Which Apple headphones should you choose in 2022? We understand the wireless models of AirPods and Beats


Recently, I was surprised to discover that Apple now has as many as 9 models of wireless headphones in its assortment, 3 of which are under the AirPods brand and another 6 models under the Beats brand. They are distinguished from other Bluetooth headphones by special W1 and H1 chips, which were created for maximum integration with the Apple ecosystem.

Here are the benefits this gives in practice:

  1. Quick connection to iPhone - you just need to bring the turned on headphones to the smartphone and click “Connect” in the pop-up window.
  2. Automatic synchronization with Apple gadgets that work under the same Apple ID - once you connect the headphones to the iPhone, they will immediately be “recognized” by iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV.
  3. Instant (W1) and automatic (H1) switching between different sound sources within one Apple ID.
  4. The ability to connect two pairs of headphones simultaneously to one source (for example, iPhone or iPad) to listen to music or watch movies together.
  5. The ability to call Siri with the voice command “Hey Siri” (relevant only for the H1 chip).
  6. Stable operation with Apple devices even when the distance from the smartphone is several tens of meters.

But when as many as 9 models are offered, your eyes widen, and making the right choice becomes not at all easy. In partnership with re:Store, we decided to sort out the entire range of headphones from the Apple company and help everyone understand the nuances. Go!

Beats Flex - a budget option to replace the included headphones

Beats Flex, which is available in re:Store for 4,990 rubles, is called by many “AirPods at minimum prices,” despite the fact that they don’t have much in common. This comparison is largely due to the fact that Beats is a sub-brand of Apple and they have the W1 chip with accompanying integration into the ecosystem.

Flexes are to some extent universal entry-level headphones. Universal because, thanks to the “rim” form factor, they can be used with equal success in various scenarios: while working in the office or relaxing at home, while walking, in transport and while playing sports. And losing them is much more difficult than TWS solutions.

As for the sound, it is not bad in its price segment and has the brand’s signature emphasis on low frequencies, that is, hip-hop, as well as music of electronic genres.

In my opinion, Beats Flex is an excellent replacement for any set of headphones that does not require a significant investment. Lightweight, minimalistic and capable of working up to 12 hours on a single charge, these headphones will successfully replace the included EarPods or become companions to modern iPhones that have lost such an accessory out of the box.

You can read a detailed review of Beats Flex here:

Beats Flex review: Minimum AirPods?

Beats Flex syncs with Apple products within the same Apple ID and quickly switches between them. But can they be called “Minimum AirPods”?


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You can buy Beats Flex in re:Store for 4990 rubles using this link .

Beats PowerBeats - with a focus on sports

One of the most popular Beats lines, PowerBeats, was created primarily for active sports. These headphones, like the Beats Flex, are made in the “rim” form factor, but they have three sporting differences and one technological one.

  • Firstly, these are adjustable earhooks with fixation, thanks to which the headphones, in principle, never fall off.
  • Secondly, it is a round cable that creates virtually no friction on the skin.
  • Thirdly, it provides protection from sweat and moisture, which is useful for the most intense workouts.
  • Fourthly, instead of the older W1 chip, the current H1 is used, thanks to which you can control playback without any hands at all, calling Siri with your voice. “Hey Siri! Switch track" is a useful trick when your hands are full of dumbbells.

Another key benefit of PowerBeats is its 15 hours of battery life. An indicator that is not yet achievable in the segment of TWS models. I will also note the control using physical buttons - when moving it is much more convenient than touch sensors. PowerBeats also sound according to the Beats canons, but subjectively their sound seems more interesting than in Beats Flex.

You can buy Beats PowerBeats in re:Store for 10,990 rubles using this link .

Beats PowerBeats Pro - sports completely without wires

Those looking for completely wireless headphones for sports should take a closer look at the Beats PowerBeats Pro - the twin brother of the regular PowerBeats, but without any headband connecting the headphones into a pair.

However, this is both a plus and a minus, because the battery life here is no longer up to 15, but up to 9 hours on a single battery charge. However, this is not scary, because the included case allows you to charge them approximately 2.5 times, and by putting the headphones in it for just 5 minutes, you can get up to an hour and a half of battery life.

Otherwise, everything I said about PowerBeats applies to the PowerBeats Pro - they are one of the best and well-designed sports headphones on the market.

You can read a detailed review of Beats PowerBeats Pro here:

Beats Powerbeats Pro TWS headphones review: born for sports

We have already told you in detail about the new generation of AirPods with the Pro prefix, and today we will talk about their “cousin” - Beats Powerbeats Pro.

