Choose AirPods if you value their documented setup and automatic-switching conveniences across supported Apple devices. Choose another Bluetooth headset if its fit, wearing style, controls, or specific features suit you better. Both can work with a Mac, but compatibility depends on the headset and, for some AirPods models, your macOS version. There is no evidence here for a universal winner in sound, call quality, comfort, or value.
Do AirPods and other Bluetooth headphones work with a Mac?
Yes, provided the particular headphones are compatible and paired with the Mac. Apple provides instructions for connecting AirPods and other Bluetooth devices, and lists Bluetooth headphones among Mac accessories. For AirPods, check the exact model’s minimum macOS requirement in Apple’s current compatibility guidance before buying or troubleshooting; requirements differ by model.
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AirPods can be used on a Mac to listen to audio and take phone calls. If they are connected but you hear sound elsewhere, select them as the Mac’s audio output in Bluetooth or sound controls. Other headsets may offer additional functions, but their controls and feature support depend on the model.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWhat is different about AirPods on a Mac?
AirPods’ main documented advantage is convenience within Apple’s ecosystem, not a proven sound or microphone advantage. Apple says supported AirPods associated with an iPhone can connect automatically to a Mac signed in to the same Apple Account. Automatic switching depends on eligible models, operating-system support, and the same-account setup; it is not a guarantee for every AirPods and Mac combination. Apple also lets users change when AirPods connect to their Mac.
#1 Best Overall
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling: 2 internal and 2 external mics work in tandem to detect external noise and effectively reduce up to 90% of it, no matter in trains or offices.
- Immerse Yourself in Detailed Audio: The noise cancelling headphones have oversized 40mm dynamic drivers that produce detailed sound and thumping beats with BassUp technology for your every travel, commuting and gaming. Compatible with Hi-Res certified audio via the AUX cable for more detail.
- 40-Hour Long Battery Life and Fast Charging: With 40 hours of battery life with ANC on and 60 hours in normal mode, you can commute in peace with your Bluetooth headphones without thinking about recharging. Fast charge for 5 mins to get an extra 4 hours of music listening for daily users.
- Dual-Connections: Connect to two devices simultaneously with Bluetooth 5.0 and instantly switch between them. Whether you're working on your laptop, or need to take a phone call, audio from your Bluetooth headphones will automatically play from the device you need to hear from.
- App for EQ Customization: Download the soundcore app to tailor your sound using the customizable EQ, with 22 presets, or adjust it yourself. You can also switch between 3 modes: ANC, Normal, and Transparency, and relax with white noise.
That convenience is distinct from multipoint, a feature some non-Apple headphones support for connecting to more than one source. Availability and behavior vary by headset model. If you want to switch between a Mac and another device, check the manufacturer’s documentation for simultaneous connections and how switching works rather than assuming every Bluetooth headset supports it.
Compare the features that matter to you
| What to compare | AirPods | Other Bluetooth headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Fit and wearing style | Earbud design; whether it is comfortable is personal. | May be in-ear, on-ear, or over-ear, depending on the model. Comfort is personal. |
| Apple-device setup | Apple documents account-based setup and automatic switching for supported models and system versions. | Check the model’s Mac pairing instructions and whether it offers its own device-switching features. |
| Use with multiple sources | Apple describes switching among supported Apple devices under specific account and software conditions. | Multipoint is model-specific; check the manufacturer’s documentation for how many devices can be connected and how switching works. |
| Mac compatibility | Check the exact AirPods model and its macOS requirement. | Check the manufacturer’s Mac compatibility and pairing instructions. |
| Calls, controls, and noise features | Compare the exact model’s specifications and independent tests. | Compare the exact model’s specifications and independent tests. |
| Audio over Bluetooth | Apple says Bluetooth connections are not lossless and identifies AAC use for specified AirPods models. | Bluetooth audio is not lossless; codec support and performance vary by model. This alone does not establish an audible advantage for either choice. |
The available evidence does not establish a general winner for sound quality, microphone performance, noise cancellation, battery endurance, latency, durability, or price and value. For those priorities, compare the specific models using their specifications and independent tests rather than generalizing from the category.
