Is the Apple headphones line-up the perfect match for Apple devices?

[Telesmurfen]

Hello friends!
I’m sorry if this has been covered before, which it probably has, but here goes.
This summer, I’ve been fortunate to try out different headphones/earphones, but at the end of the day, I always find myself reaching for one from my Apple lineup - which consists of the AirPods 2, the AirPods Pro and the AirPods Max.
To me, it seems that Apple has created the perfect lineup of headphones for themselves.
The regular AirPods when you just need something light to put in your ears, while listening to music in a quiet environment or having a video conference etc.
The AirPods Pro when you’re on a bus, or listening in a noisy environment. They’re still light and don’t attract any attention. They block out quite a lot of sound, and their capability to play spatial audio with a decent conviction, makes them great for both music and movies on the go.
Then, there is the AirPods Max, when you’re not on the move (at least not jogging, working out, etc), but need some great sound quality and really enjoy your music/movies.
All models integrate seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem, like the Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, MacBook, etc, and works great out of the box, without having to fiddle with equalizers and other customizations. The hardest part is to update their firmware, as there is no way to force an update. But, firmware updates only comes a few times a year, so it’s not a big thing.
They also make audio sharing very easy, if you want to listen to music / watch a movie with a friend.
So, in my experience, yes the Sony WF-1000XM4 has deeper bass, but sounds dark and not very clear. The WH-1000XM4 has great NC, and has a “fun sound”, but is not as engaging when watching movies than the AirPods Max.
The Beats studio buds were actually quite clear, nice bass and treble, but I found the midrange kinda too recessed and lacking.
So, while all these earphones have their strengths, and things that make them appealing, I still think that the overall experience can’t be bettered compared to using the official Apple lineup.
Maybe things would have been different if I used an Android phone and could utilize the ldac (or aptX codec). But, for the iPhone, I still prefer the Apple earphones - especially after Apple released the Dolby Atmos / spatial audio format.
Does anybody else feel the same way, or have I missed something?
I know that sound is very subjective, but I would love to hear your opinions on both the Apple earphones and their alternatives and what you use as your daily drivers

 

[doolar]

The only thing missing with an Apple logo is workout earbuds. AirPods and AirPods Pro are not the answer for more or less obvious reasons (they won’t stay in, waterproofing) for many of us. My APP’s are great, but they won’t stay in while running and sweating, no chance. Of course there’s Powerbeats, but it doesn’t say Apple on the tin, for those who care (I don’t, just making conversation).

Apart from that I fully agree. I’m not an audiophile but a headphone enthusiast I like to say. I’ve used lots of headphones, DAC’s, amps and IEM’s over the years. These days I mainly listen on my Max’s really, and while out my APP’s. Apples integration is superb, and the sound quality is good enough, and I mean that very positively. Sometimes I’ll bother with the good headphone rig and some lossless music, but I rarely am bothered these days.

So good move Apple, and compared to other audio equipment, it’s really affordable. I basically got my AirPods Max “for free” selling off some older but expensive headphones I don’t use any more.

 

[Telesmurfen]

The only thing missing with an Apple logo is workout earbuds. AirPods and AirPods Pro are not the answer for more or less obvious reasons (they won’t stay in, waterproofing) for many of us. My APP’s are great, but they won’t stay in while running and sweating, no chance. Of course there’s Powerbeats, but it doesn’t say Apple on the tin, for those who care (I don’t, just making conversation).

Apart from that I fully agree. I’m not an audiophile but a headphone enthusiast I like to say. I’ve used lots of headphones, DAC’s, amps and IEM’s over the years. These days I mainly listen on my Max’s really, and while out my APP’s. Apples integration is superb, and the sound quality is good enough, and I mean that very positively. Sometimes I’ll bother with the good headphone rig and some lossless music, but I rarely am bothered these days.

So good move Apple, and compared to other audio equipment, it’s really affordable. I basically got my AirPods Max “for free” selling off some older but expensive headphones I don’t use any more.

Thanks for replying. Glad to see that I’m not the only one enjoying the Apple earphones/headphones.
When reading reviews, it’s easy to get the impression that every other brand is “destroying” Apple in quality and features, and that Apple is “trash” (or at least a less good alternative”. And, as I said before, if I had used an Android phone or had a different setup, I might have agreed.
But, being heavy into the Apple ecosystem, I just find it hard to beat the Apple headphones for the all round convenience and quality.

 

[jonnyb]

The AirPods of all kinds have kind of spoiled headphones for me (in mostly a good way). I try many headphones and I always end up going back to my AirPods Pro and Max.

