Just as you don’t just make phone calls with a smartphone, you don’t just listen with connected headphones. You are the ruler of your sound environment. atechbook has fought its way through the headphone jungle and found the ones that set the tone.
When you think of headphones for the iPhone, you certainly think of the AirPods first. But there are also headphones from other manufacturers that are very well suited for Apple smartphones. So which ones are recommended if you don’t want AirPods? atechbook presents them, the best headphones for the iPhone.
Overview
What do headphones for the Apple iPhone have to be able to do?
The two most important questions at the beginning: Should the headphones for the iPhone be with or without cable? And what shape should they have? People who listen to music with their iPhone do so on the go. Therefore, despite the persistent rumor that Bluetooth headphones are inferior to wired ones in terms of sound – which has not yet been proven – wireless devices are recommended. The range is divided into two groups: in-ear headphones and headphones with a headband, the latter being divided into over-ear headphones and on-ear headphones.
The advantages and disadvantages are obvious: The former are small, discreet, practical and suitable for sports, but awkward to put in the ear and sometimes unsatisfactory in terms of wearing comfort. The latter are large, conspicuous, heavier and bulkier, but have a good wearing comfort, a long battery life and a top sound quality. Besides the sound and manageability, the most important feature is the active noise reduction, which simply filters out external noise.
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The test winner: Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
The test winner of Stiftung Warentest in the in-ear headphones category scores in the supreme discipline of sound with an unbeatable top score of 1.6. Dynamic 2-way speakers provide richer bass, excellent sound definition and more balance. Intelligent Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) also allows you to seamlessly switch between noise-cancelling headphones and fully customizable ambient noise. So you can decide situationally which feature type is best at that moment. The Galaxy Buds Pro’s battery offers up to 18 hours of playtime, specifically, you can use the headphones for 5 hours without interruption and another 13 hours when using their charging case. The Galaxy Buds Pro wireless headphones are equipped with three microphones to ensure that all callers can be heard crystal clear. Two external microphones block outside noise, leaving the other microphone to pick up only the wearer’s voice.
Those who pair the Samsung headphones with their iPhone will benefit from an excellent sound experience. Samsung even offers its own app for its competitor’s smartphones. It gives users more control over sound functions and info about the battery.
Features of the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
| Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro | |
|---|---|
| Product type | Noise-cancelling headphones, true-wireless headphones
Closed Sitting in ear |
| Function | Wireless
Control via app, wireless charging with charging carrying case Features: microphone, sweat-proof, touch control panel Music functions: next track, pause, play, volume, previous track Call functions: End call, answer call, reject call Buttons: position on headphones |
| Bluetooth features | Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth profiles: A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile), HSP (Headset Profile), HFP (Hands Free Profile). Range: 10m |
| Battery | Operating time: 5 h
Quick charge function: 5 minutes for 1 hour runtime |
| Microphone | In the headphones |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
Rating at Stiftung Warentest: 1.9
Pro
- + Very good sound
- + Very good active noise reduction
- + Relatively long battery life
Cons
- – May cause allergic reaction (itching)
- – For many functions, the app “Samsung Galaxy Buds” is required
More than just number 2: Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony WF-1000XM4 headphones feature industry-leading noise-cancelling thanks to an integrated V1 HD processor, a powerful new driver unit, and noise-minimizing earbuds with a more stable grip. Ranked second in its category by Stiftung Warentest, the wireless in-ear headphones for iPhone score remarkably high on sound quality (score of 1.9), which only stops when the Speak-to-Chat feature automatically pauses the music as soon as the wearer starts talking – headphones with brains, in other words. The straightforward speakerphone function allows for undisturbed conversation, with the Sony WF-1000XM4 providing clearer voice transmission. Thus, you can still clearly understand the conversation partner even in loud environments. Staying power is shown by the Sony WF-1000XM4’s built-in lithium-ion battery, which provides up to 24 hours of music enjoyment (with noise cancelling) on a single charge. What a show-off!
Features of the Sony WF-1000XM4
| Sony WF-1000XM4 | |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Noise-cancelling headphones, in-ear headphones, true-wireless headphones
In-ear |
| Function | Wireless
Features: Fast charging, auto pairing, control via app, wireless charging with charging carrying case Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) Music functions: next track, pause, play, volume, mute function Call functions: End call, answer call, call music change, voice dial, mute function Sound functions: integrated level limiter, High Resolution Audio Wireless Buttons: Position on headphones Voice assistants: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Bluetooth features | Bluetooth 5.2
Bluetooth profiles: A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile), HSP (Headset Profile), HFP (Hands Free Profile). |
| Sound | Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz
Driver: 6 mm |
| Battery | Operating time: 12 h
Operating time NC: 8 h Talk time: 6 h Battery charging time: 1.5 h Total runtime (including charging case): 24 h Charging the headphones via charging case: 2 times Quick charge function: 5 minutes for 1 hour runtime |
| Cable | Detachable cable
Plug: USB-C Plug shape: straight |
| Microphone | Dual, microphone noise cancellation
In headphones |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Sony WF-1000XM4
Rating at Stiftung Warentest: 1.9
Pros
- + Very good sound
- + Speak-to-chat function
- + Relatively long battery life
Con
- – Foam ear tips deficient
- – Sealing problems
The Adaptable: Jabra Elite 85t
The top segment of in-ear headphones is fiercely competitive, and the quality differences between the individual products are often minimal. The Jabra Elite 85t have made it to the third podium of the Stiftung-Warentest. Thanks to Jabra Advanced Active Noise Cancellation – an adjustable ANC slider in combination with six built-in microphones – full sound control and crystal-clear phone calls no longer sound like dreams of the future. With their 12mm speaker, the headphones for iPhone deliver clear sound with powerful bass for a “in the middle of it all” music experience, and the Earbuds can be controlled with Amazon Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant. The Jabra Elite 85t’s compact size, with three sizes of oval EarGels and pressure relief ports for maximum comfort, will also win over even the biggest in-ear fit skeptic.
