The best AirPods of 2024

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Apple's AirPods are among the most popular wireless headphones on the market thanks to their solid audio quality, easy pairing with iPhones, and sleek designs. But with four different models to choose from, picking the best AirPods for your needs can be tricky. That's why we've tested the entire lineup to break down the strengths and weaknesses of each option. 

The best Apple AirPods for most people are the AirPods Pro (2nd generation), which offer active noise cancelation (ANC) and a case that charges wirelessly or using a USB-C cable. Buyers on a budget might prefer the standard AirPods (2nd generation), which lack ANC but still have many of the same core features for a lot less money.

Below, you can find details on all the pros and cons of every AirPods model that Apple sells, including its premium over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max. 

Our top picks for the best AirPods

Best overall: AirPods Pro (2nd generation) - See at Amazon

Best for casual users: AirPods (3rd generation) - See at Amazon

Best on a budget: AirPods (2nd generation) - See at Amazon

Best for audiophiles: AirPods Max - See at Amazon

Best overall

The second-generation AirPods Pro are Apple's flagship wireless earbuds. These are the best AirPods to buy if you want great sound quality and active noise cancelation in a compact design.

Offering a nice step up from the first-gen model, the latest AirPods Pro use a new custom driver that delivers a big improvement in audio performance. Sound is noticeably richer than what we heard on the original AirPods Pro, which offered a more hollow and distant quality. 

These are also the first AirPods to use the new H2 processing chip, which Apple claims can deliver twice as powerful noise-canceling as the H1 chip housed in the first-generation AirPods Pro. Good noise canceling isn't just useful during a commute or while traveling. It's a key feature for blocking out distracting noise during day-to-day tasks, like working at a desk.

Though ANC is one of the reasons the AirPods Pro cost more than other Apple earbuds, we think it's worth splurging for. The AirPods Pro also have an excellent transparency mode, which uses microphones to let in outside noises when you want to stay aware of your surroundings. However, the AirPods Pro can't quite match the overall noise-canceling performance of some competing earbuds we've tested from other brands, like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. But if you're set on sticking with the Apple brand, these are your best bet. 

The second-gen AirPods Pro also have a secure in-ear design, which makes them the best AirPods for people who've had issues with other Apple headphones staying in their ears. This model fits more snugly than regular AirPods, thanks to customizable tips that go deeper into your ear. And unlike standard AirPods, the case included with the latest AirPods Pro is now dust-resistant, in addition to water- and sweat-proof. 

Note: The AirPods Pro are available with either a Lightning or USB-C charging case. Since USB-C is the more universal charging standard, we recommend that edition as our top pick.

Read our full Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) review.

Check out our guides to the best AirPods Pro cases and best wireless earbuds.

Best for casual users

Apple's third-generation AirPods are an excellent alternative to the AirPods Pro if you want a less expensive pair of earbuds. And unless you're on an especially tight budget, we think they're worth the extra money over their cheaper second-generation counterparts. 

This model includes many of the same premium audio features found on the AirPods Pro, like Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking. That latter option can give the impression that music is coming from all around you. However, not everyone likes the resulting surround sound effect, so it's good that this feature can be easily toggled off.

But while the third-gen AirPods don't sound quite as good as the AirPods Pro, they do have higher quality drivers and amplifiers than the second-gen AirPods. They have a contoured design and shorter stems as well, which makes them look more like the AirPods Pro. However, they don't include active noise canceling, so you still have to pay extra for the more expensive AirPods Pro if you want that feature. 

In your ears, the third-gen AirPods fit a lot like the second-gen AirPods. They have a semi-open build that rests by the opening of your ear canal, rather than using an in-ear design like the AirPods Pro. f you've had problems with past AirPods falling out, the third-gen AirPods won't be any better.

However, some people prefer this kind of looser fit since it doesn't plug your ears and still lets you hear your surroundings. All things considered, we recommend these as the best Apple AirPods to get for casual listeners who want good audio quality but don't care about ANC.

Read our full Apple AirPods (3rd generation) review.

