Apple AirPods Deals & Offers

hotukdeals' AirPods Review: Apple's Bluetooth Wireless Headphones for iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches

AirPods are headphones designed specifically for Apple devices. Thanks to that company's engineering decisions, they are pretty much the only game in town when it comes to audio for iPhones and other Apple products, and most owners of Apple products will want a pair.

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.

A Quick History of AirPods

Back in 2016, the iPhone's creators took a big decision. In previous versions of their iPhone, the California-based tech giant had included standard headphone jacks. If users wanted in-ear audio, that was fine. They could simply buy some EarPods, and plug them in, or go for a third party supplier. This enabled users to plug in their choice of audio devices, but also meant that cabling continued to be a factor. And, as is the company's style, their engineers sought a way to do away with inconvenient cords.

AirPods were their answer. Starting with the iPhone 7, iPhones shipped without a 3.5mm jack. Those phones had excellent audio speakers, so streaming video and listening to music wasn't a problem, but there was still a need for in-ear audio. AirPods represented a wireless solution to this conundrum.

Instead of using standard cables, AirPods were different, and were able to receive audio wirelessly from iPhone, iPads, and Apple Watches. They first came on sale in December 2016, and proved an instant hit.

In 2017, the original AirPods were enhanced by a new accessory: the AirPods Wifi Charging Case. This device enabled owners to charge their phones without plugging them in. The aim was to combine this charging accessory with a system called AirPower, which would include a special charging mat. However, this product had not been released.

When AirPower arrives, it should be combined with a second-generation version of the AirPods. We'll cover that later, but for now let's focus on that the original product has to offer.

How Do AirPods Work?

AirPods are wire-free headphone devices that use Bluetooth networks to stream audio from iPhones and smartwatches. So far, so simple. There are quite a few wire-free earphones on the market, but AirPods go a little further than most.

For one thing, they incorporate technology which cuts off 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.

So these products are more than just earphones. They are highly advanced additions to an iPhone audio setup, pointing the way to a whole new audio experience.

Features of the AirPods Range

However, you might still be wondering whether AirPods are really a necessary accessory to add to your collection. If so, it may help to run through some key features to understand what they have to offer:

• 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.

• Accelerometers - 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.

• Devices - AirPods can be connected to all iPhones (model 5 and above), Apple Watches, iPads and Macs, as well as Android devices.

• Audio Quality - AirPods deliver very high-quality AAC audio, which ensures satisfying performance even during commutes or gym sessions.

• Automatic Connection – AirPods connect automatically to all of your devices, so there's no complex installation to handle. Just take them out of the box and slip them on.

Apple AirPod Expert Reviews

All of those features sound appealing, but there's no need to take them at face value. As usual with tech products, it makes sense to check the response from the experts before making a decision. As we'll see, AirPods aren't the only wireless audio game in town, so it pays to compare what journalists have written before making a purchase.

iMore carried out a "one year on" analysis of what AirPods had to offer, and found that their experience was mixed. On one hand, using AirPods had plenty of benefits. For instance, the noise cancelling microphones were a nice touch, making conversations and consulting Siri much easier. The voice control functions in general worked well, while the battery life was no myth: after using them for a year, iMore's experts were wowed by how long a single charge lasted.

However, it wasn't all positive. Their reviewer noted that in-the-ear phones weren't necessarily the best option for audiophiles, who might look to over the ear style devices. They weren't amazed by the sound quality provided by the speakers (although it wasn't bad, by any stretch), and the price was a factor too. As usual with their manufacturer, AirPods aren't cheap, and are pitched as a premium audio solution.

What Hi-Fi? had a similar response. They accepted that AirPods represented "true next-generation wire-free" devices, but called their sound quality "average" - and as the leading industry publication, they should know. However, on the plus side, their reviewer was impressed by the comfort of AirPods, and the balance of the sound. Importantly, they were very positive about the charging case, which is pretty much unique to AirPods.

Airpods: Some Key Technical Specifications

• Weight: 4g (38g when the charging accessory is included)

• Dimensions: 16.5 x 18.0 x 40.5 mm (1 AirPod)

• Charging Accessory Dimensions: 44.3 x 21.3 x 53.5 mm

• iOS Requirements: iOS 10, WatchOS 3, MacOS Sierra or later

• Battery Life: 5 hours, 20 hours with charging accessory

• Range: 10 metres

• NFC Compatible: Np

Ways to Buy Apple AirPods

Purchasing AirPods hasn't always been easy. For at least a year and a half after they were first unveiled, these devices were very hard to track down at high street and big-box retailers. When online retailers flashed up the message "AirPods in Stock", they would disappear in minutes, leaving buyers frustrated. It got so bad that commentators expressed amazement when AirPods appeared briefly on Amazon.

