![]() ![]() ![]() However, charging time is a bit longer (around two hours). The EarFun Air case has both a USB-C port and a Qi coil for wireless charging, just like the AirPods. AirPods do allow you to use Siri to control volume, but it is a clunky experience at best. AirPods volume can only be controlled by the device it is connected to, which is annoying. One leg up the EarFun Air has over AirPods is that you can adjust the volume by touching and holding your finger on one earbud – left for down and right for up. These can take some getting used to, but the same can be said about the AirPods' touch controls. The joint does exhibit a little flex when purposely overextended, but it could break more easily than Apple's if the case were sat on with the top open.ĮarFun's first generation wireless earphones called EarFun "Free" had physical switches for pausing and pairing, but the company brought touch controls with the EarFun Air which we tested, this is a welcomed improvement. AirPods holders use a machined aluminum hinge while the EarFun Air case is entirely plastic. The charging case feels durable in general, but the lid seems flimsier than Apple's. Apple's standard design can feel a bit insecure in the ear, even when dry, and especially when jogging or doing high impact exercises. It never felt like they were going to fall out, except when they became wet from sweat. They come with four different sizes of eartips and, when properly fitted in the ear, felt more secure than AirPods. They do have a slightly different design than the standard AirPods, looking more like the AirPods Pro. They feel sturdy and are maybe just a touch heavier. In terms of craftsmanship, the EarFun Air earphones are on par with AirPods. The EarFun Air "true wireless" earbuds are the company's newest offering, so we tasked two of our writers who already used AirPods on a regular basis to try them out for a couple of weeks. So when a small electronics startup called EarFun contacted us and offered for review a set of new AirPods alternatives that would only cost $60 on Amazon, we were all ears (pun intended). Jabra's $150 Elite 75t are great, too, for sports. Google, Amazon, Huawei, and Samsung all have competent alternatives, but the least you will pay for these are previous-gen Galaxy Buds which are pretty decent for $110, most others are around $150+. Sony's highly regarded WF-1000XM3 are superior to AirPods in the audio department, but they're still nearly $200. Another factor to consider is that standard AirPods are decent but not great audio devices, so a less expensive alternative is definitely in order. Move to an Android phone or Windows laptop, and the experience is no better than your average competitor. Now, AirPods work great if you already are in Apple's ecosystem of devices, they will pair easily and mostly work seamlessly within that walled garden when you go from one device to another. The Qi wireless charging case bumps that up to $170, and if you want AirPods Pro, be ready to shell out $250. These days standard AirPods retail for ~$140. In terms of user experience, AirPods are tough to beat, but that comes with a steep price tag and ecosystem limitations. Wireless is the way to go these days, and Apple currently holds about one half of the wireless earbuds market. This becomes all the more evident with a quick stroll through the mall or the park. ![]() Wireless audio has ballooned in popularity, in part thanks to Apple AirPods. They lag slightly behind AirPods in terms of craftsmanship and comfort, but the extremely lower price point outweighs the shortcomings. TL DR: If you are in the market for a set of wireless earbuds and Apple's AirPods are outside your budget, EarFun Air wireless earphones are a decent offering. ![]()
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