Apple AirPods Reviewed: Which Model Is Best for You?

Are you wondering which AirPods to buy? Then this Apple earbuds guide is for you! 

In this Apple AirPods review guide, we will offer a comprehensive AirPods comparison, comparing the different AirPods models against each other to help you find the best wireless earbuds for you. 

If you’re on the fence about which AirPods model best fits your needs, continue reading! 

Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)

The Apple AirPods (2nd Gen) was first released in 2019. It is an affordable entry-level model that offers simplicity yet solid sound quality. 

Pros include: 

• Affordable price point
• Easy setup with Apple devices
• Long battery life
• Lightweight and comfortable

Cons include: 

• No noise cancellation
• Outdated design that sometimes causes them to fall out of your years (for some people)
• No sweat or water resistance
• No ambient sound

Here’s our quick and dirty AirPods 2nd Gen review: 

The 2nd Gen AirPods are affordable AirPods that still offer decent sound quality. These basic wireless earbuds may lack water resistance, ambient sound, and other features, but they’re still good entry-level Apple earbuds if you are on a budget. They are available for about $100 on Amazon– in renewed condition! 

They do lack features like noise cancellation. A big downside, too, is that they have a poor fit, and many people find that they fall out of their ears easily. 

Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)

While more expensive than the AirPods 2nd Gen, the AirPods 3rd Gen offer significantly more benefits. 

Pros include: 

• Enhanced sound quality
• Better battery life
• Surround sound
• Water and sweat resistance
• Better fit

Cons include:

• No active noise cancellation
• Higher price than 2nd Gen
• Shorter stem, which may not appeal to everyone

Here’s our quick and dirty AirPods 3rd Gen review:

The AirPods 3rd Gen are mid-tier AirPods. They are some of the best AirPods for sound quality, especially considering the price (from lower $100s on Amazon if you buy them used but starting at around $150 for new ones), with improved sound quality compared to the 2nd Gen. They also add additional functionalities: for example, they support spatial audio and offer water and sweat resistance, which the 2nd Gen does not. 

They still have no noise cancellation. These spatial audio earbuds also have an improved fit and better battery life and are a great choice if you can spend a little extra money. 

Apple AirPods 4

The AirPods 4 comes in two versions: Without Active Noise Cancellation and With Active Noise Cancellation. We will first focus on the standard version, the AirPods 4 Without Active Noise Cancellation. 

Its pros include: 

• Redesigned for better fit
• Improved sound quality 
• Dust, sweat, and water-resistant 
• Cheaper than what the AirPods 3rd Gen cost when it was first released

Cons include: 

• Still no noise cancellation unless you get the pricier version
• Battery life has not been improved that much
• No wireless charging unless you upgrade to the pricer version

Here’s our quick and dirty AirPods 4 review: 

The AirPods 4, the latest Apple earbuds, are redesigned AirPods that offer great value for money. One of the best AirPods 4 features is its design. It has been designed to fix the fit issues that plagued previous versions, in which some people would find that the AirPods would fall out of their ears. The slimmer inserts on the AirPods 4 fixes that problem.

It was released at a lower price point than its earlier counterpart’s original price, but older generations are naturally available for cheaper at this time due to their age.  

The sound quality has been improved, with an improved amplifier that helps with surround sound. It also features Siri Interactions (shake your head to signal yes or no to Siri, such as whether to answer a call), which the 3rd Gen does not, and has a smaller and more compact case that you can find using Find My even if the earbuds are not inside the case. For ~$120, it’s a great steal. 

Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation

The AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation includes noise-cancelling features, which the standard model does not. It also has a wireless charging case. 

Pros include: 

• Active noise cancellation
• Wireless charging
• All the other great features of the AirPods 4

Cons include: 

• Doesn’t seal out all noise (especially low frequency noise)
• Higher price
• Battery life may vary depending on whether you use ANC – if you use ANC, the battery life will be lower

Here’s our quick and dirty AirPods 4 With ANC review: 

The AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation are noise-canceling AirPods with improved features over the mid-range Apple earbuds mentioned until now. Among the AirPods 4 With ANC’s features are Active Noise Cancellation and the ability to use the touch controls to switch between Transparency, Active Audio, and Active Noise Cancellation modes. It also features a wireless charging case! 

At ~$169, they’re pricer than the AirPods 4 Without ANC. Nevertheless, if you have money to spend, why not? 

Apple AirPods Pro 2

The AirPods Pro 2 are the most expensive AirPods, but they offer better battery life and a different design – they have sealed tips, with little soft things that fit right into your ear so you block out the most noise. 

Pros include: 

• Industry leading noise cancellation
• Customizable fit with several ear tips available
• Better battery life

Cons include: 

• Higher price point
• Ear tips must be cleaned often
• Pretty similar to the cheaper AirPods 4 in most areas (water resistance, sound quality, mic quality, etc. yet more expensive) 

Here’s our quick and dirty AirPods Pro 2 review: 

The AirPods Pro 2 are premium Apple earbuds that cost $189. Like the AirPods 4, they are noise-canceling earbuds, but they offer an additional measure of noise cancellation. Because the ear tips are sealed, they block out more noise, making them the best earbuds for professionals who want to hear the highest sound quality. 

Unlike the AirPods 4, which have an open canal, the AirPods Pro 2 have a sealed tip. In other words, they have those little soft things at the end that fit right into your ear holes for the best fit and best noise cancellation. Not everyone likes that style, though. 

They also offer slightly better battery life than the AirPods 4. 

Comparison Table: Apple AirPods Models

Additional Features and Accessories

In addition to purchasing AirPods, you can also purchase AirPods accessories. Here are some of my favorite accessories: 

• The MagSafe charger for wireless charging of your AirPods case, if you have a MagSafe AirPods case (one that supports wireless charging, like the AirPods Pro 2 or the AirPods 4 With ANC)
• The AirPods Neck Strap so you can remove your earbuds easily without losing them
• An AirPods case cover to protect your AirPods (there are many on Amazon – make sure to get a waterproof one)
• These Elago ear hooks to prevent your AirPods from falling out of your ear while running or exercising

See Also: The Best iPhone Accessories to Enhance Your Everyday Life.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this Apple AirPods lineup and AirPods buying guide. As you can see from our Apple earbuds comparison, there are many versatile AirPods options. These are the best AirPods for every need, whether you need something extremely cheap, something with noise cancellation, something with wireless charging, or anything else! Keep in mind your budget and lifestyle and use this guide to choose the best AirPods for your needs. 

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