Before we get into the best AirPods alternative, let’s take a look at the main specs of the latest version of the AirPods:
Apple AirPods Pro
Apple AirPods Pro Key Features:
Battery Life: 4.5 hours (24 hours total with charging case)
Fast Charging: 5 minutes for 1 hour of listening
Bluetooth Version: Apple H1 chip
Accessories: 3 sizes of ear tips
PROS:
- Apple’s H1 chip for superior wireless connectivity and sound quality
- Always-On Siri controls
- 24 hours of total listening time with charging case
- Premium sound quality
- IPX4 Water resistance rating
- Adaptive EQ
- Active noise cancellation and transparency mode
- Qi wireless charging case
CONS:
- Expensive
- Only one color (white)
- Only 4.5 hours of listening time
Best AirPods Alternative
While the Apple AirPod Pros are a great set of headphones, the average battery life and water-resistance rating are just two parts of a list of mostly mediocre specs. There are many options to get an upgrade on those features, but we found the perfect replacement. Unless you’re a stickler for Apple’s H1 chip, you won’t miss much by switching to the Soundcore Liberty Air 2 True Wireless Earbuds.
Here’s a breakdown of the key features and the things we did or didn’t like about the Liberty Air 2’s:
Soundcore Liberty Air 2
Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Key Features:
Battery Life: 7 hours (28 hours total with charging case)
Fast Charging: 10 minutes for 2 hours of listening
Bluetooth Version: 5.0
Accessories: 5 sizes of ear tips
PROS:
- 7 Hours of listening time (28 hours total with charging case)
- Fast-charging (10 min for 2 hours of listening time)
- Qi wireless charging case
- Available in black or white
- Premium sound quality (Diamond-inspired drivers)
- cVc 8.0 noise reduction for clear calling
- 5 Sizes of ear tips for a custom fit
- IPX5 Water resistance rating
- HearID (Adaptive EQ), 22 EQ presets, & custom EQ mode
- On-board controls (Music, calls, and Siri)
- Super-fast USB-C charging on case
CONS:
- No H1 chip integration for a better connection with Apple devices
- No hear-through or transparency mode
- No active noise-cancellation (noise-isolation only)
- Charging case is slightly larger than the AirPods Pro
Conclusion
You’re actually getting an upgrade in every major category. The Soundcore Liberty Air 2’s have 2 more hours of battery life in the earbuds and 8 extra hours in the charging case. You also get 2 more sizes of ear tips and 2 colors to choose from so you can easily match your ears and style.
Even though they don’t have the Apple H1 chip, the Bluetooth 5.0 technology produces a solid pairing and quick reconnections. On top of that, the sound quality is on par with the AirPods, so you’re not making a sacrifice there either. Soundcore’s diamond-coated drivers produce super clear sound and deep bass.
The best part is that you get all of these premium features for just under $100. For less than half the price of the AirPods Pro, it’s pretty easy to get past the lack of active noise cancellation and hear-through modes. In almost every other category, the Liberty Air 2’s beats the AirPods Pro, so they’re the best value, by far.
Wireless Charging Options
Whether you go with the Apple AirPods Pro, Liberty Air 2’s, or some other AirPods Alternative with wireless charging, these are the perfect charging pad upgrades for you:
BONUS PICKS: Runner Ups
Getting down to the Best Apple AirPods Alternaive was difficult and we had to leave out some really cool options. Here are the ones that almost made the cut: