The Apple AirPods are among the most popular wireless earbuds in the world right now. However, they're not the only true wireless earbuds on the market.

Despite their success, Apple AirPods are expensive. If you're after earbuds that won't break the bank but give you a similar experience, you do have options.

Here are some of the best AirPods alternatives available today.

Our Top Choices for AirPods Alternatives in 2023

The Jabra Elite 7 Pro is a comfortable and secure pair of earbuds. Extended listening sessions are a pleasure thanks to their ergonomic design and snug fit. And, despite lacking stability fins, their design helps them stay in place during workouts. The buds are user-friendly, with sizable buttons, tactile clicks, and simple gestures to control features. Customization options are also available through the Jabra Sound+ app (available for iPhone and Android). With their IP57 rating fighting off sweat and rain, they are perfect for exercise or a stroll on the beach.

While the Elite 7 Pro's ANC may not match premium earbuds like AirPods and Beats, it still competes well. It effectively reduces ambient noise, though it struggles with very low frequencies. However, it is generally effective, and Transparency Mode is equally useful. When walking through busy streets or engaging in conversation, you can flip between the two modes without trouble.

With previous Jabra earbuds offering bass-centric audio, these buds provide a more balanced profile. You can hear vocals and subtle nuances over the top of the still-resonating lower frequencies with clarity. In addition, call quality is also outstanding. The MultiSensor Voice Technology that Jabra utilizes features bone-conduction-sensing microphones. They accurately pick up voices while obliterating most background noise. The result is crystal-clear conversations.

Apple AirPods have a distinctive look and are as much a fashion item as a set of earbuds. If you're after a cheap AirPods alternative that emulates that striking design, then you should consider the RHA TrueConnect. While many true wireless earbuds feature the same in-ear design, the TrueConnect shares the AirPods lower extension. That's not where the similarities end, though.

The TrueConnect are IPX5 rated for sweat and water resistance, use Bluetooth 5, and have a five-hour battery life. The companion case can recharge the buds to give an additional 20 hours of playback. They also support fast charging, taking just 15 minutes to provide 2.5 hours of audio. Like most true wireless earbuds, they also integrate nicely with your phone's digital assistant–whether that's Siri or Google Assistant.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro are the ultimate choice for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Engineered for physical activity, they guarantee a secure and comfortable fit. This sturdy fit is largely thanks to their over-ear hooks that hold the buds firmly in place and give them a snug in-ear fit. These buds won’t fall out even during the most intense workouts. With their excellent breathability, hot and sweaty ears are much less of a concern than if you were to use over-ear headphones. Additionally, the Powerbeats Pro's IPX4 rating will repel any of that sweat with ease.

While they don’t feature ANC, their sturdy and snug fit does offer some form of noise isolation. No, they won’t block out the world around you, but they will allow you to enjoy your audio while remaining safely alert during outdoor activities. The physical controls on the buds are also pretty intuitive and hassle-free when exercising.

Soundwise, Beats has taken the time to improve the audio over previous earbuds. While the bass is still solid, the over-reliance on low frequencies is gone. What remains is a lively bass performance with very well-balanced mids and highs.

The Google Pixel Buds A-Series are an excellent midrange choice for fitness enthusiasts. The earbuds weigh around 0.2oz each and feature rubber fins for a comfortable and secure fit. They have an IPX4 rating making them sweat-resistant during workouts, while they can also repel a bit of light rain if your exercise takes place outdoors.

While they lack ANC, their well-fitting design provides passable passive noise isolation. The inclusion of a spatial vent ensures awareness of your surroundings even with the buds in your ears, making a jog outdoors an altogether safer experience. Sound quality is clean and balanced, without bias towards any frequency. The harsh treble the previous iteration had is gone, and the bass is lively without overpowering.

While the buds are, of course, aimed more at Android users, they are also compatible with iOS devices. However, Apple lovers will have to do without Google Assistant. This inconvenience also means they must adjust the volume manually from their device. Android users can easily adjust the sound with voice control. Furthermore, the battery life of five hours may be insufficient for many, but the charging case gives four additional full charges, and a 15-minute quick charge will give you three hours of audio pleasure.

