What are the best AirPods alternatives Australia has to offer? If you like the look of Apple's AirPods, but don't want to spend $300+, there are plenty of other brands with similar technology, at much more affordable prices.
Over the last few weeks we've been looking at these AirPod alternatives, that are all wireless or Bluetooth and are charged via the case, offering battery life of up to 28 hours from one charge.
Most offer various levels of water-resistance, perfect for running or use at the gym, and offer immersive hearing and impressive microphone quality for calls.
Nearly all the models we looked at offer the same functionality, such as picking up calls by touching your ear, and adjusting volume using various methods.
The Best AirPods Alternatives
1. HUAWEI FreeBuds 3
The HUAWEI FreeBuds 3 is powered by the Kirin A1 chipset which excels in the most data-filled settings for a reliable wireless connection. A Bluetooth range of up to 10 meters can be expected and voice assistants are compatible.
Additionally, the Kirin A1 chipset ensures that audio and videos are always aligned and that latency is minimised. The HUAWEI Isochronous Dual Channel links connection with both earbuds to allow usage of one or both at the same time.
The sound quality mirrors that of sound booths due to the 14mm driver which enhances each note. The FreeBuds 3 has automated active noise cancelling technology which adapts to both loud and quiet areas.
They come housed in a charging case which for up to 20 hours of battery life. Both USB-C and wireless charging is enabled with the case. The colours available are red, carbon black and ceramic white.
Voted: Best AirPods Alternative
2. Razer Hammerhead Buds
The Razer Hammerhead Buds is catered for people who are always on-the-go, due to the IPX4 water resistant construction.
There is a latency of 60ms to enable a stable connection for synchronized audio and visual output. These earbuds automatically connect to Bluetooth 5.0 or whichever device it was last paired with for convenience.
The 13mm driver delivers immersive sound quality that aligns with even the most intense video games, making it also ideal for competitive gamers or streamers. With the inclusion of the charging case, a battery life of up to 15 hours can be expected with these earbuds.
The charging case can be charged using USB-C. The Razer Hammerhead True Wireless is available to download on both iOS and Android Devices. Inside this app, voice prompt is available in English, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, French and German. A range of up to 10 meters can be expected.
3. SoundPEATS Truebuds
The SoundPEATS Truebuds is integrated with a powerful Bluetooth chipset which provides a reliable Bluetooth connection for usage of one or both earbuds at once. These products are compatible with voice assistants for control using sound or touch.
There is a 14.2mm dynamic driver which delivers immersive sound quality that aligns with video content. The TrueBuds are ideal for those leading an active lifestyle due to the IPX5 water resistant design.
It can be charged in the 2600mAh charging case which offers a total of 70 hours of usage. This charging case can also double up as a charger for smartphone devices as well.
These buds are only 5g in weight and are designed for long periods of wear time with a silicone-free composition which provides comfort. The ergonomic construction adjusts to the natural contours of the ear. A wireless range of 10m can be expected.
4. Bose SoundSport
The Bose SoundSport Headphones have an IPX4 rated design, making it water. The signal processor integrated into these headphones delivers crisp notes can be heard in any environment, no matter or how crowded or busy.
A stable Bluetooth connection is always provided thanks to the optimised antenna location which enables smooth transmission whether the connected device is out in the open or in a bag.
These headphones are designed to adhere to the contours of the ear to say put during long workout sessions, without comprising on comfort and sound quality. Bose Connect is available on all devices and has a Find My Buds setting.
There is compatibility with voice recognition applications. 5 hours of wireless use can be expected with a single charge. The Bluetooth range is listed at up to 9m. These headphones are available in black, blue, citron and ultraviolet.
5. Sennheiser Momentum True Earbuds
The Sennheiser Momentum True Earbuds has an IPX4 rated water-resistant construction which makes it ideal for workouts or those always on-the-go. There is Transparent Hearing technology which enables real-life conversations to be played out with taking out the earbuds.
With connection to Bluetooth 5.0 and low-level latency, these products deliver synchronized audio and visual output for even the most intense media. The Smart Control app can be found in both the Play Store and App Store.
In this app, features such as the equalizer can be adjusted to suit personal needs. Additionally, voice prompts are available in a variety of languages. The earbuds come with 4 different sized tips to accommodate all people.
The design is also optimised for style thanks to the metallic finishes. A battery life of 12 hours can be expected with the charging case which can be used with a USB-C cable.
6. Jabra Elite Active 75t
The Jabra Elite Active 75t is catered towards all environments thanks to the IP57 waterproof rating. The combination of 4 integrated microphones and a premium signal processing system enables crisp and clear sounds to be picked up from even the most crowed places.
Hearthrough Mode can be activated to enable users to be aware of their environment. The structural design of these earbuds ensure that comfort is provided, even during intense workouts. The Jabra Sound+ app is available to download and is compatible with various voice assistants.
Inside this app, the equalizer can be customised, as well as the bass and treble. There is a battery life of 7.5 hours which can be extended to 28 hours with the charging case.
The charging case is compatible with a regular USB-C cable. These earbuds come in a variety of colours including navy, mint, sienna, titanium black and more.
7. Sony WF-1000XM3
The Sony WF-1000XM3 is equipped with the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1e, making it suitable for use in even the busiest environments. Voice integration with Amazon Alexa is automatically included.
A crisp and immersive sound quality can always be ensured thanks to the 6mm driver. Additionally, a stable Bluetooth connection is provided due to the combination of a premium Bluetooth chip and smart antenna position.
These earbuds are designed to adhere to the ridges of the ear for long hours of use without discomfort. Headphones Connect allows users to personalise sound quality using the equalizer and other features.
Around 24 to 32 hours of battery life can be expected with use of the charging chase. The charging case is compatible with a standard USB-C cable. These earbuds are available in a classic black finish. There is also a sleek silver finish on hand.
How much do AirPod alternatives cost?
From our research we've found models are often 25-50% cheaper than Apple. Take the Huawei Freebuds 3, our #1 recommendation, these are $199 which is $150 cheaper than the AirPods Pro, Apple's most superior offering.
Other models range in price from as low as $30 up to $300 depending on the brand and build quality. SoundPEATS for example offer a range of products from as low as $38 + shipping.
Are AirPods Pro Worth It?
AirPods are definitely worth it...if you're an Apple fan and you've got an iPhone or iDevice. They do have their pros and cons though and we actually found them to be less than perfect in busy environments such as on the train or bus. Outside and when jogging they were perfect. Crisp audio and deep bass, plus it's easy to pickup calls.
However they do come at a cost, and at the time of purchase they were $360, which is quite steep in my opinion. Given there's other similar products in the market for around $50 - $200.
However if you're prepared to pay a premium for the Apple brand, then you definitely should buy these. If you want something more budget friendly, there's 7 different options above.
Which AirPods are best?
In our opinion the best AirPods are the Pro version. These improve the wireless buds with water-resistance material, perfect for exercising at the gym or running. The other AirPods do not offer this and could stop working if they get even a little bit sweaty.
Now you know our picks on the best airpods alternatives, consider these guides:
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Last Updated: December 3, 2021 by Rhys