You’ve come to the right place if you want to buy Apple AirPods but aren’t sure what to search for.
The flimsy EarPods that come with every new iPhone were once synonymous with Apple headphones. They completed the task, but not well. But fast forward to 2022, and Apple’s AirPods range, which includes both wireless earbuds and over-ear headphones, is a serious rival in the audio tech space.
Which Apple headphones, nevertheless, do you require? This guide will explain the various sorts of Apple AirPods, as well as which models to search for and how they compare to the competitors.
Right now, there are only four AirPods models to pick from: the 2019 AirPods, AirPods (3rd generation), the AirPods Pro, and the AirPods Max (though we are expecting to see the AirPods Pro 2 sometime in late 2022).
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The AirPods Pro is the greatest AirPods you can buy in 2022, with active noise cancellation, a more secure fit, and a better design than the company’s earlier true wireless earbuds.
They aren’t the best true wireless earbuds on the market (that award goes to the Sony WF-1000XM4), and they aren’t cheap at $249 / £249 / AU$399 either.
However, if you’re an iPhone user looking for a pair of well-fitting earbuds with good sound quality, you couldn’t do much worse than the new AirPods – the redesign makes them far less likely to fall out, and the additional microphones provide strong noise-canceling (which is especially useful when commuting), as well as a useful Transparency mode that truly lets the outside world in.
The sound quality of the AirPods Pro has definitely improved since the previous version – there’s a noticeable emphasis on vocals and bass, which means these earbuds are better for pop fans than those who like a more natural presentation that lends itself to classical music or orchestral sounds.
There’s a new AirPods model on the way to join the originals and the upgraded Pros, according to reports. The AirPods Pro 2 is supposed to be a new, less expensive version of Apple’s successful true wireless earbuds, with a release date set for late 2022.
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When we eventually got our hands on the AirPod Max, we discovered that the audio quality was nothing short of outstanding, as you might imagine. They were also comfortable and had a strong design that was clearly Apple. We also like that the headphones have physical controls rather than the trendy swipe controls that most wireless headphones have these days.
The return of the Apple Watch’s Digital Crown, which allows you to precisely change the volume and conveniently control your music playback, was a highlight for us. Furthermore, individuals who are already engaged in the Apple ecosystem, provide fantastic quality of life features.
But the news isn’t all good. The most obvious disadvantage is the cost. Apple has always produced high-end technology at a premium price, but they are $549 / £549 / AU$899. We didn’t think the performance (while excellent) reflected the exorbitant pricing in our assessment, and we understand why many people would rather buy cheap headphones instead.
They also come with a case that keeps the battery charged while wearing the headphones. In theory, this appears to be a good idea. However, it provides no protection. Instead, the Smart Case leaves the AirPods Max’s headband completely exposed.
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In terms of audio performance, connectivity, and design, the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) is a significant improvement over their predecessors.
Spatial Audio support and Adaptive EQ distinguish these buds from the competition, while a new, more discreet design adds force capacitive sensors to the truly wireless earbuds.
Because the AirPods 3 are designed for usage within the Apple ecosystem, Android users will miss out on many of the extra features that set them apart from other true wireless earbuds on the market, and the lack of noise cancellation means they aren’t the highest-spec earbuds at this price.
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The AirPods 3 may have supplanted the second-generation Apple AirPods, but they still have some great features that might make them worth buying if you’re an iPhone user in particular.
They’ve also received a permanent price reduction, making them the most affordable AirPods available.
The AirPods 2 function well as a pair of earbuds for casual music listening or making phone conversations, thanks to a vibrant soundscape and the presence of Apple’s H1 headphone chip; but, don’t expect audiophile quality.
The AirPods (2019) also include a wireless charging case that may be powered by a Qi-compatible charging pad rather than a cable plugged into the Lightning charging connection on the bottom of the case.