The only thing that's missing for me is excellent sound quality on in-ears. I've currently got some Bowers and Wilkins PI7 wireless in-ears and they create a real dilemma for me.

The sound quality of the B&Ws is outstanding but I really miss the extra functionality of AirPods. Everything from 'Hey Siri', to the better transparency mode, etc, the tight integration with the ecosystem simply cannot be matched by 3rd parties.

On the other hand, the sound quality on my AirPods Pro is good, but not excellent but I keep going back to them because of their convenience and functionality.

As an example, I was out walking my dog and I had some shopping in my other hand. I needed to send an urgent text message and I could do this completely hands-free with my AirPods Pro. Even invoking Siri on the B&Ws by touching the right earbud is clunky; without the H1 chip there's a delay and an audible, clunky 'handover' to the Siri audio and then to restart the music afterwards takes 2 taps, sometimes one, and sometimes it doesn't work - just not a smooth experience at all.

So, what I'd love to see with AirPods Pro 2 is an upgrade to the sound along with any rumoured fitness sensors or whatever.

Apple has a real premium sound in the AirPods Max, but they don't currently in their in-ear products. You could argue that the in-ears are more for 'convenience' and casual listening but that argument doesn't hold when it's summer and it's hot but you still want excellent sound quality.

If Sony, B&W, B&O can do ti then so can Apple. I don't want the AirPods Pro 2 to be fitness wearables that also happen to play music. They should be excellent headphones first.

So, in short, my answer to the original question is: "Nearly, but not quite."

 

[Telesmurfen]

The AirPods of all kinds have kind of spoiled headphones for me (in mostly a good way). I try many headphones and I always end up going back to my AirPods Pro and Max.

The only thing that's missing for me is excellent sound quality on in-ears. I've currently got some Bowers and Wilkins PI7 wireless in-ears and they create a real dilemma for me.

The sound quality of the B&Ws is outstanding but I really miss the extra functionality of AirPods. Everything from 'Hey Siri', to the better transparency mode, etc, the tight integration with the ecosystem simply cannot be matched by 3rd parties.

On the other hand, the sound quality on my AirPods Pro is good, but not excellent but I keep going back to them because of their convenience and functionality.

As an example, I was out walking my dog and I had some shopping in my other hand. I needed to send an urgent text message and I could do this completely hands-free with my AirPods Pro. Even invoking Siri on the B&Ws by touching the right earbud is clunky; without the H1 chip there's a delay and an audible, clunky 'handover' to the Siri audio and then to restart the music afterwards takes 2 taps, sometimes one, and sometimes it doesn't work - just not a smooth experience at all.

So, what I'd love to see with AirPods Pro 2 is an upgrade to the sound along with any rumoured fitness sensors or whatever.

Apple has a real premium sound in the AirPods Max, but they don't currently in their in-ear products. You could argue that the in-ears are more for 'convenience' and casual listening but that argument doesn't hold when it's summer and it's hot but you still want excellent sound quality.

If Sony, B&W, B&O can do ti then so can Apple. I don't want the AirPods Pro 2 to be fitness wearables that also happen to play music. They should be excellent headphones first.

So, in short, my answer to the original question is: "Nearly, but not quite."

I totally understand what you mean.
The sound quality from the AirPods Max is quite extraordinary, I think (remember, we’re talking Bluetooth audio here…). But, after having heard the deep, powerful bass of the Sony WF-1000XM4, I wish the AirPods Pro, would have a little more bass. It’s there on certain songs, but doesn’t have quite the impact and power of, say, the Sonys.
A little added clearity wouldn’t have hurt either, but I think it definitely got a lot better with the latest firmware. Especially the soundstage, got quite bigger.
So, yeah, there are probably better in-ear alternatives out there for pure sound quality. But, as you said, you’ll miss out on the hands free Siri and reading notifications among other things. That’s why I think the AirPods Pro is the better alternative in the long run. Once you’ve experienced this convenience, it’s hard to go back.

 

[Julien]

Actually to complete the lineup Apple should add a custom mold AirPod model. I have pair of UE11 Pros that I have had and abused for almost a decade. Send them in once a year for complete service. AirPods and AirPod Pros can't hold a candle to good pair of custom molds. Once you go custom mold's going back to universal fit's would be a struggle. Nothing like "popping" them in and getting a perfect fit/seal every time with no chance of them coming loose or falling out, no mater what your activity level.

Love my AirPod Max's but tried a pair of AirPod Pros (as backup to my UE11 Pros) but ended up sending back.

