Best AirPods to Buy in 2024: Find the model that fits your needs
In 2024, Apple unveiled two new AirPods models: the AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods 4 are a significant departure from previous generations, featuring an open-ear design that offers exceptional comfort and a more natural listening experience. They boast improved sound quality, longer battery life, and a sleek, modern design.
The AirPods Pro 2, on the other hand, build upon the success of their predecessor, offering a refined design with shorter stems and a more secure fit. They are powered by the new H2 chip, which delivers superior audio quality, advanced active noise cancellation, and adaptive transparency. Additionally, the AirPods Pro 2 feature a personalized spatial audio experience, creating an immersive listening environment.
Alongside the AirPods Max that Apple is yet to upgrade, the following are some of the best wireless earbuds you can purchase if you own an Apple device.
The best AirPods at a glance:
- Apple AirPods Pro 2: Best overall
- Apple AirPods 4: Best option for most
- Apple AirPods Max: Best for audiophiles
Also read:
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Best overall
Make sure you check out our article about how to spot fake AirPods Pro.
AirPods Pro 2 earbuds | Image by PhoneArena.
The AirPods Pro 2 are arguably the best earbuds recommendation for iPhone users. They come with amazing sound that is clean and wide, allowing for better separation of vocals and instruments, and there there is a pinch of bass sprinkled. What makes them truly special, however, is their superb active noise cancellation, which is probably the best we have tested so far on a pair of earbuds.
One of the biggest upgrades we noticed in our review is without a doubt the option to adjust your volume with just your touch. This was a feature that was painfully lacking from the previous generation, and in AirPods in general, so we are happy it's finally here with the 2nd generation of the AirPods Pro.
The case of the AirPods Pro 2 has also been upgraded to now feature a metal lanyard loop and its own speaker that can alert you when the battery is low, or help you find the case via the Find My app. Additionally, the case can now magnetically snap to MagSafe chargers, just like every iPhone since 2020.
Read More: Apple AirPods Pro 2 review
Apple AirPods 4 ANC
The go-to AirPods for most
AirPods 4 earbuds | Image by PhoneArena.
The AirPods 4 (ANC) are a comfortable, non-in-ear alternative in the Apple lineup, priced at $179. They offer good sound quality with solid bass and decent Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for low-frequency sounds, though they were less effective on higher frequencies compared to AirPods Pro in our experience.
The adaptive EQ and Spatial Audio add an immersive experience, and the compact case now supports USB-C and wireless charging. Perfect for Apple ecosystem users seeking casual listening without the in-ear feel, though not ideal for audiophiles or heavy ANC needs.
Apple also sells a version of the AirPods 4 without active noise cancellation, which cost $129. Quite inexpensive, and still with all the other benefits of the new generation and a great way to save some cash if you don't like or need ANC.
Read More:Apple AirPods Pro 4 ANC review
Apple AirPods Max
Best for audiophiles
AirPods Max headphones | Image by PhoneArena.
When Apple first announced the AirPods Max there were riots on the streets. People dug up their pitchforks, lit up the torches, and went berserk. Joks aside, the $550 price tag that Apple slapped on the AirPods Max was a bit of a worry.
Fortunately, after the reviews started to come in, people realized that there’s substance behind the high asking price. For starters, the design and build quality of the AirPods Max is amazing. They are elegant, clean, simplistic — very, very Apple-looking all around. These headphones are also made of metal, and while a bit on the heavy side because of that fact, they’re very comfortable.
Fortunately, after the reviews started to come in, people realized that there’s substance behind the high asking price. For starters, the design and build quality of the AirPods Max is amazing. They are elegant, clean, simplistic — very, very Apple-looking all around. These headphones are also made of metal, and while a bit on the heavy side because of that fact, they’re very comfortable.
The mesh canopy on the headband is luxuriously soft, providing gentle support on the top of your head, while the ear cushions wrap around your ears like a plush pillow.
