Apple has come a long way, especially in recent years, as it has expanded its successful line of products to include a wide variety of devices. Many associate Apple with the iPhone, but the truth is that there are many products to consider, especially when it comes to the Apple AirPods. These headphones and earphones combine innovation and performance for an amazing listening experience.
also: The best AirPods and AirPods Pro deals
But which one should you buy? That’s all you need to know about the best AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max before you head to the store. If you can’t choose between them, this guide will help you. We compare prices, features, and everything else you need to know about Apple’s flagship earphones and headphones.
- Tremendous sound quality
- Active noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit
- It lacks USB-C charging
- Missing EQ adjustment
Technical Specifications: Type: inside the ear | chip: H2 | battery: 6 hours | Water Resistant: yes
Apple wins again with the AirPods Pro, a set of in-ear Bluetooth headphones that feature Apple’s new H2 chip. This model features 2x Active Noise Cancellation to keep out annoying sounds that can interfere with your listening. Custom spatial audio and adaptive transparency are both included, so audio automatically adjusts to your environment. Both are sweat and water resistant with an IPX4 rating. The battery isn’t at its best at just six hours, but you get another 24 with the charging case. Besides, with such a great sound, you might not mind.
Read the review: Review of the second generation Apple AirPods Pro
- at a reasonable price
- Lightweight fit
- bluetooth connection
- Suitable for some
- Upgrade needed for wireless charging case
Technical Specifications: Type: inside the ear | chip: H1 | battery: 5 hours | Water Resistant: no one
The Apple AirPods (2nd generation) are a step down from the Pro, using the H1 headphone chip. They automatically turn on and connect to your favorite Apple device for easy access, and Siri is integrated for voice control. It’s easy to switch between devices and answer calls, making it easier to use. You get three hours of battery life on a single charge.
Read the review: Apple AirPod Gen 2 review
- spatial sound
- Great performance
- Excellent battery life
- It lacks noise cancellation
- An issue with compatibility for some users
Technical Specifications: Type: inside the ear | chip: H1 | battery: 6 hours | Water Resistant: yes
Apple AirPods (3rd generation) make listening simple. You simply put them in your ears, and they turn on automatically for ease of use. The audio itself is great too, including spatial audio and Adaptive EQ, which automatically adjusts music to the best possible listening experience. There’s also a longer battery life of up to six hours, which matches the AirPods Pro and surpasses the second-generation Apple AirPods. With an open design, they are also sweat and water resistant.
Read the review: Apple AirPods 3rd Gen review
- Solid construction
- Exceptional sound
- Very long battery life
Technical Specifications: Type: over the ear | chip: H1 | battery: 20 hours | Water Resistant: yes
If you are serious about your sound and have more to spend, Apple AirPods Max is your choice. These over-ear headphones are plush and comfortable but don’t lag in sound either. Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode are both there, as well as Spatial Audio, to take listening to a whole new level. Incorporated is Apple’s dynamic engine for better sound, and the entire system uses the H1 chip. Additionally, the battery is exceptional with 20 hours of use before needing a charge.
Read the review: AirPods Max review
It can be confusing to differentiate between all the different Apple AirPods models, so check out our comparison chart below to help you find the best Apple AirPods for your needs and preferences.
|
The best Apple AirPods |
cost |
battery |
Water resistant |
|
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) |
$239.00 |
6 hours |
✔ |
|
Apple AirPods (2nd generation) |
$99.99 |
5 hours |
✗ |
|
Apple AirPods (3rd generation) |
$159.98 |
6 hours |
✔ |
|
Apple AirPods Max |
$479.99 |
20 hours |
✔ |
These suggestions may help you find the best Apple AirPods for your needs.
|
Pick up this pair of Apple AirPods… |
if you want… |
|
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) |
Performance and value, all in one |
|
Apple AirPods (2nd generation) |
Budget-friendly AirPods |
|
Apple AirPods (3rd generation) |
Comfortable fit |
|
Apple AirPods Max |
Best sound |
There are many factors that we consider when evaluating the best AirPods from Apple.
- Chip – The type of chip lets you know the power and performance. Apple has both the H1 chip and the H2 chipset, which will tell you what kind of speed and performance to expect.
- Features – Noise cancellation, adaptive transparency, and spatial audio are all features we have in mind with Apple AirPods. Some water resistance is also included.
- Battery Life – Your Apple AirPod is useless if the battery is constantly low, so we take into account the battery life of each model, and look for those with the longest battery life.
- Cost: Budget is always a priority for most shoppers, so we look for affordability where possible.
The Apple AirPods are some of the best Bluetooth headphones you can buy today. Along with the iPhone 7, Apple launched the Apple AirPods in September 2016. These wireless headphones automatically connect to your other Apple devices and can also connect to your other devices through Bluetooth.
Apple AirPods can cost anywhere from $100 to $480, with the second generation Apple AirPods being the cheapest Apple Airpods you can buy.
The cost of Apple’s AirPods varies by year and model. The best Apple AirPods range between $100 and $480, depending on which pair you choose.
Apple offers many products, but that’s it for the latest AirPods. There are still many companies with similar products, so check out our picks for The best headphones and the The best noise canceling headphones.
To learn more about other Apple products, check out The best iPhones and the The best iPads!