Since AirPods hit the market in December 2016, they laid the foundation for wireless headphones , although we had seen other models before. In just a few years, the technology has been improving in all aspects, and practically any renowned brand is at the level of AirPods, or even above. However, to this day, they remain one of the best references. But, for various reasons, you may not be interested or you do not like Apple‘s in-ear headphones, so we are going to guide you to find their biggest rivals.
And it is that several preliminary concepts must be taken into account, such as comfort and design , noise cancellation, ambient sound… And although it seems like a simple matter, first we must be clear about the types of AirPods models that exist, since that since 2016 Apple has been taking out renewals until reaching the Pro.
First, know the competition: AirPods models
As we mentioned, the years have brought various renovations. Currently, there are three ranges of AirPods on the market: the normal ones, the AirPods, the Pro and the Max. Within each of the models we also find different generations. Keep in mind that each model has a specific market niche, let’s see them:
- 2nd and 3rd generation AirPods . We know them for being one of the most famous headphones on the market, with up to three different generations, although the ones that matter most to us are the last 2. From 2nd to 3rd there is one more hour of autonomy, up to 6, and an aesthetic touch-up, although it is not too noticeable either. The second generation already has Siri, sensors with microphone, optical sensors, accelerometer with motion and voice detection and the H1 chip, exactly the same as in the 3rd generation. However, the latest model includes MagSafe technology to magnetically adhere to the charging base. Both models have resistance to water and sweat. Those of 2nd are worth 150 euros, and those of 3rd, 199. We will find your competition!
- AirPods Pro . Beyond the basic model that we have seen in the previous point, the Pro are an evolution in every way, and better. Starting with its design, which, following the traditional cane, have a greater curvature. They stand out especially for including all kinds of sound modes: ambient, noise cancellation, amplifier, spatial audio, pressure compensation… And it includes the Sip, a chip based on the H1 of the AirPods. They are manipulated through the pin, to change songs, make calls, navigate through the menu… Their autonomy is also superior, with up to 4.5 continuous hours of music with a charge in the case, and it lasts up to 4. Its price is somewhat greater, for 279 euros. We will see which are the main competitors.
- AirPods Max . They are proper headband headphones. They are still AirPods, although with a headband in between, with the most premium materials in every way. They interest us because they have a dynamic transducer from Apple itself, as well as ambient sound mode, surround sound, position sensor, case sensor… Come on, a masterpiece of wireless headphones. They even have an accelerometer and a gyroscope on the left earcup. Its autonomy is up to 20 hours, with 9 microphones and a price that starts at 629 euros. Will we find the perfect competition for them? Of course.
important issues
But of course, before launching ourselves into a specific model, we have to take into account a series of characteristics in this type of headphones, whether they are in-ear or headband . And of course, we will start from the same features and benefits that all AirPods are capable of offering us.
- Noise cancellation . Although we will delve into this issue later, noise cancellation is an essential feature in headphones that want to go one step further. In the AirPods, what they do is that the microphones are facing outwards, so they detect all external sounds, and cancel all that annoying sound with anti-noise signals. It is very useful for calls, since practically nobody will hear the noise of traffic or shouts, even if you are in the middle of the street.
- Ambient sound mode . Another fundamental issue is the ambient mode of the AirPods. It allows us to clearly hear what is around us despite having the headphones on. And it is that, with the same microphones that point towards the outside of your ear, they capture the sound and transmit it softly and naturally, to know what is around you. Very useful if, for example, you are walking down the street and want to be aware of traffic, or on a bicycle.
- Adaptive equalization . This technology is almost exclusive to Apple, so it will be difficult to find it in other devices. It uses the internal microphone that helps implement active noise cancellation, and regulate how the sound is dispersed inside our ear, because no ear is the same and, precisely, what equalization does is adapt the sound to each physical space .
- Transducers . They are responsible for transforming energy, and convert the audio signal into energy, that is, they go from being electromagnetic energy to mechanical energy. They are made to measure and are not a standard size, but at least they will have to have 30 or more millimeters to guarantee a good user experience.
