There are more earbud options than the AirPod variations from Apple. In fact, I saw the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC300TW ($229) at the last CES and I was able to try a review unit. I found it has several advantages over Apple. First, they do not have Qi charging, but instead use a USB-C port to charge, so if you are an Android user or want to use these with your MacBook or newer iPad Pro, all of which use USB-C, you can now standardize on one cable.
Related: Review: Jabra Elite 75t Wireless Earbuds
Beyond the cables, the ATH-ANC300TW comes with four different ear tip sizes plus Comfort Tip foam adapters, so if you didn't find the Apple AirPods comfortable, you should be able to make the Audio-Technica earbuds fit well. They are also gray and don't have the microphone "stalk" as noticeable as with Apple AirPods, so if you don't want to look like an Apple follower, these are a nice option.
But the most important thing for earbuds is sound. Apple's AirPods are hard to beat but these do a good job. The company have a free companion app that lets you customize the sound, including three levels of noise cancellation with "hear-through" functionality, so can hear traffic, family members, or the doorbell when listening to something on through your earbuds. Their battery life is reasonable, with 4.5 hours for the earbuds on a full charge and 13.5 more hours via the compact charging case. Like Apple, the app can help you enable voice prompts and locate your earbuds should you misplace them, or at least see the last place they were when you disconnected via Bluetooth.
Pros
- IPX2 water resistant against rain and sweat
- 3 Noise Cancellation Modes with "hear-through" functionality
- 4.5 hours of battery life on a full charge and 13.5 more via charging case
- Numerous tips for a good fit
- On-ear controls
Cons
- Charging case uses USB-C not Lightning or Qi
- Only one color, gray
Final Verdict
The ATH-ANC300TW from Audio-Technica could be a better fit than Apple, thanks to how well they fit and their use of USB-C, the new standard.
