USB-C adoption

At the Wanderlust event on September 12, 2023, Apple said it would start USB-C rollout around AirPods devices with the AirPods Pro 2nd generation. However, it may soon switch all the AirPods charging cases to USB-C connectors.

It’s now clear that AirPods will have a USB-C MagSafe charging case and compatible cables case going forward. However, one thing that’s unclear is whether such a case will be available separately. What it does mean is that if you're switching from another pair of earbuds with a USB-C cable you can now have a spare.

It is clear Apple is planning to have a single port across all its products though. Hence, it is introducing USB-C to the iPhone 15 range, and AirPods. Of course, its iPad lineup is already familiar with the USB-C port, as Apple introduced it in 2018 with the launch of iPad Pro.

How to get AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C compatibility

Anyone willing to get the new AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C compatibility can purchase the model from the company’s website at $249, from September 22, 2023. Additionally, Apple is also introducing wired EarPods with USB-C connectors. That product will be available for sale at $19 from Apple’s website and elsewhere.

The iOS 17 upgrade will also enhance the performance of AirPods Pro 2. It will add new functionalities like Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness. Adaptive Audio will blend Transparency mode and Active Noise Cancellation to adapt according to the background noise in the user’s environment.

On the other hand, Conversation Awareness will auto-reduce the volume when the user starts a conversation with someone. This will ensure that you can hear what the other person is saying.

Does AirPods 3 use USB-C?

AirPods 3 does not use a USB-C connector. Apple has also not announced whether it will release a new version of AirPods 3 with USB-C, so we don’t know if and when it will be available.

Is the Airpods Max USB-C?

No, not for now. The new USB-C connectivity is for the 2nd generation of AirPods Pro, meaning AirPods and AirPods Max do not yet get the new MagSafe charging cases.

Check out the guide below for the best options for your online meetings. Whether you need a cheap-and-cheerful headset for the occasional Zoom meeting or are a seasoned remote worker, these headsets are sure to suit any niche.

How We Picked the Best Headset for Zoom Meetings

Depending on your style and nature of work, there are different metrics for what some need in a work from home headset. We factored in the quality of audio, both output and input, as a baseline for overall standards. We also assessed the form factor of the headsets in terms of versatility and comfort. How the headsets connect to your PC, tablet or laptop was also important to highlight, so we accounted for different preferences in connectivity technology.

We settled on five different products across a range of price points, so that you can find the ideal headset for your work environment. We've broken down below why we picked each headset: their respective strengths - and possible weaknesses - in regards to one another.

Taking our top spot for the best headset for working from home is the SteelSeries Arctis 1, a versatile set of headphones from SteelSeries. With a range of wired and wireless connectivity options, this is an excellent low-cost headphone-microphone pairing for your role.

Designed primarily as a gaming headset, the Arctis 1 series has impressively sterling sound quality. Your colleagues will be impressed by the microphone quality, too: ideal for clarity and minimal background noise. As mentioned above, you can connect via a traditional wired connection over 35mm and USB, or opt for a wireless connection over dual-band WiFi or Bluetooth. With a versatile form factor that fits comfortably on the head, there's a lot to love about the Arctis 1.

That said, especially compared to other SteelSeries headsets, the build quality may not be up to standards for some consumer. But for a dependable daily headset for work meetings, you can't beat the Arctis 1.

If you want even greater freedom of movement than what working from home can offer, then the Plantronics Poly Voyager 4320 headset is exactly what you need. With Bluetooth range up to 50m from a source device, you can turn your camera off and move around your space without missing a moment of the meeting.

When it's your turn to speak, your colleagues won't struggle to understand you: audio quality is natively great, and comes with noise reduction to ensure vocal clarity. The Voyager 4320’s earpads provide passive noise cancellation to attenuate ambient noise so you can better hear your call. You can also use the headset to listen to music and move the fully-articulating microphone boom when you don’t want to speak. Charging from a simple desktop docking station, there's plenty to like about the Voyager 4320.

One thing you may dislike, however, is the fit. Whilst the Voyager 4320 offers extensive battery life and freedom, the physical design of the headset can be uncomfortable. If you don't mind a little discomfort from the comfort of home, then this headset is ideal for you.

For a more affordable home working solution, consider the Logitech H390. Maintaining quality at a price well under $100, this headset is well-suited to working from home.

In spite of its low price, the audio quality of the H390 is impressive. The noise-canceling microphone can be flipped upwards and out of your face, should you only need to listen rather than speak. The 30mm headphone drivers make for sterling audio quality with little-to-no interference or noise, and you can adjust your settings easily with the built-in control on the device's cable.

