Which headphones are better than earpods. How to replace eArpods? Or a review of The Pop - Coloud headset
The first wireless headphones the earbuds may not have been designed by Apple, but their AirPods were the first earbuds to be sold in large quantities, and the first devices that many people heard and saw about.
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Now we have all got used to their strange design, as if someone sneaked up and discreetly cut off with scissors Apple wires EarPods.
So now people on the internet have the opportunity to shout, “Apple is not a pioneer in the wireless headphone market! It was Bragi Dash, damn it! "
What are the best wireless earbuds at the moment?
Well, despite the title of this article, in some ways, Apple's AirPods are the best wireless earbuds on the market. They're technically great, they sell for a good price, and we're big fans of how well they work with iOS and Siri. The sound quality is also excellent, as expected.
However, if sound quality is your main concern, then we strongly recommend that you check out the Sony WF-1000X. They sound much better and of course are not only suitable for iOS devices.
Want a wireless headphone for the gym or running? While the Jabra Elite Sport isn't the best in terms of comfort, it does offer a good fit and will track your heart rate and workout performance via the Jabra app.
Wireless headphones: everything you need to know about them
In-ear wireless headphones are a relatively young product, and one cannot say that any manufacturer makes them 100 percent correct. Even 70 percent. Even Apple, with their bottomless budget and capabilities, have created headphones that, while they sound good, can't stay connected all the time, and don't look their best.
While traditional Bluetooth headphones are slowly beginning to get rid of these annoying disconnects, wireless headphones still suffer from it.
This is most likely because they have to connect wirelessly, not only to the phone, but also to each other ... through a big fat head.
Another common problem occurs when you turn on this type of headphone for the first time. They are not always connected to each other, and in order to fix the problem, you need to hold the button for a long time, and sometimes even turn them off and on again. This situation will improve, but on this moment it really spoils the overall experience of use.
The sound quality is generally good, but falls short of comparable priced wired or standard bluetooth headphones.
What about battery life? There is nothing to talk about. However, most of them have a carrying case that has a built-in battery, meaning that while in the case, they are charged, which significantly increases the overall battery life.
This, of course, does not mean that you can forget about charging. Also, you need to position the earbuds correctly inside the case, because otherwise they won't charge.
However, wireless headphones have one huge advantage: they completely free you from wires.
AirPods are one of those cases where first impressions don't count. Yes, we all had a good laugh at them in the beginning, but after using Apple's wireless earbuds, we breathed a sigh of relief because they work exceptionally well and are perfect for the iPhone.
Yes, they look rather strange, and even a year after the release, many are still not used to this appearance. But we are not. Forget about design and enjoy the performance.
Take AirPods out of their tiny body and they sync instantly to your iPhone, and thanks to optical sensor and to the accelerometer, they "know" where your ears are, so when you take them out of your ears, the music automatically pauses.
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To turn on Siri, you need to double-tap the earbud, and this is the only controller, so either get used to voice control, or use your phone. But again, everything works flawlessly.
The noise canceling microphone and the sound quality during calls are not bad, but the quality of music playback is not what you would expect from headphones for 11,990 rubles. The loudness is impressive and they are by no means terrible, especially when you consider how great they are to use, although the bass falls short of the desired level.
Pros: Very lightweight, Siri controls, great for making calls
Cons: Not exactly audiophile sound, iPhone only
Price:
Best Alternatives to Apple AirPods
The Sony WF-1000X is a huge leap forward in music quality and a worthy successor to the 1000X on-ear headphones.
They also have active noise canceling, which is great when you consider small size the headphones themselves. Overall, the sound is head and shoulders above all other wireless headphones.
The WF-1000X are expensive, although you can't say they are overpriced given the quality of what you get. Time autonomous work is three hours, and another six hours of operation will be provided by the carrying case. Although several times the headphones in the case did not charge, most likely this was either because the charge in it itself ran out, or we somehow inserted them incorrectly.
The fit is very comfortable and the headphones generally hold well in the ears, except for one memorable occasion when one of them fell out during a bike ride - fortunately, on a not too busy road. They were immediately run over by a van, which made us question the whole concept of a wireless headset for a moment.
Another flaw that we hope will be fixed is the "beta" application, which does not work very well on certain devices.
Pros: Sound, comfortable fit
Cons: awkward buttons, battery life
Price: 
If you want to keep up with the advancement of technology, check out the Jabra Elite Sport, the hottest new tech out there right now. To begin with, they offer probably the most stable and reliable connection on wireless channel and a relatively reasonable battery life of 4 to 4.5 hours.
Their powerful, full-bodied sound is perfect for running and working out in the gym.
