If you’re looking for AirPods alternatives with a stem design but want to explore options that might offer better sound quality, battery life, or additional features, there are several excellent choices available in 2024. These earphones combine the classic stem design of Apple’s AirPods with their own unique offerings in terms of audio performance, features, and comfort.
Here are the 5 best AirPods alternatives with a stem design that stand out in 2024.
1. Sony LinkBuds S (2024 Version)
The Sony LinkBuds S (2024 version) continue to impress as one of the top AirPods alternatives, combining sleek design with cutting-edge features. These earbuds are particularly well-suited for users who value premium sound quality, comfortable fit, and effective noise cancellation. The stem design provides a familiar aesthetic similar to Apple’s AirPods, but Sony has added its own unique blend of technologies to elevate the listening experience.
Sound Quality and Performance:
The 2024 model of the Sony LinkBuds S boasts exceptional sound quality, with an emphasis on crystal-clear vocals and deep, rich bass. Whether you’re listening to your favorite playlist, watching movies, or making calls, the sound is balanced, immersive, and dynamic. Sony’s advanced drivers ensure high-resolution audio for a fuller listening experience. The clarity in the mids and the depth of the bass makes these earbuds suitable for a wide range of music genres, from acoustic to bass-heavy EDM, as well as podcasts and other spoken content.
Additionally, the LinkBuds S use Sony’s LDAC support for higher-resolution audio streaming when paired with compatible devices, ensuring that audiophiles can enjoy lossless sound quality while on the go. These earbuds deliver a sound signature that enhances both the listening experience and the depth of your favorite content.
Noise Cancellation and Adaptive Sound Control:
The Sony LinkBuds S feature industry-leading noise cancellation technology, which helps to block out unwanted background noise, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in your audio. Whether you’re commuting, working in a busy office, or traveling on a plane, the active noise cancellation (ANC) ensures that you won’t be distracted by external sounds.
What sets the LinkBuds S apart is their Adaptive Sound Control feature, which automatically adjusts the level of noise cancellation based on your environment. For example, if you’re walking down the street, the earbuds will reduce noise cancellation to keep you aware of your surroundings. If you’re in a quiet setting like a library or a plane, the ANC will kick in more aggressively to block out ambient noise. This personalized control ensures that the earbuds adapt to your needs without you having to manually adjust settings.
Comfort and Fit:
Sony’s LinkBuds S are designed with comfort in mind, making them ideal for long listening sessions. The ergonomic design ensures a secure fit while being lightweight and compact. With their soft silicone ear tips, they provide a snug and comfortable seal without feeling bulky, unlike larger over-ear headphones. This makes the LinkBuds S great for everyday use, fitness, or long flights.
Additionally, the IPX4 water resistance rating ensures that they’re sweat-resistant and can handle light rain, making them a solid option for gym workouts or outdoor use without worrying about moisture damage.
Battery Life and Convenience:
The battery life of the Sony LinkBuds S is quite impressive, offering up to 6 hours of playback on a single charge. When you factor in the charging case, you get an additional 20 hours of battery life, providing a total of 26 hours of continuous listening time. This is more than sufficient for long days of use, whether you’re at work, commuting, or traveling.
Furthermore, the quick charge feature allows you to get up to 60 minutes of playback with just a 5-minute charge, which can be incredibly useful when you’re in a rush or need a quick boost of power before heading out.
Multipoint Connectivity and Smart Features:
The LinkBuds S also support multipoint connectivity, meaning they can stay connected to two devices simultaneously—such as your smartphone and laptop. This makes it easy to switch between devices without needing to disconnect and reconnect each time. If you’re in the middle of a call on your phone and then switch to watching a movie on your laptop, the earbuds will automatically switch between the two without any issues.
Additionally, the LinkBuds S integrate seamlessly with Google Assistant and Siri, allowing you to control your music, check notifications, or even send messages using just your voice.
