The Apple AirPods haven't had the smoothest rollout. Finally available at year's end, the $159 wire-free earphones now have plenty of competition. But where some competing models, like the Bragi Dash ( at Amazon) , are loaded with swipe and gesture controls, the AirPods simply use your voice and Siri—neither of which prove to be an ideal solution. From an audio standpoint, the AirPods offer decent bass response and crisp, clear highs, but would greatly benefit from creating an in-canal seal like most earphones do. Instead, you hear the outside world and get less low end than you might otherwise. But for the price, you're paying for a new technology, not top-of-the-line audio performance. Every product line needs a first generation, and while the AirPods don't feel like they're in beta, some simple improvements can greatly enhance the next iteration. Design When you compare the AirPods ($124.99 at Amazon) with the aforementioned Bragi Dash, the Samsung Gear IconX ($77.00 at Amazon)...
The Apple AirPods feel like a big step for wireless in-ear audio—but it's more about innovations and features and less about audio performance.
Clear audio performance; Seamlessly pairs with multiple iOS devices on the same iCloud account; Carrying case doubles as backup battery
Lack of ear canal seal means less bass response and potential ear-to-ear stereo image discrepancies; Limited onboard controls virtually require you to use Siri; In-ear fit could be more secure