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Best Apple AirPods (Updated 2023): Upgrade Your Audio

Find your Best Apple AirPods for 2023 - handpicked for outstanding sound, comfort, and convenience, ensuring an exceptional wireless audio experience.

CR Staff
By Updated: 2024, Feb 5

Introduction

Best Apple AirPods are some of the most popular wireless earbuds on the market, and for good reason. They offer excellent sound quality, a comfortable fit, and seamless integration with Apple devices.

Best Apple AirPods (Updated 2023): Upgrade Your Audio
Best Apple AirPods

AirPods have revolutionized the way we experience audio, offering a unique blend of convenience, quality, and comfort. Designed by Apple, these wireless headphones have become a ubiquitous accessory for many. The first generation of Best Apple AirPods was introduced in December 2016 and since then, they have become increasingly popular with each new release.

One of the key features that sets Best Apple AirPods apart from other wireless headphones is the seamless integration with Apple devices. The headphones immediately connect to Apple devices as soon as they’re taken out of their charging case. Apple’s proprietary H1 chip ensures a strong and stable connection, along with impressive sound quality.

Furthermore, the sleek and minimalist design of the AirPods, characteristic of Apple’s overall design philosophy, adds to their appeal. They are lightweight, comfortable for long periods of use, and have now become a status symbol in audio accessories.


Quick Summary: Best Apple AirPods for 2023 – Unveiling Top Picks

Image Product Description Price
1
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
True wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation, Adaptive EQ, and spatial audio.
2
Apple AirPods Max
Apple AirPods Max
Over-ear wireless headphones with high-fidelity audio, Adaptive EQ, and spatial audio.
3
Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)
Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)
True wireless earbuds with spatial audio, Adaptive EQ, and a longer battery life than the previous generation.
4
Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)
Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)
True wireless earbuds with a wireless charging case and the H1 chip for faster pairing and more stable connections.

The Research

How we tested?

Our testing process for finding the best Apple AirPods involved a comprehensive evaluation of various factors. We assessed sound quality, battery life, comfort, noise cancellation capabilities, and ease of use. Additionally, we considered user reviews and expert opinions to ensure a well-rounded assessment.

How we picked?

We selected the best Apple AirPods based on a combination of objective criteria and user preferences. Factors such as sound quality, build, battery life, and special features like noise cancellation played a significant role in our selection process. We also took into account the overall value for money each model offered.

Who should get this?

The best Apple AirPods are ideal for individuals seeking a seamless wireless audio experience. They are suitable for music enthusiasts, professionals who rely on clear audio for calls, and anyone looking for a comfortable and reliable pair of earbuds for daily use. Additionally, those who value convenience and integration with Apple devices will find these AirPods highly beneficial.


2023’s Best Apple AirPods: A Top Review Guide

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Review

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

  • What We Like?

    The Best Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) have excellent active noise cancellation and a comfortable fit, making them an excellent choice for long listening sessions. They also come with a wireless charging case, which is a nice touch.

    In addition to their superior active noise cancellation and comfort, the Best Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) also boasts transparency mode. This feature allows users to listen to their surroundings while wearing the earbuds, promoting safety and convenience.

    Furthermore, they deliver an impressive sound quality with balanced audio performance, making them ideal for various genres of music. The wireless charging case is not just a luxury; it’s a practical feature that offers up to 24 hours of listening time, ensuring that your AirPods are always ready to use. The integration with iOS devices is seamless, and the inclusion of Siri support further enhances the user experience.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    The battery life, while decent, could be improved. They also lack a built-in volume control, which can be inconvenient. While the battery life of the device is acceptable, it often falls short of expectations, necessitating frequent recharges that can disrupt usage.

    Furthermore, the absence of built-in volume controls is more than just a minor inconvenience; it detracts significantly from the overall user experience. To compound these issues, the product does not feature any battery-saving modes, further limiting its operational time.

    Additionally, the lack of intuitive controls such as volume adjustment on the device itself demands users to reach for their connected devices for even the most basic alterations, adding to the user’s burden.

Product Specification

Product Type Wireless Earbuds
Active Noise Cancellation Yes
Transparency Mode Yes
Personalized Spatial Audio Yes
Adaptive EQ Yes
Sweat and Water Resistance Yes
Battery Life (Single Charge) Up to 6 Hours
Battery Life with Charging Case Up to 30 Hours
Price $249

Pros

  • Great sound quality
  • Excellent noise cancellation
  • Comfortable fit

Cons

  • Mediocre battery life
  • Lack of onboard volume control

9.0
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) are a solid choice for anyone looking for high-quality sound and noise cancellation, despite a few minor drawbacks.


