Best Airpods (2026): Which Apple Headphones Should You Buy?
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Best Overall
Apple AirPods Pro 3
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Best Headphones
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
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Best for Workouts
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
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A Beats Alternative to Standard AirPods
Beats Studio Buds +
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Apple’s first AirPods were beloved for one primary reason: They actually worked. At a time when most other wireless earbuds were barely usable due to connection woes, the original AirPods offered a slick design, flawless connection, and a seamless experience with your iPhone and other Apple devices. A lot has changed since then, but the AirPods’ ability to unlock the best from Apple gear has only grown, especially as the brand branched out into new, more advanced models the AirPods Max and the indelible AirPods Pro.
Which AirPods are right for you? That depends on a few factors, from your budget to your tendency to use devices outside Apple’s so-called “walled garden.” If you want the simplest answer for you iPhone, the AirPods Pro offers the best performance for your dollars from nearly every angle. But there’s more to the story, especially since Apple has increasingly brought the best AirPods features to the Beats lineup for those outside Apple’s ecosystem. Here are the best AirPods and Beats buds for every user and any use case.
Check out our Best Wireless Headphones, Best Wireless Earbuds, Best Open Earbuds, and Best Cheap Headphones guides for recommendations that span well beyond Apple’s kingdom.
Updated February 2026: We’ve updated this post to include all the latest AirPods and Beats options we recommend. We’ve also updated pricing and added all the top new features.
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Best Overall
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AirPods Pro 3
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Best Buy
Apple
Apple’s latest flagship buds, the AirPods Pro 3, are its best AirPods yet. You’ll get improved noise canceling, transparency mode so realistic it almost feels open earbuds, new tools heart rate sensing and live translation, fabulous call quality, and clear (if bassy) sound. As usual, they work brilliantly with Apple gear, including features seamless connection and automatic swapping between iCloud devices, “Hey, Siri” on demand, Find My support, spatial audio for virtual 3D listening, and more.
The latest hardware has changed in subtle ways, including new low-noise microphones for calling, a better fit with more eartip options, and improved battery life. One of my favorite things about the Pro is that Apple tends to improve them after release via firmware updates. Past examples include Adaptive Audio, added to the AirPods Pro 2 and continued here, combining noise canceling and transparency modes that adjust to your environment. From travel to workouts, this is a killer package for anyone with an iPhone.
Specs Connectivity Bluetooth 5.3 Battery life (ANC) 8 hours, 24 with case Water/dust resistance IP57 -
Best Headphones
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AirPods Max (USB-C)
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Walmart
Apple
Apple’s AirPods Max are a very different kind of AirPods, but despite their bulky size and weird, bra-case, they remain an excellent option nearly six years on. We’ve seen some modest upgrades over the years, including USB-C connection in 2024, as well as new features in 2025, lossless audio support at up to 24-bit/48-kHz resolution when plugged into an Apple device updated with iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4 or later.
What hasn’t changed is their impressive noise canceling, crystal clear transparency mode, and refined sound quality with excellent instrumental definition and expansive stereo spacing. Their aluminum chassis is hearty but heavy, and their battery life of 20 hours lags behind competitors Sony’s WH-1000XM6, Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra 2, and others. Those knocks aside, Apple lovers looking for seamless device integration and Apple-friendly features in a powerful pair of over-ears won’t be disappointed.
Specs Connectivity Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C audio Battery life (ANC) 20 hours Water/dust resistance N/A
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Best for Workouts
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
to wishlist Beats
Powerbeats Pro 2
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Walmart
Apple
Whatever you’re into, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 will come along and stay in place. Their comfier (and slimmer) earhooks are just the start of what was a total revamp of the previous pair. You’ll now get good noise canceling and transparency mode, and advanced fitness features a heart rate monitor, helping these be among our favorite workout headphones. Their use of Apple’s H2 chip means you get the keys to Apple’s castle for seamless iPhone pairing, auto-switching between Apple devices, Find My support, and hands-free Siri, among other options.
other Beats buds, the Powerbeats Pro 2 straddle the mobile aisle for Android users, including a dedicated Android app, one-touch pairing, and customization options. As you’d expect from Beats, the sound is tuned for snazzy treble and deep bass, yet I came to really appreciate their attention to finer details, even if instruments and voices feel overexcited. With up to 10 hours of battery life, they’re built to step out without their large charging case, and while the controls are touchy, they’re marvelously simple.
Specs Connectivity Bluetooth 5.3 (Apple H2 Chip) Battery life (ANC) 10 hours, 45 with case Water/dust resistance IPX4 -
A Beats Alternative to Standard AirPods
Chevron Chevron to wishlist Beats
Studio Buds +
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Best Buy
Walmart
Apple
The Studio Buds+ are getting long in the tooth, but they remain a favorite AirPods alternative for Android and Apple users a. They include basic active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and support for spatial audio. They’re quite comfortable and extremely easy to use thanks to handy exterior dials with physical control buttons. They even come in cool transparent color options.
