Test 1 Initial set–up
Pairing up the earbuds for the
first timeThanks to Apple’s H1 chip, the AirPods Pro
are by far the easiest to pair. There’s no app,
no button pressing, and no confusion. Just
open the lid and bring the case near your
iPhone and you’re good to go.
Pairing Master & Dynamic’s MW07 Plus is
also quick and easy — just pop them into your
ears and pair them via Settings > Bluetooth. There’s no app to
download and install, and no need to fiddle around too much.
Libratone’s Track Air+, Sony’s WF–1000XM3 and Jabra’s Evolve
65t all require companion apps to get set up. While this is a small
step, it feels unnecessary, especially since none of the apps offer
much in the way of additional features. Pairing these three is also
a little problematic, since each requires you to power on a
particular bud and connect, which isn’t as easy as the AirPods.
Test 3 Design
Checking out looks and usability
Apple’s AirPods Pro offer a new pinch
input mechanism, on a shorter stem.
This is quite hard to operate, especially
with gloves. A longer stem would have
been helpful. The case is also slightly
bigger than the original AirPods’. M&D’s
MW07 Plus really stand out — the
metallic case houses two beautiful
marble–like earbuds. They have physical buttons (two on the
left earbud for volume, one on the right for other functions)
that are large and easy to press.
The left bud on Jabra’s Evolve 65t also has a physical
volume button, but it’s smaller and harder to press. The buds
are also smaller, making them hard to wear/remove. The
Libratone TrackAir+ and Sony WF–1000XM3 both offer tapping
as an input method. Libratone’s buds are just the right size to
operate. Sony’s buds are very large, and the case isn’t easy to
pocket, either. At least its colorful finish makes it stand out.
Test 2 Build & battery
How well will the earbuds last?
With an IPX4 rating for splash
resistance, the AirPods Pro can handle
both sweat and the average rain shower,
while their five–hour battery life makes
them great for outdoor runs. Master &
Dynamic’s MW07 Plus go further,
offering both 10 hours’ listening time
between recharges and an IPX5 rating
(resistant to jets of water). However, the stainless steel charging
case is heavy at 84g, making it less suited for runs.
Like the AirPods Pro, Libratone’s TrackAir+ are also IPX4
rated. With six hours on a single charge, they’re good at lasting
the day. Sony’s WF–1000MX3 offer eight hours of listening time,
but the lack of waterproofing means they’re no suited to
a sweaty workout. Jabra’s Evolve 65t meanwhile offer five
hours of listening time, and are water resistant to IPX5 too.
Test 4 Audio quality
How good do these earbuds sound?
The AirPods Pro sound good, especially
with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
turned on. The sound feels natural, with
a good balance between the highs and
lows. However, Master & Dynamic’s
MW07 Plus are better, delivering much
clearer highs and stronger bass without
compromising the sound too much.
Even with ANC switched off, the audio quality is exceptional.
Libratone’s TrackAir+ deliver pretty good highs, but aren’t
as clean sounding. However, the companion app does have an
equalizer (EQ) to help redress the balance. Sony’s WF–1000MX3
offer a balanced sound with ANC active, but the lows get lost
when it’s switched off. Like the TrackAir+, Sony’s companion
app has an EQ. The HearThrough mode on Jabra’s Evolve 65t
mode is the least pleasant of the group, with robotic voices and
sound, although with Passive Noise Cancellation active there
isn’t any issue, and the bass and treble are well balanced.APPLE
AIRPODS PROM&D MW07
PLUSLIBRATONE
TRACK AIR+SONY
WF–1000XM3JABRA
EVOLVE 65TAPPLE
AIRPODS PROM&D MW07
PLUSLIBRATONE
TRACK AIR+SONY
WF–1000XM3JABRA
EVOLVE 65TAPPLE
AIRPODS PROM&D MW07
PLUSLIBRATONE
TRACK AIR+SONY
WF–1000XM3JABRA
EVOLVE 65TAPPLE
AIRPODS PROM&D MW07
PLUSLIBRATONE
TRACK AIR+SONY
WF-1000XM3JABRA
EVOLVE 65TImage rights from top-left to bottom-right: Apple, Jabra, Master & Dynamic, Apple.
Reviews
58 APR 2020 maclife.com