Accessories

9 chic, wireless alternatives to Apple’s AirPods

All pretty in pink!

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When it comes to wireless earphones, Apple’s AirPods is still one of the most prominent choices. From being a lifestyle companion, it became everyone’s go-to accessory. Since it went mainstream, some people started looking for alternatives.

In a sea of AirPods look-alikes, we rounded up wireless alternatives to Apple’s AirPods — from earbuds to in-earphones, and even headphones. Though each has its own design and purpose, these accessories are certainly chic, stylish, and functional.

Now, hop on and let’s find the accessory that matches your life and style.

Samsung Galaxy Buds+ (SG$ 268)

If you’re not a fan of AirPods’ design, the Galaxy Buds+ is an excellent alternative. It’s compatible with iPhones and of course, Android. Also, it comes in Cloud Pink and other colors such as Jennie Red, Cosmic Black, Cloud Blue, and White.

Battery-wise, it takes up to 11 hours on a single charge, and another 11 hours with the charging case. It doesn’t have a noise-canceling chip, but it uses its physical design to lessen the surrounding noise for a pleasant experience.

Happy Plugs Air 1 Plus (US$ 100)

If you enjoy AirPods’ design but prefer it in contemporary colorways, Swedish lifestyle brand Happy Plugs has the Air 1 Plus for you!

Fostering a culture of fashionable, comfortable, and untethered life, the Air 1 Plus is the perfect accessory for those who want to look fashion-forward in whatever style. It’s available in Pink Gold and other neutrals that certainly match any outfit.

Sabbat X12 Pro (US$ 59)

A crowd-favorite, the Sabbat X12 Pro has been popular among casual listeners. Several Matchketeers — GadgetMatch‘s official fans and followers — recommended these TWS earbuds for a multitude of reasons.

For starters, its design is different compared to most wireless earbuds. It resembles the AirPods’ design sans the stem. Additionally, it fits well, produces detailed sound, and has good battery life.

Getting the Pink variant might be difficult since it goes out of stock quickly, but you can always take your chances.

Hakii Moon (US$ 100)

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Hakii’s Moon follows this philosophy on its design and experience. For instance, this pair of wireless earbuds comes in an elegant, Coral Pink aesthetic.

Moreover, it promises seamless and efficient navigation, with the earbuds turning on upon opening the charging case. It also pairs quickly with your phone and delivers seamless navigation through simple touches.

Sudio Tolv R (PhP 4,000)

Sudio is a popular brand of fashionable, true-wireless earphones. Among its roster, there’s an affordable, feature-packed accessory — the Sudio Tolv R. It comes in Pastel Pink housed in an ultra-light charging case.

It prides itself with long-lasting battery life and seamless pairing, making the Tolv R a listening companion that’s perfect for when you’re studying, working, or commuting.

UrbanEars Jakan (US$ 80)

For those who want to go wireless but can’t let go of the cords, UrbanEars’ Jakan is the perfect accessory for you. This chic-looking pair of wireless headphones exhibits a beautiful, braided nylon available in multiple colors like Powder Pink.

Thanks to its ergonomic design, it’s comfortable to wear around your neck since it has an adjustable fit and the magnetic earbuds lock easily. It also offers easy navigation using its control knob and lets you listen all day on a single charge — which lasts up to 12 hours of battery life.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 3rd Gen (US$ 350)

The third generation of Bang & Olufsen’s Beoplay E8 comes in a flesh-like pink and a massive battery life of up to 35 hours. It promises seven hours of playtime and an additional four charges in its case, which is capable of Qi wireless charging.

It has a compact and ergonomic design, resembling most wireless earbuds. Although the looks are familiar, the Beoplay E8 prides itself with better call clarity, fast and flawless wireless experience, lesser battery consumption, and authentic Bang & Olufsen sound experience.

hër Bluetooth in-earphones (EUR 70) 

Nudely elegant, hër in-ears are unobtrusive and comfortable to wear. It’s the perfect accessory for people on the go, matching any style perfectly thanks to its discreet color and subtly classy design.

But hër in-ears is more than just a stylish accessory. It’s lightweight and portable, and it delivers clear sound and balanced acoustics — offering the best possible sound experience. More importantly, it has a reliable connection that will let you move freely.

You can put your smartphone in your bag or somewhere near you when working out, and still expect a clear, strong, unbreakable connection — unlike the guy you last dated.

JBL Tune500 BT (US$ 50)

If you prefer wireless headphones, JBL’s Pink Tune500 BT might be the one for you. It lets you stream high-quality sound cord-free, carrying JBL’s renowned Pure Bass sound.

It also boasts a 16-hour battery life and quick, two-hours charging time. Its lightweight and foldable design offer great portability, making it the perfect companion on your short or long travels. More importantly, it lets you switch between devices seamlessly — something I enjoyed when I was using Sony’s H.ear on headphones.