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You can buy Beats PowerBeats Pro in re:Store for 15,990 rubles using this link .

Classic AirPods - an assistant for a wide range of tasks

Having touched on the TWS headphone segment, it’s time to remember about Apple’s main headphones in this segment - the classic AirPods.

I won’t repeat once again that AirPods are a milestone that predetermined the market for many years to come. And 4 years after the announcement, they still have not lost their relevance. Why? Because AirPods are more than headphones.

The main feature of the classic AirPods for me personally is that you can spend the whole day in them without taking them off. Due to the “droplet” form factor, they are, firstly, extremely comfortable to wear non-stop, and secondly, you hear everything that is happening around you, and not for a second do you find yourself in a personal sound vacuum.

This allows you to listen to music in them, watch videos on the Internet, answer calls, communicate with colleagues on Zoom, listen to voice messages in instant messengers, and even start the car by activating the alarm command using “Hey Siri!” (if the corresponding function is available). And doing all this in AirPods is convenient, because you basically forget that something is in your ears for 5 hours straight. Then, of course, you remember when you have to take a break to charge in the case.

The only serious disadvantage of AirPods comes from their main advantage - the complete lack of sound insulation. This means that on an airplane, subway, or any other noisy place, you most likely won’t be able to be alone with music or a movie—extraneous noise will interfere with the process every now and then. Although I have seen hundreds of people on the subway and planes who are not deterred by this at all.

In general, AirPods are a gadget not so much about music, but, in principle, about any digital content and online communication that is delivered directly to your ears. That is, a kind of assistant for a wide range of tasks, working in close conjunction with a smartphone, tablet and computer.

You can buy AirPods in re:Store for 13,990 rubles in a regular case using this link .

You can buy AirPods in re:Store for 16,990 rubles in a case with support for wireless charging using this link .

What other headphones are compatible with iPhone 10?

EarPods, AirPods, as well as any other wired and wireless headsets that support iOS and Lightning are compatible with the iPhone X smartphone. Particularly popular are headphones from the German brand Sennheiser, which have the ability to voice control the system. Devices from the American brand Audeze and the Danish company Libratone also have a Lightning connector. However, even among Chinese manufacturers you can find worthy analogues to the standard headset.

AirPods Pro - like AirPods, only with noise cancellation

Classic AirPods, despite their popularity, are not liked by everyone. Some criticize them for the lack of sound insulation, which I mentioned above, others for the “droplet” form factor, which, despite its advantages, simply does not allow the headphones to fit tightly in the ears of some people. So Apple went a little further and released AirPods Pro.

These headphones are in-ear, that is, “plugs,” so they stay in your ears better. But at the same time, they retain the key advantage of the classic model - the ability to stay in touch with the outside world thanks to the “transparency” function. After its activation, all external sounds are captured by microphones and transmitted to the headphones, resulting in exactly the same sensations as with regular AirPods.

And in those moments when you want to be alone with music, movies or something else, active noise cancellation comes to the rescue, implemented in AirPods Pro at a level worthy of TWS.

As for the sound, it has become noticeably better in comparison with AirPods - volume and depth have been added, more low frequencies have appeared, and detail has improved.

In general, AirPods Pro are the same AirPods, but even more versatile and without any compromises.

You can read a detailed review of AirPods Pro here:

A month with AirPods Pro: all about three pairs of headphones in a weightless box

At the end of October, Apple quietly, calmly and without unnecessary fuss showed one of its main products of 2022 - AirPods Pro. Many have been waiting for truly new AirPods for a long time, passionately and with great enthusiasm. But did the new headphones manage to live up to expectations? I won’t speak for everyone, but my opinion is…

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You can buy AirPods Pro in re:Store for 20,990 rubles using this link .

The best Apple headphones

Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular wired and wireless Apple headphones.

Apple AirPods 2 (with charging case) MV7N2

Fully wireless flagship headphones in a case that doubles as a charger.

They have voice control: just say “Hey Siri!” to start working - play a song, call someone or turn on the navigator.

Just 15 minutes of charging gives the headphones 2-3 hours of operation.

They belong to the second generation of AirPods - they have a round earbud shape and an elongated leg, turning the accessory into a futuristic technological decoration.

Specifications:

  • type - completely wireless (True wireless) earbuds without fastening;
  • Bluetooth version - 5.0;
  • talk / work mode - 3 hours / 5 hours;
  • Battery life in the case is 24 hours;
  • additionally - 2 microphones, the ability to answer/end a conversation, shared access to audio, volume control, case included.

pros

  • good sound;
  • convenient storage and charging in the case;
  • works for a long time.

