Beyond the AirPods: Exploring the Best Alternatives for 2024
Apple’s recent launch of two new AirPods models sparked excitement, with the $180 AirPods 4 featuring Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and the $130 option foregoing the noise-canceling feature. Both, however, retain the open-ear design, departing from the in-ear tips found on the AirPods Pro. While this design choice might appeal to some, it unfortunately resulted in a loose fit, mediocre ANC, and absence of onboard volume controls.
While Apple enthusiasts might be limited in their alternatives within the Apple ecosystem, there is a plethora of great options available on the market catering to different preferences and price points. Here’s a detailed exploration of some of the best AirPods alternatives:
Staying Within the Apple Ecosystem: The Beats Fit Pro
For those wanting to stick with the Apple brand, the Beats Fit Pro, an Apple-owned subsidiary, emerges as a compelling alternative. Powered by the H1 chip, the same chip in the AirPods Max, these earbuds offer a seamless user experience. Although lacking the latest H2 chip found in the new AirPods, you still reap the benefits of instant pairing with your iPhone, effortless switching between Apple devices, and "Hey Siri" functionality.
However, the Beats Fit Pro truly shines in its winged design, providing a secure fit ideal for workouts and active lifestyles. This tackles the main drawback of the new AirPods – their loose fit, which compromises stability and negatively impacts noise cancellation. The Beats Fit Pro also boasts excellent ANC due to its tight seal, making it a superior choice for those seeking a noise-free experience. Finally, at a price of $160, they are slightly less expensive than the ANC-equipped AirPods 4, offering a compelling price-to-performance ratio.
Beyond Apple: Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
If you’re not tied to the Apple ecosystem and are looking for top-tier features and a compelling alternative to the AirPods 4, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro stand out. Offering a hefty 26 hours of battery life with ANC activated, this option surpasses the new AirPods by a significant six hours.
Adding to their appeal is their exceptionally powerful ANC, so strong it requires disabling in busy urban environments to remain aware of surroundings. In comparison, the AirPods 4’s ANC struggles against strong background noise, leaving users vulnerable to distractions.
Moreover, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro features onboard volume control by swiping up and down on the stems, eliminating the need to constantly reach for your phone. This practical addition is notably absent in the latest AirPods lineup. Finally, these earbuds boast a higher IP57 dust and water resistance compared to the AirPods 4’s IP54 rating, making them more durable against the elements.
The Pixel Buds Pro: A Budget-Friendly Option with Premium Perks
For those seeking a budget-friendly alternative, the Pixel Buds Pro presents a compelling option. While costing $140, these earbuds offer several premium features absent in the base AirPods 4 model, including wireless Qi charging. They also provide a robust 7 hours of battery life with ANC off, extending to 11 hours with ANC enabled. This significantly surpasses the AirPods 4’s meager 5 hours of battery life.
The Pixel Buds Pro also boasts ANC at its modest price, a feature notably missing in the base AirPods 4. This underscores a key point: users are essentially paying an "Apple tax" for that omission. While they don’t necessarily match the ANC quality of high-end options like the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, they still provide a significant improvement over the AirPods 4’s performance.
Baseus Eli Sport 1: A Non-ANC Alternative for the Open-Ear Enthusiast
For individuals shunning the traditional in-ear tip design and the absence of ANC in the base AirPods 4, the Baseus Eli Sport 1 presents an enticing option. Priced at just $70, these non-ANC earbuds offer a significantly cheaper alternative. They feature an on-ear design with ear tips resting outside the ear canal, catering specifically to those who find in-ear tips uncomfortable.
What makes the Eli Sport 1 standout is their discreet design. While many hook-style earbuds are bulky and noticeable, the Eli Sport 1’s design is surprisingly inconspicuous. The wire-like hook and streamlined bulb resting behind the ear provide a minimalist aesthetic.
In terms of fit, these earbuds excel. They remained firmly in place during vigorous activities like running and grocery shopping, unlike the AirPods 4 which constantly threatened to fall out. They also offer a respectable 7 hours of battery life, surpassing the AirPods 4’s five hours.
Beyond Earbuds: Sony WH-1000XM5 for Over-Ear ANC Dominance
For those seeking a truly immersive and noise-canceling experience, venturing beyond earbuds might be the answer. Enter the Sony WH-1000XM5, a superior ANC option compared to even Apple’s over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max. At a more palatable retail price of $350 compared to the AirPods Max’s hefty $500 price tag, the Sony offering proves to be a strong contender.
The AirPods Max, despite receiving some minor updates (Type-C charging and new color variants), remained largely unchanged in its core functionality. The same aging H1 chip continues to power them, lacking any advancements in features or design. The absence of a dedicated power button, along with the bizarre folding mechanism and awkward carrying case, further detract from its value proposition.
The Sony WH-1000XM5, on the other hand, provides a more polished and functional experience. It boasts industry-leading ANC that surpasses the AirPods Max, proving to be a superior choice for those seeking noise isolation. This makes it a stronger contender against the AirPods Max, especially considering its more affordable price point.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Fit for Your Needs
While Apple’s latest AirPods might appeal to certain audiences, their limitations in fit, ANC, and feature set leave room for improvement, making exploration of alternatives a worthwhile endeavor. Whether you’re seeking a more secure fit, enhanced noise cancellation, additional features, or a price advantage, the options discussed in this exploration cater to a wide range of needs and preferences.
From the seamless integration of the Beats Fit Pro within the Apple ecosystem to the premium features of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and the budget-friendly Pixel Buds Pro, the world of earbuds offers a multitude of choices. For those seeking an open-ear design, the Baseus Eli Sport 1 offers a secure fit and impressive battery life. Finally, for the ultimate ANC experience, the Sony WH-1000XM5 stands as a powerful contender against Apple’s over-ear offerings.
Ultimately, the best choice lies in understanding your priorities and navigating the diverse landscape of available options. Beyond the allure of the Apple brand, a world of high-quality, feature-rich alternatives awaits, ready to enhance your audio experience.
