Best Apple AirPods for 2023: Top Picks Across Generations

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When looking for new headphones or earbuds, AirPods are definitely worth taking into consideration whether you own an iPhone, iPad, MacBook, or any other Apple device. They not only provide a wonderful listening experience, but they also connect to all of your devices without a hitch and can easily switch between them. Which ones, nevertheless, are best for you? The Tech Fun can assist you. The top models from each iteration of Apple’s earbuds have been compiled here after we evaluated each pair.

There’s a reason why Apple’s AirPods often rank at the top of lists of the best headphones for the year, but purchasing AirPods has gotten more trickier as the company has produced several iterations and generations of the product. Standard AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max are among these variations. Confused? Don’t be concerned; we’ll explain the distinctions and advantages of each.

Also take note that we’re included the Beats Fit Pro in this discussion even though they aren’t “AirPods.” If you’re searching for AirPods in the $150 to $200 price bracket, you should give that model of the Apple-owned company some thought.

Great sound quality, a variety of ear tips for a snug fit, noise-canceling technology and extended battery life (thanks to a wireless charging case) undoubtedly contribute to AirPods’ perpetual appeal.

Choosing the best AirPods often involves striking a balance between function and price, so we’ve mapped out the most current pricing for you as well. These are the best Apple AirPods deals you can find this year.

AirPods pricing 2023

Model Apple Store price Best price right now Best all-time price
AirPods 2 $129 $100 $90
AirPods Pro 2 $249 $229 $223
AirPods 3 $179 $179 $150
Beats Fit Pro $200 $180 $160
AirPods Max $549 $450 $429

We update this story frequently to reflect current pricing.

Apple AirPods Pro 2

Apple’s new H2 processor, which offers higher processing power while being more energy-efficient, powers the new AirPods Pro (2nd generation). A better sound with greater clarity and depth is made possible by the new chip when used with new low-distortion speakers. Additionally, the noise cancellation has been enhanced; according to Apple, the new AirPods offer “twice” the noise cancellation of the original AirPods Pro.

Additionally, the updated AirPods have a longer battery life of one hour, increasing from five to six hours with noise cancellation enabled. Also included in the case is a speaker that, should your friends decide to run away from you, helps Find My find them.

Note that while Apple has discontinued the original AirPods Pro, they’ll remain on sale at discounted prices until supplies are exhausted. However, most people should get this newer model if they can afford it.

Beats Fit Pro

The most recent Beats headphones are manufactured by Apple and aren’t AirPods, but they very much have all the characteristics of the AirPods Pro in a sportier style and come in a variety of colours, with the exception of not having a case that supports wireless charging and MagSafe compatibility. Prior you purchasing the virtually same priced AirPods 3 or AirPods Pro, you should absolutely check out these options.

AirPods Max

The first full-size headphones from Apple are loaded with high-end capabilities including noise reduction, spatial audio, and simple Apple device connectivity. Paying almost the same amount as a PS5 may seem absurd, but here’s what’s even more absurd: They’re really sort of worth it, so long as you don’t get upset about their lack of full lossless audio support or the fact that there isn’t a cable included for wired listening (which must be purchased separately).

Although the Apple AirPods Max prices have periodically dropped to as low as $395 for specific colours, they are now averaging approximately $480 at most stores.

AirPods Pro

Apple’s original AirPods Pro have been discontinued, so they’re gradually getting a little harder to find (Amazon is only stocking “renewed” versions). While a clear step down from the new AirPod Pro 2, if you can find them at a steep discount — under $180 — they may be worth buying.

AirPods 2021 (3rd-gen)

The newest 2021 AirPods deliver better sound quality than their predecessors while maintaining an open design. Slightly larger and shaped more like the AirPods, they should be a better fit for more people’s ears, but at the same time, they may not fit those with very small ears who got a perfect fit with the AirPods 2nd Generation.

AirPods 2019 (2nd-gen)

Apple’s second-generation AirPods are still available, but they are no longer compatible with wireless charging. The official price of the AirPods 2 has been reduced by Apple to $129, however you can typically get them for $100 or less.

Although they don’t have as many features as the other AirPods on our list, they are still a good alternative for people on a limited budget or for individuals who have outgrown their initial pair but still enjoy the way they fit and only want to replace them.

What are the newest AirPods?

The most recent AirPods are the AirPods Pro (2nd generation), which went on sale on September 23, 2022. They include greater sound, noise cancellation, and battery life in addition to Apple’s new H2 processor. In October 2021, the third-generation AirPods, which had increased sound quality, functionality, and design, hit shelves. The Beats Fit Pro, which have many of the same features as the first generation of AirPods Pro, was introduced in November. Although we and others have called them “the sports AirPods you always wanted,” they are not officially known as AirPods.

Are the AirPods Pro 2 better than the Beats Fit Pro?

Beats Fit Pro headphones cost $50 less than AirPods Pro 2 and may provide a more secure fit thanks to their included wingtips (and sometimes even less when they go on sale). Other than that, the AirPods Pro 2 are superior since they offer somewhat higher sound quality, noise cancellation, and voice calling capabilities.

Also take notice that the Beats Fit Pro lack MagSafe compatibility and wireless charging, both of which are available in the AirPods Pro 2.

Should I buy AirPods in the Apple Store?

No, if you can help it. Online stores like Amazon and Walmart often offer the many AirPods models for cheaper money. In contrast, Amazon frequently matches the lowest price offered by other shops. The only time we’d typically purchase AirPods from the Apple Store is if we wanted engraving, which isn’t offered anywhere else. Having said that, you should inquire about price matching if you decide to visit an Apple Store for Apple bargains. Although Apple doesn’t appear to have a formal policy, there are rumours that the company will match prices up to 10% of the time. For instance, the $249 list price of the AirPods Pro would be reduced by $25. Although it’s not much, it’s still worth asking if you may receive a 10% discount.

Does spatial audio sound different on different AirPods?

When you’re talking about spatial audio with head tracking for viewing movies and TV, the quick answer is: not really. Although the overall sound quality is excellent with the AirPods Max, using the spatial audio virtual sound function is virtually the same on any AirPods that enable it.

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