10 headphones that are as good as AirPods, and sometimes exceed expectations

AirPods and AirPods Pro are some of the most popular wireless headphones today. They have earned such popularity due to their great sound, impeccable ergonomics and excellent performance during phone calls. However, their magic works best when paired with Apple devices (iPhone, iPad or Mac).

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Luckily, there are plenty of better alternatives to AirPods , AirPods Pro, and even AirPods Max for Android, PC, and Chromebook users. Or if you are not ready to spend money on the above-mentioned models. To help you make your choice, we've carefully reviewed products from leading brands like JBL, Samsung and Soundcore, to name a few. The selection process consisted of analyzing and comparing specifications, reading consumer and expert reviews.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2

A new model came out this spring, here is our review.

It differs from the old one in increased operating time from 4 to 7 hours, smaller body size, the appearance of active noise cancellation and the ability to reprogram control gestures on the touch panel. The sound remained the same: bright, without strong bass, well balanced.

Price: 22,990 rubles

The Best Lightning Headphones for iPhone and iPad

Speaking of Lightning headphones, the most obvious choice for most iPhone or iPad users is Apple's own Lightning EarPods. From a functional point of view, this is undoubtedly a good option. But when it comes to features and sound quality, there are various other Lightning headphones that are superior to the EarPods.

Here are our picks for the best Lightning headphones you can buy across a range of budgets.

Pioneer Rayz Plus

Pioneer is a popular name in the audio space, known for its unusual and capable audio equipment. Rayz Plus is one such product in its range. This is a pair of wired in-ear headphones with some unique wired features like ANC, auto pause, and hands-free Siri.

Apart from these features, another functional feature of these earbuds is the addition of a charging port that provides pass-through charging for your device. Now you can listen to music/attend calls while charging your iPhone or iPad at the same time.

Keeping audio enthusiasts in mind, the company also offers a companion app with the Pioneer Rayz Plus that allows you to customize the sound, find the perfect one, and personalize the noise canceling on them as per your requirements.

Basic moments

  • MFi certified
  • Neodymium speakers 9.2 mm Dynamic N50
  • Built-in DAC
  • Cable length 1.2 m
  • Programmable smart button

Color: Black, Gray and Rose Gold Price: $99.95

Buy on Amazon (USA)

1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones

1MORE is an audio accessories brand known for its good-sounding products, and the Triple Speaker In-Ear Headphones are one of the most popular offerings among audiophiles. As their name suggests, the headphones come in an in-ear design and feature a triple driver to control the sound.

Essentially, this setup includes two balanced armature drivers, one titanium dynamic driver, and a high-resolution DAC. This allows the headphones to more efficiently process different sounds across the frequency range and deliver high-quality sound with increased clarity.

In addition to this, the company also pays equal attention to the design of the earphones so that they fit well in the ear canal and provide a good fit and of course, good sound.

In terms of functionality, the 1MORE Triple Driver headphones include a built-in 5-in-1 (or five-way) controller that you can use to activate voice control, adjust volume, change tracks, among other things.

Basic moments

  • MFi certified
  • Triple drivers
  • Built-in high-resolution DAC
  • 5-position universal controller

Color: Silver and Gold Price: $99

Buy on Amazon (USA)

JBL Reflect Aware

JBL is a popular choice among the masses for speakers and headphones. It is known to offer good value for money in most cases, and the JBL Reflect Aware is one such pair of wired headphones that fills the void for Lightning headphones without breaking your bank.

With these, you get an active style design that is reminiscent of any headphones designed for use during workouts/workouts. The result, of course, is wing tips that fit snugly and keep the headphones inside your ear canal while you workout or run.

In terms of functionality, JBL Reflect Aware provides noise canceling support with the ability to filter out ambient noise according to your requirements. With 14.8mm drivers inside, the headphones produce a slightly balanced sound signature, making them an attractive choice for those who like sound with a neutral undertone.

Basic moments

  • 14.8mm drivers
  • Noise suppression
  • Adaptive Noise Control
  • Wing tips for better fit

Color: Blue, Black, Red, Turquoise Price: $51.21

Buy on Amazon (USA)

Libratone Lightning Active Noise Canceling In-Ear Headphones

Libratone is another audio brand that emphasizes good sound quality in its line of headphones, and it was one of the first players to create headphones with the Apple Lightning connector. The end result is the Q Adapt in-ear headphones.

Made from lightweight metal, these headphones feature an ergonomic design, elegant appearance and a comfortable fit. The angled in-ear design allows the headphones to stay inside the earbuds and provide isolation from surrounding noise. You can also adjust the level of noise cancellation using the built-in controls.

By the way, the same thing doubles up and can be used to adjust volume, pause/skip tracks and activate Siri. In terms of sound, the headphones have a sound signature with a slight bass transition, which is the right amount of warmth you need without sacrificing clarity and other tones in the frequency range.