The AirPods Max offer a truly pristine, detailed listening experience, even after so many years. Every instrument, subtle reverb, delicate pluck, and even minor production imperfections come through with clarity, allowing you to appreciate the music in all its nuanced layers—perfect for discerning ears that love those subtle details.
The battery life is decent maxing out at around 18-20 hours, and you also get other bells and whistles such as Spatial Audio, easy switching between paired devices, a magnetic carrying case, and more. Whether or not all these perks justify the $550 price in 2024 is up to you to decide. Our take is that they still are.
Despite the fact that the AirPods Max are still pretty awesome, we were disappointed to see only some new colors and USB-C as upgrades for 2024. Everyone expected Apple to announce the second generation of its most premium headphones, but we are still waiting for that to happen.
What is the difference between AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2?
The AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 are distinct in several ways. Design-wise, the AirPods 4 opt for an open-ear style, similar to traditional earbuds, while the AirPods Pro 2 embrace an in-ear design with silicone tips for a more secure fit. This design difference directly impacts sound isolation and noise cancellation.
The AirPods Pro 2 excel in noise cancellation, thanks to their active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. This feature effectively blocks out background noise, providing a more immersive listening experience. In contrast, the AirPods 4 lack ANC, making them less suitable for noisy environments.
In terms of sound quality, the AirPods Pro 2 generally offer superior performance, delivering richer bass and more detailed sound. This is attributed to their advanced audio drivers and spatial audio capabilities. While the AirPods 4 provide decent sound for everyday use, they may not match the audio fidelity of the Pro 2.
Beyond core features, the AirPods Pro 2 boast additional functionalities like adaptive transparency, which allows you to hear your surroundings while still enjoying noise reduction, and personalized spatial audio, which creates a more immersive listening experience.
Battery life is another factor to consider. The AirPods Pro 2 offer slightly longer battery life compared to the AirPods 4.
Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize the best possible sound quality and noise cancellation, the AirPods Pro 2 are the superior choice. However, if you prefer an open-ear design and don't require ANC, the AirPods 4 may be a more suitable option.
The AirPods Pro 2 excel in noise cancellation, thanks to their active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. This feature effectively blocks out background noise, providing a more immersive listening experience. In contrast, the AirPods 4 lack ANC, making them less suitable for noisy environments.
In terms of sound quality, the AirPods Pro 2 generally offer superior performance, delivering richer bass and more detailed sound. This is attributed to their advanced audio drivers and spatial audio capabilities. While the AirPods 4 provide decent sound for everyday use, they may not match the audio fidelity of the Pro 2.
Battery life is another factor to consider. The AirPods Pro 2 offer slightly longer battery life compared to the AirPods 4.
Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize the best possible sound quality and noise cancellation, the AirPods Pro 2 are the superior choice. However, if you prefer an open-ear design and don't require ANC, the AirPods 4 may be a more suitable option.
Can AirPods work with Android devices?
Yes, to some extent. You are able to use AirPods with Android devices but their usefulness starts and ends with being used as a simple pair of headphones or, in other words, for listening and speaking. Other functionalities like Siri, Spatial Audio, Find My, Conversation Boost, even things as simple as the battery life status indicator simply don't work. Suffice it to say, you are most likely better off getting a different pair of earbuds/headphones for you Android device.
Which AirPods offer the best noise-canceling?
If noise cancelation is a must-have feature for you, than you have just two options as far as AirPods go, really. Those are the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods Max. Now, the AirPods Max, being over-ear headphones and all, do offer better audio quality, but in terms of active noise cancellation both models are stellar!
If you don't need that extra level of audio quality or simply don't like over-ear headphones, and mind you the AirPods Pro 2 have pretty good audio quality, than you might as well save the $300 and get the AirPods Pro 2. There's also the fact that the Max are pretty old now, and we expect Apple to release a new generation in 2024, so it might be better to wait for the next generation if you really dig this model.
Popular stories
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed: