Discover the Perfect Pair: Top AirPods Models Compared for Your Specific Needs

Choosing the Right AirPods: A Guide to Apple’s Wireless Earbuds

With Apple’s recent release of AirPods 4, adding new features to their 2022 AirPods Pro 2, and discontinuing their 2nd and 3rd gen AirPods, it’s no wonder you’re having trouble picking the right AirPods to buy or upgrade to.

AirPods 4: A Game-Changer in Wireless Earbuds

The main reason you’d opt for AirPods 4 over the two-year-old AirPods Pro 2 is their design. Both new AirPods 4 sport an open-ear/on-ear design, which means they rest on the outside of your ear canals instead of in-ear buds that go inside. This gives them a more relaxed fit and is better for people with trouble inserting peripherals inside their ears.

Features and Price

The $180 AirPods 4 with ANC offers a few noise-cancelation-related features, including Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, and Conversation Awareness. The case for this model supports wireless charging and has a speaker for Find My alerts, making it easier to locate when you’ve misplaced it. The $130 version without ANC is a more budget-friendly option.

AirPods Pro 2: The In-Ear Buds with Hearing Aid Capabilities

The AirPods Pro 2 are in-ear buds that go all the way inside your ear canal. Some would argue that this design makes for a snugger fit, but this differs from person to person. Before purchasing online, I’d recommend trying both designs (Apple Stores usually have demo units available to the public).

Key Differences

The AirPods Pro 2 have newly added accessibility features, including the ability to double as hearing aids, which was recently FDA-cleared. This is an obvious one, but if you have mild or severe auditory impairment issues, you know which AirPods to opt for.

AirPods Max: The Over-Ear Headphones

The use case for AirPods Max is a lot different and much more specific. You’d only go for these if you’re looking for over-ear headphones instead of wireless earbuds. There could be a number of reasons behind that. First, headphones unarguably deliver a richer, wider, and fuller sound than earbuds owing to the huge drivers inside.

What to Choose?

Which AirPods are right for you is an "it depends" question. All AirPods serve different purposes at starkly different price points, so it ultimately depends on what your needs are.

• AirPods 4 make sense if you’re looking for open-ear buds.
• AirPods Pro 2 are a good fit if you’re after an in-ear design or have a hearing impairment.
• AirPods Max is your answer if you’re more of an over-ear headphones over earbuds person.

Conclusion

Ultimately, choosing the right AirPods depends on your lifestyle, priorities, and budget. By understanding the key differences between each model, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs.