Android users usually turn to smartphone brands or traditional audio brands when choosing their next pair of earbuds or headphones. Products from Samsung, Google, Sony or Bose are common among Android users. They usually don’t carry AirPods because Apple’s earbuds and headphones don’t work well with Android or Windows devices. Beats, which has been owned by Apple for more than a decade, has an unfairly similar reputation.
Yes, Beats is an Apple company, but the brand’s headphones and earbuds work brilliantly with Android phones. In fact, you’ll find that most Beats products support more Google-exclusive features than some dedicated Android audio products. For example, there are Beats headphones and earbuds with Google Find Hub, Google Fast Pair, and audio switching support. The integration runs deep, and it makes Beats a joy to use on any Android device.
google fast pair
Google’s Fast Pair system is one of the best parts of using a pair of Bluetooth headphones or earbuds within the Android ecosystem. Simply turn on a set of supported wireless headphones or open the case of a pair of wireless earbuds, and they will automatically enter Bluetooth pairing mode. Tap the pop-up on your Android device, and the headphones or earbuds will connect instantly.
Even better, the Bluetooth device will be registered to your Google Account. This means it will automatically connect to any device signed in to your Google account using the Fast Pair feature. Of course, many Beats headphones and earbuds support Google Fast Pair. That list includes the Solo Buds, Studio Buds Plus. Solo 4, and Studio Pro.
All you have to do is open the case of supported Beats earbuds or turn on Beats headphones, and you’ll be able to use Fast Pair to quickly connect and seamlessly switch between Android phones and tablets.
Find My Device (Find Hub)
The same list of Beats headphones and earbuds will work with Google’s Find My Device network, now known as Find Hub. It is an integrated way to locate lost devices within the Google ecosystem using crowdsourced location data.
When the Fast Pair pop-up opens for supported Beats Audio products, you’ll see a card asking you to add the headphones or earbuds to the Find Hub network. If you agree, you’ll be able to track your Beats earbuds, headphones, or speakers in the Google Find Hub app.
Alternatively, you can download the Beats app for Android and navigate to find my beats button to start tracking your products.
android audio switching
After setting up your Beats with Google Fast Pair, you can use Android’s built-in audio switching feature to automatically transfer the headphones or earbuds between devices signed in to your Google account. For example, your Beats can switch between your Android phone and tablet as connected devices depending on which audio is currently playing.
To start using the feature with your Beats, open the Settings app on your Android phone and tap connected devices. Then find your Beats product in the list and tap settings icon. tap finally audio switch and flip the toggle next to use audio switch. After that, your Beats headphones, earbuds, or speakers will automatically switch between Android devices signed in to your Google Account.
Unfortunately, not every Beats product will work with the above features. dearest Notable exceptions are the Powerbeats Pro 2 and Powerbeats Fit. However, those earbuds also offer great Android features through the Beats app. You can change settings and manage ANC modes from the Beats app for Android.
The app also supports Android home screen widgets, which are great for keeping an eye on battery life or changing modes. For example, the Powerbeats Pro 2 widget shows battery life, ANC mode, or heart rate monitoring status. It also lets you change the ANC mode or activate the inbuilt HRM without leaving your Android home screen.
While it’s a pity that not every Beats product offers the same level of Google integration, it’s nice to see that many of them fully support Android features. I wish the Powerbeats Pro 2 and Powerbeats Fit had better Android support, but that seems to be a result of using Apple H-series chips instead of the proprietary Beats chips.
Sadly, the overwhelming majority of Beats headphones and earbuds – including the Beats Solo Buds, Beats Studio Buds Plus, Beats Solo 4, and Beats Studio Pro – work with these Google exclusives.
budget android earbuds
The Beats Solo Buds are a small and affordable pair of truly wireless earbuds that work great with Android phones. They support Google Fast Pair, Find My Device, audio switching, and widgets. The sound quality is just fine, but that’s because the price is extremely attractive.
