The Apple EarPods headset is an excellent addition to the iPhone, it is characterized by normal music playback, fairly comfortable control and good voice transmission through the microphone. It can be connected not only to Apple devices and can also be used on phones of other platforms. But the owners of the headphones claim that they are not particularly superior to other wired headsets, rather, they belong to devices with average musical qualities.

Appearance, completeness, ergonomics

Concise, minimalist white headphones included Apple smartphones such as the iPhone 5S. They are also available for free sale. They are supplied in a standard box with a plastic pad on which the wires are wound, the heads and the remote control are placed in special slots.

Ergodynamic design is one of the advantages of the device. The first thing that users note is that the headphones just fit perfectly to their ears. The head body follows the shape of the auricle cavity, which ensures a snug fit of the sound guide to the ear canal.

The headphones do not irritate the ear by their presence, do not rub, and can be used for a long period of time. But sometimes there are complaints that the headset heads are popping out of the ears.

The reason for the problem is that the heads are not made in different sizes, only a standard version is available for purchase, matched to the "average" parameters of most people.

The same headphones are included with the phone. The owners of the headset note that it is equipped with a very convenient remote control. It is embossed, the "+" and "-" buttons are slightly raised, and the main button is at the bottom. This allows you to touch the desired key, change the track, or decrease the volume.

Symmetrical wires go to the heads, seemingly quite dense, but not tight, easily twisted. The main wire ends with a straight plug with a gold plated surface. The owners have a lot of complaints about wires. They are white, easily soiled, and gradually lose their presentable appearance.

Moreover, at the junction with the heads and plug, the cable is often broken, thin wires are damaged inside. It is quite difficult to restore the device, you have to purchase a new one.

From Apple EarPods (3.5 mm), the Apple EarPods (Lightning) model has only a Micro-USB input, through which they connect to the iPhone. You cannot use the device directly with other devices, only with the help of a special adapter with a plug.

Functionality

The manufacturer announced at once 11 functions available when controlling the headset. A standard remote control is used for control, on which there are only three keys.

But on each of them there are several tasks at once:

• one press in the middle - pause, turn on music, answer an incoming call when playing melodies, answer a second incoming call;
• double tap - switch to the next track, if you hold it after pressing - rewind;
• triple press - switch to the previous melody, if hold - rewind;
• press and hold the key - call Siri, hang up incoming call, the answer to the second incoming call with the release of the first;
• increase / decrease the volume with the "+", "-" keys.

On the standard keys other functions are also programmed. For example, by long pressing the "+" key, you can open the camera on the phone and take a picture of the desired object without unlocking the smartphone.

With Android smartphones, the number of functions is significantly reduced. You can answer a call, pause music, and restart playback. Volume control with side keys is also available. In principle, these functions are enough for ordinary headphones, but not for a device for 2,500 rubles.

Playing music

Headphone heads are made so that two acoustic outputs are directed to deliver sound to the ear canal. This allows you to achieve an optimal bass concentration that does not hit your ears, but does not spread out, despite the fact that there are no silicone ear cushions on the heads to increase sound insulation.

• “They have equally clean lows, highs and mids that don't really stand out. Therefore, even at high volume, the melodies retain their purity and brightness. "
• “They do not provide complete noise isolation, but, nevertheless, they reproduce well classical melodies, rock compositions, electronic music. The frequency response is well balanced. Do not disassemble individual instruments, but there is no muttering, everything is clean. "
• “The bottoms are tight, the middle is good, the tops are not overwhelmed. Not exactly the ideal of melody, but they sound pretty good. Compared with Samsung Galaxy 3 Mini - generally perfect, there is no that squeal and pounding bass. "
• “Compared with Meizu ep2x. The "apple" headphones have little bass, I would like more volume, otherwise the sound is felt flattened. Listened and on Meizu phone 5 note, and on the iPhone, there is not much difference. "

You can improve the quality of the music you listen to by purchasing various headset gadgets: silicone earbuds, volume booster, earhooks or rests. But it should be remembered that the headphones were originally intended for use with Apple devices.

