Wireless earbuds have exploded in popularity in recent years. These earbuds, which have no wires connecting them to each other or to a device, offer a convenient and lightweight listening experience. They are easy to carry around and can be quickly pulled out and used for phone calls, music, or other audio. Wireless earbuds have become particularly popular for use during exercise or other physical activities, as they allow for greater freedom of movement. Additionally, the improved Bluetooth technology in recent years has made it easier for wireless earbuds to maintain a stable connection to devices. As a result, the market for wireless earbuds has seen strong growth, with numerous brands offering a variety of options at different price points. Apple’s AirPods are a highly popular choice among wireless earbuds. Since its release in 2016, they have gained a loyal following due to its ease of use, high-quality sound, and sleek design. AirPods are also known for their long battery life and seamless integration with other Apple products, such as iPhones and iPads. While they may not be the most affordable option on the market, many users are willing to pay a premium for the convenience and reliability of the AirPods brand.
The focus of this article is to provide a list of the best AirPod alternatives for 2023. With so many wireless earbuds available, it can be overwhelming to try and find the right pair. This article aims to make the search easier by presenting a selection of top-rated earbuds that offer a similar or improved listening experience compared to the AirPods. By evaluating each option based on factors such as sound quality, Bluetooth connectivity, comfort and fit, battery life, and extra features, this article will help readers make an informed decision when choosing their next pair of wireless earbuds.
Criteria for Evaluating Wireless Earbuds
- Sound Quality: This refers to the overall audio quality of the wireless earbuds, including factors such as balance, clarity, and volume. Users should consider the type of music they typically listen to and their personal preferences when evaluating the sound quality of earbuds.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: This refers to the stability and range of the Bluetooth connection between the earbuds and the device they are paired with. A strong Bluetooth connection is important for maintaining uninterrupted audio playback.
- Comfort and Fit: Wireless earbuds should be comfortable to wear for extended periods of time and should stay securely in place, even during physical activity. Users should consider the shape and size of the earbuds and whether they come with multiple ear tip and wingtip options for a customizable fit.
- Battery Life: The battery life of wireless earbuds is important for users who rely on them for long periods of time or for use on the go. A longer battery life allows users to go longer between charges and can be a deciding factor for some users.
- Extra Features: Some earbuds offer additional features such as water resistance, noise cancelation, or the ability to activate a voice assistant with a tap or voice command. These features can be useful for certain users and may be worth considering.
- Price: The price of wireless earbuds can vary significantly, and users should consider how much they are willing to spend on a pair. It is important to balance price with the other evaluation criteria and to consider whether the wireless earbuds offer good value for the price.
The Best Apple Airpods Alternatives in 2023
Jabra Elite Active 75t
The Jabra Elite Active 75t is a pair of wireless earbuds that are designed for active use, such as during workouts or outdoor activities. They have a sweat-resistant and water-resistant design and are equipped with a number of features to help improve the sound quality and convenience of using them.
| Specification | Details |
| Compatibility | Works with Android and iOS devices |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Operating range | Up to 33 feet (10 meters) |
| Microphone | 4-microphone array |
| Speaker | 6mm dynamic speaker |
| Earbud dimensions | 0.86 x 0.79 x 0.64 inches (21.8 x 20.0 x 16.3 mm) |
| Charging case dimensions | 2.36 x 1.77 x 1.06 inches (60.0 x 45.0 x 27.0 mm) |
| Earbud weight | 0.14 oz (4.0 g) per earbud |
| Charging case weight | 2.47 oz (70 g) |
| Water resistance | IP57-rated (earbuds and charging case) |
| Battery life | Up to 7.5 hours of battery life on a single charge, with an additional 28 hours of battery life with the charging case |
| Charging time | Approximately 2 hours to fully charge the earbuds and charging case |
| Audio codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Voice assistant support | Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa (activate with a button press) |
| Noise reduction | 4-microphone array with noise reduction technology |
| HearThrough technology | Allows ambient sound to be heard through the earbuds (can be turned on or off) |
| Equalizer | Customizable equalizer settings through the Jabra Sound+ app |
| Call and music controls | On-earbud buttons for controlling music and calls, plus voice prompts for ease of use |
| Customizable gestures | Customizable gestures (through the Jabra Sound+ app) allow you to control the earbuds with simple actions, such as tapping or holding the earbuds |
| Included accessories | Earbuds, charging case, 3 sets of silicone ear gels (in small, medium, and large sizes), micro-USB cable for charging |
Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 Plus
The Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 Plus is a pair of wireless earbuds that are designed to deliver high-quality audio in a compact and portable form factor. The Melomania 1 Plus earbuds are well-reviewed by users for their excellent sound quality, comfortable fit, and convenient features. They are considered to be a strong competitor in the wireless earbud market.