Apple AirPods Max Review

Apple AirPods Max Review

  • What We Like?

    The Best Apple AirPods Max offer exceptional sound quality and robust build quality. They also have terrific noise cancellation and a unique design that stands out.

    The AirPods Max also boast a high-fidelity audio experience that is remarkably clear and rich, courtesy of Apple’s custom dynamic drivers. Each ear cup is equipped with computational audio and a total of nine outward-facing microphones that facilitate superior noise cancellation.

    Additionally, the unique design is not just aesthetically pleasing but also provides a comfortable fit, featuring a breathable knit mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions. Despite their premium price tag, the AirPods Max offer a compelling package for audiophiles seeking top-tier sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort in a wireless headphone.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    The high price may deter some potential buyers. They’re also quite heavy, which can lead to discomfort with prolonged use. In addition to the high price point and considerable weight, these items present another downside as they are not particularly durable. Despite the premium price tag, the materials used in their construction are prone to wear and tear, significantly reducing their lifespan.

    Furthermore, they lack versatility, performing subpar in diverse environments. This combination of a steep price, heaviness, lack of durability, and limited versatility may make these items a less-than-ideal choice for many consumers.

Product Specification

Product Type Over-Ear Headphones
Active Noise Cancellation Yes
Transparency Mode Yes
Personalized Spatial Audio Yes
Adaptive EQ Yes
Sweat and Water Resistance No
Battery Life (Single Charge) Up to 20 Hours
Battery Life with Charging Case Up to 24 Hours
Price $549

Pros

  • Exceptional sound
  • Robust build
  • Excellent noise cancellation

Cons

  • High price
  • Somewhat heavy

9.5
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Apple AirPods Max are a premium choice that deliver outstanding sound and build quality, but they may not be the best option for those on a budget or who value lightweight design.


Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Review

Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Review

  • What We Like?

    The Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) offer improved sound quality compared to their predecessors and have a longer battery life.

    Indeed, the Best Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) are not just about better sound and extended battery life. The addition of spatial audio with dynamic head tracking offers an immersive listening experience that feel like you’re in a theater. Their Adaptive EQ feature automatically tunes music to your ears for a rich, consistent sound quality. What’s more, their sweat and water-resistant design makes them an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts. They also support a seamless switching between Apple devices, making them a perfect companion for those embedded in the Apple ecosystem.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    They lack the noise cancellation feature found in the AirPods Pro and are still a bit pricey. In addition, the battery life leaves something to be desired, requiring frequent charging for prolonged use. The lack of a water resistance rating also raises concerns about durability and longevity.

    Furthermore, they do not offer an equalizer setting to customize the sound profile, which may not appeal to users looking for a personalized listening experience. Lastly, some users have reported connectivity issues, adding to the list of potential drawbacks.

Product Specification

Product Type Wireless Earbuds
Active Noise Cancellation No
Transparency Mode No
Personalized Spatial Audio No
Adaptive EQ No
Sweat and Water Resistance Yes
Battery Life (Single Charge) Up to 6 Hours
Battery Life with Charging Case Up to 30 Hours
Price $179

Pros

  • Improved sound quality
  • Longer battery life

Cons

  • No noise canceling
  • Still somewhat expensive

8.5
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) are a good upgrade for those who want better sound and battery life, but if noise cancellation is a must-have feature, you might want to consider the AirPods Pro.


Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Review

Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Review

  • What We Like?

    The Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) offer reliable performance, a comfortable fit, and easy pairing with Apple devices.

    Additionally, the Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) are equipped with the new H1 chip, resulting in a faster and more stable wireless connection. They also provide extended battery life, with up to 5 hours of listening time and 3 hours of talk time on a single charge. The inclusion of ‘Hey Siri’ support enables hands-free control, enhancing user convenience. The sound quality, while unchanged from the previous generation, still delivers a clear and balanced audio experience.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    The sound quality, while decent, doesn’t match up to the newer generations, and there’s no noise cancellation. Furthermore, the battery life is somewhat underwhelming, with a need for frequent recharging during prolonged usage. Not to mention, the lack of waterproofing means that they aren’t suitable for exercise or unexpected rain. The absence of a fast pairing feature can also lead to occasional connectivity issues, which might end up frustrating users used to more modern, seamless experiences. Lastly, the design may feel outdated and bulky compared to the sleek aesthetics of newer models.

