Apple AirPods 2021 (3rd Generation)
Best AirPods with an open design
Beats Studio Buds Plus
Second-gen wireless earbuds from Beats
Beats Studio Pro
More affordable Apple alternative to AirPods Max
What are the best Apple AirPods overall?
While one could argue that the full-size AirPods Max headphones are the best overall AirPods, we think the more affordable AirPods Pro 2 earbuds are the better value and best overall AirPods. Equipped with Apple’s new H2 chip, they’re the latest AirPods to be released and will be getting some new features this fall with the release of iOS 17, iPadOS 17 and TVOS 17. These include an adaptive audio mode that mixes noise canceling with transparency and a “conversation awareness” mode that automatically lowers the volume of what you’re listening to as soon as you start talking.
That said, not everyone is looking for noise-isolating earbuds with silicon ear tips that you jam in your ears (a good seal is crucial for optimal sound quality and noise-canceling). There are plenty of other AirPods options along with some headphones and earbuds from Apple-owned brand Beats — no, they’re not called AirPods, but in some cases, they share the same Apple chipsets and features.
Not only have we tested and fully reviewed all of Apple’s headphones and earbuds, but we keep a close eye on their prices so we can bring you the best deals on every AirPods model. While Apple doesn’t discount AirPods online or in its brick-and-mortar stores, other retailers do and sometimes the savings are substantial.
Read more: Best True-Wireless Earbuds for 2023
AirPods price comparison
| Model | Apple Store price | Best price right now | Best all-time price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods 2 | $129 | $99 | $90 |
| AirPods Pro 2 | $249 | $199 | $199 |
| AirPods 3 | $179 | $160 | $150 |
| Beats Fit Pro | $200 | $160 | $160 |
| AirPods Max | $549 | $477 | $395 |
We update this story frequently to reflect current pricing.
Best AirPods in 2023
Battery Life Rated up to 6 hoursNoise Canceling Yes (ANC)Multipoint NoHeadphone Type Wireless earbudsWater-Resistant Yes (IPX4 — splash-proof)
The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are powered by Apple’s new H2 chip, which delivers more processing power while being more energy efficient, according to Apple. The new chip, combined with new low-distortion drivers, allows for improved sound that offers better clarity and depth. The noise canceling is also improved — Apple says the new AirPods have “double” the noise canceling of the original AirPods Pro. Additionally, the new AirPods add an extra hour of battery life, up from five to six hours with noise canceling on. Plus, a speaker in the case that emits a sound that helps locate your buds via Find My should they decide to hide from you.
Pros
- Significantly improved sound and noise canceling
- Powered by Apple’s new H2 chip
- Better battery life and upgraded microphones
Cons
- Basically the same design as previous model
- No high-resolution audio
While the Beats Fit Pro technically aren’t AirPods, they’re built on the same tech platform as the AirPods Pro (yes, Apple owns Beats). Unlike Beats’ earlier and less expensive Studio Buds and new-for-2023 Studio Buds Plus, the Beats Fit Pro include Apple’s H1 chip and have most of the AirPods Pro’s features, including active noise canceling, spatial audio and Adaptive EQ. I’d venture to call them the sports AirPods you’ve always wanted.
Pros
- Lightweight design with integrated wingtip that fits securely
- Very good sound and noise canceling
- Powered by Apple’s H1 chip
Cons
- No wireless charging
- No enhanced My Find with proximity view (only standard Find My)
Battery Life Rated up to 20 hoursNoise Canceling Yes (ANC)Multipoint NoHeadphone Type Over-ear wireless headphonesWater-Resistant No IP rating
Apple’s first full-size headphones are chock-full of high-end features like noise cancellation, spatial audio and easy integration with Apple devices. Yes, paying about the same as you would for a PS5 may sound crazy, but here’s the crazier thing: They’re actually kinda worth it, so long as you don’t feel burned by their lack of support for full lossless audio and lack of included cable for wired listening (which must be purchased separately).
Battery Life Rated up to 6 hoursNoise Canceling NoMultipoint NoHeadphone Type Wireless earbudsWater-Resistant Yes (IPX4 — splash-proof)
Take one look at the new design of the third-gen AirPods ($179), and the first thing you’ll probably think is: “Those look like the AirPods Pro without ear tips.” You wouldn’t be wrong. While they’re more fraternal than identical twins, the AirPods 3 are shaped like the AirPods Pro, with the same shorter stems and same pinch controls as those of the Pro. Aside from the design change, which should fit most ears better than the AirPods 2nd Generation (though not very small ears), the biggest change is to the sound quality: It’s much improved. Also, battery life is better, and the AirPods 3 are officially water-resistant.
Battery Life Rated up to 5 hoursNoise Canceling NoMultipoint NoHeadphone Type Wireless earbudsWater-Resistant Yes (IPX4 — splash-proof)
Apple’s second-generation AirPods remain in the line but no longer include a wireless-charging option. Apple has dropped the official price of the AirPods 2 to $129, though you can usually find them for $100 or less.
Alas, for those of you who bought the original Beats Studio Buds, which remain on the market for now, I’m sorry to report that these new Plus buds are significantly improved, with better sound, noise canceling and battery life. Additionally, they now deliver top-notch voice-calling performance.
Love ’em or hate ’em, Beats Studio headphones are among the most popular headphones of all time, launching as a wired headphone back in 2008. This is the fourth generation of them, and they carry the same list price as their predecessor and look very similar on the outside but have some big changes on the inside that make them significantly better headphones. I’m tempted to describe them as more affordable plastic versions of the AirPods Max. However, that’s not 100% accurate due to a choice in chipsets and one notable missing feature. But read our full review to find out what makes this a very good headphone with some caveats.
Apple AirPods FAQ
What are the newest AirPods?
The newest AirPods are the AirPods Pro (2nd generation), which hit stores in September 2022, and feature Apple’s new H2 chip along with better sound, noise canceling and battery life. The third-generation AirPods with enhanced functionality, improved sound and an updated design arrived in stores in October 2021 Meanwhile, the Beats Fit Pro — which share most of the same features as the original AirPods Pro — arrived in November 2021. While they’re not AirPods by name, we and others have referred to them as “the sports AirPods you always wanted.”
Are the AirPods Pro 2 better than the Beats Fit Pro?
With their integrated wingtips, the Beats Fit Pro may offer you a more secure fit than AirPods Pro 2 and they do cost $50 less (and sometimes even less when they go on sale). Otherwise, the AirPods Pro 2 are better — they have slightly better sound quality and noise canceling along with better voice-calling performance.
Should I buy AirPods in the Apple Store?
If you can help it, no: The various AirPods models typically sell for less online at other retailers like Amazon and Walmart. Amazon, meanwhile, typically matches the lowest price at other retailers. Generally, we’d only buy AirPods at the Apple Store if we want engraving, which isn’t available elsewhere. That said, if you opt to go into an Apple Store for Apple deals, you should ask about price matching. While Apple doesn’t seem to have any official policy, it’s been reported that it will offer up to 10% price matching. As an example, that would be $25 off the AirPods Pro, which list for $249. That’s not much, but it’s worth asking to see if you can get 10% off.
Does spatial audio sound different on different AirPods?
The short answer is, not really when you’re talking about spatial audio with head tracking for movie and TV watching. While the AirPods Max offer the best sound overall, using the spatial audio virtual sound feature is largely the same experience on all the AirPods that support it.