The Best AirPods to Buy: A Comprehensive Guide
Whether you’re buying your first pair of AirPods or replacing a well-used older pair, it’s easy to understand why so many iPhone owners prefer Apple’s earbuds and headphones over other options. Meanwhile, Apple has spent years gradually adding new features that work best — and sometimes only work at all — with the company’s own devices. These convenient tricks include audio sharing, automatic switching between Apple’s various devices, live translation, Apple TV integration, and more.
Choosing the Right AirPods for You
There are currently four AirPods models to choose from, each with its own distinct appeal and upside. You likely already know whether you’re more interested in earbuds or over-ear headphones, so that’s the first divide. In the case of over-ear headphones, your only choice is the AirPods Max. But in the earbuds category, Apple offers three options: the AirPods Pro 3, the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, and the plain old AirPods 4.
The Best AirPods Overall
The AirPods Pro 3 are the best overall choice, with improved ANC and sound quality, longer battery life, and standalone workout tracking. They also feature a more angular design and a wider range of ear tip sizes, including an XXS option. Their “foam-infused” tips combine foam and silicone, so they expand slightly for better comfort and a tighter seal.
The Best AirPods for Those Who Find Ear Tips Uncomfortable
The AirPods 4 are a great choice for those who find ear tips uncomfortable, with an open design that means you’re never totally cut off from the outside world. They offer upgraded sound quality, voice isolation that can noticeably improve call clarity, and deep Apple ecosystem integration. However, they don’t have wireless charging or a built-in speaker on the case.
How We Test AirPods
We spend dozens of hours using AirPods products for our initial reviews, and that testing extends for weeks and months afterward. That’s where we assess sound quality, mic performance, and overall reliability. Where applicable, we test the active noise cancellation across a wide range of environments and have put the hearing protection of the AirPods Pro through the paces at concerts.
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