Best Headphones Alternatives to AirPods to Buy in October 2025
JBL Tune 510BT - Bluetooth headphones with up to 40 hours battery, microphone for call, foldable and comfortable, Android and iOs compatible (Black)
- ENJOY JBL PURE BASS SOUND FOR AN IMMERSIVE LISTENING EXPERIENCE!
- SEAMLESS BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY SWITCHES BETWEEN DEVICES EFFORTLESSLY.
- LONG-LASTING 40-HOUR BATTERY ENSURES UNINTERRUPTED MUSIC ENJOYMENT!
Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones, 60H Playtime, Hi-Res Audio, Deep Bass, Foam Ear Cups, Travel, Office, USB-C Charging
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HI-RES AUDIO FOR CLARITY: ENJOY EXTRAORDINARY SOUND CLARITY, UP TO 40 KHZ!
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90% NOISE CANCELLING: ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS WITH ADVANCED ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION.
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60-HOUR PLAYTIME: LISTEN LONGER-UP TO 60 HOURS WITH JUST ONE CHARGE!
Sony ZX Series Wired On-Ear Headphones, Black MDR-ZX110
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN WITH PUNCHY SOUND-PERFECT FOR TRAVEL ENTHUSIASTS.
- EARCUPS SWIVEL FOR EASY STORAGE AND ENHANCED PORTABILITY ON-THE-GO.
- CUSHIONED EARPADS PROVIDE COMFORT WHILE SEALING IN RICH, IMMERSIVE SOUND.
Beats Solo 4 - Wireless Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones, Apple & Android Compatible, Up to 50 Hours of Battery Life - Matte Black
- EXPERIENCE POWERFUL BEATS SOUND WITH CUSTOM ACOUSTIC ARCHITECTURE.
- ENJOY PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO WITH DYNAMIC HEAD TRACKING.
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE DESIGN WITH 50 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE!
BERIBES Bluetooth Headphones Over Ear, 65H Playtime and 6 EQ Music Modes Wireless Headphones with Microphone, HiFi Stereo Foldable Lightweight Headset, Deep Bass for Home Office Cellphone PC Ect.
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65 HOURS PLAYTIME: ENJOY NON-STOP MUSIC WITH ULTRA-LONG BATTERY LIFE.
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6 MUSIC MODES: TAILOR YOUR SOUND WITH RICH EQ OPTIONS FOR EVERY GENRE.
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ALL-DAY COMFORT: LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN AND SOFT EARMUFFS ENSURE LASTING COMFORT.
Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones Bluetooth On-Ear Headset with Microphone and up to 50 Hours Battery Life with Quick Charging, Black
- ENJOY UP TO 50 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE FOR ALL-DAY LISTENING FUN!
- CUSTOMIZE SOUND WITH THE EQ FEATURE FOR A PERSONALIZED AUDIO EXPERIENCE.
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND COMFORTABLE DESIGN ENSURES ALL-DAY WEAR WITHOUT FATIGUE.
MMWOWARTS Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Over Ear Bluetooth Headsets with 35H Playtime, HiFi Stereo Foldable Headphones with Foam Ear Cups for Sports, Office, Travel Gray
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ALL-DAY COMFORT: SOFT FOAM EARCUPS & FLEXIBLE DESIGN FOR ULTIMATE COMFORT.
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35-HOUR PLAYTIME: ENJOY UNINTERRUPTED MUSIC WITH LONG-LASTING BATTERY LIFE.
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SEAMLESS CONNECTIVITY: QUICK PAIRING AND STABLE CONNECTION WITH BLUETOOTH 5.4.
JBL Tune 720BT - Wireless Over-Ear Headphones with JBL Pure Bass Sound, Bluetooth 5.3, Up to 76H Battery Life and Speed Charge, Lightweight, Comfortable and Foldable Design (Black)
- EXPERIENCE POWERFUL JBL PURE BASS SOUND, LIKE THE PROS USE!
- ENJOY SEAMLESS STREAMING WITH ADVANCED BLUETOOTH 5.3 TECHNOLOGY.
- PERSONALIZE AUDIO WITH THE JBL APP AND INTUITIVE EQ OPTIONS.
Soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over-Ear Bluetooth, 40H Long ANC Playtime, Hi-Res Audio, Big Bass, Customize via an App, Transparency Mode (White)
- 90% NOISE REDUCTION: ENJOY PEACE WITH HYBRID ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLING TECH.
- 40-HOUR BATTERY LIFE: LONG-LASTING PLAYTIME MEANS LESS CHARGING HASSLES.
- DUAL-CONNECTIONS: SEAMLESSLY SWITCH BETWEEN DEVICES FOR ULTIMATE CONVENIENCE.
When it comes to comparing headphones and AirPods, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. While both serve the purpose of delivering audio directly to your ears, they differ in certain aspects.
Headphones, or over-ear/around-ear headphones, typically offer superior sound quality and a more immersive listening experience. They often have larger drivers, resulting in better bass response and a richer overall sound. With their larger size, headphones have the potential to provide better noise isolation, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your music without getting distracted by external noises.
On the other hand, AirPods, or wireless earbuds in general, offer unmatched portability and convenience. They're small and compact, making them easy to carry around, and their wireless nature eliminates the hassle of dealing with tangled cables. AirPods also come with features like built-in microphones, touch controls, and seamless integration with Apple devices.