Best on a budget

Apple's second-generation AirPods aren't as advanced as the brand's more expensive offerings. You won't find perks like noise cancelation, spatial audio, or water resistance here. However, the second-gen AirPods still retain all the core features AirPods are known for — like quick pairing with iOS devices and automatic playing and pausing — in a more budget-friendly package. 

When it comes to sound quality, the second-gen AirPods sound decent, but they're not on par with Apple's pricier earbuds. While they get the job done for basic needs, they aren't a good fit for enthusiasts who want the best audio performance when listening to music. 

Like the third-gen AirPods, this second-gen model has a semi-open fit. Rather than creating a true seal in your ear, they rest more loosely at the opening of your ear canal, which keeps your ears from feeling plugged. While this style is great for hearing your surroundings, it hurts sound isolation and can make these AirPods hard to stay in place when paired with certain ear shapes. 

The second-gen AirPods have longer stems than their third-gen and Pro counterparts. This makes them look like Apple just snipped the wires off its wired EarPods headphones. It's not a bad look — they have become iconic — but it's not as sleek as the shorter stems on Apple's other models.

Generally, we think most people are better off paying more for the third-gen AirPods or AirPods Pro, but this second-gen model remains a solid budget option, especially when it goes on sale for under $100. 

Read our full Apple AirPods (2nd generation) review.

Best for audiophiles

The AirPods Max deliver first-rate audio performance and noise cancelation, all wrapped in an elegant package. Unlike Apple's other AirPods, which are all earbuds, the AirPods Max uses a larger over-ear headphone design. This makes them better suited for people who prioritize high-end audio quality and want a pair of headphones that make a statement when worn in public. 

The AirPods Max use Apple-designed drivers and 10 audio cores for delivering computational audio and adaptive EQ, which allows the headphones to adjust their sound based on the fit of the ear cups. Like the AirPods Pro, the AirPods Max also support spatial audio and other features like quick-pairing. 

During our tests, the AirPods Max sounded significantly crisper, bolder, and louder than the Bose Noise Canceling 700 headphones. They also outperformed the Sony WH-1000XM4, although Sony's headphones came impressively close. 

The AirPods Max also deliver when it comes to noise cancelation. When we sat underneath an elevated subway that runs above a very busy street, the AirPods Max significantly dulled the sound of the train screeching to a halt and nearby traffic. They're not the absolute best noise-canceling headphones we've tested, but they work incredibly well.  

The downside is that the included case doesn't charge the AirPods Max. Instead, it puts them in low-power mode. It's also less of a traditional case and more of a wrap. Check out our guide to the best AirPods Max accessories to see our recommendations for more heavy-duty protective cases you can buy. 

There's no doubt that the AirPods Max are excellent, but their high price makes them inaccessible to many people. However, if you're an Apple loyalist who prioritizes top-notch audio with an over-ear design — and are willing to splurge for it  — the AirPods Max are the best Apple AirPods to get. 

Read our full Apple AirPods Max review.

Check out our guide to the best over-ear headphones.

How we test AirPods

To compare the best Apple AirPods we evaluated various performance elements, including design, fit, sound quality, extra features, and ease of use. To test sound quality we listen to an assortment of tracks across genres and from various sources, including many of the best music streaming services. For AirPods that support spatial audio, we also listen to Dolby Atmos tracks.

Likewise, if an AirPods model supports noise-cancelation, we evaluate that feature in a real-world noisy environment near heavy traffic outside, noting how well the feature is able to reduce ambient sounds. We also sample transparency modes to see how well the AirPods are able to let in surrounding noise in a natural way.

For this guide, we focused on how each AirPods model compares to other AirPods in order to determine each options strengths and weaknesses within Apple's headphones lineup. 

FAQs

When will Apple release new AirPods?

Apple's standard AirPods are now in their third generation, the AirPods Pro are in their second generation, and the AirPods Max are still in their first generation. The release cycle for AirPods isn't as easy to predict as the iPhone's, but here's what we know based on reliable reports. 