Minuses

  • sometimes fall out of the ears;
  • the case lid is loose;
  • poor noise reduction.

Apple AirPods 2 (with Wireless Charging Case) MRXJ2

Another wireless headphones, functionally almost identical to the previous ones, however, as a pleasant bonus, this model includes a case with wireless charging, which makes the device even more mobile.

Otherwise, there is the same excellent functionality, convenience, voice control, fast charging and elongated legs, sloping shapes that exclude dust and create a futuristic design of the accessory.

Specifications:

  • type - completely wireless (True wireless) earbuds without fastening;
  • Bluetooth version - 5.0;
  • talk / work mode - 3 hours / 5 hours;
  • Battery life in the case is 24 hours;
  • additionally - 2 microphones, the ability to answer/end a call, audio sharing, volume control, wireless charger included.

pros

  • quality;
  • stays well in the ears even with active movement;
  • quickly connects to any device.

Minuses

  • when stored without a case, they quickly discharge because they are constantly working;
  • poor sound insulation.

Apple AirPods Color

Incredibly beautiful and varied color models of wireless headphones from Apple will be the highlight of your image and will attract increased attention from everyone around you..

8 color options, including such popular colors as black, gray and red, will allow you to choose an accessory to suit any look and always look stylish and confident.

They allow you to listen to music all day long without additional charging, using only the charging case, while guaranteeing deep bass and clear sound at mid and high frequencies.

Controlled by voice using Siri or touch.

The microphone design eliminates noise and interference during a conversation.

Specifications:

  • type - completely wireless (True wireless) earbuds without fastening;
  • Bluetooth version - 5.0;
  • talk / work mode - 3 hours / 5 hours;
  • Battery life in the case is 24 hours;
  • additionally - an omnidirectional microphone, the ability to answer/end a call, a charging case included.

pros

  • stylish, youthful;
  • comfortable;
  • keep charging.

Minuses

  • high price;
  • too light, easy to lose;
  • the sound is quiet.

Apple EarPods (Lightning)

Wired headset with a sleek design, created taking into account the smallest details of ear geometry.

Ideally placed in the ear and does not cause discomfort or fatigue even after several hours of continuous listening to music or talking. Suitable for active activities.

Compatible with any device with a Lightning connector.

From the cable you can adjust the volume, answer or interrupt a call, play video or audio tracks. It features a bright sound and a unique body shape.

Specifications:

  • type - wired;
  • frequency range - 200-20,000 Hz;
  • weight - 10 g;
  • cable length - 1.2 m;
  • additionally - microphone, answer/end call button, volume control from the remote control.

pros

  • good sound;
  • fits perfectly in the ears;
  • Beautiful design.

Minuses

  • wires get twisted and tangled;
  • poor sound insulation;
  • no noise cancellation.

Apple AirPods

Completely wireless headphones with a battery in a case . Turns on and connects to

devices in automatic mode, configured with one touch.

Double-clicking will connect the accessory to Siri.

Charges in 15 minutes, only one earphone can be used.

The round earbud fits well in the ear, and the long stem looks interesting and attracts attention.

Specifications:

  • type - completely wireless (True wireless) earbuds without fastening;
  • Bluetooth version - 4.2;
  • talk / work mode - 3 hours / 5 hours;
  • Battery life in the case is 24 hours;
  • additionally - 2 microphones, LED indicator, automatic turn on, ability to answer/end a call, charging case included.

pros

  • charge quickly;
  • good noise reduction;
  • light, comfortable.

Minuses

  • the cover is scratched;
  • quiet sound;
  • fall out of the ear.

Apple AirPods Pro

Completely wireless headphones with wireless charging case . Unlike Apple

AirPods Pro series features active noise cancellation and significantly longer talk time.

The kit also includes ear pads for more secure placement of the accessory.

Equipped with the ability to control both “tapping” and voice mode via Siri.

There is an accelerated charging: 5 minutes in the case provides 1 hour of operation. There is shared access to listening to audio tracks.

Specifications:

  • type - completely wireless (True wireless) earbuds without fastening;
  • Bluetooth version - 5.0;
  • talk / work time - 3.5 hours / 4.5 hours;
  • Battery life in the case is 24 hours;
  • additionally - 2 microphones, LED indicator, ability to answer/end a call, charging case included.

pros

  • good noise reduction;
  • fast charging, long work;
  • compact size.

Minuses

  • the sound is not too good;
  • poor fit in the ears;
  • overpriced.

Apple EarPods (3.5 mm)

A wired headset from a well-known manufacturer, designed taking into account the anatomical shape of the auricle, which makes it impeccably comfortable to use, while maintaining the ideal sound characteristic of the manufacturer.