Rank #2
- NOTE: If headset is too tight we suggest placing them over a ball or something of similar size/shape. Leave undisturbed for at least 24 hours. Repeat if necessary. Please also try length adjustments of either earpiece until both sides best fit you.
- JBL PURE BASS SOUND: These wirelss headpones feature the renowned JBL Pure Bass sound, which can be found in the most famous venues all around the world.
- WIRELESS BLUETOOTH: These headphones stream wirelessly from your device and can even switch between two devices so that you don't miss a call.
- UP TO 40 HOURS BATTERY WITH SPEED CHARGE: For long-lasting fun, listen wirelessly for up to 40 hours and recharge the battery in as little as 2 hours with the convenient Type-C USB cable. A quick 5-minute recharge gives you 2 additional hours of music.
- MICROPHONE ON EAR CUP FOR HANDS-FREE CALLS: Easily control your sound and manage your calls from your headphones with the convenient buttons on the ear-cup.
How to connect AirPods to a Mac
- Try the Apple-account setup: If the AirPods are already associated with an iPhone, use a Mac signed in to the same Apple Account and check whether they connect automatically.
- Select them on the Mac: Open the Mac’s Bluetooth or sound controls and choose the AirPods if they appear. Select them as the audio output when needed.
- Pair manually if necessary: Put the AirPods into pairing mode using the procedure for that generation, then select them in the Mac’s Bluetooth settings. Case and button procedures differ by model, so follow Apple’s current instructions rather than relying on a generic button sequence.
- Check compatibility if pairing fails: Confirm the AirPods model, the Mac’s macOS version, and Apple’s current model-specific requirements.
When another Bluetooth headset may be the better fit
Choose a different headset when its physical design better suits how you wear headphones, or when a particular model’s documented controls or features matter more to you than Apple-device switching. For someone who regularly moves between a Mac and another source, verify whether the exact headset supports multipoint and how it handles the switch. Do not infer call, sound, or noise-cancellation performance from the fact that a headset is Bluetooth.
Apple Support also notes that AirPods can be used as a Bluetooth headset with a non-Apple device: users can listen and talk, but Siri is unavailable there. That is a cross-device compatibility detail, not evidence that every AirPods feature works outside Apple’s ecosystem.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- 65 Hours Playtime: Low power consumption technology applied, BERIBES bluetooth headphones with built-in 500mAh battery can continually play more than 65 hours, standby more than 950 hours after one fully charge. By included 3.5mm audio cable, the wireless headphones over ear can be easily switched to wired mode when powers off. No power shortage problem anymore.
- Optional 6 Music Modes: Adopted most advanced dual 40mm dynamic sound unit and 6 EQ modes, BERIBES updated headphones wireless bluetooth black were born for audiophiles. Simply switch the headphone between balanced sound, extra powerful bass and mid treble enhancement modes. No matter you prefer rock, Jazz, Rhythm & Blues or classic music, BERIBES has always been committed to providing our customers with good sound quality as the focal point of our engineering.
- All Day Comfort: Made by premium materials, 0.38lb BERIBES over the ear headphones wireless bluetooth for work are the most lightweight headphones in the market. Adjustable headband makes it easy to fit all sizes heads without pains. Softer and more comfortable memory protein earmuffs protect your ears in long term using.
- Latest Bluetooth 6.0 and Microphone: Carrying latest Bluetooth 6.0 chip, after booting, 1-3 seconds to quickly pair bluetooth. Beribes bluetooth headphones with microphone has faster and more stable transmitter range up to 33ft. Two smart devices can be connected to Beribes over-ear headphones at the same time, makes you able to pick up a call from your phones when watching movie on your pad without switching.（There are updates for both the old and new Bluetooth versions, but this will not affect the quality of the product or its normal use.）
- Packaging Component: Package include a Foldable Deep Bass Headphone, 3.5MM Audio Cable, Type-c Charging Cable and User Manual.
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