October 30, 2023, 6:11 pm | Read time: 9 minutes

When it comes to headphones for the iPhone, AirPods are likely the first to come to mind. But there are also headphones from other manufacturers that are well-suited for Apple smartphones. So, which ones are recommended if you don’t want AirPods? TECHBOOK presents the best headphones for the iPhone.

Whether in-ear, over-ear, or wired headphones, the market feels like it has endless brands and variations. For many users, Apple’s AirPods are at the top of the list. However, they are not particularly cheap, so you might want or need to switch to alternatives. Find out which headphones for the iPhone are worthwhile and what they can do below.

What iPhone headphones should be able to do

One of the most important questions before buying new headphones for the iPhone is whether they should be wired or wireless. There are pros and cons to both. With a cable, headphones are less likely to get lost and can easily hang around your neck. However, the cable can also be annoying, easily tangled, and often in the way.

Once the wiring question is settled, buyers must decide on the next category: in-ear or over-ear headphones? The respective pros and cons are also clear: In-ear headphones are small, discreet, practical, and suitable for sports. However, they can be tricky to insert into the ear and sometimes unsatisfactory in terms of comfort. Over-ears are large, noticeable, heavier, and bulkier, but they offer good comfort, long battery life, and usually top sound quality. Besides sound and convenience, the most important feature is active noise cancellation, which filters out ambient noise.

Also interesting: The 8 best Bluetooth sports headphones compared

The best Apple alternatives for the iPhone

Original or alternative brand? Especially high-quality or more affordable? In-ear or over-ear? TECHBOOK presents the best headphones for the iPhone–from Apple to Samsung and other well-known brands, there’s a lot to choose from. Let’s start with the Apple alternatives.

Beats Solo 3

Not everyone gets along well with in-ear headphones or wants to constantly search for the case when they want to listen to music. On-ear headphones like the Beats Solo 3 by Dr. Dre ensure that musical enjoyment doesn’t fall by the wayside. The model is compatible with iOS and can be used with all Apple devices. They also have a battery life of around 40 hours, and the charging time is only five minutes for a playback time of about three hours. The over-ear headphone’s headband is adjustable, so it can be optimally adapted to the head.

Advantages:

• easy playback control via the left ear cup
• Fast Fuel technology for quick charging
• foldable ear cups allow for space-saving storage in the case
• high-quality and award-winning sound
• LED charge indicator
• adjustable headband size to fit head shape
• charging via USB cable
• 3.5 mm jack for alternative wired operation
• high wearing comfort due to padded ear cups
• integrated microphone for use as a headset

Disadvantages:

• folding mechanism can be prone to wear
• no active noise canceling
• very expensive

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro

The in-ear headphones score with a powerful two-way speaker for richer bass, excellent sound clarity, and more balance. Intelligent active noise cancellation (ANC) also allows seamless switching between noise-canceling headphones and fully customizable ambient sounds. You can decide situationally which function is best at the moment. The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro’s battery offers up to 18 hours of playtime, meaning you can use the headphones for five hours without interruption and another 13 hours when using their charging case. The wireless Galaxy Buds 2 Pro headphones are equipped with multiple microphones to ensure all callers are heard clearly. Two external microphones block out external noise, so the other microphone only picks up the wearer’s voice.

Advantages:

• very good sound
• excellent active noise reduction
• water protection according to IPX7
• lightweight headphones
• available in three colors (white, black, purple)
• easy control with the app

Disadvantages:

• can cause allergic reactions (itching)
• many functions require the “Samsung Galaxy Buds” app
• Bluetooth range is somewhat limited
• battery life could be longer for the price
• not all functions available for iPhone users

Sony WF-1000XM4

The Sony WF-1000XM4 headphones feature industry-leading noise canceling thanks to an integrated V1 HD processor, a powerful new driver unit, and noise-reducing ear tips with a more stable fit. Ranked second in its category by Stiftung Warentest, the wireless in-ear headphones for the iPhone boast remarkably high-quality sound (rated 1.9), which only stops when the Speak-to-Chat function automatically pauses the music as soon as the wearer starts speaking–smart headphones indeed. The straightforward hands-free function allows for uninterrupted conversation, with the Sony WF-1000XM4 ensuring clearer voice transmission. Even in noisy environments, you can still clearly understand the conversation partner. The Sony WF-1000XM4 shows endurance with the integrated lithium-ion battery, which allows up to 24 hours of music enjoyment (with noise canceling) on a single charge. What a show-off!

