What are the best Apple AirPods overall?
When it comes to earbuds and headphones, Apple makes some of the best models around. With each new release, Apple’s wireless earbuds and headphones have gotten better and better, but the AirPods Pro 2 are still the best Apple AirPods you can buy. The buds are equipped with Apple’s H2 chip, USB-C charging, good sound quality, a new adaptive audio mode and more. If you’re in the market for some classic over-ear headphones or a sportier earbuds option, we have recommendations for those, too.
A good seal is crucial for optimal sound quality and noise cancellation, but not everyone is looking for earbuds that need to be jammed in your ears. There are plenty of other AirPods, along with some headphones and earbuds from Apple-owned brand Beats. They’re not called AirPods, but in some cases, they share the same Apple chipsets and features.
I’ve tested hundreds, if not thousands, of headphones over 20 years of evaluating headphones, and I’ve tested and fully reviewed all of Apple’s headphones and earbuds that are on this list. Note that we also 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 Wireless Earbuds
Best Apple AirPods for 2024
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Apple not only swapped in USB-C for Lightning connectivity in its new iPhone 15 models, but it made the switch with the AirPods Pro (2nd generation). The new AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe (USB-C) are nearly identical to their Lightning predecessor, delivering the same excellent sound, noise canceling and voice-calling performance. That said, they offer some other small upgrades, including additional dust resistance and a new acoustic architecture that allows for Lossless Audio with the Vision Pro, Apple’s newly released wearable headset that costs $3,499. Is it possible that new acoustic architecture makes the buds sound subtly different with current devices like the iPhone? Maybe, maybe not. Either way, the AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) are easy to recommend to Apple users despite their high price.
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~ Very good sound and noise canceling
~ Powered by Apple’s H1 chip” dislike=”~ No wireless charging
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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 includes Apple’s H1 chip and has 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.
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Yes, they’re expensive, but the AirPods Max delivers richer, more detailed sound than lower-priced competitors from Bose and Sony. They also feature arguably the best noise canceling on the market along with premium build quality and Apple’s virtual surround spatial audio feature for video watching. While they’re heavy, they manage to be surprisingly comfortable, although I did have to adjust the mesh canopy headband to sit a little more forward on my head to get a comfortable secure fit when I was out walking with them. They should fit most heads well, but there will be exceptions.
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