Basic moments

  • MFi certified
  • Comfortable fit
  • Adjustable Noise Canceling
  • Built-in controls

Color: Black and Elegant Nude Price: $149.99

Buy on Amazon (USA)

Belkin Lightning In-Ear Headphones

Belkin is another popular accessory manufacturer that makes headphones for the iPhone and iPad. One of the many headphones in the collection is the In-Ear Lightning headphones. With these you get a flat cable that prevents tangling when they are in your pocket or bag.

In addition to the durable cable, the headphones also have a waterproof design, allowing them to be used during workouts. Belkin designed the headphones to not only provide a tight seal, but also isolate noise to provide a more enjoyable listening experience for music and audiobooks.

Just like any other pair of headphones, the In-Ear Lightning headphones also come with a multi-function button that you can use to play/pause/skip tracks, change volume levels, and conveniently answer/reject calls on your iPhone.

Basic moments

  • MFi certified
  • Waterproof design
  • Noise insulation
  • Tangle-free cable

Color: Black and White Price: $29.99

Buy on Amazon (US) | Buy on Amazon (India)

Skullcandy Set Earbuds

Skullcandy has a reputation for making durable headphones and headphones that provide a well-rounded experience on a budget. And their Set Earbuds are one of their offerings that extend the same experience to iPhone users through the Lightning connector.

As you might have guessed from the name, these headphones have an in-ear design. They are comfortable to wear and provide adequate noise isolation for uninterrupted listening to music or audiobooks. Additionally, the headphones are IPX4 rated, making them ideal for workouts.

As far as additional features go, the Skullcandy Set in-ear headphones are pretty basic. You get a built-in controller for calls and tracking, which can be used to reject/answer calls and switch tracks respectively.

Basic moments

  • Sweat and water resistant with IPX4 rating
  • Soundproofing fit
  • Built-in controls

Color: Black/White, Light Gray/Blue Price: $28.99

Buy on Amazon (USA)

UGREEN Lightning Headphones

UGREEN is another brand known for its line of affordable headphones and headphones. Lightning headphones are a basic budget offering for iPhone and iPad with good fit and sound quality.

Inside, the headphones are equipped with 10mm dynamic drivers and have rich bass sound to satisfy the needs of the masses. UGREEN uses TPE material to make the earbuds to make them durable and also prevent them from getting tangled.

In terms of specifics, the 10mm dynamic drivers on the earbuds combined with the ergonomic design of the earbuds provide a good listening experience at an affordable price.

Basic moments

  • 10mm dynamic driver
  • 5-wire, 6-wire wire
  • Built-in controls
  • Noise insulation

Color: Black Price: $22.49 billion

Buy on Amazon (USA)

Beats Powerbeats

Yes, headphones with a wire. I still recommend them, as I wrote about in the review.

15 hours of battery life, comfortable sporty fit. You run, they don’t fall out. The sound quality is the same as on the Pro version without wires, no differences. And most importantly, all the features of the Apple ecosystem are supported. Fast connection, access on all devices via iCloud and other bonuses of the H1 chip included.

Price: 10,990 rubles

Syllable D900S

Looking for a high-quality alternative to Apple AirPods 14 wireless headphones
Many call the Syllable D900S stylish and comfortable wireless headphones. They come in several colors, but the design is not suitable for everyone.

Main characteristics of the syllable D900S headphones:

  • – wireless and very compact;
  • – ear tips can quickly become unusable and fall out;
  • — on the headphones, fingerprints are visible due to the use of glossy plastic;
  • – absence of background noise when playing music;
  • — up to 4 hours of active work;
  • – standby time up to 90 hours;
  • – the approximate time required to charge the headphones is about 2 hours;
  • – work within a radius of 10 meters from the source;
  • — there is a storage bag (cannot be used for charging);
  • – the system is protected from moisture and splashes (IPX4);
  • – relatively low price – about $70.

GO TO STORE

Sony WF-1000XM3

One of the best headphones in Sony history. Took the world by storm. For a very long time they were leaders in sound quality, and are still at the top.

They have powerful and effective active noise cancellation. They work with the most advanced program for fine tuning among all wireless headphones. Autonomous operation 6 hours. I recommended it in 2019, and I still recommend it today.

Price: 14,990 rubles

What to consider when buying fake Airpods

When purchasing a replica AirPods, we take into account the following selection criteria:

  • design and equipment – ​​if you need the headphones to be identical in appearance to AirPods, then the replica should be compared in appearance and equipment with the original model;
  • autonomy - the higher this parameter, the longer the device will last on one charge. The original can withstand up to 5 hours of operation;
  • charging speed – the original supports Quick Charge fast charging technology. It is desirable that the fake also quickly gains charge (no longer than 2 hours);
  • Bluetooth - the newer it is, the faster and more reliably the headphones will connect to iPhone and Android.
  • microphone – comfort during phone calls depends on it. The original Apple AirPods received 2 microphones that create sound insulation.

