Best Air Pods (2026): Which Apple Headphones Should You Buy? | WIRED
Overview
Apple’s first Air Pods 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 Air Pods offered a slick design, flawless connection, and a seamless experience with your i Phone and other Apple devices. A lot has changed since then, but the Air Pods’ ability to unlock the best from Apple gear has only grown, especially as the brand branched out into new, more advanced models like the Air Pods Max and the indelible Air Pods Pro.
Which Air Pods 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 i Phone, the Air Pods 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 Air Pods features to the Beats lineup for those outside Apple's ecosystem. Here are the best Air Pods and Beats buds for every user and any use case.
Details
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 Air Pods and Beats options we recommend. We've also updated pricing, and added all the top new features.
Best Overall Photograph: Parker Hall Review: Apple Air Pods Pro 3 Review: Apple Air Pods Pro 3 Chevron Chevron Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Apple Air Pods Pro 3
Apple's latest flagship buds, the Air Pods Pro 3, are its best Air Pods yet. You'll get improved noise canceling, transparency mode so realistic it almost feels like open earbuds, new tools like heart rate sensing and live translation, fabulous call quality, and clear (if bassy) sound. As usual, they work brilliantly with Apple gear, including features like seamless connection and automatic swapping between i Cloud 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 Air Pods 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 i Phone.
Best Headphones Photograph: Ryan Waniata Photograph: Ryan Waniata Chevron Chevron Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Apple Air Pods Max (USB-C)
Apple’s Air Pods Max are a very different kind of Air Pods, but despite their bulky size and weird, bra-like 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, like lossless audio support at up to 24-bit/48-k Hz resolution when plugged into an Apple device updated with i OS 18.4, i Pad OS 18.4, and mac OS 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 like Sony’s WH-1000XM6, Bose’s Quiet Comfort 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.
Best for Workouts Photograph: Ryan Waniata Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
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 like a heart rate monitor, helping. make tothese among our favorite workout headphones you can buy. Their use of Apple's H2 chip means you get the keys to Apple's castle for seamless i Phone pairing, auto-switching between Apple devices, Find My support, and hands-free Siri, among other options.
Like 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.
A Beats Alternative to Standard Air Pods Photograph: Ryan Waniata Photograph: Ryan Waniata Chevron Chevron Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Beats Studio Buds +
The Studio Buds+ are getting long in the tooth, but they remain a favorite Air Pods alternative for Android and Apple users alike. 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 Air Pods 4.
Photograph: Parker Hall Avoid These Air Pods The Apple Air Pods 4 (2024) are Apple's latest version of its entry-level Air Pods. You'll have the choice between the standard version (
Photograph: Parker Hall Avoid These Air Pods The Apple Air Pods 4 (2024) are Apple's latest version of its entry-level Air Pods. You'll have the choice between the standard version (
The Apple Air Pods 4 (2024) are Apple's latest version of its entry-level Air Pods. You'll have the choice between the standard version (
Photograph: Christopher Null About Those Older Air Pods Apple doesn't release new Air Pods each year. You may be able to save money by going with an older version, but that's hardly a guarantee, depending on how long you wait between cycles. Air Pods Pro (2nd Generation): The previous Air Pods 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. Air Pods 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 Air Pods (3rd Generation). I would not recommend buying earbuds this old unless you're up for a gamble. Air Pods (3rd Generation): Similarly, the last-gen standard Air Pods 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 Air Pods, and don't include noise canceling, but do add features like spatialized audio and pinch controls. I would not recommend most folks buy these unless they're the only buds that fit your ears.
Photograph: Christopher Null About Those Older Air Pods Apple doesn't release new Air Pods each year. You may be able to save money by going with an older version, but that's hardly a guarantee, depending on how long you wait between cycles. Air Pods Pro (2nd Generation): The previous Air Pods 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. Air Pods 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 Air Pods (3rd Generation). I would not recommend buying earbuds this old unless you're up for a gamble. Air Pods (3rd Generation): Similarly, the last-gen standard Air Pods 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 Air Pods, and don't include noise canceling, but do add features like spatialized audio and pinch controls. I would not recommend most folks buy these unless they're the only buds that fit your ears.
Apple doesn't release new Air Pods each year. You may be able to save money by going with an older version, but that's hardly a guarantee, depending on how long you wait between cycles.
Air Pods Pro (2nd Generation): The previous Air Pods 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.
Air Pods 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 Air Pods (3rd Generation). I would not recommend buying earbuds this old unless you're up for a gamble.
Air Pods (3rd Generation): Similarly, the last-gen standard Air Pods 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 Air Pods, and don't include noise canceling, but do add features like spatialized audio and pinch controls. I would not recommend most folks buy these unless they're the only buds that fit your ears.
Photograph: Simon Hill Our Favorite Air Pods Accessories There are tons of accessories that can help round out your Air Pods experience. Below, we've listed some of our favorites—including chargers, cables, and replacement parts. Apple Mag Safe Charger for
Photograph: Simon Hill Our Favorite Air Pods Accessories There are tons of accessories that can help round out your Air Pods experience. Below, we've listed some of our favorites—including chargers, cables, and replacement parts. Apple Mag Safe Charger for
There are tons of accessories that can help round out your Air Pods experience. Below, we've listed some of our favorites—including chargers, cables, and replacement parts.
Apple Mag Safe Charger for $38: If your Air Pods have a wireless charging case, Apple's classic charging pad is a great option. You can use it to charge your Air Pods, i Phone, or any Qi-compatible device.
Belkin 3-in-1 Qi 2 Charging Stand for $100: We recommend a 3-in-1 wireless charger if you own an i Phone and an Apple Watch. This one is Qi 2 certifed and can charge all three devices simultaneously. We prefer Belkin's tree-like structure because it saves space. Check out the rest of our recommendations in our Best Apple 3-in-1 Wireless Chargers guide.
Air Pods Max Ear Pads for $69: If you've worn out the pads (excuse me, “cushions”) on your Air Pods 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 Power Knit Cable (USB-C to USB-C) for $15: Yes, Apple includes a charging cable for its Air Pods, but it's not the most durable—which is why we like this one from Nimble. It's also available in USB-C to Lightning.
If you've never used Air Pods before, or it's been awhile since you upgraded, I'm here to help! Here are some answers to general questions, from what kind of features you can expect to how to clean your buds.
Yes, you can use Air Pods with non-Apple devices, since they use the standard Bluetooth protocol. But you'll lose out on features like 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 like one-touch pairing.
Yes! If you lose an Air Pod, you can buy a replacement for the right or left Air Pod through Apple. Apple Care+ doesn't cover lost or stolen Air Pods, 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.
If you can't hear audio in one Air Pod, make sure your case is fully charged. Plug the case in, and place both Air Pods in the case and charge them for at least 30 seconds. Next, open the charging case and use your i Phone or i Pad to check that each Air Pod is charging. Put both Air Pods in your ears and test the audio. If that doesn't work, you could try to reset your Air Pods.
Start by checking your connections. If you have the Air Pods or Air Pods 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 Air Pods to charge for at least 15 minutes. If you have the Air Pods Max, allow them to charge for at least five minutes. Then, open the case and hold them near your i Phone or i Pad. You should then see the charging icon appear when looking at the battery status. If that doesn't work, contact Apple Support.
If you have the Air Pods 3 (or newer), Air Pods Pro (all versions), and Air Pods Max, you can track your Air Pods using the Find My app. First, make sure Find My turned on by going to your device's Settings app, tapping on your Air Pods, 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 Air Pods. 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 Air Pods Pro (2nd generation) or newer along with an i Phone 11 or newer, you can also use Precision Finding.
If your Air Pods 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.
Yes. You can use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe down the Air Pods, Air Pods Pro, and Air Pods Max. But there are other additional steps you can take, depending on the type of Air Pods 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.
If your Air Pods won't connect, you should start by checking that your i Phone, i Pad, and Mac are all updated to the latest version of their respective operating systems. Then, make sure both Air Pods are charging, Bluetooth is on (Settings > Bluetooth), and double-check that Air Pods 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 follow the onscreen instructions.
If you're hearing crackling or static sounds from your Air Pods 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 i Phone, i Pad, or Mac (like 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.
Double-check that you're running the latest software version on your Apple devices. When both Air Pods Pro are in your ears, check that ANC is turned on by swiping down to open Control Center on your i Phone or i Pad. Then, while wearing your Air Pods, 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.
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.
If you're looking for new Air Pods earbuds, then yes. The Air Pods 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 save big on the previous generation, they're getting tougher to find online, but are likely still available at smaller retailers.
Apple's Air Pods Pro Max have seen some upgrades like 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 realtively 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.
That's anyone's guess, but like 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 Air Pods Pro, possibly imbued with Apple Intelligence. Given that a new Air Pods Pro model was recently released, I'd say that seems like 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 wireles earbuds, if not audio as a whole. Could those “high-end” rumors be wrong, obfiscating the possibility of Apple entering, and disrupting, yet another market? WIRED editor Parker Hall recently raised this tanatlizing idea in a brainstorm, and that seems like a safer place to put your chips to me.
Then there's the Air Pods 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.
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Key Takeaways
- Apple’s first Air Pods were beloved for one primary reason: they actually worked
- Which Air Pods are right for you
- 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 Air Pods and Beats options we recommend
- Best Overall Photograph: Parker Hall Review: Apple Air Pods Pro 3 Review: Apple Air Pods Pro 3 Chevron Chevron Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Apple Air Pods Pro 3219 (12% off) Amazon249 Apple Apple's latest flagship buds, the Air Pods Pro 3, are its best Air Pods yet