| Specification | Details |
| Compatibility | Works with Android and iOS devices |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Operating range | Up to 33 feet (10 meters) |
| Microphone | 4-microphone array |
| Speaker | 5.8mm graphene-enhanced driver |
| Earbud dimensions | 0.87 x 0.79 x 0.55 inches (22.0 x 20.0 x 14.0 mm) |
| Charging case dimensions | 2.36 x 1.77 x 1.06 inches (60.0 x 45.0 x 27.0 mm) |
| Earbud weight | 0.14 oz (4.0 g) per earbud |
| Charging case weight | 2.47 oz (70 g) |
| Water resistance | IPX5-rated (earbuds and charging case) |
| Battery life | Up to 9 hours of battery life on a single charge, with an additional 36 hours of battery life with the charging case |
| Charging time | Approximately 2 hours to fully charge the earbuds and charging case |
| Fast charging | Approximately 15 minutes of charging time provide up to 1 hour of battery life |
| Digital assistant support | Works with Siri and Google Assistant |
| Noise cancellation | Adaptive noise cancellation |
| Audio codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive |
| Equalizer | Customizable with the Cambridge Audio Melomania app |
| Warranty | 2-year warranty |
OnePlus Buds Pro
The OnePlus Buds Pro is a pair of wireless earbuds that are designed to deliver high-quality audio and a convenient user experience. The OnePlus Buds Pro earbuds are well-reviewed by users for their good sound quality, comfortable fit, and convenient features. They are considered to be a strong competitor in the wireless earbud market.
| Specification | Details |
| Compatibility | Works with Android and iOS devices |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Operating range | Up to 33 feet (10 meters) |
| Microphone | 4-microphone array with noise cancellation |
| Speaker | 13.4mm dynamic driver |
| Earbud dimensions | 0.86 x 0.79 x 0.64 inches (21.8 x 20.0 x 16.3 mm) |
| Charging case dimensions | 2.36 x 1.77 x 1.06 inches (60.0 x 45.0 x 27.0 mm) |
| Earbud weight | 0.14 oz (4.0 g) per earbud |
| Charging case weight | 2.47 oz (70 g) |
| Water resistance | IP54-rated (earbuds and charging case) |
| Battery life | Up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge, with an additional 30 hours of battery life with the charging case |
| Charging time | Approximately 2 hours to fully charge the earbuds and charging case with a fast charger, or approximately 3.5 hours with a standard charger |
| Quick charging | Approximately 10 minutes of charging time provide up to 1 hour of listening time |
| Audio codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| EQ modes | Dynamic, Bass Boost, Natural, Treble Boost, Vocal Boost |
| Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) | Yes |
| Automatic switching between devices | Yes |
| Voice assistant support | Yes (Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Siri) |
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro is a pair of wireless earbuds that are designed to deliver high-quality audio and a convenient user experience. Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro is well-reviewed by users for its good sound quality, comfortable fit, and convenient features. The active noise cancelling technology is particularly well-regarded, and the integration with Bixby is a useful feature for Samsung device users.
