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I’ve been a loyal Apple AirPods user for years now, whether I use them for a phone call, listen to music, or take a walk. They are easily portable, easy to charge, and most importantly, the sound quality is clear. But Apple’s AirPods don’t come cheap: Apple sells its AirPods with a case for between $ 159 and $ 199, and for its AirPods Pro, which have noise canceling, you’ll pay $ 249. So I tested five of the top wireless headphone competitors, and these two – both of which have noise reduction for a lower price point than Apple AirPods Pro – stood out.
My Pick: Beats Studio Buds, $ 149 at Amazon
Setup is straightforward (my iPhone is instantly recognized and paired with the headphones via Bluetooth) and these headphones match the quality and sleek look of Apple’s AirPods Pro. (Apple itself now owns Beats.) In addition to white, they are available in red and black, and the earbuds themselves are shorter than the AirPod Pro model, which makes them rest more against my ear, which I do not believe in. ‘liked it. The charging case that came with it is smooth but substantial, with strong magnetic traction holding the Studio Buds in place. Although I tested them with my iPhone, they also work with Android.
With the active noise cancellation option and transparency mode, you can successfully drown a 4 year old (like I did) or listen to music and make phone calls with a crystal clear connection. Other reviewers have noted the same, with CNET saying, “These are great headphones that arguably sound better than AirPods Pro,” writes The Guardian: “Studio Buds sound great for everyday listening and have AirPods. Pro-matching noise cancellation, which is very good for the money and size, ”and TechRadar noting,“ they sound great, with lively sound quality that elevates the highs and lows of your music. ”
The Studio Buds are very comfortable to wear, come with three sizes of ear tips and a fast charger that provides about an hour of battery life on a charge of about five minutes. The only thing I wish they had was in-ear detection, so when I take them out the music stops playing, and when I put them back on, the music restarts.
Learn more: Beats Studio Buds, $ 149 at Amazon
More affordable choice: Skullcandy Indy ANC, $ 108 at Amazon
Connecting these headphones is simple, just open your list of Bluetooth devices and select the Indy ANC option for immediate connection. The Skullcandy Indy ANC headphones are certainly cheaper and less aesthetic than the others I’ve tried (they look more plastic than the shiny powder coated stainless steel), but they compare well in comparison given their size. fit, ease of use and quality.
Their active noise cancellation feature is not intrusive and when their battery is low, each ear will ring with a “low battery” announcement. Controlling volume, skipping tracks, playing, and pausing are all easy with one or two second presses on each earbud, all of which are described in the user guide that includes it. accompanied. For less than half the price of the AirPods Pro, these headphones are a solid contender with 32 hours of total battery life and a built-in tile feature so they never get lost. Other reviewers also have positive things to say with PCMag, for example, calling them a “good deal for true wireless noise-canceling headphones” and noting that they offer “a lot of bass in an affordable package”.
Learn more: Skullcandy Indy ANC, $ 108 at Amazon
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