That is why it is necessary to artificially improve the sound on phones and Android tablets using an equalizer or selecting better quality music.

Headset operation

The microphone is located on the remote control. The level of its operation also depends on which transmitting device the device is used with. On the iPhone microphone just perfectly conveys the caller's speech. There is no noise or hum, the sounds of the surrounding world are cut off qualitatively.

Since the remote control is located symmetrically in the middle, sometimes you have to bring it to your mouth so that the interlocutor can hear better what is being said. Or use a clothespin for these purposes, which will have to be purchased separately.

Users using headphones in conjunction with Android complain that the voice transmission is not perfect. Sometimes the subscribers do not quite understand the words that are spoken into the microphone. You have to pronounce sentences clearly and loudly.

conclusions

The luxurious functionality of Apple EarPods is just perfect for owners of Apple gadgets. Music lovers appreciate the maximally expanded control from the remote control, ergonomic headphone heads, and good music reproduction.

But, unfortunately, high-quality control is completely unavailable to users using smartphones on other platforms. If you do not have other iOS devices, it is better to give preference to more “simple” headsets - Sony, Beats or Sennheiser. They cost a little less, but they will delight the owners of budget phones with a higher quality of music.

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Apple decided to get serious about creating a quality headset. She recently released wired headphones EarPods, which, by their technical properties, are able to interest any buyer and make a tremendous impression on him.

In the process of creating them, the developers had to study many other modern headphones, from which they managed to adopt all the best. The changes touched on sound perception, fixation, design and more.

Design

Specifications EarPods headphones have traditional parameters:

1. They have a reproducible frequency range from 5-21000 Hz.
2. The cable length is 1.2 meters.
3. The headphones have a standard 3.5 mm mini jack.

They also come with standard features for adjusting the volume and answering a call. A cover is provided in the basic configuration.

Packaging and equipment

The new headset comes with a special plastic box, painted white, with the Apple logo on the back. Its lower part has a rigid base, which is closed by a transparent cover. When opening, you can see how the headphones themselves are packed, each part of which is placed in its own strictly allocated sectors.

Some users note that with regular stowage and removal of the headphones, the hard plastic case will be extremely uncomfortable.

EarPods headphone review: appearance

The new wired headphones with a microphone Apple EarPods look very specific. Their design has a teardrop shape, which, according to the developers, is the most perfect. This conclusion was made after a thorough study, during which the company was able to study 600 subjects with different morphological features of the structure of the ear.

The assembly is done with high quality. The headphones have a holistic look, in which there are almost no visible signs of the connection of individual components. There is a seam between the body and the "overlay", which can be seen only from a very close distance. EarPods can be disassembled for repair or cleaning.

Sound

The sound has undergone dramatic changes. EarPods headphones are ready to please users with their characteristics, which have a number of positive advantages:

1. The addition of bass improved the previous sound quality, making it more spacious.
2. Particular attention was also paid to the midrange. Some critics thought the vocals sounded less natural. However, on the other hand, it lacks sharpness, sibilance and sibilance, which is an undoubted plus.
3. Testing the EarPods on the Hifiman HM-801 with the Prime Test CD1 showed superior bass performance.
4. Gaps are noted at high frequencies. Some people complained that in some compositions with pronounced musical accompaniment, the sounds began to mix with each other. The stereopanorama has weakly expressed volumes.

In general, these headphones can be described as universal, which show decent sound in any musical genre.

Competitors

Photo: Xiaomi Hybrid

Average Apple price EarPods in Russia range from 2599 to 1250 rubles. This model can be called budget option, and in relation to the price and quality, it has quite a few similar analogues. And, nevertheless, the following models can act as the main competitors:

1. Xiaomi Hybrid.
2. Sennheiser CX 2.00i.
3. SoundMAGIC E10S.
4. Knowledge Zenith ED9.
5. Panasonic RP-TCM125E.

Compatibility

EarPods with a Lightning connector will fit iPhone, iPad and iPod touch with exactly the same output. It is important that these devices have iOS 10 version. IPod nano or any older device ios version Apple EarPods will not work.

