Apple AirPods: A comprehensive buyer's guide for 2024

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 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 for 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, as well as a few different charging case configurations available for some of them. Your options include:

• Most basic Apple AirPods: Apple AirPods (2nd gen) wireless earbuds, $99
• Upgraded AirPods with spatial audio: Apple AirPods (3rd gen) wireless earbuds, $165
• AirPods with active noise cancellation: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) with USB-C wireless earbuds, $200
• Over-the-ear AirPod headphones: Apple AirPods Max headphones, $480

Our top recommendation: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) earbuds

Release Date: 2022 | Battery Life: Up to 6 hours | Battery Life with Case: Up to 30 hours | Wireless Charging: Yes | Driver Size: 11mm | Quick Charge: 5 mins in case offers up to 1 hour additional listening/talk time | Charging Port on Case: USB Type-C | Water & Sweat Resistant: IP54 | Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking: Yes | Active Noise Cancellation: Yes | Adaptive Audio: Yes | Conversation Awareness: Yes | Earbud Dimensions: 1.22 x 0.86 x 0.94 inches | Earbud Weight: 0.19 ounces | Case Dimensions: 1.78 x 2.39 x 0.85 inches | Case Weight: 1.79 ounces | Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation), first released in 2022, are currently the top-of-the-line wireless earbuds in Apple's lineup. Out of the three options, this is the model we recommend the most highly, because they integrate more features that enable the earbuds to produce significantly better sound quality and overall performance. Its wireless charge case supports USB-C charging, a new-for-2023 change.

With these earbuds, you get additional features like adaptive audio, active noise cancellation, a transparency mode, a conversation awareness feature and onboard touch controls. These AirPods use Apple's next generation H2 headphone chip. The dust, sweat and waterproof rating of the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) has been enhanced to IP54, which makes them a bit more durable for those looking for earbuds for the gym.

The most impressive feature added to this AirPods model is the active noise cancellation. This 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 produces is far more immersive, robust, and lifelike. 

Compared to the original AirPods Pro, these offer twice the level of active noise cancellation. And thanks to the Adaptive Audio feature and Transparency mode, you can retain some situational awareness or converse with people in the real world when needed. When you're wearing these earbuds and activate Transparency or Conversation Awareness mode to have a conversation with someone nearby, the 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 as much.

Another feature we really like that's built into the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) earbuds are 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. However, you also 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 (2nd generation). The good news is that while their suggested retail price is $249, we've seen them regularly on sale for $200.

Best budget choice: Apple AirPods (2nd gen) earbuds

Release Date: 2019 | Battery Life: Up to 5 hours | Battery Life with Case: Up to 24 hours | Wireless Charging: Yes | Driver Size: 11mm | Quick Charge: 15 mins in case offers up to 3 hours additional listening time | Charging Port on Case: Lightning | Water & Sweat Resistant: No | Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking: No | Active Noise Cancellation: No | Adaptive Audio: No | Conversation Awareness: No | Earbud Dimensions: 1.59 x 0.65 x 0.71 inches | Earbud Weight: 0.14 ounces | Case Dimensions: 2.11 x 1.74 x 0.84 inches | Case Weight: 1.35 ounces | Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0

These wireless earbuds offer longer battery life than the original generation, along with Siri support. They take advantage of Apple's H1 headphone chip. This allows them to pair with your other Apple gear with ease and then switch between devices, based on the equipment you're currently using. You also get a wireless charging case. If the earbuds or case get misplaced, you can track them using Apple's Find My service.

Out of all the AirPod models currently available, these are the least expensive. They also lack many of the features of newer models, however. They are not sweat and water resistant, they don't offer active noise cancellation (ANC) and they lack spatial audio with dynamic head tracking.

The dual beamforming microphones allow for hands-free calls, but other Apple AirPods models will offer clearer conversations. Unless you're on a very tight budget, we recommend spending a little extra for an upgraded AirPods model.

Upgraded with spatial audio: Apple AirPods (3rd gen) earbuds

Release Date: 2021 | Battery Life: Up to 6 hours | Battery Life with Case: Up to 30 hours | Wireless Charging: Yes | Driver Size: 11mm | Quick Charge: 15 mins in case offers up to 3 hours additional listening time | Charging Port on Case: Lightning | Water & Sweat Resistant: Yes | Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking: Yes | Active Noise Cancellation: No | Adaptive Audio: No | Conversation Awareness: No  | Earbud Dimensions: 1.21 x 0.72 x 0.76 inches | Earbud Weight: 0.15 ounces | Case Dimensions: 1.83 x 2.14 x 1.34 inches | Case Weight: 1.34 ounces | Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0

Currently, the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) represent the mid-priced wireless earbuds in Apple's lineup. They offer a more robust collection of features than the 2nd Generation model, but lack key features that make the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) the superior option.

These 3rd generation AirPods offer Adaptive EQ and a longer battery life than the 2nd generation AirPod. They're IPX4 rated for sweat and water resistance. With these earbuds, you also gain additional onboard controls accessible using a series of taps directly on the earbuds.

For someone who doesn't want to splurge on the AirPods Pro (2nd generation), these offer a nice collection of features, as well as good sound quality. Like all AirPods, the ability to control them is built into the iOS, iPadOS, MacOS and WatchOS operating systems, with quick access to controls available from the Control Center. 

