A 15-minute USB-C quick-charge can deliver 70 minutes of playback. Specs are thorough, with noise-cancelling tech, an Ambient Mode, twin mics for voice calls, and battery life that totals 19.5 hours (6.5hrs from the buds and 13hrs from the charging case). The RZ-S500W are the company’s first foray into the market and they’re sensational performers for the money. Panasonic isn’t a brand that immediately springs to mind when you think of the best AirPods alternatives. If you buy one pair of AirPods alternatives this year, make it the WF-1000XM4. IPX4 water resistance is included, as are clever features such as Quick Attention and Speak-To-Chat which both allow you to have a conversation without removing the earbuds. Combine this with brilliant noise cancelling courtesy of Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 and the WF-1000XM4 are difficult to fault. The Sonys are comfortable to wear too, with touch-sensitive controls and ear tips that provide excellent noise isolation. The wireless charging case also extends this by a further 16 hours. Those who prioritise battery life in their AirPods alternatives should find the eight hours promised by the Sonys more than sufficient. You can’t help but be carried away by their sense of musicality. There’s dynamics and detail in spades and it’s a balanced performance, with taut, precise bass notes and refined, sophisticated vocals. With the new WF-1000XM4, Sony’s managed to build on the huge success of the WF-1000XM3 (below) and produce a sensational pair of AirPods alternatives. If you’re not blown away by the AirPods design and want a quality alternative, this is the page for you. Some of the best wireless earbuds listed below also just happen to be some of the best noise-cancelling earbuds around. All these pairs come with a charging case for topping up battery life, while physical buttons and touch surface controls also make an appearance. We’ve rounded up the best AirPods alternatives for every taste and budget, from cheap to premium, so you’re guaranteed to find a pair that suits you. But if you want an AirPods alternative, then what are the best pairs on the market? If you’re looking for a sporty pair, or a cheaper one, or one that delivers outstanding sound quality, this is the page for you. With great battery life, the option of a wireless charging case and hands-free “Hey Siri” functionality, you can see why true wireless earbuds like the Apple AirPods are so popular. Best AirPods alternatives Buying Guide: Welcome to What Hi-Fi?’s round-up of the best AirPods alternatives you can buy in 2021.

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