Exactly such headphones with a 3.5 mm jack will fit all Apple devices, as well as tablets or gadgets of others. trade marks... However, if the headphones are connected to Android devices, some functions of the remote control may not work. First of all, this applies to:

• volume control;
• playback;
• pauses;
• switching tracks.

EarPods review: everyday use

The EarPods are very comfortable to use and very easy to use. The sound quality is high. Appearance the headset attracts with its grace. The earbuds, despite the absence of rubber inserts, perfectly hold in the ears without creating any discomfort from rubbing.

AirPods come with earbuds in a case, a set of instructions, and a Lightning cable.

Case

The case has rounded edges, fits well in the hand and fits in any pocket. Opening and closing the lid is a special pleasure, transforming the headphone case into an alternative to anti-stress toys.

On the back side there is a button for connecting to Android devices and pairing with iOS devices, and on the bottom side there is a charging jack.

Over time, a dark coating forms under the lid, which must be cleaned. It is not clear where it comes from: the case is always closed, no one touches it with dirty hands. Judging by the reviews, many AirPods owners are engaged in periodic cleaning of cases. What to do, the costs of design in white colors.

Another nuance is the backlash of the lid when it moves from side to side (not in the direction of opening). There are no scenarios in which it would be necessary to move the lid in this way, but such roughness in Apple's technique is frustrating, at least because they are rare.

Magnets are hidden inside the case, with the help of which the headphones literally fly into the case. The lid is also magnetized when closed, so AirPods can be safely thrown to the bottom of the bag - the headphones won't fall out or get lost.

Headphones

At first glance, the wireless earbuds seem to be the same EarPods, but without wires and with slightly thicker legs. If you do not take into account the technofarsh hidden in these legs, then these are EarPods. And that's cool. It's not even about skeuomorphism and continuity. It's just really a very comfortable and rather versatile form of headphones.

If doubts before purchasing AirPods are associated with the fear of losing a dropped earphone, then we is in a hurry to dispel them: the earbuds are held securely. main reason EarPods falling out - the wires that constantly pull the headphones down. They are not here.

The real danger lies in the habit brought up over the years to take off one of the headphones when talking and let it go. The EarPods would remain dangling from the wire, and the wireless earbud would simply fall to the ground. However, you can rebuild in a couple of days, and for the most unlucky ones, there are special silicone laces on sale that connect the headphones together.

Sound

Sound performance is the most important part of any headphone review, but definitely the most boring when it comes to AirPods. As in the case of the wired predecessor, here we get a not very ambitious, even and slightly tinted sound in the middle and high frequencies.

For lovers of precise specifications, we borrowed the frequency response graph from the French portal Les Numeriques.

This is a good result for urban in-ear headphones that do not claim to be an audiophile device. Still, AirPods are not loved at all for the sound, although they do an excellent job with the requests of the average user.

Exploitation

Pairing AirPods with an Apple device is easy. The W1 chip, specially designed for headphones, is responsible for fast synchronization. Flip open the case and iPhone automatically recognizes AirPods.

Confirm the pairing by pressing a single button on the headphone case - and that's it, the pair has been created and has already spread to all synchronized devices. From now on, even pressing the button is not required - the broadcast will be automatically transferred to AirPods if they are inserted into the ears.

There are no buttons on the headphones. The only possible control gesture is a double tap. The best I've come up with is start and pause on the right earbud, and Siri on the left. Another way to pause playback is to remove one of the headphones.

TO new system navigation is hard to get used to. In this regard, EarPods are still more convenient. One or two buttons to control playback are not enough, and Siri is not a panacea. For example, I am still embarrassed to use it in public places.

To answer the call, you also need to tap the earpiece twice. Outgoing sound quality is excellent: system performance is affected active noise cancellation... Therefore, with AirPods, you can talk to friends or call Siri even in a crowded and relatively noisy place.

If you bring an open case to the iPhone, the charging data of the case and headphones will appear on the screen. In addition, in the "Batteries" widget, you can see the charge of each of the earbuds. The fact is that they are identical in filling, each can be used as a headset. In this case, the sound will be broadcast in mono, and the time autonomous work AirPods will double in size.

