All the best Apple AirPods alternatives deliver superior sound quality and offer extensive features comparable to AirPods PRO and Apple AirPods. However, they often cost much less.
Apple’s AirPods family is built around its iOS platform. This means that some AirPods features are available only to Android users. The best alternative AirPods for Android are Android-friendly, so you can get all the features that your device needs without any compromises. If you are looking for an affordable option from Apple, you might want to read our Beats studio Buds vs. Apple AirPods comparison.
We also have the best faux AirPods. However, the earbuds are not trying to copy the AirPods’ style.
We’re here to help you decide which model is best for you.
Which are the best Apple AirPods alternatives available?
The Jabra Elite 75t is our choice for the best Apple AirPods replacement. This is partly because it is the king of wireless headphones in general. You get more for your money than the AirPods package. The buds sound even better, are practical for fitness fans, comfortable to wear and last longer between charges. The new AirPods do not have active noise cancelling (ANC).
The Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 Plus is in second place. It doesn’t come with ANC, however.
It is more affordable than the AirPods Pro, has a better sound quality and offers a wide range of features. If ANC is important to you, the new OnePlus Buds Pro could be a better choice. It has a lot of great features, and costs slightly less than the AirPods Pro.
The Beats Fit Pro is a sporty version of Beats Studio Buds. It takes many of the AirPods Pro’s most important features including ANC, head tracking technology and Spatial audio. It also features wingtips, which were specifically designed to ensure optimal fit.
We have yet to review the Sony LinkBuds S but we are confident that they will be a worthwhile addition to our Best AirPods Alternatives. To see how they compare, and learn more, visit our Sony LinkBuds Vs. Sony LinkBuds face-off.
Here are the best Apple AirPods alternatives currently
1. Jabra Elite Active 75t
Apple AirPods are the best overall alternative
Specifications
Size: 0.8×0.7×0.6 inches
Weight: 0.2 ounces (per bud)
Battery life (rated), 7.5 hours, 28 hours (with the charging case)
Bluetooth range: 30 feet
ANC: Yes
Today’s Top Deals
There are many reasons to buy
+Crisp, well-balanced sound+Sleek, waterproof design+Long battery life+Active or passive noise cancellation
Avoidable reasons
Maximum volume is higher than the recommended listening level
The Jabra Elite Active 75t is a wireless earbud and running headphone that’s both great and affordable. It offers Apple quality, but without the limitations of AirPods.
Jabra’s Elite Active75t is a great choice for AirPods because of its impeccable sound quality, noise cancellation and comfortable fit. These are often discounted to as low as $100. They are still a great deal and cost less than Apple’s ANC-equipped AirPods Pro at $180.
View our Jabra Elite 75t review HTML4_ HTML5_ HTML5_ HTML6_ HTML7_ HTML8_ HTML5_ HTML4_ HTML5_ HTML5_ HTML5_ HTML6_ HTML5_
2. Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 Plus
Apple AirPods are the best alternative for less
Specifications
Size: 1.1×0.6×0.6 inches
Weight: 0.2 ounces (per bud)
Battery life (rated), up to 9 hours, 45 hours (with charging bag)
Bluetooth range: 30 feet
ANC: No
Today’s Top Deals
There are many reasons to buy
+Excellent sound+Long lasting battery life+Elegant, splashproof design
Avoidable reasons
-No ANC-Mediocre voice call quality
The Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 Plus wireless headphones are now available at a discount of $80 on Amazon (opens new tab at the time) and easily beat the AirPods in both sound quality, battery life, and price. Cambridge Audio’s High Performance mode, which uses a miniature version of its high-quality amplification in its CX series stereo amplifiers, is a great help when it comes to sound quality. The Melomania 1 Plus sounds great even when it is in Low Power mode, which saves battery life. Earbuds are IPX5 water-resistant.
3. OnePlus Buds Pro
AirPods Alternative that is stylish and great-sounding
Specifications
Size: 1.25 x 0.9 inches (per bud)
Weight: 0.15 ounces (per bud)
Battery life (rated), up to 7 hours, 38 hours (with the charging case)
Bluetooth range: 40 feet
ANC: Yes
Today’s Top Deals
There are many reasons to buy
+Strong, balanced sound+Powerful A/C+Luxurious design+Powerful charging technology
Avoidable reasons
-Poor ANC Playtime -Some features are exclusive to OnePlus devices or unreleased
The OnePlus Buds Pro is a stylish pair of buds that look great and are very comfortable to wear. It also comes with a premium charging case that allows Warp Charging, which can provide up to 10 hours of playback on a 10-minute charge.
It sounds fantastic and can handle a wide range of styles and sources with ease. There are many modes that allow you to customize your listening preferences. The real highlight is the active noise cancellation performance. While it doesn’t match the best noise-cancelling headphones, it beats the AirPods Pro. OnePlus users get a gaming mode, fast pairing, and other great perks.
View our OnePlus Buds Pro full review.
