6 Best AirPod Alternatives 2024: Top Picks and Buying Guide
Looking for the best AirPod alternatives in 2024? You're in the right place! With so many options available, it can be tough to find earbuds that match the quality and features of AirPods. From top-notch noise cancellation to immersive sound experiences, this guide explores six standout alternatives that might just become your new favorites. Dive in to discover which options offer the best performance and value for your needs.
6 Best AirPod Alternatives
Below are the six best AirPod alternatives for iPhone that offer exceptional performance.
1. soundcore Liberty 4 Pro
The soundcore Liberty 4 Pro offers reactive noise cancellation that adapts to your surroundings. Its Adaptive ANC 3.0 adjusts the noise-canceling curve every 1/3 second using six sound sensors and one air pressure sensor.
These earbuds are designed for audiophiles with the ACAA 4.0 dual-driver acoustic architecture, featuring a 10.5mm bass driver and a 4.6mm high-frequency driver, enhanced by digital crossover technology.
The case includes a touch bar and a smart screen for easy control, allowing you to switch between noise cancelling and transparency modes. The advanced 5C fast charging battery provides 4 hours of playback after just 5 minutes of charging.
2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer strong active noise cancellation (ANC) that effectively reduces unwanted sounds. Their transparency mode lets outside sounds in clearly, so it feels like you're not wearing earbuds.
These earbuds provide clear, detailed audio with a bass-forward profile and offer spatial audio with head tracking, known as Immersive Audio. With AptX codec support, they deliver high-quality sound. Battery life is similar to AirPods Pro, offering about 6 hours of playtime on a single charge.
3. soundcore Liberty 4 NC
The soundcore Liberty 4 NC is another excellent AirPod alternative with advanced noise cancellation that reduces noise by up to 98.5%. Its Adaptive ANC 2.0 adjusts to your ears and surroundings in real-time.
These earbuds feature 11mm drivers and LDAC-supported Hi-Res Wireless for precise, clear audio. The adjustable EQ and Hear ID 2.0 allow for tailored sound customization. Connectivity is efficient, supported by Fast Pair and Bluetooth 5.3. With an IPX4 water resistance rating and six microphones enhanced by AI technology, they offer reliable performance for both audio playback and clear communication. Additionally, its battery life is solid, providing up to 10 hours per charge, with an additional 50 hours available through the charging case.
4. Beats Fit Pro
The Beats Fit Pro is a great AirPod alternative, especially for iPhone users. It comes with Apple's H1 chip for easy pairing and supports features like spatial audio and EQ adjustments, which also work with Android devices.
The Fit Pro’s design is ideal for workouts with three ear tip sizes and secure wingtips. With an IPX4 rating, they resist sweat and rain, making them suitable for intense workouts. The earbuds offer active noise cancellation and transparency mode, with on-ear controls for managing music and calls. Battery life is up to 6 hours with ANC on, and the case provides an additional 18 hours of playback.
5. soundcore AeroFit 2
The soundcore AeroFit 2 is designed for all-day comfort with a hidden, rotatable ear hook that adapts to different ear sizes.
The hyperboloid shape and soft liquid silicone provide a secure, gentle fit—even for those who wear glasses. The adjustable ear hook further enhances stability, particularly during physical activities, making these earbuds suitable for extended use.
On the audio front, the AeroFit 2 excels with its 20*11.5mm custom drivers, delivering robust bass and clear sound. The bean-shaped earphone design ensures a close fit to the ear canal, minimizing sound leakage and enhancing audio quality. This is further supported by a directional acoustic system and bass enhancement algorithms. Additionally, the earbuds support LDAC high-definition audio and are Hi-Res certified, ensuring a high-quality listening experience across a range of genres.
6. Sony WF-1000XM5
The Sony WF-1000XM5 is a top AirPod alternative with a sleek, rounded design and superb sound quality.
These earbuds offer spatial audio and head tracking for an immersive experience, similar to the AirPods Pro. The AI-driven active noise cancellation (ANC) is highly effective, and the custom EQ settings allow for detailed sound adjustments.
While the WF-1000XM5 doesn’t integrate as seamlessly with iPhones and MacBooks as AirPods, Bluetooth 5.3 ensures reliable connectivity with only a slight delay. They support in-ear detection, touch controls, and multipoint connectivity. Although LDAC is not supported by iPhones, these earbuds still offer excellent sound quality and value for those looking for a versatile AirPods alternative.
How to Choose the Best Alternatives to AirPods?
When choosing the best alternative to airpods, consider factors like sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and battery life. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
1. Set Your Budget
Decide how much you want to spend. Many good options are available for under $100, but they might lack some features of AirPods. At $150 and above, you’ll find alternatives that offer similar experiences to AirPods.
2. Consider the Design
Over-Ear: If you prefer over-ear designs like the AirPods Max, look for models with soft ear cups and a comfortable fit.
In-Ear: For an in-ear design similar to AirPods, consider models with a bulbous earpiece and a stem. Alternatively, you can find more compact, rounded, or secure-fit designs.
3. Check the Features
Spatial Audio: If immersive sound is important, look for earbuds with spatial audio, though it may not work with all devices.
Seamless Pairing: AirPods offer seamless pairing with Apple devices. While other brands might not match this, Beats offers similar integration. For Android users, many earbuds connect easily with Bluetooth.
Noise Cancellation: For effective noise cancelling earbuds, brands like soundcore provide excellent alternatives to AirPods Pro and Max.
4. Evaluate Sound Quality
AirPods have a neutral sound profile that many find appealing. For other earbuds, check if they come with apps for sound customization, which can help you tune them to your preferences.
5. Battery Life
Ensure the wireless earbuds have enough battery life for your needs. Aim for at least 5 hours of playback time, and check if the charging case offers quick top-ups.
By considering these factors, you can find good airpod alternatives that fit your needs and preferences.
FAQs
Does iPhone support any other earbuds?
Yes, iPhones support a wide range of earbuds beyond Apple AirPods. You can use any Bluetooth-enabled earbuds with an iPhone, including brands like soundcore, Bose and Sony. These earbuds connect via Bluetooth just like AirPods, allowing you to enjoy music, make calls, and use Siri. Additionally, many of these alternatives offer features like noise cancellation and customizable sound settings, making them great options for iPhone users.
How to pair non-Apple AirPods to iPhone?
Pairing non-Apple earbuds to an iPhone is simple. First, ensure your earbuds are in pairing mode, usually by holding down a button on the earbuds until the LED light flashes. Next, on your iPhone, go to "Settings," then "Bluetooth," and turn it on. Your earbuds should appear in the list of available devices. Tap on the earbuds' name to connect, and once paired, you're ready to use them.
Conclusion
When looking for the best AirPod alternatives, consider what matters most to you, whether it's sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, or battery life. The options mentioned offer a range of features to suit different needs. Whether you're an audiophile, a frequent traveler, or someone who enjoys music on the go, there's an ideal pair of earbuds out there for you. Choose wisely, and enjoy a listening experience that meets your expectations.
