The best AirPods of 2024: We tested all of Apple's headphones to find the right fit for different needs

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Apple's AirPods are among our favorite wireless headphones thanks to their solid audio quality, seamless pairing with iPhones, and sleek designs. But with multiple models to choose from, picking the best AirPods for your needs can be tricky. That's why we've tested every model to determine which options are ideal for different users. 

The best Apple AirPods for most people are the AirPods Pro 2, which offer active noise cancellation (ANC), an in-ear design, and a wireless charging case. But buyers on a budget might prefer the standard AirPods (second generation), which are the cheapest AirPods you can get. They're an older model and lack ANC but still have many of the core features found on pricier AirPods. 

Below are details on all of Apple's headphones, along with our recommendations for what each model is best suited for.

Our top picks for the best Apple AirPods

Best overall: AirPods Pro 2 - See at Amazon

Best for an open fit: AirPods 4 with ANC - See at Amazon

Best on a budget: AirPods (second generation) - See at Walmart

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, top-notch active noise cancellation, and Apple's full suite of features in a compact design.

Offering a clear step up from the first-gen Pro, the AirPods Pro 2 use a custom driver that delivers a big improvement in audio performance. Sound is noticeably richer than what we heard on the original model, which offered a more hollow and distant quality. 

These were also the first AirPods to launch with Apple's H2 processing chip, which the company claims can deliver twice as powerful noise-canceling as the H1 chip. 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 powerful ANC is a big reason the AirPods Pro 2 typically cost more than other Apple earbuds, we think this feature is 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 noise-canceling performance of some competing earbuds we've tested, like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. But if you're set on sticking with the Apple brand, these are the best headphones to get. 

The second-gen AirPods Pro 2 also have a secure in-ear design, which makes them the best AirPods for people who've had issues with other models staying in their ears. The Pros fit more snugly than standard AirPods, thanks to customizable tips that go deeper into your ear. The case included with the latest AirPods Pro 2 uses USB-C and is now dust-resistant, in addition to water- and sweat-proof. 

Apple also now offers new aural health features exclusively for the AirPods Pro 2, including a hearing aid function. These features are designed to help users prevent hearing loss when exposed to loud environments or to enhance their hearing. With an iPhone, users can also do a five-minute hearing check to determine if there may be any issues. You can gain access to these features via a free software update.

Read our full Apple AirPods Pro (second generation) review.

Check out our guides to the best AirPods Pro 2 cases and best wireless earbuds.

Best for an open fit

Apple's AirPods 4 are the brand's latest midrange earbuds. Unlike the AirPods Pro 2, they use a semi-open fit rather than an in-ear seal, which has pros and cons. You can choose between two versions: one without ANC for $129 and one with ANC and a wireless charging case for $179.

Both options deliver the same core audio performance and design, but we think the ANC model's noise-canceling feature and wireless charging case make it the better value. Though the AirPods Pro 2 have a few key perks that this model is missing, the AirPods 4 with ANC are an excellent midrange alternative and they're the best AirPods for people who prefer an open fit.

Instead of having silicone tips that plug into your ears to create a full seal, the AirPods 4 ear tips rest just outside your ear canal. Though an in-ear seal does allow the AirPods Pro 2 to offer better sound quality and noise-canceling strength, some people hate the congested feeling of tips inserted in their ears.

The AirPods 4 provide a more open fit, and Apple has improved the design over previous models so they stay more secure in a variety of ear shapes. However, opinions remain divided over the comfort of open-ear AirPods, so this really does come down to personal preference and your ear size.

During our tests, we were impressed by the AirPods 4 audio quality, which holds up well against other options in this price range. Noise-canceling performance is also solid, which is surprising since most open-fit earbuds struggle with providing convincing ANC. The earbuds' transparency mode is also excellent for when you want to let in outside sound to stay aware of your surroundings. That said, in-ear buds like the AirPods Pro 2 still have the AirPods 4 beat when it comes to blocking out louder distractions, like the engine on an airplane.

Read our full Apple AirPods 4 review.

Best on a budget

Apple's second-generation AirPods aren't as advanced as the brand's more expensive offerings and they've become increasingly outdated. You won't find perks like noise cancellation, spatial audio, or water resistance here. But, 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. And with typical discounts, they're the cheapest AirPods you can buy. If your aim is to snag a pair of Apple earbuds for under $100, the second-gen AirPods are your only option. 

However, it's important to note that Apple no longer manufactures this model so stock is limited. Inventory was available at Walmart as recently as November 2024, but has since sold out. It's possible that more could be added, but if not, we recommend the standard AirPods 4 without ANC as the next best option for AirPods on a budget.

The second-gen AirPods sound decent in terms of audio quality, but they're not on par with Apple's newer earbuds. While they meet basic needs, they aren't a good fit for enthusiasts who want the best audio performance when listening to music.

Like the AirPods 3 and 4, 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. Comfort is also split, with some users preferring the open fit and others finding it hard to keep the second-gen AirPods in place when paired with certain ear shapes. 

The second-gen AirPods have longer stems than their counterparts. This makes them look like Apple just snipped the wires off its EarPods headphones. It's not a bad look (it's become iconic) but the style isn't as sleek as the shorter stems on Apple's other models. 

