Seamless integration throughout Apple gadgets is only one good cause to seize a pair of Apple AirPods if you happen to’re already utilizing an iPhone and MacBook. However, there are a number of totally different AirPod fashions in the marketplace proper now, which may make it powerful to know that are the perfect AirPods for you.
CNET is right here to assist. We’ve examined out all of Apple’s earbuds and rounded up the perfect fashions throughout the totally different generations under.
There’s a cause AirPods all the time prime greatest headphones lists for the yr. But purchasing for AirPods has turn out to be much more sophisticated now that Apple’s launched a number of generations and variations of its AirPods. These totally different variations embrace commonplace AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.
Confused? Don’t be: I’ll run down the variations and advantages of every. Note, too, that we’re pulling the Beats Fit Pro into this dialog — they’re actually not “AirPods,” however that mannequin of the Apple-owned model is value contemplating if you happen to’re contemplating AirPods and in search of earbuds within the $150 to $200 vary.
Great sound high quality, a wide range of ear ideas for a cosy match, noise-canceling expertise and prolonged battery life due to a wi-fi charging case are facets that undoubtedly contribute to AirPods’ perpetual enchantment.
I’ll evaluate their characteristic highlights under that can assist you choose the perfect AirPods to your wants. Many occasions, selecting the perfect AirPods entails placing a stability between operate and worth, so we have mapped out probably the most present pricing for you as effectively. Here are the perfect Apple AirPods offers you will discover this yr.
Read extra: Best True-Wireless Earbuds for 2022
AirPods pricing 2022
| Model | Apple Store worth | Best worth proper now | Best all-time worth |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods 2 | $129 | $100 | $90 |
| AirPods Pro 2 | $249 | $239 | $223 |
| AirPods 3 | $179 | $169 | $150 |
| Beats Fit Pro | $200 | $200 | $160 |
| AirPods Max | $549 | $450 | $429 |
We replace this story steadily to replicate present pricing.
David Carnoy/CNET
Battery Life
Rated as much as 6 hours
Noise Canceling
Yes (ANC)
Multipoint
No
Headphone Type
Wireless earbuds
Water-Resistant
Yes (IPX4 — splash-proof)
The new AirPods Pro (2nd era) are powered by Apple’s new H2 chip, which delivers extra processing energy whereas being extra vitality environment friendly, based on Apple. The new chip, mixed with new low-distortion drivers, permits for improved sound that provides higher readability and depth. The noise canceling can be improved — Apple says the brand new AirPods have “double” the noise canceling of the unique AirPods Pro.
Additionally, the brand new AirPods add an additional hour of battery life, up from 5 to 6 hours with noise canceling on. Plus, a speaker within the case that emits a sound that helps find your buds by way of Find My ought to they determine to cover from you.
Note that whereas Apple has discontinued the authentic AirPods Pro, they will stay on sale at discounted costs till provides are exhausted. However, most individuals ought to get this newer mannequin if they’ll afford it.
You’re receiving worth alerts for Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, White)
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Battery Life
Rated as much as 6 hours
Noise Canceling
Yes (ANC)
Multipoint
No
Headphone Type
Wireless earbuds
Water-Resistant
Yes (IPX4 — splash-proof)
Made by Apple, the most recent Beats headphones aren’t AirPods, however — apart from missing a case with wi-fi charging and MagSafe compatibility — they beautiful a lot pack a lot of the options discovered on the AirPods Pro in a sportier design and can be found in a number of colour choices. You ought to positively test these out earlier than shopping for the AirPods 3 or AirPods Pro at practically the identical worth. Read our Beats Fit Pro evaluation.
You’re receiving worth alerts for Beats Fit Pro Earbuds (White, 2021)
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Battery Life
Rated as much as 20 hours
Noise Canceling
Yes (ANC)
Multipoint
No
Headphone Type
Over-ear wi-fi headphones
Water-Resistant
No IP score
Apple’s first full-size headphones are chock-full of high-end options like noise cancellation, spatial audio and simple integration with Apple gadgets. Yes, paying about the identical as you’d for a PS5 could sound loopy, however here is the crazier factor: They’re truly kinda value it, as long as you do not really feel burned by their lack of help for full lossless audio and lack of included cable for wired listening (which should be bought individually).
We’ve often seen the Apple AirPods Max costs dip as little as $429 in sure colours, however proper now they’re hovering round $450 at most retailers.
You’re receiving worth alerts for Apple AirPods Max (Gray)
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Apple’s authentic AirPods Pro have been discontinued, so that they’re progressively getting a bit more durable to seek out (Amazon is barely stocking “renewed” variations). While a transparent step down from the brand new AirPod Pro 2, if you will discover them at a steep low cost — underneath $180 — they might be value shopping for.
You’re receiving worth alerts for Apple AirPods Pro (2021, MagSafe case)
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The latest 2021 AirPods ship higher sound high quality than their predecessors whereas sustaining an open design. Slightly bigger and formed extra just like the AirPods, they need to be a greater match for extra folks’s ears, however on the similar time, they might not match these with very small ears who received an ideal match with the AirPods 2nd Generation. Read our AirPods 3 evaluation.
Battery Life
Rated as much as 5 hours
Noise Canceling
No
Multipoint
No
Headphone Type
Wireless earbuds
Water-Resistant
Yes (IPX4 — splash-proof)
Apple’s second-generation AirPods stay within the line however not embrace a wireless-charging choice. Apple has dropped the official worth of the AirPods 2 to $129, although you possibly can normally discover them for $100 or much less.
They’re not as feature-packed as the opposite AirPods on this record, however they continue to be an interesting choice for folk on a tighter funds or those that’ve worn out their authentic pair however love their match and easily need to substitute them.
You’re receiving worth alerts for Apple AirPods 2019 (Charging Case)
What are the most recent AirPods?
The latest AirPods are AirPods Pro (2nd era), which hit shops on Sept. 23, 2022, and have Apple’s new H2 chip together with higher, sound, noise canceling and battery life. The third-generation AirPods with enhanced performance, improved sound and an up to date design arrived in shops in October 2021 Meanwhile, the Beats Fit Pro — which share a lot of the similar options as the unique AirPods Pro — arrived in November. While they are not AirPods by identify, we and others have referred to them as “the sports activities AirPods you all the time wished.”
Are the AirPods Pro 2 higher than the Beats Fit Pro?
With their built-in wingtips, the Beats Fit Pro could give you a safer match than AirPods Pro 2 and so they do value $50 much less (and generally even much less once they go on sale). Otherwise, the AirPods Pro 2 are higher — they’ve barely higher sound qiality and noise canceling together with higher voice-calling efficiency.
Also word that the Beats Fit Pro are lacking wi-fi charging and the MagSafe compatibility discovered within the AirPods Pro 2.
Should I purchase AirPods within the Apple Store?
If you possibly can assist it, no: The numerous AirPods fashions sometimes promote for much less on-line at different retailers like Amazon and Walmart. Amazon, in the meantime, sometimes matches the bottom worth at different retailers. Generally, we would solely purchase AirPods on the Apple Store if we wish engraving, which is not out there elsewhere. That mentioned, if you happen to decide to enter an Apple Store for Apple offers, you need to ask about worth matching. While Apple does not appear to have any official coverage, it has been reported that it’ll provide as much as 10% worth matching. As an instance, that will be $25 off the AirPods Pro, which record for $249. That’s not a lot, but it surely’s value asking to see if you will get 10% off.
Does spatial audio sound totally different on totally different AirPods?
The quick reply is, not likely while you’re speaking about spatial audio with head monitoring for film and TV watching. While the AirPods Max provide the perfect sound general, utilizing the spatial audio digital sound characteristic is essentially the identical expertise on all of the AirPods that help it.