Whether you want to keep your music tastes to yourself or block out the world, you need a good pair of headphones. And with Apple’s smarts in audio, it sure makes good headphones.
Right now, there are four types of AirPods to choose from. This round-up explores them all, to help you make the best choice.
AirPods 4
$129/£129 • spatial audio • dust and water resistant • up to 5 hrs listening time • USB-C charging case / Last updated: September 2024
Best for: entry level Apple earbuds
Apple revolutionized the game with the AirPods in 2016. Gone were iPod-era white cables, replaced by now-familiar white stems. But with the AirPods 4 in 2024, the original design – also used for the 2nd-gen AirPods – was consigned to history. However, the price stayed put, matching that of the 2nd-gen AirPods, despite you getting plenty of 3rd-gen (and better) tech.
Like all AirPods, these quickly pair with and switch between devices. The H2 chip is performant. You can bark voice commands at Siri. New controls are a major step up from the 2nd-gen AirPods, with a range of gestures for controlling playback and actions. Sound quality is noticeably improved.
That’s not all. Despite being entry level, the AirPods 4 net you dust and water resistance, spatial audio, adaptive EQ, improved mics and a vent system to avoid that plugged-up feeling – although no USB-C cable in the box. That minor gripe aside, they’re a solid buy.
Pros: affordable, performant
Cons: relatively basic, no wireless charging
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
$179/£179 • spatial audio • active noise cancellation • transparency mode • dust and water resistant • up to 5 hrs listening time • wireless USB-C charging case / Last updated: September 2024
Best for: a taste of AirPods Pro at a lower price
This awkwardly named 2024 release effectively replaces the 3rd-gen AirPods in the line-up. And like those AirPods, it’s a case of inheriting valuable tech from the AirPods Pro. Most notably, that means the active noice cancellation that’s in the name, making these AirPods useful in noisy environments – even when you’re not playing anything.
For added versatility, Apple’s adaptive audio tech dynamically adjusts how much background noise seeps in, keeping you aware of your surroundings without compromising your listening experience. And conversational awareness automatically lowers volume and reduces background noise when you need to talk to someone.
Roll in the wireless charging case, and you’ve a compelling argument for upgrading from the standard AirPods 4, if you often use your AirPods in noisy surroundings. That said, do be mindful this tech when enabled can knock battery life – down from five hours to around four on a single charge, which is a pity.
Pros: enhanced listening experience, wireless charging case
Cons: no volume control on the AirPods, battery life could be better
AirPods Pro 2nd generation
$249/£229 • spatial audio • active noise cancellation (pro) • transparency mode • dust and water resistant • 6 hrs listening time • MagSafe USB-C charging case / Last updated: September 2022
Best for: the best earbuds Apple has to offer
As ever, ‘Pro’ here doesn’t mean ‘for professionals’ – just that this is Apple’s top-of-the-line offering. There’s more in the box. This time, even though the MagSafe case is wireless, you do get a USB-C cable; but, more importantly, you get a set of in-ear silicon tips. This means the fit of these AirPods is more likely to be better for any ear shape and less likely to require occasional adjustment. That makes the audio tech more effective.
Speaking of audio, although the AirPods 4 now come with active noise cancellation, it still doesn’t match what you get in these two-year-old Pros. But also, battery life is up to two hours longer here when the tech is enabled. If you use your AirPods very often, that alone might make you consider the upgrade. Less impressive is the gestural volume control swipe, although it’s a nice to have if you can get it to work without your AirPod falling out of your ear.
Pros: superior audio, volume control, comfy
Cons: quite pricey
AirPods Max
$549/£499 • spatial audio • active noise cancellation • transparency mode • up to 20 hrs listening time • USB-C charging / Last meaningfully updated: December 2020 – colors updated September 2024
Best for: if you absolutely have to have Apple cans
Apple’s over-ear AirPods share strengths with their earbud cousins: seamless device sync; great noise cancellation; impressive audio quality. The rich soundstage has made these AirPods a firm favorite with music and movie aficionados since their 2020 launch.
But there are trade-offs with their design. Physical controls – a volume knob; a noise-cancellation button – are welcome, and the headphones are sturdy and comfortable. But they are heavy and make your ears sweat during extended use. The lack of a true power-off is a pain, and the bra-like carrying case feels like a prank.
They’ve also not been updated since 2020, apart from USB-C charging and new colors in 2024. So they even lack the H2 chip that’s found in Apple’s cheapest AirPods.
Apple would doubtless argue their sound quality remains unmatched, but there are more affordable yet premium options in this space – Sony’s WH-1000XM5 and Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra, for example – even if they lack such deep integration with Apple’s devices.
Pros: quality audio experience
Cons: bulky, overpriced, increasingly dated tech
TL;DR
Still undecided? Here’s a lightning-fast comparison regarding what to buy:
- Get the AirPods 4 if you’re on a budget but crave wireless Apple earbuds
- Buy the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation for a superior audio experience and a wireless charging case
- Go for the 2nd-gen AirPods Pro for the very best current wireless Apple earbuds and a superior fit from the silicone ear tips
- And only buy the AirPods Max if you want a pair of wireless cans that have to be Apple-branded