Why It’s Great:
Sony continues to impress with the LinkBuds S, offering a well-rounded package of premium sound, advanced noise cancellation, and comfort. The Adaptive Sound Control and multipoint connectivity are standout features, and the earbuds are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for all-day use. Whether you’re traveling, commuting, working, or just enjoying your favorite music, the Sony LinkBuds S provide a high-quality listening experience.
The Sony LinkBuds S are ideal for users who want AirPods-like convenience combined with more advanced audio technology and noise cancellation. With their rich sound profile, comfortable fit, long battery life, and smart features, they represent one of the best alternatives to Apple’s AirPods in 2024.
2. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are among the best AirPods Pro alternatives for users who prioritize superior noise cancellation, premium audio quality, and overall comfort. With the stem design and cutting-edge features, these earbuds offer a sleek and modern aesthetic similar to Apple’s AirPods, but with world-renowned Bose technologies that deliver a truly immersive listening experience. Whether you’re a daily commuter, frequent traveler, or just someone who enjoys high-quality sound, the QuietComfort Earbuds II are designed to meet all of your listening needs.
Unmatched Noise Cancellation:
Bose has built a reputation for creating some of the best noise-canceling technology in the industry, and the QuietComfort Earbuds II are a prime example of that expertise. With Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), the earbuds use adaptive noise-canceling technology to effectively block out a wide range of external noises, from the hum of an airplane engine to the chatter of a crowded café.
What sets these apart is Bose’s ability to adjust the ANC in real-time. Using a combination of microphones and sophisticated algorithms, the earbuds continually analyze your environment to provide the optimal noise-blocking experience. Whether you’re in a quiet environment or a noisy one, the ANC works intelligently to maintain your listening experience without the need for manual adjustments.
Bose CustomTune Technology:
One of the standout features of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II is CustomTune, which personalizes the sound to your unique hearing profile. Bose takes your in-ear acoustics into account, adjusting the audio to ensure the best possible sound quality for your ears. This technology ensures that you’re getting a tailored listening experience, whether you prefer deep bass, crystal-clear mids, or sparkling treble. It allows for an exceptionally balanced sound profile that adapts to the shape of your ears, ensuring that every note and voice sounds clear and rich.
Whether you’re listening to music, watching movies, or engaging in a video call, CustomTune adjusts the sound dynamically to ensure you get the best possible experience. The end result is a set of earbuds that don’t just cancel noise but provide immersive, personalized audio that’s perfect for all types of media.
Premium Sound Quality:
Bose’s audio expertise is clear with the QuietComfort Earbuds II, which produce rich, balanced sound with a focus on clarity and depth. Whether you’re listening to bass-heavy tracks, classical music, or spoken-word content, the sound profile is precise, with natural vocals and deep bass that never overpowers the mids and highs.
The QuietComfort Earbuds II also support wide frequency response, delivering deep low-end bass and crisp highs with minimal distortion. The Bose Signature Sound makes every genre of music sound amazing, with clear detail and an expansive soundstage. This makes them suitable not only for casual listening but also for critical listening during work or relaxation.
Battery Life:
The battery life of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II is solid, offering up to 6 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. If you need extra juice, the included charging case provides an additional 18 hours of battery life, meaning you can get up to 24 hours of total listening time.
The earbuds also feature quick charge capabilities, so if you’re in a rush, just a 15-minute charge can provide around 2 hours of use, making them perfect for busy individuals who are always on the go. This feature is particularly helpful for frequent flyers or travelers who may need a quick top-up during long journeys.
Comfort and Fit:
Comfort is another area where the QuietComfort Earbuds II truly shine. These earbuds come with multiple sizes of ear tips, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for a wide range of ear shapes. The stem design is lightweight and ergonomic, making the earbuds comfortable to wear for hours without causing discomfort or fatigue.
With the soft silicone ear tips, these earbuds also offer great passive noise isolation in addition to the Active Noise Cancellation, enhancing their ability to block out ambient sound. The earbuds’ secure fit and minimalist design help provide a stable, long-lasting listening experience, whether you’re running, commuting, or sitting in a meeting.
