Apple AirPods: A comprehensive buyer's guide for fall 2024

Apple

Buying Apple AirPods wireless earbuds can be confusing. There are three current models with similar names (and that look nearly identical), but each offers a different collection of features. And there’s a fourth model that looks nothing like the other three, with an over-the-ear (headphone) style.

If you’ve had your eye on Apple AirPods wireless earbuds or the AirPods Max headphones, but have no clue which model to purchase, we’ve got you covered. This comprehensive buyer’s guide highlights all of the AirPod earbud and headphone models currently available in 2024 and explains the key differences between each of them.

Quick guide to Apple AirPods models

Apple makes some of the best over-the-ear headphones and best headphones with spatial audio support you can buy. Apple currently offers four versions of the Apple AirPods. Your options include:

Pro Tip: Some retailers are still selling older versions of the Apple AirPods, including the AirPods (2nd Generation) and AirPods (3rd Generation). These have since been replaced by the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, so while they may be less expensive, the older versions lack the latest technologies offered by Apple’s current lineup of wireless earbuds.

Our top recommendation: Apple AirPods Pro 2

Out of the all the Apple AirPods options, this is the model we recommend the most highly. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 integrate more features that enable the earbuds to produce significantly better sound quality and overall performance. Don’t let the release date of these earbuds fool you. Apple continues to update their firmware to provide them with cutting-edge new features, as you’re about to discover.

With these earbuds, you get features like adaptive audio, pro-level active noise cancellation, a transparency mode, a conversation awareness feature and onboard touch controls. Other notable features include voice isolation, personalized volume, adaptive EQ and loud sound reduction. These AirPods are IP54 rated for dust, sweat and water resistance, so you can definitely wear them at the gym or while working out.

The pro-level active noise cancellation feature does a really good job drowning out (and often eliminating) ambient noise, even when you’re not listening to audio. When you are listening to music or audio that supports it, the ANC works in conjunction with the spatial audio (with dynamic head tracking) feature to deliver lossless audio with ultra-low latency. As a result, the high-fidelity audio these AirPods produce is far more immersive, robust, and lifelike than what’s offered by most other earbuds.

And thanks to the Adaptive Audio feature, Conversation mode and Transparency mode, you can retain some situational awareness or converse with people in the real world when needed. The audio you’re listening to and ANC will adapt automatically, allowing you to have a conversation with someone nearby, while ANC still works in the background to reduce unwanted loud noises. Meanwhile, these earbuds learn and adapt to your personal preferences when you’re using them in various environments. As a result, you’ll enjoy your customized audio options without having to tinker with the controls.

Another feature we like that’s built into the AirPods Pro 2 earbuds is the touch controls you can utilize by tapping or sliding your finger along the step of an earbud. Of course, you also get the seamless switching between Apple devices and access to Siri (and Apple’s latest AI functionality offered by Siri). Plus, you get the option to have Siri read incoming text messages or emails, or alert you of urgent app-specific notifications while you’re wearing these AirPods.

Out of the three AirPod models currently available, our recommendation is to choose the AirPods Pro 2. The good news is that while their suggested retail price is $249, we’ve seen them regularly on sale for $190.

Pro Tip: While their names are similar, the recently discontinued second-generation AirPods ($89) are vastly different than the Apple AirPods Pro 2, which are currently Apple’s top-of-the-line wireless earbuds. It’s the AirPods Pro 2 that we most highly recommend.

The AirPods Pro 2 can be used as over-the-counter hearing aids

This fall, Apple AirPods Pro 2 will receive a free firmware upgrade that will allow the earbuds to act as full-featured over-the-counter hearing aids for those with low to moderate hearing loss.

The feature requires you to connect the AirPods Pro 2 to an Apple iPhone first. You can then conduct a clinical-grade hearing test at home. In just a few minutes, your iPhone will be able to determine your level of hearing loss and automatically adjust the AirPods Pro 2 to function as personalized hearing aids. When you use the earbuds to participate in hands-free calls or listen to audio, the earbuds will automatically adapt to your hearing loss and your surroundings to provide audio at the ideal level for you.

Using the AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid feature, you can fine-tune and balance amplification and tone anytime, or allow the iPhone and AirPods to automatically make adjustments on your behalf, without you having to tinker with controls.

At the same time, the AirPods Pro 2 will offer a new hearing protection feature that will identify and muffle loud sounds in your environment. The earbuds will now analyze intermittent noise at 48,000 times per second and ensure the sounds in your environment are heard at a safe volume level.

All this makes the Apple AirPods Pro 2 a very attractive choice to those looking for a budget hearing aid, and for those who want a discreet hearing aid that doesn’t look like a hearing aid.

Best budget choice: Apple AirPods 4

Priced at $129, the AirPods 4 lack active noise cancellation and a transparency mode, features our in-house audio experts highly recommend.

These earbuds provide personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. This means that audio from TV shows and movies, as well as music and podcasts, will sound as if they’re happening all around you. This provides a far more immersive listening experience compared to generic stereo earbuds.