Features across both Apple and Android devices include one-touch pairing, automatic device switching, and Find My support. Sound quality is clear and relatively well-balanced. It’s possible they’ll be replaced by Beats soon, but they’re still a good option, especially since they can sometimes be found on sale for as low as $100. At that price, they’re a steal—especially compared to the generally inferior AirPods 4.
Specs Connectivity Bluetooth 5.3 Battery life (ANC) 6 hours, 24 hours with case Water/dust resistance IPX4
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Photograph: Parker Hall
Avoid These AirPods
The Apple AirPods 4 (2024) are Apple’s latest version of its entry-level AirPods. You’ll have the choice between the standard version ($129) or the model with ANC ($179). Unfortunately, they still lack eartips for a proper seal, which makes the noise canceling barely noticeable, and their battery life is among the worst in the industry. Plenty of other options perform better for less money—including options from Beats. The only good reason to buy the standard AirPods is if you, my brother, simply can’t keep regular earbuds with dedicated eartips in your ears—a shockingly common problem.
Specs Connectivity Bluetooth 5.3 (Apple H2 Chip) Battery life (ANC) 4 hours, 20 hours with case Water/dust resistance IP54 -
Photograph: Christopher Null
About Those Older AirPods
Apple doesn’t release new AirPods each year. You may be able to money by going with an older version, but that’s hardly a guarantee, depending on how long you wait between cycles.
AirPods Pro (2nd Generation): The previous AirPods Pro are still great earbuds. They could be a good fit if you can find them for a steep discount, but that’s becoming harder to do. They’ve got competitive noise canceling and natural transparency mode, good sound, tons of features, and, of course, seamless integration with Apple devices.
AirPods Pro (1st Generation): These came out in 2019, so you’ll only find them used or refurbished. They come with noise cancellation, transparency mode, adaptive EQ, and spatial audio. They’re powered by an H1 chip, which is the same as the one in the AirPods (3rd Generation). I would not recommend buying earbuds this old unless you’re up for a gamble.
AirPods (3rd Generation): Similarly, the last-gen standard AirPods are difficult to find outside refurbished sites, and you may even pay more for them than the latest model. They suffer from the same semi-open fit that creates a poor seal as all standard AirPods, and don’t include noise canceling, but do add features spatialized audio and pinch controls. I would not recommend most folks buy these unless they’re the only buds that fit your ears.
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Photograph: Simon Hill
Our Favorite AirPods Accessories
There are tons of accessories that can help round out your AirPods experience. Below, we’ve listed some of our favorites—including chargers, cables, and replacement parts.
Apple MagSafe Charger for $38: If your AirPods have a wireless charging case, Apple’s classic charging pad is a great option. You can use it to charge your AirPods, iPhone, or any Qi-compatible device.
Belkin 3-in-1 Qi2 Charging Stand for $100: We recommend a 3-in-1 wireless charger if you own an iPhone and an Apple Watch. This one is Qi2 certifed and can charge all three devices simultaneously. We prefer Belkin’s tree-structure because it s space. Check out the rest of our recommendations in our Best Apple 3-in-1 Wireless Chargers guide.
AirPods Max Ear Pads for $69: If you’ve worn out the pads (excuse me, “cushions”) on your AirPods Max or you want to mix and match the colors, Apple sells replacements on its site. They’re magnetic, so you can easily swap them out. These are specifically for the USB-C version, but you can also buy them for the Lightning model.
Nimble PowerKnit Cable (USB-C to USB-C) for $15: Yes, Apple includes a charging cable for its AirPods, but it’s not the most durable—which is why we this one from Nimble. It’s also available in USB-C to Lightning.
Common Questions About AirPods
If you’ve never used AirPods before, or it’s been awhile since you upgraded, here are some answers to general questions, from what kind of features you can expect to how to clean your buds.
Do AirPods work with Android?
Yes, you can use AirPods with non-Apple devices, since they use the standard Bluetooth protocol. But you’ll lose out on features Siri integration, device switching, and the ability to customize shortcuts or adjust software features. In contrast, Beats headphones offer a mix of Apple-friendly features and Android features, including a dedicated Android app and features one-touch pairing.
Can you buy a single AirPod?
Yes! If you lose an AirPod, you can buy a replacement for the right or left AirPod through Apple. AppleCare+ doesn’t cover lost or stolen AirPods, so it will cost you. You can use Apple’s Get an Estimate tool to calculate the possible cost. The same applies if you lose the Charging Case. Your replacements will be new versions.
Why is only one AirPod working?
If you can’t hear audio in one AirPod, make sure your case is fully charged. Plug the case in, and place both AirPods in the case and charge them for at least 30 seconds. Next, open the charging case and use your iPhone or iPad to check that each AirPod is charging. Put both AirPods in your ears and test the audio. If that doesn’t work, you could try to reset your AirPods.
Why isn’t the AirPods case charging?
Start by checking your connections. If you have the AirPods or AirPods Pro, make sure the case is fully plugged in or properly set on the wireless charger (use Apple cables or Magsafe chargers if possible). Allow your AirPods to charge for at least 15 minutes. If you have the AirPods Max, allow them to charge for at least five minutes. Then, open the case and hold them near your iPhone or iPad. You should then see the charging icon appear when looking at the battery status. If that doesn’t work, contact Apple Support.