SEE ALSO: 6 reasons why you should switch to wireless earbuds

Accessories

IQOS x Isabel Santos turns heated tech into a cool, design statement

A limited-edition collaboration where product innovation meets contemporary Filipino art.

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IQOS unveiled its latest collaboration with contemporary Filipino visual artist Isabel Santos.

Titled Curiosity Without Limits, the partnership places product design and personalization at the forefront, using art as the medium that reshapes the experience.

When hardware becomes a canvas

On a Friday night in Makati, RCBC Plaza felt less like a business address and more like a portal. The third floor glowed in deep blues and music echoed through concrete walls.

Inside, a crowd gathered not for a board meeting, but for something far more immersive. At the center stood a curated installation of IQOS devices and limited-edition accessories wrapped in Santos’ signature visual language.

Her works, known for their fluid motion, layered forms, and bold interplay of blue, teal, and bursts of warmth, extended beyond framed canvases and into physical objects people could carry.

Hand-painted IQOS devices, tote bags, pouches, luggage tags, and magnetic snap wallets were displayed like collectible pieces rather than merchandise.

Personalization as part of the ecosystem

Beyond display, the event emphasized interaction. Legal-age IQOS club members were given access to on-site customization stations, where devices could be personalized with exclusive Isabel Santos designs.

The process turned a familiar tech ritual into something participatory, aligning with the broader theme of curiosity driving experimentation.

A digital sensory wall responded to movement, animating Santos’ artwork through ripples and waves.

Nearby, a sketch station allowed guests to draw digitally. Guests were able to see their creations projected in real time onto a large screen. The experience reinforced IQOS’ positioning at the intersection of product innovation and experiential design.

Design meets contemporary culture

Isabel Santos, known for her motion-driven compositions and layered abstractions, unveiled and signed a central artwork created exclusively for the collaboration.

Her ability to translate emotional rhythm into visual form brought dimension to IQOS’ structured aesthetic.

The partnership was announced by PMFTC Inc., the Philippine affiliate of Philip Morris International, framing the initiative as a design-led project for legal-age nicotine users who would otherwise continue to smoke.

While IQOS devices are engineered around heated tobacco technology, the collaboration highlighted how design can influence perception and experience. The devices remained technologically consistent. What evolved was the narrative around them.

Beyond the launch

IQOS is positioning its hardware not only as a technological alternative, but as a lifestyle object shaped by collaboration and  customization.

The IQOS x Isabel Santos collection extends to participating IQOS boutiques nationwide. Select locations in Bonifacio Global City, SM Mall of Asia, and Glorietta offer personalization services for a limited time, with a dedicated in-store installation unveiled at the Glorietta boutique.

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Accessories

Jackery portable power solutions makes appearance at Doraemon Run

New portable power solutions provider set to make official launch soon

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Jackery recently made its first public presence in the Philippines quietly after being among the sponsors of the Doraemon Run 2026 Manila.

The portable power solutions provider founded in 2012 in California showcased three of their innovative charging products at their booth: the Explorer 100 Plus, Explorer 300 Plus, and Explorer 1000 V2.

Naturally, participants at the fun run were able to recharge their small devices for free with Jackery’s products at the booth.

The biggest variant, the Explorer 1000 V2, has a total power storage of 1070Wh. Along with a 1500W maximum output power, it can easily recharge gadgets like smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, earbuds, cameras, and even drones.

It also has multiple USB-C, AC, and DC ports for simultaneous charging of such devices.

Interestingly, the smallest variant, the Explorer 100 Plus, does champion portability. It costs just about PhP 6,999 and comes with a 99.2Wh capacity. That’s about more than 26,000mAh and is enough to recharge five smartphones.

It comes with a USB-A and two USB-C ports, and is much like a slightly larger power bank. Although, make no mistake, it is also approved for flights.

All three of Jackery’s Explorer models also have an informative digital display. The brand also had the Solar Saga 100W foldable solar panel on display. This standalone backup power solution has an IP68 water resistance.

Currently, Jackery’s products are available online via Lazada and Shopee. An official launch event is expected later this year.

The brand name is an amalgamation of the words “jacket” and “battery”. This is a nod to what Jackery produced a decade ago: jacket batteries for consumer tech companies.

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Accessories

Apple AirTag 2 Review

Range, Sound, and REAL-WORLD Tests!

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THE Michael Josh puts AirTags in his bags, suitcases, keys, heck, even his TV remote.

They’ve saved him many times and keep anxiety at bay when it comes to delayed or missing baggage.

And just about last month, Apple announced a new model — the same size, shape, and price. But, it comes with a whole bunch of improvements that make it more findable.

So, should you rush out to get the new ones? In this review video, we test the range and sound of the all-new AirTag 2 in the real world.

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