Apple announced this past week that its new AirPods headphones have been delayed and are now expected later this year.

Launched with the new iPhone 7 in September, the earbuds were meant to offer a wireless solution to Apple’s controversial removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack from the iPhone – a brave act that drew cheers and jeers around the world.

Apple spokesperson Trudy Muller stated: “We don’t believe in shipping a product before it’s ready, and we need a little more time before AirPods are ready for our customers.”

Once removed from the charging caddy, AirPods connect with iPhone via Bluetooth, with Apple boasting the headphones can deliver up to five hours of playback on a single charge.

AirPods verdict

After spending almost two months using Apple’s $229 AirPods, I can honestly say they’re great, but not perfect.

Bluetooth isn’t a perfect technology yet – it’s still vulnerable to interference from surrounding devices and connection dropouts.

Apple’s new W1 chip, developed specifically for AirPods and some new Beats headphones, goes a long way to addressing these shortfalls, improving connection stability and simplifying pairing, which can often be a nightmare.

However, AirPods are neither water nor dust resistant and can easily fall out with excessive head movement, depending on your ear shape and size.

Considering they merely sit against the ear, AirPods also fall foul of ambient noise, much like the regular iPhone EarPods, forcing you to crank up the volume.

Basically, AirPods are an interesting effort, but fail in a few key areas that would make them more attractive to more users.

Like many debut adventures for any new product line, AirPods will undoubtedly improve. Until then, here are some alternative wireless earbuds to keep you rocking until they finally surface.

Motorola Verve Ones+

Price: $469.95

Pro: Water and sweat proof

Con: Price

Ideal for active users who like to work up a sweat, Verve Ones+ are designed to go the distance in the gym, on the track or in the water. Fitting snugly in the ear, these earbuds are water and dust proof, giving them a leg up on many competitors.

The Motorola Verve Ones are great for those who like to stay fit.

Bose SoundSport Wireless

Price: $249

Pro: Industry-leading engineering

Con: Short battery life

Leaders in personal audio devices, Bose have taken their SoundSport range wireless with this newly released model. Designed for a variety of active pursuits, these earbuds offer high-quality audio playback, along with sweat and water resistance.

The Bose SoundSport headphones are industry-leading.

Jaybird Freedom

Price: $249

Pro: Small, comfortable and secure

Con: Needs regular charging

Featuring a wired tether connecting each earbud and a new ‘secure-fit’ system, Freedom earbuds are great for highly active sports, such as mountain bike riding. With a dedicated app to customise sound settings, get the best from your music in any setting, regardless of ambient noise.

The Jaybird Freedom headphones won’t fall out of your ears.

Samsung Gear IconX

Price: $279

Pro: Heart-rate monitoring

Con: Compatible with Samsung devices only

A truly smart wearable, the Gear IconX earbuds monitor health stats as you go, pipe music for close to four hours and do not require connection to a smartphone to operate.

The Samsung Gear IconX don’t require a phone connection.

Beats Powerbeats³ Wireless

Price: $259.95

Pro: 12 hours battery life

Con: Ear clips can irritate

Featuring Apple’s new W1 chip (they bought the company, remember), Beats wireless headphones are now a formidable contender for best fitness accessory of 2016. Featuring Beats’ patented bass-driven sound, they may become your favourite gadget through sheer ease of use and durability.

The Beats Powerbeats3 are durable, but the ear clips can get annoying.