Are There Headphones Better Than AirPods?

The answer to this depends on your needs and budget, and whether you want a pair of wireless earbuds or a larger headphone that can cover your ears and provide richer sound performance. Wireless headphones can be a convenient option, as they remove the need to plug in wires and avoid dead batteries or Bluetooth issues. But they’re not for everyone and can often be more expensive than wired models. The good news is that there are plenty of headphones better than airpods out there, from high-end brands such as Beats, Sony and Bose to less expensive options such as the popular Apple AirPods alternatives.

The best headphones better than airpods will offer a balanced mix of features, comfort and sound quality. Some will have the convenience of true wireless earbuds, while others are designed with an open or closed design and come with a carrying case to keep them charged and safe when not in use. Many of the best headphones better than airpods will have a built-in microphone to enable hands-free phone calls and can also be used for music streaming or for audio books. Others will have an active noise cancellation feature to help block out ambient sound for a more immersive listening experience.

For the ultimate in portability, true wireless earbuds are the way to go. However, these can be uncomfortable for some people and may not seal as well as a conventional headphones pair. This can lead to problems such as accidental pauses or summoning a voice assistant, which can quickly become irritating. Many true wireless earbuds have a large area around the earpieces that is touch sensitive and can be accidentally activated when you’re moving or wearing them. This can make it easy to pause your music, change tracks or even turn the volume up too loud.

If you’re an iPhone user, then the Apple AirPods are a natural choice as they offer all the same audio and hands-free features that you love. However, if you’re not an iPhone user, or just prefer to use Android devices, there are plenty of alternatives. The good news is that the best headphones better than airpods are not only more affordable, but also offer great audio performance and even support the latest high-resolution audio codecs like Dolby Atmos and Sony’s DSEE.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 are a fantastic pair of headphones that offer a lot of what the AirPods Pro 2 do but at a more budget friendly price. They feature exceptional passive noise isolation and ANC as well as spatial audio and support for head tracking on select OnePlus phones.

These earbuds are comfortable and secure enough to wear for long periods of time, and they have excellent battery life. They have a small case that can be charged on the go and also feature an audio cable so you can listen to your music without a connection. They’re also available in a range of colors and are compatible with most Android phones as well as iOS devices.