Between the 2nd and 3rd generation, you're picking up a slightly longer battery life, sweat and water resistance and spatial audio support, which are three features most users will appreciate.

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

Release Date: 2020 | Battery Life: Up to 20 hours | Wireless Charging: No | Driver Size: 40mm | Quick Charge: 5 mins in case offers up to 1.5 hour additional listening time | Water & Sweat Resistant: No | Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking: Yes | Active Noise Cancellation: Yes | Adaptive Audio: No | Conversation Awareness: No | Headphone Dimensions: 7.37 x 6.64 x 3.28 inches | Headphone Weight: 13.6 ounces | Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0

Available in five colors, the AirPods Max are full-size, over-the-ear wireless headphones (not earbuds) that offer all of the features of the AirPods Pro (2nd generation), 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 are able to 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 cancelling 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 equipped with a Lightning port for charging (not USB Type-C).

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. In fact, the headphones are equipped with a total of nine microphones.

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 to). 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.

What you should know about the AirPods earbud charging cases

Originally, all of the AirPods earbuds came with a charging case that needed to be plugged in and charged using a Lightning port cable. For some of the more recently released models, Apple has made the switch to wireless charging cases that support MagSafe, Qi wireless charging and USB Type-C. These cases can also be recharged using an Apple Watch charging pad.

Apple AirPods accessories

If you head over to Amazon and within the Search field enter "AirPods Accessories," you'll discover a variety of non-Apple products designed to work with the popular earbuds. Some of the more practical accessories include ear hooks, a wireless transmitter that allows you to use your AirPods with an airplane's seat back entertainment system, and multi-device charging pads that will allow you to recharge your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods at the same time while reducing cable clutter. There are also protective outer skins for the AirPods charging cases.

eLago Ear Hooks for AirPods

These adjustable ear hooks slide onto the stems of your AirPods and than wrap around your outer ear to hold them more firmly in place when you're engaged in physical activities or workouts. 

This accessory offers an inexpensive way to keep the earbuds from accidentally sliding out of your ears while you're outside running and sweat makes them more slippery.

The design of these ear hooks allows them to be custom fitted around your ears in seconds, yet the material they're made from ensures ongoing comfort even during extended listening sessions.

Twelve South AirFly Pro

If you're a frequent flier on commercial airlines, the Twelve South AirFly Pro is a small device that plugs into the 3.5mm headphone jack built into your airplane seat's armrest or seat back entertainment system. 

Once turned on and plugged it, it allows you to wirelessly pair your AirPods with the airline's entertainment system, so you can listen to audio from movies or video programming provided by the airline. 

Using this device allows you can take advantage of the noise cancellation feature that's built into the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) from your airplane seat and not have to deal with an annoying cable.

This device can also be used to wirelessly pair two sets of AirPods to a single iPhone or iPad. Plus, it works with the 3.5mm headphone jack that's built into some exercise equipment found in gyms. 

Once fully charged, the rechargeable battery within the AirFly Pro will keep it functioning for up to 25 hours.

Bellroy AirPods Leather Jacket

Dress up your AirPods case in style with this form-fitting, leather "jacket." 

It's available in five colors, comes with a 0.51-foot cord lanyard and is constructed from smooth, eco-tanned leather. 

Bellroy offers AirPod jackets for the AirPods 3rd Generation and AirPods Pro (2nd Generation), so be sure to choose the right version, since it's tailored to provide a precise fit.

Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger

If you're an Apple iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPod user, there are a variety of 3-in-1 wireless charging stands that allow you to recharge all three of your devices using a single power outlet. 

One of your options is this Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger that can easily be set on any flat surface, such as a desk or nightstand.

Because this charging stand uses Qi-enabled wireless charging pads, it can also be used with other smartphone models. This is a convenient way to keep your Apple devices charged while virtually eliminating cable clutter.

We particularly like this Belkin 3-in-1 charger because it offers a sleek and modern design. It's also well constructed. And while an Apple Watch is charging, it's kept sideways, so you can take advantage of the watch's Nightstand Mode.

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

Before we delve into what sets each Apple AirPods model apart, here's a rundown of the features and functions they all have in common:

They're for listening to audio

First and foremost, AirPods are wireless earbuds 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.

When you purchase a new pair of AirPods, Apple includes a free six month subscription to Apple Music. This gives you on-demand access to more than 100 million songs -- without having to hear ads. With Apple Music, you can listen to your favorite songs or playlists online or offline. Plus, any of the songs that were produced using Dolby Atmos will sound incredible when you take advantage of the spatial audio feature built into the AirPods 3rd Generation and AirPods Pro (2nd Generation).

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 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.

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 of that ambient noise.

Automatic pairing and switching

Once you initially pair new AirPods with one of your Apple devices, the earbuds 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

With the exception of the AirPods 2nd Generation earbuds and AirPods Max headphones, the other AirPods models are sweat and water resistant. The AirPods Pro, however, offer a higher IP rating, which means they're even more resistant to dust, water and sweat. 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.

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.

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 11 best spatial audio headphones and earbuds for 2024 and our roundup of the  best over-the-ear noise cancelling headphones.