AirPods (pro) alternatives

[Dibble]

Hate me, I’m an Appleist. Anyway, I’m after some in ear pods, but I really don’t want the AirPods Pro version, based solely on the fact they’re only available in white.

What would you recommend that’s the nearest match, ie as compatible as possible with iOS and also available in black/dark grey? Or do I just have to suck it up and suffer the AirPods Pro?

I did browse to see if there was anything like the D Brand skins for ear pods, but even if there was, I’m not convinced they wouldn’t look utterly st!

(Apologies for the cross posting from the HiFi thread, but guessing I’ll get more suggestions in here).

[u-boat]

Beats fit pro are the nearest equivalent available in more colours but still apple. I’ve got a pair and prefer them to my AirPods Pro, the case is slightly bigger though.

[robsa]

u-boat said:

Beats fit pro are the nearest equivalent available in more colours but still appple.

This is the correct answer.

[SteveKTMer]

I've got Beats Fit Pro in black, comes with a little red logo. Fit is very good, really stable, I bought them for running. The noise cancelling is very good too and sound quality is probably as good as the Apple devices but not as good as my Sony XM4 earbuds, but I don't think anything is under £400 or so.

[Timmos1974]

Im sure someone near you has an Airbrush they can spray airpodspro 2 for you.

Ive got a pair and they excellent bits of kit

https://www.google.com/search?q=paint+apple+airpod...

[SkinnyPete]

Sony xf-1000xm5 were released a few weeks ago. No doubt better than the Apple product; but I’m waiting for the Apple launch in a couple of weeks to see if there has been any revision to their AirPods.

[Austin_Metro]

Timmos1974 said:

Im sure someone near you has an Airbrush they can spray airpodspro 2 for you.

Ive got a pair and they excellent bits of kit

https://www.google.com/search?q=paint+apple+airpod...

I do wonder why apple don’t offer another colour. Surely they could add 50 quid to the price and some fool (like me) would buy them. I’m impressed by those paint jobs though…

[robsa]

SkinnyPete said:

Sony xf-1000xm5 were released a few weeks ago. No doubt better than the Apple product; but I’m waiting for the Apple launch in a couple of weeks to see if there has been any revision to their AirPods.

The benefit of the AirPods Pro are if you have an iPhone and MacBook etc. I have APP2's and they are the best earphones I have ever had, but they aren't the best sounding. As I am over 50 now though and a bit deaf for me it's not a huge issue and they still sound great

[nordboy]

Austin_Metro said:

I do wonder why apple don’t offer another colour. Surely they could add 50 quid to the price and some fool (like me) would buy them. I’m impressed by those paint jobs though…

Only available in white is the only reason I don't own Airpods. I have the Sony xm4's, which are brilliant. I'm surprised at Apple, seeing as you can get the iphones in various colours, that they haven't done the same with the pods?

[lizardbrain]

2nd gen are really good, worth testing.

You can't see them when you are wearing them.

[Dibble]

lizardbrain said:

2nd gen are really good, worth testing.

You can't see them when you are wearing them.

That’s the other issue, I’m sure I’ve got weird shaped ears, I always struggle to find in-ear pods/phones that fit.

Your second point is valid, but I’d know… and it just irks me.

[robbieduncan]

You can have them any colour you want if you are willing to pay: https://www.colorware.com/p-1378-airpods-pro-2nd-g...

[Gweeds]

nordboy said:

Only available in white is the only reason I don't own Airpods. I have the Sony xm4's, which are brilliant. I'm surprised at Apple, seeing as you can get the iphones in various colours, that they haven't done the same with the pods?

It’s deliberate. It’s because of the brand awareness and visibility of them.

Everyone laughed when they came out.

If AirPods were a standalone business they’d be in the top 30 companies in the US.

Mad.

[SkinnyPete]

robsa said:

SkinnyPete said:

Sony xf-1000xm5 were released a few weeks ago. No doubt better than the Apple product; but I’m waiting for the Apple launch in a couple of weeks to see if there has been any revision to their AirPods.

The benefit of the AirPods Pro are if you have an iPhone and MacBook etc. I have APP2's and they are the best earphones I have ever had, but they aren't the best sounding. As I am over 50 now though and a bit deaf for me it's not a huge issue and they still sound great

Sony have multi device support.

I have the overear headset (with Apple
products) and I don’t feel I am losing any functionality or convenience.

[DirktheDaring]

I absolutely love these, so comfy, great sound, easy to pair etc - https://www.jaybirdsport.com/en-gb/vista.html

[Brainpox]

Dibble said:

lizardbrain said:

2nd gen are really good, worth testing.

You can't see them when you are wearing them.

That’s the other issue, I’m sure I’ve got weird shaped ears, I always struggle to find in-ear pods/phones that fit.

Your second point is valid, but I’d know… and it just irks me.

For what it's worth, the Pros come with 4 different sizes of buds, which may help with fit.