 

[Sciomar]

The only thing missing with an Apple logo is workout earbuds. AirPods and AirPods Pro are not the answer for more or less obvious reasons (they won’t stay in, waterproofing) for many of us. My APP’s are great, but they won’t stay in while running and sweating, no chance. Of course there’s Powerbeats, but it doesn’t say Apple on the tin, for those who care (I don’t, just making conversation).

Apart from that I fully agree. I’m not an audiophile but a headphone enthusiast I like to say. I’ve used lots of headphones, DAC’s, amps and IEM’s over the years. These days I mainly listen on my Max’s really, and while out my APP’s. Apples integration is superb, and the sound quality is good enough, and I mean that very positively. Sometimes I’ll bother with the good headphone rig and some lossless music, but I rarely am bothered these days.

So good move Apple, and compared to other audio equipment, it’s really affordable. I basically got my AirPods Max “for free” selling off some older but expensive headphones I don’t use any more.

Apple's lineup is more YMMV. I've been using gen 1 AirPods while working out and have only had 1 issue with it cutting out when the temps were -35 degrees F. I've taken them cycling, trail running up and down some technicals and in the gym for lifting. The longest run I did with them was a 13 miler, pre-battery degradation issue. I haven't done any mods to the pods themselves but I did buy a rubber case with a caribiner clip for my case. They're nearing their term and only keep charge for about 45 mins of running, but they've been very solid for me. Depending on any design changes I may try the next Pro's.

OP, paired with an Apple Watch they're amazing.

 

[nicho]

The regular AirPods when you just need something light to put in your ears, while listening to music in a quiet environment or having a video conference etc.
The AirPods Pro when you’re on a bus, or listening in a noisy environment. They’re still light and don’t attract any attention. They block out quite a lot of sound, and their capability to play spatial audio with a decent conviction, makes them great for both music and movies on the go.

This bit I don't quite get. In what situations are Airpods better than APP (ie why have the regular airpods in addition to Pro + Max?)

 

[doolar]

This bit I don't quite get. In what situations are Airpods better than APP (ie why have the regular airpods in addition to Pro + Max?)

One could argue that the AirPods are even easier to put in your ears than the AirPods Pro.

 

[Telesmurfen]

Actually to complete the lineup Apple should add a custom mold AirPod model. I have pair of UE11 Pros that I have had and abused for almost a decade. Send them in once a year for complete service. AirPods and AirPod Pros can't hold a candle to good pair of custom molds. Once you go custom mold's going back to universal fit's would be a struggle. Nothing like "popping" them in and getting a perfect fit/seal every time with no chance of them coming loose or falling out, no mater what your activity level.

Love my AirPod Max's but tried a pair of AirPod Pros (as backup to my UE11 Pros) but ended up sending back.

View attachment 1815932

That looks like a very nice setup. I assume you are pleased with the sound too. See, this is what I find interesting with threads like these… you learn something new. I don’t think I could’ve used this setup daily (I would probably have missed the handsfree Siri and Apple integration too much), but if Apple made something similar, I definitely would have tried them

 

[Telesmurfen]

Apple's lineup is more YMMV. I've been using gen 1 AirPods while working out and have only had 1 issue with it cutting out when the temps were -35 degrees F. I've taken them cycling, trail running up and down some technicals and in the gym for lifting. The longest run I did with them was a 13 miler, pre-battery degradation issue. I haven't done any mods to the pods themselves but I did buy a rubber case with a caribiner clip for my case. They're nearing their term and only keep charge for about 45 mins of running, but they've been very solid for me. Depending on any design changes I may try the next Pro's.

OP, paired with an Apple Watch they're amazing.

The original AirPods design is great, when you don’t need the noise cancellation. I’ve used them for years. My only gripe, is that they don’t fit my ears too well. It’s like they are too loose, and change positions in my ears, to the point where it affects the sound

 

[Telesmurfen]

This bit I don't quite get. In what situations are Airpods better than APP (ie why have the regular airpods in addition to Pro + Max?)

The AirPods don’t “fill up”/“stuff” the ears as much as the AirPods Pro, and therefore even more comfortable to wear for a longer period of time. You don’t even notice that they are in your ear (at least I don’t). So, it’s more like listening to speakers.
Also, I’ve been told that it’s a lot easier to hear me when I’m on the phone with the original AirPods vs the APPs - especially if I’m in a noisy place. I thought the microphone in the APPs were improved, so I find it strange. But, it may be due to the longer stem on the AirPods. So, whenever I know that I’ll have to make a phone call outside, I “have to” use the AirPods. If I use the APPs, I always end up having to take them out and put the phone up to my chin, for them to hear me in the other end.

