If you’re a student looking for new earbuds before heading back to campus this fall, AirPods are a great choice, especially if you own an iPhone.
Before you buy AirPods, it’s important to know they work best with other Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. Features like seamless switching between devices, spatial audio, and Find My are only available with these devices. That said, if you’re considering AirPods, I can help you pick the right model that suits both your needs and your student budget.
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Why trust my recommendations? I’ve used AirPods Pro daily since they launched in October 2019 and upgraded to AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) when they were released in 2022. Having tested every AirPods model, I have strong opinions on which ones are best suited for different purposes.
What are the best AirPods for students right now?
My pick for the best AirPods — the recently revised AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C — is based on my extensive experience using and testing the different versions of AirPods and competing earbuds from Beats, Soundcore, Samsung, Sony, and many others. But there are a few more AirPods options if you aren’t sold on the AirPods Pro 2. The best AirPods of 2024.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) with USB-C
Best AirPods overall
Out of the four current models of AirPods, I recommend the AirPods Pro 2 the most because they fit almost every type of ear, are comfortable to wear, and include all of the best and latest features that Apple offers in headphones. Plus, they get a bonus set of new features as part of the iOS 17 update.
These will be ideal for those long-haul study sessions at the library when all you want is silence and time to focus or as you’re exercising at the bustling campus gym and want to lock in on your favorite music. They’re the best earbuds in the lineup and a great choice for portable headphones with competitive noise-canceling.
Most Redditors agree that the AirPods Pro 2 takes the cake. When searching on Reddit for the best AirPods to buy, it isn’t easy to find an alternative recommendation. One user on the r/AirPods thread called the earbuds “transcendent,” and another said they are worth the money.
The AirPods Pro 2 uses silicon tips to fit into your ears (with four sizes to choose from), similar to the ones you’re probably familiar with in most earbuds you’ve used. Comparatively, the standard AirPods have hard plastic tips like the traditional Apple EarPods that used to come in the box with most iPhones — which many people found to fall out of their ears easily or weren’t very comfortable to wear.
The AirPods Pro 2 were the first to get Apple’s latest H2 chip for improved sound. That includes active noise cancellation, which roughly doubles the noise cancellation of the first-gen AirPods Pro and works impressively in loud environments like airplanes and city streets. It also includes adaptive transparency mode, which lets you hear the world around you when you have your earbuds in while also automatically reducing loud sounds such as sirens.
In 2023, Apple slightly revised this model as the “AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) with USB-C,” swapping out Apple’s Lightning connector with the more universal USB-C that has also come to iPhone 15. But it also added Lossless Audio with ultra-low latency for the Apple Vision Pro headset that launched this week.
If you use headphones for more than a couple of hours every day, wireless headphones might be your most important device next to your smartphone and your laptop — and they can enhance the experience of using both. If you use headphones that much, spending $250 on the best and most versatile wireless earbuds Apple offers will likely be a worthy investment to raise the quality of your daily life.
Apple AirPods Max
Best AirPods for travelers and audiophiles
The AirPods Max are Apple’s most premium headphones, offering features that even surpass the AirPods Pro 2, thanks to Apple’s H2 chip. Priced at $550, though often available at discounted prices, they excel in immersive sound and effective noise cancellation. During a loud and lengthy flight seated near a roaring engine, the AirPods Max provided near-total silence and a serene environment. Their transparency mode, utilizing eight microphones, creates a natural outside sound experience, distinguishing them from traditional headphones. Seamless integration with all Apple devices and automatic switching between them adds to their appeal.
Comfort is another standout feature of the AirPods Max. Unlike many over-the-ear headphones that cause discomfort after 30 minutes, these headphones boast comfortable ear cushions and effective ventilation, allowing for extended wear, even during long flights.
While their audio quality is excellent, comparable to other wireless over-the-ear headphones in the $250-$350 range, the AirPods Max are ideal for Apple enthusiasts, audiophiles, and frequent travelers who prioritize exceptional sound and seamless device connectivity. However, for outdoor activities, workouts, or cold weather use, you may need separate earbuds.
According to Reddit users, the AirPods Max are worth the $500 investment, though some suggest waiting for the next generation to arrive, with its timing yet to be determined.
Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)
Best AirPods for the price
The original AirPods remain as iconic as ever, available in the upgraded 2nd-generation version, even though newer generations like the Pro 2s have garnered more popularity, according to Reddit. Retailing for $129, they often go on sale for $99 at Amazon and other retailers. Offering solid sound, easy setup, and the ability to connect to all your Apple devices, the AirPods 2nd gen are a straightforward buy with a 5-hour battery life.
A fully charged case can charge the AirPods 2nd gen up to five times, providing over 24 hours of usage before needing a full recharge of the case and AirPods.
Aside from lacking the latest tech found in the AirPods Pro 2, the biggest drawback of these earbuds is their hard plastic tips, which may not fit everyone’s ears securely and could potentially fall out. To address this, consider purchasing silicone ear tips (such as those from AhaStyle) for less than $10 to improve fit and security, despite the inconvenience of carrying and changing them.
If you can overlook these drawbacks, the AirPods 2nd gen offer a great entry into Apple’s wireless headphones. They’re particularly suitable for students seeking earbuds within the Apple ecosystem without requiring advanced features or noise-canceling capabilities.
Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)
Best traditional AirPods
The AirPods (3rd Generation) offer nearly all of the same high-end audio features as the AirPods Pro 2, except for noise cancellation and transparency mode, at a lower price of $169, or $179 with the wireless case, which is well worth it. This includes spatial audio surround sound, adaptive EQ adjusting sound quality using Apple’s algorithms, better dynamic range, an additional 20% battery life per charge, and faster charging in the case (five minutes provides an hour of usage).
These AirPods also feature integrated controls in the stems. With the AirPods 3rd gen, you can press once to play/pause or answer a call, twice to skip forward, three times to skip back, and press and hold to activate Siri — similar to the AirPods Pro 2’s controls (excluding the volume control gesture).
The AirPods 3rd gen may encounter ear fit issues similar to the first two generations of traditional AirPods. Some owners on Reddit report that the hard plastic tips may not stay in their ears or could easily fall out, depending on ear shape. Consider purchasing silicone ear hooks, such as these $15 ones on Amazon, specifically designed for the AirPods 3rd gen if you experience a loose fit or issues with them falling out.
While the AirPods 3rd gen may be challenging to recommend due to their middle ground position between the cheaper AirPods 2nd gen at $99 and the more advanced AirPods Pro 2 at $249, they appeal to those preferring the traditional hard plastic fit over silicone ear tips. If you seek most features of the AirPods Pro 2 at a lower cost and are comfortable with the traditional fit, the AirPods 3rd gen are a suitable choice.
What are the best Apple AirPods?
If you’re not familiar with the four models of AirPods that are currently sold by Apple, here’s a quick look at their primary features.
Which Apple AirPods are right for you?
| Best Apple AirPods | Retail Price | Battery | Audio Chip |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) | $249 | 6 hours | H2 |
| AirPods Max | $549 | 20 hours | H1 |
| AirPods (2nd Generation) | $129 | 5 hours | H1 |
| AirPods (3rd Generation) | $169 | 6 hours | H1 |
Which Apple AirPods are right for you?
If you’re still trying to decide which set of AirPods are the best for you to buy, here’s the main reason to buy each of the products in the lineup.
| AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) with USB-C | AirPods Max | AirPods (2nd Gen) | AirPods (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latest sound quality & ease-of-use features. | Superior noise cancellation, transparency mode, & advanced AI. | Classic AirPods design, often under $100 on sale. | Similar to Pro features, hard plastic tips, $70 less. |
Factors to consider when choosing the best AirPods:
Here’s a structured evaluation of the four models of AirPods based on the specified factors:
Cost: The prices for AirPods range significantly across the models. The entry-level AirPods (2nd Generation) start at around $99, offering basic features at a lower cost. Moving up, the AirPods (3rd Generation) come in at approximately $169, providing most Pro features at a more accessible price point. The AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) with USB-C are priced around $249, offering advanced features like noise cancellation and spatial audio. At the top end, the AirPods Max are premium over-ear headphones priced at $549, featuring superior noise cancellation and high-fidelity sound.
Features: Each model offers a distinct set of features. The AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) with USB-C include noise cancellation, transparency mode, spatial audio, and water resistance, making them versatile for various environments. The AirPods Max excel in noise cancellation, transparency mode, and advanced AI capabilities for immersive audio experiences. The AirPods (2nd Generation) and (3rd Generation) provide varying degrees of these features, with the (3rd Generation) approaching Pro-level features but retaining hard plastic tips.
Battery Life: Battery life ranges from six hours for the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) with USB-C to 20 hours for the AirPods Max, making them suitable for extended use. The AirPods (2nd Generation) and (3rd Generation) offer approximately five to six hours of battery life, depending on usage and settings.
Chip: Apple’s H1 and H2 chips power these AirPods models, influencing performance and feature capabilities. The H2 chip, found in the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) with USB-C, offers enhanced performance and software upgradeability, seen in features like spatial audio improvements with iOS updates.
How did we test these AirPods?
Having used AirPods daily for over five years and tested all models, along with a wide range of wireless earbuds, over-the-ear headphones, and wired options—from budget-friendly $20 models to high-end ones exceeding $500—I’ve accumulated valuable insights. These experiences have informed my recommendations on the best AirPods to buy, focusing on performance, battery life, customer feedback, specific needs, use cases, and budget considerations.
We feature products that we genuinely recommend based on thorough testing and positive user experiences. When we endorse a product, it’s after spotlighting it in an official review and including it on our curated best lists.
Is Apple coming out with new AirPods anytime soon?
It sounds like exciting news! The upcoming AirPods models with USB-C charging, new designs, and improved comfort are certainly anticipated upgrades. It’ll be interesting to see how these new features enhance user experience and fit within Apple’s broader lineup of audio products.
What are the best cheap Apple AirPods?
The Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) cost $129 and regularly go on sale for $99 or less. These are the original AirPods with some upgraded internal features from 2019 and they don’t have the latest technologies you’ll find in the AirPods Pro 2. But at less than half the price of the Pro model, the AirPods 2nd gen are an enticing first pair of Apple wireless earbuds.
Which AirPods are better: the AirPods Pro 2 or the AirPods 3?
It seems like you’re highlighting the superiority of the AirPods Pro 2 over the AirPods 3, emphasizing factors like value, comfort, noise cancellation, and user preference on platforms like Reddit. This comparison underscores why many users favor the AirPods Pro 2 for their overall performance and features.
Why are the AirPods 3 cheaper than the AirPods Pro 2?
You’ve effectively highlighted the differences in features and pricing between the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods Pro 2’s additional features like noise cancellation, transparency mode, and the latest H2 chip contribute to its higher price point compared to the more basic functionality of the AirPods 3.
What’s the lowest price AirPods go for?
So, there’s Apple’s price that it sells its products for, and then there’s the lower price e-commerce sites like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart are actually selling the products for. You’ll see the AirPods 2nd gen sell for $129 on Apple’s site and $90 on Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. Apple sells its most expensive AirPods Max for $549, while Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart regularly discount the price to $480. And, finally, for the AirPods Pro 2, our best overall pick, Apple sells the earbuds for $250, while Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart regularly sell it for $190.
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