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Can you use AirPods without an Apple device to begin with?

Yes they are standard Bluetooth devices and can pair normally. On Apple devices they get more features.

I’ve used AirPods with my Sony PS Vita (made before AirPods) and my Nintendo switch (once they added Bluetooth headset support recently)

How well do they work / support bluetooth standards compared to other brands bluetooth headphones? I'd like to get these for a family member who wants new wireless earbuds, but not if it's as sub-par experience vs buying another brand for Android users

They are sub-par if they aren't embracing the ecosystem. You can't use most of the features, and the lack of multipoint Bluetooth becomes painfully apparent. Also, you tend to get broader codec support with Android-targeted headphones/earbuds.

Consider Beats if you want better cross-platform support while maintaining the same audio characteristics.

TIL. I honestly assumed they were i* locked

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