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Should I Get Headphones or Airpods?

As an avid music lover, I have often found myself wondering whether I should get headphones or AirPods. After months of research and testing, I am here to share my experiences and to discuss the pros and cons of each option.

In this blog post, I will explore the various features of each product and provide my opinion on which one is best for my needs. Whether you’re looking for a casual listening experience or a more serious audio setup, I’ll help you make the right decision. So read on to find out if headphones or AirPods are the right choice for you.

Tips:
Headphones and AirPods have different features and advantages.
AirPods are smaller and more convenient while headphones are bulkier but provide higher sound quality and a wider range of features.
Headphones tend to be more budget-friendly than AirPods.
AirPods work best with Apple devices.
If you use Apple devices, AirPods would likely be the best option.

Headphones vs. Airpods

The first pair of audio headphones first came out in the second half of the 19th century. They were mainly designed for telephone operators to help them answer phones all day while keeping their hands free.

People quickly took a liking to them, and their popularity soared in the 1950s with the invention of the stereo. On-ear headphones made it much easier for people to enjoy their favorite songs anytime they wanted.

Then, skip ahead about 66 years later, on September 7, 2016, to be exact. That’s when the world first heard of Apple’s Airpods. They looked like something from the future, with their built-in mic, noise filtering, and ability to make and receive calls.

However, users realized quickly enough that they’re not for everyone. For example, they’re one-size-fits-all, meaning they’re likely to fall out of some users’ ears, especially when they’re moving.

Below is a breakdown of some features both devices have in common and some of their differences.

Ease of Use

With their small, sleek design and compact charging box, you easily get used to the ease of convenience and functionality of the Airpods. You can slip them into your pocket unnoticed.

Then, take them out to listen to music on your ride to and fro work or as you’re taking a walk. You can slip them on to answer calls at work while filing, typing, and doing a slew of other work-related activities.

With the Airpods, you can do all that without breaking a sweat.

On the other hand, headphones aren’t as complaisant in their use because they’re stiffer and bulkier. Plus, if your headphones are wired, that’s another thing to deal with.

Also, they’re not exactly what you’d call discrete. You can’t wear a pair of on-ear headphones, whether wired or not, without everyone seeing it a mile away.

Design

Almost all headphones come with telescopic arms, often made of stainless steel and aluminum for durability. These arms expand and contract to fit the shape and size of your head. They also have padded ear cups that pivot to provide you with a comfortable fit over your ears.

Connecting these ear cups is a headband that helps spread out the weight of the headphones across your head. Yet, all these parts make them much heavier than the Airpods.

The Airpods, however, are smaller, lighter, and more comfortable to wear. They also come with interchangeable silicone tips in different sizes to customize their fit.

Though it’s worth mentioning that some users complained of the silicone tips not staying in their ears if they’re working out. So, you might want to consider replacing them with foam tips instead.

Sound Quality

If you favor sound quality over anything else, then headphones are the way to go, especially the wired versions. They’re known for providing a stronger bass response and more dynamic ranges across all frequencies.

Plus, they come with an adaptive equalizer for an excellent listening experience. Even the basic designs offer top-notch tone definition without sound distortion or muddiness.

In addition, many headphones now come with noise cancellation, which can drown out ambient noise almost entirely. Then, when you want to be aware of your surroundings, switch to transparency mode.

However, if you’re only looking for something with decent sound quality, then Airpods will do just fine. Yet, because of their portable, travel-size design, they can only provide an acceptable level of sound quality. After all, there’s only so much you can fit in such a small space.

Price

Read more: Should you leave AirPods in the charging case?

Everyone knows all Apple products come with a high price tag, and the Airpods are no exception.

In contrast, headphones, both wired and wireless, are available at a wide price range to meet all budgets. First, there are the affordable, but average-sounding, headphone sets. At the same time, there are sets that give you amazing sounds, but those are the high-end, pricey models.

Case in point, with the headphones, you can easily find a reliable product within your budget range. You can’t do that with the Airpods because they don’t offer such a broad line-up of options.

AirPods
AirPods

Final Thoughts

Read more: Should I let my AirPods die before charging?

So, do you now have an answer to your question: should I get headphones or Airpods? With this comparison guide as your beacon, you’re sure to make the right decision.

If you’re looking for portability, lightweight, and a compact design, go with the Airpods.

On the other hand, if you want something that can deliver impressive audio quality at an affordable price, then headphones are definitely for you.