Apple rules the roost of the true wireless earbuds market. Still, you can find plenty of alternatives too. Whether you are looking to commuting, working out, or to match your outfit, here you can have the best pick suiting any of your needs.
Popular AirPods Alternatives
Here are the 5 Best AirPods Alternatives to Have.
1. Google Pixel Buds
This popular AirPods alternatives bud is not the replica of AirPods shape, but Google and Apple do share similar philosophies. The same elegance and the user experience precede all else. On opening the charging case, the earbuds instantly enter pairing mode. A pop-up card appears on nearby Android devices (with Bluetooth enabled), requesting pairing access. After you hit accept, you may get straight to enjoying the smart earbuds with all the neat features afforded to them. This is one of the 5 Best AirPods alternatives to have.
Apart from direct voice access to Google Assistant, you can use Google Translate right from the earbuds. Although this does use the embedded microphone array and transmits speech through the headset, you still require your phone and to download the Google Translate app. The battery life is above average, clocking in at just over six hours of listening on a single charge. On draining of the battery cells, you can pop the earbuds into the sleek case for a mere 10 minutes for two hours of playtime. It also supports USB-C and wireless charging to boot, unlike the AirPods which require you to pay a premium for the latter. For a more comprehensive rundown of the Pixel Buds and their sound quality, check out the SoundGuys full review.
2. Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus
In case you have a Samsung Galaxy S20 smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live are the best AirPods alternatives for Android. It is similar to the AirPods, but unlike other brands, Samsung didn’t copy Apple’s stemmed design. It has bean-shaped buds and these actually stay in your ears, or at least they did mine. They don’t support aptX rather AAC and the scalable Samsung codec, which works well with Samsung Galaxy smartphones. It efficiently negotiates bitrate and connection quality. If you have a Samsung Galaxy S10 device or later, you may wirelessly charge the earbuds from anywhere.
These use Bluetooth 5.0 firmware to maintain a 10-meter connectivity range. The earbuds feature a very good microphone system, which is better than the Galaxy Buds Plus. Unlike the AirPods, these do have an official IP rating of IPX2, meaning they can endure minimal water contact. With average battery life is average and the buds provide just over five hours of battery on a single charge. Five minutes of quick charging afford one hour of listening.
3. Sony WF-1000XM3
Effective noise-canceling earbuds are hard to have, but the Sony WF-1000XM3 takes the cake. It is great for commuters and airline travelers as they greatly reduce low-end noise. It’s disappointing that the earbuds don’t support aptX or LDAC, but AAC high-quality codec support remains an option.
Packed with a new QN1e processor that facilitates 24-bit audio signal processing, it not only offers great sound, but they’re also comfortable to wear for hours at a time. There are three contact points that evenly distribute weight and pressure along with the ear. You can use a combination of touch gestures to make any playback controls or have Google Assistant read income notifications aloud. With good battery life, it offers five hours of playback, outperforming the AirPods.
4. Beats Powerbeats Pro
If you are looking for AirPods alternatives with some of the best battery life true wireless earbuds have to offer, the Beats Powerbeats Pro is the best pick. With over 10 hours of constant playback and support quick charging, plugging them in for just five minutes can offer 1.5 hours of listening, while 15 minutes gives you 4.5 hours of listening. This is one of the 5 Best AirPods alternatives to have.
These earbuds are durable, also with an IPX4 rating. You get great features like H1 chip integration, which allows for hands-free access to Siri, and excellent connection strength due to Bluetooth 5.0 firmware. Sound quality is low-end, which is unsurprising for a pair of Beats, but the reproduction isn’t egregious by any means. You would love to have this if you’re an athlete or iPhone user and want a properly fitting pair of earbuds.
5. Anker SoundCore Liberty Air 2
It is relatively cheap true wireless earbuds are a fan favorite for listeners on a budget. It is IPX5-rated, which means that they’re water-resistant. The angled nozzles prevent ear canal fatigue and SoundCore includes an assortment of ear tip options, so you can find the right fit.
Touch controls are intuitive and extensive. Battery life is quite good, and they last just over seven hours on a single charge. The case can quickly charge the earbuds. Just 10 minutes of charging yields two hours of playtime. If the case is fully drained, you can top it up via USB-C or wireless charging pad. Anyone who wants an AirPods lookalike should consider these.
Synopsis
These are the 5 Best AirPods alternatives to have without spending a fortune. So go ahead and have the best fit suiting your budget and needs.