Effectively cuts out extraneous noise, allowing you to fully enjoy your favorite tracks.

Controlled using the built-in remote control, by pressing which you can either answer the caller or switch or pause the track.

An important bonus is that these headphones are compatible with any device that has a standard 3.5 mm jack.

Specifications:

  • type - wired in-ear headphones with microphone, without mount;
  • frequency range - 200-20,000 Hz;
  • sensitivity 109 dB;
  • weight - 10 g;
  • cable length - 1.2 m, connector - 3.5 mm (mini Jack);
  • additionally - microphone, answer/end call button, volume control from the remote control.

pros

  • good ergonomics;
  • pleasant sound;
  • high build quality.

Minuses

  • wires get dirty and tangled;
  • inconvenient plug.

Apple AirPods 2 Color

Another multi-colored model for those who prefer to stand out among others.

They have all the advantages of the second series of Apple AirPods: completely wireless earbuds provide at least 3 hours of talk time and 5 hours of work on a single charge (lasting about 15 minutes), and can operate from a battery in the case for 24 hours, controlled by voice.

Available in more than 10 colors, allowing you to choose any look and style.

Specifications:

  • type - completely wireless (True wireless) earbuds without fastening;
  • Bluetooth version - 5.0;
  • talk / work mode - 3 hours / 5 hours;
  • Battery life in the case is 24 hours;
  • additionally - wireless charging of the case, microphone, ability to answer/end a call.

pros

  • comfortable to wear;
  • good sound.

Minuses

  • the earphone is “lost”;
  • Doesn't work well with Android devices.

Beats Solo Pro is the brother of AirPods Pro in an overhead form factor

Beats Solo Pro are functionally identical to AirPods Pro and even went on sale almost simultaneously with them. There is also “transparency” and noise reduction here, but this is a completely different form factor of on-ear headphones.

AirPods Pro are good for their portability - you put them in your ears and forget that you have them there. They are weightless and versatile. Beats Solo Pro, in my opinion, is a device for a little more thoughtful use. This is a music gadget that is pleasant to wear on the train, subway, plane, airport, cafe, office, home chair or on the beach.

That is, in my opinion, they are more suitable for static situations and leisurely walks, when you don’t have to get up and run somewhere right now. In addition, Beats Solo Pro is suitable for those who like the functionality of AirPods Pro, but for some reason do not like in-ear headphones.

Another important point: Beats Solo Pro are perhaps the most “Epp” headphones under the Beats brand. They seriously changed the sound, softening the emphasis on low frequencies and making the sound more universal, using higher quality and more expensive body materials, and also taking advantage of the current developments of the Cupertino team in terms of functionality.

You can read a detailed review of Beats Solo Pro here:

Beats Solo Pro review: AirPods Pro with a different sauce or something more?

Almost simultaneously with the announcement of AirPods Pro, the Cupertino-sponsored brand introduced other noise-cancelling headphones with a sound attachment - Beats Solo Pro.

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You can buy Beats Solo Pro in re:Store for 18,990 rubles using this link .

How to connect wireless headphones to iPhone

After purchasing a device, the question arises: “How to connect wireless headphones to an iPhone?” There are two connection methods:

  • Bluetooth. To connect wireless headphones, you need to go to “Settings” – “Bluetooth” and turn on Bluetooth. Stay on this screen, put the headphones in discovery mode and tap the accessory name when it appears on the screen. If you need a PIN code, please read the documentation that came with your headphones.
  • Automatically. Your iPhone will display an animated setup program splash screen. Click "Connect". If you have AirPods Pro, read the on-screen instructions. If you have AirPods Pro or AirPods (2nd generation) and you've already set up Hey Siri on your iPhone, you can use it with AirPods. If Hey Siri isn't already set up and you have AirPods Pro or AirPods (2nd generation), the setup wizard will open. Click "Done". When you're signed in to iCloud, AirPods are automatically set up to work with any supported device connected to iCloud using the same Apple ID.

Beats Solo 3 Wireless is a legend with signature sound and record-breaking battery life

The Beats Solo 3 Wireless is the more affordable predecessor to the Beats Solo Pro, which is still very popular among lovers of tight, fat bass.

On the one hand, there are no modern noise reduction and “transparency” functions, but these headphones can work on a single battery charge for as much as 40 hours and are a third more affordable than their older brother. There is, perhaps, nothing more to add to this.

You can buy Beats Solo 3 Wireless in re:Store for 12,990 rubles using this link .

