Apple’s AirPods Pro have become a staple in the world of premium wireless earbuds, known for their active noise cancellation, seamless ecosystem integration, and sleek design. But despite their popularity, they may not be the best fit for everyone due to their price, fit, sound profile, or compatibility limitations with non-Apple devices.
Whether you’re looking for better sound quality, longer battery life, budget-friendly options, or earbudsmore suitable for Android devices, there’s a wide range of alternatives available that can meet — and even exceed — your expectations. In this guide, we’ll explore the top AirPods Pro alternatives that cater to various needs, preferences, and price points.
Why Look for AirPods Pro Alternatives?
While AirPods Pro offers excellent noise cancellation, decent sound quality, and great integration with Apple devices, they aren’t perfect for everyone. Here’s why you might want to consider an alternative:
- Price: AirPods Pro are expensive, often costing more than what some users are willing to spend.
- Compatibility: They work best with Apple products. Android users may miss out on key features.
- Fit and Comfort: The one-size-fits-all design doesn’t suit every ear.
- Sound Signature: Some audiophiles may prefer more customizable or detailed sound profiles.
What to Look for in an Alternative
When selecting a good AirPods Pro alternative, consider the following factors:
- Noise Cancellation: Look for ANC performance that matches or surpasses Apple’s.
- Sound Quality: High-resolution audio support and customizable EQs are a plus.
- Battery Life: Aim for long hours of playback per charge.
- Comfort and Fit: Especially important for extended use or sports.
- Water Resistance: Useful for workouts or rainy weather.
- Smart Features: Like touch controls, voice assistants, and multipoint pairing.
Top Premium Alternatives
Sony WF-1000XM5
- Highlights: Best-in-class ANC, detailed sound, long battery life
- Why It’s Great: Sony’s flagship earbuds consistently outperform competitors in sound quality and noise cancellation. They offer custom sound profiles, DSEE Extreme for audio upscaling, and improved comfort over previous models.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
- Highlights: Unmatched comfort, superior ANC, immersive spatial audio
- Why It’s Great: Bose adds spatial audio to their already exceptional noise cancellation. Ideal for frequent flyers or daily commuters who want a premium listening experience.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless
- Highlights: Studio-quality sound, aptX Adaptive, stylish design
- Why It’s Great: Sennheiser delivers balanced audio, deep bass, and robust build quality. Perfect for users who prioritize sound fidelity and enjoy immersive music experiences.
Best for Android Users
Google Pixel Buds Pro
- Highlights: Deep Android integration, strong ANC, multipoint support
- Why It’s Great: Pixel Buds Pro excel in Android connectivity, offering fast pairing, customizable EQ, and impressive battery life, making them ideal for Google ecosystem users.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
- Highlights: Hi-Res Audio, 360 Audio, IPX7 rating
- Why It’s Great: Optimized for Samsung devices, these buds deliver high-fidelity audio, effective noise cancellation, and extra features like spatial audio when used with Galaxy smartphones.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives
Anker Soundcore Liberty NC
- Highlights: Adaptive ANC, LDAC support, long battery life
- Why It’s Great: These earbuds bring premium-level features—like high-res audio and customizable EQs—at a much lower cost. Solid ANC and comfortable fit make them a best-buy in the budget category.
EarFun Air Pro
- Highlights: Strong ANC, multipoint Bluetooth, Qualcomm aptX
- Why It’s Great: Offering a blend of affordability and performance, these earbuds include many features of high-end models like multipoint support, excellent battery life, and crisp sound clarity.
Best for Fitness and Sports
Beats Fit Pro
- Highlights: Secure fit, spatial audio, Apple chip for iOS users
- Why It’s Great: These are ideal for workout enthusiasts who still want full access to the Apple ecosystem. The wingtip design ensures they stay put, even during intense exercise.
Jabra Elite Active
- Highlights: Military-grade durability, great sound, multipoint pairing
- Why It’s Great: Designed with fitness in mind, these earbuds offer an IP68 rating and a snug fit, making them perfect for rigorous activity and outdoor use.
Audiophile Picks
Bowers & Wilkins PI7
- Highlights: Dual drivers, high-fidelity sound, aptX Adaptive
- Why It’s Great: Known for exceptional sound quality, the PI7 offers a detailed and immersive listening experience with unique features like case-based audio retransmission.
Technics EAH-AZ
- Highlights: Multi-device pairing, rich sound profile, luxury build
- Why It’s Great: With support for multiple device connections and LDAC for hi-res playback, these earbuds are perfect for users who want both convenience and premium audio performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are AirPods Pro still worth buying?
AirPods Pro are still an excellent option, especially for users deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem. They offer top-tier features like active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and seamless device switching. However, for those seeking better sound quality, comfort, or affordability — many alternatives offer compelling reasons to switch.
What earbuds are better than AirPods Pro?
“Better” depends on what you value most. The Sony WF-1000XM5 is widely considered superior in terms of noise cancellation and sound customization. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds provide industry-leading comfort and ANC, while Sennheiser Momentum and Bowers & Wilkins PI7 are preferred by audiophiles for their sound quality.
Are AirPods Pro alternatives good for Android?
Yes. Options like Google Pixel Buds Pro, Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, and Anker Soundcore Liberty NC are optimized for Android devices. They offer features like Google Assistant integration, fast pairing, and high-resolution audio codecs like aptX and LDAC.
Can I use AirPods Pro with Android?
Yes, but with limitations. You’ll get basic functionality like Bluetooth audio and microphone use, but you’ll miss out on features like automatic switching, spatial audio, and in-ear detection.
What are the best budget alternatives to AirPods Pro?
Anker Soundcore Liberty NC and EarFun Air Pro are excellent budget alternatives that offer good noise cancellation, long battery life, and decent audio performance for a fraction of the price.
Which earbuds are best for workouts?
Beats Fit Pro and Jabra Elite Active are ideal for workouts and sports. They are sweat- and water-resistant, with secure fits designed for movement and durability.
How important is ANC in wireless earbuds?
Active Noise Cancellation is a valuable feature if you often use earbuds in noisy environments like commutes, offices, or gyms. It helps reduce ambient sounds and enhances the clarity of your music or calls. However, some users prefer natural sound isolation or transparency modes instead.
Conclusion
Finding the right pair of wireless earbuds is all about matching your personal preferences with the right features. While AirPods Pro offer a great experience—especially for Apple users—they are not the only option in the market.
