Which AirPods Are Best For You Right Now?

Picking out new headphones can feel like a big decision, especially with all the choices out there, and that is true for AirPods. You might be wondering which AirPods are best for your everyday listening, whether you are just chilling at home or out and about. It is a common question, and getting the right fit really changes how you experience your music and calls.

Apple has a few different AirPods models, each with its own special qualities, so it can be a bit tricky to figure out what works for you. From tiny earbuds that fit in your pocket to larger, over-ear headphones, there is a range. We will look at what makes each one stand out, helping you think about what matters most for your ears and your life.

This guide will walk you through the key features of the most popular AirPods, giving you a clear picture of their strengths and what they are best suited for. We will talk about comfort, sound quality, and how they handle noise around you, so you can make a choice that feels just right for you this year, on June 2, 2024.

Table of Contents

• AirPods Max: The Over-Ear Option
• AirPods Pro: Sound and Silence
  • AirPods Pro (2nd Generation): What's New?
  • Comfort and Noise Control
• AirPods (Standard Models): Easy Listening
  • AirPods 4: A New Look at Noise Cancellation
  • AirPods 3: Ready for Action
• Picking Your Perfect Pair: Key Things to Think About
  • How You Wear Them Matters
  • Noise Around You
  • Portability Needs
  • Budget and Value
• Keeping Your AirPods Ready
  • Cleaning Your AirPods
  • Checking for Real AirPods
  • Firmware Updates and Sound Quirks
• Frequently Asked Questions

AirPods Max: The Over-Ear Option

The AirPods Max, which came out three years ago, might not be the best pick right now, so it is almost time for an update. A new version is probably coming soon, so buying them today might not be the smartest move. While they certainly look very good and carry that Apple brand feel, their actual value for the money is not that high, you know?

You can find many other headphones that give you more for the same amount of money. Also, some people find them quite noticeable when they wear them, a bit heavy perhaps. They weigh over 380 grams, which is a lot when you think about how a single AirPods Pro earbud is only around 6 grams. This weight difference means they are not very easy to carry around, which is true.

However, they do have a woven headband that helps make them feel a little less heavy on your head. Each AirPods Max has an H1 chip inside, and this chip has ten audio cores. This technology helps block out outside sounds and changes the audio based on how the ear cushions fit your ears, which is pretty cool. In simpler words, they can adjust the sound to your listening space. These are really for people who are very serious about their headphones, sort of deep headphone lovers, you see.

AirPods Pro: Sound and Silence

The AirPods Pro models offer a different kind of listening experience, focusing on sound immersion and quiet. They are designed to fit right inside your ear, which helps a lot with keeping outside noise away. This design means they give you a strong sense of quiet when you are listening, which is rather good for busy places.

AirPods Pro (2nd Generation): What's New?

When you look at the AirPods Pro 2 compared to the first version, there are some nice additions, you know. They have a speaker built into the charging case, which is a neat touch. There is also a loop on the side of the case where you can attach a lanyard, making them easier to carry around, which is actually quite handy.

A big upgrade is the H2 chip, which makes the sound better and the noise cancellation stronger. They also include a U1 chip, which is like getting a small AirTag for free. This means finding your lost earbuds is much, much easier, and that is a truly great feature for many people.

Comfort and Noise Control

The in-ear design of the Pro series ear tips does a good job of blocking out sound passively, meaning they physically seal your ear. This helps keep a lot of background noise from reaching your ears. However, wearing them for very long periods can sometimes make your ear canal feel a bit uncomfortable, which is something to consider.

Both the AirPods (3rd generation) and the AirPods Pro models are resistant to sweat and water, which is a useful feature. This makes them good for different kinds of non-water activities, like working out or walking in light rain. The official Apple website gives details about this, so you can check that out too.

AirPods (Standard Models): Easy Listening

The regular AirPods, which are not the "Pro" or "Max" versions, offer a simpler way to listen, usually with a focus on comfort for longer periods. They sit a little differently in your ear compared to the Pro models. This makes them a bit more open to the sounds around you, but for some, this is actually a good thing.

AirPods 4: A New Look at Noise Cancellation

The new AirPods 4, which come with active noise cancellation, have just arrived, and they are quite a surprise. After trying them out for a while, it is fair to say they are one of the most interesting new products from the recent iPhone event. Their design, which does not go deep into your ear, is a big plus for comfort during long listening sessions, you know?

However, because of this semi-in-ear design, the noise isolation in noisy places is not as good as what you get with in-ear models. This is especially true for low rumbling sounds, like an engine or a running appliance. The active noise cancellation just does not quite get rid of those sounds completely, so that is something to keep in mind if you are often in loud environments.

AirPods 3: Ready for Action

The AirPods 3 have a nice upgrade over the older AirPods 2: they can handle sweat and water. This means you can wear them during workouts or if you get caught in a light drizzle without much worry. The AirPods 2 did not have this protection, so this is a good step up for people who are more active, you know.

Apple's official website clearly states that both the AirPods (3rd generation) and AirPods Pro can resist sweat and water. This makes them suitable for various non-water sports and activities, which is a practical benefit. It is good to know they can keep up with your busy life, too.

Picking Your Perfect Pair: Key Things to Think About

When you are trying to figure out which AirPods are best for you, there are a few important things to consider. It is not just about the sound, but also how they fit into your daily routines and what kind of environment you are usually in. Thinking about these points can really help you make the right choice, so it is almost like a personal fitting process.