 

[Telesmurfen]

One could argue that the AirPods are even easier to put in your ears than the AirPods Pro.

That’s true - and also the reasons stated in the post above this

 

[Sciomar]

The original AirPods design is great, when you don’t need the noise cancellation. I’ve used them for years. My only gripe, is that they don’t fit my ears too well. It’s like they are too loose, and change positions in my ears, to the point where it affects the sound

When I first got them I did a search for silicon covers for that anti-slip functionality, I ended up not needing them but there are a few types you could try out. With previous earbuds I used the medium covers and they worked well for my ears, with human anatomy size variances being so broad I'm sure they had a tough time trying to narrow down the best one size fits most version.

 

[NastyMatt]

Actually to complete the lineup Apple should add a custom mold AirPod model. I have pair of UE11 Pros that I have had and abused for almost a decade. Send them in once a year for complete service. AirPods and AirPod Pros can't hold a candle to good pair of custom molds. Once you go custom mold's going back to universal fit's would be a struggle. Nothing like "popping" them in and getting a perfect fit/seal every time with no chance of them coming loose or falling out, no mater what your activity level.

Love my AirPod Max's but tried a pair of AirPod Pros (as backup to my UE11 Pros) but ended up sending back.

Totally agree on custom molds, once you try them anything else is poor in comparison.

As I am asking in another thread, have you tried custom molds on APPs? I had custom molds on some Shure IEMs and it transformed them, unfortunately, the cost of custom molds (in the UK) has doubled to £200 - so I really need to be sure the quality is improved and easy to live with (i.e. having to take them out of the molds to store/charge).

To the OP, I really like the Apple line up and they work well in their own eco system. But I always have a slight 'gap' on every headphone they do, AP fall out my ears - far too little noise isolation. APP no volume / not sweat proof / battery length far too short. APPM - no mute button for the mic - seems a small point but I would use them all day and I walk around a lot on conference calls so a mute button is a real feature I need.

My line up is - APP for watching movies on IPP, Beats Powerbeat Pros for working out / traveling / IPP (great battery life) and Arctis 7 for gaming/conference calls on Windows desktop.

 

[MPclk2006]

The only thing missing with an Apple logo is workout earbuds. AirPods and AirPods Pro are not the answer for more or less obvious reasons (they won’t stay in, waterproofing) for many of us. My APP’s are great, but they won’t stay in while running and sweating, no chance. Of course there’s Powerbeats, but it doesn’t say Apple on the tin, for those who care (I don’t, just making conversation).

Apart from that I fully agree. I’m not an audiophile but a headphone enthusiast I like to say. I’ve used lots of headphones, DAC’s, amps and IEM’s over the years. These days I mainly listen on my Max’s really, and while out my APP’s. Apples integration is superb, and the sound quality is good enough, and I mean that very positively. Sometimes I’ll bother with the good headphone rig and some lossless music, but I rarely am bothered these days.

So good move Apple, and compared to other audio equipment, it’s really affordable. I basically got my AirPods Max “for free” selling off some older but expensive headphones I don’t use any more.

I had the Airpods and they felt like they would fall out when running on treadmill, I got the Pros and have not had that issue in any type of workout I've done.

 

[sunapple]

I’m no expert but I haven’t been blown away on sound quality by other brands compared to my AirPods Pro. Even still, I would choose AirPods for their functionality and design. Honorable mention for HomePod as the closest thing Apple has made to providing sound for movies and music in my living room yet. Hoping for a future second try at that (sound bar maybe?), for now I’ll be using my AirPods with my TV.

 

[Telesmurfen]

Totally agree on custom molds, once you try them anything else is poor in comparison.

As I am asking in another thread, have you tried custom molds on APPs? I had custom molds on some Shure IEMs and it transformed them, unfortunately, the cost of custom molds (in the UK) has doubled to £200 - so I really need to be sure the quality is improved and easy to live with (i.e. having to take them out of the molds to store/charge).

To the OP, I really like the Apple line up and they work well in their own eco system. But I always have a slight 'gap' on every headphone they do, AP fall out my ears - far too little noise isolation. APP no volume / not sweat proof / battery length far too short. APPM - no mute button for the mic - seems a small point but I would use them all day and I walk around a lot on conference calls so a mute button is a real feature I need.

My line up is - APP for watching movies on IPP, Beats Powerbeat Pros for working out / traveling / IPP (great battery life) and Arctis 7 for gaming/conference calls on Windows desktop.