Additionally, AirPods provide for a more streamlined experience when it comes to taking calls or using voice commands, as they're specifically designed for this purpose. They also offer features like automatic ear detection and easy pairing with Apple devices through the iCloud.
Ultimately, the choice between headphones and AirPods depends on your personal preferences and how you plan to use them. If sound quality and noise isolation are your top priorities, then headphones may be the better option. However, if portability, convenience, and integration with Apple devices are important to you, then AirPods would be a more suitable choice.
How to know if headphones or AirPods have better ergonomics for long wear?
When comparing the ergonomics of headphones and AirPods for long wear, there are a few factors you can consider:
- Fit and Comfort: Check if the headphones or AirPods come with different sizes of ear tips or cushioning options. This allows you to choose the configuration that suits your ears best. Look for adjustable headbands and lightweight designs that minimize pressure and discomfort.
- Noise Isolation: Determine if you prefer headphones that provide passive noise isolation by enclosing your ears or AirPods that offer active noise cancellation. Active noise cancellation can be more effective in eliminating external noise, enhancing overall comfort during prolonged use.
- Secure Fit: Consider whether you prefer headphones that fully cover your ears or AirPods that sit inside your ears. Some people find over-ear headphones more secure and stable for extended use, while others prefer the lightweight and freedom of movement offered by in-ear AirPods.
- Breathability: Evaluate if heat and sweating factors are important to you during extended use. Over-ear headphones may cause more heat buildup around your ears due to their design, whereas in-ear AirPods generally allow for better airflow and may be more comfortable in this aspect.
- Individual Preferences: Ultimately, everyone's ears and preferences are unique. Some individuals find headphones to be more comfortable, while others prefer the minimalistic and wireless design of AirPods. Therefore, it is recommended to try different options (if possible) before making a decision or read reviews and feedback from others who may have similar preferences to yours.
Remember that comfort is subjective, so what works for one person may not work for another. It's always best to try out different options and see what feels most comfortable for you during long periods of wear.
What is the design difference between headphones and AirPods?
Headphones and AirPods have a few key design differences:
- Form factor: Headphones are typically larger and cover the entire ear (over-ear) or rest on the outer ear (on-ear), whereas AirPods have a compact design that sits inside the ear canal (in-ear).
- Connectivity: Most headphones have wires or cables that connect to the audio source device, while AirPods are wireless and connect via Bluetooth.
- Portability: Due to their larger size, headphones are generally less portable than AirPods. AirPods come with a small charging case that can easily fit in a pocket or bag, making them more convenient for on-the-go usage.
- Noise isolation: Headphones, especially over-ear models, often offer better passive noise isolation as they cover the entire ear, blocking out external sounds. AirPods, on the other hand, do not provide as much passive noise isolation as they sit inside the ear but do not cover it completely.
- Controls: Many headphones have physical buttons or switches on the earcups to control functions like volume, play/pause, or skipping tracks. AirPods, in contrast, have touch-sensitive controls that respond to taps for various commands.
- Design aesthetics: Headphones come in various styles and designs, and they often feature adjustable headbands, swiveling or folding earcups, and customizable features. AirPods, with their minimalistic design, have a distinct and recognizable aesthetic, featuring a stem that extends down from the earpiece.
It's important to note that these design differences can vary across different models and brands of headphones and AirPods, as there is a wide range of options available in the market.
How to decide which is more portable, headphones or AirPods?
When deciding which is more portable between headphones and AirPods, there are a few factors to consider:
- Size and weight: AirPods are generally smaller and lighter than most headphones. They are designed to be compact and fit comfortably in your ears. On the other hand, headphones vary in size and can range from compact on-ear headphones to larger over-ear models.
- Case: AirPods come with a compact charging case that protects and stores them when not in use. This case easily fits in your pocket or bag, making them highly portable. Some headphones may come with a case as well, but they tend to be larger and bulkier.
- Wireless technology: AirPods use Bluetooth wireless technology, allowing you to connect them to your devices without any wires. This eliminates the hassle of tangled cords and makes them easy to carry around. Most traditional headphones, however, require a wired connection to your device, which can be less convenient.
- Durability: AirPods are easier to damage due to their small size and lack of physical protection. They also run the risk of getting lost or misplaced. In contrast, bulkier headphones may be more durable and less prone to getting lost, but their size can be a disadvantage when it comes to portability.
Ultimately, the decision between headphones and AirPods depends on personal preference and specific needs. If you prioritize portability and convenience, AirPods are a great option. However, if you value audio quality and comfort over size, traditional headphones might be a better choice.
What is the warranty coverage like for headphones and AirPods?
The warranty coverage for headphones and AirPods may vary depending on the brand and model. Generally, most reputable brands offer a limited warranty that typically covers manufacturing defects and faulty workmanship. The warranty typically lasts for a specific period, such as 1 year, from the date of purchase.
Under warranty coverage, if your headphones or AirPods experience any defects or failures not caused by misuse or damage, the manufacturer will typically repair or replace them free of charge. However, it's essential to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of the warranty provided by the manufacturer, as there may be specific exclusions or limitations.
It's also worth noting that some manufacturers offer extended warranty options that can be purchased separately, providing additional coverage beyond the standard warranty period. These extended warranties may offer benefits such as extended duration, accidental damage coverage, or quicker repair or replacement services.
Remember, warranty coverage can vary, so it's always recommended to review the specific warranty details provided by the manufacturer before making a purchase decision.