The 7 Best Alternatives For Apple AirPods

Apple’s AirPods are handsome, capable, easy to use, and loaded with user-friendly features that range from stellar audio quality to an onboard microphone that’s compatible with both Siri and calls and a good deal more. But they’re also far from the only option on the market. In fact, there are a number of wireless earbuds you can get right now that are suitable alternatives to the AirPods, and some of them have features that make them just as capable as Apple’s flagship headphones. While the AirPods certainly have a stranglehold in regards to popularity, they’re still not for everyone. If you want to stay off the Apple train but still want a solid pair of true wireless earbuds, you can find the best Apple AirPods alternatives in our guide.

What to look for

If you’re going to consider an alternative to Apple’s industry-leading AirPods, then it’s probably a good idea to know exactly what the specs are — that way, you can make an informed decision outside of simple aesthetics. The latest generation of AirPods is a formidable release, but they aren’t without their drawbacks. Of course, for a lot of folks, those drawbacks are hardly enough to scare them away from what is, undeniably, the most recognizable and easily-approachable true wireless earbuds available. For good measure, we’ve outlined some of the most important specs below. That way, you can look at the differences side-by-side.

Playtime: According to Apple, the AirPods Pro 2nd generation holds a charge for six hours of playback, which can be extended by thirty hours via the included charging case. Of course, even with a fully charged case, you’ll still have to stop listening after six hours to charge them back up again. So, when looking at alternatives, anything with ~six hours of listening time is a solid choice, but keep in mind that using features like ANC and making calls will drain the battery faster (usually by an hour or two).

Case Battery: The AirPod Pros provide thirty hours of listening time on a full charge with the case, and most alternatives are in the same ballpark. Do note that many companies include the initial listening time in the total battery life provided by a charging case.

Water Resistance: The current AirPods Pros are IPX4 sweat and water-resistant, and many competitors have followed suit. Some even have IP54 ratings that kick it up a notch with dust resistance. If you plan on working out, then getting a pair with water/sweat resistance is a must.

Sound Quality: Sound quality is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a pair of headphones. Luckily, every pick in our guide has clear audio with balanced mids and highs, but keep in mind that sound quality generally improves as price increases. That’s not to say budget picks will sound bad, but you’ll hear more details with high-end picks.

Noise Cancellation: The main difference here is between active noise cancellation (ANC) and passive noise cancellation. Headphones with active noise cancellation have built-in technology and mics that listen to ambient noise, and then generate frequencies to cancel it out. Passive noise cancellation, on the other hand, does not use any technology, but rather the shape and design of the headphones to naturally isolate sound. At this point in the industry, any noise-canceling headphones worth their salt will have ANC, but if it’s not a big deal to you personally, you can save some money going without it.

Features: Now that AirPods, and wireless earbuds on the whole, are ubiquitous, there are a handful of features we’ve come to expect from them. Touch controls, voice commands, and even sweatproof design are all important features to consider, as they make your headphones more intuitive and handy.

Compatibility: Every pick in our guide is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, but some headphones may have features that work better with certain operating systems.

Google Pixel Buds A-Series

Best Budget Alternative: At roughly half the price of Apple’s AirPods, the Google Pixel Buds A-Series earbuds are undoubtedly one of the best budget propositions on the market. You’re getting up to five hours of listening time in a comfy, sweatproof design with 12mm dynamic speaker drivers, and twenty-four extra hours from the charging case. It comes with a mic so you can make calls (with up to 2.5 hours of talk time), but unfortunately, this pick does not come with active noise cancellation. Instead, you get Google’s which adjusts the volume according to the environment you’re in. Overall, these headphones are super comfy and have solid sound quality, and given the price point, it’s hard to pass them up.

Nothing Ear (2)

Best Unique Alternative: Nothing has been making waves in the tech industry these last few years with minimalist, transparent devices, and an equally sleek OS. The label’s lightweight Ear (2) headphones are its latest audio offering, and despite the lightweight and minimal look, they’re packed with a lot to be impressed by. Like the 36 hours of total playtime (~6 hours without the case) you’re getting with Hi-Res audio, and the active noise cancellation to make it even better. The earbuds are IP54 dust and water-resistant, and the case is IP55 dust and water-resistant, making these quite rugged, too. They also come ready to go with a companion app that gives you some more features, like convenient EQ customization options.

Beats Studio Buds +

Best Alternative Overall: The famous Beats headphones have been a staple in the audio industry since they first hit the scene in the late aughts, and the technology has only been improving (big thanks to Apple), making them just as functional as they are fashion statements. While the Studio Buds don’t have quite the same status as the over-ear headphones, they’re still just as good. They provide clear and balanced sound bolstered by active noise cancellation and have a transparency mode that adapts the cancellation to better fit the environment you’re in. You get a solid 8 hours of playtime and 36 on the whole with the charging case and IPX4 water resistance. Vents on the sides of the buds help relieve pressure and make them more comfortable for long wearing sessions and travel, and three large mics provide crisp call quality.

Jabra Elite 7

Best Active Alternative: If you’re searching for a pair of wireless earbuds that are built to survive the rigors of an active lifestyle — with the risk of sweat exposure ever-looming — then you’re probably going to want to pick up a pair of Jabra’s Elite 7 wireless earbuds. Of all the options in our guide, these ones are the most well-equipped to handle exposure to moisture with their IP57 rating. Of course, they’re also stellar outside of that — featuring built-in Alexa compatibility, customizable audio equalization, and an included two-year warranty against sweat and dust damage. For the athletic crowd, this is your best bet.

SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds 2

Best Android Alternative: While they’re not quite approaching Apple in the tech race, Samsung is still one of the Cupertino-based brand’s chief competitors. And it’s easy to see why in the quality and suite of features stuffed into the Galaxy Buds 2. Boasting built-in sound tech from AKG — a superb sound engineering company that dates back to 1947 — these truly wireless earbuds boast a host of specs that are easily comparable to the AirPods. They offer a water-resistance rating of IPX7 and 360-degree audio for an immersive listening experience. For those making calls often, these also come with HD voice technology.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

Best Noise-Canceling Alternative: While they’re not quite as durable in regards to moisture-resistance as the Jabra offering above, Bose’s SoundSport Free truly wireless earbuds are no slouch, and feature some of the best noise cancellation on the market. Pair that with a trio of interchangeable tips and stability bands to make the fit both comfortable and secure, and these are definitely a suitable alternative. They also feature the same battery life as AirPods, have dual integrated microphones for easy calling, offer top-tier audio-video synchronization when paired with an iPhone or iPad, and more. And the cherry on top of the cake is that you can use it alongside the Bose Music app to adjust the settings and EQ to your liking.

Sony WF-1000XM5

Best Sounding Alternative: Chances are that if you’re in the market for a pair of Apple headphones and haven’t got them yet, you definitely considered a pair from Sony. The label’s noise-canceling headphones (both in-ear and over-ear) are some of the best in the game, and although the names could be improved, the design and sound quality are always top-notch. The WF-1000XM5 earbuds are equipped with some of the best noise canceling you can get and high-resolution audio that’s crisp and clear. Using AI technology, the headphones adjust to ambient noise to create an immersive personal listening experience that’s never interrupted. They’re also water-resistant and lightweight, so you can wear them comfortably during workouts.

The Best Apple Watch Accessories Right Now

Looking for more third-party gadgets? Our best Apple Watch accessories guide highlights some solid choices for your smartwatch.