Apple debuted AirPods almost three years ago — and in the process, Apple created an all-new product category where others would struggle for years to catch up.
In 2019, there are still no wireless earbuds quite as good or user-friendly as AirPods, despite the number of facsimiles out there. To be frank, everything else out there is simply an "AirPods alternative," but there's really no substitute.
AirPods work effortlessly. There are no buttons or physical controls; you just take them out of their case, put them in your ears, and press play on your music. They sync to your device instantly.
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They feel futuristic to use, too. If you take one earbud out, your music pauses automatically. Put it back in, and your music resumes.
Even the case — a perfectly smooth, white container, like the most modern dental floss you've ever seen — is beautiful to look at and hold.
Some people complain about how AirPods sound, but I think the volume and quality are great. They're perfect for warm weather, since they don't make your ears sweat, but they're excellent year-round. I use them to listen to music, take calls, and even play my Nintendo Switch without bothering others (thanks to the excellent Genki accessory).
AirPods have become iconic, like Apple's wired earbuds before them. No other Bluetooth earbuds look like these. But there's also nothing else that comes close to the quality, ease of use, and design of simply using AirPods on a daily basis. They are the best headphones ever made.