Five wireless alternatives to Apple's new $160 headphones
So you answered Apple's siren call, and upgraded to the iPhone 7. And despite all the cool new features, there's still one thing you can't get over: you hate having just one port for your headphones and charger. To add insult to injury, Apple's solution to this problem, those fancy new聽, cost $160.聽
We understand your frustration, so we gathered up a few of our favorite Bluetooth聽alternatives to the Airpods that cost less than $100 each. Even if you don't have an iPhone 7, going wireless is a great option for any smartphone user.
It should be noted that the prices in this post are subject to change, but they generally hover around what we've listed here. We should also mention that we regularly see no-name brands run for as low as (or in rare cases lower than) $20, but these brands are no-name for a reason, and we can't vouch for their quality or reliability. The options named here have all been well-reviewed on trusted online review sites by people who really bought them.
聽鈥撀燣owest price: $75.99 + free shipping at聽
Most review sites聽consistently rank these at the top of the list for reliable Bluetooth headphones that won't break the bank.聽You might recognize Plantronics from the mobile phone world, as they're one of the bigger names in mobile audio right now, and they're actually a reputable brand. These headphones are coated to resist sweat during a workout and have a built-in mic for taking calls. The wrap around design isn't as flexible as some of the other models here, but some people prefer that rigidity.
聽鈥撀燣owest price: $99.99 shipped at聽
Our readers love Beats headphones, but in our professional opinion,聽the price of these headphones doesn't always match their quality.聽However, the Powerbeats2 may be the exception. Well-reviewed and often on sale, these wireless sport earphones are priced right when they're discounted. They're originally聽$139.99, but we regularly see them on sale for $100 or less. If you don't see them on sale right now, chances are you won't have to wait long until they are again, so try to avoid paying full price for these. They are designed for sport use with over-the-ear hooks, a water-resistant exterior and a leash between earbuds to keep them on your head.
聽鈥撀燣owest Price $79.99 at聽
Motorola聽is yet another聽mobile company that's been making wireless phone accessories for years, so it makes sense for them to have a reliable line of Bluetooth headphones. They get consistently good reviews from Amazon customers and include interesting features, like聽the聽Hubble Connect app that locates your earphones where they were last synced, just in case you lose them. The also feature multiple EQ settings, which allow聽you to adjust for your taste in bass.
聽鈥撀燣owest Price $75.01 at聽聽(but only a few left), Next best price is聽
These made several "best of" lists for 2016 and Jabra is a good audio brand. These have particularly good聽ratings for their audio performance, and聽high marks for good bass response. They are also good for sports use, with a waterproof casing and wrap-around ear hooks.
聽鈥撀燣owest price: $79.99 shipped at聽
JayBird聽is not the best know of audio brand names, but these headphones show up on most of the "best of"聽lists out there聽as a great pair of Bluetooth earphones for under $100. They get good marks on audio performance, and while they don't have wrap-around hooks, they have聽sport ear fins聽to help lock them in while you are working out.
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