With the Apple AirPods' design becoming so iconic over the past few years, many companies have started imitating their look and shape. However, most third-party knockoffs are among some of the worst in-ears you can buy, so you're better off sticking to headphones from reputable brands. It's worth noting that some models, like the Apple AirPods 4, feature the iconic Apple EarPods design, while others, like the Apple AirPods Pro 3, include silicone tips that turn them into in-ears. The latter forms a better seal, helping with noise isolation, but some people find the former style less invasive and more comfortable. Our recommendations cover both fit types and aim to capture the ease of use, reliability, and performance of the AirPods line.
We've tested over 370 pairs of earbuds and in-ears, and these are our top picks for the best alternatives to Apple's AirPods. Also, check our recommendations for the best wireless earbuds for iPhone, the best true wireless earbuds, and the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds under $100 we've tested.
Our How We Test Headphones article takes you behind the scenes in our lab. You'll learn how we choose and purchase products and dive into the details of our review philosophy, from testing and scoring to writing and editing.
You can also discover how we produce recommendations like this one so that you can find the best headphones (or earbuds!) for your needs.
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Best AirPods Alternative
TravelOffice WorkSports And FitnessSound SignatureWarmNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosSee all our test resultsRecording QualityThe best AirPods Pro alternative we've tested are the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro. These buds align with the Apple AirPods Pro 3 in price and performance and offer a wider range of features compatible with iOS and Android. While the Anker don't quite match the noise cancelling performance of the flagship AirPods, they still block an exceptional amount of background noise, isolating you from engine rumble and chit chat. You also get access to Dolby Audio for virtual surround rather than Apple's Personalized Spatial Audio, along with more robust sound customization via an 8-band graphic EQ (versus Apple's 3-band EQ in iOS).
Out of the box, the buds have a warm sound that delivers thump and rumble to audio, but you can adjust their tuning with the iOS-supported app. However, the major downside of most AirPods alternatives is the lack of a proprietary Apple chip, which enables seamless device switching and fast pairing with Apple devices. Still, the buds feature Bluetooth multipoint with up to three devices, which works irrespective of your connected devices' operating system. While they lack the familiar 'stem' design, their comfortable fit also ensures you can wear them for long periods without experiencing fatigue. However, their integrated mic doesn't render your voice particularly naturally, so if calls matter to you, it's worth checking out the Sony WF-1000XM6 instead. The Sony also have slightly better noise isolation and last longer off a single charge. But they lack the comfortable, ergonomic design and premium build quality of the Apple AirPods or Anker.
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Best Mid-Range AirPods Alternative
TravelOffice WorkSports And FitnessSound SignatureBoosted BassNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosSee all our test resultsRecording QualityIf three-way Bluetooth multipoint and power-saving features are luxuries you can do without, check out the Nothing Ear (3a). These earbuds have a stemmed design like the Apple AirPods Pro 3 and use pressure-sensitive controls on the stems. Their boosted bass tuning can be overwhelming for some people, but you can dial it back with the app's parametric EQ. Plus, you have access to Spatial Audio for immersive virtual surround sound.
While the buds also have ANC that's impressive for their price, they can't isolate you as well as our previous pick, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro. Still, it's effective at reducing airplane rumble and the noise from louder gym-goers, especially if you're listening to music at the same time. The buds are rated IP54, so they'll withstand some water and dust exposure if you're planning to exercise outdoors with them. Unlike the previous pick, though, these lack the luxury of battery-conserving modes.
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Best Budget AirPods Alternative
TravelOffice WorkSports And FitnessSound SignatureWarmNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosSee all our test resultsRecording QualityThe Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless are the best alternative to AirPods if you don't want to shell out Apple prices. These budget-conscious earbuds have a different design from the Apple earbuds. They're voiced with ample bass emphasis, like the Nothing Ear (3a), but they have a relatively dull treble by default. Both can be customized via the graphic EQ and presets in the Anker Soundcore app.
While the ANC system isn't quite on par with the exceptional isolation offered by the Apple AirPods Pro 3, it still does an impressive job considering their price point; even slightly outperforming the Nothing Ear (3a). They'll provide plenty of attenuation against low-frequency sounds, like engine rumble, as well as higher-pitched sounds, like background chatter. That said, the Nothing's stemmed design brings the mics closer to your mouth, capturing your voice more naturally, and have a build quality and stability that are closer to what you'd expect from Apple AirPods.