- Surround sound . It is the famous surround sound, the sound that is distributed from several channels in the headset and that allows us to hear it as if it were surrounding our entire head, but through our ears. We can also find it as spatial audio, which is a dynamic tracking of the position of the head, creating an immersive and immersive listening experience, hence its name. We simply have to look at including this feature.
- Optical Sensors . The new batches of wireless earphones mostly include optical sensors. They are very comfortable, since they detect the moment in which we remove the earphone from our ear and stop playback, and vice versa, when you put them on, they play music again. These sensors are usually found in mid-high range headphones.
- Autonomy. Autonomy is one of the most controversial issues in this type of headphones. We have already explained it to you in the model types, and we find AirPods with 4, 5, 6 and up to 20 hours of playback in the case of AirPods Max. We will propose solutions that have at least 4 hours of playback, which is what we consider to be the essential minimum.
Vital: active noise cancellation
Active noise cancellation deserves a separate mention, one of the fundamental issues when we talk about wireless headphones. We find two types, active and passive. The first is the one that we will stop to explain in more detail, since it is the one that includes the AirPods. In very general terms, passive is passive technology that isolates noise from the outside through insulating materials found in the casing of the earphone.
However, the active one, also known as ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) isolates better and is more complete in every way, radically eliminating the sound from the outside. To do this, it uses the built-in, outward-facing microphones to send a cancellation signal of what you hear to the inner earpiece, blocking it.
Each earphone works independently, actively compensating for noise in each of them. What it does is create an artificial sound wave, to which the original wave is added, resulting in sound cancellation. For this reason, we will include headphones that have active noise cancellation.
Models that compete with basic AirPods
The time has finally come to look for the best models. Next, we propose the three best models that are direct competition with the second and third generation AirPods.
Samsung Galaxy Buds2
We start this selection with the latest generation wireless in-ear headphones from Samsung, the Galaxy Buds 2. They have three microphones to pick up the voice, which allow clear calls, with active noise cancellation that filters and detects ambient noise, while Active noise cancellation blocks out unwanted sound.
They feature Comfort Fit ergonomics, weighing just 5 grams each, to fit all ears and ear canals, with soft, flexible silicone eartips in three sizes. It is important that they also have surround sound to enjoy powerful and deep bass and clear treble through the two-way dynamic speakers . You will be able to customize the sound equalization, achieving a perfect tone.
In addition, the battery will last up to 5 hours of use, and more than 15 if you combine it with the case. They are a very economical competition, with a lot of technology and a price on Amazon that is around 90 euros .
Huawei FreeBuds 4i
If we are looking for a similar form to the second and third generation AirPods, these are the best, and at an unbeatable price. One of the virtues offered by this accessory is that the Kirin A1 chip is integrated, which optimizes both Bluetooth communication and consumption. They include noise cancellation, as is usual in this type of device, and it is a cane-type product. The control of the actions is executed with some integrated panels.
Its low latency ensures good quality even for gaming, and the sound is defined thanks to a 14-millimeter driver. It stands out for being also water resistant and having a more than long-lasting battery: up to 10 hours of continuous playback and fast charging . We can find them for sale on Amazon for about 55 euros .
Beats Studio Buds
Beats is one of the oldest and most professional brands when it comes to the world of headphones. Why have we chosen them? Because of its active noise cancellation (ANC) and ambient sound mode, very similar to AirPods. Inside, three sizes of white ear tips and up to 8 hours of uninterrupted sound (up to 24 hours with the charging case).
It also highlights its surround sound, which will make the movies, games and music surround you 360º. You can control everything with a single finger thanks to the touch controls, and we can vary its color between blue, white, gray, black, red and pink. Its price on Amazon is usually around 100 euros .
Competition plus Pro
Sony WF1000XM3
These Sony WF1000XM3 have all the latest technologies from a brand that knows the sound market very well. For starters, they have active noise cancellation, they have a battery life of up to 32 hours combining it with the charging case, which is something to consider compared to AirPods.
They have a closed design, in addition to touch control on each side. They have a QN1 processor with active noise cancellation , with minimal distortion, voice assistant included, and the possibility of fast charging. The only downside is that they are not waterproof and are a bit heavier. Its price on Amazon is about 140 euros on sale.
Sennheiser Momentum
If we are looking for a higher level, comparable only to AirPods Pro, Sennheiser’s will be the reference. We like them for their very premium finish, with a thin and light design, with up to four sizes of ear tips. It’s meticulously designed in every detail, with touch options and voice assistant so you don’t lift a finger. This specific model has active noise cancellation, ambient mode sound, absolute control of them through Sennheiser Smart Control and IPX4 splash resistance , among many other virtues.
The battery will offer you up to 4 hours of continuous listening, which becomes 12 with the case. They are the ideal comparison for non-Apple AirPods, priced at around 200-300 euros on Amazon.
Bose
To finish this selection with models similar to the AirPods Pro, these Bose. Engineered with world-class active noise cancellation, as well as all sorts of sensors to identify when they’re in your ear and when they’re not. It offers high-fidelity audio with an Active EQ acoustic architecture, optimizing volume and clear sound to the maximum.
It has several tiny microphones to control the voice and the ambient sound, since, in addition to active noise cancellation , it also has ambient sound. It has a long battery life of up to 6 hours on a single charge. It also features IPX4 water resistance and Bluetooth 5.1. Accessible on Amazon from 210-280 euros.
Models that dispute the AirPods Max
The competition for the AirPods Max are these models from such reputable brands:
Panasonic RB-M500BE-K
We find these Panasonic at an unbeatable price, but with the latest technology. They have vibration in the bass, as they will vibrate as if it were a speaker, to enjoy an immersive and powerful bass experience. As for the battery, it is capable of offering us up to 50 hours of uninterrupted music , exceeding the Max. They have an XBS bass enhancer, with an equalization mode that enhances the sound evenly in highs, mids and lows, thus giving a clear and crisp sound, reinforcing the bass range.
You will be able to control absolutely by voice without the need to interact with the mobile, and its price, as we tell you, is the best: below 130 euros.
BeatsStudio3
Beats reappears in our selection with these most complete headband headphones. First of all, they stand out for their active noise cancellation, and pay attention to this because… They use the same Apple W1 chip! Their autonomy, therefore, will be similar: approximately 22 hours .
With the sound, more of the same, we couldn’t look for more similar competition. The Studio3s have integrated controls on the left cup to play, stop or recall. They also stand out for their sound quality in terms of bass, in addition to having ambient mode. They are compatible for both iPhone and Android, with the Siri voice assistant. Its price is about 350 euros .
Beyerdynamic Aventho
To finalize this selection, we offer you some of the most complete headphones. these from Beyerdynamic. Wireless supra-aural headband headphones that stand out for including maximum efficiency Tesla sound technology and a Qualcomm aptX HD and AAC chip. They are completely customizable through the mobile application. They have up to more than 30 hours of autonomy and a most elegant and professional design.
They also have the possibility of connecting it through a 3.5mm jack. The construction materials are simply exquisite, and they feature Mimi Hearing sound personalization technology. Its price is about 400 euros .
Our recommendation
The key moment: to choose. As we know that it is not easy at all, we propose the ones that we would erect in each of the three categories, so that you do not have a single doubt about it.
In the case of in-ear headphones that are most similar to AirPods, we opted for the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 , which have been developed under the best technology and at an insane price.
As for the second, the most similar to the Pro, the Sennheiser Momentum takes the cake: with exceptional clarity, unmatched transducers, resistance to water and dust and unmatched sound. Also, its price is not so much compared to the Pro.
Finally, if you are looking for a competition with the AirPods Max, we will look especially at the price, and that is that the Panasonic ones meet all possible expectations for less than 150 euros.
