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Apple’s AirPods have been around for years now and the brand has consistently rereleased new iterations of its original buds. Whether it’s stellar noise cancellation you’re looking for or a comfortable, ergonomic fit, there’s an AirPod style out there that will suit you. But, with so many models on the market, it might be hard to decide which AirPods are worth your buck.
To make it easier, we’ve listed all the best AirPods models below, including who they would be best suited for.
Best AirPods Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Pair
Noise Cancelling: If you’re primarily looking for a pair of AirPods that features a noise-cancelling mode, you’ll need to get the AirPods Pro or the AirPods Max. As of right now, no other AirPods feature noise cancellation features.
Sound: In our experience, every pair of Apple AirPods boasts clear-sounding audio, even after months of usage. That said, the AirPods Pro deliver better bass, thanks to their “sealed” fit. Newer AirPods also feature Adaptive EQ, which the brand says adjusts the sound to the shape of your ear.
Fit: Newer AirPods are far better fitting than the original AirPods, especially if you’ve got smaller ears. The AirPods Pro, for example, come with three silicone ear tips, allowing you to find the right fit for your ears. Apple even uses an ear tip fit test for the AirPods Pro, allowing you to see for yourself which fit delivers the best sound for you. AirPods Max also have a comfortable, over-ear fit that can be adjusted to fully envelop your outer ear.
Battery Life: While all the AirPods feature decent battery lives, this category is won by the AirPods Max which offer up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge. In the earbud category, the newer AirPods 3rd Gen are the clear winner, boasting about six hours of battery life on a single charge — in comparison, the AirPods Pro hold about 4.5 hours of charge.
Sweat Resistance: Both the AirPods Pro and AirPods 3rd Gen feature an IPX4 rating, meaning you can wear them while you work out without damaging the components. The AirPods 3rd Gen take this a step further, now featuring a sweat-resistant case as well, meaning your wireless charging case can endure a few light splashes while you hit the gym.
Voice Assistance: Every pair of AirPods is compatible with Siri, which means you can say “Hey Siri” to access your notifications, make a call, send a text and more.
