Bluetooth Headphones/Buds etc. General Discussion

[AustinIllini]

There are a BUNCH of separate threads for each bluetooth headphone option, but most of them are fairly small. I figure we could make a catchall here for users looking to get into the Bluetooth headphones market.

I have Solo3 Wireless and Powerbeats2. Overall, the Solo3 are worth it for me (albeit I get a slight discount), but I understand. Powerbeats2 are NOT worth it, however. I would probably go a different direction if I were buying now.

 

[boston04and07]

Good idea.

I have one question that pertains to all new W1 headphones but that I've read conflicting answers to...so I've read that these headphones have an increase in range but haven't been able to answer definitively whether that increase is reliant on having new hardware as well (I.e. an iPhone 7) or whether those of us using older devices will see the increase too. I'm using an iPhone 6s and iPad mini 4 and am wondering if I'd see an increase in Bluetooth range using a set of W1 headphones with those devices. I'm guessing no but would love to know for sure, if anyone knows...

 

[rockyromero]

I'm guessing no but would love to know for sure, if anyone knows...

Same here.

Except that I read that wifi is available through the AW to listen to music without an iPhone or iPad close by.

I don't recall which AW was used and wearing an AW would need to happen.

I'll be testing this out when I get the Airpods with the W1 chip.

I expect many positive discoveries with this.

➰

 

[boston04and07]

Same here.

Except that I read that wifi is available through the AW to listen to music without an iPhone or iPad close by.

I don't recall which AW was used and wearing an AW would need to happen.

I'll be testing this out when I get the Airpods with the W1 chip.

I expect many positive discoveries with this.

➰

Ooh, the Apple Watch...I didn't even think of that. I don't have one yet but will probably get one in the next few months. It'll be really nice to be able to walk around my house listening to my headphones without having to actually carry anything. Yet another reason to pick up a watch...

 

[InAustralia]

I had a set of Jaybirds. The Jaybirds were good earphones and had good sound, but the customer support from Jaybirds is terrible. I had mine and they worked pretty well, but after awhile the battery could not keep a proper charge.

After using them for awhile, they would report 60% battery life and then 10 minutes later they would report low battery and power off. I could only get a few hours out of them and the battery indicator was no use as it was not accurate.

I contacted Jaybirds support and they refused to repair or replace then under warranty. Very disappointed.

I took them back to Apple (where I purchased them), and they gave me a full refund no questions asked. Why did Apple have to resolve my issue when it is clearly a Jaybirds issue.

Poor customer service and support from Jaybirds means they have now lost a customer for life. The earbuds are good (when they work), but they refuse to stand by and support the product when a problem arises.

I would avoid Jaybirds. I'm going to wait for Apple's airpods or the BeatsX. At least I know Apple stand by their products.

 

[jshtroutman]

Im looking to get my first set of Bluetooth headphones. I was looking hard at the X2 but now I might just hold off after hearing about your luck with customer support. Looking like I'll just wait for the airpods.

 

[AustinIllini]

Poor customer service and support from Jaybirds means they have now lost a customer for life. The earbuds are good (when they work), but they refuse to stand by and support the product when a problem arises.

I would avoid Jaybirds. I'm going to wait for Apple's airpods or the BeatsX. At least I know Apple stand by their products.

That was an huge selling point for me. Apple customer service is just fantastic.

 

[InAustralia]

Agree - Apple customer service is fantastic.

They fixed my problem with my Jaybirds (even though it was not their problem to fix). You pay a premium for Apple products, but I think it is worth it.

 

[rockyromero]

Im looking to get my first set of Bluetooth headphones. I was looking hard at the X2 but now I might just hold off after hearing about your luck with customer support. Looking like I'll just wait for the airpods.

If you're looking for great BT headphones, there are better choices than the Airpods.

Look at the Beats line.

The Airpods will be ok BT earpieces, and then more.

For those that have iDevices and MACs, like I do, I see the Airpods as a point of entry to the Siri and, later on, the AI experience.

We'll know soon enough.

➰

 

[jshtroutman]

If you're looking for great BT headphones, there are better choices than the Airpods.

Look at the Beats line.

The Airpods will be ok BT earpieces, and then more.

For those that have iDevices and MACs, like I do, I see the Airpods as a point of entry to the Siri and, later on, the AI experience.

We'll know soon enough.

➰

I mostly listen to podcasts with my headphones. Only reason I haven't really looked in to beats is everyone says they are bass heavy. Not sure how that would translate mostly dialogue.

 

[matrix07]

I mostly listen to podcasts with my headphones. Only reason I haven't really looked in to beats is everyone says they are bass heavy. Not sure how that would translate mostly dialogue.

If you mostly listen to podcasts, AirPods will be fine. The only thing I'm not sure about is noise cancelling ability. It has microphones so should be able to do active noise cancelling but there is no mention of it on Apple page (it's mentioned only about when speaking). You will be fine at home or office but on loud street, over the head headphone might be better.

 

[Dmaynard83]

If you're looking for great BT headphones, there are better choices than the Airpods.

Look at the Beats line.

The Airpods will be ok BT earpieces, and then more.

For those that have iDevices and MACs, like I do, I see the Airpods as a point of entry to the Siri and, later on, the AI experience.

We'll know soon enough.

➰

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Beats is no comparison to airpods, THEY HAVE WIRES.

 

[boston04and07]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Beats is no comparison to airpods, THEY HAVE WIRES.

Right, and that's surely a deal breaker for many. But for many others (like me), the single wire between the two earbuds is fairly inconsequential - the main feature is that, along with the Airpods, they don't keep you physically tethered to your phone. So for those of us who have that as a main priority, they are indeed a fair comparison to Airpods. Everyone's needs are different, and while they might not be a good comparison for you, they might indeed be to lots of other people with different needs and priorities.

I know I personally won't notice or care about the single wire going behind my neck; for me, it's all about not having to be physically connected to my phone. They both check off that box. After that, for me personally, it's all about comfort in the ears, ease of controlling playback, battery life, sound quality, etc. I'm sure others have totally different needs though.

 

[bhayes444]

If you mostly listen to podcasts, AirPods will be fine. The only thing I'm not sure about is noise cancelling ability. It has microphones so should be able to do active noise cancelling but there is no mention of it on Apple page (it's mentioned only about when speaking). You will be fine at home or office but on loud street, over the head headphone might be better.

I'm pretty positive the Airpods will not do active noise cancellation. As you mentioned, it is nowhere to be found on Apple's product page; and ANC is a feature they would definitely advertise. Also, the Airpods don't provide the necessary noise isolation to make ANC worthwhile. IEMs and over ear headphone do provide that necessary noise isolation, which is why you generally find ANC headphones in either of those two styles. That, and ANC is power hungry. The Airpods wouldn't last very long IMO with ANC turned on.

 

[matrix07]

I'm pretty positive the Airpods will not do active noise cancellation. As you mentioned, it is nowhere to be found on Apple's product page; and ANC is a feature they would definitely advertise. Also, the Airpods don't provide the necessary noise isolation to make ANC worthwhile. IEMs and over ear headphone do provide that necessary noise isolation, which is why you generally find ANC headphones in either of those two styles. That, and ANC is power hungry. The Airpods wouldn't last very long IMO with ANC turned on.

That's what I figured. So today I got Bose QC35 and love it. A bit pricey for audio quality but NC feature is top notch. It will make my morning walk more joyful.
I will also buy AirPods in addition of. Curious about how well it will perform on day to day tasks.

 

[AustinIllini]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Beats is no comparison to airpods, THEY HAVE WIRES.

Same function. The wire around the back of your head just isn't a big deal. In fact, it's easier to keep track of.
[doublepost=1475947376][/doublepost]

I'm pretty positive the Airpods will not do active noise cancellation. As you mentioned, it is nowhere to be found on Apple's product page; and ANC is a feature they would definitely advertise. Also, the Airpods don't provide the necessary noise isolation to make ANC worthwhile. IEMs and over ear headphone do provide that necessary noise isolation, which is why you generally find ANC headphones in either of those two styles. That, and ANC is power hungry. The Airpods wouldn't last very long IMO with ANC turned on.