Features of the Jabra Elite 85t
| Jabra Elite 85t | |
|---|---|
| Product type | Noise-cancelling headphones, Bluetooth headphones, true wireless headphones
Closed, dynamic Sitting in the ear |
| Function | Transmission type: wireless
Wireless charging with charging transport box, control via app, auto power off, MultiPoint, auto play/pause, quick charge function. Features: Microphone Manufacturer feature: Active Noise Cancelling Sound function: Transparency mode |
| Bluetooth features | Bluetooth 5.1
Bluetooth profiles: A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), AVCTP, SPP, HFP (Hands Free Profile), HSP (Headset Profile) |
| Sound | Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz
Driver: 12 mm |
| Battery | Operating time: 7 h
Operating time: NC 5 h Battery charging time: 3 h Total runtime (including charging case): 31 h Charging the headphones via charging case: 3 times Quick charge function: 15 minutes for 1 hour runtime |
| Microphone | In the headphones |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Jabra Elite 85t
Rating at Stiftung Warentest: 2.0
Pros
- + Good sound
- + Clear phone calls
Cons
- – Dropouts during signal transmission on the left headphone
The on-ear all-rounder: JBL Live 460NC
If you are uncomfortable with your ears being completely enclosed by a headphone cup, and still prefer a pair of headphones with a headband to the in-ear version, it is best to opt for on-ear headphones. The JBL Live 460NC score best in this category in Stiftung Warentest. The sound is rated with a solid score of 2, and you can also rely on this model in other respects.
The wireless Live 460NC Bluetooth headphones block out noise thanks to adaptive noise-canceling and prove to be all-rounders at the touch of a button, with Ambient Aware and TalkThru technology making it possible to listen to music, talk to friends and be aware of your surroundings at the same time. Thus, one is always prepared for all eventualities. The voice assistant can be activated either by voice, by tapping the ear cup, or with the JBL app. The JBL Live 460NC are the most enduring of the on-ear headphones for iPhone, offering up to 50 hours of music enjoyment without ANC and 40 hours with ANC, or 4 hours of battery life after just a 10-minute charge.
Features of the JBL Live 460NC
| JBL Live 460NC | |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Noise-canceling headphones, Bluetooth headphones
Dynamic, closed Earthed |
| Function | Transfer modes: optional wired, wireless
MultiPoint, automatic play/pause Microphone Manufacturer feature: Active Noise Cancelling Music functions: Play, Pause Call functions: End call, answer call, voice assistant activation Buttons on the headphones |
| Bluetooth features | Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth profiles: HFP (Hands Free Profile), A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile) |
| Sound | Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz
Impedance: 32 Ohm Sensitivity: 96 dB/mW Driver: 40 mm |
| Battery | Operating time: 50 h
Operating time: NC 40 h Battery charging time: 2 h Battery capacity: 750 mAh Battery type: Lithium-ion |
| Cable | Detachable cable
Plug: 3,5 mm Plug shape: straight |
Advantages and disadvantages of the JBL Live 460NC
Rating by Stiftung Warentest: 2.0
Pros
- + Good sound
- + Adaptive noise-cancelling
- + Particularly long battery life
- + Very good price-performance ratio
Con
- – Noise cancellation susceptible to interference
If it should be the original: Apple AirPods Max
Not only do they look good – of course, they’re an original Apple product – but they’re also the winner of Stiftung Warentest’s headset test: Apple’s AirPods Max combine elegance and top technology. Thanks to a special dynamic driver from Apple, they deliver Hi-Fi audio and thus literally set the tone, which absolutely justifies the rating of 1.5 for sound. The Apple AirPods Max have a lot to brag about in other ways as well: Active noise cancellation blocks out outside noise so you can fully immerse yourself in your music. 3D audio with dynamic head tracking also provides a surround sound like in the cinema. Transparency mode allows you to hear and react to your surroundings.
Apple AirPods Max features
| Apple AirPods Max | |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Wired headphones, noise-canceling headphones, Bluetooth headphones
Dynamic, Closed Around the ear |
| Function | Wireless
Auto play/pause, auto power off, fast charging function Microphone, touch control panel, foldable, accelerometer sensor Music functions: Volume, next track, pause, play, previous track Call functions: end call, answer call Sound functions: personalized sound profiles, 3D audio with head tracking Buttons on headphones Voice assistant: Apple Siri |
| Bluetooth features | Bluetooth 5.0
Range: 10 m |
| Sound | Driver: 40 mm |
| Battery | Operating time: NC 20 h
Talk time: 20 h Quick charge: 5 minutes for 1.5 hours runtime |
| Cable | Lightning connector |
| Microphone | 9 microphones in the headphones |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Apple AirPods Max
Rating at Stiftung Warentest: 1.9
Pros
- + Very good sound
- + Surround sound
- + Transparency mode
Contra
- – Relatively high price
- – Sweaty
Conclusion
First, you should always decide whether you prefer in-ear or boom headphones. In both cases, the front-runners are clearly identifiable: the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro or the Apple AirPods Max. If you also consider financial aspects, you can get high-quality headphones for the iPhone at low prices.
More articles worth knowing about headphones for the Apple iPhone
- The best Bluetooth headphones for athletes
- The best headphones for children
- Can I replace AirPods individually if I lose one?
- Why Android users are better off not using AirPods
- The reason why Apple AirPods are white
Still not enough about the topic of headphones? The editorial team at atechbook has compiled a number of other exciting and helpful articles that deal with the ear candy.