More notably, the Jabra Elite Sport offers cardio tracking as you exercise, counting reps during cross-workouts (not very good in our experience), and real-time measurements of your speed, distance, calories consumed, etc. .d., and transfer this data to special iOS or Android app.
While they track your heart rate surprisingly accurately, the app isn't particularly useful. This is because it obviously doesn't take into account your current fitness level. We know this because after six consecutive workouts, which were rated 5 out of 5 in intensity, the app still persistently advised not to exercise that way.
But, it offers several useful metrics that you can use and interpret for yourself. These headphones are really great option for exercise, because they sit very firmly in the ears.
This fit also means they are not very comfortable. They are great for training, but we would not advise wearing them as regular headphones outside of training.
Pros: tracking heart rate, decent sound
Cons: inconvenient
Price: 
2 hour battery life is not the best best indicator and they are also terribly expensive, but they have no equal in terms of noise cancellation.
Unfortunately, right after their release, Sony released the WF-1000X. Yes.
However, Here One is still a highly coveted proposition thanks to active noise cancellation, here this function is implemented much better than Sony, with various filters for various noises.
Squelch adjustment is made using Here applications Active listening System App as there are no controls on the headphones themselves. It allows you to remove the background chatter and increase the volume when, for example, you are in a pub.
The fit of these headphones is perfect, the sound quality is superb, whether it's streaming Spotify or taking calls - the sound is clear, balanced and pleasing. Seriously, two hours and $ 299.99? They are probably mocking.
Official price Apple EarPods is 2,490 rubles. The headphones are good, but they have their drawbacks: because of the glossy case, they constantly strive to fall out of the ears, and because of the thin PVC-free wires, they are destroyed in the plug area and get confused when carrying. The advertised ergonomic shape, unfortunately, does not suit everyone, and as a result, the headphones do not sound at all for people with "incompatible" ears.
Buy for 2,500 rubles a decent headset with iPhone support it is very difficult, so we started from the amount of 3,000 rubles, which is very budgetary by today's standards. The main selection criteria were the sound, the presence of a microphone and a control panel. With this in mind, we have selected five candidates for the purchase.
Xiaomi Hybrid
Main characteristics
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A novelty from the notorious Xiaomi, interesting primarily with a hybrid design. The headphones use two types of emitters at once: dynamic and reinforcing. The first ones are responsible for low frequencies, the second ones - for middle and high frequencies, which allows you to achieve the most complete picture of the sound.
The design of the "hybrids" is also in complete order. Metal case, fabric-braided cable, remote control on the right earpiece. The plug is straight, but miniature and with a shock absorbing insert. The remote is partially compatible with iPhone, only the center button works (call answer and playback control). The volume buttons, which also allow you to switch tracks, can be made to work using the CTIA-OMTP adapter (adapter is cheap, you can buy on AliExpress). Xiaomi Hybrid is available in two colors: Space Gray and Gold, based on Apple's terminology.
Despite the nuances in the remote control, these headphones are one of the most interesting in the budget category. They sound good and are very pleasing for the price, especially if you buy directly from China (about $ 20).
Sennheiser CX 2.00i
Main characteristics
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Relatively new model sharpened under Apple technology in-ear headphones in best traditions Sennheiser. Juicy sound, deep bass - everything that the fans of the company love.
No frills design. A laconic plastic case, a compact, ergonomic shape that provides a comfortable fit, and good sound insulation due to the ability to choose ear pads exactly in size (there are as many as four pairs in the kit). The connector is angular, with it you can not be afraid to break the one connected to iPhone cable in my jeans pocket. The console is equipped good microphone and is fully compatible with Apple devices: You can control playback, switch tracks and adjust the volume. Headphones are available in black and white.
Sennheiser CX 2.00i captivates with a well-known brand, full support iPhone and the distinctive sound quality of the company's headphones. And all this for a relatively low price.
Main characteristics
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An improved model of well-proven headphones, which has almost no equal in budget segment... The clever design guarantees a comfortable fit and balanced soft sound. With six different pairs of ear cushions, everyone can choose the perfect one.
SoundMAGIC E10S are compact metal case in four combination colors (gold, gray, red, purple) and equipped with a tangle-free cable with characteristic twisted insulation. The remote control is one-button, so the volume cannot be adjusted. The plug is angled, but not at 90 °, but at 45 °, which some consider more convenient. The headset is compatible with all smartphones thanks to the CTIA-OMTP mode switch. The manufacturer did not stint and put in the kit a completely suitable carrying case and an adapter for connecting headphones to a regular PC.
This model turns out to be the most expensive in our review, but even taking into account the one-button remote, it definitely deserves attention thanks to convenient design, high-quality sound and the scope of delivery.
