Key Takeaways
- Before you decide that AirPods are the best choice for your Apple device, consider the alternatives. Don’t limit your options.
- Check the water resistance rating of your earbuds, especially if you plan on using them during vigorous exercise.
- Although AirPods are high quality, they may not be the best value for everyone, and budget-friendly options offer similar features.
Some people seem to treat AirPods as the “default” headphones to buy for their iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Indeed, Apple encourages that groupthink. AirPods have their own section in every Apple Store and are as deeply integrated into the platform as possible, even beyond Beats products like Beats Fit Pro. Before the Vision Pro came out, Apple tweaked the AirPods Pro to offer low-latency audio.
But Apple doesn’t have a monopoly on headphones for its devices, and there are plenty of alternatives out there that are just as good or better. The decision is up to you, but before you decide you need new AirPods for your iPhone 16, consider this checklist:
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1 Platform Support
When walled gardens become prisons
Technically speaking, AirPods can be paired with many non-Apple products, but you lose a lot of functionality in the process. This includes not only Siri voice commands and automatic device switching (based on your Apple ID), but also features that are considered basics of all modern headphones, such as spatial audio, customizable controls, and automatic ear detection. Likewise, you lose some of Apple’s flagship features, such as adaptive noise control and speech recognition.
Apple’s goal is to keep users locked into the Apple cage by making the cost of escape high.
You may own one or more Apple devices right now, but if you want the freedom to switch platforms without making any sacrifices, don’t buy AirPods. Apple’s goal is to keep you locked into its cage by making it more expensive to get out.
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2 water resistance
Durability is key
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It’s not uncommon to see people wearing AirPods while lifting weights or running. In most cases, this isn’t a problem. The basic AirPods and AirPods Pro share a waterproof rating of IPX4. For those unfamiliar with IP ratings, this is the minimum protection against sweat and rain. However, it does mean that your AirPods can be destroyed if you sweat a lot or get caught in a heavy rain shower. I know this too well, as I’ve destroyed multiple IPX4 earbuds, including Apple’s, just from months of lifting in sweltering heat.
We recommend earphones with an IP57 or higher rating.
For most people, the problem with an IPX4 rating is long-term exposure. The waterproof seal will inevitably deteriorate over time, so it’s better to have stronger resistance from the start. We recommend earphones with an IP57 rating or higher, ideally an IPX8 like the Jabra Elite 8 Active.
It’s best to avoid the AirPods Max at all costs while exercising: they’re not waterproof at all, so you’re taking a big gamble every time you put them on, and they’re relatively heavy, which can make them feel uncomfortable and unstable during exercise.
1:02
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3 Fee
Are you really getting value for your money?
Amir Hosseini/Unsplash
Most AirPods are affordable, assuming you pair them with an Apple device and take advantage of all their features. But that’s not all. Not everyone cares about those features, and budget earbuds have been surprisingly good in recent years, with Anker’s Soundcore earbuds being a great choice for those looking to spend under $150. Apple’s third-generation AirPods start at $169, excluding tax and shipping.
The price of the AirPods Max ($549) is simply too high. The sound quality and build quality are great, but the same could be said for Bose or Sony headphones that are hundreds of dollars cheaper. Apple hasn’t even updated from Lightning to USB-C, which is ridiculous considering the iPhone made the switch a year ago.
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4 An upgrade is imminent
Patience may pay off
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No matter how much of an Apple fan you are, this is never the best timing. There are rumors that the fourth-generation model will be released this fall, which, if true, could lead to a rush of new iPhone 16 buyers and initially tight supplies. The third-generation AirPods Pro likely won’t ship until 2025 due to proprietary features like the temperature sensor. To make matters worse, Apple will need to at least upgrade the Max to USB-C if it wants the product to remain popular.
That said, if this list doesn’t put you off buying AirPods, go ahead. We’re not expecting anything revolutionary in 2025, and Apple isn’t going to drop support for headphones owned by millions of its customers.
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