Got your heart set on a pair of Apple's AirPods 2, but can't quite stomach the price? At $159, or $199 with the wireless charging case, these Bluetooth earbuds are expensive (although they're currently discounted to $145 and $180, respectively, at Amazon). You might even be able to find them a little cheaper on Prime Day. But the wireless earbuds have a unique design and might not fit well in some people's ears. What if you could get most of what the AirPods offer, maybe with a better fit, for cheap?
There are many cheap AirPods alternatives out there, but the most highly rated option and a CNET favorite is the Anker Soundcore Liberty Air. After using both for several weeks, I found out that (spoiler alert) paying half the price for wireless earbuds doesn't mean you get half the earbuds. Find my detailed thoughts and experiences in the video above.
AirPods vs. Liberty Air
| AirPods | Liberty Air | |
| Connectivity | H1 chip, Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (earbuds alone) | 5 hours | 5 hours |
| Battery (including case) | 24 hours | 20 hours |
| Fast charge | 15 minutes = 3 hrs. | No |
| Adjustable ear tips | No | Yes |
| Noise isolation | No | Yes |
| Wireless charging | Yes (with wireless charging case) | No |
| Controls | Tap controls, Hey Siri support | Tap controls |
| Water resistance | No official rating | IPX5 |
Note: CNET may get a share of revenue from the sale of the produRead More – Source
Got your heart set on a pair of Apple's AirPods 2, but can't quite stomach the price? At $159, or $199 with the wireless charging case, these Bluetooth earbuds are expensive (although they're currently discounted to $145 and $180, respectively, at Amazon). You might even be able to find them a little cheaper on Prime Day. But the wireless earbuds have a unique design and might not fit well in some people's ears. What if you could get most of what the AirPods offer, maybe with a better fit, for cheap?
There are many cheap AirPods alternatives out there, but the most highly rated option and a CNET favorite is the Anker Soundcore Liberty Air. After using both for several weeks, I found out that (spoiler alert) paying half the price for wireless earbuds doesn't mean you get half the earbuds. Find my detailed thoughts and experiences in the video above.
AirPods vs. Liberty Air
| AirPods | Liberty Air | |
| Connectivity | H1 chip, Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (earbuds alone) | 5 hours | 5 hours |
| Battery (including case) | 24 hours | 20 hours |
| Fast charge | 15 minutes = 3 hrs. | No |
| Adjustable ear tips | No | Yes |
| Noise isolation | No | Yes |
| Wireless charging | Yes (with wireless charging case) | No |
| Controls | Tap controls, Hey Siri support | Tap controls |
| Water resistance | No official rating | IPX5 |
Note: CNET may get a share of revenue from the sale of the produRead More – Source
