Nine alternatives to Apple’s AirPods 2

The _True Wireless_ Bluetooth headphones are here to stay. Apple started this fever with AirPods, its futuristic-designed wireless headphones, which have generated millions in sales since the first generation went on sale at the end of 2016.

Many manufacturers wanted to jump on the bandwagon and get a piece of the pie after seeing the success of AirPods. The latest to join the party were Amazon with the Echo Buds and Microsoft with the Surface Earbuds, which stand out for their integration with the Office suite and real-time translation.

While AirPods are the most popular around, as we said, they’re not the only wireless Bluetooth headphones we can find. Whatever the reason why Apple’s proposal doesn’t convince you, we bring you one buying guide with the best alternatives.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Wireless Bluetooth Headset

Each helmet model, like any other electronic device, has features and specifications that make them unique. Beyond design, which is the first thing that catches your attention, there are other factors that can determine the purchase of some headphones over others.

• Most wireless Bluetooth headsets are in the ear, that is, they enter the auditory pavilion. They usually have rubber bands of different sizes (mainly three: small, medium, large) so that they fit as best as possible and do not move while we are walking or playing sports, because if they “dance” they will eventually disturb us and fall to the ground, and they can lose us.

• The fact that they do not have cables provides great freedom of movement, which means that many people use them for sports. While AirPods have proven to be fairly well resistant to sweat without having any specific liquid protection, ideally if we plan to use them for that purpose, they should be. water and sweat resistant

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• The technology for pairing devices with headphones is Bluetooth. There are several versions, and the most recent offer better energy management, better connectivity and better reach. The most recent is 5.0, but if the model has been selling for a while it is unlikely to incorporate it, so Bluetooth 4.0 should be the minimum version to consider. If we want high definition audio as well, we have to make sure that it is compatible with the aptX codec.

• Bluetooth headphones work with drums, therefore its autonomy is limited. Most models last at least 3 hours per charge, and in the best case, we can have almost 9 hours. However, the average is 5 hours. If we plan to use them a lot outside the home, this is a factor to take into account, although fortunately thanks to the enclosures they provide an additional charge, so that the autonomy can be extended up to 24 hours. hours (or more).

• If we live in an area with a lot of noise or if we want nothing to disturb us while we are listening to music or podcasts, it would be nice if they had some technology of Noise cancellation to reduce outside noise.

• Finally, bring up the subject of playback controls. If they have integration with voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri, we can ask them to increase the volume or change songs with our voice. Otherwise, the buttons, whether physical or tactile, as well as the gestures, wouldn’t hurt.

AUKEY EP-T25

We have brought this AUKEY proposal to Applesfera on different occasions as it is a fully wireless bluetooth headset with a brutal value for money. For 19.99 dollars we have waterproof headphones (IPX5, so they can be used for sports), battery life of up to 24 hours and more than decent sound quality for what they cost. In addition, its design is quite beautiful, reminiscent of AirPods Pro, but in black.

AUKEY 5 Bass Upgraded Wireless Bluetooth Headset, USB-C Fast Charging, IPX5 Waterproof Sport, Built-in Microphone, Touch Control, 25 Hours Playback (Upgraded)

SOUNDPEATS TrueAir 2

The good opinions of its buyers on Amazon (four and a half stars with more than 1300 ratings) confirm the good performance of these fully wireless Bluetooth headphones (34.99 dollars). With a design similar to that of Apple’s AirPods 2, They have Qualcomm QCC3040 chip and Bluetooth 5.2 technology

SOUNDPEATS TrueAir2 Wireless Bluetooth Headset 5.2 Qualcomm3040 aptX TrueWireless Mirroring, 4 Microphones CVC8.0 Noise Cancellation Clear Calls, Semi-in-ear design, 25 hours

ENACFIRE E60

One of Apple’s best-selling fully wireless Bluetooth headphones (nearly 15,000 reviews, to come). For 33.99 dollars we have headphones with Bluetooth 5.0, certified IPX8 waterproof to use them while playing sports, touch control and runtime up to 8 hours on a single charge, and supports wireless charging.

ENACFIRE E60 V5.0 Wireless Bluetooth Headset, 8 Hours of Always-On Play, IPX8 Level Bluetooth Sports Headset, HD Sound Quality, Dual Microphones

Mini twins HOMSCAM HiFi

Another small size Amazon star wireless bluetooth headset with bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, battery life up to 35 hours with the 800 mAh charging case and IPX5 water protection for use without fear of water damage and sweat. They can be obtained for 33.99 dollars.

Bluetooth Earphones with Microphones, HOMSCAM True Wireless Earphones Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 Headphones QCY HiFi Mini Twins Stereo In-Ear Bluetooth with Portable Charging Box

MiBao S4

A completely wireless Bluetooth headset (29.99 dollars) with long battery life up to 144 hours with its charging case, which also functions as an external battery thanks to its integrated USB-A port. They connect to mobile devices via Bluetooth 5.0 and are compatible with APT-X. They come with various silicone pads in different sizes to find the perfect fit.

144 hours of playback with our wireless headphones, with Bluetooth 5.0 stereo and wireless “in-ear” headphones with fast charging case (built-in microphone, 3D stereo)

Xiaomi Mi True 2 Basic Wireless Earphones

The headphones that Xiaomi offers in its catalog are also known to offer good sound quality at a reasonable price. This model (29.99 dollars) is one of the most basic, but offers Bluetooth 5.0, a battery of 5 hours per charge (up to 20 hours with the case) and ear detectionSo when one of the headphones is removed from the ear, the playback stops.

Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic New earphones have longer battery life, sound, easy to combine, white color (global version)

Jabra Elite 65t

Jabra specializes in headphones, many of which are completely wireless and designed for physical exercise. Some of the cheapest are the 65t (79.99 dollars), which have four microphones to eliminate unwanted noise from calls, battery up to 15 hours with the housing and waterproof protection IP55.

Jabra Elite 65t Bluetooth Headset with Passive Noise Canceling, Quad Microphone Technology for Authentic Wireless Calls and Music, Titanium Black

Sennheiser CX 400BT

Another brand specializing in sound is Sennheiser, recognized in the industry for offering good quality equipment. The CX 400BT (99 dollars) are a light version of their MOMENTUM True Wireless 2, but it is compatible with AAC, aptX and SBC. Its battery is up to 7 hours on a single charge and an additional 13 hours with the case. The audio experience can be personalized with the Sennheiser Smart Control app for mobile devices.

Sennheiser CX 400BT Bluetooth Headphones with Touch Control, Black

Urbanista London

We end the list with the Urbanista London (99 dollars), a totally wireless Bluetooth headset with an “AirPods Pro” design that stands out for its active noise cancellation, ambient sound mode, battery life up to 25 hours, wireless charging case, Bluetooth 5.0 connection, in-ear detection and content control by pressing.

Urbanista London Wireless In-Ear Headphones with Active Noise Canceling, 25 Hours Play Time, Wireless Charging Case, Bluetooth 5.0, Compatible for Android and iOS – Blue

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Note: Some of the links displayed here are from affiliates. Despite this, none of the articles cited were offered by either the brands or the stores, with their introduction being a sole decision of the editorial team.