AirPods also work in conjunction with all iOS devices with iOS 10 and above, Apple Watch with watchOS 3 or later, and computers with macOS 10.12 or later. In addition, the headphones can be used with any device that supports bluetooth standard 4.0. The "magic" promised by the developers will disappear in this case, but, as users of Android smartphones assure, it is quite comfortable to carry AirPods with their devices. True, there is no Siri, but with the help of third-party software, you can make Google Assistant respond to tapping.

Battery

Fully charged earbuds and case can last 24 hours of listening time and 11 hours of talk time. Without a case, the headphones will work for five hours. Moreover, they charge very quickly: in 15 minutes they gain an amount of charge sufficient to play music for another three hours.

This means that discharging your device will never take you by surprise. One has only to charge the case with headphones every 3-4 days and not listen to music for five hours.

Verdict

• you are already fully equipped with Apple and want to supplement the collection with one more utilitarian device;
• you are tired of interrupted EarPods cables, but the headphones themselves are completely fine with you;
• you are looking for wireless headphones that won't take up much space in your bag.

• you are constantly losing everything;
• you live in an underdeveloped region, where an exotic gadget can cause unwanted attention;
• you are an audiophile for whom frequency response, THD and other incomprehensible abbreviations are more important than anything else.

And most importantly: do not forget that the choice of headphones is always highly individual. If you like some Sennheiser or Koss more than EarPods, then buying a wireless version of your unloved headphones for 12 thousand rubles is not the best idea.

But if you want to receive from Apple technology maximum, accustomed to the ergonomics and sound of EarPods and love to experience the aesthetic and tactile pleasure of gadgets, then you will definitely like AirPods.

From almost any, even the smallest, update to its product line, Apple strives to revolutionize. What can we say about the headphones, the design of which has been unchanged since 2001. No, of course, they were introduced back in 2008 year Apple In-Ear based on "reinforcing" emitters - but at a price of $ 79, apparently, they did not gain much popularity - there are no updates, and Apple has somehow forgotten about them. This is the feeling, anyway.

On our site there were as many as two Apple review In-Ear, if you're interested, I recommend reading it. By the way, the price of these headphones in Russia is from 3 to 4 thousand rubles, you should beware of fakes, there are a lot of them on the market.

Today we are going to talk about Apple's new earphones called EarPods. The company presents them as a mini-revolution, in some ways this is true, in others it is not. But first things first.

Packaging and equipment

The headphones were kindly provided to me from the kit new iPhone 5, so the question of originality, I suppose, should not be. On the other hand, there is not much to talk about packaging - there is only a hard carrying case.

The packaging of EarPods, sold separately, looks like this:

Since the price of these headphones is only $ 29 (plus tax), there is simply nothing negative to say. Beautiful, minimalistic - as usual with Apple. The case, frankly, is inconvenient - the headphones look impressive in it, but only a very persistent person will regularly take out and remove the EarPods into the complete case.

I had an idea to record a video, but then I found very good unboxing on YouTube, I recommend that you read:

Appearance and ease of use

EarPods look, at least, unusual, you can come up with a variety of associations with the appearance. The body is made of milky plastic, the assembly is excellent, the details fit perfectly - at first you don’t even notice that there is a seam between the earphone body and the “overlay” in the form of a bell, this can be seen only upon closer examination.

The bell is the company's know-how, although similar solutions have already been used more than once in the form of rubber nozzles on the liners. A plastic nozzle with a metal mesh is also used here. The company claims that a large-scale study was carried out using computer modeling - into virtual auricles (scanned from real people) were plugged into virtual headphones and the EarPods should be as comfortable as ever.

Well. Compared to conventional earpods, the EarPods are definitely a step forward. But, alas, the plastic case does not allow the headphones to be fixed in the ear as it should - if it were rubberized, it would be all right, otherwise they do not hold on like ordinary “plugs”. It should be noted that my earbuds (as opposed to earplugs) barely hold in my ears. If the overall fit of the earbuds suits you, you'll love the EarPods. In short, there is no revolution, and we should expect rubber pads, attachments and other things - unlikely from Apple, rather from third-party manufacturers.