Touch-Sensitive Controls and Smart Features:
The QuietComfort Earbuds II come with touch-sensitive controls that make it easy to manage your music, calls, and settings without needing to take out your phone. A simple tap or swipe on the earbuds allows you to play/pause music, adjust the volume, skip tracks, or answer calls.
Additionally, these earbuds offer seamless integration with voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant, allowing you to access information or control your music with simple voice commands. The Bose Music app lets you further customize the sound, adjust noise cancellation levels, and control other settings, providing a full-featured listening experience.
IPX4 Water Resistance:
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are IPX4 water-resistant, making them suitable for everyday use, including workouts and light exposure to rain. Whether you’re sweating it out at the gym or caught in a drizzle while commuting, these earbuds are built to withstand moisture, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance.
Why It’s Great:
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II stand out for their exceptional noise cancellation, premium sound quality, and comfort. They are perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy an immersive audio experience without the distractions of the outside world. Whether you’re flying, working, or simply relaxing, these earbuds provide one of the most consistent and effective noise-canceling performances on the market. The CustomTune technology ensures that the sound is tailored specifically to you, while the quick charge capabilities and IPX4 resistance make them versatile for both work and play.
For those seeking a pair of wireless earbuds that can block out the world and provide incredible sound, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are one of the best options available in 2024.
3. Jabra Elite 7 Pro
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro offers a stem design similar to AirPods, but with a significant focus on call quality, versatile sound performance, and smart features. These earbuds are ideal for those who frequently participate in virtual meetings, make conference calls, or simply demand the best audio experience for both music and communication. Whether you’re in a crowded office, a noisy cafe, or on a busy commute, the Jabra Elite 7 Pro ensures you can enjoy crystal-clear voice clarity and rich, immersive sound with a high level of customization.
Exceptional Call Quality with MultiSensor Voice™ Technology:
One of the standout features of the Elite 7 Pro is Jabra’s MultiSensor Voice™ technology, which uses four microphones and a bone conduction sensor to ensure superior voice clarity during calls. The technology effectively isolates your voice from background noise, making your voice sound clear and natural, even in noisy environments. This makes the Jabra Elite 7 Pro particularly great for professionals who need to attend calls or virtual meetings without being distracted by background sounds like traffic, office chatter, or wind noise.
Whether you’re having a one-on-one conversation or participating in a group meeting, the Jabra Elite 7 Pro guarantees that your voice will be heard clearly on the other end, making it a solid choice for business professionals and remote workers alike.
Adjustable Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and HearThrough:
The Elite 7 Pro offers adjustable Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which allows you to block out unwanted ambient noise for a more focused listening experience. Whether you’re trying to concentrate on work, enjoy music, or immerse yourself in a podcast, the ANC can be fine-tuned to your environment, providing the perfect level of noise isolation.
For situations where you still need to be aware of your surroundings, Jabra’s HearThrough mode allows external sounds to filter through, so you can have a conversation or stay aware of your environment while still listening to your music or podcasts. This flexibility makes the Elite 7 Pro highly adaptable for both quiet, focused environments and situations where you need situational awareness (e.g., commuting or walking in the city).
Impressive Battery Life:
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro offers up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge with ANC enabled, making them reliable for long workdays, meetings, or extended listening sessions. If you need even more playtime, the included charging case offers an additional 22 hours of battery life, giving you a total of 30 hours of listening time. This combination ensures that you won’t have to worry about frequent recharges, whether you’re using them for work, travel, or just for leisure listening.
Additionally, the quick charge feature gives you up to 1 hour of playback from just a 5-minute charge, which can be extremely useful when you’re in a rush or need to quickly power up during a busy day.
IP57 Water and Dust Resistance:
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro is built to withstand the elements with IP57 water and dust resistance. This level of durability makes the earbuds ideal for outdoor use, workouts, or travel. You don’t have to worry about rain, sweat, or dust interfering with their performance, making them the perfect companion for exercise, hiking, or even rugged environments.
Whether you’re running in the rain or sweating it out at the gym, the IP57 rating ensures that your Elite 7 Pro earbuds can handle whatever life throws at them, all while maintaining optimal performance.
Customizable Sound via the Jabra Sound+ App:
The Jabra Sound+ app gives you full control over your listening experience, allowing you to customize the sound profile to your preferences. Whether you prefer enhanced bass, more clarity in the mids, or a balanced sound, you can adjust the EQ settings to suit your taste. The app also allows you to tweak your ANC settings, ensuring you get the ideal level of noise isolation for any situation.
Beyond sound customization, the app also lets you configure button controls, manage firmware updates, and find your earbuds if you misplace them. This level of personalization ensures that the Jabra Elite 7 Pro is not just a great fit for any activity but also perfectly tailored to your audio preferences.
Why It’s Great:
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro stands out as an excellent AirPods alternative for anyone who needs a pair of earbuds that deliver superior call quality, customizable sound, and strong noise isolation. Whether you’re a professional who needs to take conference calls in any environment, a commuter who requires situational awareness, or an audiophile who likes to fine-tune their audio experience, the Elite 7 Pro excels in all aspects.
The MultiSensor Voice™ technology ensures crystal-clear calls, while the adjustable ANC and HearThrough modes give you complete control over your listening environment. The long battery life, combined with IP57 durability, makes them a great choice for active users who need earbuds that can keep up with both work and play.
If you’re looking for a pair of high-performance earbuds that cater to both business and leisure needs, the Jabra Elite 7 Pro is a standout option in 2024. Their premium sound, advanced features, and customization options make them a strong contender for anyone in need of an all-around wireless earbud solution.
4. Anker Soundcore Liberty 4
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 offers a fantastic AirPods alternative for those who want premium sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and great overall performance, all without the premium price tag that comes with some of the more well-known brands. With a sleek stem design that ensures a secure and comfortable fit, the Liberty 4 stands out for its impressive audio capabilities, advanced features, and affordability.
Hi-Res Audio and Custom 11mm Drivers:
One of the standout features of the Liberty 4 is its Hi-Res Audio certification, which guarantees high-quality sound with more detail and clarity than standard Bluetooth audio. This certification ensures that you get rich, detailed sound that stays true to your music, from the deep lows of bass-heavy tracks to the crisp highs in your favorite acoustic or vocal pieces. Whether you’re listening to high-energy music, classical compositions, or spoken word podcasts, the Liberty 4 delivers balanced and immersive audio that’s typically only found in more expensive earbuds.
At the heart of this stellar sound quality is the custom 11mm drivers. These drivers are designed to produce better sound clarity and bass response, giving the earbuds a fuller, more dynamic range. This makes the Liberty 4 perfect for those who appreciate both the detail in music and the punch of deep bass for genres like EDM or hip-hop. Whether you’re listening to complex orchestral pieces or energetic pop, the soundstage is broad and clear, offering excellent precision.
Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Customizable Noise Control:
For those who want to block out unwanted noise, the Liberty 4 is equipped with Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology. This feature uses both external microphones and internal sound technology to cancel out ambient noise, whether it’s the hum of an airplane engine, the chatter of a busy cafe, or the buzz of traffic. The result is a quieter, more immersive listening experience that allows you to enjoy your audio without distractions.
Additionally, the Liberty 4 allows for customizable noise control. You can adjust the level of noise cancellation to suit your environment, whether you need complete isolation in a noisy environment or a little awareness of your surroundings when walking outdoors. This level of customization ensures that you get the best possible experience whether you’re commuting, working, or just relaxing at home.
Long Battery Life for All-Day Use:
Another major advantage of the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 is its impressive battery life. On a full charge, the earbuds provide up to 10 hours of playback with ANC enabled. For those long days at work, on the road, or at the gym, the Liberty 4 can easily get you through the day without worrying about running out of power.
Additionally, the charging case offers 30 extra hours of battery life, which means that you can enjoy a total of 40 hours of use with the case fully charged. This makes the Liberty 4 great for extended listening sessions, whether you’re traveling or simply need long-lasting earbuds for all-day work sessions or weekend adventures. If you’re in a rush, just 10 minutes of charging can give you an extra 2 hours of playback — a quick recharge when you need it most.
IPX4 Water Resistance for Active Lifestyles:
The IPX4 water resistance rating ensures that the Liberty 4 can withstand sweat and light rain, making them a great option for exercise or outdoor activities. Whether you’re hitting the gym, going for a run, or caught in the rain on your commute, these earbuds can handle the elements and keep performing at their best. While they’re not fully waterproof, the IPX4 rating ensures they’ll withstand moisture without affecting their durability or audio performance.
Spatial Audio Support for Immersive Sound:
The Soundcore Liberty 4 also supports Spatial Audio, which creates a more immersive, 3D audio experience. This technology works by providing dynamic sound that adapts to the movement of your head, making it feel as though the sound is coming from different directions. When paired with compatible content (such as certain music, movies, or games), Spatial Audio can create a truly cinematic listening experience, making your media feel more immersive and lifelike. For users who enjoy movies, gaming, or simply want to experience their music in a whole new way, Spatial Audio enhances the overall sound experience.
Customizable Sound via the Soundcore App:
Another advantage of the Liberty 4 is its integration with the Soundcore app, which allows you to customize your listening experience to suit your preferences. You can adjust the equalizer (EQ) settings to fine-tune the bass, treble, and mids, ensuring that you get the perfect sound profile for your taste. Whether you prefer a bass-heavy sound for hip-hop or a more balanced sound for classical music, the app allows you to tweak the audio to your liking. Additionally, the app also allows you to adjust ANC settings, personalize button controls, and check for firmware updates, giving you full control over the earbuds’ functionality.
Why It’s Great:
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 offers an impressive range of features and premium performance at a significantly more affordable price point than many other high-end earbuds. With its Hi-Res Audio, Hybrid ANC, and Spatial Audio support, these earbuds provide an immersive, high-quality listening experience that rivals more expensive competitors. Whether you’re looking for premium sound, effective noise cancellation, or a durable design that can withstand an active lifestyle, the Liberty 4 has it all.
For those who want premium sound quality and advanced features without the premium price tag, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 is an excellent choice. It provides a perfect balance of performance and affordability, making it a great option for those who want high-end audio without breaking the bank. Whether you’re using them for work, exercise, or entertainment, the Liberty 4 delivers top-notch performance for a fraction of the cost of other premium earbuds.
5. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 earbuds are a stellar choice for anyone seeking superior sound quality, advanced features, and a stylish design. With their stem design, these earbuds offer a comfortable and secure fit while delivering a balanced, high-fidelity audio experience that makes them a standout in the competitive world of wireless earbuds. Sennheiser, renowned for its audiophile-grade products, brings that same excellence to the Momentum True Wireless 3, making them an excellent choice for those who prioritize both clarity and depth in their music and audio.
Exceptional Sound Quality with Hi-Fi Support:
One of the key selling points of the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 is their superior sound quality. These earbuds feature support for AAC, SBC, and aptX Adaptive codecs, which enable high-resolution audio streaming. This ensures that you get clear, rich, and detailed sound across a wide range of audio formats and sources, whether you’re listening to high-quality music tracks, watching movies, or engaging in phone calls.
The aptX Adaptive codec, in particular, allows for dynamic adjustment of audio quality based on the strength of your Bluetooth connection, offering the best possible sound performance without compromising on stability or connectivity. This means you’ll enjoy better bass response, crystal-clear highs, and balanced mids, creating an immersive listening experience that’s ideal for everything from classical music to electronic dance music (EDM) and everything in between.
Whether you’re an audiophile looking for true-to-life sound or simply someone who enjoys premium audio on the go, the Momentum True Wireless 3 delivers an exceptional listening experience.
Adaptive Noise Cancellation and Transparent Hearing:
The adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) of the Momentum True Wireless 3 is designed to block out ambient noise, allowing you to focus on your music, podcast, or phone call without distractions. Unlike basic ANC, Sennheiser’s Adaptive ANC continuously monitors the noise around you and adjusts the level of noise cancellation accordingly. Whether you’re in a quiet office, on a noisy commute, or in an airport, the earbuds optimize the level of noise blocking for maximum comfort and immersion.
