How to pick the right Apple AirPods for you (2024)

How the GH Tech Team tests the best AirPods

When testing Apple’s AirPods, we have looked at a range of different factors, from design and comfort to battery life and unique features.

We test a variety of different music genres to assess each model’s sound quality, including but not exclusive to, classical, pop, rock and hip hop, as well as podcasts and audiobooks. We also use each model for phone calls and video calls and assess the on-device controls for each model to see what they are capable of and how easy they are to use.

We’ve used all the models within this best AirPods guide extensively for several months each, including for exercise, dog walking, on public transport, on planes, day-to-day commuting, the school run and at home. During those times, we have looked at how each model sits in the ears or on the ears in different environments, how good they sound in those environments and how effective the noise cancelling is on the models that offer it.

All AirPods offer a very simple setup for Apple users and many of the same convenience features, but we have considered all the extra features each model offers too, how well those features work and whether they are worth the additional costs.

The Apple AirPods (2nd generation) offer the same simple setup as the more expensive AirPods models and if you’re just looking for convenience and simplicity on a budget, they are more than up to the task. They will switch between your Apple devices seamlessly, there’s Siri on board for voice assistance and they will pause and resume playback automatically when you take them in and out of your ears.

Though not as sophisticated as other AirPods models, the AirPods (2nd generation) do have some on-device controls that are easy to use, with a customisable double-tap allowing you to play or pause music, skip forward or answer a phone call.

The sound quality is good overall too. The AirPods (2nd generation) offer a balanced sound, delivering most tracks and genres well. They struggle a little at higher volumes, which you might need at times given there’s no noise cancelling here. You aren’t necessarily going to be able to hear individual guitar strings, but they deliver a decent performance for their price.

There’s no sweat or water resistance so these AirPods are best kept away from the gym, and the longer stems aren’t as neat and refined as the other in-ear AirPods models. These AirPods also fell out of our ears more than the AirPods (3rd generation) and especially the AirPods Pro models, but we found them comfortable enough and the wireless technology is excellent.

Key specifications

Apple’s AirPods (3rd generation) are a good step up from the AirPods (2nd generation) if your budget can stretch a little, not only in terms of design and sound quality but features and battery life too.

The shorter stems look significantly better, the earbuds themselves are more comfortable and less prone to dropping out of the ear, and there are more options for the on-device controls making for a better user experience. You can press once, twice or three times, as well as hold the sensor on the stem down to perform various functions from playing, pausing and skipping media, to answering, muting and ending calls.

There’s no on-bud volume control or active noise cancellation, but they last longer than the AirPods (2nd generation) and the sound quality is better. There’s greater clarity and detail in tracks, and the addition of a feature called Adaptive EQ tunes the sound in real-time based on how the earbud fits in your ear, delivering a more personalised experience.

Support for spatial audio is also on board here, with dynamic head tracking when used with Apple devices, resulting in a more immersive experience by placing the sound all around you when watching compatible films or shows. The AirPods (3rd generation) are also sweat and water-resistant and while the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) still have more features, these are superb value for what they offer and execute.

Key specifications

The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are the most expensive of the in-ear AirPods models, but there are some very good reasons for that and if your budget allows, these are the AirPods to get. They offer all the same convenience and ease-of-use features as the rest of the range, including simple set-up (with the addition of a simple ear tip fit test), but they introduce plenty of extra features too, with the most out of all AirPods models, alongside a decent battery life.

From a “Conversation Awareness” mode that is perfect for dog walks, automatically reducing audio volume when talking is detected, to on-device volume controls that result in very little need to use your connected Apple device at all given all the stem squeeze controls in the AirPods (3rd generation) we mentioned are also on board.

Silicone tips in four size options make these AirPods more comfortable and a more secure fit compared to the AirPods (2nd generation) and AirPods (3rd generation). They are also better for exercise and those tips mean these AirPods can deliver excellent noise cancellation that will not only block out the hum of a plane but noisy passengers on a train too.

Adaptive Audio mode gives you a good compromise between noise cancellation and being able to hear what’s going on around you, while the terrific sound quality is superior to the rest of the in-ear AirPods models, with power, clarity and detail from all genres. If you’re looking for the best in-ear AirPods, these are it.

Key specifications

The AirPods Max compete in a slightly different arena to the rest of the AirPods range, not only because they are over-ears rather than in-ears, but they also come with a significantly higher price tag making them a much more considered purchase.

For that price, however, they deliver an absolutely exceptional build quality and superb sound. Pretty much anything and everything you choose to listen to on these over-ear headphones will sound excellent, with great energy, power and detail. If you want to hear that guitar string ping, these AirPods will deliver that.

