In general, audiophiles often go for “over ear” headsets. But they are not always convenient to lug around and in-ears are then more convenient. So the choice quickly falls on AirPods for your iPhone, for example, but you just have to find them pleasant or affordable. These are 5 excellent alternatives if you prefer not to go for an Apple headset.
Admittedly, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 are high on our list. They sound great and the ANC is brilliant. Still, we can well imagine that people don’t necessarily want to choose Apple’s earbuds. These are five fine in-ears from other brands that also work great with your iPhone.
iPhone also works fine with non-Airpods
The ease with which you connect AirPods to your iPhone is incredibly nice. But we can well imagine you want to go for an alternative. So these five earbuds are worth a try.
1. Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony, no matter how you look at it, is an excellent brand when it comes to audio. We ourselves use the Sony WH-1000XM daily in combination with our iPhone. But also in terms of in-ears, the Japanese brand can compete with the big boys.
The WF series is a good example. If you are someone who likes to play with settings, then these Sony earbuds are recommended. After all, the Sony Headphones Connect lets you tweak to your heart’s content. You can score them now at Bol.com for 199 euros.
2. JBL Vibe Beam
JBL is another brand that is absolutely cutting edge. For example, their speakers and soundbars are incredibly popular. The nice thing about these Beams, then, is that they don’t cost a fortune. You can find them for as little as about 80 euros.
Excellent also for sports. (Image: JBL)
With 8 mm drivers and Deep Bass Sound by JBL, it emphasizes rhythm without damaging your eardrums.
The Vibe Beams give you eight hours of listening time and have a fast charging feature, giving you an additional three hours of battery life with a 15-minute charge. Downside is that there is no wireless charging option.
3. Bose QuietComfort 2 for your iPhone.
Without a doubt, Bose headphones should be on the list. You just simply can’t ignore this company when it comes to audio and so are definitely recommended for your iPhone.
Just apart from the excellent sound quality, the brand is also known for their ANC (Active Noise Cancelling). Bose gets this done through a combination of silicone ear tips, stability straps that hold the earbuds in place, and the official app where you can adjust the ANC (active noise cancellation).
Drawback? They cost over 250 euros.
4. Beats Fit Pro: Apple AirPods and yet different
If you don’t want Apple AirPods, but still want a product from Apple, you can always check out the Beats Fit Pro. You then get many features for a smaller amount that you will also find on your AirPods for your iPhone.
The Beats Fit Pro have flexible wingtips and multiple sizes of ear tips. This gives you a snug fit for your ears without being oppressive. So ideal for hiking, training and everyday use.
The Beats Fit Pro work with button controls on each earbud. By clicking one of the buttons, you can answer calls, switch between calls, play tracks and pause music just like you’re used to from Apple AirPods. And because they’re equipped with Apple’s H1 chip, you can also call Siri to change the volume, get directions or perform other tasks
5. The king of kings for your Apple iPhone: Bang & Olufsen
When we hear the name Bang & Olufsen, we immediately fear that money is flying out of our wallets. And rightly so, because their products are often extremely expensive (but of course that also applies to an iPhone).
But the point is: you generally do get value for your money. That also applies to this Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX which scores tremendously well in reviews. However, the point is: you have to pay 360 euros for it.
However, if you appreciate minimalist design, excellent craftsmanship, beautifully balanced sound and a customizable EQ, the Beoplay EX earbuds are worth the investment. The Beoplay EX earbuds look great, as do most of B&O’s products. Here you won’t find any plastic buttons to press. A touchpad on the outside responds to touches and swipes. Classy!
It’s certainly defensible to still go for Apple’s AirPods for your iPhone. But so if you’re looking for something different, the above examples are an excellent starting point.
