- Best in-ear headphones: 10 great wired, wireless and wire-free earphones The best Lightning headphones for your iPhone or iPad
Our quick take
Apple AirPods - 4.0 / 5
Wireless and wire-free headphones
- Uses dedicated Apple W1 chip to connect to Apple devices No wires Either use as single or stereo pair
Apple AirPods review: Connecting the music
- Automatically switches to the device you are using Works with all Apple devices
Apple AirPods review: One headphone or two?
- Features built-in microphone for talking Detects when you remove them and stops the music automatically
Apple AirPods review: Hey Siri, skip track
- No physical controls Double tapping for different functions Use Siri to change volume
Apple AirPods review: Listening to music, taking calls
- Sound virtually identical to EarPods Clear microphone for voice calls
Apple AirPods review: Sitting, walking, running
- Just sits in your ear with no clips or clasps Can run with them, but be careful they don’t fall out
To recap
The simplicity of connectivity, automated cross-device use via iCloud, and automatic stop/start controls based on whether one or both AirPods are in your ears is a glimpse into the future of wireless headphones. In these regards Apple is setting the benchmark for a wire-free future.