Noise cancellation is also supreme, with the AirPods Max having now been a staple in our travelling bag for years, even though they don’t fold, they’re rather heavy, and the case could be better when it comes to protection. They also don’t have all the features offered on the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with both Conversation Awareness and Adaptive Audio modes absent, and they still charge with a Lightning rather than USB-C cable.

There are great colours on offer with the AirPods Max, however, making for a lovely change compared to the standard white offering of the in-ears. The on-device controls are intuitive and the battery life will see you through a trans-Atlantic flight with no problem.

Key specifications

The original AirPods Pro (1st generation) were first announced in 2019 and discontinued three years later when they were initially replaced by the 2nd generation model with Lightning charging in 2022, and again in 2023 with the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with USB-C. That’s not to say they aren’t a good option to consider if you can find them for a good price or refurbished, however.

They don’t offer all the same features as the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) in that there’s no Conversation Awareness or Adaptive Audio modes, and the battery life isn’t as good, but there’s still good sound performance overall and very good noise cancellation.

Features like Live Listen that give you the ability to use the AirPods Pro (1st generation) as a hearing aid are on-board like on other AirPods models, and you’ll also find all the main convenience features as well as sweat and water resistance, making them a more attractive offering than the base AirPods (2nd generation) if, as we said, the price is right.

Key specifications

How do AirPods work?

All of Apple's AirPods models rely on Bluetooth technology to deliver a completely wireless listening experience. That means that while they are an Apple product, they are compatible with any devices that support Bluetooth, including Android and Windows PCs.

The pairing process is particularly streamlined for Apple devices, requiring you to simply open the charging case near your iPhone or iPad after which a pop-up card will appear requiring just one tap for connection. Once connected, AirPods will automatically pair with any other Apple devices associated with the same Apple ID, as well as automatically switch between them, marking the biggest difference between AirPods and other wireless earbuds.

For non-Apple devices, you pair AirPods to your device as you would any other Bluetooth device. Pressing and holding the button on the back of the AirPods case will place the in-ear AirPods models into pairing mode, while for AirPods Max, it’s a simple press and hold of the flat button on the right ear cup. When the LED light on the case or AirPods Max flashes white, the AirPods are in pairing mode and should then appear under “available devices” in Bluetooth settings on your device.

In terms of charging, the in-ear AirPods models all top themselves up when placed back in their case, which you charge via the charging port at the bottom. The AirPods Max, on the other hand, enter a low power mode when placed back in their case, with the charging port located on the right ear cup of the headphones themselves. All models are charged via Apple's Lightning connection except for the latest AirPods Pro (2nd generation) that have USB-C

Are Apple AirPods worth it?

There are a number of elements that make Apple’s AirPods worth buying, but their biggest selling points are their convenience features and how well they work with Apple devices. The one-tap setup makes connecting them to your Apple devices simple, which is of course great in itself, but it’s after that initial connection is made that the true benefits for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac users come in.

AirPods will automatically connect to your Apple devices as soon as you put them in your ears or on your head after that initial setup is complete, and they switch seamlessly between Apple devices as required too. You could be listening to music on your iPhone and have a video call come through on your MacBook Air, and the AirPods will switch to the correct device without any input from you.

Features like Automatic Ear Detection allow you to use one AirPod at a time, with audio playback pausing initially as you remove one, before resuming automatically, or stopping completely when you take both AirPods out. It’s also possible to share audio from an Apple device to another pair of AirPods so two people can watch a movie or listen to audio from one device through two separate pairs of AirPods with separate controls appearing on the screen of the device playing the audio.

What are the disadvantages of AirPods?

Despite the convenience of Apple’s AirPods, there are some considerations to take into account, the first of which is price. There are several cheaper wireless headphones available, some of which are lot more affordable than AirPods, especially in the case of AirPods Max.

It's also important to acknowledge that price doesn't necessarily directly translate to the best sound quality in the market. There's a great listening experience across all AirPods models for casual users, but audiophiles will need to consider AirPods Pro or AirPods Max and may even be better suited to some of the higher-end wireless models available outside of the AirPods offering if sound quality is the priority.

Design is also a consideration with the lower-end AirPods models offering a one-size-fits-all approach, which may not offer a snug and comfortable fit for all ear canals. The AirPods Max over-ears are adjustable and the AirPods Pro models have silicone tips in various sizes, allowing for more flexibility, but some users may find the AirPods (2nd generation) and AirPods (3rd generation) aren't secure enough and fall out easily.

It's also worth noting that none of the AirPods models are waterproof. The AirPods (3rd generation) and AirPods Pro models are water and sweat-resistant but they aren't designed to be worn in the shower or for water sports, including swimming.

How long do AirPods last?

As with most electronics, the battery inside AirPods will degrade over time, eventually affecting performance. Typically, lithium-ion batteries – the type of battery you will find in the likes of wireless earbuds including AirPods, along with smartphones and smartwatches – last between 300 to 500 charging cycles or two and three years, whichever comes first, before they begin to weaken.

As the battery deteriorates, you may notice your AirPods don't hold a charge for as long or the listening time reduces. Apple offers free recycling of its devices when they no longer work as expected, from AirPods to charging cables. The Apple Trade-In website will ask for your address to send a prepaid shipping label to, which you can then print and send off your AirPods for them to be recycled properly.

What to look out for when buying AirPods

Not all Apple’s AirPods are created equal so there are a couple of things to keep in mind to make sure you get the best model for you and what you are looking for, with designs, features, sound quality and controls varying between the different models.

In-ear vs over-ear

The most common AirPods models are the in-ear models, which are small, white earbuds that sit in the ear canal. The AirPods Max sits over your ears rather than in them with a headband connecting the two aluminium cups and their memory foam ear cushions that encompass your ear.

Sound quality differs between all the models, with the AirPods Max the best overall and AirPods Pro (2nd generation) superior to the other in-ear models.

Design

All the in-ear AirPods models are white, with no alternative colours available. They differ in size and weight, offering varying stem sizes, on-device controls, and water resistance ratings.

The AirPods Pro models have silicone tips - available in four sizes - delivering a more secure fit than the AirPods (2nd generation) and AirPods (3rd generation).

The AirPods Max come in five colour options and they are much heavier than the in-ear AirPods. Their controls are also different and there's no water resistance rating.

Features

Some features are shared across all AirPods models, while others are exclusive to the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with not even the more expensive AirPods Max offering them.

All the current AirPods models have Apple's smart assistant, Siri, for voice assistance, along with Find My support to help you find them through the Find My app if you lose them. They also have easy setup, automatic switching between Apple devices and the option to use them as a hearing aid.

Sweat resistance, noise-cancelling and certain features like Conversation Awareness mode are restricted to the AirPods Pro (2nd generation).

Battery life

Battery life varies across all AirPods models and it will vary with features like active noise cancelling turned on.

All the in-ear models will charge in their case for up to 30 hours of listening time depending on the model, while the AirPods Max offer up to 20 hours on one charge, but don't charge in their case without being plugged in.

Why choose Beats over AirPods?

When researching AirPods, you may also have come across Beats. Apple owns Beats so some of the convenience features offered by AirPods, including one-tap connection with Apple devices, can also be found on Beats headphones.

Beats are renowned for their bass-heavy sound signature, making them ideal for those who enjoy genres like hip-hop, electronic, or pop. They also come in a wider variety of styles and colours than AirPods, making them a great option if you would like something that offers the convenience of AirPods but in a more exciting finish.

If you enjoy the gym, the Beats Fit Pro are a good option to consider, offering a secure fit with wing tips and three different silicone tips. These unsurprisingly did well in the GHI’s test of the best headphones for exercise. They also have a range of features from active noise cancellation and on-device controls to water and sweat resistance, as well as a cheaper price to AirPods Pro (2nd generation).

The Beats Studio Buds and Beats Studio Buds+ (another top performer from the GHI tests) are also worth considering if you're looking for an alternative to AirPods. Their design is more in line with traditional wireless earbuds with neither offering a stem. The more expensive Studio Buds+ have four tip sizes to fit a range of ears and offer decent active noise cancellation, while the Studio Buds are still sweat and water-resistant like the Buds+ and Beats Fit Pro, but cheaper.

What are the best AirPods alternatives?

While Apple's AirPods were responsible for popularising wireless earbuds, they aren't the only options available, as we alluded to at the beginning of this guide. The wireless earbuds market has a number of alternative options to AirPods from Bose and Denon to Sennheiser and Nothing.

The Nothing Ear earbuds (£129) offer a unique design with great sound quality, outperforming a number of more expensive models in this category. The company also recently launched the Nothing Ear (a) earbuds as an even cheaper alternative at £99, making either of these a good value option.

Denon's PerL earbuds are an interesting alternative to AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with a hearing test within their companion app in order to map your hearing sensitivities and create a personalised calibration unique to you. AirPods Pro (2nd generation) offer some customisation in terms of a fit test but Denon's version is much more sophisticated.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds have some of the best noise cancelling in the market, along with Sony's WF-1000XM5, while Final’s ZE8000 Mk2, the Technics EAH-AZ80 and Sennheiser's Momentum True Wireless 4 offer superb sound quality.

For over-ear alternatives to the AirPods Max, Sony's WH-1000MX5 are excellent all-rounders, even if they don't look as premium as Apple's option. If premium is what you're looking for, Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e over-ears are both luxurious and very capable. Our favourite all-rounder over-ear headphones under £200 are the Sennheiser Accentum Plus.