Best AirPods

Mick

By Mick

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Apple’s AirPods have become the go-to choice for wireless earbuds, delivering convenience, solid sound quality, and seamless Bluetooth connectivity in a sleek, compact design. Whether you’re listening to music, taking calls, or using voice assistants, AirPods make it effortless—all without any wires. While AirPods set the bar for true wireless earbuds, different models offer varying levels of battery life, sound quality, and comfort. Some feature noise cancellation for blocking out background noise, making them ideal for busy environments. We tested multiple AirPod models to find the best balance of sound quality, comfort, and features for every need and budget.

  • Apple AirPods (2nd Gen)

    10

    We think these AirPods are a great choice for iPhone users who want simple, reliable wireless earbuds.

    Pros

    • Easy setup and switching between Apple devices
    • Long battery life with charging case
    • Good sound quality for everyday use

    Cons

    • No noise cancellation
    • Only one size may not fit all ears
    • Pricey compared to some competitors

    We’ve been using these AirPods for a while now, and they’ve become our go-to earbuds. The setup is a breeze – just open the case near your iPhone and they’re ready to go. We love how they automatically connect when we put them in our ears and pause when we take them out.

    The sound quality is good for casual listening. Music comes through clear and crisp, and podcasts are easy to follow. We can wear them for hours without discomfort, but they might not fit everyone perfectly since there’s only one size.

    Battery life is impressive. We get about 5 hours of listening time on a single charge, and the case gives us extra charges for over 24 hours total. A quick 15-minute charge in the case gives us enough juice for a few hours of use, which is super handy.

    Apple AirPods (2nd Gen)
    • HIGH-QUALITY SOUND — Powered by the Apple H1 headphone chip, AirPods (2nd generation) deliver rich, vivid sound.
  • AirPods Pro 2

    9.7

    We think the AirPods Pro 2 are a must-buy for iPhone users who want top-notch wireless earbuds with great sound and features.

    Pros

    • Excellent noise cancellation
    • Comfortable fit with multiple tip sizes
    • Impressive sound quality

    Cons

    • Pricey compared to other options
    • Some features only work with Apple devices
    • Battery life could be better

    We’ve been testing the AirPods Pro 2 for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed. The noise cancellation is a big step up from the first generation. It blocks out way more background noise, making them great for noisy offices or travel.

    The sound quality is crisp and clear. We noticed more detail in our music, especially in the bass. The new Adaptive Audio feature is neat – it changes the sound based on what’s happening around you. It works well, but we sometimes forgot it was on.

    Comfort-wise, these are a winner. The extra small tip option means more people can get a good fit. We wore them for hours without any pain. The touch controls on the stems are easy to use, though it took us a day or two to get used to them.

    Sale
    AirPods Pro 2
    • PIONEERING HEARING — AirPods Pro 2 unlock the world’s first all-in-one hearing health experience: a scientifically validated Hearing Test,* clinical-grade Hearing Aid feature,* and active Hearing Protection.* Coming fall 2024.
  • Beats Studio Buds

    9.5

    We think the Beats Studio Buds are a solid choice for those seeking comfortable wireless earbuds with good sound quality and noise cancellation.

    Pros

    • Comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes
    • Powerful, balanced sound
    • Active noise cancellation and transparency mode

    Cons

    • Battery life could be longer
    • Case lacks wireless charging
    • Limited touch controls

    When we tried the Beats Studio Buds, we were impressed by their comfort. The earbuds come with three sizes of soft ear tips, which helped us find a snug fit. This good seal also improved the sound quality and noise cancellation.

    The sound these buds produce is quite good. We noticed clear highs and punchy bass that didn’t overpower the mids. Whether we were listening to rock, hip-hop, or classical, the audio was enjoyable and well-balanced.

    We liked having both active noise cancellation and transparency mode. The ANC did a decent job of blocking out background noise, though it’s not the strongest we’ve experienced. Transparency mode let us hear our surroundings when needed, which was handy for quick conversations or staying aware while walking outside.

    Sale
    Beats Studio Buds
    • Custom acoustic platform delivers powerful, balanced sound
  • Soundcore Space A40

    9.4

    We think the Soundcore Space A40 earbuds are a solid choice for those seeking quality noise-cancelling at a budget-friendly price.

    Pros

    • Impressive 50-hour total battery life
    • Effective adaptive noise cancellation
    • Compact and comfortable design

    Cons

    • Sound quality may not satisfy audiophiles
    • App required for some features
    • Occasional connectivity hiccups

    We’ve been testing the Soundcore Space A40 earbuds for a while now, and we’re impressed by their performance. The noise cancellation is surprisingly effective for the price point. We found it blocked out most ambient noise during our commute and office hours.

    The battery life is a standout feature. We got about 10 hours of use from a single charge, and the case provided several more full charges. This meant we didn’t have to worry about running out of power during long workdays or trips.

    Comfort-wise, these earbuds are a win. They’re small and light, so we barely noticed them in our ears even after hours of use. The app lets you adjust settings and EQ, which we found useful. Sound quality is good for casual listening, though audiophiles might want more detail.