But therein lies the issue with this budget headset: it's wired-only. With no wireless option to speak of, you're rooted to your desk. But for affordable audio at home, the H390 is a sterling budget headset.

If quality is the optimum requirement, consider the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, another excellent wireless headset from SteelSeries. A premium headset for remote working, this unit provides exceptional features for your online meetings.

Not only do you have the choice between wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, but you can switch between the two with the Arctis Nova Pro. This means you can seamlessly swap devices for alternating audio inputs and outputs - if you use both a laptop and a tablet, for instance, it's easy to switch. What's more, you can also swap batteries with ease for long-lasting calls. Round this off with active noise cancellation and exceptional audio quality both incoming and outgoing, and the Arctis Nova Pro lives up to it's "Pro" moniker.

That said, professional quality comes at a premium cost. Not everyone will be able to afford these top-end headphones from SteelSeries, so it misses out on the top spot as the best headset for Zoom meetings. But for unparalleled audio quality, they are still a top option.

Our final pick for our rankings is the EPOS Adapt 261. Coming from the Sennheiser umbrella, these mid-range headphones are a great median of quality, versatility and affordability.

With both wired and wireless connectivity options, you're free to explore your preferred method of calling. The headset's flexible band gives you a degree of comfort depending on your head shape, and audio quality from both the microphone and headset is sterling. Having been tested on online meeting programs such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, the Adapt 261 is fully optimized for home working. And at a price that sits comfortably between the best and budget options, this is a great option for infrequent remote working.

What's less great, however, is the battery life on the Adapt 261. Though not terrible, the battery is quick to run out and slow to charge, which can cause issues on long calls. It's a problem sidestepped with a wired connection, and we still recommend the Adapt 261 as a great headset for Zoom meetings.

Features and Considerations

If you're looking to invest in a headset for remote working not featured on our list, then here are some things to consider:

Microphone Quality

We've all sat on calls where the person on the other end has a scratchy and inconsistent microphone. To avoid making the same mistake, make sure that the microphone has the right sound range and can clearly pick up your voice.

Headphone Quality

Likewise, to make sure you don't miss any incoming discourse, good-quality headphones are essential. Though online meetings don't need the same optimum-quality audio that you find in consumer-grade headphones, it's worth having decent soundscapes. Active noise cancellation is similarly welcome.

Flexibility

It's also important to have a headset that's comfortable to wear, especially if you'll be wearing it for protracted periods. Most headsets have an elasticated band connecting the two headphone drivers, but the best headsets are ultra-flexible with minimal hard plastics. Invest in these for the best comfort.

Connectivity Technology

Arguably the most important feature to consider, how you connect your headset to your device is a factor of utmost importance. Wireless connections are more freeing but are reliant on a battery and your wireless coverage. Wired connections are restrictive but consistent. Consider whether freedom of movement or a consistent connection are more important.

FAQs

Verdict

Though it's not the sturdiest headset on the market, we opted for the Arctis 1 as our best headset for Zoom meetings for it's versatility and audio quality, at a bargain price. If you're struggling to be heard on your weekly meetings, invest in these - or any of our other headsets - today.

Of course, the issue could be with your home office's WiFi - check out our guide on the best routers on the market today and improve your connection!

At first, this was a shock to everyone fearing how they could ever listen to music from their iPhone again, however luckily since then the AirPods have become very popular and a great way to listen to music and not get tangled up in all the wires.

AirPods can also be customized to your liking, including even their display name which can not only give it a personal flair but also make it easier to find on Bluetooth. Keep reading to find out how you can change your AirPods name on iOS devices.

Conclusion

It doesn’t matter whether you change your AirPods name on a Mac or a different Apple device, it will apply all the same.

When you next look to connect to your AirPods in the Bluetooth menu they will pop up with the chosen name you gave it and is a great way not only to add some personalization to your devices but also to let other users know whose devices they are when they pop up on their Bluetooth menu.

Renaming your AirPods can seem like an afterthought but it actually has a lot of benefits and can be quite fun to do when you have multiple name ideas in your head, so it is always worth giving a go, especially for how quick and easy it is to do.

What Do The Headphones Offer?

The Bose Quiet Comfort (QC) 15, is a previous iteration of this style of headphones released back in 2014. They were considered some of the best noise-canceling headphones on the market at the time.

They won multiple awards, and are widely regarded as a worthy companion for most audio needs. So the successor to such high-quality headphones was always going to attract attention once Bose delivered them.

Briefly, the Bose QC 25’s are a bettering of the QC15 noise-canceling headphones, as the aim is still a focus on providing quality audio with some of the best noise-canceling features as well.

Build And Design Quality

One thing that customers suggest about these headphones is that the clamping force is ideal - they grip without squishing your ears, and that means you can wear them for as long as you need. It's a fair comment.

The earpads actually have memory foam in them to help your ears remain comfy, and they are super squishy as a result. The fact the protein leather earpads are synthetic and don’t use animal products is a plus too if you ask us.

On the point of materials, there is a lot of plastic on these headphones, but Bose manages to keep the headphones more sleek and chic than bulky and unwieldy.

Importantly, the noise cancelation relies on a built-in amp, so you'll need to keep the single AAA battery in flux with a replacement in order to keep the noise cancelation going.

On the one hand, this is annoying, but on the other, these are some of the best noise-canceling headphones we've tested, so for the sake of a single AAA battery that needs occasional attention, we can get over it. Noise-cancelation lasts a quoted 35 hours.

Luckily, if your battery runs out you can use the headphones passively without active noise cancellation, which you couldn't do on the QC 15s.

Audio And Noise Cancelation Quality

So, let’s start with noise cancellation. We’ve already mentioned how highly-regarded the noise cancelation on the QC15s is and we’re glad to say that the noise cancelation in these headphones is even better than that model.

Yet, and this is worth noting, we like that the ear cup design means that the noise cancelation isn’t dangerously good. In other words, when you are outside you can still hear someone shouting, a car horn beeping, and other louder audible cues you may need to be aware of.

The equalization is very well balanced too: meaning that neither bass, the vocals nor high-end outweigh each other. In turn, this means they're not bass-heavy and so they won’t have the bass power you might expect from Beats or other headphones.

Our Verdict

Overall, it’s hard to suggest much negative about the Bose QC 25s. If you like the older Bose QC 15 model, you will certainly like these - and won't regret an upgrade.

The audio quality is great, although they're maybe not the ideal model for more specialized uses (in the studio), but in terms of noise cancelation and all-around performance, these headphones are worth their price.

Of course, they are expensive, but you are pretty much getting the best noise-canceling headphones at this price when you do part with your money.

AirPods are great to use in the gym, on runs, and anywhere else you'd like to listen to music, but there is some confusion about suitability elsewhere for the Pro model.

In this article, we'll cover some key information on AirPods Pro, including whether they are fully waterproof or not. So, let's get into it.

Are AirPods Pro Waterproof?

The quick answer to this question is no, AirPods Pro are not waterproof. Apple instead states that the AirPods Pro are water and sweat-resistant, as opposed to waterproof and sweatproof.

As a result, AirPods Pro should not be used during water sports, such as swimming, and should definitely be removed before you shower.

After a heavy workout, heavy sweating, or being out in the rain, make sure that you wipe your AirPods Pro down with a dry, lint-free cloth before you put them back into your charging case.

Below we've some tips on how best to look after your AirPods Pro.

How Do You Keep Your AirPods Pro Safe?

There are a variety of ways to keep your AirPods Pro safe. These methods include but are not limited to:

Can You Take Your AirPods Pro In The Shower?

You absolutely shouldn't. While it might be tempting to take your AirPods Pro in the shower, while keeping your head out of the stream of running water, this could still break or damage your AirPods Pro.

Even the steam from the hot shower could get into the seals, and cause your AirPods to deteriorate in quality over time.

The moisture isn't good for them, and you should keep your AirPods Pro as far away from your steamy bathroom as possible to ensure that they still work up to standard.

AirPods are an expensive investment that you don't want to ruin with negligence. If you want to listen to music whilst you shower, I highly suggest you get a waterproof speaker instead of risking the health and quality of your AirPods.

There are a variety of waterproof speakers that you can stick to the inside of your shower to listen to. Alternatively, you could place a regular speaker far away from your shower and listen to that instead.

What Happens If Your AirPods Pro Get Wet?

Despite the fact that AirPods Pros are marketed as being water-resistant, this doesn't mean that they're able to withstand being submerged in water.

This comes down to the fact that over time with wear and tear, their water-resistant seal will inevitably begin to deteriorate. Once this happens, even the smallest amount of water could end up damaging or breaking your AirPods entirely if you're not careful!

If you put your AirPods through the washing machine, then it is highly likely that they will be broken. If they still work by some miracle after being fully submerged in water, it is likely that their quality will have suffered considerably as a result of this.