In addition to being able to control the AirPods 4 using the Apple equipment they’re paired with, such as your iPhone or Apple Watch, you can also use Siri voice commands or the integrated force sensors found in each earbud’s stem.

From the AirPods 4, you can expect up to five hours of listening time per charge. However, the charging case allows you to recharge the AirPods up to six times without needing an external power source. This gives you up to 30 hours of listening time. Thanks to the quick charge feature, just a five-minute charge provides an additional one hour of listening time or 45 minutes of talk time.

The case that comes with the Apple AirPods 4 does not support wireless charging. The AirPods themselves are IP54 rated for dust, sweat and water resistance. Other notable features include voice isolation and adaptive EQ. Each earbud is equipped with dual beamforming microphones and an inward-facing microphone. Together, these provide voice clarity when participating in hands-free phone calls or video calls.

Compared to the now discontinued AirPods (2nd Generation) and AirPods (3rd Generation), the AirPods 4 rely on the Apple H2 chip, instead of the older H1 chip. You also get personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking that was included with the AirPods (3rd Generation), but not the AirPods (2nd Generation). You can also expect a longer battery life — now up to 30 hours using the charging case, compared to 24 hours with the AirPods (2nd Generation). You also get an IP54 rating for dust, sweat and water resistance with the AirPods 4, which is something the AirPods (2nd Generation) did not offer. This IP rating has also been enhanced, compared to the AirPods (3rd Generation).

What’s lacking from the AirPods 4: This version of Apple’s AirPods lacks active noise cancellation and a wireless charging case. These are features found in the AirPods 4 with Active Noice Cancellation. Also missing from these earbuds are the over-the-counter hearing aid and hearing protection functions offered by the AirPods Pro 2.

Mid-priced option: Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

From the outside, the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation look identical. However, there are two key differences between these wireless earbud options.

First, the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation feature, you guessed it, active noise cancellation (ANC). This is a much-sought-after feature the regular AirPods 4 do not offer.

ANC allows the earbuds to digitally eliminate unwanted ambient sounds, so you can focus on the audio you want to hear. If you plan to use the earbuds in a noisy environment, we highly recommend earbuds with ANC.

Because these earbuds offer ANC, they’re also equipped with Adaptive Audio, a Transparency Mode and a Conversation Awareness feature. When needed, you can have situational awareness of your surroundings and communicate with people nearby without having to take the AirPods out of your ears or manually pause the audio that’s playing.

Second, the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation come with a wireless charging case. With this case, you can keep your AirPods powered for up to 30 hours without needing an external power source. In addition, being able to plug the case into a power source using a supplied USB Type-C cable, the case works with any Qi-compatible wireless charging pad or an Apple Watch charger.

For the difference in price between the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, this is the version we recommend if you can afford it. However, the AirPods Pro 2 continue to be our top pick.

What’s lacking from the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation: As Apple’s mid-priced AirPods option, this version of the earbuds lacks the over-the-counter hearing aid and hearing protection features offered by the AirPods Pro 2. The overall sound quality and performance is also not as good as what you can expect from Apple’s top-of-the-line earbuds.

Luxury over-the-ear pick: Apple AirPods Max headphones

Available in five colors, the AirPods Max are full-size, over-the-ear wireless headphones (not earbuds) that offer many of the features of the AirPods Pro 2, but improve on several of their functions to provide a wonderfully immersive listening experience.

Among the features that make these headphones stand out are their active noise cancellation, personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, adaptive EQ, their ability to generate high-fidelity audio and their onboard controls. You also get 40mm drivers that can produce even fuller-sounding audio than AirPods earbuds. However, these headphones are not sweat and water-resistant. The silicone rubber “smart case” that comes with them is designed to protect the headphone’s earcups only.

From a comfort standpoint, the AirPods Max feature cushioned earcups that form a seal around the ears using memory foam. You also get a lightweight headband that provides a snug fit for virtually any head size and shape. The frame of these headphones is built using durable stainless steel, while the outside of the earcups feature anodized aluminum. Just as with the AirPods earbuds, the AirPods Max can be controlled using options integrated into the operating system of the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and all Macs. Onboard the right earcup, there’s a digital crown that can be pressed or rotated to easily handle a variety of tasks, like answering a call or adjusting the volume of whatever audio you’re listening to.

Unlike other wireless, noise-canceling headphones on the market from other brands (which also work with your other Apple gear, including your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, MacBook and/or iMac), the AirPods Max do not have an on/off switch. Instead, they automatically turn on and pair with the Apple device you’re using as soon as you place them on your head. These headphones utilize Apple’s H1 headphone chip (not the H2) in each ear cup. On the bottom of the right earcup, the AirPods Max are now equipped with a USB Type-C port.

The AirPods Max are definitely premium-level headphones and their price reflects that (even when they’re on sale). What we like about these headphones is that Apple users get a variety of exclusive features, like auto-pairing with your other Apple gear and the ability to track the location of the headphones using Apple’s Find My service. Yes, the sound quality these headphones offers is really impressive — especially when you’re listening to content that supports Dolby Atmos or spatial audio. This, combined with the dynamic head tracking and active noise cancellation provide a high level of immersion that’s most obvious when watching movies or listening to certain highly-produced music.

