The second-generation AirPods Pro are the latest earphones in Apple's lineup, but they aren't your only option. Here, we run you through all of your choices to help you pick the best model for your needs and budget. And for the open-minded, we even suggest some compelling alternatives from other manufacturers.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom of the page for an in-depth specs comparison.
Best Noise-Cancelling Earphones
The fantastic AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) deliver some of the strongest noise cancellation performance of any earphones we've tested and offer a pleasing sound signature that emphasizes low- and high-frequency clarity. Their Adaptive Audio (transparency) mode is also good and we like that the case (now) uses a USB-C charging port. Our gripes are relatively minor—an IP54 rating could be better, while the lack of an adjustable EQ continues to be an annoyance. Complaints aside, the latest AirPods Pro are the best in-ear AirPods thus far.
What Should You Choose Instead?
If you’re looking for the absolute best in true wireless noise cancellation, the $299 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds have a slight edge over the AirPods Pro, along with slightly richer bass depth and an in-app EQ. Check out our in-depth comparison between those and the $299.99 Sony WF-1000XM5 if you're having trouble deciding.
Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones
The AirPods Max are notable for two reasons: They're the only over-ear headphones Apple sells and they cost over twice as much as the AirPods Pro. For the money, you get strong active noise cancellation and excellent audio quality. Whereas all the in-ear AirPods use a white plastic material, these elegant and metallic headphones are available in several colors including Green, Pink, Silver, Sky Blue, and Space Gray.
All that said, the AirPods Max are past their third birthday, and we're hesitant to recommend them in case a replacement is on the way in the next year or so; $549 is a lot to spend on headphones that might not stay at the top of their class for long. If Apple decides to upgrade them at some point, we hope it improves the included Smart Case, which protects only the ear cups.
What Should You Choose Instead?
Very few noise-cancelling headphones cost as much as the AirPods Max. That means you can save quite a bit of money with still-excellent alternatives including the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones ($429) and the Sony WH-1000XM5 ($399). Check out our detailed comparison between these three flagship models.
Best Open-Ear AirPods
The third-generation AirPods sport an open design that doesn’t seal off the ear canal. We're not fans of this approach because it often leads to unbalanced audio, poor bass response, and a less secure fit. This iteration still feels somewhat loose in the ear, but internal sensors and mics help deliver among the best bass response we've heard from this type of earbud. You don't get active noise cancellation or transparency modes here (the latter isn't really necessary in light of the open design), but the charging case supports MagSafe and Qi wireless charging (as long as you pay an extra $10 for those capabilities).
What Should You Choose Instead?
For the same price, the Beats Studio Buds + offer a more secure in-ear fit, quality noise cancellation, consistently punchier sound, and hands-free Siri access. They don't support spatial audio but otherwise integrate into Apple's ecosystem just as seamlessly. We also think the earbuds and case look more stylish thanks to their transparent design, though the latter unfortunately doesn't support wireless charging.
Most Affordable AirPods
The second-generation AirPods debuted in early 2019 for $199, which might make their current price of $129 seem like a bargain. We don't think they're worth getting, though, because they feel like a work-in-progress compared with the third-generation model. These aging earphones offer weaker audio performance, don't feature a water-resistance rating, have shorter battery life, and lack spatial audio support. Moreover, the on-ear controls don't work very well.
What Should You Choose Instead?
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC earphones fit more securely, produce more detailed sound, offer class-leading active noise cancellation, and cost less at $99.99. The AirPods integrate more seamlessly with iOS, but Anker's companion app covers all the features you need and includes an adjustable EQ.