iPhone & Mac user – which earbuds should I go for? Totally torn.

[Topuria]

Hey everyone,

I’m looking to grab some new earbuds but I’m struggling to make a decision. I use an iPhone and a MacBook, so the ecosystem stuff matters to me, but the price gaps between these models are pretty huge.

Here’s what I’m looking at right now:

• AirPods Pro 3: around €200
• AirPods Pro 2: around €170
• AirPods 4: €90 (I’ve never used non-silicone buds before, so I’m a bit worried about the fit and whether they’ll just fall out.)
• Anker Liberty 4 Pro: €75
• Anker Liberty 5: €40

What I’m wondering is: Is it actually worth paying the premium for AirPods just for the "magic" Apple features like auto-switching between devices? Would I be missing out on much if I just went with the Liberty 4 Pro or Liberty 5 instead? Or is it a case of "stick with AirPods if you’re on Apple, it's worth the extra cash"?

 

[Apple_Robert]

In my opinion, you should wait for a sale on the AirPods Pro 3. I have been very pleased with the 2 pair I own.

 

[Soondae]

Fit and comfort are also very important to consider, so try them all. For me my favorites are the Beats Fit Pro, better battery life than my AP4's (non ANC), Fit and comfort for me are quite an improvement with the beats. Also I like the programable buttons on the beats and yes they support your iPhone and Mac the same as the APP3/2. When I had a set of APP2 they would always fall out of my ears, The AP4 are a bit better fit wise for me then the APP2, but I had one fall out during my walk the other day. The Beats Fit Pro are very secure.

Another reason to consider the Beats is that if you change to Android they have an Android APP that gives you all the features that are supported on Apple devices.

 

[Madonepro]

What is your use case for earphones?

I am particularly fond of the Beats products, in particular the Powerbeats Pro and the Fit Pro. The have the tech from Apple in them, so easy switching, great noise cancelling, and they stay in your ear, if you do sports.

 

[Soondae]

Alot of treadmill work or just long walks, I'm 67 years old so no more running. however the fit and function of the Beat Fit Pro in my opinion set them apart from the other in Ear models, during a long walk I had a AP4 fall out as I swatted at an insect, it went into a gutter, luckily not down down a grate or something where I couldn't retrieve it.

I have the original BFT Ver 1 with the H1 chip, the latest release has the H2 chip which puts it on par with the APP series.