• AirPods: Apple's third-generation AirPods launched in October 2021 and rumors indicate that an updated fourth-generation model could be released this fall. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that there could actually be two new fourth-gen models. Both are rumored to have USB-C cases and improved designs, while the more expensive option could include noise cancelation.
• AirPods Pro: Apple released the second-generation AirPods Pro in September 2022, so we don't anticipate a new model soon. In 2023 Apple re-released the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with a new case but made no updates to the earbuds themselves. Keep in mind that the original AirPods Pro were released in 2019, giving them a three-year life cycle. We might have to wait a similar amount of time for a new AirPods Pro model, meaning they'd drop in 2025.
• AirPods Max: Apple released the AirPods Max in December 2020, and we haven't heard any official news about when a successor will launch. But some industry insiders, including Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, have reported that an updated Max model with USB-C charging could launch in 2024. We don't know whether this new model will just be a refresh of the original or an entirely new AirPods Max successor.

What are the top AirPods alternatives?

Apple's AirPods are popular headphones, but they're not suited for all needs. This is especially true if you plan to use your earbuds primarily with an Android phone or PC. Thankfully, there are many brands that sell headphones with similar features as the AirPods while being less rigidly tied to the Apple ecosystem. Check out our guide to the best AirPods alternatives for our top picks. 

Best overall: AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

Pros: Best sounding Apple earbuds, excellent noise canceling, Adaptive Transparency Mode blocks sudden loud noises, most universal fit, water resistant

Cons: Only average battery life

The second-gen AirPods Pro are Apple's flagship wireless earbuds. These are the best Apple AirPods to buy if you're seeking superior sound quality and noise cancellation in a compact design.

The second-gen AirPods Pro easily offer the best sound quality out of all of Apple's earbuds. A new custom driver results in a big improvement with a noticeably richer sound over the original AirPods Pro, which always sounded hollow and distant.

These are the first AirPods to use the new H2 processing chip, which Apple claims can deliver twice as powerful noise-canceling as the H1 chip housed in the first-generation AirPods Pro. Good noise canceling isn't just useful during a commute or while traveling — it's a key feature when simply working at a desk to hush distracting noise. It's the kind of feature worth spending on if your budget allows it.

The second-gen AirPods Pro also have a secure in-ear tip design, which makes them the best AirPods for people who have experienced issues with other Apple earbuds staying in their ears. The second-gen AirPods Pro fit more securely than regular AirPods thanks to the customizable tips that go deeper into your ear.

Note: The AirPods Pro are available with either a Lightning or USB-C charging case. Since Apple has made the switch to USB-C for its other products, we recommend the USB-C version.

Read our full Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) review.

Best for casual users: AirPods (3rd generation)

Pros: Good sound quality, includes premium audio features, sleek design similar to AirPods Pro, water resistant

Cons: May not fit all ears, only average battery life, no ANC

Unless you're on a tight budget, Apple's third-generation AirPods are worth the extra money over the second-gen AirPods. 

They include many of the premium audio features found on the AirPods Pro, like Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio, which gives the impression that music is coming from around you (in stereo) rather than directly into your ears.

Not everyone likes the surround sound aspect of Personalized Spatial Audio, so it's good that it's only an option. What can't be denied is that the third-gen AirPods have higher quality drivers and amplifiers than the second-gen AirPods for better sound quality. 

The third-generation AirPods have a contoured design and shorter stems as well, which makes them look more like the AirPods Pro. However, they don't include noise canceling, so you still have to step up to the more expensive AirPods Pro if you want that feature. 

In your ears, the third-gen AirPods fit a lot like the second-gen AirPods, and they lack the in-ear tip design of the AirPods Pro. If you've had issues with AirPods staying in your ears, the third-gen AirPods won't help. However, if the fit isn't an issue, these are the best AirPods to get for listeners who want good audio quality but don't care about ANC.

Read our full Apple AirPods (3rd generation) review.

Best budget: AirPods (2nd generation)

Pros: Convenient pairing features, lightweight design, hands-free Siri access, quick device switching

Cons: May not fit all ears, audio quality is lacking, only average battery life, not water resistant, no ANC

Apple's second-generation AirPods package all the core features — like quick pairing with iOS devices and automatic playing and pausing — in a more affordable set of wireless headphones. 