How You Wear Them Matters

The way AirPods fit in your ears makes a big difference in comfort and how they sound. The AirPods Pro models go into your ear canal, which helps create a seal for better sound and noise blocking. But, as mentioned, this might feel a little uncomfortable for some people after wearing them for a very long time, which is a common point.

On the other hand, the standard AirPods, like the AirPods 4, have a semi-in-ear design. This means they sit a bit more openly in your ear. This design is often more comfortable for people who do not like things deep in their ears, especially for extended listening periods, which is a big plus for many.

Noise Around You

If you are often in noisy places, like on a bus, a train, or in a busy office, how well your AirPods handle outside sound is pretty important. The AirPods Pro models, with their in-ear fit and active noise cancellation, are designed to give you more quiet. They work hard to block out the sounds around you, which is very helpful for focus.

However, the AirPods 4, because of their semi-in-ear design, do not block out noise as thoroughly, especially low-frequency sounds like engines or appliances. Their active noise cancellation is there, but it is not as complete in those situations. So, if quiet is your main goal, the Pro models might be a better choice, you know.

Portability Needs

How easy it is to carry your AirPods around is another thing to think about. The AirPods Pro and standard AirPods are very small and light, making them super easy to slip into a pocket or a small bag. A single AirPods Pro earbud, for example, weighs only about 6 grams, so they are barely noticeable.

The AirPods Max, on the other hand, are much heavier, weighing over 380 grams. This makes them less convenient for carrying around all the time, especially if you are always on the go. They are more for staying in one place or for travel where you have more space, which is a big difference.

Budget and Value

The price of AirPods varies quite a bit between models, and it is worth thinking about what you get for your money. The AirPods Max, while looking good and having the Apple name, are quite expensive. Our information suggests they do not offer the best value for their price, especially with a new model likely on the way, which is a common concern.

For the same amount of money, you could probably find other headphones that give you more features or better sound quality for your specific needs. The AirPods Pro and standard AirPods tend to offer a good balance of features and cost, making them a more practical choice for many people looking for good value, you know.

Keeping Your AirPods Ready

Once you have your AirPods, keeping them in good shape is part of the experience. This includes knowing how to keep them clean, how to check if they are real, and what to do if you notice any odd sound behaviors. These little tips can help make sure your listening experience stays smooth, which is actually quite simple to do.

Cleaning Your AirPods

After using your AirPods or AirPods Pro for a while, they will probably gather some dirt and grime. You might wonder if you can clean them, and the good news is, yes, you can. It is important to know how to clean them properly to avoid any damage and keep them looking good. This helps keep them fresh for listening, you know.

This article aims to give you some guidance on how to clean your dirty AirPods or AirPods Pro. Regular cleaning can help maintain their sound quality and overall appearance. It is a simple step that helps keep your investment in good shape, which is always a good idea.

Checking for Real AirPods

With so many fake AirPods out there, it can be hard to tell the real ones from the copies. Our information shows that some fake versions are now almost 99% similar to the real Apple products. This means many of the old ways people used to check for fakes just do not work anymore, which is a problem for some buyers.

One way to check is to find the serial number on the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) box. Then, you can go to Apple's official website, specifically their warranty status page, and type in that serial number. This will let you see the warranty period for your AirPods Pro 2, which is a good sign that they are real, you know.

Firmware Updates and Sound Quirks

AirPods need their internal software, called firmware, to stay updated. It seems that the charging case plays a role in this. We think the case checks the firmware version of both earbuds. If one earbud has an older version, the case will use the internet to update it, making sure both earbuds have the same version, which is important for them to work together properly.

Sometimes, after connecting your AirPods to a computer, you might notice sound issues when opening games like League of Legends or WeGame. This could be because of problems with your computer's audio settings or how well your AirPods work with your computer. You might need to check your sound settings on your computer, you know.

If one side of your AirPods sounds louder than the other, there are a couple of reasons why this might happen, assuming your earbuds are fine. It could be that the audio you are playing simply has different volumes for the left and right sides, which is totally normal and does not need fixing. Or, you might have set the left and right volume balance differently in your iPhone's settings, which is something you can easily adjust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people ask about AirPods, based on what others are looking for:

Are AirPods Pro comfortable for long periods?
AirPods Pro have an in-ear design with ear tips that create a seal, which is good for sound and noise blocking. However, wearing them for a very long time can sometimes make your ear canals feel a bit uncomfortable. So, it really depends on your ears and how sensitive they are, you know.

Do AirPods 4 block out noise well?
The AirPods 4 have a semi-in-ear design, which means they do not block out noise as thoroughly as in-ear models, especially for low rumbling sounds like engines. While they do have active noise cancellation, it is not as complete in very noisy environments. So, they might not be the best if you need total quiet, you see.

Is it a good time to buy AirPods Max?
The AirPods Max were released three years ago, and a new version is likely coming out soon. Because of this, it is generally not recommended to buy them right now. They also might not offer the best value for their price compared to other options available. It is probably better to wait for the next generation, you know, or consider other models.

To learn more about AirPods on our site, you can browse through our guides. You might also want to check out this page for more details on specific models. For general information about AirPods and their features, you can always visit the official Apple AirPods page.