| Specification | Details |
| Compatibility | Works with Android and iOS devices |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Operating range | Up to 33 feet (10 meters) |
| Microphone | 4-microphone array with noise cancellation and voice pickup unit |
| Speaker | 11mm dynamic driver |
| Earbud dimensions | 0.86 x 0.79 x 0.64 inches (21.8 x 20.0 x 16.3 mm) |
| Charging case dimensions | 2.36 x 1.77 x 1.06 inches (60.0 x 45.0 x 27.0 mm) |
| Earbud weight | 0.14 oz (4.0 g) per earbud |
| Charging case weight | 2.47 oz (70 g) |
| Water resistance | IPX7-rated (earbuds and charging case) |
| Battery life | Up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge, with an additional 32 hours of battery life with the charging case |
| Charging time | Approximately 2 hours to fully charge the earbuds and charging case with a wired connection |
| Fast charging | Up to 1 hour of battery life with a 5-minute charge (earbuds only) |
Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Generation)
The Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Generation) are a pair of wireless earbuds that are designed to deliver high-quality audio and a convenient user experience. The Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Generation) are well-reviewed by users for their good sound quality, comfortable fit, and convenient features. The addition of Alexa voice control is a unique and useful feature that sets them apart from other wireless earbuds.
| Specification | Details |
| Compatibility | Works with Android and iOS devices |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Operating range | Up to 33 feet (10 meters) |
| Microphone | 2-microphone array with noise reduction and beamforming technology |
| Speaker | 5.7mm dynamic driver |
| Earbud dimensions | 0.87 x 0.79 x 0.55 inches (22.0 x 20.0 x 14.0 mm) |
| Charging case dimensions | 2.36 x 1.77 x 1.06 inches (60.0 x 45.0 x 27.0 mm) |
| Earbud weight | 0.14 oz (4.0 g) per earbud |
| Charging case weight | 2.47 oz (70 g) |
| Water resistance | IPX4-rated (earbuds and charging case) |
| Battery life | Up to 5 hours of battery life on a single charge, with an additional 15 hours of battery life with the charging case |
| Charging time | Approximately 2 hours to fully charge the earbuds and charging case with the included USB-C cable |
| Voice assistant | Amazon Alexa (built-in) |
Note: These specifications are for the 2nd generation of Amazon Echo Buds. There may be slight differences in the specifications of other versions.
Google Pixel Buds Pro
The Google Pixel Buds Pro is a pair of wireless earbuds that are designed to deliver high-quality audio and a convenient user experience, with the added benefit of integrated Google Assistant voice control. The addition of Google Assistant voice control is a unique and useful feature that sets them apart from other wireless earbuds.
| Feature | Specification |
| Dimensions (per earbud) | 0.8 x 0.9 x 1.0 inches (20.7 x 23.3 x 25.7 mm) |
| Weight (per earbud) | 0.2 ounces (6.5 grams) |
| Earbud charging case | 2.8 x 1.9 x 1.2 inches (72.2 x 49.2 x 30.4 mm) |
| Case weight | 2.3 ounces (65.3 grams) |
| Audio codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX |
| Bluetooth version | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Drivers | 12mm dynamic |
| Sensors (each earbud) | Accelerometer, proximity, ambient light, touch |
| Water resistance rating | IPX4 (splash resistant) |
| Earbud battery life | Up to 5 hours (up to 24 hours with charging case) |
| Earbud charging time | Up to 1 hour |
| Case charging time | Up to 2 hours |
| Wireless charging | Qi wireless charging (charging case) |
| Voice assistant support | Google Assistant |
| Voice recognition (hands-free use) | Yes, using Google Assistant |
| Multi-device connectivity | Yes, can be connected to multiple devices at the same time |
| Automatic switching between devices | Yes, automatically switches between connected devices based on usage |
| Find My Device support | Yes, can use Google’s “Find My Device” feature to locate lost earbuds |
| Voice call and video call support | Yes, can be used for voice and video calls |
| Google Fast Pair | Yes, allows for quick and easy pairing with Android devices |
| Adaptive Sound | Yes, adjusts the volume automatically based on ambient noise levels |
| Spatial Vent | Yes, allows for outside sound to be heard while wearing the earbuds |
| Ambient EQ | Yes, adjusts the sound based on ambient lighting conditions to provide a more natural listening experience |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Yes, adjustable via the Google Pixel Buds app |
| Audio sharing | Yes, can share audio with another person using a compatible device |
| Personalization features | Adjustable EQ, automatic volume adjustment, automatic pause/resume based on removal/insertion of earbuds, touch gestures |
Google Pixel Buds A-Series
The Google Pixel Buds A-Series is a pair of wireless earbuds that are designed to deliver high-quality audio and a convenient user experience, with the added benefit of integrated Google Assistant voice control. The addition of Google Assistant voice control is a unique and useful feature that sets them apart from other wireless earbuds.
