Best Apple Headphones: Buying Guide
You have broken iPhone’s earphones, you would like to replace them with a new pair of headphones or Apple headphones, but you do not know which one to choose? Do not worry, if you want I’ll help you find the product that best suits your needs.
Fortunately, freedom of choice is not lacking. Apple produces several earbuds under its brand and thanks to the acquisition of Beats, a well-known manufacturer of headphones, earphones and speakers founded by recording company Jimmy Iovine and rapper Dr. Dre, also has a wide range of headphones suitable for every need. In short: you just have to choose the type of product that best suits your needs and find the model to buy.
How do you say? You do not know how to choose the type of earphones or headphones that is most appropriate for you?
No problem. Give me five minutes of your time and I’ll try to show you all the features, features and technical specifications you need to look at before buying a new pair of headphones or earphones with the Apple or Beats brand (or even other brands, the indications are valid for any type of headset or headset).
I am convinced that in the end, you will be able to find an excellent alternative to the Apple earphones that you are broken!
How to choose Apple headphones
Before purchasing a pair of Apple headphones or headphones, you must consider various features, including the format and type of connection (ie wireless or wired). Here’s everything in detail.
Headphones or Earphones
The first choice you have to make is that between headphones and earphones, which is purely subjective and depends exclusively on your needs.
The headphones, as easily understood, allow better isolation from the external environment, generally ensuring a richer and more enveloping sound of the earphones, but they are also much more cumbersome. For example: they are not suitable for sports and can be very uncomfortable to carry in a backpack or bag.
The earphones are extremely portable, they weigh very little and are ideal for sports activities. On the other hand, they ensure a lower degree of insulation than that provided by the headphones and can be removed much more easily from the ears.
Format
After choosing between headphones and earphones, you have to choose the type of headset or headset to buy. Because they can have different formats.
The earphones, in general, can be earbuds or in-ear. The difference between the two is that the earbuds ” rest ” in the ears without completely entering the ear canal, while the in-ear enter directly into the ear canal. As easily understood, in-ear headphones provide a greater degree of isolation than earbuds, they are generally more stable in the ear, but are not suitable for everyone, not everyone loves to wear them.
Apple offers hybrid solutions halfway between the two formats: they are earbuds with a particular shape that promise to give stability and a degree of insulation comparable to those of in-ear headphones. I’ll talk to you soon.
As for headphones, the most important distinction to make is between the on-ear format and the around-ear (circumaural) format. The on-ear headphones simply rest on the earcups, while the over-ear headphones completely envelop the ear in their pavilions. The former are lighter and more compact. The latter ensure a higher degree of insulation and, tendentially, are more comfortable to wear for long periods.
With Cable or Wireless
Another very important distinction to make, which concerns both headphones and earphones, is that related to the presence of wires.
Headsets and wireless headsets are often more comfortable due to their lack of cables, but they are also easier to lose (I mean more than headphones in this case). They can suffer from problems related to interference on the Bluetooth network (they use to communicate with smartphones, computers and other devices) and, above all, they must be recharged from time to time because they are battery powered. If you decide to buy wireless headphones, check their degree of autonomy and their charging times.
The latest Apple headsets and headphones are equipped with the chip W1: a component that allows you to instantly pair the headphones to your iPhone and find it paired with all Apple devices connected to the same Apple ID: iPad, Mac etc.
In order to take advantage of the W1 chip features you need to have a Phone, iPad or iPod touch with iOS 10 or later, an Apple Watch with watchOS 3 or later or a Mac with macOS 10.12 Sierra or later. Another important thing to underline is that headphones and earphones with W1 chips can also be paired with Android devices and any other non-Apple device following the classic Bluetooth pairing procedure.
Microphone, controls and adapters
Regarding microphone and controls: all headphones and earphones are equipped with a microphone to answer calls and interact with Siri.
The same can be said for volume, music playback, calls and Siri controls, which are absent on AirPods (Apple’s wireless headsets that only support double tap to invoke Siri or stop multimedia playback). In headphones with cable, the controls are almost always on the cable; in wireless ones, they are almost always on the pavilion.
If you have an iPhone 7 or an iPhone 7 Plus, if you want to use a pair of headphones or earphones with cable, remember to use a Lightning to 3.5mm adapter (as there is no jack on the latest iPhone models headphones), or buy a pair of Apple earphones with Lightning connector.
Unfortunately, Apple (and Beats) does not like to provide technical details on its headphones. This means that in the official product cards, you will hardly find values like frequency response, impedance or sensitivity that normally allow you to judge the performance of a pair of headphones or earphones.
