Apple Airpods review: Everything you need to know
The standard Apple Airpods come with fundamental features such as fast iOS device(s) pairing and automatic pause and play. Although they don’t have noise cancellation, they are a very convenient wireless earbud choice. Some other core features added by Apple include Siri’s hands-free capability and quicker switching between user devices.
The regular Apple Airpods is fairly lighter than the Airpods Pro. Another difference between both is that the standard Airpods lean on the ear rather than within it. For users who want a less conspicuous earbud, regular Airpods are a more ideal choice than the Airpod Pro.
Generally, if what you want is an affordably priced and convenient-for-use wireless earbud, then the standard Apple Airpod is a great choice.
What Features do Airpods Offer?
The connection is seamless without dropout on the technical front, whether between two buds or a phone and bud. Changing connections as well as initial pairing is simple. The case charges the Apple Airpods fast; battery life is quite impressive – five hours listening time or three hours of talk time from a single charge, and almost 19 more hours available (via the charging case).
Beneath the skin of the apple Airpods, the W1 chip that was in the very first released a new H1 chip has replaced Airpods. This new chip enables swifter switching and pairing between Apple devices, lesser latency (for gaming), improved battery management for longer talk time, and completely hands-free control. Before using the H1 chip, the older Airpods were subjected to testing consisting of full AirPods battery discharge with a mobile phone call till call audio stopped playing from one of the Airpods.,
Following the launch of iOS13, the Apple Airpods received a new handy feature – Audio Sharing. This clever new addition lets another pair of Apple Airpods connect and listen to one iPhone. To audio share with another person, just tap both phones together, and you can both listen to a song from Spotify, a Netflix show, or a Youtube video.
In addition to this exciting feature and thanks to ios13, users can now reply to Siri messages. Once Siri reads out the incoming message, you can immediately reply using your voice.
The Airpods, together with a wireless charging case, are available for £199, while the charging case on its own is available for £79. The case has a battery-level display LED at the front, and it also works with all Qi-compatible charging mats. Finally, bear in mind that battery life depends on device settings, the environment, and device usage.
Sound
Pros
The newly improved Airpods are considerably louder than the preceding version. This is highly welcome because the standard Apple Airpods are not great at isolating outside noise; therefore, the extra sound is needed. However, for noise cancellation earbuds, you can opt for the Apple Airpods pro.
Apple typically provides a natural, relatively neutral sonic balance in all its products and these Airpods follow that same modus operandi. Artificial enhancement of treble and bass boost is absent, letting you enjoy your music with little to no external maneuvering. This natural audio feel is a huge plus for the listening experience.
Furthermore, the improved Airpods have more style and subtlety than their preceding version. The low-level dynamic changes are more refined and granular, while the larger contrasts between loud and quiet are more distinct and intense. The delivery is substantially more meticulous, and the presentation is slightly more expansive and open. As a result of improved timing, the Airpods structure is artfully enhanced.
While the sound enhancements mentioned above may seem rather understated, they make a considerable difference in the overall listening experience when put together. The improvements make the Apple Airpods perform better and provide more thrilling audio.
Cons
Notwithstanding the new enhancements made to the Apple Airpods, they still fall short in some important areas. The refined style and better working structure don’t make up for the abrasive sound at high volumes. The Airpods are also poor at properly delivering the audio quality of the heavily arranged parts of some songs/tracks.
Although the previous Airpods version was not the best in audio quality, it had better rhythmic delivery and detail than this new version. Apple seems to have saved the excellent audio quality for the Airpods Pro.
Build
Pros
The Apple Airpods are a one-size-fits-all earbud. Thanks to the new improvements, they are also less obvious and fit more subtly in the ear.
Cons
So far, apart from a few build and fit adjustments here and there, Apple has ignored most of the criticisms of the first Airpods model. Although having a one-size-fits-all earbud is great, it has its significant issues. While it may fit perfectly enough in one person’s ear that they can go for a run or exercise without the AirPods falling out, it may be the direct opposite in another case and fall out of the ear at the slightest move.
The absence of physical control buttons can be quite frustrating as well. The two-user stated double-tap controls and Siri are rather poor substitutes for the lack of controls, especially for users who want to utilize the earbuds while working out.
Is Apple Airpods Worth Buying?
If what you want is smooth, flawless pairing with your iPhone and Audio Sharing capabilities, then the Apple Airpods is a fantastic choice. If you place a priority on high-quality and vibrant audio fidelity, then you should consider getting a Bose or Sony headphone or earbud. However, if you still want an apple product, the Airpods pro provides remarkably good audio quality.
Airpods vs. Bose Headphones
Airpods offer better battery life and swift charging capacity. The H1 chip also aids in flawless connection to your iPad and iPhone. As an iPhone or Apple device user, you will appreciate these features. On the other hand, the Bose SoundSport Free has considerably better sound quality and a more secure ear.
Essentially, if you don’t mind sacrificing the sound quality and intend to use the earbuds with an iPad or iPhone, get the Airpods or the Airpods pro (which has better sound quality).
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Conclusion
The Apple Airpods has many nifty features, which give them some edge over the first Airpods version. These features are mainly from the new H1 headphone chip, which enhances battery life and makes connectivity more seamless. It is also responsible for the new ‘Hey Siri’ voice activation feature, which for instance, allows users to respond to messages as Siri reads them out immediately. If you are an iPhone user, then the new additions will be all the more enjoyable.
In addition, users can get the wireless charging case, which can be powered with a Qi-compatible charging mat, rather than using a standard Apple cable. The Apple Airpods are effortless to pair with pretty much all phone models, but they seem mainly created to work with iPhones. Their sound quality also falls short when compared to other earbuds from Bose and Sony, for example. Overall, they are ideal for users who just want a functional earbud with good battery life and seamless iPhone connectivity.