With the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, the company has made some significant improvements over the QC Earbuds predecessor. They're lighter, their size is around 30 percent smaller, and they now also feature a slight stem at their base. However, the most significant improvement is in noise cancelation. The QuietComfort Earbuds II eliminate low and mid frequencies as well as any over-ear headphones can. Their performance in blocking out external sounds is a true flag-planting moment in earbud technology.

Another considerable enhancement is in sound quality, particularly with bass. The sound is driven by dual 9.3mm dynamic drivers, and electronic music sounds as energetic and full-bodied as it should. Additionally, CustomTune technology works tirelessly in the background to personalize the audio and noise cancellation based on the contours of your ear canal. The result is a well-balanced soundstage and ANC that is better than ever.

The earbuds support the widely used SBC and AAC codecs over Bluetooth 5.3 with a range of just over nine meters. In addition, they have an IPX4 rating making them splash and sweatproof and a good choice for workouts. The battery will get through most of those workouts, too. With at least six hours of listening time and a further three via the charging case, you can also use them throughout the day without them dying on you.

The EarFun Air Pro 3s are not explicitly designed for workouts, yet they still have a snug, secure fit and an IPX5 rating that makes them sweatproof. In addition, they are lightweight and comfortable, although some may not appreciate the long stems at the base. However, they have efficient ANC, a feature often omitted at this price point. It doesn’t match the performance of earbuds in the premium-price range, but they manage to block out many low frequencies and background chatter effectively.

They also boast an excellent battery life. You can get up to nine hours of playback (45 if you include the charging case) with ANC off and a still impressive seven and 37 hours with it activated. Bluetooth multipoint pairing is also a useful feature that allows you to watch videos on your laptop while taking a call on your phone.

However, sound quality is the most essential aspect to look for when buying earbuds. The EarFun Air Pro 3s offer a profile that leans more towards powerful bass. It’s great if you usually listen to hip-hop or other electronic music, but if you want to hear subtleties and nuances, you’ll have to fiddle with the customizable EQ.

The Jabra Elite Active 75t are true wireless earbuds designed with exercise in mind. Despite that focus, they are also an excellent choice for commuters thanks to their durable, lightweight, comfortable design and 7-hour battery. Their unique design also ensures they fit securely in your ear, even during workouts. In addition, the headphones have an IP57 rating for water and sweat resistance, which is great if you get caught in a downpour on the way to the office.

The Elite Active 75t also comes with Jabra's desirable active noise-cancellation technology. This feature uses more battery power, but you can still expect to get a respectable 5.5 hours of usage out of the earbuds before they need recharging. You can top them up in the carry case, making the set last up to 24 hours with ANC turned on. You can personalize your sound experience using the Jabra Sound+ companion app, and this is also where you can keep track of your headphones and apply any pending firmware updates.

Each earbud only weighs 5.5g, despite the ANC technology, impressive battery, and four microphones used for the ANC and phone calls. These four microphones also support the HearThrough feature, which allows you to minimize the ANC to hear more of your surroundings. The Elite Active 75t earbuds are also compatible with Siri, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.

The House of Marley Liberate Air are affordable true wireless earbuds and make a great cheap AirPods alternative. Given the name, you won't be surprised to learn that the company is supported by one of Bob Marley's children. Its products are designed in line with the reggae legend's values and are made from sustainable materials like bamboo, aluminum, and REWIND fabric composed of recycled plastic.

Fortunately, they don't prioritize ethics over function. The Liberate Air are among the best true wireless headphones available today. They are IPX4 rated for sweat and weather resistance, have a nine-hour battery life, and come in a portable charging case. Like with the Apple AirPods, placing the earbuds into the case turns them off and can provide up to an additional 32 hours of battery life.

Although they don't have quite the same integration with Apple's products, the Liberate Air still play well with your other devices. There is a touch control on each of the earbuds that allows you to play/pause audio, pick up calls, and start conversations with your phone's voice assistant. They come with three tip sizes, allowing you to find the right fit for your ears. Each earbud can be used on its own, or you can use both together.