Technical Features
The frequency response indicates the frequency range covered by the headphones, it is measured in Hz and its amplitude determines the level of fidelity of the sound reproduced by the headphones (knowing that the human ear can perceive frequencies ranging from 20 to 20,000 Hz).
The impedance is a value that measures the resistance exerted by the headphones on the audio signal. It is measured in volt / ampere (ohms) and when it is high, it ensures a high sound quality (even if at a lower maximum volume).
Finally, the sensitivity is the sound pressure expressed by the headphones in relation to the applied voltage, is indicated in dB and when it is high, it means that the headphones can offer a very high volume without distortion of the sound.
I hope I have been clear, although unfortunately the definitions I have just provided you will not need to judge the headphones of Apple and Beats. To find out how ” plays ” a pair of headphones or Apple headphones, I’m sorry, but you can only rely on the reviews you find online (maybe on Amazon or other stores where you can buy such products) or go to an electronics store and try the headphones in person.
Wanting to force a general assessment, we can say that the earphones branded Apple offer a balanced sound on all frequencies while headphones and Beats headphones tend to favor the bass, but we must evaluate case by case.
Regarding the level of isolation from external noise, we have already said that the in-ear headphones and over-ear headphones are those that behave better, but there are also headphones with active technology for noise reduction that are at a higher level because they act in a way, active on the noises to be eliminated.
The headphones with active noise reduction technology, even if they are wired (ie with cable), have a battery that is used to make active noise reduction work.
Best Apple Earphones
At this point, I would say that we can move on to the action and see what are the best headphones and the best Apple headphones (or Beats) that you can currently find in stores. Let’s start from the earphones.
Apple EarPods
These are the classic Apple headphones, those found in the iPhone box. They have a ” hybrid ” shape halfway between the earbuds and the in-ear that ensure good comfort, a fair degree of isolation but do not enter directly into the ear canal.
According to Apple, the EarPods are ” compatible “, that is they are fine, to 90% of people; in reality, there are many users who complain about stability problems of the earphones and that, to solve the problem, have to resort to pads and / or external hooks (which can be purchased for a few euros on the Internet).
EarPods include wire controls to adjust the volume, control media playback and interact with Siri; they have an integrated microphone and have a standard 3.5mm connection. The sound is of good quality and balanced on all frequencies.
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more...
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get...
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with 3.5mm Headphone Plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music...
Note : if you decide to buy the EarPods on a store other than the official Apple (eg Amazon), pay attention to the sellers and the product description, there may be fake earphones passed off for Apple originals.
Apple EarPods with Lightning connector
As you surely know, starting with iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, Apple has removed the headphone jack from their smartphones. This means that to use headphones and earphones, you have to resort to wireless technology, a Lightning adapter > 3.5mm jack or earphones with Lightning attack, like the Lightning version of the EarPods that you find in the iPhone, and you can buy online at a price slightly higher than that of the classic EarPods. Apart from the different attack, the Lightning EarPods are identical to the standard ones.
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more...
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get...
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with Lightning Connector also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and...
Aple AirPods
The AirPods are Apple’s wireless headsets and have a form virtually identical to that of the classic EarPods. Their most important feature is the simplicity of use: thanks to the integrated Apple W1 chip, they can be instantly combined with all iPhone models from 5 onwards.
Once paired, the earphones are then automatically associated to all Apple devices of the user: iPad, Mac etc., as long as they are connected to the same Apple ID. Another simplification is that concerning the switching on and off of the earphones: the AirPods are supplied with a case that also acts as a charging base. To turn them on, just remove them from the base and insert them into your ears; to turn them off, just remove them from your ears and place them in the base.
The autonomy is 5 hours per charge with the case that allows you to recharge up to 4 times (for a total autonomy of about 1 day). They include a microphone that allows you to use them for calls (even in mono mode, wearing only one AirPod), while they do not have buttons. They only have a sensor that allows Siri to be invoked by double ” tap ” on the outside of the earphones.
To adjust volume, media playback etc. you must give voice commands to Siri. Although designed to suit Apple devices, the AirPods also work with devices of other brands via the classic Bluetooth pairing. Compatibility with Apple devices is limited to Phone, iPad and iPod touch with iOS 10 or later, Apple Watch with watchOS 3 or later and Mac with macOS Sierra or later.
- Amazingly easy to use, Air Pods combine intelligent design with breakthrough technology and crystal clear sound
- AirPods provide rich, high-quality AAC audio; And when you want to be heard, dual beamforming microphones filter out background noise when you make...
- Just take them out and they're ready to use with all your devices, put them in your ears and they connect instantly
Monster iBeats
The Monster iBeats are the cheaper earphones of the Beats house. They are in-ear type with cable and include both the microphone and the controls to control volume and music playback. They have a pretty good sound (with a particular fondness for the bass) and a volume that even at high levels does not involve particular distortion of the sound. In short: they are not the best headphones that can be purchased in this price range, but they are valid.
UrBeats
UrBeats are, most likely, corded earphones offering the best value for money in the current Beats catalog. They have an in-ear design, are covered in metal and include both the microphone and the controls for multimedia playback and calls. Their sound, while rewarding the bass, is quite balanced. They are supplied with four pairs of earpieces of different sizes.
- High performance wired earbuds in black
- Fine-tuned acoustic design delivers an exceptional listening experience
- Compatible with iOS and Android products
Beats by Dr. Dre Tour 2.0
Among the Beats branded earphones that I recommend you take into consideration, there are also Beats by Dr. Dre Tour 2.0 that have the ” usual ” in-ear format but are characterized by removable silicone flaps that increase stability in the earcups. They work via cable and include both the microphone and the volume controls, calls and music playback (always on the cable). They sound good, but always with a special fondness for the bass.
- BIG SOUND SMALL PACKAGE: It's rare to find big sound in something so small. Beats Tour ear buds are among the first ear buds to hold their own against...
- REDESIGNED FIT: The perfect listening experience requires the perfect fit. It includes removable wingtips to provide a customizable fit for precise...
- IMPROVED SOUND: While compact and portable, the new Tour is powerful enough to handle all kinds of music. Now you can crank up the volume without...
Powerbeats2 Wireless
On the threshold of 100 euros it is worth considering the Powerbeats2 wireless, although not the most recent, are still very valid. They have a battery that provides up to 6 hours of battery life and offers the possibility to get 1 hour of autonomy with just 15 minutes of charge, include the microphone for calls and interaction with Siri and a controller on the cable (the connecting cable the two earphones) to change the volume, answer calls and manage media playback. They offer a good sound, even if always oriented towards bass. Their main flaw is probably the construction materials, which for the price at which these earphones are sold could have been better.
- High-performance wireless earphones
- Compatible with iOS and Android devices.
- Connectivity Technology: Apple’s W1 Chip and Wireless Connect via Class 1 Bluetooth with your device for wireless workout freedom
BeatsX
Now let’s move on to the Beatsx: wireless in-ear headphones designed for use in everyday life. They have a fairly simple in-ear design and provide excellent battery life: they last up to 8 hours for each full charge and up to 2 hours for 5 minutes of charge.
They are equipped with the Apple W1 chip that allows instant matching with iPhone (iPhone 5 or later with iOS 10 or higher) and with other Apple devices and have a magnetic attachment that allows you to wear the earphones when not in use, like a necklace. Obviously, they have a microphone and controls for volume, multimedia playback, calls and Siri. They come with four pairs of different-sized eartips.
- High-performance, wireless earphones in black
- Compatible with iOS and Android devices
- Up to 8 hours of battery life for when you’re on the go
Powerbeats3 Wireless
The Powerbeats3 are the best sports headphones in the current Beats catalog. They are wireless in-ear with external bows that keep them well attached to the ear. They have a long battery life that allows them to be used up to 12 hours per charge, and they support Fast Fuel fast charge technology that allows you to gain 1 hour of battery life with a charge of just 5 minutes.
They are equipped with the Apple W1 chip that allows instant association to the iPhone (iPhone 5 or later with iOS 10 or higher) and all Apple devices of the user and are resistant to water and sweat. Include the microphone and controls (on the cable that connects the two earphones) that allow you to control the volume, music and invoke Siri. The sound is balanced and does not present an excessive emphasis on bass as happens on other Beats home earphones. They include grommets of various sizes.
- High-performance wireless earphones
- Compatible with iOS and Android devices.
- Connectivity Technology: Apple’s W1 Chip and Wireless Connect via Class 1 Bluetooth with your device for wireless workout freedom
Accessories for Apple headsets
As already mentioned, the EarPods and AirPods have a very particular shape that makes them perfect for some people and uncomfortable for others. If you would like to use these earphones but fall off your ears, buy pads, sponges and / or hooks to increase their grip in the ear. The results that you will achieve, spending very few euros, will be surprising!
Note : if you have AirPods, using pads or hooks you may lose the functionality of some of the sensors on the earphones (so lose the automatic stop / play and the gesture on the outside of the earphones). To avoid this risk, apply the bearings and the hooks taking care not to cover the sensors or, in the case of sponges, make small holes to ” free ” the sensors.
Best Apple headphones
Now let’s move on to the headphones, which as mentioned above are all under the Beats brand as Apple does not produce headphones under its brand. I am convinced that you will be able to find at least a pair suitable for you!