| Feature | Specification |
| Dimensions (per earbud) | 0.8 x 0.9 x 1.0 inches (20.7 x 23.3 x 25.7 mm) |
| Weight (per earbud) | 0.2 ounces (6.5 grams) |
| Earbud charging case | 2.8 x 1.9 x 1.2 inches (72.2 x 49.2 x 30.4 mm) |
| Case weight | 2.3 ounces (65.3 grams) |
| Audio codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX |
| Bluetooth version | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Drivers | 12mm dynamic |
| Sensors (each earbud) | Accelerometer, proximity, ambient light, touch |
| Water resistance rating | IPX4 (splash resistant) |
| Earbud battery life | Up to 5 hours (up to 24 hours with charging case) |
| Earbud charging time | Up to 1 hour |
| Case charging time | Up to 2 hours |
| Wireless charging | Qi wireless charging (charging case) |
| Voice assistant support | Google Assistant |
| Voice recognition (hands-free use) | Yes, using Google Assistant |
| Multi-device connectivity | Yes, can be connected to multiple devices at the same time |
| Automatic switching between devices | Yes, automatically switches between connected devices based on usage |
| Find My Device support | Yes |
Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro
The Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro is a pair of wireless earbuds that are designed to deliver high-quality audio and a convenient user experience. Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro earbuds are well-reviewed by users for their good sound quality, comfortable fit, and convenient features. They are considered to be a strong competitor in the wireless earbud market.
| Feature | Specification |
| Dimensions (per earbud) | 0.8 x 0.8 x 1.1 inches (20.3 x 20.3 x 28.3 mm) |
| Weight (per earbud) | 0.2 ounces (5.5 grams) |
| Earbud charging case | 2.6 x 2.6 x 1.1 inches (66.5 x 66.5 x 28.5 mm) |
| Case weight | 2.0 ounces (56.7 grams) |
| Audio codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| Bluetooth version | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Drivers | 11mm graphene drivers |
| Sensors (each earbud) | Accelerometer, proximity, touch |
| Water resistance rating | IPX5 (water resistant) |
| Earbud battery life | Up to 7 hours (up to 28 hours with charging case) |
| Earbud charging time | Up to 1 hour |
| Case charging time | Up to 2 hours |
| Wireless charging | Qi wireless charging (charging case) |
| Voice assistant support | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Voice recognition (hands-free use) | Yes, using Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa |
| Multi-device connectivity | Yes, can be connected to multiple devices at the same time |
| Automatic switching between devices | Yes, automatically switches between connected devices based on usage |
| Find My Device support | Yes |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the wireless earbud market is constantly evolving and there are many excellent alternatives to the AirPods available for 2023. When choosing a pair of earbuds, it is important to consider factors such as sound quality, Bluetooth connectivity, comfort and fit, battery life, and extra features. It is also important to think about personal needs and preferences and to find wireless earbuds that offer good value for the price. With so many options available, it may be helpful to do research and read reviews from trusted sources to help narrow down the choices. Ultimately, the right wireless earbuds will depend on the individual user and their specific needs and preferences.