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AirPods allow owners of iPhones, iPads, or Apple Watches to listen to music, make calls and run voice-activated apps on their devices. Accessories like charging cases and case covers allow you to personalise them to you. Anyone who wants to enhance their Apple products can do so at bargain prices by checking out the Apple AirPods listings at hotukdeals.
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Apple AirPods price comparison from £101.99






































AirPods: Bluetooth Wireless Headphones for Apple Devices

AirPods are headphones tailor-made for Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches but also usable with other devices.
Until the release of the AirPods in December 2016, Apple users had to buy wireless earphones or wireless headphones from third-party suppliers if they wanted wireless audio. Their release had created a new iconic accessory and gotten around the disappearance of the 3.5mm jack from Apple's products.
However, AirPods won't be for everyone. So we've put together a hotukdeals buyer's guide to explain the options available, and how to choose the right pair. Read on to learn more about the Airpods, and where to find Airpods cheap.
What Have The Reviewers Made of Apple AirPods?
iMore carried out a "one year on" analysis of what AirPods had to offer, and reported a mixed experience. For instance, the noise-cancelling microphones were a nice touch, making conversations and consulting Siri much easier. However, iMore noted that in-the-ear phones weren't necessarily the best option for audiophiles, who might look to over-the-ear style devices.
WhatHi-Fi had a similar response, accepting that AirPods represented "true next-generation wire-free" devices, but called their sound quality "average" However, on the plus side, their reviewer was impressed by the comfort of AirPods, and the balance of the sound.
Apple Airpods Specs
If you want to get raw data on what the Apple AirPods have packed inside them, then look no further. Here's a summary of some key technical specifications:
Product Type | Wireless In-Ear Earbuds |
Model | Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) |
Sound Features | Auto-On and Off / Touch Controls / Voice Assistant / Easy Pairing / |
Noise Reduction | n/a |
Accoustic system | In-Ear / Apple H1 Headphone Chip |
True Wireless | Yes |
Controls | Touch Controls / "Hey Siri" Voice control. |
Microphone | Dual Beam-Forming Microphones |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Battery | Lithium-ion Battery |
Battery Life | 5 hours / 24 hours with Case |
Charging time | Quick Charge / 15 Min Charge for 3 hours of Listening Time |
Dimensions | 16.5 x 18.0 x 40.5 mm (AirPods) / 44.3 x 21.3 x 53.5 mm (Wireless Charging Case) |
Weight | 4g (AirPods) / 40g (Wireless Charging Case) |
Colour | White |
Launch Date | December 13, 2016 (1st Gen) / March 20, 2019 (2nd Gen) |
Let's Explore the AirPods Features
AirPods are wireless headphone devices that use Bluetooth networks to stream audio from iPhones and smartwatches. There are quite a few wireless earphones on the market, but AirPods go a little further than most.
For one thing, they incorporate technology which cuts off the audio when the earpieces are removed, saving energy. They also include microphones, which allow users to communicate with Siri, the iPhone and iMac's personal assistant. The core of this functionality is a custom chip which sits inside the AirPods casing. Known as W1, this chip acts as a relay for digital signals, enhances sound to provide extra depth and clarity, and manages power as well, enhancing the battery life of the earphones, so you can listen to the music you love for longer.
You might still be wondering whether AirPods are really a necessary accessory to add to your collection. If so, here's a run-through of some key features to understand what makes Apple AirPods unique:
- Battery Life
5 hours on one charge, along with 24 hours extra charge via the charging accessory. 15 mins charging equals 3 hours of battery life.
- Microphones
The AirPods' Microphones use a voice accelerometer, which can sense when the user is speaking, causing the AirPods to engage noise cancellation technology, which makes you easier to hear when conversing with friends and family.
- Auto-Off
The Accelerometers inside the AirPods casing also detect the precise moment when the earphones are placed inside the ear, so audio engages immediately, and there's no wasted energy.
- Siri
Siri assistant can be engaged simply by tapping the casing of your AirPods, allowing you to request music recommendations, directions, or to make calls remotely.
- Connectivity
AirPods can be connected to all iPhones (model 5 and above), Apple Watches, iPads and Macs, as well as Android devices. However, note that some features available on Apple AirPods aren't available for Android. People with a Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel might want to look elsewhere. But if you do have an Apple device, then connecting to the Airpods is very easy! Just take them out of the box and slip them on.
- Audio Quality
AirPods deliver very high-quality AAC audio, which ensures satisfying performance even during commutes or gym sessions. But remember that there is no noise cancelling with the standard Airpods, if you want cancellation then you will need to purchase the Airpods Pro. The sound quality is also better with the Pro, as it is with other competitors, such as the Sony WF-1000XM3.
3 of Apple AirPods' Competitors in Comparison
While there are hundreds of wireless earphones on the market right now, Apple AirPods have 2 main competitors. Let's see how Apple AirPods compares with them:
AirPods Pro – The Airpods vs Airpods Pro has a very clear winner in all departments, except one: Price. The AirPods Pro have better sound quality, better mics for calls, and most importantly have Noise Cancelling. But all of these features come with a much heftier price tag than the standard AirPods.
Sony WF 1000XM3 – Overall, these earbuds from Sony have better noise cancelling, sound quality and battery life. But, the Sony WF-1000XM3 don't have the same aesthetic clout and look clunky.



