Seamless integration across Apple devices is just one good reason to grab a pair of Apple AirPods if you’re already using an iPhone and MacBook. However, there are several different AirPod models on the market right now, which can make it tough to know which are the best AirPods for you.
CNET is here to help. We’ve tested out all of Apple’s earbuds and rounded up the best models across the different generations below.
There’s a reason AirPods always top best headphones lists for the year. But shopping for AirPods has become a lot more complicated now that Apple’s released multiple generations and versions of its AirPods. These different versions include standard AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.
Confused? Don’t be: I’ll run down the differences and benefits of each. Note, too, that we’re pulling the Beats Fit Pro into this conversation — they’re certainly not “AirPods,” but that model of the Apple-owned brand is worth considering if you’re considering AirPods and looking for earbuds in the $150 to $200 range.
Great sound quality, a variety of ear tips for a snug fit, noise-canceling technology and extended battery life thanks to a wireless charging case are aspects that undoubtedly contribute to AirPods’ perpetual appeal.
I’ll compare their feature highlights below to help you pick the best AirPods for your needs. Many times, choosing the best AirPods involves striking a balance between function and price, so we’ve mapped out the most current pricing for you as well. Here are the best Apple AirPods deals you can find this year.
Read more: Best True-Wireless Earbuds for 2022
Model
Apple Store price
Best price right now
Best all-time price
AirPods 2
$129
$100
$90
AirPods Pro 2
$249
$239
$223
AirPods 3
$179
$169
$150
Beats Fit Pro
$200
$200
$160
AirPods Max
$549
$450
$429
We update this story frequently to reflect current pricing.
Apple’s original AirPods Pro have been discontinued, so they’re gradually getting a little harder to find (Amazon is only stocking “renewed” versions). While a clear step down from the new AirPod Pro 2, if you can find them at a steep discount — under $180 — they may be worth buying.
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The newest 2021 AirPods deliver better sound quality than their predecessors while maintaining an open design. Slightly larger and shaped more like the AirPods, they should be a better fit for more people’s ears, but at the same time, they may not fit those with very small ears who got a perfect fit with the AirPods 2nd Generation. Read our AirPods 3 review.
The newest AirPods are AirPods Pro (2nd generation), which hit stores on Sept. 23, 2022, and feature Apple’s new H2 chip along with better, sound, noise canceling and battery life. The third-generation AirPods with enhanced functionality, improved sound and an updated design arrived in stores in October 2021 Meanwhile, the Beats Fit Pro — which share most of the same features as the original AirPods Pro — arrived in November. While they’re not AirPods by name, we and others have referred to them as “the sports AirPods you always wanted.”
With their integrated wingtips, the Beats Fit Pro may offer you a more secure fit than AirPods Pro 2 and they do cost $50 less (and sometimes even less when they go on sale). Otherwise, the AirPods Pro 2 are better — they have slightly better sound qiality and noise canceling along with better voice-calling performance.
Also note that the Beats Fit Pro are missing wireless charging and the MagSafe compatibility found in the AirPods Pro 2.
If you can help it, no: The various AirPods models typically sell for less online at other retailers like Amazon and Walmart. Amazon, meanwhile, typically matches the lowest price at other retailers. Generally, we’d only buy AirPods at the Apple Store if we want engraving, which isn’t available elsewhere. That said, if you opt to go into an Apple Store for Apple deals, you should ask about price matching. While Apple doesn’t seem to have any official policy, it’s been reported that it will offer up to 10% price matching. As an example, that would be $25 off the AirPods Pro, which list for $249. That’s not much, but it’s worth asking to see if you can get 10% off.
The short answer is, not really when you’re talking about spatial audio with head tracking for movie and TV watching. While the AirPods Max offer the best sound overall, using the spatial audio virtual sound feature is largely the same experience on all the AirPods that support it.