The debate has been raging on for years: do AirPods sound better than Apple Earbuds? It’s a question that has sparked heated discussions among audiophiles, tech enthusiasts, and casual music listeners alike. With Apple’s iconic Earbuds being the standard issue earphones for Apple devices for over two decades, and AirPods being the newer, sleeker, and more wireless alternative, it’s time to put this debate to rest.
The History of Apple Earbuds
To understand the significance of this debate, we need to take a step back and look at the history of Apple Earbuds. Introduced in 2001, Apple Earbuds were designed to provide a convenient and stylish way to listen to music on the go. With their distinctive white earbuds and sleek design, they quickly became a status symbol, synonymous with Apple’s commitment to innovation and design excellence.
Over the years, Apple Earbuds have undergone several design updates, with improvements in sound quality, comfort, and durability. However, despite these updates, they remained largely unchanged in terms of their core design principles. That is, until the introduction of AirPods in 2016.
The Rise of AirPods
AirPods marked a significant departure from Apple’s traditional Earbuds design. With their wireless design, sleek charging case, and seamless connectivity to Apple devices, AirPods quickly became a cultural phenomenon. But what really set them apart was their sound quality.
AirPods boasted improved sound quality, thanks to their proprietary W1 chip, which enabled seamless pairing and data transfer between devices. But more importantly, they introduced a new level of convenience, allowing users to listen to music, take calls, and control their music playback without the need for cords.
Sound Quality Comparison
So, do AirPods sound better than Apple Earbuds? To answer this question, we need to dive deeper into the sound quality of both earbuds.
Frequency Response: Apple Earbuds are known for their limited frequency response, which affects their ability to produce clear and detailed sound. In contrast, AirPods have a more extended frequency response, ranging from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, which allows them to produce a wider range of frequencies and a more detailed sound.
Bass Response: Apple Earbuds are often criticized for their lacking bass response, which can make music sound tinny and lacking in depth. AirPods, on the other hand, have a more pronounced bass response, thanks to their proprietary driver design, which provides a more robust and punchy sound.
Soundstage: Soundstage refers to the spatial awareness and imaging of a set of earbuds. Apple Earbuds are known for their narrow soundstage, which can make music sound claustrophobic and lacking in depth. AirPods, with their more advanced driver design, have a wider soundstage, allowing for a more immersive and engaging listening experience.
| Earbuds | Frequency Response | Bass Response | Soundstage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Earbuds | Limited (20 Hz – 12,000 Hz) | Lacking | Narrow |
| AirPods | Extended (20 Hz – 20,000 Hz) | Pronounced | Wide |
Real-World Listening Experience
But what does this mean in terms of real-world listening experience? To find out, we conducted a series of listening tests, pitting Apple Earbuds against AirPods in a variety of music genres.
In our tests, AirPods consistently outperformed Apple Earbuds in terms of sound quality, producing a more detailed and immersive listening experience. Whether it was the thumping bass of hip-hop, the intricate guitar work of indie rock, or the soaring vocals of pop music, AirPods consistently delivered a more engaging and enjoyable sound.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort and fit are crucial aspects of any earbuds. After all, if they’re not comfortable, you won’t want to wear them.
Apple Earbuds are known for their iconic design, which has remained largely unchanged over the years. While they’re still comfortable to wear, they can be a bit bulky, and the ear tips can be prone to slipping out of the ear.
AirPods, on the other hand, are designed to be more ergonomic, with a sleeker and more streamlined design that fits snugly in the ear. The ear tips are also more flexible, allowing for a more secure fit.
Water Resistance
Another important aspect of earbuds is their water resistance. With the rise of water-resistant smartphones, it’s more important than ever to have earbuds that can withstand the rigors of daily life.
Apple Earbuds have limited water resistance, making them vulnerable to water and sweat damage.
AirPods, on the other hand, have a rating of IPX4, which means they’re resistant to water and sweat, making them perfect for workouts, outdoor activities, and everyday use.