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Apple AirPods | Apple AirPods Pro | Sony WF-1000XM3 | |
Fit | Universal Fit | Customisable Fit with Sized Tips | Customisable Fit with Sized Tips |
Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | Yes |
Voice Assistant | Siri | Siri | Alexa / Google Assistant |
Water Resistance | No Rating | IPX4 under IEC Standard 60529. | No Rating |
EarBud Battery Life | 5 Hours | 4.5 Hours | 6 Hours |
Charging Case | Wired Charging Case / Wireless Charging Case | Wireless Charging Case | Wired Charging Case |
The Pros and Cons of Apple AirPods
Want to see what the Apple AirPods get right, and where they fall short, at a glance? Here's a quick summary:
Pros
Cons
How to Connect to Apple AirPods
Regardless of which Generation of AirPods you have, AirPods are known for being incredibly easy to use. Thanks to the H1 chip, AirPods can synchronise instantly with iPhones, iPads and Macs.
Let's say you own an iPhone X, here's how to set them up and connect to them:

Ensure your iPhone is turned on.
Open up the AirPods casing and place it in front of your iPhone.
Open the AirPods Control Centre on your phone and press the "Connect" button.
You should receive a notification letting you know that your earphones have been paired.
Once paired, Apple AirPods will automatically connect to paired devices.
Apple AirPods Accessories
There are a range of accessories available for Apple AirPods that can help to enhance their use or make them more personal:

There are a wide variety of cases available for the Apple AirPods if you aren't happy with the original cases. This includes waterproof cases, cases with tougher shells that help to protect your AirPods from damage, as well as cases with personalised designs. The 2nd Gen Airpods can also be used with a Wireless Charging case.

While the AirPods design helps to keep them stable when you exercise, ear hooks and straps are particularly designed to help them stay in when you're running.

The 2nd Generation AirPods can be used with a wireless case. This case can be charged with any Qi-compatible wireless charger or wireless charging mat.

If you want to use your AirPods with a device that doesn't support Bluetooth (like the Nintendo Switch), then a wireless transmitter can plug into the 3.5mm jack to let you use your AirPods.
Your Questions About Apple AirPods Answered
Yes, Apple AirPods do work with Android devices, although some of the AirPods more niche features (like pairing) won't work on Android devices.
No, Apple AirPods are not waterproof and has no official waterproof rating. Therefore you cannot be used around water or when it's raining.
Yes, the AirPods have mics that are used for voice calls.
AirPods were first released on December 13, 2016 (1st Gen). AirPods 2 were released March 20, 2019 and the AirPods Pro were released on October 30 2019.
Apple AirPods work with any iPhone running iOS 10 or later, including iPhone 6.
How and When to Find Apple AirPods Deals
As usual with Apple products, Apple AirPods come with a hefty price tag. So how can you find a good AirPods deal or Airpods cheap, save money when buying a set?
At hotukdeals, you'll also find the cheapest Apple AirPods UK tech merchants have to offer. Our listings feature big names like Argos, GearBest, the BT Shop, O2, Very, John Lewis, eBay, and - last but not least - the Apple Store itself. So have a look around and pick a deal which catches your eye.
You might be able to save even more money by picking your moment and finding a Airpods Sale. Black Friday in November is always a good time to browse the hotukdeals listings, as is the January sales. However, you might find the best prices just before new AirPod editions are launched. So keep an eye on the tech press for a sign that prices will plummet.
Listen to Audio In Style with Apple AirPods on hotukdeals
Whether you own an iPhone and want to boost your music listening experience, or you need some in-the-ear buds to use with your smartwatch in the gym, AirPods are a great way to go. Offering strong audio performance, ease of use, and collaboration with tools like Siri, they are more than standard earphones. Find a pair for less by making your purchase at the hotukdeals AirPods listings.