However, sometimes you may need to stay aware of your surroundings, especially when walking outside or in a busy environment. In those cases, Transparent Hearing mode comes in handy. This feature allows external sounds to pass through, so you can remain aware of your environment while still listening to your music or podcasts. It’s perfect for scenarios like crossing the street or talking to someone without having to remove the earbuds.
Long Battery Life for Extended Listening:
The Momentum True Wireless 3 offers solid battery performance, providing 7 hours of playtime on a single charge with ANC active. That’s enough for a full day of work, commuting, or a long listening session without needing to recharge. When you need to top up, the charging case provides an additional 21 hours of battery life, giving you a total of 28 hours of use before needing to recharge the case.
If you’re in a hurry, quick charge capabilities come to the rescue, with just 15 minutes of charging providing 1.5 hours of playback, making these earbuds a reliable choice for those who are always on the go. This feature is incredibly useful if you’re running short on time but still need to get through a meeting or enjoy your music during your commute.
IPX4 Water Resistance:
The IPX4 rating makes the Momentum True Wireless 3 ideal for users with an active lifestyle. Whether you’re sweating it out at the gym, running in the rain, or out for a walk in inclement weather, these earbuds are designed to withstand sweat and light rain without affecting their performance. While they’re not fully waterproof, the IPX4 resistance ensures they’ll continue to perform well in environments with moisture exposure, making them a solid option for exercise or outdoor activities.
Touch Controls and Sound Customization via Smart Control App:
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 offers intuitive touch controls on each earbud, allowing you to easily play/pause music, adjust volume, skip tracks, or take calls without needing to interact with your phone. The touch-sensitive interface is responsive and customizable, making it easy to control your music and calls with a simple tap or swipe.
For those who want a more personalized audio experience, the Sennheiser Smart Control app provides detailed sound customization options. The app includes an equalizer that lets you adjust the bass, treble, and mids to suit your specific preferences, ensuring that the earbuds deliver the sound profile that best suits your tastes. Whether you prefer a bass-heavy sound for EDM or a more balanced tone for classical music, the app allows you to tailor the audio to your liking. The app also enables you to control the level of ANC and Transparent Hearing, manage firmware updates, and even locate lost earbuds.
Why It’s Great:
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 is an outstanding choice for users who value audiophile-grade sound, advanced features, and high-end performance in a truly wireless earbud. Sennheiser has a long-standing reputation for exceptional audio quality, and the Momentum True Wireless 3 lives up to that legacy by delivering a balanced and immersive listening experience with rich, clear sound and advanced noise-canceling technology.
These earbuds excel in sound customization with the Sennheiser Smart Control app, offering tailored audio profiles for a truly personalized listening experience. Adaptive ANC and Transparent Hearing make them versatile for various environments, while the long battery life ensures you can enjoy them throughout the day without worrying about recharging.
For those who appreciate high-quality audio and are willing to invest in a premium product, the Momentum True Wireless 3 stands as a top contender in the market, offering an unbeatable combination of sound clarity, comfort, and advanced features. Whether you’re listening to music, making calls, or simply enjoying your favorite media, these earbuds deliver a premium experience that is hard to beat.
Conclusion:
Each of these AirPods alternatives with a stem design offers unique features that cater to specific needs, from premium sound quality and advanced noise cancellation to call clarity and budget-friendly options.
- Sony LinkBuds S is the best all-around option, balancing sound quality, noise cancellation, and portability.
- Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II excel in noise cancellation, making them perfect for travelers and noise-sensitive environments.
- Jabra Elite 7 Pro offers incredible call quality and customization for the business professional.
- Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 delivers excellent value with impressive sound and ANC features at a competitive price.
- Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 is a top choice for audiophiles who want high-fidelity sound and a premium experience.
Consider your priorities, whether it’s sound quality, battery life, noise cancellation, or comfort, and choose the option that best fits your lifestyle and needs in 2024.