The million-dollar consumer technology company Apple offers several AirPods options within its portfolio. Although having additional options is for everyone with an iPhone — choosing between the three could be a bit of a hassle. It’s not surprising that Apple has exclusively used white, which means that even if the appearance is different this time, you can know you’re looking at AirPods with just a quick glance.

The AirPods have already been released in three different versions, demonstrating how frequently the company upgrades them. Definitely, thete are improvements as you move from the entry-level models to the latest AirPods Pro.

AirPods (2nd-Generation)

Price: $129

Pros

• The most affordable AirPods available in the market right now.
• Fast connection on all iOS devices
• Really portable.
• Thin-stemmed design.
• Improved battery life better than the previous model thanks to the H1 chip.
• Comes with a lightning charging case
• Supports hands-free Siri support.

Cons

• Don’t fit everyone.
• Does not support wireless charging but comes with an optional charging model that costs extra, around $30ish.
• Lacks noise cancellation or transparency mode option, which means they let in lots of outside noise.
• No water or sweat resistance.
• Mediocre sound quality.
• Does not have a volume adjustment option.

The AirPods (2nd generation) are a good option for iPhone owners who only want to listen to music or a few podcasts because the connection never drops, and the overall battery life is decent. The AirPods exhibit some incredibly strong engineering and design, but there are several significant problems that require attention.

 

 

AirPods (3rd-Generation)

Price: $169

Pros

• IPX4 rating for water resistant and workout features.
• Spatial audio support is a real bonus.
• Up to 6.8 hours of listening time.
• Crisp, balanced, and detailed sound.
• On-bud volume adjustment is still absent.
• Wireless and MagSafe charging design.

Cons

• They still have a one-size-fits-all design.
• Still no noise cancellation.

Although the third-generation AirPods come in a glossy white finish similar to their previous models, their changes become readily clear. Particularly when it comes to spatial audio content, the audio quality is an improvement over the previous iteration. They don’t have the adjustable silicone eartips, thus they don’t fit as deeply or as securely in your ears.

 

 

AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

Price: $249

 

Pros

• The pairs fit so well in the ears because it comes with silicone tips.
• Water and sweat-proof pods and charging case, which means you can wear them comfortably during intense workout sessions.
• The noise cancellation feature is two times stronger.
• The all-new H2 chip creates a richer audio performance with enhanced bass.
• Bluetooth 5.3
• Almost 6 hours of listening time using MagSafe charging case.
• Four silicone ear tips in sizes XS, S, M, and L.
• MagSafe charging case with a useful built-in speaker.
• Seamless integration with other Apple devices.
• In-ear detection using skin-detect sensors.

Cons

• These are the most expensive AirPods from Apple.
• Don’t support lossless audio playback.
• Not suitable for Android smartphones.

Overall, the AirPods Pro second generation provides a modest improvement over the first version with useful improvements on all fronts. The AirPods case is the biggest structural improvement over the previous model. For a new, built-in speaker, the rounded rectangle now has three circular perforations on the bottom right.

Key Takeaway

If you plan to buy a new AirPods for yourself, which model should you choose?

If you decide to replace your current AirPods, which model—AirPods 2 or AirPods 3—should you buy? When compared to the first generation AirPods, the AirPods (2nd Gen) offer greater conversation time, Hey Siri control, and faster and more reliable connectivity. You will receive even more talk time, a better design, sweat and water resistance, personalized spatial audio support, and adaptive EQ if you choose the AirPods (3rd Gen). If you choose the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), you will receive all the bonuses from the 3rd generation model, in addition to superb active noise cancellation and a few extra functions from the charging case.

How to Choose Apple AirPods

The million-dollar consumer technology company Apple offers several AirPods options within its portfolio. Although having additional options is for everyone with an iPhone — choosing between the three could be a bit of a hassle. It’s not surprising that Apple has exclusively used white, which means that even if the appearance is different this time, you can know you’re looking at AirPods with just a quick glance.

The AirPods have already been released in three different versions, demonstrating how frequently the company upgrades them. Definitely, thete are improvements as you move from the entry-level models to the latest AirPods Pro.

AirPods (2nd-Generation)

Price: $129

Pros

• The most affordable AirPods available in the market right now.
• Fast connection on all iOS devices
• Really portable.
• Thin-stemmed design.
• Improved battery life better than the previous model thanks to the H1 chip.
• Comes with a lightning charging case
• Supports hands-free Siri support.

Cons

• Don’t fit everyone.
• Does not support wireless charging but comes with an optional charging model that costs extra, around $30ish.
• Lacks noise cancellation or transparency mode option, which means they let in lots of outside noise.
• No water or sweat resistance.
• Mediocre sound quality.
• Does not have a volume adjustment option.

The AirPods (2nd generation) are a good option for iPhone owners who only want to listen to music or a few podcasts because the connection never drops, and the overall battery life is decent. The AirPods exhibit some incredibly strong engineering and design, but there are several significant problems that require attention.

AirPods (3rd-Generation)

Price: $169

Pros

• IPX4 rating for water resistant and workout features.
• Spatial audio support is a real bonus.
• Up to 6.8 hours of listening time.
• Crisp, balanced, and detailed sound.
• On-bud volume adjustment is still absent.
• Wireless and MagSafe charging design.

Cons

• They still have a one-size-fits-all design.
• Still no noise cancellation.

Although the third-generation AirPods come in a glossy white finish similar to their previous models, their changes become readily clear. Particularly when it comes to spatial audio content, the audio quality is an improvement over the previous iteration. They don’t have the adjustable silicone eartips, thus they don’t fit as deeply or as securely in your ears.

 

 

AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

Price: $249

 

Pros

• The pairs fit so well in the ears because it comes with silicone tips.
• Water and sweat-proof pods and charging case, which means you can wear them comfortably during intense workout sessions.
• The noise cancellation feature is two times stronger.
• The all-new H2 chip creates a richer audio performance with enhanced bass.
• Bluetooth 5.3
• Almost 6 hours of listening time using MagSafe charging case.
• Four silicone ear tips in sizes XS, S, M, and L.
• MagSafe charging case with a useful built-in speaker.
• Seamless integration with other Apple devices.
• In-ear detection using skin-detect sensors.

Cons

• These are the most expensive AirPods from Apple.
• Don’t support lossless audio playback.
• Not suitable for Android smartphones.

Overall, the AirPods Pro second generation provides a modest improvement over the first version with useful improvements on all fronts. The AirPods case is the biggest structural improvement over the previous model. For a new, built-in speaker, the rounded rectangle now has three circular perforations on the bottom right.

Key Takeaway

If you plan to buy a new AirPods for yourself, which model should you choose?

If you decide to replace your current AirPods, which model—AirPods 2 or AirPods 3—should you buy? When compared to the first generation AirPods, the AirPods (2nd Gen) offer greater conversation time, Hey Siri control, and faster and more reliable connectivity. You will receive even more talk time, a better design, sweat and water resistance, personalized spatial audio support, and adaptive EQ if you choose the AirPods (3rd Gen). If you choose the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), you will receive all the bonuses from the 3rd generation model, in addition to superb active noise cancellation and a few extra functions from the charging case.