Product Specification

Product Type Wireless Earbuds
Active Noise Cancellation No
Transparency Mode No
Personalized Spatial Audio No
Adaptive EQ No
Sweat and Water Resistance Yes
Battery Life (Single Charge) Up to 5 Hours
Battery Life with Charging Case Up to 24 Hours
Price $129

Pros

  • Reliable performance
  • Comfortable fit
  • Easy pairing

Cons

  • Sound quality doesn’t match newer models
  • No noise cancellation

8.0
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Best Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) are a reliable choice for those who want a no-fuss, comfortable pair of wireless earbuds, but there are better options available if sound quality and noise cancellation are priorities.


What Are Airpods?

AirPods are a line of wireless bluetooth earbuds created by Apple Inc. They were first released in 2016 and quickly gained popularity for their seamless integration with Apple devices, high-quality sound, and distinctive design.

Additionally, AirPods feature a built-in microphone that filters out background noise, enabling clear and undisturbed phone calls or voice commands to Siri, Apple’s artificial intelligence assistant. The earbuds come with a compact, intelligently designed charging case, which provides up to 24 hours of additional battery life. One of the most lauded features of AirPods is the automatic pausing and resuming of audio playback when one removes or reinserts the earbuds. This smart technology, combined with the high fidelity sound, comfortable fit, and wireless convenience, makes AirPods a leading choice in the world of portable audio devices.

What Are the Different Types of Airpods?

There are currently three main models of AirPods available: the standard AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max. The standard AirPods are highly versatile, offering a great balance of sound quality and affordability. The AirPods Pro come with additional features such as active noise cancellation and customizable fit. The AirPods Max, the latest addition to the family, are over-ear headphones that deliver top-tier sound quality and comfort.

How to Maintain and Care for Your Airpods?

Maintaining your AirPods properly can extend their lifespan and ensure optimal performance. Here are a few key tips:

Clean them regularly: Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to clean the earbuds and the charging case. Avoid using sharp objects that could potentially damage the speakers and sensors.

Keep them dry: Although AirPods Pro and AirPods Max have a certain degree of water resistance, it’s best to avoid exposing them to a lot of moisture or humidity. Do not wear them while swimming or showering.

Protect the charging case: Keep the charging case in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Be sure to keep the lid closed when the AirPods are not in use.

Manage battery life: To preserve the battery life, make sure to update your AirPods to the latest firmware and only charge them when the battery is low.

Remember that taking care of your AirPods can help ensure the longevity and quality of your listening experience.

What Factors to Consider When Choosing Airpods?

Choosing the right AirPods depends largely on your individual needs and preferences. Key factors to consider include your budget, the features you value most (such as noise cancellation or a customizable fit), and how you plan to use them – for instance, casual listening, professional work, or fitness activities. Also worth considering is your device compatibility and how well each model integrates with your current tech ecosystem.


Comparison: Top 4 Apple AirPods Models for Every Budget

Product Feature Apple AirPods Pro Apple AirPods Max Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)
Active noise cancellation Yes Yes No No
Transparency mode Yes Yes No No
Personalized spatial audio Yes Yes No No
Adaptive EQ Yes Yes No No
Sweat and water resistance Yes No Yes Yes
Battery life (single charge) Up to 6 hours Up to 20 hours Up to 6 hours Up to 5 hours
Battery life with charging case Up to 30 hours Up to 24 hours Up to 30 hours Up to 24 hours
Price
$249 $549 $179 $129

Conclusion

In conclusion, Apple’s range of AirPods have distinct features and functionalities that cater to different user preferences. The AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) stands out for its exceptional noise cancellation and sound quality, despite some minor drawbacks such as mediocre battery life and lack of onboard volume control.

The AirPods Max delivers premium sound and build quality but might be a heavy hit on the pocket and literally heavy on the ears. The AirPods (3rd Generation) offer improved sound quality and longer battery life, but they lack noise cancellation.

On the other hand, the AirPods (2nd Generation) are a reliable choice for those seeking comfort and easy pairing with their devices, albeit with slightly inferior sound quality compared to the newer models.

It’s clear that while each model has its pros and cons, Apple’s commitment to seamless integration and design aesthetics remains consistent across all generations of AirPods.