No magic happened with noise isolation, the acoustic windows of the headphones pass noise well. That is, for home, work, street, maybe even a bus - it's okay. For the subway - not worth it, take care of your ears.

The remote control is standard for Apple, there is a player control, volume control, a microphone (very high quality). The cable is of high quality, soft, with a slight microphone effect. There is a slider for connecting the wires after the separator, there is little use from it.

Sound

Headphones were tested with Hifiman HM-801 players (with Game Card amplifier) ​​and iBasso DX100. The test disk used was Prime Test CD1.

I would like to approach the assessment of the sound of the EarPods with the utmost rigor - I read that they were compared with very expensive headphones. Apparently, this is due to some kind of Apple magic that does not work for me, and here's why.

Low frequencies are well spelled out, there is minimal hum, you get used to it quickly. There is no need to talk about some kind of high detail, here it is more likely in the amount of bass - this is the "trick" of the EarPods. The trumpet acts, I believe, in the role of a resonator - hence the a large number of LF. On simple tracks, this is a plus, on complex EarPods they stumble. I don't want to mislead you - the bass is not that much, but I would like to have less.

The mids are for my taste, slightly failed, the vocals lack naturalness, they are pushed into the background. On the other hand, there is no sharpness, sibilance, whistle.

High frequencies - there are not many of them, but at the same time the headphones manage not to become deaf (rather - a little deaf), and the advantages are obvious - again, there is no sharpness.

The stereo panorama is not very wide, practically without volume. Arrangement of instruments - on the "C".

The attack is good, if we are not talking about the low-frequency segment.

As a result, the headphones can be called universal, since there are no genres that would sound out of hand on them, or, on the contrary, wonderful. Let me remind you that we are talking about complete headphones for the phone - albeit a flagship one, and they are sold separately for $ 30.

Compatibility

Of course, with Apple iPhone 4 (as well as 5) EarPods play well, there is a decent volume margin (about half the scale), the microphone and remote work perfectly.

Competitors

For $ 30, I suppose, there are simply no competitors - because sometimes people need just "earbuds", and EarPods set a new level in this segment. In the end, you shouldn't recommend purchasing YUIN for $ 100-200 - now you can safely offer EarPods. But it is worth noting that while the price for them in Russia is about 2.5 thousand rubles, this is expensive. For 1.5 thousand rubles, they are worth buying, and for 2.5 I would look in the direction of the "plugs". After all, for 3 thousand you can already find In-Ear.

Comparison with Apple Earphones

I'll start with external changes... In addition to the design of the "earbuds" themselves, the design of the cambric has changed slightly - they have become tighter to encircle the cable, which, in my opinion, should improve such a parameter of the headphones as durability. Also, cambric around the remote control was added, and the remote control itself became larger, while losing the hole for the microphone.

Noise isolation from EarPods is better than that of Apple Earphones, the fit is also better - but not as noticeable as if you switched to “plugs”, the same In-Ear.

The internal changes are worth looking at the well-known iFixIt, they are not interesting to everyone, so I give a link.

Now - about the sound. If the EarPods are flaunting low frequencies, then Earphones - on the contrary, bulge out the middle and top. As a result, the sound is brighter, louder and dirtier in places, and you have to forget about the bass. Earphones are ordinary "earbuds", without claims to high sound quality. Due to the brightened high frequencies, the scene is wider than that of the EarPods, the detail seems to be higher.

Generally speaking, I seriously don't understand how you can listen to music on Apple Earphones. On EarPods, you can, and even need to.

Output

For $ 30, the EarPods are a great choice among earbuds. But now, in the wake of the excitement, you can buy these headphones at a price of 1.5 (if ordered on eBay) to 2.5 thousand rubles (if bought in Russia). For 1.5 - if you don’t digest the “plugs” - take it, I think, it will not be so long to wait for a drop in prices.

For complete headphones for a player or phone - everything is fine, I think many people will stay with EarPods, and maybe even large quantity than those using the previous Apple Earphones.

The editors would like to thank the iCases.ru store for providing them for the test Apple headphones EarPods.

Ilya Tarakanov ()