Discover the top Apple AirPods models to buy, featuring the latest and greatest options for various preferences.
Apple AirPods have become a ubiquitous part of our lives, offering a seamless and high-quality audio experience for music, podcasts, and calls. With the ever-growing range of AirPods models available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect pair for your needs. From the budget-friendly AirPods (2nd generation) to the high-end AirPods Max, there’s an option for every listener and every budget.
This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the vast world of Apple AirPods and find the ideal pair for your lifestyle. We’ll break down the key features and differences of each model, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to ensure you make an informed decision. Whether you prioritize noise cancellation, sound quality, or affordability, we’ve got you covered.
This list features the top 14 Apple AirPods currently available, carefully curated based on their performance, features, and value. We’ve considered a wide range of factors, including audio quality, battery life, comfort, and design, to help you find the perfect fit.
Join us as we explore the best Apple AirPods to buy in 2023 and elevate your audio experience to new heights.
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| Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) |  |
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| Apple AirPods (3rd generation) |  |
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| Apple AirPods Max |  |
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| Apple AirPods (2nd generation) |  |
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| Apple AirPods Pro | |
4.4 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beats Fit Pro |  |
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| Beats Studio Buds |  |
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| Apple AirPods (1st Generation) | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beats Flex |  |
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| Apple AirPods with Wireless Charging Case | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Apple's latest and greatest AirPods Pro offer active noise cancellation, a customizable fit, and excellent sound quality.
Specifications :
- Active Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Transparency Mode: Yes
- Spatial Audio: Yes
- Water Resistance: IPX4
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours with ANC on, 30 hours with charging case
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Customizable fit with multiple ear tip sizes
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
- Improved sound quality over previous models
Reasons to avoid :
- Expensive compared to other AirPods models
- Can be uncomfortable for some users
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want the best possible noise cancellation and sound quality from Apple AirPods.
- You appreciate a customizable fit and a comfortable wearing experience.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget.
- You don't need active noise cancellation.
Bottom Line:
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) are the best AirPods for most people. They offer excellent noise cancellation, spatial audio, a comfortable fit, and a long battery life. The price is high, but you get what you pay for with these earbuds. If you're looking for the best Apple AirPods, this is the pair to get.
Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)
The Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) are a solid upgrade over the previous generation, offering improved sound quality, a longer battery life, and a more compact design.
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Specifications :
- Active Noise Cancellation: No
- Transparency Mode: Yes
- Spatial Audio: Yes
- Water Resistance: IPX4
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours with normal listening, 30 hours with charging case
Reasons to buy :
- Improved sound quality compared to the 2nd generation
- Longer battery life than the 2nd generation
- Compact and comfortable design
- More affordable than the AirPods Pro
Reasons to avoid :
- Lack of active noise cancellation
- Less impressive sound quality than the AirPods Pro
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a more affordable pair of Apple AirPods with a longer battery life and improved sound quality.
- You don't need active noise cancellation.
Don't buy it if:
- You're looking for the best possible sound quality and noise cancellation.
Bottom Line:
The Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) are a great option for users who want a solid pair of Apple AirPods without breaking the bank. They offer improved sound quality, a longer battery life, and a more compact design than the previous generation. However, they lack active noise cancellation and don't have the same level of sound quality as the AirPods Pro.
Apple AirPods Max
The Apple AirPods Max are Apple's top-of-the-line over-ear headphones. They offer excellent sound quality, active noise cancellation, and a premium design.
Specifications :
- Active Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Transparency Mode: Yes
- Spatial Audio: Yes
- Water Resistance: None
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours with ANC on, 30 hours with charging case
Reasons to buy :
- Premium sound quality with wide soundstage
- Excellent active noise cancellation
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
- Comfortable and stylish design
Reasons to avoid :
- Very expensive
- Large and bulky design
- No water resistance
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want the best possible audio quality and noise cancellation from Apple.
- You're looking for a premium and comfortable over-ear headphone experience.
- You appreciate a stylish design.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget.
- You need a portable and compact headphone.
- You need water resistance.
Bottom Line:
The Apple AirPods Max are a truly premium pair of headphones that offer top-notch sound quality, active noise cancellation, and a comfortable, stylish design. However, they come with a hefty price tag and are not as portable as other Apple AirPods models. If you're looking for the best possible sound quality and noise cancellation from Apple, the AirPods Max are a good choice, but they're not for everyone.
Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)
The Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) are a solid pair of earbuds that offer a comfortable fit, good sound quality, and long battery life.
Specifications :
- Active Noise Cancellation: No
- Transparency Mode: No
- Spatial Audio: No
- Water Resistance: IPX4
- Battery Life: Up to 5 hours with normal listening, 24 hours with charging case
Reasons to buy :
- Comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes
- Good sound quality for the price
- Long battery life
- Affordable compared to other Apple AirPods models
Reasons to avoid :
- Lack of active noise cancellation and transparency mode
- No spatial audio
- No water resistance
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want an affordable pair of Apple AirPods with a comfortable fit and long battery life.
- You don't need active noise cancellation or transparency mode.
Don't buy it if:
- You're looking for the best possible sound quality and features.
- You need active noise cancellation or water resistance.
Bottom Line:
The Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) are a good value option for users who are looking for a comfortable and affordable pair of Apple AirPods. They offer good sound quality, a long battery life, and a comfortable fit. However, they lack active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and spatial audio.
Apple AirPods Pro
The Apple AirPods Pro are a great option for users who want active noise cancellation, a comfortable fit, and good sound quality.
Specifications :
- Active Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Transparency Mode: Yes
- Spatial Audio: Yes
- Water Resistance: IPX4
- Battery Life: Up to 4.5 hours with ANC on, 24 hours with charging case
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent active noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes
- Good sound quality
- Water resistance
Reasons to avoid :
- Pricey compared to other Apple AirPods models
- No spatial audio (in the original model)
- Can be uncomfortable for some users
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want active noise cancellation and a comfortable fit.
- You don't mind paying a premium price.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget.
- You don't need active noise cancellation.
Bottom Line:
The Apple AirPods Pro are a great option for users who want active noise cancellation, a comfortable fit, and good sound quality. They are a bit pricey, but they offer a great overall experience.
Beats Fit Pro
The Beats Fit Pro are a great option for users who want a secure fit, good sound quality, and active noise cancellation.
Specifications :
- Active Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Transparency Mode: Yes
- Spatial Audio: Yes
- Water Resistance: IPX4
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours with ANC on, 27 hours with charging case
Reasons to buy :
- Secure fit with ear hooks
- Good sound quality with powerful bass
- Excellent active noise cancellation
- Water resistance
Reasons to avoid :
- Pricey compared to other Beats earbuds
- Can be uncomfortable for some users
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a secure fit and excellent active noise cancellation.
- You don't mind paying a premium price.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget.
- You don't need active noise cancellation.
Bottom Line:
The Beats Fit Pro are a great option for users who want a secure fit and excellent active noise cancellation. They offer good sound quality and a long battery life. However, they are a bit pricey and can be uncomfortable for some users.
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Beats Studio Buds
The Beats Studio Buds are a great option for users who want a compact and affordable pair of earbuds with good sound quality and active noise cancellation.
Specifications :
- Active Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Transparency Mode: Yes
- Spatial Audio: No
- Water Resistance: IPX4
- Battery Life: Up to 5 hours with ANC on, 15 hours with charging case
Reasons to buy :
- Compact and comfortable design
- Good sound quality with powerful bass
- Excellent active noise cancellation
- Affordable compared to other Beats earbuds
Reasons to avoid :
- No spatial audio
- Short battery life
- Can be uncomfortable for some users
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a compact and affordable pair of earbuds with good sound quality and active noise cancellation.
- You don't need spatial audio.
Don't buy it if:
- You're looking for a longer battery life.
- You don't need active noise cancellation.
Bottom Line:
The Beats Studio Buds are a good value option for users who want a compact and affordable pair of earbuds with good sound quality and active noise cancellation. They offer a comfortable fit and a long battery life, but they lack spatial audio and can be uncomfortable for some users.
Apple AirPods (1st Generation)
The Apple AirPods (1st Generation) are an older model that is still a solid option for users who want a comfortable fit and good sound quality at an affordable price.