With a smaller and more lightweight design than their predecessors, the Sony WF-1000XM4s deliver long-lasting and breathable comfort. And, despite the omission of stability fins, the buds fit securely and stay in place. Together with their IPX4 rating, they are an excellent choice for the gym. They are sweat-resistant and will repel light rain when running in the park.

They also boast a more elegant sound profile than their predecessors. The default EQ offers a nice balance of frequencies, and the bass is more controlled. The soundstage is wide, with accurately positioned instruments creating remarkable spatial depth. The earbuds also support 360 Reality Audio for a captivating 3D music experience and compatibility with LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs. While the ANC is not as impressive as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, it still works very well and blocks out background chatter if you want silence at the gym. However, it sometimes struggles with low-frequency noise.

One of the most pleasing aspects of the Sony WF-1000XM4s is their excellent battery life. With up to eight hours of playback with ANC active and 12 with it off, they outlast AirPods and QuietComforts with ease. In addition, the charging case holds up to 36 more hours, while they also support quick and wireless charging for satisfying convenience.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2 are an excellent choice for audiophiles and lovers of neutral sound. They are the best Galaxy Buds for audio and feature a warm, balanced profile suitable for all music genres. The bass doesn’t overpower, yet still offers enough oomph for electronic music, while the rest of the frequencies are clear and open. As a bonus, audiophiles with a compatible Samsung device can enjoy 24-bit audio for a marked difference in quality and depth via the company’s proprietary SSC codec.

Other excellent features of the buds include their superior IPX7 rating. They laugh in the face of sweat when working out, and inclement weather poses no problem. You can even belt out your favorite songs while cleaning off in the shower.

The ANC is excellent and can block out most external noise. They also feature an Intelligent ANC Mode that allows you to hold a conversation mid-tune. Once your jaw starts moving and your voice starts speaking, outside noise amplifies, and your music is turned down.

However, battery life isn’t the greatest. With ANC on, you’ll get around five hours of listening pleasure. Once you include the charging case, the total time hits approximately 18 hours. Multiple charging options are handy, though; you can power up wirelessly or via USB-C.

The Beats Fit Pro earbuds are the worthy successors to the Powerbeats Pro. And, while they emulate those buds for a secure fit, they beat them in comfort stakes. The earbuds, including the cavity and wingtips, are ergonomically designed for comfort, enabling more sustained listening sessions.

The buds’ 9.5mm drivers balance sound well, with deep bass and natural mids and highs. When you deactivate the ANC, you enter Adaptive EQ mode. This feature optimizes frequencies to match the unique shape of your ear canal and further enhances the audio experience. Then there is the Spatial Audio feature you can use with Apple Music content. This mode creates a sense of envelopment by creating a feeling of being surrounded by sound from all angles. It works harmoniously with the buds’ head-tracking technology and ensures that the audio dynamically adapts and maintains a consistent perception of space, even when you turn your head.

The ANC is also impressive. It effectively reduces most background disturbances for a tranquil listening experience. Transparency Mode is just as good. It allows for clear and distinct external sounds for safer exercise while outdoors or having conversations without the need to hit pause. As for battery life, you get a playtime of seven hours with ANC off, while the compact charging case adds a further 30 hours of listening pleasure.

Take This Into Account Before Buying AirPods Alternatives

Despite being considered the best earbuds on the market, there are several reasons why you might not want to invest in a pair of Apple AirPods. Compatibility with your device is a primary reason. AirPods are specifically for Apple devices. You may also want a more bassy sound profile or a more element-proof design.

AirPods also tend to be pricey, especially the AirPod Pros. Therefore, you might be on the lookout for a budget set of buds as an alternative. In that case, you should consider the RHA True Connect earbuds. They offer a similar design and features that act well as a substitute at a rock-bottom price. On the other hand, many earbuds buyers seek a premium pair for playing sports and exercising. While they are on the pricey side, the Beats Powerbeats Pro are specifically designed for fitness fanatics.

However, for a pair of buds that check all the boxes, such as a balanced sound profile, ANC, a comfortable and secure fit, excellent call quality, and outstanding protection against the elements, you can’t go wrong with the Jabra Elite 7 Pros. They offer as many quality features as more premium earbuds like AirPods and come at a decent price point to boot.