(Image credit: Regan Coule/Future)
4. Beats Fit Pro
AirPods with sporty design
Specifications
Size: 0.75×1.18x 0.94 inches
Weight: 0.2 ounces (per bud)
Battery life (rated), up to 7 hours, 30 hours (with the charging case)
Bluetooth range: 40 feet
ANC: Yes
+Audiodynamic soundstage+Strong Transparency and ANC modes+AirPods Pro features at a lower price+Comfy and secure design
Avoidable reasons
Android app has very few extras. The Eartip Fit Test could have been better
In many ways, the Beats Fit Pro is superior to the AirPods standard in comparison to performance. The Pro version includes the H1 chip which allows for a variety of iOS-related features such as automatic switching, audio sharing, voice activation and FindMy to locate lost buds. These two models perform extremely well in Transparency mode and active noise cancellation. Beats has added Spatial Audio with Head Tracking to their sporty buds. This brings immersive 3D sound to Beats products for the first-time.
The Fit Pro’s wingtip design provides better in-ear support that the AirPods Pro. We also can confirm this. Apple’s flagship buds, on the other hand, have the more precise Eartip Fit test and come with proprietary technologies such as Adaptive EQ which automatically adjusts frequencies when you listen to music.
5. Amazon Echo Buds 2
AirPods Pro is the best option for cheap
Specifications
Size: 0.8×0.8×0.8 inches
Weight: 0.2 ounces (per bud)
Battery life (rated), 6.5 hours, 19.5 hours (with the charging case).
Bluetooth range: 35 feet
ANC: Yes
+Alexa works flawlessly+Good ANC/ambient modes+Sleek bag with wireless charging
Avoidable reasons
-Long battery life-Vocals could have crisper edges
Amazon Echo Buds 2 are currently on sale for $50. They offer excellent sound quality, noise cancellation, ambient listening mode adjustment, and a good overall value. They are also IPX4-rated for water resistance. This is sufficient to withstand rain or sweat at the gym.
The Echo Buds 2 can also be used with the Alexa digital assistant. You can simply call it by name and give hands-free commands with remarkable voice recognition accuracy. Echo Buds 2 can also be used with Google’s digital assistants, Siri and Google Earth.
6. Sony WF-1000XM4
A longer-lasting AirPods Pro alternative
Specifications
Size: 1×0.8×0.8inches
Weight: 0.2 ounces (per bud)
Battery life (rated), up to 12 hours, 35 hours (with charging case).
Bluetooth range: 30 feet
ANC: Yes
+Balanced sound+Excellent ANC effectiveness+Improved battery life
Avoidable reasons
-Fit might not be secure for everyone -Expensive
The Sony WF-1000XM4 is currently on sale for $248 at Amazon. The average price is $280. This is a fraction higher than the AirPods Pro, which can be a problem for AirPods alternatives. Sometimes it’s worth spending a little more to get more. Sony has not resisted the XM series formula in terms of packing in all the features.
These earbuds are as good as or better than AirPods Pro in sound quality and ANC effectiveness. The IPX4 rating also makes them as durable as Apple’s top model. The WF-1000XM4’s battery life is outstanding, with 7 to 8 hours playback in noise-cancelling mode.
7. Google Pixel Buds Pro
Google’s first ANC buds are equipped with the best Google Assistant control
Specifications
Size: 0.88x 0.87x 0.93 inches
Weight: 0.22 ounces
Battery life (rated), 7 hours (ANC On), 11 hours(ANC Off), 20 hours (20 hours Charging Case with ANC On), 31 hours (Charging Case with ANC Off),
Bluetooth range: 70 feet
Codec support: SBC, AAC
+Powerful noise cancelling+Full, dynamic sounds+Reliable controls+Greater ANC time than AirPods Pro+Superb integration with Google Assistant
Avoidable reasons
It feels loose. No USB-C charging cable is supplied. The price seems high in comparison to other feature-laden competitors. There is no third-party support for digital assistants.
For Android users who have multiple devices, the Google Pixel Buds Pro is a great alternative to AirPods. They are powerful with a wide frequency range and excellent ANC performance. This doesn’t compromise the quality of sound or enjoyment. The Pixel Buds Pro has a longer battery life thanks to Google. It can last up to 7 hours when ANC is on and 11 hours when ANC is off. These playtimes will drop by between 1 and 1.5 hours if you consider listening at high volumes and using Google features.
We have one complaint: the fit may be too loose for some ears and it is not possible to use a third-party digital assistant. They are a great earbud option that offers a Google experience unlike any other.
8. Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
Samsung’s best AirPods Alternative
Specifications
Size: 0.8 x0.7 x0.8 inches
Weight: 0.2 ounces (per bud)
Battery life (rated), up to 8 hours, 28 hours (with the charging case)
Bluetooth range: 30 feet
ANC: Yes
+Full waterproofing+High quality call quality
Avoidable reasons
-Some features are only compatible with Samsung Galaxy smartphones. ANC is not the best
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro are equipped with enough tools to compete with the AirPods Pro and the standard AirPods. The Galaxy Buds Pro are waterproofed and have a completely new design. They also have ANC and can activate ambient mode automatically when they detect that you speak.