Other selection parameters include frequency range and resistance level.

TOP best wireless headphones for iPhone

Jabra Elite 65t Active

Popularly respected headphones. One of the best, if not the best option in the region of 7 thousand rubles.

Great fit. Protected from splashes, water and sweat. You can run, they hold up well. They work for 5 hours. They play bassily, boldly, not very well - but cheerfully. Good Bluetooth connection stability.

Price: 6990 5990 rubles

Bragi Dash

Looking for a quality alternative to Apple AirPods 6 wireless earbuds,
Bragi Dash is one of the best AirPods alternatives with excellent design and functionality. The designers tried to make the headphones as stylish and ergonomic as possible. We also note that Bragi Dash have a jumper between the headsets and are equipped with a rather unusual case.

Main characteristics of Bragi Dash headphones:

  • – are mini-PCs and contain a large number of built-in sensors;
  • - able to inform the user about performance during training;
  • - with a 32-bit processor;
  • – charging time up to 2 hours;
  • – headphones work up to 4 hours;
  • – it is possible to measure heart rate;
  • — LED indication;
  • – you can activate the mode for recognizing external sounds;
  • – headphones can be controlled using head movements;
  • – protection from water with the possibility of immersion to depth;
  • – the ability to synchronize data with Google Fit and Apple Health ;
  • – Built-in memory 4 GB;
  • – compatibility with devices running iOS and Android operating systems;
  • – presence of a case with charging;
  • – price – $299. There is a “stripped down” functional version of the headphones for $149.

GO TO STORE

RHA TrueConnect

They are already a year and a half old, but their relevance has not diminished. You won’t find such sound quality for 8 thousand rubles.

It’s a rare case when the sound for this money is close to passive, a la monitor. Fans will appreciate it. 5 hours of battery life, comfortable fit. They are unlikely to be suitable for running; this is a choice for music lovers.

Price: 7990 6990 rubles

JBL Tune 220 TWS

Who needs AirPods at half the price? Also earbuds, without the H1 chip, but otherwise very good.

The case is small. The operating time is also (3 hours). But it’s enough for 7 charges. The fit is very light and stays in the ear perfectly. They play at 4, but for that kind of money - it’s just the thing for those who need a headset with music, and not much more.

Price: 5990 5590 rubles

Erato Apollo 7

Looking for a high-quality alternative to Apple AirPods 4 wireless headphones.
This is a compact wireless headset that perfectly matches the iPhone in its color palette. Erato Apollo 7 fits well in the ears and can be used as a headset.

Main characteristics of Erato Apollo 7 headphones:

  • - stylish design. Available in several colors;
  • – the kit includes a charging case;
  • — in active mode, working up to 3 hours;
  • — simple connection;
  • – built-in microphone that allows you to use headphones for calls.
  • – excellent protection against moisture (IPX5);

GO TO STORE

Beats Powerbeats Pro

For sports, it's harder to find something better, especially if you have an iPhone. Here's their review.

Almost the highest battery life, as much as 9 hours. You don't have to take the case with you. H1 chip with all the features. Physical music control buttons, not all sorts of sensors. There are a lot of flowers. Cool thing from Beats, which Apple clearly had a hand in.

Price: 17,490 15,990 rubles

Bowers & Wilkins app

To enable additional options and control Bowers and Wilkins PI 5 there is a special application. There is also a choice of transparency level: you can choose weak or strong. A friend noted that this feature is quite comparable to AirPods Pro. In any case, the friend noted that the chewing cat could not be heard. The application also allows you to change the name of the headphones, display the charge, update the software, and even sound landscapes.

The headphones have a convenient application: all settings are made exclusively through it

Speaking of them, a cool feature that will help you relax a little: you can turn on various nature sounds to meditate or work productively. The main feature of soundscapes is the timer. This is useful when planning to fall asleep. In general, the settings will not be integrated into iOS, as is the case with AirPods, but everything will be collected in one place.

MusicDealer XS BT

Out of competition, but for that kind of money - sorry, there are no options. 1000 rubles for wireless headphones... Basta, are you okay?

They work. They work 16 hours, by the way. Bass, without claims to high quality. But they work. That's enough, I ordered. They will not be superfluous on the farm.

Price: 2290 990 rubles

Doppler Labs Here One

Looking for a quality alternative to Apple AirPods 9 wireless headphones,
Doppler Labs are excellent headphones that have the ability to make phone calls.

The main characteristics of the Doppler Labs one headphone are here:

  • – transparency of external sounds with high quality of basic sounds;
  • – smart noise reduction system;
  • — it is possible to access Siri and Google Now;
  • – price is about $300.
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