PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which helpsupport our testing.
Apple sells four types of AirPods, including three sets of earphones and one pair of headphones. We compare them all to help you determine which is right for you.
ByTim Gideon
Tim Gideon
Contributing Editor, Audio
My Experience
I've been a contributing editorfor PCMag since 2011. Before that, I was PCMag's lead audio analyst from 2006 to 2011. Even though I'm a freelancer now, PCMag has been my home for well over a decade, and audio gear reviews are still my primary focus. Prior to my career in reviewing tech, I worked as an audio engineer—my love of recording audio eventually led me to writingaboutaudiogear.
Read Full Bio
&Ben Moore
Ben Moore
Managing Editor, Software
My Experience
I’ve been writing and editing technology content for over seven years, most recently as part of PCMag's software team. I am responsible for the creativity, education, operating system, productivity, and small business categories, among others. I also worked for several years on the consumer electronics team, where I edited articles on topics such as cameras, headphones, phones, speakers, and tablets. Before PCMag, I was at Neowin.net, Tom’s Guide, and Laptop Mag. I spend too much of my free time reading audio and photography forums.
Read Full Bio
UpdatedJuly 10, 2024
LOOK INSIDE PC LABS:HOW WE TEST
65EXPERTS
42YEARS
40,000+REVIEWS
Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year
to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.
- RELATED:
- Best AirPod Alternatives
- Cheap AirPod Alternatives
- Best Wireless Headphones
- Best MagSafe Chargers
AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)(Credit: Tim Gideon)
Table of Contents
If you have an iPhone, Apple's AirPods are typically the best way to go for your wireless audio needs. PCMag's audio experts have reviewed every set of headphones Apple has released (all the way back to the wired EarPods), so you can trust our advice on which are worth buying. We follow an independent and ethical review process, which means you can trust us to steer you toward the same products we'd choose for ourselves.
We focus on Apple's wireless models here since the company got rid of the 3.5mm audio jack on its iPhones long ago. The second-gen AirPods Pro are our current favorite in the lineup and our Editors' Choice winners thanks to their crisp audio presentation, highly effective transparency mode, and relatively durable design. It's still worth exploring our reviews of the other models, though, especially if you prefer a different style or want to save a bit of money. And for the open-minded, we list compelling alternatives from other manufacturers. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page for an in-depth specs comparison.
Recommended by Our Editors
AirPods Pro 2 Tips: 5 Ways to Get More Out of Apple’s Flagship Earbuds
What Is Spatial Audio for AirPods? How It Works and What It Sounds Like
Apple Prepping AirPods Overhaul for 2024, But You'll Have to Wait for New Pros
Best Noise-Cancelling Earphones
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) With MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C)
4.5
The fantastic AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) deliver some of the strongest noise cancellation performance of any earphones we've tested and offer a pleasing sound signature that emphasizes low- and high-frequency clarity. Their Adaptive Audio (transparency) mode is also good and we like that the case (now) uses a USB-C charging port. Our gripes are relatively minor—an IP54 rating could be better, while the lack of an adjustable EQ continues to be an annoyance. Complaints aside, the latest AirPods Pro are the best in-ear AirPods thus far.
What Should You Choose Instead?
If you’re looking for the absolute best in true wireless noise cancellation, the $299 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds have a slight edge over the AirPods Pro, along with slightly richer bass depth and an in-app EQ. Check out our in-depth comparison between those and the $299.99 Sony WF-1000XM5 if you're having trouble deciding.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) With MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C) Review
Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Apple AirPods Max
4.0
The AirPods Max are notable for two reasons: They're the only over-ear headphones Apple sells and they cost over twice as much as the AirPods Pro. For the money, you get strong active noise cancellation and excellent audio quality. Whereas all the in-ear AirPods use a white plastic material, these elegant and metallic headphones are available in several colors including Green, Pink, Silver, Sky Blue, and Space Gray.
All that said, the AirPods Max are past their third birthday, and we're hesitant to recommend them in case a replacement is on the way in the next year or so; $549 is a lot to spend on headphones that might not stay at the top of their class for long. If Apple decides to upgrade them at some point, we hope it improves the included Smart Case, which protects only the ear cups.
What Should You Choose Instead?
Very few noise-cancelling headphones cost as much as the AirPods Max. That means you can save quite a bit of money with still-excellent alternatives including the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones ($429) and the Sony WH-1000XM5 ($399). Check out our detailed comparison between these three flagship models.
Apple AirPods Max Review
Best Open-Ear AirPods
Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)
3.5
The third-generation AirPods sport an open design that doesn’t seal off the ear canal. We're not fans of this approach because it often leads to unbalanced audio, poor bass response, and a less secure fit. This iteration still feels somewhat loose in the ear, but internal sensors and mics help deliver among the best bass response we've heard from this type of earbud. You don't get active noise cancellation or transparency modes here (the latter isn't really necessary in light of the open design), but the charging case supports MagSafe and Qi wireless charging (as long as you pay an extra $10 for those capabilities).
What Should You Choose Instead?
For the same price, the Beats Studio Buds + offer a more secure in-ear fit, quality noise cancellation, consistently punchier sound, and hands-free Siri access. They don't support spatial audio but otherwise integrate into Apple's ecosystem just as seamlessly. We also think the earbuds and case look more stylish thanks to their transparent design, though the latter unfortunately doesn't support wireless charging.
Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Review
Most Affordable AirPods
Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)
3.0
The second-generation AirPods debuted in early 2019 for $199, which might make their current price of $129 seem like a bargain. We don't think they're worth getting, though, because they feel like a work-in-progress compared with the third-generation model. These aging earphones offer weaker audio performance, don't feature a water-resistance rating, have shorter battery life, and lack spatial audio support. Moreover, the on-ear controls don't work very well.
