Apple AirPods review - Not perfection but these smart headphones sound like the future

• Pros – Simple connection, Good sound, Decent battery and clever charging case

• Cons – Interference can be annoying, Design won't suit everyone, High price

If you hadn’t noticed there’s something missing from Apple’s latest iPhone 7.

The headphone port was banished to the history books last year with the US technology giant revealing new ways to beam your favourite tunes to your ears.

Along with all-new wired EarPods, which connect to the iPhone via its lightning port, Apple also unveiled its futuristic AirPods which offer music playback without the need for wires.

But are these wireless Bluetooth headphones really worth your money? Here’s Express.co.uk’s verdict.

GOING WIRELESS

We’re huge fans of wireless headphones and truly believe this is the future of music on the move.

Almost all audio addicts will, at some point, have faced the nightmare of untangling headphone cords that have magically tied themselves in knots – but the AirPods instantly solve this infuriating issue.

Apple’s clever headphones have cut the cord, sending tunes to your ears via the power of Bluetooth.

CONNECTION & SOUND

Connecting the AirPods couldn’t be easier with the headphones instantly linking to your iPhone, iPad and Mac the minute they are removed from their neat charging case.

This easy connection works via your iCloud account and means you can seamlessly switch between which ever Apple device you currently have in your hands.

As you connect you'll even get a message showing the exact battery life of both the AirPods and the charging case.

Once tucked inside your ears, the AirPods offer a decent audio experience with music sounding crisp and clear with plenty of detail pushed through the small and lightweight speakers. 

There’s even a reasonable amount of bass considering their size.

Sound quality is perfect for the average music fan but sadly there's no active noise cancelling which means you will notice background noise at busy train stations or if you decide to wear them on your next flight.

COMFORT

If the AirPods are your choice for a long-haul trip you'll find them incredibly comfortable to wear with them sitting perfectly within the ear.

We've been testing them for long periods and haven't suffered any aches and pains - in fact there's been times when we've even forgotten we were even wearing them.

The AirPods also stick firmly in your ear and won’t fly out even if you decide to take them on your exercise routine.

CONTROLS

These latest headphones obviously don't have any wires so there's no physical music controls that you’ll find on Apple’s wired EarPods.

Unless you’re lucky enough to own an Apple Watch, which can control your music, this lack of remote does cause some problems as the only way to adjust volume and skip tracks without reaching for your phone is to talk to Siri.

With a clever Siri-enabled mic tucked inside, the AirPods can understand voice commands such as “Turn up the volume”, but we never felt comfortable yelling out these instructions in public.

Luckily, Apple has included one nice trick which allows tracks to be paused by simply removing one of the headphones.

This works well with music instantly starting once the AirPod is placed back in the ear.

BATTERY

To get music playing without a wire the AirPods need a battery and somehow Apple has managed to make them last for around five hours before needing a boost - no mean feat for such a diddy piece of tech.

This decent amount of battery is all down to Apple's incredibly efficient W1 chip which operates at one-third of the power of traditional wireless chips.

Once the AirPods begin running low you simply pop them back in their clever case for an instant refill.

The charging case can actually hold enough multiple additional charges for more than 24 hours of listening time.

NOT PERFECTION

We’ve been using Apple’s AirPods for a while and have been genuinely impressed by Apple's first attempt at wireless in-ear headphones but they aren’t without their faults.

As we mentioned earlier in this review, the lack of physical controls is an irritation especially when you simply want to skip a track or lower the volume a little.

The design also takes a bit of getting used to and expect some funny looks from passers-by wondering what you’ve got stuck in your ears.

Like many wireless headphones we’ve also noticed the AirPods are prone to interference especially at places such as busy train stations.

On our regular commute through London’s Waterloo the headphones  often cut out for a split second which does become annoying.

Finally, at £159 they are certainly not the cheapest option for getting your fix of the latest chart toppers.

VERDICT

If your bag is already full of Apple gadgets and you want a hassle-free wireless audio experience you won’t find much better than the AirPods.

Their seamless connection, good sound quality, long battery life and clever charging case all make these in-ear headphones an absolute joy to use.

Like most new technology there’s a few issues including a lack of physical controls, high price and the odd time where your music cuts out.

The AirPods might not be note perfect but they certainly sound like the future.