The AirPods have been around for a while now, and there have been several different versions of the device. You might be having a hard time figuring out which option is right for you.
The guide shows the similarities and differences between the different AirPods models to help you choose the best one.
If you're wondering why you should choose AirPods when there are so many other brands on the market, it's because they have the best integration with Apple's products.
There are features that third-party manufacturers can't match, such as quick one-tap device pairing, one-tap switch with devices where you're logging in to your Apple ID, and more. Apple-designed headphones are the best for your device.
All of the AirPods are wire-free and can be used to connect to your device.
The Beats by Dre brand is owned by Apple and there are a number of wireless ear buds that are competitive with the AirPods. If you prefer the Beats style and fit, these earbuds could be worth a look.
The Beats Fit Pro and Powerbeats are designed for those who need a more secure in- ear fit and are more fitness oriented than the others.
There are two types of AirPods, the ones that fit in the ear and the ones that don't. If you're looking for ear cups connected by a headband that are worn over the ears and on the head, the only other option is the AirPods Max.
The difference between the two is that the AirPods don't have silicone ear tips, while the AirPods Pro do.
The design of the AirPods, the AirPods Pro, and the AirPods Max is different. The lower-priced AirPods don't have noise cancelling capabilities.
There are three different versions of the first earbuds that Apple came out with. The most recent version of the device is priced at $179, while the previous generation version is $129.
It's probably the AirPods 2 and 3 models that come to mind, as they feature Apple's tipless in- ear design with long white stems that come down. A Force sensor for more music control gestures, Spatial Audio support with dynamic head tracking, better water resistance, longer battery life, improved sound quality, a better skin detection sensor, and a MagSafe charging case are all features of the new AirPods 3.
If you can afford it, the AirPods 3 are enough of an upgrade over the AirPods 2 to justify the extra $50, and these are your quintessential earbuds perfect for yourself, children, and more. The last time the AirPods were refreshed was in 2011.
There are a number of key features of the AirPods.
The AirPods 3 are Apple's famous earbuds that have a comfortable fit for everyday use. They're easy to use and compatible with Apple devices.
If noise cancellation is something you're looking for, you need to upgrade to the AirPods Pro, even though the cheaper version of the AirPods doesn't have it.
The new earbuds from Apple are called the AirPods Pro. Apple's in- ear noise cancelling earbuds, the second generation of the AirPods Pro, offer the same ANC capabilities as the AirPods Max in an ear bud size similar to the AirPods. You can hear what's around you with the help of the adaptive transparency feature in the AirPods Pro.
The new AirPods Pro feature an updated H2 chip with more advanced noise cancellation technologies, IPX4 sweat and water resistance, and longer battery life. The AirPods Pro are small, portable earbuds that have noise cancellation features. The MagSafe charging case is included in the price of the AirPods Pro.
There are key features.
The AirPods Pro 2 are the earbuds to pick up if you want an in- ear form factor. Apple improved ANC this year compared to the original AirPods Pro, and there's now a MagSafe charging case that can charge via Lightning, MagSafe, or even an Apple Watch charging port, so it's a versatile device. The best in- ear headphones are the AirPods Pro.
The first and only Apple- branded headphones that are designed to be worn over the ears are the AirPods Max. The AirPods Max are comparable to over- ear options from companies such as Bose.
The longest battery life of any of the AirPods is 20 hours, and they feature active noise cancellation and a digital crown. There is no case for charging the battery. Some users of the AirPods Max find them heavy and tight on the head, and they aren't as comfortable as the AirPods or AirPods Pro for everyone.
The AirPods Max are due for a refresh.
There are key features.
It is worth mentioning that the AirPods Max have not been updated since 2020 and so we could see a refresh soon. They're larger than Apple's in- ear options and have a high quality aluminum build with comfortable fabric-covered ear cups.
The cheapest option for Apple's earbuds is $129, but they can be purchased from third-party retailers for less than $100. They have many of the same features as the AirPods 3 but don't have the Force sensor for additional gestures. The battery life isn't as good.
If you don't need bells or whistles like Spatial Audio, the AirPods 2 can save you some money, but the AirPods 3 offer better sound quality, better voice quality, and they work with Spatial Audio for tv shows, music, and movies.
The Active Noise Cancellation feature on the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods Max isn't the same as it is on the other two.
Apple introduced a more advanced active noise cancellation technology with the new AirPods Pro 2. Both work to drown out typical noises that you might want to block like airplane sounds, fans, air conditioners, and road noise, but the AirPods Pro 2 requires a good in- ear fit for the best noise cancellation, while the AirPods Max don't need much adjustment as over- ear
Picking the best ANC is based on fit preference. If you prefer larger over- ear headphones, it's a good idea to go with the AirPods Max.
The AirPods Pro and the AirPods are both considered to be comfortable for most people with their design, but the AirPods Pro may have an edge because of the Silicone tips.
It's a good idea to try out the different headphones in the store to see which one is best for you.
The new AirPods Pro 2 have the most advanced features. A lanyard loop, a case with built-in speakers for locating them via Find My, and next-gen Active Noise Cancellation technology are just some of the things that come with it.
It's the AirPods Pro that you're looking for. The AirPods haven't been updated since December 2020 and the AirPods Max haven't been updated in over a year. Prospective buyers should be aware of an update to the AirPods Max at some point in the next two years.
We have a dedicated section for all of the options, which goes into more detail on all of the features.
Would you like to offer feedback on this guide or have questions about choosing AirPods? We'd love to receive an email here.
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