However, the audio quality is only decent and not on par with Apple's pricier earbuds. These are the best AirPods for people who primarily listen to podcasts and other voice-based audio rather than music. They're also a good choice if you'd rather sacrifice features like noise cancellation, spatial audio, and water resistance to save a few bucks.

The second-gen AirPods have longer stems than the third-gen AirPods and AirPods Pro. This essentially makes them look like Apple just snipped the wires off its wired EarPods headphones. It's not a bad look — they have become iconic — but it's not as sleek as the shorter stems on Apple's other models.

The second-gen AirPods have Apple's standard earbuds fit that works fine for many, but for some, they're impossible to keep in their ears. If you've ever had issues with AirPods fitting, you're better off looking elsewhere.

Read our full Apple AirPods (2nd generation) review.

Best for audiophiles: AirPods Max

Pros: Top-notch audio quality, noise cancellation, premium design, comfortable fit, long battery life

Cons: Expensive, no charging case, included case doesn't protect entire headset, no input options or included cables for other audio connections

The AirPods Max deliver first-rate audio performance and noise cancellation, all wrapped in an elegant design. 

The biggest difference you'll notice between the AirPods Max and Apple's other AirPods is the over-ear design. That alone suggests these headphones are designed for people who care more about audio quality than the average person and also want a pair of headphones that make a statement when worn in public. 

The AirPods Max come with an Apple-designed driver and 10 audio cores for delivering computational audio and adaptive EQ, which allows the headphones to adjust their sound based on the fit of the ear cups. Like the AirPods Pro, the AirPods Max also support spatial audio and other features like quick-pairing. 

Our testing found that the AirPods Max sound significantly crisper, bolder, and louder than the $379 Bose Noise Canceling 700 headphones. They also outperformed the $350 Sony WH-1000XM4, although Sony's headphones came impressively close. 

The AirPods Max also deliver when it comes to noise cancellation. When we sat underneath an elevated subway that runs above a very busy street, the AirPods Max were able to significantly dull the sound of the train screeching to a halt and nearby traffic.  

The downside is that the included case doesn't charge the AirPods Max. Instead, it puts them in low-power mode.

There's no doubt that the AirPods Max are excellent, but their price makes them inaccessible to many people. If you're an Apple loyalist who cares about having top-notch audio and prefers over-ear designs — and are willing to splurge for it  — the AirPods Max are the best Apple AirPods to get. 

Read our full Apple AirPods Max review.

When will Apple release new AirPods?

Apple's standard AirPods are now in their third generation, the AirPods Pro are in their second generation, and the AirPods Max are still in their first generation. The release cycle for AirPods isn't as easy to predict as the iPhone's, but here's what we know based on reliable reports. 

• AirPods: Apple's third-generation AirPods launched in October 2021, and we don't expect a new model anytime soon. We haven't seen reliable reports that Apple is planning to release a successor.
• AirPods Pro: Apple released the second-generation AirPods Pro in September 2022, so we don't anticipate a new model anytime soon. In 2023 Apple re-released the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with a new case but made no updates to the earbuds themselves. Keep in mind that the original AirPods Pro were released in 2019, giving them a three-year life cycle — we might have to wait a similar amount of time for a new AirPods Pro model, meaning they'd drop in 2025.
• AirPods Max: Apple released the AirPods Max in December 2020, and we haven't heard any official news about when a successor will launch. But some industry insiders, including Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, have reported that an updated Max model with USB-C charging could launch in 2024. We don't know whether this new model will just be a refresh of the original or an entirely new AirPods Max successor.
• Moving from Lightning to USB-C: Although there may not be any new AirPods on the horizon, Apple is making changes to the AirPods' cases. Like the iPhone 15 and iPad Pro, new AirPods Pro models charge using a standard USB-C cable instead of an older Lightning cable. So far, the AirPods Pro are the only AirPods to see this change, but expect more to transition in the future.