Yeah, I guess every pair of earphones have their shortcoming.
As for the APPs not sweat proof, I’m not sure what you mean. They are “water resistant” and should have no problems when sweating. If the problem is that they fall out, I discovered that changing to the large tips, made the seal even greater and they stay put in my ear, regardless of my activities (walking, running, etc).
Just a tip (pun intended)

 

[Telesmurfen]

I’m no expert but I haven’t been blown away on sound quality by other brands compared to my AirPods Pro. Even still, I would choose AirPods for their functionality and design. Honorable mention for HomePod as the closest thing Apple has made to providing sound for movies and music in my living room yet. Hoping for a future second try at that (sound bar maybe?), for now I’ll be using my AirPods with my TV.

This is exactly my point - “I haven’t been blown away on sound quality by other brands compared to my AirPods Pro.”
When I read reviews, watch reviews on YouTube or look at other manufacturers boxes, I get the impression that those particular earphones/headphones are the ultimate experience, the best, the one to rule them all.
The boxes they come in, show stars, recommendations from websites, etc, while the AirPods come in their plain, white boxes.
But, it’s what’s inside that counts, right?
Even though the Sony WF-1000XM4s have a powerful bass, and it feels like you have added a subwoofer to your speaker setup, I find them lacking when it comes to classical music, choirs, and more “delicate music”.
To me, the APPs do a far better job with those genres.
Also, play some greatly mixed Dolby Atmos tracks with the APPs or the APMs, and I find think they beat the artificial bass boost often found in other earphones. Check out “Another one bites the dust” by Queen, “Merry Go ‘Round” by Kacey Musgraves, or “Moanin’” from the “jazz for spatial audio” playlist.
I don’t think any other headphones are able to present those tracks quite as detailed and good as the APPs and APMs.
Also, I’ve found that the albums that are marked as “Apple digital masters” shines and sparkles with Apple’s headphones.
So, while Sony, Jabra, Beats, etc might produce a more “fun” sound, and might sound a bit better with bass heavy music, I still think Apple’s lineup of headphones are better all round.
And also, I’ve yet to find a manufacturer that beats them when it comes to microphone quality.

 

[ipponrg]

Does anybody else feel the same way, or have I missed something?
I know that sound is very subjective, but I would love to hear your opinions on both the Apple earphones and their alternatives and what you use as your daily drivers

I find Apple headphones (IEMs and cans) as a whole to be acceptable. You have wireless that works reasonably well in its ecosystem. Sound wise, I think the Apple headphones and other wireless headphones are actually worse than other wired options. So if your question is only Apple earphones for wireless listening, then yes I think I agree with you generally. If you're including wired, then I definitely don't feel the same way.

Here is how the APP/APM rank on some audiophile's list:

• https://crinacle.com/rankings/iems/ (search for Airpod)
• https://crinacle.com/rankings/headphones/ (search for Airpod)

And also, I’ve yet to find a manufacturer that beats them when it comes to microphone quality.

The best mic I've heard for wireless headphone/IEMs on calls is the Bose 700. The APP/APM is just terrible at mic noise cancelation, and the mic quality is really average at best. The XM4 is definitely worse than those above for mic. I have the Aftershokz Opencomm, and the mic quality is much better than any of Apple's offerings with of course the tradeoff that it's not really meant for super serious listening.

 

[DanTSX]

Active lifestyle / sports oriented

I could see Apple releasing an entire active lifestyle or sports lineup of their wearables (air pods, watch)

It would be unreasonable to assume that Apple haven’t researched this type of product line. Especially considering that they have done the Nike + watches before.

 

[sunapple]

Active lifestyle / sports oriented

I could see Apple releasing an entire active lifestyle or sports lineup of their wearables (air pods, watch)

It would be unreasonable to assume that Apple haven’t researched this type of product line. Especially considering that they have done the Nike + watches before.

And don’t forget about Beats which is basically what you’re looking for sans Apple logo. I mean, the Apple version should be a little nicer but still.

 

[bigshot]

There's no point comparing sound quality with other headphones because each of us has a different shape to our ears and ear canals. What you can say is that the AirPods Pro match the first Harman response curve pretty closely. That is based on polls of preferences of listeners, so it it pretty typical. If you have a different shape to your noggin, your mileage may vary.

 

[Cashmonee]

What you are describing is Apple's closed ecosystem at work. Being closed like they are allows them to offer unparalleled integration between their devices. It's fantastic if the solutions Apple offers work for you. If they don't, you quickly realize that it can be frustrating that ecosystem is closed in order to push you to products that do not work for you.