Advantages:

• very good sound
• Speak-to-Chat function
• relatively long battery life

Disadvantages:

• foam ear tips are inadequate
• sealing issues

Jabra Elite 85t

The top segment of in-ear headphones is fiercely competitive, with quality differences between individual products often minimal. The Jabra Elite 85t made it to the third podium spot in Stiftung Warentest. Thanks to Jabra Advanced Active Noise Cancellation–an adjustable ANC slider combined with six built-in microphones–full sound control and crystal-clear calls no longer sound like science fiction. With their 12-mm speaker, the headphones for the iPhone deliver clear sound with powerful bass for an “immersive” music experience, and the earbuds can be controlled with Amazon Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant. The compact format of the Jabra Elite 85t with three sizes of oval EarGels and pressure relief openings for maximum comfort also convinces even the biggest in-ear fit skeptic.

Advantages:

• good sound
• clear calls
• user-friendly app

Disadvantages:

• signal transmission dropouts on the left earbud
• ANC not quite as good

Also interesting: 7 affordable in-ear headphones compared

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Apple models for the iPhone

After the alternative models, we move on to the original Apple headphones and introduce three models, revealing their specifications and extras.

AirPods (3rd Generation)

Apple’s AirPods were considered a small revolution, as they enabled comfortable music enjoyment without annoying cables and without ambient noise. With a battery life of about six hours, the lack of a cable is not a problem for most people. Even if the batteries run out, the AirPods can be recharged in the accompanying case in no time.

Advantages:

• charging the AirPods via the case
• operation possible via Siri
• can be used as a headset
• automatic stop function when removed
• good price

Disadvantages:

• one-size-fits-all AirPods may not feel good for all users
• no control options on the AirPods themselves
• longer storage in the case without use weakens the battery

Apple AirPods Max

They not only look good–of course, they’re an Apple original product–but they are also the winner at Stiftung Warentest among headband headphones: The Apple AirPods Max combine elegance and top technology. Thanks to a special dynamic driver from Apple, they deliver Hi-Fi audio and are literally leading in sound, which justifies the rating of 1.5 for sound quality. The Apple AirPods Max also have a lot to boast about: Active noise cancellation blocks out external noise, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your music. 3D audio with dynamic head tracking also provides a cinema-like surround sound. The transparency mode allows you to hear and respond to your surroundings.

Advantages:

• very good sound
• surround sound
• transparency mode

Disadvantages:

• relatively high price
• can be sweaty

AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

Even though the case of the AirPods Pro is very small, it is packed with clever features. Compared to the first generation, the positive features of the AirPods Pro have been retained or expanded, and weaknesses have been addressed. For example, the Pro models also have control options on the AirPods themselves. The individual ear shape is now also considered through customization options. Also positive: If you misplace your case, you can locate it with the iPhone.

Advantages:

• improved audio quality compared to the original AirPods
• excellent active noise cancellation (ANC)
• customization through 3D audio
• volume control on the earbud
• IPX4 water and sweat resistance

Disadvantages:

• longer storage in the case without use weakens the battery
• very expensive

Conclusion: Prefer Apple originals or an alternative?

When looking for the right headphones, you’re spoiled for choice. Besides deciding between in-ear or headband headphones, you also have to choose whether to go for Apple headphones like the AirPods or AirPods Pro or opt for a model from another brand. Samsung, for example, offers a cost-effective alternative with the Galaxy Buds Pro–but the Beats Solo3 are also compatible. This should definitely be checked before purchase because not all Bluetooth headphones support iOS. In addition to fit, comfort, and battery life, it’s also worth considering that Apple headphones are usually more expensive than other brands.