If you lose an AirPod, can you find its location?
If you have the AirPods 3 (or newer), AirPods Pro (all versions), and AirPods Max, you can track your AirPods using the Find My app. First, make sure Find My turned on by going to your device’s Settings app, tapping on your AirPods, and scrolling down to Find My. If it’s already on, go to the Find My app and, under the Devices tab, tap on your AirPods. From there, you’ll see the exact location of both your left bud and your right bud. If you’re nearby, you can also press Tap Sound to listen for beeps. If you have the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) or newer along with an iPhone 11 or newer, you can also use Precision Finding.
If your AirPods show “No location found” or “Offline,” this means they’re out of range or need to be charged, so you’ll only see their last known location. At that point, you might be able to get directions, but you won’t be able to use Find Nearby or play a sound. You’ll get a notification on your Apple device if they do come back online.
Can you clean AirPods?
Yes. You can use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe down the AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max. But there are other additional steps you can take, depending on the type of AirPods you have. Apple has steps on how to properly clean each version here, and we’ve also got a full guide on how to clean your earbuds.
Why won’t AirPods connect to my device?
If your AirPods won’t connect, you should start by checking that your iPhone, iPad, and Mac are all updated to the latest version of their respective operating systems. Then, make sure both AirPods are charging, Bluetooth is on (Settings > Bluetooth), and double-check that AirPods appear in your list of devices via Settings and that they’re selected. If they aren’t on the list, hold the button on the back of the charging case until the status light flashes and the onscreen instructions.
How do you get rid of the crackling or static sounds on AirPods Pro?
If you’re hearing crackling or static sounds from your AirPods Pro, make sure you’re running the latest software. You should also check that your connected device is nearby and that there is no wireless interference or obstructions between you and your iPhone, iPad, or Mac (walls or floors, a lot of Wi-Fi activity, wireless speakers, etc). If none of these are issues, try listening to audio from a different app to see if it’s the app causing the problem.
Why isn’t active noise cancellation (ANC) working?
Check that you’re running the latest software version on your Apple devices. When both AirPods Pro are in your ears, check that ANC is turned on by swiping down to open Control Center on your iPhone or iPad. Then, while wearing your AirPods, touch and hold the volume slider to get additional controls, and tap the Listening Mode button. From their you can adjust the modes. You should also check if Adaptive Audio is on. It helps to clean the microphone and speaker since earwax and debris can build up over time.
Can you turn off Siri Notifications?
Yes, if you don’t want Siri annoyingly reading aloud text messages and other notifications while you’re trying to listen to music or a podcast, you can turn them off. Simply open the Settings App, Tap Siri or Apple Intelligence & Siri, and tap Announce Notifications. Then turn Announce Notifications off.
Is Now a Good Time to Buy?
If you’re looking for new AirPods earbuds, then yes. The AirPods Pro 3 are shiny and new considering their long cycle, and they’re the best version we’ve tested yet. If you’re looking to big on the previous generation, they’re getting tougher to find online, but are ly still available at smaller retailers.
Apple’s AirPods Pro Max have seen some upgrades USB-C connection and lossless audio support but otherwise have remained largely the same since their 2020 release. By my clock, that makes them the headphones equivalent of a stale green light. I wouldn’t be surprised if a new pair was introduced within the year (but that is purely conjecture, not inside information).
As for Beats, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are also relatively new, and I was impressed by their multiple performance and design improvements. The Beats Studio Buds Plus are getting older, so you may want to hold if you want the latest and greatest model.
What’s Next for AirPods in 2026 and Beyond?
That’s anyone’s guess, but all things Apple, rumors abound. If you look around the mill, as it were, you’ll notice recent rumors about a new “high-end” version of the AirPods Pro, possibly imbued with Apple Intelligence. Given that a new AirPods Pro model was recently released, I’d say that seems a long shot, but stranger things have happened.
A more intriguing thought, given the state of the earbuds market, is that Apple has yet to release a pair of open earbuds, contrary to almost every other major player in the space. Open earbuds, which leave your ear canals open for environmental awareness, are the hottest trend in wireless earbuds, if not audio as a whole. Could those “high-end” rumors be wrong, obfuscating the possibility of Apple entering, and disrupting, yet another market? WIRED editor Parker Hall recently raised this tantalizing idea in a brainstorm, and that seems a safer place to put your chips to me.
Then there’s the AirPods Max, which are downright archaic in hardware terms. Could we see a new pair of Max headphones at Apple’s September event? It’s an exciting thought, but we’ll have to wait till fall to find out.
Ryan Waniata is a staff writer, editor, video host, and product reviewer for WIRED with over 10 years of experience in A/V. He has previously published at sites including Digital Trends, Reviewed, Business Insider, Review Geek, and others. He’s evaluated everything from TVs and soundbars to smart gadgets and wearables, … Read More
TopicsShoppingbuying guidesairpodsappleearbudswireless earbudsHeadphonesaudio
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