Are you having trouble deciding whether to buy Apple AirPods, or Bluetooth earbuds or headphones? Maybe you’re not sure which type of listening device would better suit your needs and preferences. In this article I’ll provide a helpful AirPods vs Headphones comparison. I’ll go over the respective benefits of AirPods and Bluetooth earbuds or headphones, touching on factors such as sound quality, comfort, appearance, portability, and price.
Let’s start with AirPods.
All About AirPods
AirPods are Bluetooth in-ear earbuds. These Apple brand earbuds cost $159. If you have other Apple products, then AirPods might be a great investment for you. They’re very easy to use with other Apple devices. You won’t have to worry about any connection problems and getting every set up is extremely easy. If you don’t use Apple products or if you have a non-Apple device that you want to use earbuds with, however, these aren’t for you. They’re only compatible with Apple.
With the cost of AirPods and how easy it is to lose a small AirPod, you will be pleased to know that Apple lets you buy a single replacement AirPod for $69. AirPods are known for staying securely in your ears when you go exercising while wearing them. This is one of the features that make AirPods so convenient and popular. Airpods also come with a wireless charging case.
Airpods are tiny, so they’re much lighter and easier to carry with you compared to Bluetooth headphones. When it comes to sound quality, you might be a little disappointed. Many users consider the AirPod sound to only be comparable to mid-range earbuds.
Comparing AirPods vs Headphones
There are Bluetooth headphones and earbuds available on the market. If you don’t mind having traditional style headphones but with Bluetooth functionality, that might be a great option for you. However, if the portability of earbuds is what you prefer, perhaps look into Bluetooth earbud options that are direct competitors to AirPods.
Below are some examples of Bluetooth earbuds and how they compare to AirPods.
Sony WF-1000XMS Earbuds vs AirPods
One example of Bluetooth earbuds is the WF-1000XMS true wireless earbuds by Sony. These are available for $198, so they’re actually more expensive than AirPods. On top of that, they don’t come with a wireless charging case. If your main focus is sound quality, though, the Sony option might be a great one for you. That is because they offer superior sound quality and active noise cancellation.
While the AirPod earbuds sit at the edge of your ear canal, the Sony true wireless earbuds are true in-ear earphones. This means that they go further inside your ear canal. If this is something that you don’t think you’d like, you might want to think twice about this style. However, the Sony earbuds are available in different sizes. You can go to a professional to get an idea of which size you should get. Be aware that ear canals are sometimes not entirely symmetrical. That means your left and right sides may be different sizes.
Many people believe Apple AirPods are more comfortable than other types of wireless earbuds because of how lightweight they are. If you’re really worried about your AirPods falling out of your ears, the fact that they’re so comfortable might make you a bit nervous. However, if you want to go running with Bluetooth earbuds and you’re careful, they might be the best option. The Sony option tends to be a little heavy if you want to exercise in them.
If you want color options, you might not like AirPods. They’re available in only the traditional Apple white. The Sony ones, on the other hand, are available in taupe with gold accents or matte black with copper accents. If you’re looking for a small and especially portable case, Airpods are a great option. The case is truly small, so much so that you might worry about losing it. These Sony earbuds have a case that is about twice the size.
Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 Earbuds vs AirPods
Another highly rated Bluetooth earbud is Cambridge Audio Melomania 1. These earbuds are known for having incredible sound, so they’re probably a product you’ll be interested in. It’s available for a reasonable price, too. It’s just $79.95. It has been rated as being comfortable. Some people even believe that Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 have better performance than Apple Airpods.
Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds vs AirPods
Yet another option on the market is Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds. These earbuds are quite unique in that they are both wireless and noise cancelling. Bose is a famous brand when it comes to music and sound. These are earbuds you’ll gravitate to if sound quality is your highest priority. They are a bit expensive at more than $350, but are a good investment if this is what you’re looking for.
The charging case that comes with Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds has been criticized for not having as much charging capacity as it could. It’s also on the bulky side, so these earbuds may not be a great choice if you want something portable. Also keep in mind that you shouldn’t exercise outside with noise cancelling earbuds. You should stay aware of what is going on around you (for example, traffic sounds, people near you, etc).
One advantage of Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is that even with superb sound quality, they aren’t very big. Many people find them comfortable to wear. If you heard negative things about Bose’s earlier attempt at earbuds, which were called the SoundSport Free earbuds, don’t worry about experiencing those problems with these.
As we’ve seen here, Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds are more for music and sound enthusiasts than the Apple AirPods, which focus more on portability and convenience. Also, the Apple AirPods are significantly less expensive than Bose.
Best of Luck Choosing Your Perfect Earbuds!
Now you have a much better idea of how Apple AirPods vs headphones with Bluetooth capabilities differ. You can use this knowledge to decide which option would best suit your own preferences and needs, as well as budget.