Generally, we think most people are better off paying more for the AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro 2, but the second-gen AirPods remain a solid value when you can find them for under $100. 

Best for audiophiles

The AirPods Max deliver first-rate audio performance and noise cancellation, all wrapped in an elegant package. Unlike Apple's other AirPods, which are all earbuds, the AirPods Max use 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. 

Buyers should note that Apple released a slightly updated version of the AirPods Max in September 2024. The refreshed headphones deliver the same audio performance, but they now support USB-C for charging and come in new colors. However, the USB-C model does not support wired audio playback while the original Lightning model does support this feature with an adapter. The Lightning edition is also typically on sale for around $100 less, so we still recommend that version when it's available for less money.

The AirPods Max use Apple-designed drivers and 10 audio cores to deliver 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 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 delivers when it comes to noise cancellation. When we sat underneath an elevated subway that runs above a very busy street, the AirPods Max significantly dulled the sound of a train's screeching and nearby traffic. They're not the absolute best noise-canceling headphones we've tested, but they work incredibly well.  

On the downside, the included case isn't the best. It doesn't charge the AirPods Max and instead just 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 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, they do get occasional discounts throughout the year. 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 test the best Apple AirPods, our experts evaluated various performance elements, including design, fit, sound quality, extra features, and ease of use. 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 cancellation, we evaluate that feature in a real-world noisy environment near heavy traffic outside, noting how well the feature reduces ambient sounds. We also sample transparency modes to see how well the AirPods let in surrounding noise naturally.

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

What to look for in AirPods

When deciding which AirPods to buy, we recommend focusing on a few key factors, including price, sound quality, ANC support, and design.

Price: Apple's current lineup of AirPods includes the AirPods 4 ($129), AirPods 4 with ANC ($179), AirPods Pro 2 ($249), and AirPods Max ($549). However, AirPods frequently go on sale, so it's not uncommon to see the Pro model drop to under $200. Likewise, some stores still sell the older second-gen AirPods for around $89, which makes them the cheapest AirPods on the market.

Sound quality: When it comes to audio performance, the AirPods Pro 2 are the best AirPods with an in-ear design. But if you're willing to pay top dollar and prefer an over-ear design, the AirPods Max are the best-sounding AirPods overall. The AirPods 4 also deliver solid audio quality, but their open-fit design leads to sound leakage that limits performance.

Noise-canceling: The AirPods 4 with ANC, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Max all include active noise-canceling support, so if ANC is important to you, you'll want to focus on those models. The AirPods Max can block the most sound thanks to their over-ear design, but the AirPods Pro 2 also have impressive noise cancellation. The AirPods 4 with ANC have the least powerful noise canceling of the lineup.

Design and fit: The AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4, and AirPods 4 with ANC are all earbud-style wireless headphones. The AirPods Pro 2 have an in-ear fit that creates a seal in your ear canal. This enables better audio performance and stability but some people dislike how it feels. The AirPods 4 have a semi-open fit that rests just outside your ear canal. This design limits sound quality and the effectiveness of ANC, but some people find it more comfortable. Apple also sells the AirPods Max, which have an over-ear design with a headband and padded earcups. Over-ear headphones can deliver the best performance overall, but they're less portable than earbuds.

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, many brands sell headphones with similar features as the AirPods while being less rigidly tied to the Apple ecosystem.

Some of our favorite AirPods alternatives include the Beats Fit Pro and the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC. The Beats earbuds are actually made by Apple and use the company's H1 chip, just like older AirPods. However, the Beats brand features a more Android-friendly set of features and an Android app. Meanwhile, the Soundcore earbuds are an affordable AirPods alternative that cost under $100 and have a stem-like design that's reminiscent of classic AirPods.

Check out our guide to the best AirPods alternatives for details on all of our picks.

AirPods FAQs

Are the third-gen AirPods still worth buying?

With the release of the AirPods 4, we no longer recommend the third-generation AirPods in this guide. Based on current retail listings, the now discontinued third-gen AirPods are selling for the same price or higher than the base AirPods 4. Since the AirPods 4 offer clear improvements, there's no reason to consider the third-gen AirPods. It's possible that stores could offer discounts on the third-gen AirPods before the remaining stock sells out, but right now, we recommend you snag the new model for the same price or consider paying less for the second-gen AirPods.

When will Apple release new AirPods?

Apple's standard AirPods are now in their fourth generation, the AirPods Pro are in their second generation, and the AirPods Max are still in their first generation.

• AirPods: Apple's fourth-generation AirPods launched in September 2024 during the brand's iPhone 16 launch event. The release cycle for new AirPods is typically two to three years, so we don't expect another model until 2026 at the earliest.
• AirPods Pro: Apple released the second-generation AirPods Pro in September 2022, and re-released them in 2023 with a new case but made no updates to the earbuds themselves. Apple didn't refresh them in 2024 either but announced an upcoming software update that will add health features designed to prevent hearing damage or enhance hearing for the impaired, pending FDA clearance. 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 announced an updated Max model with USB-C charging and new colors. From what we could gather, the updated Max for 2024 is a refresh of the original.

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.