Top 10 AirPod Alternatives to Watch Out For in 2021

While not the manufacturer of the very first wireless earbuds, Apple certainly did a great deal to popularize them when it introduced the AirPod back in 2016. It’s an undeniably great product but the truth is, there are dozens of alternatives these days, each with its own unique features. Luckily, the last four years have seen competitors really step up to the plate in developing Bluetooth earphones, and consumers now have a great range to choose from. We take a look at some of the best out now, and others to watch out for in 2021.

Number 1: Tribit Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth 5.0 Earbuds

Coming in at about half the cost of Airpods, the Tribit Active Bluetooth 5.0 Earbuds might just be the best noise-canceling option for those on a budget. With industry-leading AMC noise-reduction technology, 10 hours of playtime from a single charge, and simple one-touch device pairing, it’s easy to see why they’re becoming so popular. The icing on the cake comes in the form of customizable tips; the five sizes on offer should ensure a comfortable fit for just about anyone. 

Number 2: Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live are actually comparable in price to AirPods, but they make our list for the impressive set of features on offer. The enhanced bass tones here give a studio quality to the sound while the adjustable noise-cancellation options make for clear listening when you’re on the go. What really makes them stand out, though, is the always-on voice assistant. Plus, you can send messages, organize your diary, order coffee, and carry out Google searches on any connected device, all completely hands-free. 

Number 3: Fusion Beats Bluetooth Headphones

The Fusion Beats Bluetooth Headphones make our list for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the price is unbeatable; you’re going to struggle to find something cheaper at this quality. Secondly, they’re just about the most comfortable option on the market. What’s more, the buds themselves are connected by a short wire, adding some stability and making them much less likely to fall out. And let’s be honest, who hasn’t spent half the morning trying to find their lost wireless earbuds before? 

Number 4: Bose Sport Earbuds

One for the outdoor sports enthusiast, the Bose Sports Earbuds are the rugged choice for those that love running, hiking, and vigorous workouts. They come with three adjustable size settings to ensure the most secure fit possible, and the five-hour battery life should be more than enough for even the longest gym sessions. 

Number 5: Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro may just be the next evolutionary step in sound quality we’ve been looking for. They’re expected sometime in January 2021 and should go hand-in-hand with the tech giant’s latest Galaxy S21 Smartphone due around the same time. We could see brand new 3D audio tech, which is reported to be the ultimate in surround sound and is a similar feature to Apple’s Spatial Audio Interface.

Number 6: Microsoft Surface Earbuds

Hitting the market in late 2020, Microsoft came out with its Surface Earbuds that have been designed to work seamlessly with its Surface devices. Not only do they have excellent sound quality, but you’ll also be able to dictate Word documents and sync the buds for music and calls. This is all topped off with impressive 24-hour battery life.

Number 7: Bose Noise Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth Headphones 700

Not every AirPod alternative has to be an earbud, and there’s a growing market of fully wireless headphones too. The Bose Noise Canceling Wireless Bluetooth Headphones 700 were an ambitious entry in 2020 and have a price tag to match the features. This is definitely one for music fans as it comes with one-click connectivity to Spotify, and an option to search for new tunes by just tapping one of the headphones itself.

Number 8: JLab Audio JBuds Air Sport True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds

JLab’s Audio JBuds Air Sport EarBuds make our list for the interesting sweat and dirt-resistant technology and are one of the best choices for dedicated athletes. They’re fairly rugged, should be able to take a decent amount of wear and tear, and you can swap between gel or foam cloud tips for extra comfort. What we particularly like is the Be Aware audio tech that allows you to turn ambient noise detection off or on; a nice little safety feature to help you hear any oncoming traffic!

Number 9: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2

The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 earbuds have impressed us with long 7-hour battery life, a wireless range up to 30 feet, and an incredibly sleek look and design. Coupled with some solid noise-canceling features and high-quality sounds, you’ve got yourself a winning combination.

Number 10: Lypertek Tevi

Lypertek is a brand new company that’s been making waves with its range of earbuds. Its ‘Tevi’ offering is completely wireless, reasonably priced, has a 10-hour battery life, and is totally waterproof. It has far more than we’d expect for the price and is a brand we expect to hear a lot more of in 2021.