comes to mind when considering the finest iPhone headphones. But maybe it should be. The 2021 Award-winning RZ-S500W is the company’s first step into wire-free noise-canceling earbuds and are fantastic value for money.
The noise-canceling technology is complemented by an Ambient Mode, dual microphones for voice calls, and a battery life of 19.5 hours. A 15-minute USB-C rapid charge may provide up to 70 minutes of listening time. Each bud’s touch controls are responsive and intuitive, allowing you to control your music and switch between noise-canceling modes easily.
You also get five different sizes of ear tips to help you find the right fit. We found this a little hit and miss, so we would explore and try combining the sizes if it means obtaining a more secure fit.
Both noise-canceling and sound quality are outstanding. There’s lots of mobility in the bottom end and texture throughout frequencies. Music sounds clean, and there’s a great deal of finesse on show, which is welcome at this pricing range. To sum up, these Panasonic earphones are amazing for the money.
Earfun Air Pro
Pros
- Solid, precise bass weight
- Noise cancellation that works
- Elegant construction and finishing
Cons
- The upper midrange is harsh.
This Pro version of the original – and great – Earfun Air adds active noise cancellation (ANC), additional microphones, and bigger drivers. All of this adds to improved acoustic performance and clearer voice calls, which is especially useful if you’re out and about in loud surroundings.
And, despite the feature sheet, the pricing remains shockingly low – a hallmark of Earfun’s approach.
The headphones are simple to pair and comfy enough for even the longest conference conversations. The controls are very simple to use. Two touches on the right bud stop or restart playback; three taps skip to the next track.
Double touching the left earpiece brings up Siri on your iPhone and allows you to answer or end a call. The most important feature to practice is a triple-tap of the left earpiece, which toggles between Earfun’s noise-canceling, ‘normal,’ and ‘ambient sound’ modes.
They’re also designed to withstand a rainstorm. Overall, it’s a lot of technology and durability for a low price.
How To Choose The Apple Headphones And Earbuds For You
All your Apple/Beats products should be compatible with the latest iOS version. This provides you with the most recent software updates and improves the user experience across all iOS/macOS devices. Some functionalities may not be available on all Apple-made headphones or Apple earbuds. Just make sure you have the necessities, such as audio sharing, immediate connectivity, and “Hey Siri” voice activation, to mention a few.
The following item on the list is audio. You want the finest sound and call quality possible, so having a model with strong speakers and microphones may be beneficial. Spatial Audio, which employs dynamic head tracking to generate 360-degree immersive sound, is now available on certain models from Apple.
Apple doesn’t have the best track record regarding battery life, but it is responsible for setting the industry standard for wireless earbuds: five hours. Newer AirPods and Beats wireless earphones are either in the same price range or have longer battery life. The company’s over-ear and on-ear ANC headphones also have a battery life comparable to the industry average (20 hours) and may be used to increase playtime when ANC is turned off.
These items are not inexpensive, so look for versions that offer IPX4 sweat and splash resistance or have third-party covers available for full-on protection. Consider including an AppleCare warranty (opens in a new tab).
How We Test The Apple Headphones And Earbuds
Laptop Magazine considers various variables while evaluating the finest Apple headphones and earbuds, including design, comfort, quality, pricing, and multiplatform compatibility. Regarding features, fit, and cost, our choices are compared to similar items in the category.
Apple headphones and earbuds are worn for 2 to 3 hours at a time for a week. During this period, we evaluate comfort, the convenience of usage, and audio quality. Sample songs from several music genres (hip hop, rock, jazz, and classical) are played, with clarity, depth, imaging, and loudness analyzed.
Audiobooks, games, podcasts, and videos are all considered. Any devices that offer spatial audio are also tested with appropriate high-resolution streaming providers (e.g., Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal).
Those looking to increase the sound quality on their laptop or mobile device should read this audio codec FAQ to learn more about FLAC files, MP3s, and other audio file codecs.
After testing, each model is graded on a five-point scale (1 = worst, 5 = best). An Editor’s Choice is given to any genuinely exceptional product.
FAQ
How much does Apple AirPods cost?
The Apple AirPods 2019 are priced at $129 / £119 / AU$219, while the AirPods 3 are priced at $179 / £169 / AU$279.
The AirPods Pro is the most costly, costing $249 / £249 / AU$399, while the AirPods Max is the least expensive, costing $549 / £549 / AU$89. All versions are routinely reduced (albeit not much) – for the most recent price reduction, see our guide to the greatest AirPods discounts.
Are Apple headphones worth buying?
It depends on what you’re looking for – if you want effortless connecting with your iPhone, Apple or Beats headphones are the way to go.
However, competitors like Sony and Bose are better options if you’re searching for pure audio fidelity, while the AirPods Max sounds fantastic.
Budget is also an important issue because all of the Apple AirPods are more costly than many of their competitors. Although we believe that most AirPods are excellent value for money, you may get comparable audio quality, styles, and comfort in headphones airpods that are substantially less expensive.
If you know you want to buy Apple AirPods but aren’t sure which model to choose, this Apple AirPods vs. AirPods Pro comparison should assist.
Can I work out with Apple headphones?
Yes. The Powerbeats Pro is the finest Apple headphones for working out because of their ear hook design and sweatproof IPX4 rating. Other variants, such as the AirPods Pro, have an IPX4 rating, but their design makes them more prone to falling out during strenuous exercise.
Can AirPods connect to Android phones?
They certainly can. They may be somewhat slower to pair than they would be with an iPhone, but the difference is insignificant. However, if you use AirPods with an Android, you won’t be able to use features like auto-pause or modify noise cancellation. That’s something to think about if you have an Android phone and are about to invest a lot of money for a pair of AirPods.
Read what non-iPhone users need about the Apple earbuds guide for further information and step-by-step instructions on how AirPods function with Android phones.
Apple headphones: what’s coming next?
What’s next in the world of Apple headphones now that the Apple AirPods 3 have been announced?
We’re hoping for the AirPods Pro 2 this year. Multiple sources have confirmed that a new AirPods Pro model will be released in 2022, according to industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
They will be a lower-priced version of the noise-canceling AirPods Pro, implying that the suspected wireless earbuds will be less expensive than Apple’s most expensive earbuds currently on the market.
We’d also want to see an upgrade to Apple’s long-awaited over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max 2. But, as of this writing, we have no concrete proof that they are on their way anytime soon.
If Apples new headphones are released shortly, we might see them during a predicted Apple event on March 8, 2022. The iPhone SE 3 and iPad Air 5 are also expected to debut here.
Conclusion
After testing out a bunch of different apple headphones, Rezence has concluded that the best ones are the AirPods Pro. They provide great sound quality, are comfortable to wear, and have a sleek design. Thanks for reading this article!