The greatest AirPods to purchase in 2025

Whether you’re shopping for your first pair of AirPods or changing a well-used older pair, it’s simple to know why so many iPhone homeowners desire Apple’s earbuds and headphones over different choices. Apple has spent years step by step including new options that work greatest — and typically solely work in any respect — inside the firm’s walled backyard. These handy methods embody audio sharing, computerized switching between Apple’s numerous gadgets, Apple TV integration, and extra.

There are 4 AirPods fashions to select from, every with a definite attraction and upside. You probably already know whether or not you’re extra involved in earbuds or over-ear headphones, in order that’s the primary divide. In the case of headphones, your solely alternative is the AirPods Max. But within the earbuds class, Apple has three choices: the AirPods Pro, AirPods 4 with energetic noise cancellation, and the plain previous AirPods 4.

If you need the earbuds that assure you’ll get the newest and best software program options from Apple, the second-generation AirPods Pro ought to be on the prime of your listing. They supply the entire gamut of ecosystem exclusives. And for those who’re the kind of individual to misplace issues, you’ll be grateful that the earbuds’ case has a U1 chip for pinpoint location discovering. So at any time when they go lacking, you’ll be able to observe proper the place they’re within the room utilizing Apple’s Find My app.

The AirPods Pro ship noise cancellation that’s efficient at tamping down the amount of your environment in all however probably the most hectic environments. Their sound high quality is on one other degree in comparison with the common AirPods — helped in no small half by the in-ear seal you get from their silicone ear suggestions.

In 2024, Apple launched three main listening to well being options, together with a listening to check, computerized listening to safety, and the choice to make use of the AirPods Pro as clinical-grade listening to aids when you’ve got delicate or reasonable listening to loss. No different AirPods (together with the AirPods Max) supply this performance, so it undoubtedly units the Pros aside. And the identical will be mentioned of their quantity controls; you simply swipe on the stems to boost or decrease the loudness of your music, which is a helpful benefit that the similar-looking AirPods 4 lack.

The greatest for those who don’t discover ear suggestions comfy

But not everybody likes the way in which ear suggestions really feel. Even with venting and the opposite measures Apple has taken to enhance consolation and scale back that clogged-up sensation, some folks simply desire the common, one-size-fits-most AirPods. Their open design means you’re by no means lower off from the skin world. The AirPods Pro have a powerful transparency mode, however the AirPods 4 don’t must pipe in your environment; you’ll be able to all the time hear what’s taking place round you.

Apple sells two variations of the AirPods 4. No matter which you select, you’ll get the identical sound high quality, microphone efficiency on voice calls, and IP54 water resistance. (The latter additionally applies to the AirPods Pro.) The dearer pair options energetic noise cancellation and a extra superior charging case. You is likely to be stunned by how effectively the noise cancellation works even with an unsealed design; it reduces workplace atmosphere and annoying hums, however louder sounds and voices nonetheless lower by means of the ANC. As for the case, the pricier AirPods 4 embody wi-fi charging and Find My integration.

If you’re actually involved in noise-canceling earbuds, it is best to think about saving a bit extra and stepping as much as the AirPods Pro 2. They supply significantly better audio high quality, stronger ANC, and a greater expertise. I’d solely steer you to the noise-canceling AirPods 4 for those who’re actually against ear suggestions.

The greatest for many who desire headphones

I’ve gone forwards and backwards recommending Apple’s $549 AirPods Max over the previous couple of years. They have a standout design, however the attractiveness and premium really feel come at the price of weight. These headphones are significantly heavier than most rivals and might get fatiguing over prolonged use. But Apple has additionally made good decisions: the material ear cups on the AirPods Max are way more nice in heat climate than the pleather you’ll discover on Bose and Sony merchandise, and received’t get your ears sweaty.

The AirPods Max present spectacular noise cancellation, and the transparency mode is clearer and extra natural-sounding than every other set of headphones available on the market. As for sound, Apple’s headphones have a nice sound signature that works effectively throughout a variety of genres. They’re simple to take heed to with a powerful soundstage for closed-back headphones.

You lose some options — like dialog consciousness and adaptive audio — which can be included on the AirPods Pro; this can be a facet impact of the AirPods Max utilizing Apple’s older H1 chip. But the corporate not too long ago added lossless audio over USB-C, that means these headphones supply the richest audio constancy of the entire lineup.

Update, May fifteenth: Adjusted costs and availability.