Basic equipment

Before moving on to the headphones, you need to study the iPhone X package. The smartphone comes in a standard white box with an image of an edge-to-edge display. In addition to the device itself, the kit includes several stickers, warranty documentation, a power supply, a cable, a clip for removing SIM cards, a headset and a short minijack adapter.

EarPods can also be ordered separately. They will come in a small plastic box with a seal. In this case, you will have to purchase an adapter for devices with Mini-Jack yourself.

Beats Studio 3 is a full-size basshead's dream

But still, lovers of hip-hop, electronic music and plenty of bass in all other genres should take a closer look at Beats Studio 3 - the brand’s flagship full-size headphones. The sound here is very assertive, bassy and bright.

And even though the model came out three years ago, it still remains relevant, and as for the price, there is generally no alternative. Now it is sold in re:Store for only 10 thousand rubles, but unlike the same Beats Solo 3 Wireless, it has active noise reduction. And Beats Studio 3 simply has no competitors in this price range - analogues are at least 2 times more expensive.

You can buy Beats Studio 3 in re:Store for 9990 rubles using this link .

AirPods Max - luxury, premium and rich sound

However, the truly flagship and premium headphones are the AirPods Max, released at the end of 2022. An abundance of metal, bold design and engineering solutions (for example, volume control with the wheel from the Apple Watch), proprietary features like “transparency” and spatial audio, “expensive” and balanced sound (albeit with nuances) - all this makes AirPods Max at the moment Apple's most advanced headphones.

At the same time, AirPods Max are not only headphones, but also a premium brand accessory in a single design. And here it’s not only a matter of presentable appearance, but also their cost - not everyone can spend more than 60 thousand rubles on headphones. This means that their presence on your head will complement the image of a wealthy citizen, akin to a Louis Vuitton bag or a Burberry raincoat. But you can’t do sports in them, they’re too massive.

And if I can recommend other participants in the selection to a wide range of users, then the purchase of AirPods Max must satisfy the following three conditions:

  • you actively and happily use Apple brand gadgets, that is, you are close to the “it just works” philosophy;
  • you want full-size headphones with good studio-like sound, which, due to the form factor, cannot be given to you by, for example, AirPods Pro;
  • you are ready to spend 63 thousand rubles on headphones relatively freely.

If at least one of these conditions is not for you, then feel free to pass by, you hardly need AirPods Max.

And if you have three pluses out of three, then AirPods Max is definitely your next gadget, welcome to the link below.

You can read a detailed review of AirPods Max here:

AirPods Max review: “Louis Vuitton” in the world of headphones

A logical development of the ideas inherent in AirPods Pro: flawless work within the ecosystem, computational audio technology, and spatial sound.

Kirill SergeevDurov Code

You can buy AirPods in re:Store for 62,990 rubles using this link .

About the manufacturer

Apple is a leading manufacturer of laptops, tablets, audio players, smartphones, and original software. Thanks to advanced developments and stylish design, products from this brand are considered the most popular in the field of consumer technology. As the founder said. All products are premium and therefore have a high price.

Apple Corporation was founded in 1976. Since then, it has been called more than once the most expensive brand in the world. Apple's significant inventions include the innovative iPod, which revolutionized the digital audio industry, as well as the iPhone, one of the first touchscreen smartphones.

Verdict - So which headphones should you buy?

The time has come to draw conclusions.

  • If you're on a budget but want good, versatile headphones to pair with your fleet of Apple devices, then choose Beats Flex.
  • For active sports, I recommend taking a closer look at PowerBeats and PowerBeats Pro, which differ only in the presence or absence of a connection between headphones and autonomy.
  • Classic AirPods and AirPods Pro are a great tool for any task, listening to music, watching movies, talking on the phone and on Zoom, and, if you stay in your ears well, also for sports. Why not?
  • Beats Solo 3 Wireless, Beats Studio 3 and Beats Solo Pro are headphones for deep listening with plenty of bass, while Beats Solo Pro is a slightly more versatile model in terms of sound that is suitable for any genre.
  • AirPods Max are for those who are used to getting only the best.

Rating of TOP 8 best models

PlaceNamePrice
TOP 8 best Apple headphones
1Apple AirPods 2 (with charging case) MV7N29 000 ₽
2Apple AirPods 2 (with Wireless Charging Case) MRXJ212 000 ₽
3Apple AirPods Color11 000 ₽
4Apple EarPods (Lightning)2 000 ₽
5Apple AirPods9 000 ₽
6Apple AirPods Pro16 000 ₽
7Apple EarPods (3.5 mm)2 000 ₽
8Apple AirPods 2 Color11 000 ₽
Rating
( 1 rating, average 4 out of 5 )
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