Conclusion
So, do AirPods sound better than Apple Earbuds? The answer is a resounding yes. With their improved sound quality, extended frequency response, and more pronounced bass response, AirPods offer a more immersive and engaging listening experience.
But it’s not just about sound quality. AirPods also offer a more comfortable and secure fit, better water resistance, and a more convenient and wireless design.
If you’re still using Apple Earbuds, it’s time to upgrade to AirPods. With their impressive sound quality, sleek design, and convenient features, AirPods are the clear winner in this sonic showdown.
What are the main differences between AirPods and Apple Earbuds?
AirPods and Apple Earbuds are both wireless earbuds designed by Apple, but they have some key differences. AirPods are a more premium product, with a sleeker design and advanced features like active noise cancellation and spatial audio. Apple Earbuds, on the other hand, are more budget-friendly and lack these advanced features.
In terms of sound quality, AirPods are generally considered to be superior to Apple Earbuds. AirPods have a more detailed and nuanced sound, with better bass response and clearer highs. Apple Earbuds, while still decent, tend to sound more muffled and lacking in depth.
Do AirPods have better sound quality than Apple Earbuds?
Yes, AirPods are generally considered to have better sound quality than Apple Earbuds. This is due to their advanced driver design and the fact that they are calibrated to work seamlessly with Apple devices. AirPods are also capable of producing a wider range of frequencies, which means they can reproduce a more accurate and detailed sound.
That being said, the difference in sound quality between AirPods and Apple Earbuds may not be dramatic enough to justify the price difference for some users. If you’re on a budget and just want a reliable pair of wireless earbuds, Apple Earbuds may still be a good option. However, if you’re an audiophile or want the best possible sound quality, AirPods are likely the better choice.
Can you use AirPods with non-Apple devices?
Yes, AirPods can be used with non-Apple devices, such as Android smartphones or PCs. However, some features like seamless pairing and automatic switching between devices may not work as smoothly as they do with Apple devices. You’ll also need to use the Bluetooth settings on your non-Apple device to pair the AirPods manually.
It’s worth noting that AirPods are designed to work best with Apple devices, and some features may not be available or may not work as well with non-Apple devices. If you primarily use non-Apple devices, you may want to consider a different pair of wireless earbuds that are designed specifically for your device ecosystem.
How long do AirPods battery last?
AirPods battery life can vary depending on how you use them, but Apple estimates that they can last up to 5 hours on a single charge. With the charging case, you can get up to 24 hours of battery life. This means you can charge your AirPods on the go and keep them powered up throughout the day.
It’s worth noting that using features like active noise cancellation or spatial audio can reduce battery life. You can also check the battery level of your AirPods and charging case on your iPhone or iPad, which can help you plan your charging needs.
Are AirPods worth the extra cost compared to Apple Earbuds?
Whether or not AirPods are worth the extra cost compared to Apple Earbuds depends on your budget and what you’re looking for in a pair of wireless earbuds. If you want advanced features like active noise cancellation and spatial audio, and are willing to pay a premium for them, then AirPods may be the better choice.
On the other hand, if you’re on a budget and just want a reliable pair of wireless earbuds, Apple Earbuds may be a more cost-effective option. It’s also worth considering that AirPods are a more premium product, and may hold their value better over time.
Can I use AirPods for phone calls and video conferencing?
Yes, AirPods can be used for phone calls and video conferencing. They have built-in microphones that allow you to take calls and participate in video conferences with clear and crisp audio. The microphones are also designed to reduce background noise and focus on your voice, which can improve call quality.
In addition to phone calls and video conferencing, AirPods can also be used for voice commands and dictation. They work seamlessly with Apple’s virtual assistant, Siri, and can be used to control your music playback, set reminders, and more.
Are AirPods comfortable to wear?
AirPods are generally considered to be very comfortable to wear. They are designed to fit snugly in your ear, and come with multiple tip sizes to ensure a secure fit. They are also very lightweight, weighing in at just 4 grams per earbud.
Some users may find that AirPods take some getting used to, especially if they’re not accustomed to wearing earbuds. However, most users find them to be very comfortable and easy to forget they’re even wearing them.