The AirPods Max also do an impressive job when you’re using them for hands-free calling, video calls or when participating in virtual meetings. The headphones are equipped with a total of nine microphones. Since their release, Apple has provided multiple firmware updates so these headphones continue to provide a premium listening experience when used with any of Apple’s latest gear, such as an iPhone 16 smartphone or Apple Watch Series 10 smartwatch.

That said, the price of the AirPods Max is high, considering you can easily find equally high-end headphones from premium audio brands like Sony, Bose, Bang & Olufsen and Bowers & Wilkins that offer the same or even better overall sound quality and noise cancellation performance for equal or even slightly less money. These competitors lack the exclusive features offered to Apple users and not all support spatial audio with dynamic head tracking (although many of the latest models do). So, if you’re looking for premium quality headphones, we certainly recommend the AirPods Max, but you should consider some of your other options as well since what will work best for you is partially a matter of personal preference based on the headphones’ appearance and overall design.

Apple AirPods: Comprehensive 2024 buyer’s guide

When it comes to shopping for wireless earbuds, you have a ton of really good options from brands like Sony, Bose, Bang & Olufsen, Bowers & Wilkins, Beats, Jabra and countless others. However, only the Apple AirPods offer a collection of unique features and functions exclusively for Apple iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, MacBook and iMac users.

What all Apple AirPods have in common

Here’s a rundown of the features and functions all AirPods have in common:

They’re for listening to audio

First and foremost, AirPods are wireless and designed to provide a clear and robust audio listening experience, whether you’re enjoying music, podcasts, audiobooks, audio from TV shows or movies, sound from games, or any other type of audio content. Of course, all of the latest AirPods models work seamlessly with Apple Music.

Apple device compatibility

Unlike most wireless earbuds, you do not need a separate mobile app to manage AirPods. The ability to control them is built into the iOS, iPadOS, MacOS and WatchOS operating systems. As a result, you can listen to any audio generated from any iPhone, iPad, MacBook, iMac or Apple Watch without having to install any special drivers.

Siri and Apple Intelligence integration

All AirPod models support the Siri digital assistant when they’re paired with any iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, MacBook or iMac. This allows you to control your music and audio streaming using voice commands. You can also initiate hands-free calls, dictate text messages, issue Siri voice commands, or ask Siri questions while wearing at least one AirPod. All of the latest Apple Intelligence artificial intelligence functionality that’s accessible using Siri works with all current AirPod models.

Hands-Free calling

When at least one AirPod is in an ear and paired with your iPhone, you can participate in hands-free calls. However, when you’re participating in video calls or virtual meetings via any Apple computer or mobile device, wearing AirPods allows you to be heard more clearly and also hear everything that’s transpiring. If you’re in a noisy area, the AirPods will help to eliminate some (or all) of that ambient noise.

Automatic pairing and switching

Once you initially pair new AirPods with one of your Apple devices, they will then automatically pair with all of your other compatible Apple equipment. Then, as you switch between your Apple mobile devices and computers, your AirPods will automatically pair with whichever device you’re actively using.

Dust, sweat and water resistance

All AirPods earbuds are dust, sweat and water resistant. This does not mean you should drop them in water or wear them while you’re swimming, however. But if they happen to get wet, you won’t damage them. If you need to clean your AirPods (which is something we recommend you do occasionally), Apple’s website offers guidance about what types of cleaning materials you should use to avoid damaging the earbuds or their case. The AirPods Max headphones are not water resistant.

Bluetooth connectivity

All AirPods support Bluetooth wireless connectivity, so they can be paired with compatible Apple and non-Apple devices.

Locatable using Apple’s Find My service

If you accidentally misplace your AirPods or leave them behind, use the Find My service to quickly locate them. You can do this from any Apple device that has the Find My app installed, or visit the iCloud website using any web browser from any internet-connected computer, sign in using your Apple ID username and password and then select the Find My feature.

Charging case port

The AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and AirPods Pro 2 all come with a charging case that can plug into an external power source using a standard USB Type-C cable (which is included). However, you also get wireless charging capabilities with the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and AirPods Pro 2 cases. All current AirPods earbuds now support USB Type-C, as opposed to having a lightning port.

Meanwhile, the AirPods Max headphones are now equipped with a USB Type-C port, too. The version with a Lightning port for charging the headphones is no longer available.

More about wireless headphones and earbuds

To learn more about your other wireless headphone and earbud options, our in-house consumer technology and audio experts are here to help. Be sure to check out our coverage of the best spatial audio headphones and earbuds for 2024 and our roundup of the best over-the-ear noise-cancelling headphones.

Jason R. Rich

Jason R. Rich (www.JasonRich.com) is an internationally recognized consumer technology expert with more than 30 years’ writing experience. He’s also an accomplished author and photographer. One of his most recently published books, The Remote Worker’s Handbook: How to Effectively Work From Anywhere ($24.99, Entrepreneur Books) is now available from Amazon and wherever books are sold.