The best AirPods to buy in 2025

Whether you're buying your first pair of AirPods or replacing a used-up old pair, it's easy to see why so many iPhone owners prefer Apple's headphones and headphones over other options. Apple has spent years gradually adding new features that work best, and sometimes only work in general – with the company’s own devices. These handy tricks include audio sharing, automatic switching between different Apple devices, live streaming, Apple TV integration, and more.

There are currently four AirPods models to choose from, each with their own distinct appeal and benefits. You probably already know whether you're more interested in in-ear headphones or in-ear headphones, so that's the first division. For in-ear headphones, your only choice is the AirPods Max. But in the headphone category, Apple offers three options: AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation, and the good old AirPods 4.

Noise reduction: Yes / Battery life: 8 hours (ANC enabled) / Waterproof: IP57 / Bluetooth codecs: AAK, SBK / Multipoint: No / Works best with: iOS, Windows, macOS / Ear Tips: Foam and silicone (XXS, XS, S, M, L)

The third-generation AirPods Pro are better than their predecessor in many ways, starting with comfort. Apple's newest flagship headphones have a more angular design and a wider range of ear tip sizes, including an XXS option. Their foam-filled tips combine foam and silicone so they expand slightly for greater comfort and a tighter fit. If you've ever complained about AirPods falling out of your ears, the Pro 3's improved fit might sell you on it.

They also offer improvements in noise cancellation that make them rival even the AirPods Max. They're noticeably better at canceling high-frequency sounds like voices than previous generations of AirPods Pro and can eliminate low-pitched airplane engine rumble. The sound quality has also improved, and it was surprisingly easy to discern: the bass is more punchy, the vocals are clearer, and you'll notice new layers to your favorite tracks. Meanwhile, battery life will last a full workday with ANC enabled before the earbuds have to return to the charging case for a recharge.

Apart from allowing users to use these headphones as clinical grade hearing aids – a feature introduced last year – Apple added a heart rate sensor to this model, allowing you to track your workouts right from your ears. Add in IP57 water and dust resistance, more powerful Find My capabilities, and live translation, and it's clear that the AirPods Pro are Apple's best wireless headphones by a long shot.

The best AirPods for those who find earbuds uncomfortable

Noise reduction: No / Battery life: 5 hours / Waterproof: IP54 / Bluetooth codecs: AAK, SBK / Multipoint: No / Works best with: iOS, Windows, MacOS

Not everyone likes the way ear tips feel. Even with the ventilation and other measures Apple has taken to improve comfort and reduce the feeling of clutter in the AirPods Pro 3, some people simply prefer the regular AirPods, which fit most users. Their open design means you'll never be completely cut off from the outside world. The AirPods Pro have an impressive transparency mode, but the AirPods 4 don't need it.

Apple sells two versions of the AirPods 4. No matter which one you choose, you'll get the same good sound quality, microphone performance for voice calls, and IP54 water resistance. The more expensive pair has features you might want, including active noise cancellation and a more advanced charging case (it supports Find My and wireless charging). You might be surprised at how well the noise cancellation works even in an unsealed design; this reduces the office atmosphere and annoying noise, but louder sounds and voices still pass through ANC since they don't use a sealed ear tip.

If you're really interested in noise-cancelling headphones, consider upgrading to the AirPods Pro 3. They offer much better sound quality, stronger noise-canceling noise, and an overall better experience. I would only direct you to AirPods 4 with noise cancellation if you Really unlike ear tips.

Best for those who prefer headphones

Noise reduction: Yes / Battery life: 20 hours (ANC enabled) / Waterproof: No / Bluetooth codecs: AAK, SBK / Multipoint: No / Works best with: iOS, Windows, MacOS

We've repeatedly recommended the $549 Apple AirPods Max over the past few years. They have outstanding designs, but the good looks and premium feel come at a price. Not only that, but these headphones are significantly heavier than most competitors and can become fatiguing over long periods of use. But the fabric ear pads on the AirPods Max are much nicer in warm weather than the leather ones you'll find on products from Bose and Sony, and probably won't make your ears sweat.

AirPods Max deliver impressive noise cancellation and Transparency Mode sounds clearer and more natural than any other set of headphones on the market. When it comes to sound, Apple's headphones have a pleasant soundtrack that works well across a wide range of genres. They're easy to listen to thanks to an impressive soundstage for closed-back headphones.

You lose some features found in AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 with ANC, including call recognition and adaptive audio, since AirPods Max uses Apple's older H1 chip. However, the company added lossless audio via USB-C in April, which means these headphones offer the highest sound quality in Apple's entire lineup.

With Apple hardware crash In the rearview mirror, we are at a point where the company's composition appears to be settled (for now). Apple doesn't update its entry-level AirPods line every year like some other products, and the Pro 3 just hit the market. Meanwhile, the AirPods Max have remained virtually unchanged since their 2020 release. adding a USB-C model and new color options last year. It's possible that we'll see a pair of AirPods with a camera and Apple Intelligence support in the future. last year's report this is indicated, but it is unlikely to happen in the near future.

Update November 6: Adjusted to reflect current prices/availability and new related links.