Those problems have eased a little, but it still pays to act fast when offers become available. UK retailers like O2 and Currys regularly have AirPods in stock, but numbers are limited. And you can usually order or purchase from the manufacturer's stores, but often at a big price mark up.

AirPods 2

Stock problems might change when Airpods 2 are launched in 2019. So look out for big discounts on the first generation of AirPods, and introductory deals on the latest model.

As of late 2018, the new generation of AirPods was scheduled for release soon after New Year, although there was no concrete release date. Their existence was trailed at an event in October 2018, and rumours started to swirl about an imminent release.

But what would the new version offer? According to industry experts, the 2nd iteration would have a much more thermally efficient casing and enhanced charging features, along with a general reduction in size.

Some suggested that the new AirPods could include Siri as part of the package, along with other features that had previously been restricted to iPhones or smart watches. The idea was that consumers were moving away from wrist-based wearables to in-the-ear alternatives. The delays seemed to be due to engineers adapting to those changes.

So expect many more features, though few that aren't already offered by other devices. If you like the idea of monitoring your heart rate via in-the-ear devices, or accessing directions via an ear implant, the new AirPods could be just what you need.

How to Set Up Your Apple AirPods

Regardless of which version you choose, AirPods are known for being incredibly easy to use. Thanks to the W1 chip, AirPods are able to synchronise instantly with iPhones, iPads and Macs.

Let's say you own an iPhone X, here's how to set them up.

1. Ensure your iPhone is turned on.

2. Open up the AirPods casing and place it in front of your iPhone.

3. Open the AirPods Control Centre on your phone and press the "Connect" button.

4. You should receive a notification letting you know that your earphones have been paired.

The process is very simple for other devices, which is one of the beauties of AirPod ownership.

How to Look After Your AirPods

AirPods are pretty durable devices, but because of their price and rarity, it pays to look after them carefully.

For one thing, you'll want to purchase a specialist micro-fibre cloth. These anti-static cloths are great for removing dust and grime from your earphones, so keep a stock of them close to hand and use them regularly.

Every now and then, use a cleaning solution to apply a slightly deeper clean. Remember, your AirPods will spend a lot of time inside your ear, and that's a recipe for bacterial build-up. Most standard electronics cleaning products will do the job. But resist the urge to use soap or commercial hand cleaning substances. They can be corrosive for electronics. Go for specialist solutions instead.

While AirPods don't have many openings for dirt to accumulate, it can happen. So have a little brush or some cotton swabs in your toolkit. With these accessories you can clean crevices precisely, removing dirt before it becomes encrusted.

Are There Any Alternatives to AirPods?

AirPods may have the endorsement of Steve Jobs' company, but they aren't the only option for iPhone owners who love music or streaming audio. In fact, they may well not be the best choice. So let's run through a few alternatives to help you make the right decision.

• Jabra Elite 65t - Made in Denmark, Jabra's wire-free earphones come in earbud format, so they are much less bulky than AirPods, which droop a little below the ear. Attractively priced, comfortable to wear, and stylishly composed, they have another big advantage over AirPods: they provide superb audio quality. So if you take music seriously, they will be a much better option.

• Optoma NuForce BE Free5 - Based in Taiwan, Optoma occupy a lower-cost Niche than the makers of AirPods, but their earbuds are hardly inferior in many key respects. These NuForce earbuds have excellent battery life, have a neat polished finish and work out much cheaper than AirPods ever will. They may be a little less reliable though, but if you can accept the odd cut-out, they are a strong alternative.

• Sony WF-1000X Earbuds - Sony is a name many audio fans trust, and it's no surprise that they have moved into the wire-free audio sector. These earbuds are probably the best option from their range, and have one major advantage over AirPods: high-quality noise cancellation. While AirPods offer sound cancellation for outgoing calls or voice activation, they aren't so hot when it comes to noise cancellation for music. But these Sony earbuds really deliver, and they come at a comparable price level.

Introducing Apple AirPods Video

How and When to Make an AirPods Purchase

AirPods allow for iPhone, Mac, smartwatch, and iPad owners to escape the tyranny of wires, giving them the ability to listen to radio, music, podcasts, or phone calls without worrying about tangling wires. But as usual with iPhone-related products, they come with a hefty price tag. So how can you save money when buying a set?

Firstly, it helps to check which stores have AirPods in stock. As we've noted, this has been a major problem for buyers in the past. The easiest way to do so is to check the hotukdeals AirPods listings. Any offers posted there will be up to date and ready to redeem. So you won't be disappointed by "out of stock" notifications.

At hotukdeals, you'll also find the cheapest AirPod deals from the UK's tech merchants. Our listings feature big names like Argos, GearBest, the BT Shop, O2, Very, John Lewis, eBay, and - last but not least - the manufacturer themselves. So have a look around and pick a deal which catches your eye.

But wait. You might be able to save even more money by picking your moment. 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.

Enhance Your iPhone with a Set of AirPods from 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.