Knowledge Zenith ED9
Main characteristics
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In-ear headphones from the well-known Chinese manufacturer Knowledge Zenith. Have very interesting sound, which lends itself to tuning with two pairs of interchangeable sound guides. With standard earpieces, the sound is balanced, without bias in either direction, but with the help of additional earpieces, you can emphasize low frequencies.
Weighty bodies are made of steel, replaceable sound guides are made of brass, fastened on a thread. All openings are covered with metal mesh. The cable is silicone-insulated, round and moderately soft. Appearance quite presentable, the performance is very high quality. The remote control is one-button, only the functions of answering a call and pause during playback work.
In general, a very high quality option with good sound for those who are not confused by the lack of volume control. For sports activities, most likely, they will not be suitable due to weight - according to at least when running, they will definitely fall out of the ears.
Panasonic RP-TCM125E
Main characteristics
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Super budget model from Panasonic, which has no analogues in its price segment and amazing sound quality. Ergofit construction provides a comfortable fit and does not fall out.
The body is made of translucent plastic in a variety of colors, ear pads and a matching cable. A very modest look, as, in fact, the price. Remote with just one button - you can answer calls and pause tracks. The wires are a bit thin, but even if they break, you can always buy new headphones - for such and such a price.
Panasonic RP-TCM125E fulfills its cost one hundred percent and is not inferior in quality even more expensive models... This is the choice for those who just want to listen to music. The Verge named this model the best budget headphones 2015, and we tend to agree with that.
In a niche budget headsets the choice is not very great. If we consider offers from famous brands, then it does not exist at all. Fortunately, thanks to Chinese manufacturers enough good headphones can be bought even for little money. V certain cases you will have to compromise and accept the lack of volume control from the remote control, but without this there is simply no way - models with full iPhone support are much more expensive.
Surely no iPhone owner can imagine a day without headphones. Despite its popularity, Apple's standard accessory isn't really as good as we'd like it to be. Of course, the headphones are very convenient to use - take at least a miniature one, which is equipped with EarPods... But in sound reproduction, they are inferior to some of their less expensive competitors.
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Headphones white are a kind of symbol of belonging to the "caste" of iPhone owners. The truth is that EarPods are just a social marker and provide very average sound quality, says Matt Johnston of Business Insider.
Johnston believes that the main problem Apple's standard earbuds is how they fit in your ear. Every designer who develops a device or accessory strives to make his product as convenient and high quality as possible. It seems that the Cupertinians prioritized speed and ease of donning and doffing. EarPods, not sound reproduction.
The shape of the earbuds really fits perfectly into the auricle, which makes them very comfortable to use. However, they are inserted too deep into the ear. This is very convenient, because you can not be afraid that EarPods will fall out during an intense workout, but has a bad effect on the sound quality. This is why Apple headphones sound slightly muffled and harsh compared to others.
Among other things, EarPods much quieter than many of its competitors. Surely many iPhone owners and iPad more than once faced with the fact that when watching a movie, even at maximum volume, it was still poor audibility... Due to the way the earphones are positioned in the ear and the special design, sound leakage occurs and the ambient noise distorts the music.
All of the above by no means does EarPods bad headphones... They are perfect for users who do not care about the clarity of the sound reproduction, and who are willing to put up with insufficient volume.
As an alternative EarPods Johnston named in-ear headphones Skullcandy. In order to insert them into your ears, you will have to spend a few extra seconds, but this is not big problem... The accessory fits relatively deep so it doesn't fall out during runs and provides a rich sound. As well as EarPods The Skullcandy are equipped with a microphone and remote control, but are much cheaper.
The AirPods, released in December, are significantly better than their competitors in the market. This is the conclusion reached by the 9to5Mac columnist Jordan Kahn, who tested the most popular models. wireless headsets... The "apple" product turned out to be not only cheaper than its analogues, but also much more practical, as well as better in terms of sound design.
In-ear headphones devoid of wired connection, existed on the market before the release of AirPods. But it is wireless Apple models fueled interest in this category of devices. The publication decided to compare AirPods with the most popular models on the market: Sol Republic Amps Air ($ 179) Samsung Gear IconX ($ 199), Erato Apollo 7 ($ 249), Skybuds Pearl ($ 199), Bragi The Headphone ($ 149) and a few others.
There were several complaints about the test headphones, in particular because of the size, battery life, sound quality, as well as the inconvenience associated with touching metal contacts with the skin. Their main problem is unreliable connection.
“Headphones from Samsung and other manufacturers almost never automatically paired with an iPhone. They had to constantly turn on and off, tinker with Bluetooth settings, being, for example, on a morning run. With AirPods similar problems no. You open the case, put the headphones in your ears and start listening to music, ”writes Kahn.
The sound quality of the AirPods is one of the best. For this indicator, with Apple headphones only the Sol Republic model can be compared.