The problem with the AirPods (now in the macOS dictionary) is they likely won't do anything special. They're wireless EarPods.

 

[rockyromero]

The problem with the AirPods (now in the macOS dictionary) is they likely won't do anything special. They're wireless EarPods.

True Airpods are wireless EarPods.

And that's the starting point.

As I'm more aware of my audio devices, I realize that I have a variety of auditory needs & requirements.

I've solved this with different devices, accumulated over years.

At my work desk, I have 3 wireless pieces. Each with different functions for music, phone, Skype and communicating with MACs and PCs.

For workouts, I have a different behind the neck Plantronics earphones. They work well for this.

For TV viewing, I have 2 devices wirelessly connected to the ATV. Each has different preferences for the right moment.

For bedtime, I have a wireless earpiece, over the ears Bose headphones, and Apple EarPods also.

It's devices for the right use, moment and convenience. I always have a charged device available, mostly.

I had been unaware, until now, that all these devices will be eventually gone and replaced with just the Airpods.

Remember when the iPhone eliminated so many devices?

The Airpods fills this expectation.

➰

 

[Dmaynard83]

Same function. The wire around the back of your head just isn't a big deal. In fact, it's easier to keep track of.
[doublepost=1475947376][/doublepost]
The problem with the AirPods (now in the macOS dictionary) is they likely won't do anything special. They're wireless EarPods.

Easier to keep track of but more of an annoyance when the wires tug at your ears.

Also the wires make beats more noticeable whereas the airpods have a more discreet look then wires wrapped around your neck.

A better comparison to the airpods would be the icon x or dash.

 

[jeremydwill]

I'm currently on the fence with my PowerBeats 2 Wireless. While they've been 'ok,' I'm looking to upgrade but I'm curious what you all think, outside of the PowerBeats 3. Any recommendations on good gym-friendly bluetooth buds?

 

[futurist101]

True Airpods are wireless EarPods.

And that's the starting point.

As I'm more aware of my audio devices, I realize that I have a variety of auditory needs & requirements.

I've solved this with different devices, accumulated over years.

At my work desk, I have 3 wireless pieces. Each with different functions for music, phone, Skype and communicating with MACs and PCs.

For workouts, I have a different behind the neck Plantronics earphones. They work well for this.

For TV viewing, I have 2 devices wirelessly connected to the ATV. Each has different preferences for the right moment.

For bedtime, I have a wireless earpiece, over the ears Bose headphones, and Apple EarPods also.

It's devices for the right use, moment and convenience. I always have a charged device available, mostly.

I had been unaware, until now, that all these devices will be eventually gone and replaced with just the Airpods.

Remember when the iPhone eliminated so many devices?

The Airpods fills this expectation.

➰

I had to laugh because this is the exact situation I am in currently. I have a variety of wired and "wireless" headsets that I use depending on the device and situation. When the Airpods were introduced at the $150 price point I was ready to buy on the spot. In my view, this is the logical evolution of headphones and I'm not sure why other companies like Sennheiser and Bose haven't tried to push more products like this. I recall finding the Sennheiser MX W1 on Amazon several years ago and wanting to purchase it immediately but couldn't justify spending over $500 for wireless headphones.

 

[Phightinphils]

Is there any knowledge on when "Fall" is? Checking daily to see when the BeatsX launch.

 

[rijc99]

Anyone know if the Airpods multipoint?

Aside from the devices connected to the same iCloud account?

 

[whsbuss]

Here's a video of upcoming EarPods

 

[gavinfabl]

Ask me questions on bluetooth headphones or headphones...

My blog gavinsgadgets in the reviews, audio section has reviews on over 20 bluetooth headphones alone. Currently typing reply whilst listening to the Beats Solo 3 Wireless.

 

[Rocketpaul]

I recently purchased the beyerdynamic Bryon BT earphones. I'm impressed, didn't think the BT sound could be this good. I would have gone for the Bryon BTA if it wasnt twice the price just for the AAC codec...