Specifications :
- Active Noise Cancellation: No
- Transparency Mode: No
- Spatial Audio: No
- Water Resistance: None
- Battery Life: Up to 5 hours with normal listening, 24 hours with charging case
Reasons to buy :
- Comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes
- Good sound quality for the price
- Long battery life
- Affordable compared to other Apple AirPods models
Reasons to avoid :
- Lack of active noise cancellation and transparency mode
- No spatial audio
- No water resistance
- Outdated design
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want an affordable pair of Apple AirPods with a comfortable fit and long battery life.
- You don't need active noise cancellation or transparency mode.
Don't buy it if:
- You're looking for the best possible sound quality and features.
- You need active noise cancellation or water resistance.
Bottom Line:
The Apple AirPods (1st Generation) are a good value option for users who are looking for a comfortable and affordable pair of Apple AirPods. They offer good sound quality, a long battery life, and a comfortable fit. However, they lack active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and spatial audio.
Beats Flex
The Beats Flex are a great option for users who want a comfortable and affordable pair of neckband-style earbuds with good sound quality.
Specifications :
- Active Noise Cancellation: No
- Transparency Mode: No
- Spatial Audio: No
- Water Resistance: IPX4
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours with normal listening
Reasons to buy :
- Comfortable fit with flexible neckband
- Good sound quality with powerful bass
- Affordable compared to other Beats earbuds
- Water resistance
Reasons to avoid :
- Lack of active noise cancellation and transparency mode
- No spatial audio
- Not as portable as true wireless earbuds
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a comfortable and affordable pair of neckband-style earbuds with good sound quality.
- You don't need active noise cancellation or transparency mode.
Don't buy it if:
- You're looking for a more portable option.
- You need active noise cancellation.
Bottom Line:
The Beats Flex are a good value option for users who are looking for a comfortable and affordable pair of neckband-style earbuds. They offer good sound quality, a long battery life, and a comfortable fit. However, they lack active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and spatial audio.
Apple AirPods with Wireless Charging Case
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The Apple AirPods with Wireless Charging Case are a great option for users who want a comfortable fit, good sound quality, and a convenient wireless charging case.
Specifications :
- Active Noise Cancellation: No
- Transparency Mode: No
- Spatial Audio: No
- Water Resistance: IPX4
- Battery Life: Up to 5 hours with normal listening, 24 hours with charging case
Reasons to buy :
- Comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes
- Good sound quality for the price
- Long battery life
- Wireless charging case for convenience
Reasons to avoid :
- Lack of active noise cancellation and transparency mode
- No spatial audio
- No water resistance
- Can be uncomfortable for some users
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a comfortable fit, good sound quality, and a wireless charging case.
- You don't need active noise cancellation or transparency mode.
Don't buy it if:
- You're looking for the best possible sound quality and features.
- You need active noise cancellation or water resistance.
Bottom Line:
The Apple AirPods with Wireless Charging Case are a good value option for users who want a comfortable and affordable pair of Apple AirPods with a wireless charging case. They offer good sound quality, a long battery life, and a comfortable fit. However, they lack active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and spatial audio.
Beats Solo Pro
Over-ear headphones with active noise cancellation and transparency mode.
Specifications :
- Audio Drivers: 40mm
- Battery Life: Up to 22 hours with ANC on, up to 40 hours with ANC off
- Charging Time: 3 hours for full charge
- Weight: 260g
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent sound quality with deep bass
- Effective noise cancellation
- Comfortable and stylish design
- Long battery life
- Supports Apple's Spatial Audio feature
Reasons to avoid :
- Pricey compared to other Beats headphones
- Can feel a bit bulky on the head
- Limited customization options
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You're looking for a pair of high-quality, noise-canceling headphones that are stylish and offer a premium listening experience.
Don't buy it if:
You're on a tight budget or prefer a more lightweight and portable headphone option.
Bottom Line:
The Beats Solo Pro are a great choice for anyone who wants a pair of over-ear headphones with active noise cancellation. They offer excellent sound quality, a comfortable fit, and a long battery life. However, they are on the expensive side and can feel a bit bulky. If you're looking for a premium listening experience, the Beats Solo Pro are worth considering. But if you're on a budget or prefer a more lightweight and portable option, there are other Beats headphones that might be a better fit.
Beats Powerbeats Pro
Completely wireless earbuds with a secure fit and sweat/water resistance.