Beats EP
If you’re looking for Apple headphones with cable, and you do not want to spend crazy figures, you could turn to the EP Beats. As you can also imagine from the picture above, these are extremely light and comfortable earphones with microphone, controls for volume, music, calls and Siri. The sound is good: it aims a lot on the bass but does not penalize too many averages and highs. They have no battery, so they do not need to be recharged.
- Beats EP wired on-ear headphone in black delivers masterfully tuned sound.
- Durable, lightweight design reinforced with stainless steel
- Take calls and control music on your iOS and Android devices with the microphone in the RemoteTalk cable
Beats Solo2 Wired
If your budget is around 150 euros, take the Beats Solo2 seriously, which came out a while ago, but only now they guarantee a fully convincing quality-price ratio. They are of the on ear type with plastic and metal design and re-closable pavilions for easy transport.
They only work by cable; cable on which there are controls to handle calls, volume and music playback. Their sound is very good, slightly oriented towards the bass, but not unbalanced like in other models of headphones or earphones that we have analyzed in this purchase guide.
- Brand: Beats by Dr. Dre
- Earpiece Design: Ear-Cup (Over the Ear)
Beats Solo3 Wireless
In the field of wireless headphones, if you do not have particular budget limits, I suggest you consider the Beats Solo Wireless 3, which have a very long autonomy and the integration of the W1 chip from Apple. They last up to 40 hours per charge and support the Fast Fuel rapid charging system that allows you to get 3 hours of listening in just 5 minutes of charging.
Thanks to the W1 chip, it is possible to pair it to iPhone (iPhone 5 or later with iOS 10 or higher) in an instantaneous way, and automatic synchronization is performed with all the Apple devices of the user.
They include a microphone and controls on the pavilion that allow you to control volume, music, calls and invoke Siri. They are also compatible with non-Apple devices through the classic Bluetooth pairing procedure. They are in on-ear format and are available in eight different colors. The sound rewards the bass very much but does not ” kill ” the rest of the frequencies.
- High-performance wireless Bluetooth headphones in matte black
- Features the Apple W1 chip and Class 1 wireless Bluetooth connectivity
- With up to 40 hours of battery life, Beats Solo3 wireless is your perfect everyday headphone
Beats Studio 2.0
The Beats Studio 2.0 are the ideal solution for those looking for Apple headphones with cable that can isolate from external noise. They are of the over ear type (closed) and have an active technology for the cancellation of external noise. This technology works by battery, which has an autonomy of about 20 hours. Once discharged, the headphones can be used normally by cable but giving up the active noise cancellation.
They are foldable and include both the microphone and the controls for music and calls. The construction materials are average (rigid plastic and metal), as well as the weight (250 grams). They are available in four different colors and have a sound that rewards, perhaps exceedingly, the bass.
- High-performance wireless Bluetooth headphones in matte black
- Features the Apple W1 chip and Class 1 wireless Bluetooth connectivity
- With up to 40 hours of battery life, Beats Solo3 wireless is your perfect everyday headphone
Beats Pro
Beats is a brand that is primarily aimed at consumer users, but this does not mean that there are no Beats professional headphones. The Beats Pro, for example: are designed for the public of professionals and ensure a balanced and clear sound on all frequencies combined with a great convenience of use.
The pavilions are padded with excellent insulation against external noise and can be rotated for easy transport. The design is Supra-aural. They work exclusively by cable and have a steel and aluminum body that is both robust and elegant at the same time.
- Renewed products look and work like new. These pre-owned products have been inspected and tested by Amazon-qualified suppliers, which typically...
- Beats Pro headphones are designed for sound engineers, musicians, and those who take sound seriously. They're the headphones that artists like...
- The sound of the studio. Beats Pro headphones allow you take sound seriously. That means youre hearing music the way it was originally heard by the...
Beats Studio Wireless
Beats Studio Wireless are other professional headphones. They work wirelessly through Bluetooth technology and have an over-ear design that is very comfortable and extremely effective in eliminating external noise. To increase the isolation from external noise there is also an active noise cancellation technology that can be set in two different modes: a mode allows you to balance the music you listen to and external noise, the second removes noise completely.
The autonomy of the headphones is 12 hours. The sound is balanced on all frequencies. Of course, they include a microphone to interact with Siri and answer calls and controls, on the pavilion, to adjust volume, media playback and answer calls.
- High-performance wireless noise cancelling headphones in matte black
- Compatible with iOS and Android devices.
- Pure adaptive noise canceling (pure ANC) actively blocks external noise
Product prices and availability are subject to change. Any price and availablility information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of any products.
