If you’re already invested in the Apple ecosystem, it makes sense to choose AirPods as your go-to earbuds. These not only offer exceptional sound but also have a smooth connection between Apple devices and are backed by the company’s exceptional standards. Nevertheless, with numerous options available, it can be overwhelming to pick the perfect AirPods for your needs. As we tested different models, we compiled a list that can aid you in finding the ideal AirPods.
AirPods consistently rank at the top of the best headphones lists every year for good reason. However, buying them has become more complex since Apple introduced multiple generations and versions of AirPods, including the standard AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max. If you’re feeling perplexed, fear not! We will explain the distinctions and advantages of each one.
AirPods’ consistent appeal stems from their superb sound quality, ample selection of ear tips for a personalized fit, advanced noise-canceling technology, and prolonged battery life, made possible by the wireless charging case.
We have outlined the most up-to-date pricing to help you strike a balance between function and cost when selecting the optimal AirPods. These are the top AirPods bargains available this year.
We regularly update this article to ensure up-to-date pricing information.
Top AirPods picks for 2023.
The top AirPods overall are the Apple AirPods Pro 2, according to David Carnoy of CNET. They cost $200 on Amazon and $249 at Crutchfield and Apple. They have a battery life of up to 6 hours, active noise canceling (ANC), are wireless earbuds, and are water-resistant with an IPX4 rating, making them splash-proof. However, they do not have multipoint connectivity.
According to Apple, the 2nd generation of AirPods Pro is equipped with the latest H2 chip which provides increased processing capacity and energy efficiency. Incorporated with new low-distortion drivers, this new chip enables better and more profound sound quality with improved clarity. Furthermore, the noise-canceling feature has been upgraded — Apple claims that the new AirPods Pro possess twice the noise-canceling capability compared to the original AirPods Pro.
Furthermore, the latest AirPods have a longer battery life of six hours when active noise cancellation is turned on, an improvement from the previous five hours. Additionally, the charging case features a speaker that emits a sound that aids in finding your AirPods if they are misplaced. This feature can be accessed via the Find My app.
Please note that though the original AirPods Pro have been discontinued by Apple, they will still be sold at discounted prices until stocks last. Nevertheless, if it is financially feasible, the majority of people should opt for the newer model.
Check out our review of the Apple AirPods Pro 2.
$200 on Amazon $249 on Crutchfield $249 on Apple
David Carnoy of CNET recommends the Beats Fit Pro as the top choice for Apple earbuds suitable for workouts. These wireless earbuds, which cost $200 and can be purchased at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target, have a battery life of up to six hours and are equipped with noise-canceling technology (ANC). They do not support multipoint connectivity, but are water-resistant with an IPX4 rating, making them splash-proof.
The latest Beats headphones, produced by Apple, are not AirPods. However, they come in a sportier design with multiple color choices and almost all the features of the AirPods Pro, except for the absence of a wireless charging case and MagSafe compatibility. Before purchasing AirPods 3 or AirPods Pro at the same price from Apple store, it is recommended to consider checking out these headphones. Refer to our Beats Fit Pro review for more details.
$200 on Amazon$200 at Best Buy$200 on Target
David Carnoy from CNET recommends the AirPods Max as the best noise-canceling headphones. They have a price tag of $549 at Apple and $480 at Best Buy. The battery life is rated up to 20 hours and they come with noise-canceling technology (ANC). They are over-ear wireless headphones and do not have multipoint connectivity or water-resistant features with no IP rating.
Apple’s inaugural over-ear headphones boast a plethora of top-of-the-line attributes such as noise reduction, spatial audio, and seamless Apple device compatibility. While shelling out a price tag comparable to that of a PS5 may seem absurd, what’s truly insane is that they’re actually quite deserving of the cost – granted that the absence of comprehensive lossless audio support and a wired listening cord (sold separately) don’t leave you feeling slighted.
The prices of Apple AirPods Max have sometimes dropped to as low as $395 for select colors, but currently they are mostly at around $480 in various stores.
Check out our AirPods Max review.
$549 at Apple
$480 at Best Buy
Sarah Tew/CNET
AirPods Pro
Former Top AirPods
$230 at Adorama
Apple has discontinued its original AirPods Pro, which means they are becoming slightly more difficult to find. Currently, only “renewed” versions are available from Amazon. Although the new AirPods Pro 2 is a clear improvement over its predecessor, if you can find the original version at a significant discount (less than $180), they may still be a good purchase.
Check out our review of the AirPods Pro.
Available for $230 at Adorama.
David Carnoy/CNET
AirPods 2021 (3rd-gen)
Best open AirPods
$179 at Apple
The latest AirPods of 2021 offer improved sound quality while retaining an open design compared to their previous versions. With a slightly larger size and a shape resembling AirPods, they are more likely to fit more ear sizes. However, individuals with very small ears who had a perfect fit with the 2nd Generation AirPods may find them less suitable. Check out our review of the AirPods 3.
$179 for Apple
AirPods 2019 (2nd-gen)
Affordable AirPods with great value
$129 on Apple, $99 on Best Buy and Amazon Battery Life Up to 5 hours of listening timeNoise Canceling NoneMultipoint Capability NoneHeadphone Type True wireless earbudsWater-Resistant Splash-proof with an IPX4 rating
While not as fully-featured as the other AirPods featured on this list, they’re still an attractive choice for individuals on a budget or those who have worn out their original pair and appreciate their comfortable fit, desiring a simple replacement.
Check out our review of the Apple AirPods, available for $129 at Apple, $99 at Best Buy, and $99 at Amazon.
Apple AirPods FAQ
What are the latest AirPods available?
The latest AirPods include the second-generation AirPods Pro, which were released in September 2022. These AirPods are equipped with the new H2 chip, improved sound quality, noise cancellation, and longer battery life. The third-generation AirPods, featuring upgraded capabilities, better sound, and a new design, were launched in October 2021. Additionally, the Beats Fit Pro, with almost all features of the original AirPods Pro, hit the market in November 2021. They are called “the sports AirPods” by some reviewers, although they are not official AirPods.
Are the Beats Fit Pro inferior to AirPods Pro 2?
While the integrated wingtips of the Beats Fit Pro may provide a more secure fit and a lower price tag (sometimes even on sale), the AirPods Pro 2 are superior with slightly better sound quality, noise canceling, and voice-calling performance.
It’s worth noting that the Beats Fit Pro doesn’t include wireless charging or MagSafe compatibility like the AirPods Pro 2.
Should you buy AirPods at an Apple Store?
If you can avoid it, it’s better to buy AirPods from other retailers like Amazon and Walmart where they typically sell for less. Amazon will usually match the lowest price at other retailers. The only reason to buy AirPods from the Apple Store is if you want engraving, which isn’t available elsewhere. However, if you do decide to check out Apple Store deals, ask about price matching. While there isn’t an official policy, it’s been reported that Apple may offer up to 10% price matching. For example, that would mean $25 off the AirPods Pro which normally cost $249. It may not sound like much, but it’s worth asking to see if you can save 10%.
Is there any variation in the spatial audio experience with different types of AirPods?
In short, not much difference can be observed when it comes to the experience of using spatial audio with head tracking for watching movies and TV shows. Although the AirPods Max deliver the most superior sound quality, utilizing the spatial audio virtual sound feature on all AirPods that support it would yield a similar experience.
