Which AirPods to choose in 2025?
This guide is designed to help you navigate the various models of AirPods headphones available – each with its unique set of features and price points. From the budget-friendly AirPods (4th generation) to the high-end AirPods Max, we’ll explore which model could be the best fit for you, based on your preferences and usage scenarios. We'll provide insights into the technical specifications, user experiences, and practical considerations to assist you in making an informed decision. So, whether you're a first-time buyer or considering an upgrade, read on to find the perfect pair of AirPods that aligns with your audio aspirations and lifestyle needs.
AirPods (4th Generation)
Released: September 2024
These headphones were unveiled by Apple during the September 2024 event alongside the iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 10. AirPods 4 feature a new design and improved sound over the previous generation. With the H2 chip, AirPods 4 unlock intelligent audio experiences like voice isolation and Siri interactions. Bluetooth is now version 5.3, which should provide even better connectivity. The AirPods case is now 10% smaller and features USB-C for charging. The AirPods battery lasts about 5 hours, while the case gives you up to 30 hours of battery life. 5 minutes in the case provides about 1 hour of listening time. The headphones are now IP54 certified, meaning they are dust, sweat and water resistant for non-water sports and exercise. AirPods 4 are now the entry-level AirPods, offering even more features for the same price as the previous generation. This version is great if you want a simple but good pair of headphones that work well with your Apple device.
Key Features: H2 chip, USB-C, great battery life, most affordable AirPods
Considerations: Can charge only with the cable.
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AirPods (4th Generation) with Active Noise Cancellation
Released: September 2024
This model does everything the AirPods 4th Generation do, but with a few extra features. The main one, of course, is Active Noise Cancellation. It reduces background noise such as police sirens, airplane engines, city traffic and other noisy environments. There is a Transparency mode to keep users aware of their surroundings, Adaptive Audio that dynamically mixes Transparency mode and Active Noise Cancellation based on the conditions of the user's environment, and Conversation Awareness that lowers the user's media volume when they start talking to someone nearby. The case offers Qi wireless charging capability as well as support for the Apple Watch Wireless Charger along the USB-C. It also has a speaker, so you can find your case and headphones using the “Find My” app. This model is great if you want to reduce the noise around you and have the ability to charge your headphones wirelessly. Keep in mind, however, that these are open-ear headphones, so you won't be able to completely block out noise like you can with the AirPods Pro 2.
Key Features: H2 chip, USB-C, Active Noise Cancellation
Considerations: You still will hear surroundings due to the headphones open-ear form-factor.
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AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Released: September 2022, Updated in 2023
Apple introduced AirPods Pro 2nd Gen in September 2022 with a further refresh in September 2023 by updating them to feature a USB-C port. Featuring Active Noice Cancellation, Adaptive Audio and Transparency mode they still provide 6 hours of battery life on a single charge and up to 30 hours with a charging case. It has an H2 chip for an improved audio, noise-cancellation and connectivity. Charging case with MagSafe and USB-C also has a built-in U1 chip, so you can find your AirPods with the Find My app easily. In September 2024, Apple introduced new features that make these headphones even better. You can now take a hearing test to learn more about your hearing. AirPods Pro 2 also now offer a clinical-grade hearing aid feature that can replace a separate hearing aid. These are the best in-ear AirPods available today. Unlike AirPods 4th Generation, these are true in-ear earphones, with four pairs of silicone tips included to fit a wide range of ears.
Key Features: Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, Adaptive EQ, sweat and water resistance, and includes silicone tips for a customizable fit.
Considerations: More expensive than the non-Pro models. Features like ANC and spatial audio require compatible Apple devices to function fully.
AirPods Max
Released: December 2020, Updated in September 2024
This is the first over-ear headphones released by Apple in December 2020. They have the best sound of all AirPods models, Active noise cancellation, Transparency mode and Spatial Audio support for a unique listening experience. Battery life is good and lasts about 20 hours on a single charge. Smart Case preserves battery charge in ultra-low-power state and preserves headphones from scratches. Note, that it has a Lightning port for charge. If you are commuting or flying on the plane, these headphones will provide you one of the best noise-cancellation in the market. However, due to it’s form-factor and size, they might not be the best choice for doing sports or other activities. Although you will very much enjoy them in the office or while watching your favorite movie. In comparison to the rest of the AirPods models, AirPods Max is available in 5 different colors. In September 2024, Apple updated the headphones with the USB-C port, instead of Lightning and added new colours.
Key Features: Outstanding sound clarity, Transparency Mode, spatial audio, and a comfortable design with memory foam ear cushions.
Considerations: The highest price point in the AirPods line. They are bulkier than earbuds, making them less portable.
Shop nowHow do AirPods compare?
| Features | AirPods 4th Gen | AirPods 4th Gen ANC | AirPods Pro 2nd Gen | AirPods Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 5 hours | 5 hours | 6 hours | 20 hours |
| Form factor | Earbud | Earbud | In-ear | Over-ear |
| Noice Cancelation | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Adaptive Audio | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Transparency mode | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Conversation Awareness | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Spatial Audio | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hearing Test/Aid | No | No | Yes | No |
| Processor | H2 | H2 | H2 | H1 |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C, Qi charger | USB-C, MagSafe | USB-C |
| Water resistance | Yes, IP54 | Yes, IP54 | Yes, IP54 | No |
To summarize, we would say:
- If you are on a budget and need portable headphones, buy AirPods 4th Generation.
- If you want to try Active Noice Cancellation, but are not willing to pay more for the Pro version or don't like the fit of the in-ear headphones buy AirPods 4th Generation with ANC.
- If you want all the Pro features – buy AirPods Pro.
- If you want the best sound experience and budget is not an issue – buy AirPods Max.
These models are no longer available:
AirPods (2nd Generation)
Released: March 2019, Discontinued September 2024
This is the second generation AirPods model that Apple introduced in 2019. It has the original AirPods design and got the updated H1 processor. Battery lasts for about 5 hours on a single charge, while the charging case gives you additional 24 hours of battery life. These AirPods are ideal for those seeking a straightforward, wireless audio solution without needing the latest features.
Key Features: Voice-activated Siri, good connectivity and battery life, extremely compact design.
Considerations: Lacks noise cancellation and water resistance. The sound quality is decent but not the best in the lineup.
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AirPods (3rd Generation)
Released: October 2021, Discontinued September 2024
This is a successor of 2nd Generation AirPods that Apple introduced in the end of 2021. It features an all new design, reminding one of the AirPods Pro. It has an improved battery life: 6 hours on a single charge and 30 hours with the charging case. On top of that it has Spatial Audio support and water and sweat resistance (IPX4). This AirPods will a good fit for those who want an upgrade from the 2nd generation without the price tag of the Pro models, as well as for users who appreciate better sound quality and water resistance. Note, that you can choose between two version of AirPods 3rd generation with a Lightning case or with the Lightning + MagSafe case for wireless charging.
Key Features: Spatial Audio support, improved design closer to the Pro model, water and sweat resistance, and better battery life compared to the 2nd generation.
Considerations: Does not have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The price is higher than the 2nd generation but offers significant improvements.
ViewCompatibility
AirPods are fabulous headphones if you are in the Apple ecosystem of products. They provide additional features like Spatial Audio, which works only with Apple products. If you have devices from other manufacturers, many AirPods features might not work. In this case, we recommend other headphone brands with a more universal compatibility. At Multitronic, we offer a diversified range of in-ear and over-ear headphones for different budgets, use cases and needs. However, one brand stands out from them – Beats headphones. They offer select features from the AirPods in slightly different form factors and are compatible with a broader range of products.
