8 Apple AirPod alternatives for Android fans

If you fancy a taste of completely wire-free music but don’t own an iPhone – don’t worry. While Apple’s AirPod’s will work with other phones, so much of their functionality is geared towards iOS that Android users are probably better spending their money elsewhere. But on what? Here are eight of the best pairs of totally wireless in-ears you can buy right now.

Sony WF-1000X

Smart and unfussy, with quick pairing, stable playback and a wonderfully comfy fit, Sony’s WF-1000X (£200/$200) are the best wireless in-ears you can buy. Built-in microphones take care of calls, smart assistance and surprisingly effective noise cancelling, but it’s the sound that really makes them stand out. Engaging, insightful and with a bass response that’s punchy and well controlled, they put timing, drive and dynamics at the top of the to-do list. STUFF SAYS ✭✭✭✭✭

Jabra Elite Sport

Jabra’s bulky Elite Sport in-ears (£180/$175) aren’t the comfiest around, but they need to be snug to stay put on the treadmill. They record your heart-rate to the Jabra Sport app, which can talk you through one of its pre-programmed cross-training sessions, while built-in sensors also count reps – and pretty accurately too. Jabra hasn’t forgotten they need to sound good either, with a crisp, clear performance and plenty of bass kick. A very pleasant surprise indeed. STUFF SAYS ✭✭✭✭✭

Bragi Dash Pro

Bragi’s Dash Pro buds might be pricey (€349/$329) but they offer much more than your average pair of earphones. There’s a heart-rate monitor and activity tracking onboard (albeit without the accuracy of GPS), plus 4GB of song storage means you can leave your phone at home while you work out. Sound is pretty even-handed, with a decent amount of space, plenty of clarity and just enough bass. There’s a slight hardness to the treble at volume though. STUFF SAYS ✭✭✭✭✩

Jaybird Run

Jaybird’s reasonably priced wireless buds (£170/$180) have all the credentials for being your new training buddy: they’re comfortable, sweatproof and have a four-hour battery life. Bass is a little over enthusiastic and the top-end isn’t the most refined but they’re fun to listen to and energetic enough to power you through that last mile. Just don’t expect them to do big classical numbers justice, but then most wireless buds won’t. STUFF SAYS ✭✭✭✭✩

Motorola VerveOnes+ Music Edition

Moto’s fourth pair of wireless buds come with improved waterproofing and a new colour scheme. The VerveOnes+ Music Edition (£150/$150) look chunky but fit well – you’ll be surprised by how comfortable they are. Sound won’t please audiophiles, with a lack of refinement and detail, sluggish bass and a hiss you’ll hear on quieter tracks. Perhaps most annoying, though, are the occasional connection problems we encountered, where one earphone drops out and has to be re-synced with the other. STUFF SAYS ✭✭✭✩✩

Onkyo W800BT

Despite being a few years older than many of their rivals, Onkyo’s W800BTs (£230/$210) could still teach most of them a thing or two about sound. Clear and expressive, with plenty of detail, the bass is also suitably rich and rumbly. Where they fall down is on features. There’s no sweatproofing, call quality is poor using the built-in mic and the three-hour battery life is bested by a lot of competitors too. STUFF SAYS ✭✭✭✩✩

Sol Republic Amps Air

From their metal charging case to their stylish compact design, these Sol Republic buds (£150/$180) have been built to look the part. We particularly like the way you can just shake the case to see how much charge is left. Their sound tickles the popular fancy for lashings of bass, although it comes at a cost. The mid-range and treble can sound a little thin, particularly at volume, and that can get tiring over time. STUFF SAYS ✭✭✭✩✩

Jam Ultra

At £100/$100, the Jam Ultras are considerably cheaper than anything else here, but nothing in their design would give that away. Lightweight and comfortable to wear, their 3hr battery claim isn’t exactly market leading and neither is the sound quality, with a bit too much emphasis on the low end. But if you’re looking for laid-back, pass-the-time buds to get you through a commute without spending a fortune, the Jam Ultras may well scratch that itch. STUFF SAYS ✭✭✭✩✩