Samsung’s 360 Audio works only when it is paired with a Samsung Galaxy phone running One UI 3.1. However, there are still plenty of options to satisfy owners of any Android smartphone. It’s also within the AirPods price range at $199, with some outlets offering further discounts.
9. Google Pixel Buds A-Series
A great AirPods Pro alternative for Android enthusiasts
Specifications
Size: 0.8×1.2×0.7 inches
Weight: 1.87 ounces (case + bud).
Battery life (rated), 5 hours, 24 hours (charging case).
Bluetooth range: 40 feet
ANC: No
Today’s Top Deals
There are many reasons to buy
+Nice materials and build+Easy to use touch controls+Capable Google Assistant
Avoidable reasons
-Sound quality is mixed. The app has some bugs currently
Some people prefer Google Assistant to Siri. The Pixel Buds A-Series wireless earbuds are the best option for those who fall within this category. This model is a sub-$100 choice and matches the AirPods’ intelligibility with great Google Assistant integration. The feature can be activated by simply saying “hey Google”, a wake-word phrase, to instantly fire off verbal queries. The AI bot interprets these questions accurately and responds quickly. Google Translate is a great tool for translating foreign languages, and Fast Pair connects your Android devices to the buds.
The app’s sound quality is not great, even for the price. Also, the app can sometimes be slow.
10. Beats Studio Buds
Apple AirPods are the best alternative to Apple’s original AirPods.
Specifications
Size: 0.9×0.8×0.6 inches
Weight: 0.2 ounces (per bud)
Battery life (rated), up to 8 hours, 24 hours (with the charging case).
Bluetooth range: 30 feet
ANC: Yes
Today’s Top Deals
There are many reasons to buy
+Makes ANC affordable+Compact design+Water/sweat resistant
Avoidable reasons
– Call quality could be improved-No through wireless charging
These Beats Studio Buds could be mistaken for Apple Beats. There are many things that make these buds seem like Beats. They work well with both Android and iOS. And, despite having full ANC, they are quite affordable — they even beat the MSRP of the standard AirPods, not to mention the noise-canceling AirPods Pro.
Still, who’s complaining? The Studio Buds offer a pleasant surprise with their high-quality sound and good features. They’re an AirPods replacement, but they can still be used as a low-cost alternative for iOS users. They pair quickly with Apple devices and enable spatial audio playback in Apple Music.
Read our Beats Studio Buds review .
11. Beats Powerbeats Pro
AirPods are the best option for workouts and fitness
Specifications
Size: 4.7×1.6×5.5 inches
Weight: 0.8 ounces (per bud)
Battery life (rated), 9 hours, 24 (with charging case).
Bluetooth range: 50 feet
ANC: No
Today’s Top Deals
There are many reasons to buy
+Lengthy battery life+Versatile sound+Water-resistant design
Avoidable reasons
-Bulky charging bag-No companion app
The Powerbeats Pro has more similarities to the AirPods than any other Beats Studio Buds. They also share the same fast pairing feature, which allows you to instantly connect to both iOS and Mac devices.
They also have the disadvantage of being limited in their ability to be paired with certain sources. However, the Powerbeats Pro are still a dedicated pair of sports headphones that can offer an alternative to AirPods. These headphones are great for running or strenuous workouts due to their water resistance and secure ear hooks.
12. Anker Soundcore Liberty Air Pro 2 by Anker Soundcore
Alternative to the AirPods that uses ANC, but is cheaper
Specifications
Dimensions: 1.5 x 0.99 x 0.9 inches
Weight: 0.4 ounces (per bud)
Battery life (rated), up to 7 hours, 26 hours (with the charging case)
Bluetooth range: 30 feet
ANC: Yes
Today’s Top Deals
There are many reasons to buy
+Effective ANC+Aggressively priced+Personal sound
Avoidable reasons
Unattractive design – Can become uncomfortably uncomfortable after a while
The result of a remodeling project on the AirPods Pro would likely look similar to the Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro. These buds are great value, despite their conservative design.
These devices deliver ANC for a fraction of the cost of AirPods and are still quite effective. You can pair them with Soundcore to make the smart HearID feature. This analyzes how you hear different frequencies and creates a customized sound profile. This greatly improved the sound quality in our tests.
13. JLab Go Air Pop
AirPods at a great price
Specifications
Size: 0.9 x 1.x 0.9 inches
Weight: 0.1 ounces (per bud)
Battery life (rated), 8 hours, 32 hours (with the charging case)
Bluetooth range: 35 feet
ANC: No
Today’s Top Deals
There are many reasons to buy
+Versatile audio+Good battery lifetime+Water-resistant and sweat-resistant
Avoidable reasons
-Unimpressive call quality -No companion app nor extra features
The JLab Go Air Pop is a great value at $20. The JLab Go Air Pop is the latest budget audio brand to offer water resistance. Sound is a highlight, with three presets for EQ that can be customized without the use of a companion app. The battery life is longer than other AirPods models, lasting up to 8 hours. The charging case can hold 32 hours, and the cable has an integrated charging connector that allows you to charge your device on the move.
