Jump to Details

Jump to Details

Jump to Details

• Excellent sound quality with custom equalizer that allows for plenty of fine-tuning to your preferences
• Some of the best ANC earbuds have to offer
• Comfortable for longer periods of wear

• Won't have the same Apple-level integration with devices like iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks
• No live translation or heart rate monitoring
• More expensive than AirPods

Check out our full review of the Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds.

Sony's flagship earbuds are best for AirPods fans who were hoping for custom equalizer settings, audiophiles looking for some of the best wireless earbuds sound available, and non-Apple users looking for a premium earbud option with class-leading ANC and sound quality.

Most similar to: AirPods Pro 3

Out of all the earbuds tested at Mashable, the Sony XM6s have the best combination of active noise cancellation and sound quality. These earbuds come packed with eight microphones total, putting them in league with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 earbuds, which set the bar for the level of ANC earbuds could provide. While the AirPods Pro 3 also do an excellent job, the Sony earbuds get the leg up here over Apple and Bose by offering the best soundscape of the three. If you don't feel like messing around with any settings, they're plenty robust and well-rounded straight out of the box. However, if you are into fine-tuning your audio settings, the XM6s offer a huge advantage over the AirPods, as the latter come with no companion app or custom equalizer. The XM6s, on the other hand, have a 10-band custom equalizer on the Sony app, as well as a feature that helps folks less familiar with equalizer settings find the balance that suits them best.

Be aware of the price: The XM6 earbuds go on sale occasionally, reaching a low price of $298. The AirPods Pro 3 are $80 cheaper than the XM6's full price at $249. AirPods become an even cheaper option when they're receiving one of their frequent markdowns.

What you might miss: As a Sony product, you will miss out on the ultra-easy integration of the AirPods, but while it may take you slightly more work than simply opening the case to initially connect these earbuds, they do have broad codec support and still connect with ease. You also won't get any live translation or heart-rate monitoring features as you would with the AirPods.

GET IT

• Has a built-in heart rate monitor like the AirPods Pro 3
• Ear hook helps to keep earbuds secure during periods of activity
• Same Apple-level integration as AirPods
• Have dropped in price to as low as $159.99

• Less versatile overall than AirPods Pro 3
• Ear hook design takes some getting used to and won't be for everyone
• Noise cancellation isn't on par with AirPods Pro 3

Check out our full review of the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 are best for anyone who appreciates the built-in heart rate monitor of the AirPods Pro 3 or anyone who wants AirPods-level integration with their Apple devices, but finds AirPods slip out too easily during exercise.

Most similar to: AirPods Pro 3

Not everyone's ears were built for AirPods — even AirPods with five interchangeable silicone tips like the Pro 3s. Personally, I have never made it through a full workout without my AirPods slipping out, which is frustrating because in a world where they actually stay put, they'd be a great pair of headphones. Enter: the Powerbeats Pro 2, Mashable's favorite earbuds for exercise. With Beats being Apple-owned, you get pretty much the exact same integration experience as the AirPods on your iPhone, MacBook, or iPad. The ear hook keeps them in place, but the in-ear design still offers active noise cancellation and a pretty solid listening experience. Like the AirPods Pro 3, these earbuds also come with a built-in heart rate monitor that can be used with the Apple Health app, Nike Run Club, and Peloton app. According to our reviewer, it's not quite as accurate as the Apple Watch, but it's still "a viable way to gauge fitness goals when your smartwatch isn’t available." You also get the option of four colorways — orange, purple, black, and sand — compared to the classic, singular white of AirPods.

Price point: Though $249 at full price, they regularly go on sale for $199.95, with a record low of $159.99.

What you might miss: For the same price as the AirPods Pro 3, these earbuds do not have the same level of excellent ANC, and due to their design, the same level of versatility.

GET IT

• $100 cheaper than the AirPods 4 with ANC at full price, even more most times due to their frequent sales
• Manually adjustable ANC
• Great sound quality, especially for the price point
• Custom equalizer allows you to fine-tune sound
• Multipoint pairing is reliable and switches easily between devices
• Great battery life

• Touch controls aren't consistent
• Won't enjoy same Apple integration

Folks who prefer earbuds with a stem, people who want great ANC for under $100, anyone looking for excellent battery life, and anyone who wants an all-around pair of earbuds that make as much sense at the gym as they do in the office should opt for the EarFun Air Pro 4.

Most similar to: AirPods 4 with ANC

The EarFun Air Pro 4s are a no-brainer pick as an affordable AirPods alternative — they are Mashable's favorite ANC earbuds under $100 after all. Performance-wise, they'll sit more in line with the AirPods 4, but fit-wise, they'll be more similar to the AirPods Pro 3, thanks to the silicone ear tips that situate more firmly in the ear canal. Honestly, that's a plus — the AirPods 4 can be much more hit-or-miss at fitting different ear shapes. Beyond the design, these earbuds have impressively adept ANC powered by six internal microphones. Plus, it's adjustable. I can't say I noticed massive differences between the various levels, but still, I appreciated that the flexibility was there. Much like the Sony XM6 buds, EarFun shows up Apple when it comes to the customization of the sound profile, thanks to the custom equalizer and presets. Especially for the price point, the sound is surprisingly robust, clear, and dynamic. Maybe not quite on Apple's level, but not too far off, either. Finally, you'll get between seven and a half to eight hours of battery life per charge, plus 27 and a half additional hours with the case, making them a great option for anyone who finds themselves using their earbuds round the clock and running down the battery more often than they'd prefer.

Affordability: These earbuds are already $79.99, but almost always go on sale for $62.99, and occasionally even lower to $53.99.

What you might miss: Despite the similarly stemmed design to AirPods, EarFun opts for touch controls on these earbuds, which are mildly consistent at best and straight-up inconsistent at work. During my testing of the buds, I ended up toggling the touch controls off because I found them a little too frustrating to use. The case is also on the bigger side, making the earbuds not quite as portable as AirPods.

GET IT