What Should You Choose Instead?
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC earphones fit more securely, produce more detailed sound, offer class-leading active noise cancellation, and cost less at $99.99. The AirPods integrate more seamlessly with iOS, but Anker's companion app covers all the features you need and includes an adjustable EQ.
Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Review
Compare SpecsThe Best Apple AirPods to Buy in 2024
Our Picks | Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) With MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C)See It$199.00 at Amazon | Apple AirPods MaxSee It$469.00 at Amazon | Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)See It$149.99 at Walmart | Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)See It$89.00 at Amazon |
---|---|---|---|---|
Editors'Rating | Editors' Choice 4.5Editor Review | 4.0Editor Review | 3.5Editor Review | 3.0Editor Review |
In-Canal Seal | ||||
Active Noise Cancellation | ||||
Transparency Mode | Standard and Apdative Transparency | Standard | No | No |
Hands-Free Siri | ||||
On-Ear Controls | Volume swipes; press and press-and-hold gestures (ANC/Transparency selection, calls, playback, Siri, track navigation) | Digital crown (playback, Siri, track navigation, volume); button (ANC/Transparency selecion, pairing) | Force sensor (calls, playback, Siri, track navigation) | Double taps (calls, playback, Siri, track navigation) |
Spatial Audio | Personalized Spatial audio with Head tracking | Personalized Spatial audio with Head tracking | Personalized Spatial audio with Head tracking | No |
Chip | H2 headphone chip; U1 chip for case | H1 headphone chip | H1 headphone chip | H1 headphone chip |
Water Resistance | IP54 for both earbuds and case | None | IPX4 for both earbuds and case | None |
Battery Life | Up to 7 hours for earbuds, 28 hours for case | 20 hours | Up to 6 hours for earbuds, 24 hours for case | Up to 5 hours for earbuds, 24 hours for case |
Charging Support | Lightning, MagSafe, Qi Wireless, USB-C | Lightning | Lightning, MagSafe, Qi Wireless | Lightning, Qi Wireless |
Where to Buy | $199.00 at Amazon $249.00 at Walmart | $469.00 at Amazon $479.00 at Walmart | $149.99 at Walmart $169.00 at Amazon | $89.00 at Amazon $89.00 at Walmart |
Apple Fan?
Sign up for our Weekly Apple Brief for the latest news, reviews, tips, and more delivered right to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up!
Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!
Sign up for other newsletters
About Tim Gideon
Contributing Editor, Audio
I've been a contributing editorfor PCMag since 2011. Before that, I was PCMag's lead audio analyst from 2006 to 2011. Even though I'm a freelancer now, PCMag has been my home for well over a decade, and audio gear reviews are still my primary focus. Prior to my career in reviewing tech, I worked as an audio engineer—my love of recording audio eventually led me to writingaboutaudiogear.
Read Tim's full bio
Read the latest from Tim Gideon
- Apple AirPods 4 vs. AirPods Pro 2: What's the Difference?
- First Listen: Apple's AirPods 4 With Noise Cancellation Work Better Than You'd Expect
- The Best On-Ear/Over-Ear Headphones for 2024
- The Best Cheap Earbuds and Headphones (Under $50)
- The Best Bluetooth Speakers Under $100
- More from Tim Gideon
About Ben Moore
Managing Editor, Software
I’ve been writing and editing technology content for over seven years, most recently as part of PCMag's software team. I am responsible for the creativity, education, operating system, productivity, and small business categories, among others. I also worked for several years on the consumer electronics team, where I edited articles on topics such as cameras, headphones, phones, speakers, and tablets. Before PCMag, I was at Neowin.net, Tom’s Guide, and Laptop Mag. I spend too much of my free time reading audio and photography forums.
Read Ben's full bio
Read the latest from Ben Moore
- The Best NFL Streaming Services for 2024
- NFL Sunday Ticket Review
- Paramount+ Review
- The Best On-Ear/Over-Ear Headphones for 2024
- Peaco*ck Review
- More from Ben Moore
Apple
Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: Which Watch Reigns Supreme?
ByAndrew Gebhart
iPhone 16 Makes Us Question Apple's Intelligence
ByEmily Dreibelbis
7 Must-Try Features Coming to Your iPhone With iOS 18
ByChloe Albanesius
Apple iPhone 16 vs. Samsung Galaxy S24: The Best Flagship Phone
ByIyaz Akhtar
Everything Apple Announced at Its iPhone 16 'Glowtime' Event
ByChloe Albanesius
Apple iPhone 16 vs. Google Pixel 9: The Ultimate iOS vs. Android Showdown
BySarah Lord
Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Google Pixel Watch 3: Which Smartwatch Is Better?
ByAndrew Gebhart
iPadOS 18: 5 Must-Try Features That Supercharge Your iPad
ByJordan Minor
Further Reading
The Best Over-Ear Headphone Deals for September 2024
ByKarl Klockars&Jade Chung-Lee
The Best Deals at The End of The Day: 40% Off Anker Some Sweet Soundcore Earbuds
ByShubham Yewale
The Best Apple AirPods Deals For September 2024
ByGeorgie Peru&Gabriela Vatu
Tune Out the World With These Sleek Noise-Cancelling Headphones
ByStackCommerce Team (Sponsored)
The Best On-Ear/Over-Ear Headphones for 2024
ByTim Gideon&Ben Moore
The Best Cheap Earbuds and Headphones (Under $50)
ByTim Gideon&Alex Colon
The Best Gaming Headsets for 2024
ByWill Greenwald
The Best Wireless Gaming Headsets for 2024
ByWill Greenwald