Specifications :
- Audio Drivers: 9mm
- Battery Life: Up to 9 hours of listening time, up to 24 hours with charging case
- Charging Time: 1.5 hours for full charge
- Water Resistance: IPX4 (splash-proof)
Reasons to buy :
- Powerful bass and clear sound quality
- Secure and comfortable fit, even during workouts
- Long battery life
- Sweat and water resistant
- Supports Apple's Spatial Audio feature
Reasons to avoid :
- Expensive compared to other wireless earbuds
- Large ear tips can feel uncomfortable for some
- Can feel a bit bulky in the ear
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You're an active listener who needs a pair of earbuds that can keep up with your workouts.
Don't buy it if:
You're on a tight budget or prefer a smaller and more discreet earbud option.
Bottom Line:
The Beats Powerbeats Pro are a great choice for anyone who wants a pair of completely wireless earbuds that are secure, comfortable, and sweat-resistant. They offer powerful bass, clear sound quality, and a long battery life. However, they are on the expensive side and can feel a bit bulky in the ear. If you're looking for a pair of earbuds that can keep up with your workouts, the Beats Powerbeats Pro are worth considering. But if you're on a budget or prefer a smaller and more discreet earbud option, there are other Beats earbuds that might be a better fit.
Beats Fit Pro (2nd Generation)
Completely wireless earbuds with a secure fit, active noise cancellation, and transparency mode.
Specifications :
- Audio Drivers: 10mm
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours of listening time, up to 27 hours with charging case
- Charging Time: 1.5 hours for full charge
- Water Resistance: IPX4 (splash-proof)
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent sound quality with deep bass
- Effective noise cancellation and transparency mode
- Secure and comfortable fit, even during workouts
- Long battery life
- Supports Apple's Spatial Audio feature
- Sweat and water resistant
Reasons to avoid :
- Pricey compared to other Beats earbuds
- Can feel a bit bulky in the ear
- No wireless charging case
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You're looking for a pair of completely wireless earbuds that offer a secure fit, active noise cancellation, and a long battery life.
Don't buy it if:
You're on a tight budget or prefer a smaller and more discreet earbud option.
Bottom Line:
The Beats Fit Pro are a great choice for anyone who wants a pair of completely wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation and a secure fit. They offer excellent sound quality, a long battery life, and sweat and water resistance. However, they are on the expensive side and can feel a bit bulky in the ear. If you're looking for a pair of earbuds that can keep up with your workouts and offer a premium listening experience, the Beats Fit Pro are worth considering. But if you're on a budget or prefer a smaller and more discreet earbud option, there are other Beats earbuds that might be a better fit.
Beats Pill+
Portable Bluetooth speaker with powerful sound and a sleek design.
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Specifications :
- Drivers: 2 x 1.5" woofers and 1 x 1" tweeter
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
- Charging Time: 3 hours for full charge
- Water Resistance: IPX7 (waterproof)
Reasons to buy :
- Powerful sound with deep bass and clear highs
- Sleek and stylish design
- Long battery life
- Waterproof and dustproof
- Supports Apple's Spatial Audio feature
Reasons to avoid :
- Expensive compared to other portable Bluetooth speakers
- No built-in microphone for phone calls
- Can be a bit heavy to carry around
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You're looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker with powerful sound and a sleek design.
Don't buy it if:
You're on a tight budget or prefer a smaller and more lightweight portable speaker option.
Bottom Line:
The Beats Pill+ is a great choice for anyone who wants a portable Bluetooth speaker with powerful sound and a sleek design. It offers deep bass, clear highs, and a long battery life. However, it is on the expensive side and can be a bit heavy to carry around. If you're looking for a premium listening experience on the go, the Beats Pill+ is worth considering. But if you're on a budget or prefer a smaller and more lightweight portable speaker option, there are other Beats speakers that might be a better fit.
So there you have it, our picks for the 14 best Apple AirPods to buy in 2023. Whether you're looking for the latest and greatest, a budget-friendly option, or something in between, there's an AirPod out there for you.
Ultimately, the best AirPod for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your budget, the features you need, and the types of activities you'll be using your AirPods for.
With so many great options available, you're sure to find the perfect pair of Apple AirPods to elevate your listening experience. From crystal-clear audio to seamless integration with Apple devices, AirPods offer a premium listening experience that's hard to beat.
So what are you waiting for? Start shopping and find the perfect pair of AirPods for you!
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