    Sale
    Soundcore Space A40
    • Reduce Noise By Up to 98%: Space A40 has an upgraded noise cancelling system to block out a wider range of distracting noises. So wherever you go, you'll always have the space you need to focus.
  • Nothing Ear Wireless Buds

    9.3

    We think these earbuds are a great choice for tech-savvy users who want cutting-edge features and solid audio quality.

    Pros

    • Impressive noise cancellation
    • Long battery life
    • ChatGPT integration

    Cons

    • Case scratches easily
    • Expensive
    • Learning curve for features

    We tested the Nothing Ear wireless earbuds for a week, and we were impressed by their sound quality and smart features. The noise cancellation worked really well, blocking out most background noise during our commute. We liked how the buds adjusted the noise cancellation based on our ear fit.

    The battery life was a standout feature. We got over 40 hours of use with the charging case. A quick 10-minute charge gave us enough power for a full workday. The wireless charging was handy too – we just placed the case on our phone to top it up.

    We had fun trying out the ChatGPT integration. It was neat to ask questions and get answers right through the earbuds. The touch controls took some getting used to, but worked well once we learned them. While pricey, we think these buds offer good value for tech enthusiasts who want the latest features.

    Sale
    Nothing Ear Wireless Buds
    • Smart Noise Cancelling: Nothing but the music. Nothing ear wireless earbuds with up to 45 dB Active Noise Cancellation, Ear features our most effective and intelligent noise cancelling powers yet. Now 1.8x stronger than Ear (2). Ear automatically checks for noise leakage between the earbud and your ear canal, then applies more noise cancellation to make up for it. So you receive the best possible noise cancellation
  • Raycon Impact: Tough Earbuds

    9.1

    We think these earbuds are a solid choice for active users who need durable, long-lasting audio gear.

    Pros

    • Extremely long battery life
    • Very durable build
    • Waterproof design

    Cons

    • Fit may not work for all ear shapes
    • Sound quality is good but not exceptional
    • No companion app

    The Raycon Impact earbuds caught our eye with their tough design. We put them through their paces and came away impressed by how rugged they feel. The case and buds are built to take a beating, which is great for outdoor use or workouts.

    We found the battery life to be a standout feature. With up to 90 hours total playtime, we didn’t have to worry about charging for days. The case even doubles as a small power bank in a pinch, which we found handy.

    The sound quality is decent for most uses. Bass lovers might enjoy the punchy low end. We liked the active noise cancellation for blocking out gym noise, but it’s not the strongest we’ve tested. The lack of an app means you can’t tweak the sound, which some users might miss.

    Comfort was hit-or-miss in our tests. Some of us struggled to get a secure fit, even with the different tip sizes. This might be a problem for people with smaller ears. We did like how light they felt when we got them to stay put.

    We think these are best for users who value toughness and battery life over pure sound quality. Gym-goers and outdoor enthusiasts might find these to be a great fit for their lifestyle.

    Raycon Impact: Tough Earbuds
    • 🔥 MILITARY GRADE IMPACT RESISTANCE l The Impact Earbud is built from a impact resistant materials. Scratch-resistant and shock absorbent, the Impact Earbuds are ready to go through it all with you.
  • Back Bay Tempo 30 Earbuds

    9

    We think these earbuds are a great choice for people with small ears looking for comfort and good sound quality.

    Pros

    • Multiple ear tip sizes for a perfect fit
    • Long battery life (32 hours total)
    • Bass boost mode for workouts

    Cons

    • Touch controls can be finicky
    • Not suitable for swimming
    • Some users may find the bass overpowering

    We tested the Back Bay Tempo 30 earbuds and were impressed by their comfort. The six different ear tip sizes meant we could find a snug fit, even for our team members with tiny ear canals. This is a big plus, as ill-fitting earbuds can be a real pain.

    The sound quality surprised us for the price. We enjoyed clear audio across different music genres. The bass boost mode added extra oomph to our workout playlists without distorting the sound. It’s a nice feature, but those who prefer a flatter sound profile might want to use it sparingly.

    Battery life is a strong point. We got about 8 hours of playtime from a single charge, with the case providing an extra 24 hours. This meant we could use them for several days before needing to plug in. The IPX7 water resistance came in handy during sweaty workouts and light rain, though we wouldn’t recommend them for swimming.

    Sale
    Back Bay Tempo 30 Earbuds
    • [Best Wireless Ear buds for Small Ears] With 6 sizes of ear-tips, these small earphones can fit even the smallest ear openings comfortably; They're the best wireless earbuds for Android and iPhone
  • CMF Buds

    8.7

    We think these earbuds offer great value for their price, packing in features usually found in pricier models.

    Pros

    • Strong noise cancellation
    • Long battery life
    • Customizable EQ settings

    Cons

    • Touch controls can be finicky
    • App required for some features
    • Sound quality good, not exceptional

    We’ve been testing the CMF Buds for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed by what they offer at this price point. The noise cancellation is surprisingly effective, blocking out most background noise during our commutes and workouts. We found it easy to focus on our music or podcasts, even in noisy environments.

