Best AirPods to buy: What’s available now and what’s coming next
As of late 2025, Apple’s AirPods lineup includes the AirPods 4 (with and without Active Noise Cancellation), AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods Max. The AirPods Max remain largely unchanged since their 2024 USB-C refresh, with a true second-generation model not expected until 2027.
In this article, you will learn what each one is capable of and how it compares to the others, so you can make the right purchase decision based on your needs and priorities.
- Apple AirPods Pro 3: Best overall
- Apple AirPods 4: Best option for most
- Apple AirPods Max: Best for audiophiles
Also read:
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Best overall
Make sure you check out our article about how to spot fake AirPods Pro.
AirPods Pro 2 earbuds | Image by PhoneArena.
The AirPods Pro 3 are Apple’s most capable in-ears to date. You still get the easy Apple pairing, Spatial Audio, and excellent ANC, but now Apple adds clinical-grade Hearing Aid features, a built-in heart rate sensor, and Live Translation. Sound quality is improved with fuller bass and better stereo space, and the ANC is among the best out there.
The fit is a touch different this year. Apple’s foam-infused tips help many users get a deeper seal and more consistent ANC, though some ears may still prefer standard foam tips, or maybe even the hard shape of the regular AirPods.
The controls are familiar to previous models: squeeze for playback, swipe for volume, and a press-and-hold to toggle listening modes.
Battery life has been upgraded to consistently deliver more than 8 hours 30 minutes with ANC on, and the case supports USB-C and wireless charging, plus precise finding via the U2 chip.
Live Translation is promising and already usable in quiet spaces, but it still feels like an experimental feature, with noticeable delay and a limited language list (although latest update adds more languages). Android support remains basic and there is still no EQ for fine-tuning the audio profile.
At $249, AirPods Pro 3 deliver the most complete experience for iPhone users, blending top-tier ANC and sound with unique health, accessibility, and language features.
Live Translation is promising and already usable in quiet spaces, but it still feels like an experimental feature, with noticeable delay and a limited language list (although latest update adds more languages). Android support remains basic and there is still no EQ for fine-tuning the audio profile.
At $249, AirPods Pro 3 deliver the most complete experience for iPhone users, blending top-tier ANC and sound with unique health, accessibility, and language features.
Apple AirPods 4 ANC
The go-to AirPods for most
AirPods 4 earbuds | Image by PhoneArena.
The AirPods 4 (ANC) are a comfortable, non-in-ear alternative in the Apple lineup, priced at $179. They offer good sound quality with solid bass and decent Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for low-frequency sounds, though they were less effective on higher frequencies compared to AirPods Pro in our experience.
The adaptive EQ and Spatial Audio add an immersive experience, and the compact case now supports USB-C and wireless charging. Perfect for Apple ecosystem users seeking casual listening without the in-ear feel, though not ideal for audiophiles or heavy ANC needs.
Apple also sells a version of the AirPods 4 without active noise cancellation, which cost $129. Quite inexpensive, and still with all the other benefits of the new generation and a great way to save some cash if you don't like or need ANC.
Read More: Apple AirPods Pro 4 ANC review
Apple AirPods Max
Best for audiophiles
AirPods Max headphones | Image by PhoneArena.
When Apple first announced the AirPods Max there were riots on the streets. People dug up their pitchforks, lit up the torches, and went berserk. Joks aside, the $550 price tag that Apple slapped on the AirPods Max was a bit of a worry.
Fortunately, after the reviews started to come in, people realized that there’s substance behind the high asking price. For starters, the design and build quality of the AirPods Max is amazing. They are elegant, clean, simplistic — very, very Apple-looking all around. These headphones are also made of metal, and while a bit on the heavy side because of that fact, they’re very comfortable.
Fortunately, after the reviews started to come in, people realized that there’s substance behind the high asking price. For starters, the design and build quality of the AirPods Max is amazing. They are elegant, clean, simplistic — very, very Apple-looking all around. These headphones are also made of metal, and while a bit on the heavy side because of that fact, they’re very comfortable.
The mesh canopy on the headband is luxuriously soft, providing gentle support on the top of your head, while the ear cushions wrap around your ears like a plush pillow.
The AirPods Max offer a truly pristine, detailed listening experience, even after so many years. Every instrument, subtle reverb, delicate pluck, and even minor production imperfections come through with clarity, allowing you to appreciate the music in all its nuanced layers—perfect for discerning ears that love those subtle details.
The battery life is decent maxing out at around 18-20 hours, and you also get other bells and whistles such as Spatial Audio, easy switching between paired devices, a magnetic carrying case, and more. Whether or not all these perks justify the $550 price in 2024 is up to you to decide. Our take is that they still are.
Despite the fact that the AirPods Max are still pretty awesome, we were disappointed to see only some new colors and USB-C as upgrades for 2024. Everyone expected Apple to announce the second generation of its most premium headphones, but we are still waiting for that to happen.
What’s next for AirPods?
AirPods Max 2
A true second-gen AirPods Max 2 is not expected before 2027. Both Mark Gurman and Ming-Chi Kuo say a refresh is coming, with Kuo expecting mass production sometime in 2027. Apple’s 2024 update only added USB-C and new colors, so today’s model is still first-gen and lacks the H2 chip and Apple’s newer Adaptive Audio suite.
A key target appears to be lower weight. The current AirPods Max are 386.2 g without the case, which makes them one of the heavier premium over-ears. A lighter build and a reworked headband canopy are plausible, and Apple could also revisit the Smart Case design.
What could be new, based on Pro-class features:
Gurman has also noted the long timeline reflects positioning: AirPods Max are too popular to discontinue but not popular enough to warrant yearly investment, while Apple’s audio team focuses on the earbud lineup, which evolves more quickly with annual updates and new smart features.
What could be new, based on Pro-class features:
- Silicon and radios: H2 at minimum, possibly H3 by 2027; 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz connectivity; U2 in the case for Precision Finding.
- Durability and audio: IP57 rating; improved drivers and mics; potential lossless link with Apple Vision Pro.
- Smart/assistive features: Adaptive Audio, Adaptive Transparency, Loud Sound Reduction, Hearing Protection, Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, Conversation Boost, Conversation Awareness, “Siri” voice commands, and even Live Translation if Apple brings its latest AirPods features to over-ear form.
Gurman has also noted the long timeline reflects positioning: AirPods Max are too popular to discontinue but not popular enough to warrant yearly investment, while Apple’s audio team focuses on the earbud lineup, which evolves more quickly with annual updates and new smart features.
Can AirPods work with Android devices?
Yes, AirPods can be used with Android devices for basic audio playback and calls. However, advanced features like Siri integration, automatic device switching, and Spatial Audio are exclusive to Apple devices. Even things as simple as the status indicator for the headphone's battery life don't work.
You are better off getting a different pair of earbuds/headphones for your Android device, although this could change in the future thanks to new regulations from organizations like the EU.
Which AirPods offer the best noise-canceling?
Both the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max provide excellent active noise cancellation. The AirPods Max, with their over-ear design, offer a more immersive experience, but the AirPods Pro 3 are more compact and portable.
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