Which AirPods to buy: buying guide with recommendations to get Apple’s wireless headphones right

They weren’t the first fully wireless TWS earbuds to arrive, but when the first AirPods hit the market back in 2016, they became one of the industry’s benchmark models. Much has happened since then, hundreds of new models and manufacturers have emerged and even Apple itself has continued to explore this segment with new candidates and the consequent evolutions. If you want to get some AirPods, today we help you choose: what AirPods do I buy?

AirPods Max

The AirPods Max (509 euros) are the most ambitious headphones in Cupertino and the first AirPods that changed the TWS format for a headband design.

When we try them we highlight their outstanding sound qualityimpeccable design and finishes, excellent ergonomics and active noise cancellation capable of rivaling the best on the market.

If we talk about specifications, they have eight microphones for active noise cancellation, and three microphones to capture the voice, H1 chip and a theoretical autonomy of up to 20 hours playing audio, video or having a conversation with a single charge. In addition, by charging them for 5 minutes you get 1.5 hours of extra use.

From the point of view of their handling, they integrate a button and a digital crown, but they do not have an on/off button, so that when they are not being used they go into an ultra-low consumption mode. And an extra that never hurts: are available in five different colors.

Who are these headphones for? For music lovers who are looking for a quality sound experience and are willing to pay for it. In this sense, they are especially interesting to isolate yourself from the environment and enjoy your music during long sessions, for example during your trips.

AirPods Pro 2

The AirPods Pro 2022 (299 euros) are fresh out of the oven. If the Max are the most ambitious from the global point of view, the second generation Pro stand as the best if we want the comfort and discretion of the TWS format.

Among the novelties of the AirPods Pro 2 compared to its predecessor is the integration of the new H2 chip, a more “intelligent” active noise cancellation and twice as powerful, personalized Spatial Audio for a more realistic experience and an autonomy of up to six hours of playback per charge that goes up to 30 hours with the case. By the way, it now supports “Search” and the case integrates a speaker.

From a practical point of view, the essential difference compared to AirPods is the noise cancellation technologya very interesting extra to use on the street, while traveling or simply in a noisy environment such as the office.

Who are AirPods Pro 2 for? For those who want the freedom of movement that TWS gives, the isolation of ANC and want to have the latest of the latest.

Bonus: AirPods Pro – discontinued but still available

Between the fact that the new Pros have a PVP 20 euros higher and that the original AirPods Pro (217 euros) can still be found and are also cheaper (both for their original PVP and for the offers), they are an option to consider. if we want the Apple TWS with noise cancellation at a more affordable price. Although yes, Apple has already removed them from its catalog, so it is likely that they will soon disappear from retailers.

In addition to ANC, AirPods Pro features include ambient sound mode, sweat resistance, special head-tracking audio, adaptive equalization, and up to 4.5 hours of playtime per charge (24 hours with the case) and MagSafe charging case.

AirPods 3

Launched less than a year ago, the AirPods 3 (199 euros) are the latest version of Apple’s simplest TWS headphones.

This third generation arrives with innovations in its design, being more similar to the AirPods Pro (but without a pad), that is, with a shorter hanging stick, changing the angle of attachment and with a new sensor for control. They also have IPX4 certification to be resistant to water and sweat.

Among its assets, they offer spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, adaptive equalization to automatically adjust the music and promise up to 30 hours thanks to the charging case or up to 6 hours without it. According to Cupertino, these headphones sound slightly better thanks to an improvement in bass and high frequencies.

Who are these AirPods 3 for? For those who want Apple TWS and don’t need noise cancellation technology (for example, for not too noisy environments), appreciate their resistance to liquids (for the gym or to use even when it rains) and want to have the latest latest.

AirPods 2

However, you always have the oldest and most affordable model in Apple’s current catalog: the AirPods 2 (129 euros), launched in 2019.

Among the most notable features of the AirPods 2 is the integration of the H1 chip that offers an efficient and optimized user experience, the “Hey Siri” function for voice control and an autonomy of around five hours that grows 24 hours with the Lightning charging case. all these specs are present in the new AirPods.

Who are AirPods 2 for? To immerse yourself in the world of AirPods and experience its polished experience within the apple ecosystem, for those looking for comfortable TWS headphones that work well, for tight budgets and for users who do not need the longest autonomy or the isolation of the noise cancellation technology.

More offers

If you become Amazon Prime, you have a 30-day free trial (after 49.90 euros per year) to enjoy free fast shipping, priority access to offers, services such as Prime Video, Prime Music and unlimited photo storage. Also, if you are a student, becoming a Prime Student costs half and you have a 90-day trial. You can also try services like Kindle Unlimited or Audible for free for 30 days.

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