    The battery life is a standout feature. We got about 8 hours of use from a single charge, and the case provided several more full charges. This meant we could go days without worrying about plugging them in. When we did need to charge, the fast-charging feature came in handy – a quick 10-minute boost gave us enough power for a workout session.

    Sound quality is good for everyday use. The bass is punchy without being overwhelming, and the mids and highs are clear. We liked being able to tweak the EQ settings in the app to suit different music styles. The touch controls took some getting used to, and we occasionally triggered them by accident when adjusting the fit.

    CMF Buds
    • Noise Control: 2900 Hz frequency range, 42dB active noise cancelling with Transparency mode, and block out the unwanted noise
  • AirPods 3: Immersive Sound

    8.7

    We think the AirPods 3 are a great choice for Apple users seeking top-notch sound and seamless connectivity.

    Pros

    • Personalized spatial audio
    • Comfortable, secure fit
    • Long battery life

    Cons

    • No active noise cancellation
    • Pricey compared to competitors
    • Limited controls

    After trying out the AirPods 3, we were impressed by their immersive sound quality. The personalized spatial audio feature made our music and podcasts come alive, creating a 3D listening experience that felt tailored to our ears.

    We found the fit to be much improved from earlier models. The new shape stayed securely in our ears during workouts and daily activities. The IPX4 sweat and water resistance gave us peace of mind when using them at the gym or in light rain.

    Battery life is a strong point. We got about 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, and the case provided several full charges for a total of 30 hours. This meant we rarely had to worry about running out of power during the day.

    While we loved the sound, we did miss having active noise cancellation. The AirPods 3 let in more ambient noise than some competitors. The touch controls took some getting used to, and we wished for more options to customize them.

    For Apple users, the AirPods 3 offer a seamless experience. They paired instantly with our iPhone and switched smoothly between our other Apple devices. The “Hey Siri” feature came in handy for hands-free control.

    Sale
    AirPods 3: Immersive Sound
    • PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — With sound that suits your unique ear shape along with dynamic head tracking, AirPods (3rd generation) deliver an immersive listening experience that places sound all around you. You can also listen to select songs, shows, and movies in Dolby Atmos.
  • JBL Tune Flex Earbuds

    8.6

    We recommend these earbuds for their great sound and features at a reasonable price.

    Pros

    • Excellent bass and sound quality
    • Effective noise cancellation
    • Long battery life

    Cons

    • Fit may take some adjustment
    • App required for full customization
    • Limited water resistance

    We tested the JBL Tune Flex earbuds and were impressed by their sound. The bass is punchy and clear, living up to JBL’s reputation. We enjoyed listening to music across different genres.

    The noise cancellation works well for blocking out everyday sounds. We could focus on our audio without distraction. There’s also an ambient mode to stay aware of surroundings when needed.

    Battery life is solid. We got about 8 hours of playtime with noise cancelling on. The case provides extra charges for a total of 32 hours. A quick 10-minute charge gave us 2 more hours of use.

    Comfort was good once we found the right fit. It took some trial and error with the included ear tips. The earbuds stayed in place during light exercise but might not be ideal for intense workouts.

    Call quality was clear on both ends. The four built-in mics picked up our voice well. We liked being able to adjust how much of our own voice we heard during calls.

    While not fully waterproof, these can handle some sweat or light rain. Just don’t submerge them. The companion app lets you tweak the EQ and controls, which we found helpful for personalization.

    Sale
    JBL Tune Flex Earbuds
    • JBL Pure Bass Sound: Smartly designed 12mm drivers enhanced by the stick form factor deliver JBL's Pure Bass Sound so you'll feel every pulsing beat.

Buying Guide

When shopping for AirPods, there are a few key factors to consider:

Sound Quality

We recommend looking for models with clear, balanced audio across low, mid, and high frequencies. Good noise cancellation is also important for blocking out ambient sounds.

Battery Life

Pay attention to both earbud and case battery life. We suggest aiming for at least 5 hours of listening time per charge, with 24+ hours total with the charging case.

Comfort and Fit

Look for lightweight earbuds with multiple ear tip sizes included. A secure, comfortable fit is crucial for extended wear.

Water Resistance

For workout use or outdoor activities, we advise choosing AirPods with at least IPX4 water resistance to protect against sweat and light rain.

Connectivity

Check for Bluetooth 5.0 or higher for a stable wireless connection. Quick pairing with Apple devices is a plus for iPhone users.

Controls and Features

Consider models with touch controls or voice commands for easy operation. Useful extras include transparency mode and wireless charging.

FeatureWhat to Look For
SoundClear, balanced audio
Battery5+ hours per charge
FitMultiple ear tip sizes
DurabilityIPX4+ water resistance
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.0 or higher

By focusing on these key aspects, we can help you find the best AirPods for your needs and budget.