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Best Cheap AirPods Alternative
TravelOffice WorkSports And FitnessSound SignatureWarmNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosSee all our test resultsRecording QualityConsider the Anker Soundcore P31i if you're on a tight budget, but still want an AirPods-like product. While manufacturers tend to cut down on extra features at this price point, the Anker headphones manage to preserve a surprising number of extras. You still have access to ANC, and while it's nowhere near the best on the list, the earbuds still manage to block a noteworthy amount of low-end noise, muting the sound of large accelerating vehicles at a busy intersection. There's also a feature-rich app with a graphic EQ for adjusting their sound and Spatial Audio features to match the AirPods's options, all supported by a respectable 7.3-hour battery life.
Beyond the features mentioned above, they have an otherwise simple design. They're well-built but a bit plasticky, and they match the comfort of the Apple AirPods (3rd generation). The four sizes of ear tips and sleek design of the buds help avoid the characteristic 'plunger' feeling that some in-ears have.
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Best Unsealed AirPods Alternative
TravelOffice WorkSports And FitnessSound SignatureBrightNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosSee all our test resultsRecording QualityIf you like traditional AirPods without the ear tips fitted on the AirPods Pro series, then the Shokz OpenFit Pro are the best alternative that leave your ear canal open. As you'd expect from the fit, the earbuds don't block much environmental noise, which is a plus for many looking to remain aware of their surroundings. That said, there are some noteworthy differences between the Shokz and the similar tip-less Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.
The Shokz have an ear hook design rather than a stemmed one like the AirPods; this format affords them greater comfort and stability, though they're bulkier and not everyone finds ear hooks comfortable. They also carry an IP55 rating, so they're more resistant to water exposure than the IP54 AirPods. That said, their tuning is a great deal brighter and lacks bass, reproducing vocals as thinner and more piercing. And while the Shokz have active noise cancellation, it's so ineffective that you'd be better off leaving the feature disabled to extend battery life. If you're an iOS or Apple device user, it's worth considering sticking to the AirPods, as few replacements manage to balance noise isolation, bass output, and an unsealed design.
Notable Mentions
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Technics EAH-AZ100:
Like the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro, the Technics EAH-AZ100 have superb ANC performance. They also offer longer battery life than the Anker. However, the Anker headphones are more comfortable and feature stabilizer fins to keep them secure during workouts.
See our review -
Devialet Gemini II True Wireless:
If you equate AirPods with premium design and build quality, consider the Devialet Gemini II True Wireless. These premium earbuds boast top-tier ANC and balanced sound quality with a solid mic system. However, their price makes them a less value-oriented pickup compared to the similarly performing Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro.
See our review
Recent Updates
Aug 11, 2026:
We've overhauled the article to reflect new product reviews and price changes while also cutting text across the board to streamline the decision-making process. Notably, we introduced the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro, Nothing Ear (3a), and Shokz OpenFit Pro as new picks.
May 21, 2026:
We've mentioned the Sony WF-1000XM6 in the text for our top pick, as they offer better noise isolation and longer battery life than the Bose, but at the expense of comfort and build quality. We've also mentioned the OnePlus Buds 4 as a lower mid-range alternative and removed the OnePlus Buds 3 from the Notable Mentions.
Feb 13, 2026:
We added the Technics EAH-AZ100 to our Notable Mentions for their strong all-around performance, but they're not as comfortable as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), and they don't have stems, which are a notable feature of AirPods.
Oct 29, 2025:
We've added the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) as our top pick, replacing the 1st Gen, due to incremental upgrades. We've also added the Anker Soundcore Space A40 as a budget pick, due to a recent price drop, and have replaced mentions of the AirPods Pro 2 with the AirPods Pro 3, as the most recent flagship model.
Apr 22, 2025:
This article's picks have been updated to replace the out-of-stick Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 with the Technics EAH-AZ80. The Skullcandy Dime 3 True Wireless have been bumped from 'Budget' to 'Cheap,' and the CMF Buds Pro 2 are the new budget pick. The Anker Soundcore P40i outclasses the previous Anker Soundcore Life P3 Truly Wireless in the Notable Mentions. For ANC, the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless were added to the Notable Mentions.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we currently think are the best AirPods clones we've tested. We factor in price (a cheaper option wins over a pricier one if the difference isn't worth it), visitor feedback, and availability (nothing that's too hard to find or out of stock everywhere).
If you'd like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our truly wireless earbuds. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There are no perfect headphones. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection.