But the best AirPods Pro alternatives provide something Apple’s pricey flagship buds don’t: serious versatility outside Apple’s carefully controlled ecosystem.
My colleagues and I have tested hundreds of pairs of earbuds over the years, and these are the best AirPods Pro alternatives we’ve come across.
How does WIRED define AirPods Pro alternatives?
Like the AirPods Pro, each model we chose offers noise canceling and transparency mode, and unlike Apple’s standard AirPods, they all provide swappable ear tips for a good seal and a stable fit.
That leaves them unable to provide performance on par with most buds we test, which is why this list aims toward AirPods Pro alternatives instead.
These fantastic AirPod substitutes offer fantastic features and adaptability in a recognizable package.
Our editors independently choose every product that appears on WIRED. Nevertheless, purchases made through these links may result in payment to us from retailers.
This article features it.
With their airy design, plethora of cutting-edge features, and potent noise cancellation, Apple’s AirPods Pro are incredibly popular for good reason (8/10, WIRED Recommends). However, the most effective AirPods Pro substitutes offer significant versatility outside of Apple’s meticulously regulated ecosystem, something that Apple’s expensive flagship buds do not. We have the earbuds you need if you want something that has the feel of AirPods Pro but is more portable outside of the Apple castle (God forbid you own an Android!).
Over the years, my colleagues and I have tested hundreds of pairs of earbuds, and these are the best alternatives to AirPods Pro that we have found. Everybody can find something they like here, from sporty Beats headphones to reasonably priced noise cancelers. Look through our guides to the Best Wireless Earbuds, Best Wireless Headphones, and Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for additional choices.
How are alternatives to AirPods Pro defined by WIRED?
Their easily obtainable, stem-shaped design is a good place to start, but there are many characteristics that define Apple’s most popular pair. This Apple-pioneered form factor is shared by the majority of the pairs on our list. While some, like the hook-shaped Powerbeats Pro 2, channel the AirPods Pro in a different way, providing Apple-friendly features like Find My and auto-swapping between iCloud devices, our other options also include Android-friendly features to appeal to the other end of the mobile spectrum.
Similar to the AirPods Pro, all of the models we selected have transparency and noise cancellation features. Additionally, unlike Apple’s standard AirPods, each model has replaceable ear tips for a secure fit and a good seal. Sound quality, features, comfort, battery life, and easy controls were all important considerations in our selection process, as they were for all of our earbud guides. Good options for people who cannot afford premium pricing were also provided by taking price and overall value into consideration.
How about the standard AirPods?
The standard AirPods from Apple (5/10, WIRED Review) are not like the majority of the earbuds we test. Instead of the sealed fit that earbuds with ear tips in different sizes offer, their plastic shells offer a semi-open fit. The most recent option’s noise-canceling effectiveness and sound quality are significantly impacted by this. Because of this, they can’t perform as well as the majority of the buds we test, which is why this list focuses on AirPods Pro substitutes.
While some people vouch for the semi-open design of the standard AirPods, we usually recommend alternatives with superior performance, additional features, and a customizable fit, such as the AirPods Pro or their numerous competitors. Our selection of the best open earbuds offers a range of choices that keep your ears wide open and cognizant of your surroundings if you’re searching for a more comfortable fit that doesn’t require as much technology.
ideal for the majority of people.
Photographer: Parker Hall.
Nothing.
ear (a).
$109-79.
Amazon.
$77.
Not a thing.
At an unexpectedly low cost, the Nothing Ear (a) (8/10, WIRED Recommends) offers a delightful fusion of design, sound quality, and usability. Nothing’s distinctive design for the case and buds supports the AirPods Pro form factor, creating a pair that is both familiar and completely unique. Although the battery life is reduced to 5 to 5 hours per charge when the feature is activated, you will still find a good noise cancellation system, a customizable EQ, and good touch controls. That’s still almost as good as Apple’s more expensive pair, which adds up to a sterling value with style that lasts for miles.
Ideal for reducing noise.
Shot by Ryan Waniata.
Bose.
QuietComfort Ultra Earphones.
$299.
Amazon.
$299.
Bose. .
The flagship earbuds from Bose (8/10, WIRED Recommends) have the design of AirPods in a larger package, but the best noise cancellation we’ve ever tested in earbuds is supported by the added weight. Among the many other features of these buds are advanced features like spatial audio with head tracking for a more immersive sound experience, clear and focused sound with excellent instrumental separation, and an adjustable transparency mode to protect your ears while being environmentally conscious. They are the best in the business if you need serious sound killers, but they are also the most expensive pair on this list.
Ideal for exercises.
Ryan Waniata took the picture.
beats.
The Powerbeats Pro 2.
$24.99.
Amazon.
$249. .
Walmart.
$250.
The best store.
$250.
Mac.
Beats’ Powerbeats Pro on the second coming (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is a true best-of-both-worlds choice. All the greatest Apple features, including one-touch iOS pairing, iCloud device switching, and Find My support, are included in a design that is optimized for working out. For features like customization and one-touch pairing, the Powerbeats have a separate Android app, unlike the AirPods Pro. Despite being touchy when the buds are inserted, the controls are otherwise practical because they have a volume rocker and multiple keys.
As is typical of Beats, the sound is bold, bassy, and trebled, but with lots of subtlety. They also adjust to your surroundings thanks to sophisticated noise cancellation and a transparency mode that sounds natural. Although some users claim that the heartbeat monitor is unreliable, I found it to be functional enough, and Android devices benefit greatly from it. These are some of the best workout buds available thanks to their new hook design, which is an improvement that offers the highest level of comfort and stability.
Best in terms of sound quality.
Image: Amazon.
Sound effects.
The Capsule3 Pro+.
$100.
Amazon.
$130, $90.
Sounds.
Many earbuds that sound great are similar to AirPods, but few can match these modest Soundpeats AirPods clones in terms of price. They do this by combining a conventional dynamic driver for the bass with a unique xMEMs solid-state driver for the top frequencies. As a result, the pair received a flawless 10/10 review rating from Parker Hall, editor of WIRED, for their sweet, lyrical detail and their smooth, timely bass. There’s really not much to say negatively about a pair this good for the money, though I did find the touch controls a little unresponsive and their noise cancellation to be merely mediocre.
Another Reasonably Priced Option.
Shot by Ryan Waniata.
Pictured by Ryan Waniata.
Taken by Ryan Waniata.
Aker.
Liberty 4 NC Soundcore.
$100.
Amazon.
$10.00.
Soundcore.
Great sound and value are hallmarks of Soundcore, and the Liberty 4 NC masterfully exemplify this philosophy. They have a long list of features, including some you might not anticipate at this price, like spatial audio, great noise cancellation for the money, and clear, detailed sound. You will receive some features that Apple’s pair does not, such as fully adjustable controls and a multiband EQ to customize the experience as you see fit, even though not all of the features are comparable to the more expensive AirPods Pro. The white colorway resembles Apple’s top pair quite a bit from a distance, and for good reason.
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