“AirPods can't boast perfect sound, nevertheless, their sound is quite elastic with a certain volume margin. By level low frequencies and the completeness of the sound picture, they can be surpassed only by the Amps Air from Sol Republic. But this was achieved by increasing the size of the headphones themselves. If you expect from wireless earbuds audiophile sound, this is an unattainable level for them, "- said the observer.
According to the test results, Jordan Kahn considered the main rival of AirPods Samsung headphones Gear IconX.
“What to choose if AirPods are not right for you? If it has to be wireless model then it is worth looking into side of Samsung Gear IconX. These headphones seemed to me and my friends the most comfortable, they have a compact form factor and a tolerable design. They are quite comfortable to wear thanks to the soft rubberized material of the case, and small holders will protect the headphones from falling out. However, the charging contacts inside the headset may irritate the skin if worn for a long time, check this point before purchasing. Headphones do not sound as bright as AirPods, in terms of sound quality they are definitely inferior to the competitor, ”the journalist concluded.
Headset, note a number of shortcomings, for example, relatively short battery life (up to 5 hours), lack of high quality sound and the risk of earbuds falling out of your ears while exercising or jogging.
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If you are not satisfied with these characteristics, there are many alternative models wireless bluetooth headphones offering more long time work on a single charge, high quality sound as well as protection from water and sweat.
The Powerbeats3 Wireless headset is one of the most reliable Bluetooth headphones according to many Western IT resources. The unique design of the in-ear headphones does not get in the way during your workouts and does not cause discomfort to your ears. Powerbeats3 Wireless are equipped with the new Apple W1 chip. Synchronizing the headset with the device is quite simple, and all data is tied to iCloud account so you don't need to re-pair if you switch to a different device. The accessory's battery life is 12 hours.
Powerbeats3 Wireless come in several colors - black, white, red, blue and yellow. The earbuds are water resistant, but not completely waterproof.
The sound quality is also quite high, however, in order to fully appreciate it, the headphones must be correctly fitted in the ear. The cost of the Powerbeats3 Wireless model is about 16 thousand rubles.
As the name suggests, they are Bluetooth headphones that are fixed in the ears. The headset has a simple yet stylish design and fits comfortably in your ears. The sound quality is largely due to the tight fit of the headphones to the ear canal, so ear pads are supplied with the headphones. different sizes providing a tight fit in the ear. The earbuds can last only two and a half hours without recharging, but using the charging case, the battery life can be tripled.
The headphones have good sound quality, but bass reproduction is weak. With the Earin app, users can customize the sound to their liking. The Earin M1 is priced at $ 199.
The AfterShokz Trekz Titanium headphones are for those users who don't like in-ear headphones. The main feature of the headset is the use of bone conduction technology, which leaves the ear canal completely open and does not interfere with hearing what is happening around. Due to the lack of the usual ear cushions, the headphones on the head look rather unusual, and the cups are attached near the ear canal.
The device remains immobile thanks to the flexible titanium alloy bezel, the base of which rests on the ear and is firmly fixed. There are also three control buttons: two for volume control and one multifunctional, which is used to switch between tracks and receive calls. The headphones are made in accordance with the IP 55 standard, that is, they are not afraid of sweat or rain. The service life of the headset without recharging is 6 hours. The headphone price is $ 129.95.
The Jabra Elite Sport includes a number of features not available with other wireless headphones, such as an in-ear heart rate sensor, accelerometer and fitness app. In addition, the earbuds are completely waterproof. The battery life is 3 hours in playback mode, with the possibility of extending the battery life by using the charging case.
Jabra Elite Sport has large size and may seem uncomfortable at first. The earbuds can be used individually or together, and the Bluetooth connection remains reliable no matter what the owner is doing. Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting that the above application does not sync with Apple Health but can work with third party applications for fitness.
With noise canceling technology, the Jabra Elite Sport is perfect for making calls. The cost of the headphones is $ 249.99.
Doppler Labs has introduced the Here One wireless earbuds, marketed as the next generation of earbuds through the use of “adaptive processing technology extraneous noise". The device, in addition to playing sound, can also analyze external noise and mute it, mix with music, or block any extraneous sounds... For example, the novelty can filter out all ambient sounds and leave only music or voice.
In 2016, the German brand Bragi introduced wireless headphones under an unusual name - more available version wireless smart headphones Bragi The Dash.
Compared to The Dash, the novelty has received a slimmer design and three physical buttons replacing the Bragi The Dash touch controls. They allow you to control playback, volume, "sound transparency", receive calls, and so on.
In addition, Bragi "The Headphone" lost its accompanying iOS app, as well as the ability to receive firmware updates. The sound quality in the headphones matches price category and an order of magnitude better than Apple EarPods. Bragi "The Headphone" price
