AirPods Guide: AirPods 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max

AirPods are often the first earbuds iPhone owners consider, mainly because of how easily they connect. Open the case near your iPhone and a pairing card appears. The right model depends on how they fit in your ears and where you listen.

AirPods 3rd generation

These have an open-fit design without silicone tips. If in-ear tips feel uncomfortable, this style may suit you, as sound does not seal your ears. The trade-off is that they let in more outside noise, and they have no active noise cancellation. They do support Spatial Audio. In a noisy matatu, you may find yourself turning the volume up, which is not good for your hearing.

AirPods Pro 2

The AirPods Pro 2 has silicone tips, strong active noise cancellation and an excellent Transparency mode that lets you hear your surroundings. Our listing is the version with the MagSafe charging case. Check the listing for the charging connector, since USB-C and Lightning versions exist.

For commuters and frequent flyers, these are usually the best AirPods to buy. Apple has also added hearing health features to this model through software updates, though feature availability varies by region.

AirPods Max

AirPods Max are over-ear headphones with a premium metal build, strong noise cancellation and rich sound. They are heavy, and their price is high. The Smart Case offers minimal protection. They suit people who want premium headphones mostly for home, office or travel, and who live in the Apple ecosystem. Compare them with Sony, Bose and JBL headphones.

Using AirPods with Android

AirPods work over Bluetooth with Android phones, but you lose the automatic pairing and many Apple-specific features. If you use Android, you may be better served by Galaxy Buds or other wireless earbuds.

HomePod mini

We also list the HomePod mini, a compact smart speaker. Note that Siri and some smart-home features work best in supported regions and languages, so test what you need.

Watch out for fakes

Counterfeit AirPods are common. Warning signs include very low prices, poor packaging, and pairing animations that do not match. Check the serial number with Apple. Buy from a seller who offers a receipt and warranty.

Care tips

Clean the mesh and tips gently with a dry, soft cloth. Do not rinse them under water. Keep them out of dusty pockets and away from sun exposure on car dashboards. Batteries in earbuds wear down over time and cannot usually be replaced at reasonable cost.