True wireless earbuds are a hot gift category once again this year, and the frontrunner once again is Apple. Its iconic AirPods were already the top-sellers in this category, and now there are the AirPods Pro with active noise cancellation. Here’s the thing, though. For many people, the Jaybird Vista earbuds — also new for 2019 — will provide a much more enjoyable listening experience. And at $179.99 versus $249, going with the Jaybirds will save you a chunk of cash as well.
Here’s why the Jaybird Vista would be my true wireless earbud pick over the Apple AirPods Pro — even though I’m an iPhone guy.
Do They Actually Need Active Noise Cancellation?
If active noise cancellation is a must-have, the AirPods Pro win, hands down. This is their marquee feature. Is that really a requirement, though?
Active noise cancellation is great for eliminating annoyances like traffic noise, but it does so at a penalty in battery life. The passive noise isolation used by the Jaybird Vista earbuds isn’t as effective, but it does still significantly reduce ambient noise. And there’s a case to be made that being able to actually hear background noise is a safety issue, especially when walking in areas where traffic or bicycles can be a hazard — that’s why the AirPods Pro also offer a “reverse” transparency feature that uses the microphones to allow the wearer to tune into their surroundings.
Audio Quality
Apple uses improved drivers in the AirPods Pro, along with an adaptive EQ. That combined with silicone ear tips for a better seal, means better audio than the original AirPods. I’d still take the high energy audio performance of the Jaybird Vista, though. And with Jaybird’s mobile app, the sound of the Vista earbuds can be fine-tuned to the wearer’s preferences to a much higher degree than a smartphone’s built-in music EQ feature.
Comfort and Fit Security
Three sizes of silicone ear tips give the AirPods Pro a more secure and comfortable fit than the originals. But they still can’t compare to the Jaybird Vista earbuds on either front. Jaybird has spent years perfecting its eargels — a soft, flexible combination of ear tip and fin that locks into the ear. These earbuds are incredibly comfortable to wear, and they’ll stay in place even during intense physical activity.
Battery Life
The Jaybird Vista earbuds have a definite edge here. They’ll play for up to six hours on a single charge. Apple rates the AirPods Pro at up to five hours of use on a charge — 30 minutes less if active noise cancellation is on. Both products offer fast charging, with each delivering one hour of playtime after a five minute charge. AirPods Pro offer the advantage of Qi wireless charging for the charge case, but for wired charging the Vista case is USB-C versus Lightning for Apple’s earbuds.
Ruggedness and Water Resistance
Jaybird’s core audience of fitness enthusiasts means the company pays special attention to durability. The Jaybird Vista earbuds are IPX7 waterproof, sweatproof and dustproof. In addition, they meet MIL-STD810G for protection against dropping or shocks. AirPods Pro offer IPX4 water and sweat resistance.
Connectivity
Both wireless earbuds support Bluetooth 5.0 and both are designed with custom wireless chips aimed at quick and rock solid connections. In the AirPods Pro’s case it’s Apple’s H1 chip, in the Vista’s case it’s Jaybird’s new JBS1 chip. While the H1 in the AirPods Pro is aimed at providing the best possible experience when paired with Apple devices, Jaybird’s chip is more general, offering improved connectivity with both iOS and Android devices.
Siri Support
Another key feature of the AirPods Pro is integrated, hands-free Siri support. This is very cool — if used with an iPhone or Apple Watch. The Jaybird Vista earbuds don’t have that hands-free option, but a single tap on a bud will activate the user’s choice of Siri or Google Assistant.
Appearance
The Airpods Pro are instantly recognizable thanks to their prominent stems and all-white case. The Jaybird Vista earbuds are a little more discrete in the ear, and they’re also offered in three color choices: Black, Mineral Blue and Nimbus Gray.
Both of these true wireless earbuds are excellent choices and each has its own advantages. However, if you’re gift shopping I’d give the Jaybird Vista earbuds the edge — despite the popularity of the AirPods Pro — especially if the recipient uses an Android smartphone, wants to wear them while exercising, or values long battery life. And as I mentioned in the intro, it doesn’t hurt that you’d be saving yourself nearly $70 as well.
To learn more about the Jaybird Vista true wireless earbuds, you can read my detailed, hands-on review here.