To keep your AirPods in the best condition for as long as possible, keep them in their case when not in use and away from water as much as possible. If your AirPods are exposed to a small amount of water, make sure that you:

In Summary 

AirPods Pro are not waterproof, so don't expect them to survive a dip in the pool or in the ocean.

Make sure that you take care of them by keeping them away from water and ensuring that you wipe them down after every use.

That way, you can enjoy all of the benefits of using AirPods without having to worry about damaging them.

AirPods Pros allow you to connect to your Bluetooth device to listen to audio and take calls conveniently at home or on the go, but knowing how long you can do that is important.

AirPods aren't a cheap purchase, and it's natural to want to know how long they last when you're making a big investment in them. So in this article, we will cover some key information about the battery life of AirPods Pro.

And offer some tips on how to maximize that life too.

AirPods Pro Battery Life

Apple's AirPods Pro have up to 5 hours of listening time. However, when you put your AirPods Pro in Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) mode, the listening time reduces slightly to 4.5 hours and the talk time is 3.5 hours.

This means that you can enjoy several hours of uninterrupted listening and talking time, but it's worth keeping those lengths of time in mind.

The reason Apple uses the term "up to" when referencing the length of time the battery lasts is because this will depend on how you use your AirPods Pro.

Not only do certain usages cause the battery to run out at a quicker rate, but how long you've had your AirPods Pro can also impact their battery life.

You will need to take this into consideration when determining whether the AirPods Pro are the right choice of Bluetooth earphones for you, as there are other wireless earbuds on the market worth considering.

How Long Do AirPods Pro Last?

As mentioned above, your AirPods Pro battery will last differing lengths of time based on use, but also based on how long you have them. It's not unreasonable to expect battery life between charges to fall slightly the longer that you have your Airpods.

How long this takes depends on how frequently you use your AirPods. However, after around 2 years, you will likely notice some decline in the battery life for AirPods and AirPods Pro.

If you have to use them frequently, and rely on them for work, for example, it is at the two-year mark that you might consider replacing your AirPods Pro.

However, if you see a dramatic decline in battery life within a year of purchase (when Airpods Pro are still within warranty), it is worth investigating whether they may need repair or replacing.

Why Do AirPods Have A Short Lifespan?

This comes down to the fact that batteries deteriorate as time goes on, and AirPods Pros are no exception.

How Do You Maximize AirPods Battery Life?

There are a few things that you can try to ensure that you make the most of your AirPods battery life that might mean you don’t need to buy another pair for a little while longer.

Taking care of your AirPods Pro is fundamental to ensure that you make the most of your investment. Following these steps should help you to keep them in the best possible condition for as long as possible.

Are AirPods Pro Worth It?

For everyday listening on a more casual basis, AirPods Pro are definitely a good investment for both Apple and Android users.

If budget is a concern, check out our Airpods vs Airpods Pro comparison, so you get the best option for you.

In Summary

If you want to get the most from your AirPods Pro, make sure you keep them charged regularly.

A better understanding of the impacts of use on the battery life of your AirPods Pro won't hurt either.

Have fun, and remember that if you're having a new issue with battery life something may not be right.

Wireless audio is one such area where the price really doesn’t seem to come down ever and most of the key manufacturers will have a range of wireless headsets covering the mid-range to the high-price sectors.

Nobody wants a wired connection - although conveniently we forget that a wired connection is pretty much lag-free and in competitive gaming that can give you those milliseconds of an advantage and mean your brain doesn’t have to adjust to what it is hearing.

With all that in mind let’s have a look at the top-of-the-range Sennheiser GSP 670 today - a wireless gaming headset from a pro brand that promises to alleviate some of those latency issues while delivering an aural experience that can’t be matched. Let’s go.

Sennheiser GSP 670

Aural pleasure

Conclusion

Ultimate audio quality

Wireless connection

long battery life

Best 7.1 gaming headset

excellent audio quality

Unique haptic feedback

lightweight headset

for console players

Most affordable

1. Razer Kraken Pro V2

2. Sennheiser GSP 300

3. Logitech G933 Artemis Spectrum

4. HyperX Cloud Flight

5. Corsair Void Pro

6. HyperX Cloud II

7. Razer Nari Ultimate

8. Logitech G Pro

9. Turtle Beach Stealth 600

10. Logitech G430

How to Pick the Best Gaming Headset For Your Needs

Sound Quality & Frequency Response

Comfort

Microphone Quality

Surround Sound